Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Meroni & Meroni
  • Patent number: 7124469
    Abstract: An automatic sliding door closure device for use with a sliding door on a track. The device comprises a housing attached to the door having a connecting arm attached to the housing. A pulley rotatably mounted within the housing guides a cable having an exterior end attached to the doorframe and an interior end connected to the gear, rotating the gear when the sliding door is slid along the track. A spring engaged with the gear tensions rotation of the gear as the door is moved. An airtight cylinder parallel with the track has a plunger arm connected to the connecting arm that is drawn within the cylinder as the door is moved. A flexible member connected to the plunger arm creates an air cushion within the cylinder. An airflow control valve controls intake and outlet of air into the airtight cylinder controlling the closure speed of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventors: Alex Tsekhanovsky, Todd J. Mattson
  • Patent number: 7103951
    Abstract: A spring-compression apparatus for facilitating maintenance of a strut assembly comprises a guide member, a carriage assembly, and a rest assembly. The guide member comprises a first member end and a second member end. The carriage assembly comprises a jack assembly and a slide assembly. The jack assembly is operable to otherwise displace the slide assembly along the guide member. The slide assembly comprises a locator assembly, which comprises a locator extension arm and a center locator. The rest assembly comprises a center rest. A first strut end is positionable upon the center rest. The center locator is engageable with a second strut end for compressing the strut spring. The locator assembly further enables a user to remove a mounting nut from the second strut end when the strut spring is compressed, thus enabling strut assembly disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Ismet Uzun
  • Patent number: 7104196
    Abstract: A rolling marker assembly enables a user to mark serially-presented, repeating patterns upon a marking surface. The marker assembly comprises an outer casing and a marking caster assembly. The marking caster assembly comprises at least one compressible medium-dispensing pad and at least one pad mask. The pad mask comprises at least one patterned aperture. The medium-dispensing pad is impregnated with a compression-releasable marking medium. The caster assembly is rotatable about an axis of rotation and the medium-dispensing pad is compressible against the pad mask thus forming at least one pattern-exposed pad portion adjacent the patterned aperture. The marker assembly is manually traceable adjacent a marking surface and the pattern-exposed pad portion is compressible upon the marking surface for dispensing the marking medium therefrom for marking a pattern upon the marking surface. The casing enables the user to more effectively guide and compress the caster assembly for marking the pattern(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventors: Alexander W. Fong, Albert F. Ditzig
  • Patent number: 7090599
    Abstract: The present invention provides a baseball batting stance training assembly. The assembly essentially comprises a stance training mat for placement upon a baseball field or similar other playing field and at least one rearward foot-receiving cuff for removable or breakaway attachment to the stance training mat. The stance training mat essentially comprises at least three distinct zones, namely, left and right mat zones and a home plate zone. The left mat zone and the right mat zone are aligned laterally opposite the home plate zone, which home plate zone comprises a home plate marker or virtual home plate. The left and right mat zones each comprise a plurality of foot print indicia. The cuff is removably attached adjacent select rearward foot print indicia and is designed for breakaway from the stance training mat in the event of a net cuff-removing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Phillip A. Hedgepath
  • Patent number: 7077650
    Abstract: The present invention provides a utility line extension and retraction system for enabling users thereof to selectively extend a utility line for utility line use and retract the utility line for utility line storage. The utility line extension and retraction system essentially comprises a plurality of utility line cassettes. Each utility line cassette essentially comprises two laterally-spaced, pulley-receiving walls, an anterior line outlet end, a posterior line inlet end, a stationary pulley assembly adjacent the anterior line outlet end; a traveling pulley assembly intermediate the anterior line outlet end and the posterior line inlet end, and a utility line extending from the posterior line inlet end to the anterior line outlet end, which line imparts motion to the traveling pulley assembly. The traveling pulley assembly travels along a closed path comprising an ascension path, a descension path, and an extended-state rest stop intermediate the ascension and descension paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Charles R. Johnstone
  • Patent number: 7066919
    Abstract: A fluid receptacle alarm assembly and/or kit comprising a fluid receptacle, an alarm module and at least one magnetic field source. The alarm module comprises an alarm, a magnetically-actuated switch, and a power source. The alarm module is attachable to a first surface of the fluid receptacle and the magnetic field source is attachable to a second surface of the fluid receptacle. A fluid quantity is receivable intermediate the first and second receptacle surfaces for adjusting the distance intermediate the first and second receptacle surfaces. The magnetic field source actuates the switch when a select alarm activation distance is adjustably met. The actuated switch electrically communicates the power source with the alarm. The energized alarm alerts a user to the fluid quantity in the fluid receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventors: Keith A. Sauerland, Arlene K. Sauerland
  • Patent number: 7059081
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preventing pests from gaining entrance to a building structure. The method incorporates use of an article comprising a length of fibrous fabric and a plurality of adhesive strips. The fabric is designed for adhesive attachment to a building structure adjacent points of entry and the adhesive strips are designed for adhesively attaching the fabric in snug adjacency to the outfitted building structure. The fabric is impregnated with at least one pesticide composition and has outwardly extending fibers for entangling the legs of pests attempting to gain entrance to the building structure by maneuvering across the fabric to points of entry. These outwardly extending fibers thus directly deposit pesticide composition on the pests for preventing them from gaining entrance to the building structure. Importantly, the fabric is brilliantly colored or has highly light reflective coloration for attracting the pests to the pesticide-impregnated fabric for contact treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Robert M. Nourigat
  • Patent number: 7056433
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gutter screen attachment for minimizing water film runoff and debris collection adjacent a screened gutter. The screen attachment comprises a superior breaker edge, an inferior breaker edge, and a screen-receiving region. The screen-receiving region comprises an edge-receiving fold that accepts the gutter-engaging edge of a gutter screen. The superior breaker edge extends upwardly opposite the inferior breaker edge and is designed to break the water tension of a water film formed upon the gutter screen. The inferior breaker edge is designed to prevent water leakage between the screen attachment and the gutter. The superior breaker edge is of minimized height so as to allow bulky debris to translate over the superior breaker edge. It is thus contemplated that the superior breaker edge functions to allow water to more properly permeate through the gutter screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Kazimierz Swistun
  • Patent number: 7051480
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for eliminating ice formation at roof edging comprising a mesh casing and salt-based fill material. The apparatus may be placed into a typical gutter assembly adjacent a roof edge. The casing is flexible and biodegradable and comprises a salt-retaining surface, a matter-engaging surface, and a plurality of mesh apertures. The mesh apertures each comprise a maximal aperture dimension. The fill material comprises a plurality of salt pellets, each pellet comprising a minimal pellet dimension. The minimal pellet dimension is greater in magnitude than the maximal aperture dimension and thus the fill material is retained by the salt-retaining surface. A portion of the fill material dissolves in water when water contacts the fill material thus forming a flowable solution. The solution inherently has a depressed freezing point for preventing ice formation. Thus, the water-based solution flowing from the apparatus functions to eliminate ice at roof edging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: William D. Dennis
  • Patent number: 7028407
    Abstract: The present invention provides an extendable handle shaving system comprising an extendable handle assembly and a select shaving blade attachment. The assembly comprises a hand grip portion and a connecting rod. The connecting rod comprises a handle-engaging first rod end, a blade-receiving second rod end, and an S-shaped angular bend intermediate the first rod end and the second rod end. A length-adjusting button is cooperatively associated with the connecting rod for adjusting the effective length of the connecting rod. The select shaving blade attachment may be selected from a disposable straight razor blade assembly and an electric razor head assembly. The shaving system may thus further comprise a power source-recharging base and the extendable handle assembly may comprise a rechargeable power source and electric circuitry. The rechargeable power source and electric circuitry function to selectively and electrically operate the electric razor head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventors: Ronald William Ehrlich, Karen A. Wolak
  • Patent number: 7024818
    Abstract: The present invention provides a false bottom insert assembly for use in combination with an oversized planter container. The assembly essentially comprises a support platform for supporting a soil-bound plant, an optional spacer member for supporting the support platform, and an optional moisture-receiving tray for collecting and retaining excess moisture emanating from the support platform and the spacer member via the soil. The platform comprises a peripheral support surface that engages either the container or the spacer member for supporting the support platform at the chosen false bottom level in the planter container. Support ribs are integrally formed to the platform to increase its load bearing potential. The spacer member may be utilized as an optional structure to adjust for variable container dimensions and the moisture-receiving tray may be installed at the user's election to maintain a moisture source in inferior adjacency to the support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventors: Kristine A. Maniscalco, J. Jeffrey Maniscalco, William T. Whitlock
  • Patent number: 7013509
    Abstract: A bedding cover having a hidden multisided access flap for improved access to a pocket of the bedding cover generally comprising a front panel stitched to a back panel providing a pocket between the front panel and the back panel. A multisided access flap within the back panel provides access to the pocket. A first fastener securing a first side of the access flap is substantially covered by a first hiding flap provided by an edge of the back panel opposing the first side of the access flap. A second fastener positioned substantially perpendicular to the first fastener secures a second side of the access flap and provides multidirectional access to the pocket. A second hiding flap substantially provided by a second edge of the back panel opposing the second side of the access flap covers the second fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Robert J. Hickman
  • Patent number: 7011467
    Abstract: An oral hygiene kit comprises a paste-dispensing toothbrush assembly and a cooperatively associated floss assembly. The toothbrush assembly comprises a paste-dispensing brush, a paste pump assembly, a piston, and a paste reservoir. The pump assembly is operable to drive the piston within the paste reservoir for forcing paste from the paste reservoir. When forced from the paste reservoir, paste is conveyed via a paste conduit through the paste-dispensing brush to a brush head. The floss assembly is cooperatively associated with the toothbrush assembly and comprises a spool-supporting lid, a floss spool, and a floss cap. The spool-supporting lid covers the paste-dispensing brush and supports the floss spool. The floss cap covers the floss spool and provides the kit with a floss-cutting structure. Together the toothbrush assembly and the floss assembly may contribute to a user's oral hygiene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventors: Joseph Fiore (the younger), Joseph Fiore (the elder)
  • Patent number: 7004932
    Abstract: A booth for the collection of tanning fluid overspray comprising a booth and a collection system. The booth is sized and shaped to enclose a person having a first side wall and a second side wall, the booth having an open portion sized and shaped for ingress and egress by a person. A plurality of vent apertures are spaced within the first side wall and the second side wall to provide effective collection of airborne particles within the booth. A plurality of venting conduit lines having a plurality of venting connections connected to the vent apertures is connected to a common collection line. A suction means connected to the common collection line provides suction within the venting conduit lines, the suction drawing airborne particles within the booth through the vent apertures, venting connections and the venting conduit lines. The suction means draws the airborne particles within the venting conduit lines into a collection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Lester Szurko
  • Patent number: 6987853
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a group of non-repetitive, difficult-to-guess character sets is disclosed. The method includes (a) generating a request for a character set by a client of a character-generating server, (b) sending the request to the character-generating server, (c) generating a pseudo random number required by the character generator; (d) sending the pseudo random number to the character generator; (e) generating a character for the character set by the character generator, (f) sending the character set along with a related key to the client; (g) sending the character set along with the related key to a target server, (h) sending related key to the character-generating server by the target server; (i) re-creating the character set from the related key by the target server; and (j) sending the character set along with the related key to the target server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Bodacion Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric R. Uner
  • Patent number: 6974041
    Abstract: A bookend-like stowage system comprises at least one slide support assembly receivable in an assembly-receiving slot. The assembly-receiving slot comprises first and second substantially parallel spring member-engaging surfaces oriented orthogonal to the assembly-receiving slot, and a slide member-receiving portion formed adjacent the spring member-engaging surfaces. The slide support assembly comprises an article-engaging upright, a slide member, and a V-shaped spring member. The slide member is slidably received in the slide member-receiving portion and the spring member is received in a spring member-receiving groove formed in the slide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Leonard E. Salemi
  • Patent number: 6971697
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liner-dispensing trash receptacle system for use in combination with a motor vehicle. The liner-dispensing trash receptacle system essentially comprises a trash-receiving container, a liner-dispensing assembly, and a liner roll. The trash-receiving container essentially comprises a container bottom, a container rim, an inner container surface, and an outer container surface. The inner container surface essentially defines a superior matter-receiving volume and the outer container surface is cooperatively associated with a container-engaging surface. The liner-dispensing assembly comprises first and second laterally spaced rod-retaining members, first and second anchor structures, and a liner-retaining rod. The liner roll essentially comprises a continuously-furled liner length and a rod-receiving center. The rod-receiving center receives the liner-retaining rod and the container rim supports a roll beginning end of the first trash-receiving liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Kimberly A. Morales
  • Patent number: 6971972
    Abstract: A methodology is disclosed for providing a physical therapy practitioner with practice-specific prescriptive exercise routine depictions as an effective way to enhance compliance of a home-based physical therapy regimen. The method comprises various steps, including assessing a given practitioner's commonly prescribed home-based exercise prescriptions, selecting certain of the exercises for comparison relative to a previously compiled digitized motion picture library containing excerpts showing various exercises. A decision is then made as to whether a representative exercise excerpt is endemic to the physical therapy practitioner. If the excerpt(s) are deemed satisfactory, DVD's are developed and provided to the practitioner. The practitioner may then properly prescribe a home-based physical therapy regimen during an office visit at which time a select set of the developed DVD materials are delivered to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas P. McGovern, Steven L. Mayes
  • Patent number: 6969211
    Abstract: A multi-tubular connector apparatus comprising a connector body having a shoulder portion substantially matching the outer profile of a tubular member and an open fastener shaft through the body. Connecting slots within the shoulder portion have open ends within the top of the shoulder and apertures through the side of the shoulder. Deflectable legs are radially spaced about the open fastener shaft. A wedge member having an open fastener shaft coacts with the inner face of the deflectable legs. A connector cap having a fastener aperture covers the connecting slots. An elongated fastener fits through the connector cap, open fastener shaft of the connector body, open fastener shaft of the wedge member to provide means for tensioning the wedge member against the deflectable leg, outwardly deflecting the deflectable leg against inner walls of a tubular member frictionally connecting the apparatus to the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Lee E. Altman
  • Patent number: D513797
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Burton, Inc.
    Inventor: Chi-Hsiang Wang