Patents Represented by Attorney David J. Archer
  • Patent number: 6375556
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a frame and a holder rotatably secured to the frame for releasably holding a first workpiece of the workpieces. A mechanism is provided for rotating the holder from a loading station to a grinding station and a grinder is movably secured to the frame and selectively positionable relative to the first workpiece when the first workpiece is located at the grinding station. A control is included for selectively positioning the grinding means relative to the first workpiece for grinding the first workpiece and a further holder is rigidly secured to and spaced relative to the holder. The arrangement is such that when the holder is rotated in a direction towards the grinding station, the further holder is rotated in a direction towards the loading station for loading a second workpiece of the workpieces at the loading station so that sequential grinding and loading of the workpieces is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Fritz L. Wenger
  • Patent number: 6376936
    Abstract: A switching apparatus is disclosed for switching on a TV as a reward when a user is achieving a predetermined performance level on an exercise apparatus. The switching apparatus includes a pulse generator for generating pulses commensurate with the amount of work expended by the user on the exercise apparatus and a transmitter for transmitting the pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Kurt R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6354786
    Abstract: A combined dump truck and spreader apparatus is disclosed for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The apparatus includes a truck chassis and a body for receiving and dispensing the materials. The body has a first and a second end and a first and second curved side wall. The body is secured to the chassis and a tailgate is secured to the first end of the body. An auger arrangement is disposed within the body and extends between the first and second ends thereof for transporting the materials along the body. The tailgate defines an opening which co-operates with the auger arrangement for permitting the flow therethrough of the materials. The arrangement is such that selective spreading and dumping of the materials from the opening is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Monroe Truck Equipment Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Feller
  • Patent number: 6293055
    Abstract: A combined bed and shelter device is disclosed. The device is anchored through a plurality of parallel spaced joists to a base for protecting a user in the event of a natural disaster or the like. The device includes a housing defining an enclosure of generally rectangular configuration, the housing including a container having a floor defining a peripheral edge and a wall extending angularly relative to the peripheral edge. A lid is pivotally secured to the container and cooperates with the wall such that the container and the lid define therebetween the enclosure for occupancy by the user in the event of the disaster. A mattress is supported by the lid such that when the lid is disposed in a first location thereof, the mattress supported by the lid serves as the bed for the user thereof and when the lid is disposed in a second location thereof with the lid pivoted about the container, access to the enclosure is permitted so that protection of the user within the enclosure is afforded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Dale D. Watson
  • Patent number: 6287388
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for removing dust particles from top surfaces and first and second side surfaces of a vehicle body prior to spraying thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Richard E. Hahn
  • Patent number: 6283682
    Abstract: A helically fluted twist drill device is disclosed for cutting materials. The device includes a cylindrical core having a first diameter, a longitudinal axis and a first and a second extremity, the second extremity defining a cutting point. At least three portions extend helically outwardly away from the core so that the portions define a second diameter. The arrangement is such that adjacent portions define therebetween a helical flute. Each of the flutes has a flute surface which is of S-shaped configuration when viewed as a cross section disposed normal to the longitudinal axis, the cross section being viewed in a direction from the first towards the second extremity. Each of the portions further defines a helical bore connected to a source of a cutting fluid for permitting a flow of the cutting fluid through the bore towards the cutting point. The arrangement is such that in use of the device, the cutting fluid conveys the materials away from the cutting point through each flute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Jerald D. Plummer
  • Patent number: 6276265
    Abstract: An egg poker device is disclosed for piercing a hole in a shell of an egg to be boiled to facilitate removal of the shell. The device includes a first member having a base and a wall extending away from the base such that the base and the wall define therebetween a cavity. A disc shaped spring is disposed within the cavity and adjacent to the base, the spring having a central portion. The spring also defines a peripheral edge. The first end of a rod is secured to the central portion of the spring and a second end of the rod defines a point for piercing the hole in the shell of the egg. A second member slidably cooperates with the first member. The second member includes a support for supporting the egg, the support defining a hole for the slidable passage therethrough of the point of the rod. A skirt portion extends from the support such that the skirt portion slidably cooperates with the wall. The skirt portion defines a distal end which cooperates with the peripheral edge of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Ruth J. Cabello
  • Patent number: 6259365
    Abstract: A laser security fence apparatus is disclosed for providing a warning signal in response to an intrusion by an intruder of a restricted area. The apparatus includes a laser generator for generating a laser beam and a first mirror aligned with the laser beam for reflecting the beam. A second mirror is aligned with the first mirror for reflecting the beam reflected by the first mirror and a collector is aligned with the second mirror for collecting the beam reflected by the second mirror. A microprocessor is associated with the collector and the generator for sensing when the beam is broken by the intruder so that the beam is not received by the collector. An alarm is connected to the microprocessor for actuation by the microprocessor when the microprocessor senses that the beam is broken so that the alarm provides the warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventors: James Hagar, Richard A. Kirchner
  • Patent number: 6241451
    Abstract: A distributor apparatus is disclosed for spreading materials. The apparatus includes a container having a first and a second end and a first and a second side, the ends and the sides defining therebetween an opening for the reception therein of the materials. The container defines an outlet for the distributing therethrough of the materials. A distributing device is disposed in the vicinity of the outlet, the distributing device being pivotally secured to the container about a pivotal axis. The distributing device further includes a frame, a driven device rotatably secured to the frame for ejecting the materials from the container, a driving device for rotating the driven device such that the materials are moved from the container through the outlet by the driven device so that spreading of the materials from the container is permitted, a drive for driving the driving device and a guide for guiding the driving device between the driven device and the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Knight Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Christopher Albright, Claude L. McFarlane
  • Patent number: 6229449
    Abstract: A detector apparatus is disclosed for emitting a warning alarm signal in response to the presence of a hazardous condition within at least one room of a building having a plurality of rooms. The apparatus includes a plurality of hazardous condition detectors arranged such that at least one detector is disposed within each of the rooms. Each of the detectors includes a detecting device for detecting the presence of the hazardous condition and a micro controller electrically connected to the detecting device and powered by an electrical power source. An alarm is electrically connected to the controller such that when the detecting device detects the presence of the hazardous condition, the controller emits an electrical signal. An analog to digital converter device is electrically connected to the controller for converting the electrical signal into a digital signal so that when the hazardous condition is detected, the converter transmits the digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventors: Darren S. Kirchner, Judith E. Kirchner, Richard A. Kirchner
  • Patent number: 6226872
    Abstract: A snipper tool device is disclosed for snipping J-channel. The device includes a first member having a first and a second end and a second member having a first and a second extremity. The first and second members are pivotally secured to each other about a first axis which is disposed between the ends of the first member and between the extremities of the second member. The first end of the first member defines a shearing edge and the first extremity of the second member defines a cutting edge, the shearing and cutting edges cooperating together for snipping the J-channel. Also, the second end of the first member defines a hand grip and the second extremity of the second member defines a finger grip, the hand grip and the finger grip being arranged such that when the hand grip and the finger grip move towards each other, the shearing edge and the cutting edge move towards each other for snipping the J-channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Keith Kline
  • Patent number: 6206306
    Abstract: A discharge apparatus is disclosed for discharging materials from a container onto an open area such as a field. The apparatus includes a power discharge device which is disposed adjacent to a discharge outlet defined by the container. The arrangement is such that when the apparatus is being used to spread the materials onto the open area such as the field, the materials move from the container through the outlet towards the power discharge device for discharging the materials at a location on the field. A power source is drivingly connected to the power discharge device for rotating the power discharge device. A power sensor is provided for sensing the power supplied by the power source which is approximately the power used by the power discharge device, the power sensor generating a first signal which is correlated to the spread rate of the materials discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Knight Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Claude L. McFarlane
  • Patent number: 6158073
    Abstract: A round brush apparatus is disclosed for brushing a person's hair. The apparatus includes an elongate brush body having a first and a second end. The brush body includes a first member, which extends from the first end of the body towards the second end of the body. A plurality of bristles extends radially outwardly from the first member. A second member extends from the first member to the second end of the brush body. A handle portion has a first and a second extremity with the first extremity of the handle portion being drivingly connected to the second member of the brush body. The handle portion includes a handle, which extends from the second extremity of the handle portion towards the first extremity of the handle portion. A motor is disposed within the handle the motor being electrically connected to a power source. A tubular extension extends from the handle to the first extremity of the handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Matthew Jiovanni
  • Patent number: 6158634
    Abstract: A clothes hanger device is disclosed for hanging clothes from a support rail. The device includes a hook having a base, the hook removably cooperating with the support rail for supporting the device from the support rail. A frame is suspended from the base of the hook, the frame having a first and a second end. The first end of the frame defines a first hole and the second end of the frame defines a second hole. The arrangement is such that the base of the hook rotatably extends through the frame between the ends thereof A first arm has a first and a second extremity, the first arm slidingly extending through the first and second holes. The second extremity defines a stop for limiting travel of the first arm relative to the frame. A biasing device is anchored to the first arm for biasing the first arm through the first and second holes. A second arm has a first and a second side, the second arm slidingly extending through third and fourth holes defined by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Anna H. Kelroy
  • Patent number: 6115922
    Abstract: A punch pliers device is disclosed for cutting J-channel used for fastening siding around an opening defined by a building. The device includes a first U-shaped member having a first and a second arm. A second U-shaped member has a first and a second limb, the second member being pivotally secured to the first member such that in a first disposition of the members relative to each other, the arms and the limbs define therebetween an opening for the reception therein of the J-channel. When the members are pivoted relative to each other to a second disposition thereof, at least some of the arms and the limbs cut through the J-channel such that subsequent bending of the J-channel to fit around the opening is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Keith Kline
  • Patent number: 6117004
    Abstract: A fish cleaning apparatus is disclosed for securely holding a fish during cleaning and filleting thereof. The apparatus includes a supporting frame having a first and a second end wall and a first and a second side wall, the frame having a top and a bottom. A first and a second cleaning board are supported by the frame, the boards being disposed angularly relative to each other for defining there between a drain. The arrangement is such that when the fish is being cleaned, parts removed from the fish drain along the boards through the drain. A rod is rotatably supported by the frame and disposed adjacent to the drain, the rod having a first and a second extremity. A holder has a proximal and a distal end, the proximal end being secured to the rod, the fish being impaled on the distal end of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Clarence J. Fure
  • Patent number: 6114948
    Abstract: A safety apparatus is disclosed for providing information to a fire fighter concerning the number of occupants of each room of a dwelling in the event of a fire. The apparatus includes an activator disposed externally relative to the dwelling, the activator being activated by the fire fighter in the event of a fire. A transmitter is electrically connected to the activator such that when the activator is activated, a signal is sent to the transmitter, the signal triggering a secondary signal which is transmitted by the transmitter. A receiver is located in each room of the dwelling, each receiver receiving the secondary signal from the transmitter, the receiver generating a pulse corresponding to the secondary signal. A strobe light is located within the same room of the dwelling as the receiver, the strobe light being electrically connected to the receiver so that the strobe light is energized by the pulse from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Benjamin F. Astell
  • Patent number: 6094846
    Abstract: A single wheel caster apparatus is disclosed for supporting a plow. The apparatus includes a wheel and an axle, the axle extending through the wheel such that the wheel is rotatably supported by the axle. Additionally, a first and a second fork are provided with each fork having a proximal and a distal end. A head which defines a plurality of detents is rigidly secured to a cross member and extends therefrom in a direction away from the wheel. A tube has a first and second extremity and defines a bore for the reception therein of the head. The tube defines a first radial passageway which is disposed in the vicinity of the detents. A flexible tubular lining is disposed within the bore of the tube. A first member is slidably disposed within the first passageway with the first member being disposed adjacent to the lining such that the lining is located between the first member and one of the detents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Monroe Truck Equipment Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Feller
  • Patent number: 6045305
    Abstract: A helically fluted twist drill device is disclosed for cutting materials. The device comprises a shank having a first and a second end. A cylindrical core has a first diameter and a first and a second extremity, the core extending coaxially relative to the shank and from the second end of the shank, the second extremity defining a point. At least three portions extend helically outwardly away from the core so that the portions define a second diameter. The arrangement is such that adjacent portions define therebetween a surface of a helical flute. Each of the portions further define a helical bore connected to a source of a cutting fluid for permitting a flow of the cutting fluid through the bore from the shank towards the point. The arrangement is such that in use of the device, the cutting fluid conveys the materials from the vicinity of the point through each flute towards the shank. The first diameter has a dimension within a first range which is 20-35% of a dimension of the second diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Jerald D. Plummer
  • Patent number: H1906
    Abstract: The top and bottom felts at the web transfer between two dryer sections in a single tier papermaking dryer are spaced by pivoting the vacuum roll over which the felt and web move. The vacuum roll is mounted to two pivot arms which are driven by inflatable air rides to alternately incline the roll toward the downstream felt, forming a sandwich of the two felts and the web, and to a spaced position. The short motion of the vacuum roll allows standard felt stretchers to be used, and permits rapid adjustment of the felt spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale A. Brown