Patents by Inventor Milan Dennis Earl

Milan Dennis Earl 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).

  • Publication number: 20090250368
    Abstract: A closeable container for storing and protecting materials having moveable internal partitions extending radially and longitudinally creating at least two independent adjustable internal chambers within which stored materials are kept separated and are individually accessed for adding and dispensing purposes. In a substantially cylindrical embodiment of the instant device, separators forming the internal compartments are rotatable, thereby allowing self-adjustment of the volume of the internal compartments to accommodate materials of differing sizes, shapes and quantities. The weight and size of the confined materials force the compartments of the container to automatically adjust volume when added or dispensed. Means are presented which preclude commingling of materials between compartments during access. Transparent sides facilitate identification of stored materials within the chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Milan Dennis Earl, Brian Woodland Earl
  • Patent number: 7255305
    Abstract: An efficient flying device having flapping wings, an ornithopter, which uses many of the principles seen in bird flight, is presented herein. The wings are highly flexible, translationally stable and oscillate as a natural pendulum. Described as a springboard, the wings have a singular natural frequency, and a pumping means drives the wings at that frequency. Feedback means are described by which to accomplish this, whereby deflection of the wing affects an escapement mechanism which controls the timing and direction of the pumping means. Wing design is described whereby camber, flexure, torsion and directionality of wing components affect efficient propulsion, lift and differential reactivity with air during downstrokes and upstrokes. A crook element in the wing spar at a location proximal to the body of the device redirects vertical oscillation to horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Milan Dennis Earl, Rebecca A. Earl
  • Patent number: 6672799
    Abstract: Durable flat panels are connectable at their edges and are of appropriate shape and dimension to be quickly and simply assembled and secured into a closed hollow prismatic module configuration. A dense fill material is loaded onto the bottom panel prior to closure providing mass for strength and stability against impacts. The flat panels may be hingeably interconnected and foldable to optionally form a compact stackable configuration for storage and transport. A multiplicity of such modules may be positioned and connected to form a continuous massive wall for such uses as reducing damaging wave action, preventing beach erosion, directing water in flood areas, and providing highway barriers for guidance and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Milan Dennis Earl
  • Publication number: 20030234195
    Abstract: A closeable container for storing and protecting materials having internal partitions extending radially and longitudinally creating at least two independent adjustable internal chambers within which stored materials are kept separated and are individually accessed for adding and dispensing purposes. In a substantially cylindrical embodiment of the instant device, separators forming the internal compartments are rotatable, thereby allowing adjustment of the volume of the internal compartments to accommodate dimensionally or quantitatively differing material. The compartments of the container automatically adjust volume as materials are added or dispensed. A variety of access means are presented which preclude commingling of materials between compartments during access. Transparent sides facilitate identification of stored materials within the chambers. The device is simple in design and inexpensive to produce and is envisioned to have a wide variety of uses for convenient and efficient storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Milan Dennis Earl, Brian Woodland Earl
  • Publication number: 20030035690
    Abstract: Durable flat panels are connectable at their edges and are of appropriate shape and dimension to be quickly and simply assembled and secured into a closed hollow prismatic module configuration. A dense fill material is loaded onto the bottom panel prior to closure providing mass for strength and stability against impacts. The flat panels may be hingeably interconnected and foldable to optionally form a compact stackable configuration for storage and transport. A multiplicity of such modules may be positioned and connected to form a continuous massive wall for such uses as reducing damaging wave action, preventing beach erosion, directing water in flood areas, and providing highway barriers for guidance and safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Milan Dennis Earl
  • Patent number: 6375530
    Abstract: A flexible elongate support (1) communicating a singular pliable tailfin (2) at an end is made to flap by upward and downward force from a swimmer's legs and midsection, thereby propelling the swimmer and device in a forward direction. The swimmer inserts legs into rearward lever element (3) and forward cradle (6) which adjustably communicate with elongate support (1) at locations substantially aligning with the feet and thigh areas of a swimmer longitudinally juxtaposed to the device and provide pivot locations about which the swimmer's legs use leverage to forcibly cause tailfin (2) to displace sequentially upward and downward. Flexible elongate support 1 provides a recoil restoring force when distorted from equilibrium during a stroke, which increases efficiency and assists the swimmer in causing tailfin (2) to flap in a manner similar to the action of aquatic creatures such as dolphins and whales.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Milan Dennis Earl
  • Patent number: 6193466
    Abstract: A propulsion device having fins rotating in opposing directions which are adjustable to avoid collision yet which provide opposing strokes similar to fishtails. At least one adjustable fin is connected at an end of a rotatable hollow primary axle which coaxially encompasses a secondary rotatable axle extending a distance from the end of the primary axle and having at least one adjustable fin at that end. Primary fins are adjusted distally during their trust segment of rotation and secondary fins are adjusted proximally during their thrust segment of rotation to enter a common thrust sweep zone. Fins are adjusted in a timed relationship to provide thrust while occupying the thrust sweep zone and thereafter adjusted out of the thrust sweep zone to avoid collision with opposing fins. Fins are additionally adjusted to assume a low resistance configuration during non thrust segments of rotation in order to reduce drag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Milan Dennis Earl
  • Patent number: 5802608
    Abstract: A device which improves the method for identifying athletes during sporting activities, particularly practices and physical education classes, comprised of a wide colored garment worn around the midsection of the participant. An elastic belt having cloth panels attached and hanging therefrom is pulled around the waist of the participant and fastened by means of hook and loop or other simple attachment. It provides freedom of motion when worn, while being easy to put on and remove. The highly visible surface area is nearly continuous and allows teachers, referees, participants, scorers, coaches, fans, and the like to differentiate between the various athletes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Milan Dennis Earl