Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Niro, Scavone, Haller & Niro
  • Semi-passive keyless entry method and device
    Patent number: 6359348
    Abstract: A remote keyless entry system including a keyless fob having a transmitter for remote transmission of a semi-passive function control signal to an automobile in which the user does not have to manually actuate the fob while it transitions with the user from a point outside of its range with respect to the automobile to a point within its range. The user need only actuate the semi-passive signal transmission once and it is repetitively transmitted for a given amount of time whereby the trunk lid for example of the user's automobile will open as the user and the keyless fob move into a predetermined range from the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald O. King
  • Automatic shutoff device for filtered bottled water dispenser
    Patent number: 6354344
    Abstract: An automatic filter shutoff device removably connected to a water container and in fluid communication with a water dispenser, which is adapted to monitor water dispensing and disable dispensing after a predetermined amount of water usage. The device includes a housing containing a water filter and removably connected to the water container; a monitoring and disabling mechanism having a shutoff apparatus moveable between first and second locations, the first location being one in which water dispensing is monitored by the mechanism, and the second location being one in which the mechanism is placed in an interfering position with the connection between the housing and the water container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Michael Pluta, Steven A. Griffin, Howard Meinert, Michael S. Marszalec, Edward Donselman
  • Scissors worklight
    Patent number: 6354720
    Abstract: A portable worklight having at least two base sections that are operable between open and closed positions. The base sections are pivotally connected and when in a closed position, the base sections nest together. When in an open position, the base sections support said worklight in an upright position by providing opposingly located support sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Regent Lighting Corporation
    Inventors: M. Gary Grossman, Pei Sheng Qian, Brian L. Spitler
  • Vehicle navigation system with route updating feature
    Patent number: 6351709
    Abstract: A vehicle navigation system includes an update module that provides travel advisory information on a real time basis. The update module receives traffic advisory signals such as intelligent highway system signals, safety warning system signals and specially encoded traffic reports from radio stations. The travel advisory signals are utilized by the navigation system to provide a route guidance strategy to a driver that is not limited by the information from a prestored map database. While travelling, the update module continues to provide information that is utilized to generate an updated route as appropriate. Additionally, the vehicle navigation system preferably includes the ability to generate a beacon signal indicating that the vehicle is in a position or condition that presents a potential traffic hazard to other drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. King, Stephen J. Learman, Steven R. Keyes
  • System and method for implementing a mortgage plan
    Patent number: 6345262
    Abstract: A system and method for implementing a mortgage plan. Data is input to a computer system regarding the mortgage terms, and the computer system is used to prepare a mortgage document which creates an equity participation mortgage obligation in which the lender shares in a predetermined percentage of realized appreciation on the subsequent sale of the asset which is the subject of the mortgage. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this mortgage plan can provide the borrower with an interest-free loan, a faster amortization schedule, and a larger, yet more affordable mortgage. The lender also receives substantial benefits, including the potential for a return which exceeds conventional mortgage rate returns, insulation from risk against interest rate fluctuation, and preferred tax treatment in the form of capital gains tax rates paid only upon the subsequent sale of the mortgaged asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Martin P. Madden
  • Easy open package for food items such as loaves of processed cheese
    Patent number: 6339912
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed package for food items, such as loaves of processed cheese, employing plastic film with serrated ends and an accessible tear strip, which together provide points of focus for easy opening of the package without unwanted tearing or undesirable contamination of the food item. A process for forming this package also forms part of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Schreiber Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Fahs, David Sullivan, Michael Nooyen
  • Display system with automatic and manual brightness control
    Patent number: 6337675
    Abstract: A display system provides automatic and manual brightness control. A brightness controller varies the luminance of the display based upon ambient light as sensed by an ambient light sensor. The brightness control varies the luminance of the display between the minimum luminance at a minimum illuminance to a maximum luminance at a maximum illuminance. Preferably, a user input device selectively varies the maximum illuminance at which the display displays said maximum luminance and selectively alters the minimum luminance which is displayed at the minimum illuminance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, INC
    Inventors: Daniel Toffolo, Silviu Palalau
  • Compacting system and refuse vehicle
    Patent number: 6332745
    Abstract: An automated refuse vehicle that provides a fast-return cycle for an engaged container, and a series of “lock-out” zones to minimize the possibility of damaging the vehicle during automated use. Methods for using an automated compacting system and for operating the refuse vehicle also form part of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Galion Solid Waste Equipment Co.
    Inventors: Charles A. Duell, Thomas E. Pfeifer, Larry D. Horning
  • Foldable worklight with translucent lens
    Patent number: 6328460
    Abstract: The invention is a portable worklight that includes a housing, bulb, support base and a translucent lens covering a light emitting opening defined by the housing. Use of the translucent lens eliminates glare and shadowing by diffusing or randomly scattering light emitted from the bulb. In addition, the housing and support base may be configured such that the housing is rotatably mounted to the support base and the support base is further configured to allow the housing to be folded within the support base. This reduces the overall size of the light when it is placed in a stored position. The light may further include a male electrical jack that is used to provided power to the device by coupling an electrical cord to the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Regent Lighting Corporation
    Inventors: Gary M. Grossman, Michael Ballone, Thomas Van Dyk, John Kiely
  • Oil dip stick wiper
    Patent number: 6327737
    Abstract: A dip-stick cleaner attachable to a dip-stick handle having an oil absorbent pad which is used to remove oil from a dip-stick. The apparatus also includes a clip having a first end and a second end with the first end of said clip including a latch having a handle which activates the latch between an open position and a closed position. The second end of the clip is adapted to rotatably connect the pad to said clip and the combination with the clip function as a handle for the removal of the dip-stick. Moreover, the clip is releasable from the dip-stick handle to allow the pad to be used to clean the dip-stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Kevin D. Dunnebacke
  • Process for detecting low abundance RNA in intact cells
    Patent number: 6329152
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for detecting the presence of a target mRNA in an intact cell. The process includes the steps of (a) fixing and permeabilizing with a non- or weakly-crosslinking reagent the cell in the presence of a plurality of oligonucleotide probes, wherein each probe (i) contains about 15 to about 30 nucleotides, (ii) is labeled with a detectable marker, (iii) has a matched Tm of greater than about 60° C., and (iv) specifically hybridizes to a different contiguous region of an open reading frame in the target mRNA with the provisos that each probe does not hybridize to itself, does not hybridize to any other probe and does not hybridize to a contiguous sequence of (A)n9 (C)n9 (G)n or (U)n in the target mRNA where n is an integer greater than 5; (b) removing unhybridized probes from the cell; and (c) measuring the detectable label in the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Bruce K. Patterson
  • Automotive windshield molding with adhesive and releasable film
    Patent number: 6328368
    Abstract: A molding assembly with an adhesive and a releasable tape or film is disclosed. The adhesive is preferably placed upon the inner face of the tail of the molding so as to contact the auto body as opposed to the windshield frame, thus avoiding seepage into the pinch well. The invention further preferably comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive that bonds the molding to vehicle body without the need for curing or other processing. A second preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive and releasable tape disposed on the inner face of the molding body for facilitating the immediate in situ bonding between the molding and the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Dorcas & Kalam Co.
    Inventors: Ken Tu Liu, Bruce A. Randall
  • PIR device
    Patent number: 6326622
    Abstract: An outdoor light using a motion sensor that activates the light when motion is sensed by changes in the infrared signal detected. The device uses a passive infrared detector network to sense infrared and to produce an analog signal in response to said infrared detected which is then passed through an amplifier to a signal controlled oscillator. The signal is converted into a digital signal which is used to detect motion by a logic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Regent Lighting Corporation
    Inventor: Jeff Duve
  • System and method for treating select tissue in a living being
    Patent number: 6327492
    Abstract: A computerized imaging system (such as CAT scan, MRI imaging, ultrasound imaging, infrared, X-ray, UV/visible light fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy or microwave imaging) is employed to sense the position of an endoscopic treatment system within the body of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the system provides real-time computer control to maintain and adjust the position of the treatment system and/or the position of the patient relative to the treatment system; and also provides (if desired) real-time computer control of the operation of the treatment system itself. Other embodiments include scanning mechanisms for directing laser light or other radiation under controlled conditions at select locations within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Jerome Lemelson
  • Outdoor lamp
    Patent number: 6322234
    Abstract: A lighting system mountable to a support surface that comprises a mounting bracket and a light housing having a lens attached thereto. A bulb is located within the lens and the mounting bracket includes a first support point and a second support point. The housing also has a portion adapted to releasably engage the support points found on the mounting bracket in a sequential manner. In so doing, the first support point is engaged which allows the housing to pivot on the first support point. Next, the second support point is engaged which allows the housing to be secured to the mounting bracket in a fixed relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Regent Lighting Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Drake, Brian Spitler
  • Electronic expansion valve control system
    Patent number: 6321549
    Abstract: A process and method for monitoring and selectively controlling the capacity and operating conditions of a refrigeration unit is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention includes the adjustment of the electronic expansion valve, and the compressor cylinder banks through the adjustment of desired superheat levels in order to bring a transport refrigeration unit within desired operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: John Robert Reason, Mead Robert Rusert, Douglas Herbert Morse, Thomas Edward Brendel
  • Integrated electronic refrigerant management system
    Patent number: 6318100
    Abstract: A process and method for monitoring and selectively controlling the capacity and power demand within a transport unit is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention teaches the combined controls of an electronic suction modulation valve, and electronic expansion valve, and/or an electronic hot gas valve in communication with a microcontroller and a number of sensors in order to monitor and control power consumption and capacity, preferably without the use or presence of compressor unloaders, mechanical throttling devices, or other mechanical power control devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Brendel, John Robert Reason, Douglas Herbert Morse, L. Thomas Lane, Mead Robert Rusert
  • System and method for treating select tissue in a living being
    Patent number: 6321106
    Abstract: A computerized imaging system (such as CAT scan, MRI imaging, ultrasound imaging, infrared, X-ray, UV/visible light fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy or microwave imaging) is employed to sense the position of an endoscopic treatment system within the body of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the system provides real-time computer control to maintain and adjust the position of the treatment system and/or the position of the patient relative to the treatment system; and also provides (if desired) real-time computer control of the operation of the treatment system itself. Other embodiments include scanning mechanisms for directing laser light or other radiation under controlled conditions at select locations within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Jerome Lemelson
  • Diverter valve
    Patent number: 6311727
    Abstract: A valve having a port defining a first internal passageway and a body portion defining a second internal passageway. Also provided is a first aperture and an opposingly located second aperture which are in communication with the second passageway. The first aperture is adapted to permit water to flow into the livewell for recirculation and the second aperture is adapted to permit water to pump out of the livewell. A diverter is position in the location where the internal passageways merge. The diverter is moveable between first and second positions. In the first position, the diverter directs water flow through the first aperture and prevents water from flowing through the second aperture to effectuate recirculation. In the second position, the diverter directs the flow of water through the second aperture and prevents water from flowing through the first aperture to effectuate pump out of the livewell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Auto PC firewall
    Patent number: 6314351
    Abstract: A vehicle computer system provides a firewall between an auto PC and its application software and the vehicle bus and vehicle components. The firewall prevents unauthorized access by software in the auto PC to the vehicle bus and vehicle components. Preferably, the firewall utilizes encryption technology within the handshake between the auto PC software and firewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Chutorash