Patents Represented by Attorney Emery L. Tracy
  • Patent number: 8336262
    Abstract: A method for protecting cables and posts from damage by providing at least one first sleeve cut to a desired length, positioning each first sleeve over the cable, inserting a screw through an aperture on a last first sleeve positioned on the cable until the screw contacts the cable, providing a second sleeve having an inside diameter greater than an outside diameter of the first sleeve, positioning the second sleeve over the first sleeves, tensioning the cable, securing an end of the cable, sliding the second sleeve over the end, positioning a removable collar assembly between the first and second sleeves, maintaining the first and second sleeves from overlapping the removable collar and each other, maintaining the first and second sleeves from connection with each other, removing the holding screws from the last first sleeve, and rotating the sleeves and the removable collar assembly independently from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: Charles Russel Cox, Nien-Yin Chang
  • Patent number: 8327582
    Abstract: A vertical hydroponic plant production apparatus for allowing vertical hydroponic greenhouse crop production is provided. The apparatus comprises a hollow grow tube having a front face, a back face, a first end, and a second end. A slot is formed in the front face of the grow tube. A media material is insertable into the grow tube wherein the grow tube is positionable in either a horizontal position, vertical position, or any position between the horizontal position and the vertical position allowing inclined, multi-angled crop production and multi-storied conveyor style crop production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: University of Wyoming
    Inventor: Nathaniel R. Storey
  • Patent number: 8292335
    Abstract: A balloon-tying device for assisting in tying a balloon is provided, the balloon having a filling end. The balloon-tying device comprises a base having a top surface and a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface. A pair of spaced tying prongs is provided with each having a base end and a top end and the base ends of the tying prongs secured to the top surface of the base. A ridge extends from the top end of each of the tying prongs wherein the filling end of the balloon is wrappable around the tying prongs and fed between the tying prongs and wherein the ridges maintain the filling end of the balloon from inadvertently slipping from the tying prongs during the tying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Frank S. Hemingway
  • Patent number: 8272160
    Abstract: A vine supporting device for manipulating the growth, direction, and distribution of vines and other creeping plants is provided. The vine supporting device comprises a base having a top and a bottom. A support pole is mounted in a substantially vertical direction to the top of the base. A plurality of wire mount slots is formed in the top of the base and around a perimeter of the base. A plurality of wire frames are provided with each wire frame having a first end and a second end and the first end releasably securable in one of the wire mount slots. A top cap is positionable on top of the support poles with the second ends of the wire mounts positionable and releasably secured under the top cap. Upon positioning the vine upon the top of the base, the support pole and wire frames control and direct growth of the vine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Hamann
  • Patent number: 8216034
    Abstract: An air vent cover system for mounting within a duct has a pair of side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The air vent cover system comprises a housing with an opening. A tensioning mechanism releasably maintains the housing within the duct by applying an outward force on two opposite walls of the duct causing the other two opposite walls to move inward against the housing. A non-pivoting, stationary grate is secured to the housing with the stationary grate having horizontal and vertical bars and the bars spaced from each other to maintain a child-sized hand from going between the bars. A cover grate is pivotally mounted to the housing and has a plurality of semi-circular slits for allowing maximum amount of air to pass therethrough. A latching mechanism secured to the housing and cooperating with the cover grate releasably maintains the cover grate against the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventors: Arlene Sona, Scott Herter
  • Patent number: 8167177
    Abstract: A hydration system for hydrating a user is provided. The user having a hand with fingers and a palm and a wrist connected to the hand. The hydration system comprises a glove portion having a first side and a second side and a wrist portion. A water reservoir is attached to the wrist portion. A water pump is secured to the first side of the glove portion. A first tube connects the water pump to the water reservoir with the first tube spanning the distance between the glove portion and the wrist portion and fluidly connected to both the water pump and the water reservoir. A spritzer is secured to the second side of the glove portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Paul V. Galgano
  • Patent number: 8167246
    Abstract: A tethering system for controlling an inflatable airfoil is provided. The inflatable airfoil has a horizontal center line and a vertical center line. The tethering system includes an airfoil wing secured to the inflatable airfoil. A first forward attachment ring is secured to the inflatable airfoil. A second forward attachment ring is secured to the inflatable airfoil. A rear attachment ring is secured to the inflatable airfoil. A center attachment ring is secured to the inflatable airfoil. A first airfoil reinforcement strap is secured between the first forward attachment ring and the center attachment ring. A second airfoil reinforcement strap extends between the second forward attachment ring and the center attachment ring. A third airfoil reinforcement strap extends between the rear attachment ring and the center attachment ring. A control mechanism controls the inflatable airfoil during flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Floatograph Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Tony W. Mears
  • Patent number: 8168243
    Abstract: A coffee press grounds removal apparatus for removing coffee grounds or tea leaves from a coffee press machine is provided. The coffee press machine has a plunger apparatus for pressing the coffee grounds or tea leaves within a carafe. The apparatus comprises a basket receivable within the carafe with the basket having an open top, a bottom wall, and a side wall extending in a generally upward direction from the bottom wall toward the open top. A handle is pivotally connected to the basket wherein the basket is completely receivable within the carafe. The basket comprises a configuration substantially mirroring the interior circumference and shape of the carafe in which the basket is seatable wherein as the basket is inserted into the carafe, the basket slidably engages the interior circumference of the carafe such that an outer surface of the side wall of the basket contacts the interior circumference of the carafe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Phyllis Eaton
  • Patent number: 8162265
    Abstract: An airfoil wing system for releasing air from an airfoil wing for an inflatable airfoil is provided. The airfoil wing is secured to the inflatable airfoil. The airfoil wing system has at least two wing panels connected together and an opening formed between the two wing panels wherein the opening automatically moves from a closed position to an open position to release air from beneath the airfoil wing thereby allowing takedown of the inflatable airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Tony W. Mears
  • Patent number: 8157057
    Abstract: A safety apparatus for releasably securing persons wearing a body harness to scaffolding is provided. The scaffolding has a plurality of horizontal and vertical bars. The safety apparatus comprises a front frame assembly releasably securable between a first two adjacent bars of the scaffolding. A rear frame assembly is releasably securable between a second two adjacent bars of the scaffolding with the rear frame assembly spaced from the front frame assembly. A cable is retractably connected between the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly with the body harness releasably connectable to the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth Johnson
  • Patent number: 8132359
    Abstract: A flower pot saucer for receiving a flower pot or the like is provided. The flower pot saucer comprises a base having an outer surface and a flat annular top surface angled downward toward the outer surface. A revolving saucer is mounted within top surface of the base with the flower pot positionable upon the revolving saucer. At least one solar panel is positioned on the angled top surface of the base. A motor is mounted within the base and powered only by the solar panel with the motor connected between the solar panel and the revolving saucer and the motor causing the rotation of the revolving saucer wherein the junction of the outer surface and the top surface of the base creates an outer edge and wherein the angling of the top surface of the base allows any liquids or other debris spilled on the top surface to drain off the top surface toward the outer surface and over the outer edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: George Hudak
  • Patent number: 8132790
    Abstract: A guard system for protecting cables or posts from damage by falling rocks and other dynamic forces is provided. The guard assembly comprises a first sleeve rotatably positionable about one of the cables or the posts and a second sleeve rotatably positionable about the cable or the post. A removable collar assembly is positioned between the first sleeve and the second sleeve for maintaining the spacing between the first sleeve and the second sleeve with the removable collar assembly comprising a first removable collar and a second removable collar. The first removable collar has a first slot for receiving the cable or post and the second removable collar has a second slot for receiving the cable or post with the first slot extending from a perimeter of the first removable collar to a point past a center point of the first removable collar and the second slot extending from a perimeter of the second removable collar to a point past a center point of the second removable collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventors: Charles Russel Cox, Nien-Yin Chang
  • Patent number: 8122611
    Abstract: A jig device for accurately measuring an opening when installing shelving, windowsills, molding, and similar construction material is provided. The jig device comprises a first elongated bar and a second elongated bar. First incremental measurements are marked on the first elongated bar with the first incremental markings reading right to left. Second incremental measurements are marked on the second elongated bar with the second incremental markings reading left to right. A first fastening mechanism slidably connects the first elongated bar to the second elongated bar and is tightenable to inhibit movement between the first elongated bar and the second elongated bar. A first angle paddle and a second angle paddle are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis J. Kallsen
  • Patent number: 8097544
    Abstract: The present invention teaches that a tightly woven, and strong layer of fiberglass may be coated or impregnated with sodium silicate in order to produce a strong and fire resistant jamb/frame. The present invention further teaches that a fire doorjamb core may be mass produced from fire resistant layers and the frame core rated for fire safety by a rating agency, thus allowing builders and door manufacturers to produce building structures and doors using that core without individually certifying each model of door or structure. The present invention further teaches a structure/method of mounting for door frames which closely parallels mounting of normal door frames, without special brackets or plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth Majors
  • Patent number: 8091936
    Abstract: A gripping device for retrieving goods from hard to reach or tight fitting spaces is provided. The gripping device comprises a first arm having a first end and a second end and a second arm having a first end and a second end with the first arm being pivotally attached to the second arm at a point between the first ends and the second ends. A first duckbill pincer-like clamp is secured to the second end of the first arm with a thickness of the first clamp being less than the width of the first clamp. A second duckbill pincer-like clamp is secured to the second end of the second arm with a thickness of the second clamp being less than the width of the second clamp. A spring member biases the first ends of the first arm and the second arm in a general direction away from each other. Upon maneuvering the first ends of the first arm and the second arm in a general direction toward each other, the second ends of the first arm and the second arm also move in a general direction toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Michael V. Graziano
  • Patent number: 8080977
    Abstract: A power monitor for indicating that a power outage has occurred is provided. The power monitor comprises an outer casing with a pair of electrical prongs extending from the outer casing. An AC relay is mounted within the outer casing and electrically connected to the prongs with the AC relay disconnecting when power is lost. A DC relay is mounted within the outer casing and electrically connected to the AC relay with the DC relay energized upon disconnection of the AC relay. A timer clock is mounted within the outer housing with the timer clock activated upon activation of the DC relay. A display screen is mounted on the outer casing for visually displaying the amount of time generated by the timer clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: John W. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 8069884
    Abstract: An automotive fluid reservoir for storing and dispensing automotive fluids, such as motor oil and transmission fluid, into the engine and transmission of a vehicle is provided. The automotive fluid reservoir comprises a housing having a top side, a bottom side, a pair of end walls, a first side wall, and a second side wall. At least one compartment is formed in the housing with each compartment fluidly separate from any other compartment. A fluid receiving aperture is formed in the top side of the housing directly over each compartment for receiving fluid from an appropriate fluid container. At least one fluid output aperture is formed in one of the side walls of the housing with each fluid output aperture fluidly connected to at least one of the compartments. A length of tubing is connected to each of the fluid output apertures with each tubing extending from the appropriate fluid output aperture to the standard fluid reservoir within the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Curtis L. Gray-Woods
  • Patent number: 8069939
    Abstract: A beach cart system for transporting goods between locations is provided. The beach cart system comprises a lower cart portion having a first recessed area and a second recessed area. An upper cart portion having at least one storage bay is receivable within the first recessed area. A front cart portion having at least one insulated cup holder is receivable within the second recessed area. A plurality of wheels is secured to the lower cart portion. A motor is secured to the lower cart portion for driving the wheels. A handle for steering the beach cart system is attached to the lower cart portion and has controls for controlling operation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: John Metzler
  • Patent number: 8070744
    Abstract: A nasal aspiration device for clearing nasal passages is provided. The nasal aspiration device comprises a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of slots are formed in the proximal end of the housing. A fan is mounted within the housing and a power mechanism powers the fan. An activation mechanism activates the power means. A nose cone is removably connectable to the distal end of the housing, the nose cone having an opening wherein upon powering the fan, air travels into the opening in the nose cone, through the housing, and out of the housing the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Clara C. Clements
  • Patent number: D655494
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventors: Seth Murray, Mark LeBeau