Patents Represented by Attorney Ralph R. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4662149
    Abstract: This invention provides apparatus and a method for forming, filling, sealing and cutoff of a package in which a thermoform film rigid bottom member is formed in a forming station adjustably positioned on a base. A loading station and a sealing station like the forming station, also adjustably positioned, are also provided. Both the forming and sealing stations have an adjusting guide means in which the roll supply is carried on a tubular support and the guides are carried on a hingedly secured threaded rod. The lower film and sealing cover as a strip are advanced by edge clamp means, with a first pair of clamps adjustably positioned and carried by a support and a second pair of clamps adjustably positioned on a support reciprocably moved along slide rails by a rotary actuator with an actuated drag link and crank arm. The acceleration and deceleration are produced by the drag link and alternate clamping and unclamping of the strip by valve means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Inventor: Joel A. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 4655750
    Abstract: A catheter system is provided for the introduction and placement of a flexible catheter into the lumen of an artery or vein. A guide wire is provided and is kept in a sterile condition within a flexible bag-like enclosure attached to the hub of a needle. The needle is hollow and is sharpened in the usual manner and is secured in a hub to provide a needle assembly. This hub is provided with a skirt and extends through this hub and into flow communication with a "flashback" chamber. In one embodiment, the needle is connected to a tubular member having a transverse hole near its interior end, and in another embodiment the needle's inner end is in flow communication with a channel or annular groove in a centering plug. In every embodiment, there is a centering plug which provides a guideway for the guide wire which is positioned in this guideway to prevent fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Manresa, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent L. Vaillancourt
  • Patent number: 4653927
    Abstract: A rotary air roller vibrator is depicted in which a housing has a cylindrical bore closed by two inner end plates which form a chamber. An axial shaft is fixed between these end plates and has a longitudinally disposed slot within which is slideably mounted a vane having a plurality of formed side-opening slots that are opened when the vane is lifted under the influence of pressurized air. A cylindrical rotor having an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft is also sized so that the outer diameter is carried on two races pressed into place at the ends of the housing. These races are sized to prevent the rotor from striking the shaft. Each of these end plates has outer exhaust apertures arrayed in a three-quarter circle pattern and in secured position these apertures are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Inventor: Theodore S. Wadensten
  • Patent number: 4652256
    Abstract: A catheter system is provided for the introduction and placement of a flexible catheter into the lumen of an artery or vein. A guide wire is provided and is kept in a sterile condition within a flexible bag-like enclosure attached to the hub of a needle. The needle is hollow and is sharpened in the usual manner and is secured in a hub to provide a needle assembly. This hub is provided with a skirt and extends through this hub and into flow communication with a "flashback" chamber. In one embodiment, the needle has a side transverse hole in its interior end, and in another embodiment the needle's inner end is in flow communication with a tapered recess in the needle hub which provides a guideway for the guide wire which, when it enters the needle, prevents blood flow. The guide wire is manipulated forwardly by grasping the wire through the bag-like enclosure and advanced forwardly by "feel" and into the lumen after penetration has been made as indicated by the "flashback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Manresa, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent L. Vaillancourt
  • Patent number: 4636313
    Abstract: There is shown and described a tubular flexible filter membrane disposed within a flexible conductor such as IV tubing. This flexible filter membrane is sufficiently smaller in its outer diameter than the inner diameter of the flexible conductor so that a space is provided for the flow of fluid. This flexible filter is hydrophilic and has one end closed to exclude fluid flow to the interior of the filter. The other end of this filter membrane is secured to a tubular conductor and at this secured portion is made non-conductive as to gas and fluid flow through the filter wall. A method of attaching this filter membrane end by heating the thermoplastic filter membrane so as to cause thinning of the wall of the filter membrane and making this thinned portion non-conductive as to gas flow is shown. Potting, using polyurethane compounds, may be used but is time-consuming and costly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: Vincent L. Vaillancourt
  • Patent number: 4619447
    Abstract: This invention is an improved concept of the clamp shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,736,629, as issued June 5, 1973. This clamping device has two C-shaped arms, each of which is an assembly of two plate-like members of sheet metal. These two arm assemblies are pivotally retained at one end with the plate-like members in an overlay condition. A pivot pin has an enlarged center portion which acts as a spacer and has two eccentric cam areas sized and spaced to actuate apertures formed in one of the arm pairs. Shouldered rivets retain these arm assemblies in spaced array and a stop pin secured in this pivot pin has a length sufficient to engage a secured rivet. At one limit of movement of the stop pin, the cam areas move one arm assembly to a maximum clamping force and, at the other limit of movement of the stop pin, the cam areas are in a reduced-force application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Inventor: John B. Blake
  • Patent number: 4617012
    Abstract: This connection apparatus shows two arrangements for receiving a connector assembly of effluent and influent halves, with this apparatus providing for the transfer and alignment of the connected halves. These assembled halves are brought to the apparatus and the halves are manipulated to effect separation, after which the effluent connector half is moved to bring the effluent connector half into alignment and axial coincidence with a new and sterile influent connector half. By and through manipulation, the halves are secured into a fluid-tight condition whereat the fluid may be caused to flow through the connected halves. In a first arrangement, the apparatus includes a sliding action, with the apparatus having a tongue-and-groove construction. The other arrangement utilizes a rotary action, with a disc-like member associated with a cup-like member. Relative movement of the two members is made to effect the transfer and alignment of the effluent and influent halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Manresa, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent L. Vaillancourt
  • Patent number: 4615066
    Abstract: A backscratcher and backscrubber apparatus having a removable and replaceable sponge member is disposed for use with water and the like. This device includes a molded handle member of plastic having a stem portion substantially impervious to water and/or soap used therewith, this handle having an enlarged head portion in which there is provided and formed a through aperture providing a retaining ring-like or rim portion which is integral with a handle portion. The formed aperture is adapted to receive and retain a sponge configurated and sized to be manipulated into a retaining position and condition within the aperture. A first guideway is formed in the rim portion, with this guideway a substantially circular bore whose axis passes substantially through the axis of the aperture and opposite the exit of the guideway is a chamber retaining bore in alignment therewith and providing a second guideway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Inventor: Aldo Colognori
  • Patent number: 4610683
    Abstract: This suction needle device is used to transfer liquids such as cytotoxic drugs from a stoppered container to a syringe. This device has a sharpened needle which is conventionally attached to a hub. A housing is adapted and is mounted on the shank of this needle and a tubular sleeve is disposed in a telescope fashion around this shank and one end of the sleeve is secured in this housing. The stopper is disposed to be entered by the sharpened needle and sleeve and provides a seal when so penetrated. A crimping tool provides opposed and longitudinally displaced localized crimps to deform the sleeve to the extent that a positive engagement with the shank of the needle is made. The crimps are limited enough to provide positive securing of the sleeve without bending or otherwise affecting the interior capacity of the needle. The shank of the needle is sealed against exterior air reaching the conduit between the outer diameter of the needle and inner diameter of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: MANRESA, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent L. Vaillancourt
  • Patent number: 4605404
    Abstract: There are shown two configurations of a disposable pad particularly for panty hose. Each pad is secured by a self-stick adhesive (three strips shown) to the inner surface of the crotch of the panty hose. This pad is made with an impervious backing sheet to which a pair of fill members is secured as by localized areas of heat-welding, laser-welding and the like. Preferably, these fill members are treated to provide indicators and are abutted at the longitudinal midpoint of the pads. A release sheet is furnished to protect the self-stick adhesive until time of use. The release sheet, the backing sheet and fill members are die-cut and provide exterior edges whereat the fill portions are exposed to provide a soft surface to the user. Four notches are formed in the edge portions of the pad to assist in placement and attachment of the pad to the undergarment. These notches assist in bending the pad and also provide straddling of seams produced in the sewing of the panty hose as a complete garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Inventor: Vincent R. Sneider
  • Patent number: 4602661
    Abstract: The invention includes lead forming and trimming apparatus particularly for transistors with a flat side on the body. Such transistors have a plurality of wire leads extending from the bottom of the body. These wire leads are in an alignment and are fed to a guideway between two strips with these strips at a slope sufficient to cause gravitational advancement of the components on their bottom. A finger metering means is provided and is cam actuated so as to cause one finger to be brought in way of the leading wire of a component as the other finger is being withdrawn from in way of a component in the metering station. The die for shaping and trimming consists of two halves moved first toward each other and then away from each other. The die halves are carried by slide supports and are removably mounted on support blocks. The slides are moved by circular cams enclosed in rectangular followers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: Martin G. Heller
    Inventors: Martin G. Heller, Joel Rudder, Stanley J. Olaskowitz
  • Patent number: 4601160
    Abstract: This invention shows two mechanisms for receiving, separating, delivering covers to a gravity chute, and thence to metering and cover-positioning and -pressing means. The feeding of covers may be automatic or may be hand-loaded. One embodiment shows the separation mechanism employing Y-members that are actuated by a reciprocated ring with jaws and guide supports in a common plane. Adjusting means for size and cover thickness, both metal and plastic, is contemplated. The other mechanism utilizes jaw arms that are stacked one above the other and preferably are arranged as four pairs, with upper arm jaws moved by one cycled ring and the lower arm jaws moved by another cycled ring. Vacuum cups remove and carry the removed cover to a gravity chute and a metering and cover-pressing apparatus that provides insured placement of only the forwardmost cover on a traveling container. Orienting means is also contemplated, and plural delivery chutes are shown. A height-adjusting means is also depicted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Inventor: Raymond A. Heisler
  • Patent number: 4600079
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a protector ladder support used in pairs and removably mountable on stiles of a ladder. These protectors have non-slip resilient face portions adapted to engage the means against which the ladder is leaned. These supports have formed slots sized and shaped to receive and retain the rungs of a ladder. These supports have retaining members so that the protectors may be mounted and retained in a selected position. Conventionally, each protector is of sheet metal and the slots are usually at about thirty degrees and have a selected retaining means adapted to engage a rung of a ladder to retain the protector on the ladder stile. In one embodiment a pin or rod is disposed to engage a rung. In yet another embodiment a pivoted hook is disposed to engage a rung of a ladder and in yet a third embodiment a pivoted tab having a sloped engaging edge is adapted to be swung into a retaining condition and position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Inventor: Thomas D. McBride
  • Patent number: 4597194
    Abstract: The specification, drawing and claims disclose an auxiliary member that is selectively mountable and removable from a conventional shoe or boot as and when worn by a user. This auxiliary member is adapted to store and release energy as the user makes a striding motion as when walking, jogging, running or combinations thereof. A boat-like upper member has an attached toe and heel sole portion adapted to fit snugly over and on the lower portion of a shoe or boot of a user. A sole portion extends from the toe and heel portions and is unattached to the sides of said upper member. This sole portion is fixedly attached at and to the toe and heel portions to form a substantially continuous sole protective member which provides an outer contact surface during use. A band portion is disposed above the sole portion and extends between the toe and heel sole portions and is securely attached thereto as by molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Inventor: Boris Schwartz
  • Patent number: 4590814
    Abstract: This invention pertains to induced vibration and the dampening of these vibrations in the motor means. Vibration induced by rotating a shaft having eccentric weights thereon has been used to produce all kinds of shaking apparatus including large car shakers in which the induced force may be as much as eight thousand two hundred pounds. These vibrations can be as much as five thousand six hundred vibrations per minute and can be used for huge bins and hoppers in which the capacity may be as much as one hundred fifty thousand pounds. Vibrators using air, electric or hydraulic motors can be tuned or adjusted to provide the desired results. Most of these vibrators using a tuned motor may be temporarily or permanently attached. Motor driven vibrators, as far as is known, transmits the vibrational force into the shaft of the motor. Said motors, which are usually standard off-the-shelf units have their rotor bearings designed for rotary motion rather than combined with a vibratory force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Inventor: Theodore S. Wadensten
  • Patent number: 4591357
    Abstract: A drug-mixing device is shown and provides a substantially rectangular envelope of flexible plastic. This envelope retains the drug diluent and a concentrate container in a selectively closed condition. The intermediate portions of the envelope are sufficiently flexible to be captured between a lower projecting ring on the bottle and a lower pull tab of resilient material. The upper end of the concentrate container is closed by a resilient cap having a ring thereon. An upper pull tab of resilient material is adapted to be secured to this cap, with an upper portion of the flexible envelope therebetween. Orienting means is provided in the end portions of the bottle and the cap so that rotation as well as lifting of the cap may be achieved with no rupture of the flexible walls of the envelope. Grippping areas are provided on both ends of the envelope for shake mixing. Withdrawal of the mixed drug is conventionally achieved by a syringe and needle through a neck and cover film on the envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Inventor: Vincent R. Sneider
  • Patent number: 4587863
    Abstract: This invention pertains to induced vibration and the dampening of these vibrations in the motor means. Vibration induced by rotating a shaft having eccentric weight thereon has been used to produce all kinds of shaking apparatus including large car shakers in which the induced force may be as much as eight thousand two hundred pounds. These vibrations can be as much as five thousand six hundred vibrations per minute and can be used for huge bins and hoppers in which the capacity may be as much as one hundred fifty thousand pounds. Vibrators using air, electric or hydraulic motors can be tuned or adjusted to provide the desired results. Most of these vibrators using a tuned motor may be temporarily or permanently attached. Motor driven vibrators, as far as is known, transmits the vibrational force into the shaft of the motor. Said motors, which are usually standard off-the-shelf units have their rotor bearings designed for rotary motion rather than combined with or added vibratory force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Inventor: Theodore S. Wadensten
  • Patent number: 4583414
    Abstract: This invention pertains to induced vibration and the dampening of these vibrations in the motor means. Vibration induced by rotating a shaft having eccentric weight thereon has been used to produce all kinds of shaking apparatus including large car shakers in which the induced force may be as much as eight thousand two hundred pounds. These vibrations can be as much as five thousand six hundred vibrations per minute and can be used for huge bins and hoppers in which the capacity may be as much as one hundred fifty thousand pounds. Vibrators using air, electric or hydraulic motors can be tuned or adjusted to provide the desired results. Most of these vibrators using a tuned motor may be temporarily or permanently attached. Motor driven vibrators, as far as is known, transmits the vibrational force into the shaft of the motor. Said motors, which are usually standard off-the-shelf units have their rotor bearings designed for rotary motion rather than combined with or added vibratory force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Inventor: Theodore S. Wadensten
  • Patent number: D288901
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Inventor: Paul Zamek
  • Patent number: D288918
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Inventor: Francis J. Schulte