Patents Represented by Attorney Michael R. McKenna
  • Patent number: 5817962
    Abstract: A self-aligning bass drum beater that allows the drummer to play without the need to make any adjustments to the beater. Because it is self-aligning, it remains centered when impacting the bass drum head, producing maximum sound projection. The beater also has two different contact surfaces 180.degree. apart which may be selectively rotated to create different sounds when striking the head of a bass drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Eric J. Behrenfeld
  • Patent number: 5807042
    Abstract: The invention relates to a key making machine that automatically extracts characteristics of an object key without human intervention. An object key is automatically aligned, key characteristics extracted and compared with known key manufacturers' information stored in memory, an appropriate key blank in a robotically accessible inventory is selected, cut, deburred, and automatically dispensed to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventors: Robert Almblad, John Blin, Paul Jurczak
  • Patent number: 5768829
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a temporary corridor, to cover a walkway or the like, comprising easily transportable elements that can be quickly erected and disassembled on a selected site by one person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventors: Michael G. Thompson, Lee A. Bowman
  • Patent number: 5752371
    Abstract: A bag loading device for sorting and storing in bags various medicaments and the like having a plurality of independently pivotable elongated funnels arranged longitudinally in two parallel rows. The funnels can be positioned for easy placement of a collecting bag on the discharge end and pivoted to disposed the bag underneath the funnel and secure it for filling--all within a framed unit which allows for multiple bags simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Joel N. Mosley
  • Patent number: 5743415
    Abstract: A mountable holder for hair appliances comprising a base which may be mounted to a door or a wall, appliance securing members selectively mounted in discrete locking positions allowing access to the hair appliances to be personalized ergonomically to the characteristics of the user.The present invention discloses a novel connecting system comprising male connectors and complementary female means for receiving which allow for angularly distinct locking positions relative to a securely positioned base.Moreover, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides a heat resistant tube or inner sleeve employed for the tube of an appliance securing member to safely contain the heated barrel of a curling iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Kirsten Ann Smart
  • Patent number: 5732945
    Abstract: A toy maze comprising a container with a ball having a plurality of passage levels with vertically extending wall segments forming passageways. Each level is separated by a tray having a plurality of apertures, some of which are trap-holes with a mechanism for limiting the movement of the ball to only one direction.In a preferred embodiment of the toy maze of the present invention, the mechanism for limiting the movement of the ball to only one direction comprises at least one flexible flap which flexes to permit the ball to pass through an aperture from one level to the next level and resiliently blocks reverse movement of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph M. Sofia
  • Patent number: 5712618
    Abstract: An automatic signaling device for a vehicle which automatically initiates a warning signal to pedestrians and to other vehicles in connection with lane changes and upon turns. The present invention is activated and de-activated automatically providing significant safety advantages for all of those using the roads and highways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Michael R. McKenna
  • Patent number: 5709412
    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: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: John P. Vadas
  • Patent number: 5695477
    Abstract: A safety needle system for use with a hollow syringe-like body which uses a needle for aspirating, injecting or collecting having a reciprocal guide for linearly guiding the needle into and out of operable engagement with the syringe-like body. The needle safety system permits the controlled release of a used needle so that it can be placed safely in a receptacle without danger of it going elsewhere. The structure also permits the reuse of the hollow syringe-like body. The needle safety system can be retrofitted onto existing syringe-like bodies or incorporated into syringe-like bodies during manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: John Sfikas
  • Patent number: 5695191
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new transportable konane game with a pouch that opens into a playable flat surface and new rules of play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Christopher Frost
  • Patent number: 5647253
    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 means to drive the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Juraj Pozek
  • Patent number: 5625500
    Abstract: A hitching mirror for viewing a hitch at the rear of a towing vehicle includes a first panel having a lower reflective surface, a second panel with a suction cup for securing the hitching mirror to a rear window and an incremental adjuster for incrementally adjusting the position of the reflective surface relative to the hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Bruce Ackerman
  • Patent number: 5547080
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool box that has a lid that may be unobstructedly opened while the box is suspended by its own hanger from a horizontal member of a scaffold. Moreover, the tool box is designed to block rotation of the box while suspended, so that it may be opened, closed, and accessed while remaining out of the way in its hanging position on the scaffold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph J. Klimas
  • Patent number: 5526728
    Abstract: A self-aligning bass drum beater that allows the drummer to play without the need to make any adjustments to the beater. Because it is self-aligning, it remains centered when impacting the bass drum head, producing maximum sound projection.The beater also has two different contact surfaces 180.degree. apart which may be selectively rotated to create different sounds wren striking the head of a bass drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Eric J. Behrenfeld
  • Patent number: 5511535
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved barbecue grill having a means for retarding excessive flame. In combination with a portable barbecue grill that has a kettle, an automatic means for distributing water onto an excessive flame activated by a photodetector that senses light from the excessive flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventors: Peter H. Landstrom, Thomas Carpenter
  • Patent number: 5489452
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and manufacture of creating an ornamental miniature tree comprising a decorated pine cone that has been treated with a fire retardant, strung with miniature holiday lights and uprightly attached to a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Leonard S. Case, Jr.
  • Patent number: D380428
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: James L. Mayers, Jr.
  • Patent number: D385688
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Jessica Renee Clausell
  • Patent number: D389516
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Joel Gordon Delman
  • Patent number: D391084
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Bruce Armour