Patents Represented by Attorney Cox & Smith Incorporated

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  • Open cycle, internal combustion Stirling engine
    Patent number: 5050570
    Abstract: An open-cycle internal-combustion Stirling engine having two pistons coupled by a rhombic drive which define a combustion chamber and a compression chamber, within either a single cylinder or two cylinders, and a manifold enabling flow of the working fluid between the compression chamber and the combustion chamber with a plurality of engine valves controlling such flow, the dead space of the manifold being minimized and provision of the working fluid (i.e., air) being provided by an intake valve and an exhaust valve with corresponding manifolds for providing the open-cycle characteristics of the engine while approximating an ideal thermo-dynamic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventor: Robert H. Thring
  • Alternating pressure low air loss bed
    Patent number: 5044029
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for therapeutically treating immobile patients is disclosed. A low air loss bed is provided having groups of transversely oriented air bags, each group corresponding to a different portion of the body of a patent supported thereon. Each group comprises first and second sets of air bags alternately positioned in an interdigitated fashion. Valves and circuitry are provided for maintaining a selectable baseline pressure in the air bags belonging to each group. The valves and circuitry is also capable of changing the pressures in each of the sets of air bags mounted to each section of the frame to selectable maximum and minimum values above and below the baseline pressure in a repetitive and cyclical fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Kinetic Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Vrzalik
  • Apparatus for placing cementitious materials in earth excavations
    Patent number: 5026214
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing cementitious material into an excavation using a mobile unit having an extendable flexible hose mounted on a power driven hose reel. Cementitious material is pumped through the hose and out the hose end into an excavation as the flexible hose is reeled out of the excavation. A weight at the end of the hose keeps the end of the hose from jetting itself about during the pumping operations. An extendable hose boom positions the end of hose over an excavation and directs the hose into the excavation and out during pumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Inventor: August H. Beck, III
  • Low air loss mattress
    Patent number: 5022110
    Abstract: A low air loss mattress 20 made of multiple cushions 21, 22 and 23 which are connected together and which form an integral mattress which may be used on a standard hospital bed. Each section 21, 22, and 23 is formed by sewing together upper and lower sheets 27 and 28, 29 and 30, and 31 and 32, which sheets are also connected by multiple retaining means 50 which act as air vent means to allow air to escape in the area where a patient lies to provide comfort to the patient and to allow pressure regulation in each of the cushions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Kinetic Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn C. Stroh
  • Centralized bicarbonate concentrate distribution system and related methods for facilitating hemodialysis
    Patent number: 5015389
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, systems and methods for facilitating distribution of bicarbonate concentrate for use in hemodialysis. More particularly, the present invention relates to a centralized bicarbonate concentrate circulatory system for automatically controlled distribution and recirculation of bicarbonate concentrate to service a plurality of remote hemodialysis stations while achieving necessary control of various bicarbonate concentrate characteristics, including concentration, acidity and temperature, as well as the degree of contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Inventor: Luis C. Portillo, Jr.
  • Fluidized bead bed
    Patent number: 5008965
    Abstract: A fluidized patient support apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus utilizes granular material beneath a patient support surface which when fluidized by pressurized gas uniformly distributes the pressure imparted to the body of a patient lying thereon. The apparatus includes means for recirculating the fluidizing gas in order to avoid raising the ambient temperature of a room in which the bed is situated with exhaust gas. Also provided are a pair of inflatable bladders and selective fluidization means to assist in turning and transferring the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Kinetic Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Vrzalik
  • Roadside spray apparatus
    Patent number: 5007585
    Abstract: A roadside spray apparatus having a spraying head with a plurality of nozzles mounted on the spraying head. The inclination of the spraying head is selectively adjustable to direct spray to a desired location. The nozzle means includes a plurality of independently operated nozzles oriented to spray side-by-side swaths at the side of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventors: Johnny L. Kubacak, Gary D. Byrd
  • Method and apparatus for alternating pressure of a low air loss patient support system
    Patent number: 5003654
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing bed sores in a bedridden patient. A low air loss bed is provided including a frame, a first set of substantially rectangular air bags for supporting a patient thereon mounted transversely on the frame, and a second set of substantially rectangular air bags for supporting a patient thereon mounted transversly on the frame, and all of the air bags are connected to a gas source. The configuration of the air bags is such that when the first set of air bags is inflated, the patient supported thereon is moved toward the first side of the frame of the low air loss bed and when the second set of air bags is inflated while the first set of air bags is deflated, the patient is moved toward the second side of the low air loss bed. The configuration of the air bags also retains the patient on the top surface of the air bags when the patient is rolled in one direction or the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Kinetic Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Vrzalik
  • Apparatus for facilitating correlation with a transparency image
    Patent number: 4991956
    Abstract: This invention provides a computerized apparatus and method which involves light projection to enable takeoffs and estimations from job plans which can be represented either in paper form or as light projections themselves. The apparatus has a light projector which is capable of projecting a cursor image coincidentally with a microfilm projection of the plans in one mode, and can be easily switched to project the cursor image onto paper plans in a second mode. A computer is connected with that light projector to control the movement of the cursor on the plans in such a manner that a user of the system can make takeoffs and estimations with the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventor: Stephen L. Griffin
  • Safety interlock switch system
    Patent number: 4982058
    Abstract: An improved safety interlock switch device incorporated onto a machine with internal moving components. The device is mounted adjacent a cover which shields the internal components of the machine when the cover is in a closed position. When the cover breaks contact with the switch, electrical circuit controlling the internal moving components is broken such that movement ceases in the interior of the machine. This type of system protects operators who can be injured by moving internal components while also preventing destruction of the internal components caused by contact with external elements while still in motion. The present invention lengthens the time delay between the break in contact of the cover and the deactivation of the electrical circuit controlling power to the internal movable components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Robert W. Niedheiser
  • Dispenser switch
    Patent number: 4977300
    Abstract: A switch system for soda fountain dispensers which incorporates an actuating member in membrane switches for soda fountain dispensers. The actuating member is incorporated in a pressure sensitive membrane switch which facilitates access into the interior of soda fountain dispenser heads for ease of maintenance and adjustment of concentrations of soda water and syrup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventor: Alfred A. Schroeder
  • Combination bread and tortilla toaster
    Patent number: 4976195
    Abstract: A combination electric toaster for reheating either conventional sliced bread or tortillas. A tortilla is a very thin slice of unleavened bread which is usually circular and significantly larger in overall length than conventional slices of bread. The alternate between toasting sliced bread and tortillas, a depth adjusting mechanism and a side support adjustment mechanism is used concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventor: Amado F. Cavazos
  • Safety swivel chair
    Patent number: 4971392
    Abstract: A safety swivel chair with a child restraint device comprises a pedestal formed with a circular opening bordered by a lip. A substantially circular disk-shaped base is formed with a peripheral groove around its edge which receives the lip of the pedestal therein to pivotally engage the base to the pedestal. The base includes a pivot plate with a peripheral projection positioned to cover the opening with the projection slidingly supported on the lip, an anchor plate having a peripheral extension being positioned across the opening opposite the pivot plate with the lip between the extension and the projection, and means for holding the anchor plate in a fixed relationship with the pivot plate to establish the groove between the extension and the projection. A plurality of ball bearings are operatively mounted between the lip and the projection for pivotably supporting the projection on the pivot plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: Quentin Young
  • Reconfigurable well logging system
    Patent number: 4970644
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a reconfigurable well-logging data acquisition and interpretations system for performing a plurality of discrete data processing functions and which achieves a level of system reliability approximating that of a redundant system, but without total hardware redundancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: D. J. Berneking, P. M. Calmes, P. H. Wallace
  • Fish gripping apparatus
    Patent number: 4965954
    Abstract: The present invention provides pliers for safely gripping the lower lip of a fish in a manner which protects the fish from harm and enables handling of the fish by tending to compress a pressure point common in many fish and by enabling the mouth of the fish to be propped open for hook removal without direct contact between the fish and the fisherman, the fish gripping pliers having uniquely shaped handles which are secure and comfortable in the hand of the fisherman when in use and having C-shaped upper jaw with a tip which is perpendicular to the lower jaw upon closure and a lower jaw with an engaging surface that progresses toward its tip from a cylindrical portion to a convex forward portion with the tip thereof being rounded for engaging the flesh central to the mandible of the fish without injuring the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Inventor: Danny F. Cavazos
  • Method and apparatus for treating water in beverage and ice machines
    Patent number: 4957626
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating water in beverage and ice machines consisting of the vigorous agitation of the liquid by a double opposed vortex nozzle and the passing of a liquid through a magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Quinetics Corporation
    Inventors: Clifford L. Ashbrook, Douglas B. Scarborough
  • Fluid mixing apparatus for producing variably carbonated water
    Patent number: 4953593
    Abstract: A variable output adjustable carbonator for blending plain and carbonated water at a desired ratio before being mixed with syrup inside the nozzle of a beverage dispenser. The dilution of carbonated water with plain water permits the dispensing of beverages having variable carbonation. Plain and carbonated water traveling in separate conduits enter the adjustable carbonator and follow separate passages inside, each being regulated by an adjustable flow control washer which maintains a constant flow therethrough despite variations in the fluid supply pressure. A needle valve is employed to adjustably restrict flow through each flow control washers, thereby fixing the mixture of plain and carbonated water at a predetermined ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventors: William A. Edwards, Samuel Durham
  • Reflective camera flash attachment
    Patent number: D312471
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Inventor: Quest Couch
  • Juice dispenser
    Patent number: D313331
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Samuel Durham
  • Hand held knife sharpener
    Patent number: D315663
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Inventor: Manuel M. Dolbosco