Patents Represented by Attorney Michael R. McKenna
  • Patent number: 6146722
    Abstract: A figure of an animated creature for retaining and visually displaying a picture. The figure has a body with a front side upon which means for retaining and visually displaying the picture are disposed. The means for retaining and visually displaying has a transparent outer cover for displaying the picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Thryn Slawin
  • Patent number: 6125538
    Abstract: A tube connection apparatus for use with larger diameter flexible tubing particularly for hazardous material removal comprising an outer tapered sleeve and an inner tapered sleeve that is sized to snugly fit within the outer tapered sleeve and to engage the flexible tubing therebetween. A retainer ring is provided to secure a second flexible tube to the outer tapered sleeve and a transportable wall section which holds the sleeves may be positioned in a passageway of a building and tubing from spaces on either side of the passageway be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: John P. Vadas
  • Patent number: 6097111
    Abstract: A mode selectable power receptacle includes an outlet receptacle adapted to receive a plug having first and second terminals. A two position switch is connected to a hot terminal, a switched hot terminal, and a second side of the outlet receptacle. The switch includes an actuator for selectively operating the switch to connect the second side to either the hot terminal or the switched hot terminal to selectively power the outlet receptacle directly from the hot line or through the remote switch from the hot line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen C. Anrod
  • Patent number: 6089622
    Abstract: A tube connection apparatus for use with larger diameter flexible tubing particularly for hazardous material removal comprising an outer tapered sleeve and an inner tapered sleeve that is sized to snugly fit within the outer tapered sleeve and to engage the flexible tubing therebetween. A retainer ring is provided to secure a second flexible tube to the outer tapered sleeve and a transportable wall section which holds the sleeves may be positioned in a passageway of a building and tubing from spaces on either side of the passageway be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: John P. Vadas
  • Patent number: 6089396
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for fastening two members together with a theft resistant screw having a head with a top surface which is free of any engageable indentations or protrusions, with an independent tool means to drive the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Juraj Pozek
  • Patent number: 6065911
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved key making machine that automatically extracts characteristics of an object key without human intervention. The position and alignment of the object key is automatically determined, key characteristics extracted and compared with known key manufacturers' information stored in memory, an appropriate key blank is identified, cut and dispensed to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventors: Robert Almblad, John Blin, Paul Jurczak
  • Patent number: 6047694
    Abstract: This invention relates to a cooking enhancement system for retarding excessive flame and creating a burst of spray to steam a product being cooked with an automatic means for distributing water onto an excessive flame activated by a photodetector that senses light from the excessive flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventors: Peter H. Landstrom, Thom Carpenter
  • Patent number: 6042858
    Abstract: An improved disposable container having a removable divider which separates the interior volume of the container into an edible liquid section and an edible dry section with means for guiding the removal of the divider without crushing the dry edible substance positioned above the divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Liutauras Kairys
  • Patent number: 6000658
    Abstract: A toilet paper dispenser in which a roll of toilet paper is supported on a rotatable spindle with a music box activated by rotation of the spindle. The toilet paper dispenser is equipped with an aromatic fragrance dispenser which is automatically activated by rotation of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Tommie McCall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5996287
    Abstract: A storage partition adapted for partitioning an area proximate a corner or along a flat wall having a partitioning means selectively repositionable between (a) a first position wherein access to the area is prohibited and (b) a second position wherein unimpeded rolling access to the area, via a floor surface, is permissible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Donald H. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5986196
    Abstract: An impact pad with a unique irregular shape that protects the drum head while allowing it to smoothly flex reducing drum head distortion for enhanced sound projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Eric J. Behrenfeld
  • Patent number: 5979481
    Abstract: A fuel vapor reduction apparatus comprising an inert gas receiver, pressure sensor of the vacant volume of a fuel storage tank, external pressure sensor, a non-permeable expandable member disposed inside the fuel storage tank, and an inert gas regulator that is responsive to a predetermined differential pressure between the pressure of the vacant volume inside the tank and the external fuel storage tank pressure, whereby, the expandable member is able to expandably receive and hold the inert gas to fill the vacant volume and reduce fuel vapor formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Loren Ayresman
  • Patent number: 5954248
    Abstract: A combination backpack and stool with a variable height seat and a grounding mechanism for limiting lateral movement of a sole central column. The lightweight structure has straps for carrying and an integral bag for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Harold E. Jasper
  • Patent number: 5953753
    Abstract: A cape for hair cutting having a feature which prevents cut hair from clogging the neck closure. Additionally, the cape has a resiliently connected toy which can be accessible for play by a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Clara M. Perez
  • Patent number: 5904758
    Abstract: A novel method for cleaning the exterior surfaces of an automobile or other automotive vehicle. The surface that is to be cleaned is sprayed with a water solution of a mild detergent and then rubbed with a putty-like wad of a rubbing composition until the surface contaminants are loosened and adhere to or are suspended in the wad of rubbing composition. The wad of rubbing composition can be reworked from time to time to expose new, clean portions of the wad. The rubbing composition is substantially water free and contains a fatty acid or fatty ester, a fine abrasive, a polybutylene, and an oil absorbent filler. Various types and quantities of materials for the rubbing composition that will produce satisfactory, improved and optimum results are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: John T. Kucala, III
  • Patent number: 5870861
    Abstract: An apparatus for a wind resistant fastener for fastening a roof structure of a building to an upstanding exterior wall comprising a substantially vertical securing mechanism disposed adjacent to the wall to serve as an auxiliary fastener between the roof structure and the wall. Two primary preferred embodiments which may be employed separately or together include continuous vertical batten strips disposed on the wall and extending to the roof structure and the foundation, and a high tensile strength wall covering connecting the roof structure, the wall and the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: John P. Gnaedinger
  • Patent number: 5842924
    Abstract: A tool for repairing damaged threads within a bore. A generally cylindrically shaped tool body includes a threaded section at its bottom end, and an axial bore extending from a point adjacent the bottom end of the tool body to an upper terminal point in a higher portion of the tool body. The bore is closed off at its bottom end by a disk-shaped wall. A particulate waste entry aperture in the wall surrounding the axial bore is located adjacent the bottom end of the tool body, and an exit aperture is located higher in the tool body. Drive-receiving means is located at the upper end of the tool body. A housing, in which the tool body is rotatably secured with an airtight seal, encloses the portion of the tool body in which the exit aperture is located. The housing provides a space that completely encircles the tool body, and is in communication with the exit aperture at all times. The housing has an outlet opening that can be operatively connected with a conventional suction source and waste disposal system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventors: Mark R. Manos, David Kendzior
  • Patent number: D405679
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Robert E. Almblad
  • Patent number: D418338
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Christos Livieratos
  • Patent number: D419008
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Christos Livieratos