Patents Represented by Law Firm Butler & Binion, L.L.P.
  • Patent number: 5584178
    Abstract: A combustor for burning the untreated exhaust of an internal combustion engine heats and burns the exhaust prior to release into the atmosphere, or prior to introduction into a downstream treatment system such as a catalytic converter. The combustor defines a novel, passive flame holder in combination with an igniter, whereby the exhaust continues to burn, without assist, once ignited. Managed air injection may be employed. The combustor is configured to fit within standard exhaust systems with a minimum of modification to the overall exhaust assembly. The combustor is particularly useful in cold start conditions for increasing the temperature of the exhaust to catalytic converter operating temperatures and for use in small engine applications where exhaust has heretofore been released untreated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: David W. Naegeli, Michael E. Crane
  • Patent number: 5582158
    Abstract: A caliper type bow string release includes a rocking trigger and caliper jaws with automatic alignment and locking features, whereby movement of the string into the release mechanism engages the automatic locking mechanism and closes the release into a string retaining position until the release is fired by activation of the trigger. A complex cam surface is provided on the actuator for permitting incremental linear adjustment of the trigger force. The release head is universally adjustable relative to a wrist strap or similar mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Tru-Fire Corporation
    Inventor: Louis R. Linsmeyer
  • Patent number: 5577996
    Abstract: A hand held massage device having a plurality of spheres adjustably mounted on an axial rod with enlarged grip handles mounted on the outer ends of the rod for rotation. The massage device is easy to use and, because the handles are in axial alignment with the massage spheres, allows the user to apply and direct the desired amount of pressure. The spheres of the massage device may be adjusted to various positions along the axis of the rod to comfort and to direct the massage to specific areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventors: Gary R. Gardner, James N. Kontaratos
  • Patent number: 5575341
    Abstract: Mechanical foam fire fighting equipment and method wherein an inert gas is delivered to a foaming chamber of a mechanical foam making assembly, the foaming chamber also receiving a liquid and foam concentrate, the inert gas in some embodiments being supplied by the exhaust of an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: CCA, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Baker, Dwight Williams, Leslie P. Williams
  • Patent number: 5575483
    Abstract: A transportable and inexpensive golf toss game includes colored tossing bags, golf hole cups, flag sticks, markers and a scoring sheet. The game is played by tossing a small bag at receptacles simulating golf holes on a playing course planned and set up by the players in a yard, park or outdoor area to resemble a golf course. The course can be conveniently set up at almost any location and may include obstacles such as trees, shrubs or water. The golf toss game is challenging yet easy to learn and fun to play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventors: Robert T. Dineen, Susan M. Michels
  • Patent number: 5575340
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extinguishing ship container fires by introducing an inert gas into the container to drive combustible gas such as air out of the container. The method includes the steps of drilling at least one hole in a wall of a ship container, attaching a toggle bolt to one end of a wall fitting, sliding a gasket over the other end of the wall fitting, inserting the wall fitting into the drilled hole such that the toggle bolt expands against the inside wall of the container, sealingly attaching the wall fitting around the drilled hole, attaching tubing to the fitting to establish fluid communication between the tubing and the inside of the container, coupling a portion of the tubing to a source of inert gas, and controlling the communication of the inert gas through the tubing and fitting to drive combustible gas out of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Dwight Williams
  • Patent number: 5576716
    Abstract: An owner oriented system for locating lost or stolen property comprising a GPS module, micro computer, a modem and a phone installed in a vehicle; regularly and automatically computing position data; and, under control of a program, storing novel position data in a buffer and downloading upon proper request from an incoming call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Kermit M. Sadler
  • Patent number: 5576015
    Abstract: Substantially purified beta (1,3) glucan extracts obtained from yeast cell walls, particularly finely ground, and including nutritional and dermatological applications, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Byron A. Donzis
  • Patent number: 5568741
    Abstract: A device for concealing, storing and permitting ready access to and use of a handcuff key which is not readily identifiable as a key holder but is easily retrieved and utilized by law enforcement personnel. The handcuff key is camouflaged and concealed in a variety of devices, such as a ball point pen enclosure, a pocket knife holder and a rectangular case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Parsons
  • Patent number: 5567616
    Abstract: An irradiator includes a support structure for supporting and rotating a cylinder of the type used for treating fluids. The cylinder is hollow and is mounted for rotation about an inclined axis for permitting fluids such as blood constituents to flow by gravity downward along the internal peripheral wall of the cylinder. The angle of inclination, the drive speed and the thickness of the fluid film on the wall of the cylinder are controlled and variable in order to achieve consistent and predictable results during various treatment processes, and for critical in controlling the precise exposure of the fluid to the lamp. A unique collection cup is provided at the discharge end of the cylinder for receiving the discharged, treated fluid and the collection cup is designed to receive and seat one end of the lamp assembly. The cylinder is mounted on roller bearings having a resilient bearing surface for isolating potential external vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Dill Instruments
    Inventor: John J. Dill, II
  • Patent number: 5566766
    Abstract: A method for extinguishing flammable and combustible liquid tank fires using foam comprising empirically determining a footprint for a plurality of nozzles and configuring and aiming nozzles with respect to a tank such that predicted footprint and foam run would cover a tank surface with foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Williams Fire And Hazard Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Dwight Williams
  • Patent number: 5564407
    Abstract: A caliper type bow string release includes a reversible trigger which is operable selectively in either the push fire mode or the pull fire mode. The caliper jaws of the release include automatic alignment and locking features. Movement of the string into the release mechanism engages the automatic locking mechanism and closes the release into a string retaining position until the release is fired by activation of the trigger. A complex cam surface is provided on the actuator for permitting incremental linear adjustment of the trigger force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Tru-Fire Corporation
    Inventor: Louis R. Linsmeyer
  • Patent number: 5558077
    Abstract: The bow string release includes a trigger mechanism which may be selectively operated in a push to fire or pull to fire manner. The sear mechanism in the release is adapted to pivot relative to the release body without the use of spherical bearing elements. The pull force of the trigger is adjustable in a direction orthogonal to the trigger travel. The release also includes a beard guard to minimize the tendency of a beard or hair from being caught in the release mechanism during firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Tru-Fire Corporation
    Inventor: Louis R. Linsmeyer
  • Patent number: D377242
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Scott A. Kelley