Patents by Inventor Herbert W. Copelan

Herbert W. Copelan has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6620384
    Abstract: An improved double handhold to prevent urine-test cheating. The device restrictively engages each of a subject's hands so that neither is free to insert a false specimen into a container. The container is housed in one of the two hollow, single-handhold units that assemble end-to-end to form the double handhold and enclose the container. Before separating the two units for access to the container, the subject grasps each handhold and does not let go until after voiding and reassembling the device. Each handhold unit has contact sensors to detect one hand's engagement. An assembly sensor on each unit detects its separation from the other unit. A signal on each unit indicates any breach of hand restriction that occurs while the units are separate. The subject, therefore, can not secretly use a hand to insert a false specimen. Previous handhold apparatus used a latch system to require hand engagement to separate and reassemble the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Herbert W. Copelan
  • Publication number: 20030129096
    Abstract: An improved double handhold to prevent urine-test cheating. The device restrictively engages each of a subject's hands so that neither is free to insert a false specimen into a container. The container is housed in one of the two hollow, single-handhold units that assemble end-to-end to form the double handhold and enclose the container. Before separating the two units for access to the container, the subject grasps each handhold and does not let go until after voiding and reassembling the device. Each handhold unit has contact sensors to detect one hand's engagement. An assembly sensor on each unit detects its separation from the other unit. A signal on each unit indicates any breach of hand restriction that occurs while the units are separate. The subject, therefore, can not secretly use a hand to insert a false specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Herbert W. Copelan
  • Patent number: 6331278
    Abstract: A self-contained double handhold that is a complete device for preventing a subject's hands from putting a false specimen into a container. Previous hand-restricting apparatus was too cumbersome and unwieldy to be used. The present device is practical. It is about the size and shape of a tall water tumbler. The double handhold consists of two independently operable, hollow units, each of which restricts one hand. The units telescope part way together to secure the container inside and must be separated to allow access to it. Locking the units together requires only one latch, but the device uses two latches, each controlled by a different one of the two units. Thus, both hands must be engaged at the same time to open the two latches, separate the units, expose the container, and reassemble the two units. The container is housed in the lumen of one unit, which is held naturally in the hand. When the units are separated, access to the container is almost as direct and convenient as with a free container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: Herbert W. Copelan
  • Patent number: 5603903
    Abstract: This invention is a container holder that eliminates the potential of hand-restricting apparatus to cause cross contamination of urine specimens collected with the apparatus. The holder has a dismountable element (7) to directly support a specimen container (3). It has a fixed element (8) to temporarily position the dismountable one. The fixed element is a permanent part of the apparatus but safely distant from, and out of the direction of, possible soiling by voided urine. The dismountable element is discarded after a single use, unlike the previously taught apparatus, in which the entire holder is a fixed unit of the apparatus, continually reused, and a potential source of contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Herbert W. Copelan
  • Patent number: 5526568
    Abstract: To provide the advantages of optional oblique shaving while retaining the advantages of conventional, perpendicular shaving, a razor is provided with a conventional, disposable razor blade unit; a joint that allows the blade unit to be held either at the conventional perpendicular position or at one, specific oblique angle; and a switching mechanism that allows convenient and safe conversion from either angle to the other. The mechanism is controlled by the hand holding the razor, without changing the hand's position and without interrupting shaving. A safety brake prevents a change in angle when the blade unit is in close contact with the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Herbert W. Copelan
  • Patent number: 5223221
    Abstract: This invention is a method and means to prevent tampering when urine specimens are donated for testing and to do so without violating privacy. The method is to require that the hands of the donor subject be continuously engaged while the specimen container is exposed, so as not to allow the subject's hands the physical freedom necessary to introduce a false specimen into a urine container. The mans of the invention is a device that ensures that the engagement is properly followed or that shows any failure to comply. The preferred device consists of a container holder with two separate parts that lock together to make a container inaccessible to a subject. The process of hand engagement unlocks the two parts to make the container accessible. Disengagement of the hand restriction while the two units are separated relocks the mechanism and blocks reassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventor: Herbert W. Copelan
  • Patent number: 5133935
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and a test area to prevent tampering in the collection of specimens for substance abuse testing from a subject utilizing a specimen collection container. More particularly, the present invention prevents the substitution of the subject by another person and prevents the subject from introducing a previously obtained and concealed false specimen while minimizing intrusion on the subject's privacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Inventor: Herbert W. Copelan
  • Patent number: 5039616
    Abstract: This invention provides a method and a test area to prevent tampering in the collection of specimens for substance abuse testing from a subject utilizing a specimen collection container. More particularly, the present invention prevents the substitution of the subject by another person and prevents the subject from introducing a previously obtained and concealed false specimen while minimizing intrusion on the subject's privacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventor: Herbert W. Copelan