Patents Represented by Attorney Donn K. Harms
  • Patent number: 8072086
    Abstract: A system and method to efficiently store and convert erratic wind and solar electrical energy production to a source of reliable standard AC electrical power by means of an electric motor operatively engaged to power a pump. The pump in a sealed communication with a reservoir cavity evacuates air from the cavity to store the generated energy as potential energy in the form of a pressure differential with ambient atmosphere. Regulated air inflow into the evacuated cavity is employed to drive a generator or alternator to produce electric power which is synchronized with grid demand and communicated to the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Samuel Thomas Kelly
  • Patent number: 8068135
    Abstract: A device and method for vehicle collision avoidance and mitigation employing a video camera providing a frontal view of a roadway to a video display. A plurality of generally trapezoidal windows formed in front of and rearward of an iconic vehicle are employed to ascertain objects in front of and rearward of the vehicle. Using software, a closing rate of any object is continually calculated, and warnings or evasive actions are taken if a collision is calculated. The device can differentiate between shadows and objects through a filtering method requiring pixel changes in two or more windows concurrently for an object to be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Chol Kim
  • Patent number: 8063841
    Abstract: A radiator element for RF transmission and reception over a wide band of frequencies. The radiator element is formed of conductive material on substrate surface of conductive material in the form of a pair of horns extending in opposite directions to distal tips defining the widest distance of a mouth of a cavity. The mouth reduces in cross-section to a narrowest point in between said pair of horns. The resulting radiator element will radiate and receive frequencies between frequencies the distance of the widest point and narrowest point are sized to receive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventors: Sheng Peng, Henry Cooper
  • Patent number: 8056166
    Abstract: A pillow support for a user featuring an engageable pillow body to a base and at least one storage cavity formed therebetween. An aperture in the pillow body dimensioned to accommodate the face of a user positioned on the pillow communicates with a cavity in the base which communicates with air and light adjacent to the base to provide the user fresh air and light when face down. The storage cavity is adapted to hold a personal music player or phone and the pillow engages to the base with a strap or ridge surrounding the perimeter of the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony Calvert
  • Patent number: 7938226
    Abstract: A muffler for an internal combustion engine featuring two flowpaths for exhaust through the muffler. A first serpentine pathway is substantially longer than a second pathway through the muffler, thereby providing increased sound attenuation. Temperature activated internal valves operate to change the exhaust flowpath from the first flowpath to the second flowpath through the muffler as exhaust gasses warm the muffler and the temperature actuated valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Ramin Bagheri
  • Patent number: 7836527
    Abstract: A conduit for communication of a pressurized water or fluid supply to a counter top appliance above a sink having a faucet providing water to the sink. The device features an elongated rod having an axial passageway for communication of a fluid when engaged through the drain rod aperture of a faucet. The rod has an exterior circumference sized to translate in the aperture and operate the drain closure apparatus on the sink. A pulsating dental cleaning appliance or water dispenser or knob are engageable to the top end of the rod which is adapted on a bottom end under the sink to engage with a pressurized fluid supply. The device may be provided for retrofit through existing faucets by replacing the drain rod, or with new faucets to provide a route for pressurized fluid above a counter top without having to drill holes in the counter top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald E. Welch
  • Patent number: 7832147
    Abstract: A modular planter assembly formed of a base planter housing having a cavity volume for dirt or growing material defined by a surrounding vertically disposed sidewall. Smaller elevated planters are supportable above the base planter on support members extending between a pair of vertically disposed elongated members which engage passages formed in the sidewall of the base planter. The elongated members may be one piece, or formed of a plurality of component members to allow the user to lengthen them and add multiple elevated planters to the formed device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Suzanne Weast
  • Patent number: 7825595
    Abstract: The invention relates to controllable powerful cold-cathode gas-discharge devices or pseudospark switches intended for rapidly switching high-current high-voltage circuits, which can be used in different pulse devices. The inventive cold-cathode gas-discharge device comprises an anode, a hollow cathode which is separated therefrom by a main discharge gap and whose base is oriented thereto, wherein said base is provided with openings embodied therein for coupling the main discharge gap to a trigger electrode which is arranged in the cathode cavity and is provided with an igniter made of a polycrystal semiconductor material based on a semiconductor whose energy gap is larger than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Viktor Dmitrievich Bochkov
  • Patent number: 7810844
    Abstract: A method and device for identifying a lost person and providing contact information to directly communicate with their guardian. Indicia applied to the skin of a child or other person who might get lost includes the telephone number for directly contacting the guardian. The indicia may also include the name of the person on which it is imparted and directions on contacting a third party if the phone number displayed receives no response. When used with the cellular phone number of the guardian, the indicia can also include instructions to identify the responding guardian using that unique number by matching it to the cellular phone of the responding guardian. The indica may be applied to the skin using a tattoo or other means to impart the indicia temporarily to the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: I.C. Protection, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy Alan Dominguez
  • Patent number: 7788128
    Abstract: A system for generating rewards for information rendered by an information provider to a user. The system includes a receiving element to receive an information request from the user and identification elements to identify the user. The system also includes a delivery element for delivery of the information requested by the user from a service provider and a voluntary reward element for allowing the user to provide a reward to the service provider. A value determination element provides a system of value for the user based upon the reward provided by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Ask Agent Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Robinson, Tingfu Chen, Surendranath Talla, Mallika Talla Robinson
  • Patent number: 7786884
    Abstract: An alarm equipped door safety device for engagement at the hinge-side of a door's interface with a door jamb. The device is formed of an elastic body which prevents closure of the door to provide protection against crushing of a finger or object between the door and jamb. To provide warning and protect the door, the door jamb, and the hinges from stress damage, a body-compression activated switch generates a sonic alarm when closure of the door is attempted with the device engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: John W. McRoskey
  • Patent number: 7785133
    Abstract: A plug engageable to the distal end of a coaxial cable in either of an inline arrangement or a perpendicular engagement to the distal end. An axial spear automatically contacts the center conductor of the coaxial cable. The surrounding conductor is electrically engaged to the plug by a compression fitting or a screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Jzchak Wajcman
  • Patent number: 7731611
    Abstract: A portable horseshoe court demarcation device formed of a plurality of engaged pairs of flexible members such as webbing. The ends of the flexible members once engaged to the ground mark a Horseshoe court. Center sections of one pair of flexible members provide a reference point from which to determine where to place horseshoe stakes, or provide flexible members for marking the installation point for the horseshoe stakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Gabriel Contreras
  • Patent number: 7725974
    Abstract: A cleaning and disinfecting system for the cleaning and disinfecting of footwear or feet. The system provides for cleaning and disinfecting the bottom of the feet or footwear. An optional brush on a wand provides cleaning to upper foot areas as required. The system is automatically activated only when a person stands on the device, thereby minimizing the volume of fluid required to perform the process. Optionally, a venturi component allows the addition of a cleaning or disinfecting fluid with the cleaning solution or water. When the system is attached to a hot water line and fitted with heating elements, it can be used to remove snow from shoes and boots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Randall L. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7685110
    Abstract: An information service includes a network and material on the network provided by an entity. The network provides or is linked to, a request for information elements for submission of a request by the submitter to the entity. Elements are provided to optionally provide an inducement to likely submitters or selected subgroup or subgroups of likely submitters to submit a query.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew Franklin Robinson
  • Patent number: 7637104
    Abstract: A buoyancy engine and compression device having a plurality of rotating flexible chains formed of individual segments, each having a plurality of compressible flotation members engaged thereon. The chains rotate around axises at upper and lower frames. The flotation members are alternately compressed and expanded during rotation around the upper and lower frames during passage through an angled pathway defined by paired planar members in an angled engagement which rotate in time with the chain and engaged flotation members. This alternating compression and expansion may also be utilized as an air compressor. Expanded flotation members circumventing the lower frame produce upward thrust as a function of their dimension and displacement of water. Mechanical energy from the system may be harnessed by conventional mechanical engagement of the rotating flexible chains or segments forming the upper and lower frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Arthur V. Lopez
  • Patent number: 7594305
    Abstract: A tether for electronic devices employing a plug having a first end adapted for engagement to a tether and a second end formed on non-conductive material having an exterior surface with an exterior circumference adapted for frictional engagement with the interior circumference of an electrical socket. The second end can be formed of compressible material having an exterior circumference slightly larger than the socket for a biased engagement. An axial void can also be provided to accommodate projections in the socket or to engage an antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Moore
  • Patent number: 7588000
    Abstract: A pressure spike modulator for engagement to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The device provides for adjustment of engine cylinder pressures using a reciprocating piston which provides a temporary increase in engine combustion chamber volume. Pressure from combustion chamber gases is communicated by the device back into the combustion chamber during the downstroke of the engine piston. Engine compression and peak combustion pressure may be modulated by adjusting pressure supplied to the device to resist incoming engine gases. Fuels for the attached engine may thereby be varied or substituted by adjusting the engine peak pressure and compression to one adequate for the chosen fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventors: Harry Bruce Crower, Will W. Mathews
  • Patent number: 7547044
    Abstract: A rollover inhibitor to help prevent towed vehicles from rolling over while being towed in high winds. The device features a rotatable elongated member having a wheel on a distal end which engages to a frame mount adapted to engage the frame structure of towed vehicles such as mobile homes. When tipped by the wind, the wheel engaged to the member will prevent over rotation of the trailer around its axis and thereby inhibit the potential for rolling over. The wheel is spaced a distance from the road surface so as to only contact it if the trailer tips past a predetermined point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Donald E. Cokeley
  • Patent number: 7538568
    Abstract: A conductive plunger 3 is received inside a cylindrical conductive barrel 2 so as to be capable of moving backward and forward, an urging coil spring 4 for pushing a rear end 3b of the plunger 3 is received inside the barrel 2, and a front end 3a of the plunger 3 is protruded from an opening at one end 2a of the barrel 2. In this probe 1, stable electrical contact is achieved by inserting a conductive coil spring 5 that does not urge the plunger 3 between the inner circumference of the barrel 2 and the outer circumference of the plunger 3 to realize electrical contact between the inner circumference of the barrel 2 and the outer circumference of the plunger 3 via this coil spring 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Sanyu Switch Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kitaru Watanabe, Hiroyuki Nagahata, Nobuki Kumazawa, Kei Kimura