Having Handle, Intermediate Hook, And End Fulcrum Patents (Class 81/3.57)
  • Patent number: 9415987
    Abstract: The invention herein provides for a tab lifting and leveraging device for opening a pop top or pull top container wherein said pop top or pull top container is of hand held size and having a sealed opening and a lift tab located on its top surface. Said tab lifting and leveraging device of the invention herein comprising a planar length of solid durable material having at least a length and a width. Said device further having a bottom edge, a top edge, a proximate side edge, a distal side edge, a prying element, a rear groove, a recessed fulcrum point, and a handle. When in use, said prying element is fitted through said lift tab and lifted at a given angle against the container surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Cox
  • Patent number: 9114968
    Abstract: A device for opening bottles and cans that is designed to efficiently engage and remove crown bottle caps through the single motion of grabbing a bottle with one hand, consisting of metal, wood, plastic or other composite material 100, configured as a lever with a ring 103 joined to a finger platform 101 with a rocker 102 opposite an inverted hook 106 with a flat area to seat the bottle cap 104, a tapered point 107, and a magnet 105.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Andrew Manger
  • Patent number: 9038503
    Abstract: Tools (100) are provided for use in uncapping one or more of a plurality of linearly-oriented, spaced-apart tubes; each cap having a cap upper surface with a depression. The tools comprise a body (30) having first portion (40) for engagement by a user and a second portion (50) for engaging a plurality of caps. The second portion comprises a plurality of spaced-apart projections (60). Each projection is configured for releasably engaging a cap. The projection may comprise two or more spaced-apart projection elements (62,64). Optionally, the first portion is configured in a non-coplanar relationship with respect to the second portion. Methods of use are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Cheryl A. Bartholomew, Jason W. Bjork, Neil Percy, Gregory W. Sitton
  • Patent number: 8950030
    Abstract: A combination handle clamp, beverage bottle and can opener having a generally curved shaped body and integral attachment point to allow connection to other personal item such as a key ring. A secondary and tertiary integral curved section form a pair of loading points for fixing open a handle-trigger assembly and incorporate a gripping edge to facilitate opening a crimped or vacuum sealed bottle top. The tertiary curved section additionally functions as a second clamp position for the larger handles and also doubles as a pry mechanism to assist opening a pop-top can. The said gripping edge of the invention which contacts with said bottle top to be constructed of a durable material that won't abrade from its intended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventors: Robert M. Kristiansen, Michael Tornabe
  • Patent number: 8925423
    Abstract: A retractable bottle opener with a wearable wrist band coupled to a wrist-arm area of a user, a first end positioned proximal to the wrist area of the user, and a second end positioned on a forearm of the user, and a bottle opener coupled to the wearable wrist band. The opener has a first end, a second end, an opener length separating the first and second ends of the bottle opener, a working surface shaped to engage with a bottle, and a handle portion. Further, the retractable bottle has a storage position along an opener translation path with both the working surface and the handle portion disposed at least one of along the forearm of the user and proximal to the wrist area of the user and an operational position along the opener translation path with both the working surface and the handle portion disposed in a user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Bottle Ops
    Inventor: Anthony John Rotolo
  • Publication number: 20150000471
    Abstract: A device for opening bottles and cans that is designed to efficiently engage and remove crown bottle caps through the single motion of grabbing a bottle with one hand, consisting of metal, wood, plastic or other composite material 100, configured as a lever with a ring 103 joined to a finger platform 101 with a rocker 102 opposite an inverted hook 106 with a flat area to seat the bottle cap 104, a tapered point 107, and a magnet 105
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Andrew Manger
  • Patent number: 8726764
    Abstract: A sommelier's corkscrew having an elongated first shaft (1) hingedly connected at one end with a second shaft (2) including a tool (2.1) for opening crown caps and an extension (2.2) having a formed step adapted to engage the top edge of a bottle mouth during the corkscrew lifting step, and a helically shaped third shaft (3) hingedly connected to the first shaft. The corkscrew further includes a mechanical element (10, 20) adapted to engage the third shaft and actuate it automatically to move the third shaft from the closed position of the corkscrew, where the third shaft is contained between the first and second shafts, to the open position where the third shaft is substantially perpendicular to the first and second shafts aligned in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Prop 12 S.A.S. di Burato Piero Claudio & C.
    Inventor: Piero Claudio Burato
  • Patent number: 8695457
    Abstract: A can opener is adapted for engaging and lifting a tab attached to the flat upper surface (top) of a sealed can, with the upraised tab engaging and downwardly displacing a sealing member for opening the can. The opener includes a handle with first and second arms extending therefrom. The curvilinear first arm is adapted for positioning between the can's upper surface and the tab and for raising the tab when the handle is pivotally moved outwardly from the can's upper edge which acts as a fulcrum in engaging a lower portion of the curvilinear first arm. A second arm extending from the handle and disposed in closely spaced relation from the first arm includes a pointed end portion adapted to engage and puncture an upper lateral portion of the can to prevent formation of an air lock in the can for facilitating the discharge of the liquid contents of the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Rozmus, Bruce D. Kielbasa
  • Patent number: 8607668
    Abstract: An opening device for opening sealed containers of various types. The opening device removes bottle caps, twist-off style bottle caps and opens stay-on-tab cans. The opening device increases the speed with which containers may be opened and helps to protect the hands by reducing the force needed to open the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: Vincent D. Frank, Joseph P. Hanna
  • Patent number: 8567292
    Abstract: A tool for loosening and/or unscrewing a screw in an object. The tool includes a frame dimensioned and configured to receive (or be mounted on) an object having at least one screw removably embedded therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Bruce J. Park, Michael A. Torres, Mark A. Doty
  • Patent number: 8511205
    Abstract: Provided is a bottle opener. The bottle opener includes a handle, a body, a cap retaining portion, a force accumulation deforming portion, and a travel limiter. The handle is for a user to grasp. The body is installed on the handle. The cap retaining portion is formed on the body and contacts a side of a bottle cap. The force accumulation deforming portion is provided on the body and is elastically deformed by external pressure. The travel limiter is provided between the force accumulation deforming portion and the handle, and receives part of the force accumulation deforming portion to control a range of elastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Dong Yool Lee
  • Patent number: 8484785
    Abstract: A combination handle clamp, beverage bottle and can opener having a generally curved shaped body and integral attachment point to allow connection to other personal item such as a key ring. A secondary and tertiary integral curved section form a pair of loading points for fixing open a handle-trigger assembly and incorporate a gripping edge to facilitate opening a crimped or vacuum sealed bottle top. The tertiary curved section additionally functions as a second clamp position for the larger handles and also doubles as a pry mechanism to assist opening a pop-top can. The said gripping edge of the invention which contacts with said bottle top to be constructed of a durable material that won't abrade from its intended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: Robert M. Kristiansen, Michael Tornabe
  • Publication number: 20120285297
    Abstract: A can opener is adapted for engaging and lifting a tab attached to the flat upper surface (top) of a sealed can, with the upraised tab engaging and downwardly displacing a sealing member for opening the can. The opener includes a handle with first and second arms extending therefrom. The curvilinear first arm is adapted for positioning between the can's upper surface and the tab and for raising the tab when the handle is pivotally moved outwardly from the can's upper edge which acts as a fulcrum in engaging a lower portion of the curvilinear first arm. A second arm extending from the handle and disposed in closely spaced relation from the first arm includes a pointed end portion adapted to engage and puncture an upper lateral portion of the can to prevent formation of an air lock in the can for facilitating the discharge of the liquid contents of the can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Michael J. Rozmus, Bruce D. Kielbasa
  • Patent number: 8113090
    Abstract: An assembly that includes a bottle, a bottle cap and a tool for removing the bottle cap. A pry tool is provided having a lever tab, a thumb tab and a prying catch. A flexible restraint is used to attach the pry tool to the neck of the bottler. The flexible restraint passes into a groove formed in part by the presence of the bottle cap. The pry tool is free to rotate about the connection point between an engaged position, wherein the pry tool engages the cap, and a disengaged position wherein the pry tool is disengaged from the cap. When the pry tool is in its engaged position, the pry tool will pry open the cap when an upward force is applied to the thumb tab of the pry tool. This configuration enables a container to be held in one hand and opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Adam S Lorence
  • Publication number: 20110296956
    Abstract: An opener to lift a tab of an easy-open can comprises a long-narrow lifting shaft whose front end disposes a keen prying section. A ring handle at a top rear section of the prying section is extensively disposed upward, and a thin protecting plate is extensively disposed outward for providing a protecting function. The keen prying section is inserted into a top edge of an opening of the tab. Thereby, a front portion of the lifting shaft stretches beyond one side of the easy-open can for forming a fulcrum. An upward pulling from users allows a front end of the tab to break the top lid of the easy-open can for forming an infirm breach on one section of the top lid. Further by means of a rear portion of the lifting shaft striding across a correspondent side of the easy-open can for forming the other fulcrum, an opposite and upward pulling force on the ring handle allows the rising prying section to lift the tab. Thus, the entire top lid of the easy-open can could be smoothly pulled apart and discarded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Miin-Tsang SHEU
  • Patent number: 8060999
    Abstract: A snap ring installation tool includes a finger gripping portion, a middle portion which is generally integral with the finger gripping portion, an arcuate open cylindrical portion, having an interior surface and a predetermined radius of curvature matching that of the snap ring. The snap ring installation tool may be used to install a snap ring of a clothes dryer hose, an attachment ring of a garbage disposal or other application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Lorae A. Fistor
  • Publication number: 20110259154
    Abstract: Provided is a bottle opener. The bottle opener includes a handle, a body, a cap retaining portion, a force accumulation deforming portion, and a travel limiter. The handle is for a user to grasp. The body is installed on the handle. The cap retaining portion is formed on the body and contacts a side of a bottle cap. The force accumulation deforming portion is provided on the body and is elastically deformed by external pressure. The travel limiter is provided between the force accumulation deforming portion and the handle, and receives part of the force accumulation deforming portion to control a range of elastic deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Dong Yool Lee
  • Patent number: 7908942
    Abstract: A device designed to aid in opening jars is herein disclosed, comprising a general form of a lever with a movable “C”-shaped jaw section. An upper jaw is designed to press down in the center area of a lid while a lower jaw presses upward on the edge or rim of the lid. In such a manner the device will break the seal of the jar and “pop” the lid. Once the seal has been broken, it is generally a simple issue to open the lid. An alternate embodiment provides for a lower adjustable section of the jaw which operates in a slip-joint manner similar to that of a pair of Channel-Lock® pliers to accommodate any size lid. The handle is fitted with a grip area for each finger and is covered with non-slip rubber to facilitate use and comfort. The device is generally small in size and can be easily stored in a kitchen drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Elena A. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7779729
    Abstract: A tool for removing the lid of a metal drum wherein the lid is clamped over the drum rim without protruding edges, the tool having an elongated handle with a blade carried by an angularly positioned holder affixed to the midsection of the handle, the blade being of selected width to slice between lid lip and the drum rim and, when the blade is so positioned, upward motion of the blade handle will cause the blade to pry the lip from the rim and allow the lid to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard M. Pella, Philip D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7758586
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for introducing a catheter through a body opening along an insertion axis. The apparatus includes an arm having an end portion configured to extend into the body opening along the insertion axis, wherein the arm is configured to extend adjacent an external catheter surface. The apparatus also includes a surface extending from the end portion of the arm at an angle to the insertion axis, wherein the surface is configured to extend at least partially within an aperture formed in the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Atrium Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Rudolph Muto, Nicholas Want, Jeffrey P. McGill
  • Publication number: 20090282951
    Abstract: A tool for removing the lid of a metal drum wherein the lid is clamped over the drum rim without protruding edges, the tool having an elongated handle with a blade carried by an angularly positioned holder affixed to the midsection of the handle, the blade being of selected width to slice between lid lip and the drum rim and, when the blade is so positioned, upward motion of the blade handle will cause the blade to pry the lip from the rim and allow the lid to be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Bernard M. Pella, Philip D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090078089
    Abstract: One embodiment of a seal removal tool may include a handle, a seal grasping member, and a biasing member. The handle may have an end with a curved surface to roll back a seal. The seal grasping member may be adapted to move from an open extended position into a closed position in order to grasp and secure a seal. The biasing member may bias the seal grasping member towards the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: MICHAEL M. NEWTON
  • Publication number: 20090049956
    Abstract: Useful by both individuals and bartending ‘mixologists’, a convenient beverage-bottle cap pry-opener is adapted to user's wrist, thereby facilitating a uniquely simple and ergonomically comfortable wrist-twist action by which to attain quick and easy opening without use of one's hands; and is portably worn upon the person in the form of either a bracelet or glovelet embodiment. The glovelet is preferably of conventional open-fingered style, having an integral wrist-band thereto which wraps around the wrist where it is secured via conventional hook-&-loop fastener; while arranged at the distal-end of the wrist-strap is a substantially conventional metal bottle-cap opener device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Michael A. Brennan
  • Publication number: 20090025513
    Abstract: A container opener providing a plurality of elements for opening various containers is disclosed. The opener is lightweight and has a one-piece construction that typically fits in a user's hand and pocket. The opener includes a handle portion, a mid-portion for containing a first element for opening containers, a distal end containing a second opening element and a third element placed on one side of the elongated opener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Larry Salvino
  • Patent number: 7370558
    Abstract: A bottle opening wristwatch band, including: a pivot member; a buckle loop rotatably connected to the pivot member; a buckle clasp rotatably connected to the pivot member, the buckle clasp having a protrusion thereon, the protrusion being dimensioned to be received under an edge of a bottle cap; and a rotation stop positioned to limit rotation of the buckle clasp with respect to the buckle loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Dominic A. Chenelia
  • Patent number: 7313983
    Abstract: A compact, ergonomic, pocket-sized bottle opener having a thin, generally flat body. The bottom edge of the body includes a jaw opening and at least one area for receiving a lifting finger. A plug of resiliently yielding material is mounted in the finger-receiving area to cushion the lifting finger. A hook at the forward end of the jaw opening forms a fulcrum point for engaging the top of the bottle cap. The hook also serves to lift pull-tabs on cans. An opening at the rear of the body holds a key ring. The key ring can be slipped into the opening during assembly by flexing the leg so as to open a slot that separates the distal end of the leg from the body. The cushioning plug mounts over both the distal end of the leg and the lower edge of the body so as to hold the leg in place after the ring has been installed. The two sides of the body form broad, generally flat display surfaces for application of logos, advertising, or other information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Steven C. Book
  • Patent number: 7114233
    Abstract: A device for facilitating the separation and removal of an engine cover from a sealing surface on an engine. The engine cover puller may reduce or eliminate the deformation of an engine cover during its removal and allows for its potential reuse. In addition, the engine cover puller may reduce or eliminate the damage to the sealing surfaces between the engine cover and the engine that may occur during an engine cover removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry Lynn Wyrick, Billy Wayne Overman, Bruce Moore
  • Patent number: 7096759
    Abstract: A flip-top can opener comprising: a length of rigid material; a wedge-shaped head located at a distill end of the length of rigid material; a hook located near the wedge-shaped head, and configured to engage an edge of a rim of a flip-top can such that when the flip-top can opener is pivoted about the edge of the can, the wedge-shaped head enlarges an opening of the flip-top can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Edward Kirko
  • Patent number: 7086310
    Abstract: A non slip bottle cap opener (100) for installing onto a key ring or key chain with other keys is formed with the approximate length and thickness of a standard key to allow it to be comfortably carried on the key ring or chain like an ordinary key. The opener includes a pry element (120) formed with a narrow leading edge (140) for installing within the annular gap (60) between the bottle cap and the bottle top. The pry element further includes an engaging surface (165) that acts upon an inside surface of the annular lip of the bottle cap to forcibly engaged with the annular lip to prevent the opener from slipping off of the bottle cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: John R. Oleksy
  • Patent number: 7004371
    Abstract: A gripper for detaching a packaged chip from a PCB. The gripper comprises a plurality of hooks, elastic slices, and a heating device. These hooks are used for gripping and hooking the packaged chip. Each hook includes a chip-upholding part and a chip-gripping part, wherein the chip-gripping part is used for gripping the packaged chip, and the chip-upholding part is used for hooking the packaged chip in the gap. These elastic slices are used for providing the elasticity. Each elastic slice comprises a fastened end and a flexible end, wherein the flexible end connects the chip-gripping part and results the hook gripping the packaged chip. The heating device is used for heating the packaged chip to melt the solder balls. Wherein all the bonded fastened ends are exerted an upward force, and the gripper detaches the packaged chip from the PCB when the solder balls of the packaged chip are melted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Hou-Ging Chin
  • Patent number: 6761088
    Abstract: A bottle opener for opening a bottle in an efficient manner. The bottle opener includes a substantially rigid panel having a first surface, a second surface, a third surface and a fourth surface wherein the first and second surfaces are opposite surfaces. The third and fourth surfaces have a length greater than a length of the first and second surfaces. The panel has a first portion, a middle portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is adjacent to the first surface and the second portion is adjacent to the second surface. The panel has a first opening therein positioned in the middle portion. The first opening has a generally rectangular shape. A bottle cap is positioned in the opening and the panel biased against the bottle cap to remove the bottle cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Carl Sasso
  • Publication number: 20040045410
    Abstract: A flip-top can opener comprising: a length of rigid material; a wedge-shaped head located at a distil end of the length of rigid material; a hook located near the wedge-shaped head, and configured to engage an edge of a rim of a flip-top can such that when the flip-top can opener is pivoted about the edge of the can, the wedge-shaped head enlarges an opening of the flip-top can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Edward Kirko
  • Publication number: 20030189049
    Abstract: A manually operable rigid device defines a generally V-shaped groove opening onto an outer face thereof for closing a storage container in a multi-step process by bending a flexible, upstanding peripheral rim thereof over a margin of a central cover. A manually operable rigid device defines a wedge having a tip for opening a storage container in a multi-step process by unbending the previously bent rim thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey Schneebaum
  • Patent number: 6618886
    Abstract: An opener having a grip-like body in which at one end is integrated a cutting mechanism for cutting open tins. An oppositely-lying thickened end has a receiving groove in which a pull hook is pivotally mounted about a pivot pin over a predetermined angle. For opening tear-open lids, a pull-ring is captured within an attachment recess on a pull hook inner edge. When pivoting the grip-like body the pull hook rolls along a rolling back of the pull hook, on the can lid and pulls up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Moha Moderne Haushaltwaren AG
    Inventor: Bruno Herren
  • Patent number: 6378398
    Abstract: A tool for breaking a vacuum in a preserving jar closed with a circular lid. The tool is provided with an oblong handle (1), which at one end has a portion (5) for engaging the cap (7) of a preserving jar (8), and a jaw (2) for engaging the lower edge of the cap. The mouth of the jaw is turned away from the other end of the handle, and between the free end (3) of the jaw and the portion (5) for engaging the cap (7) a concave, circular cylindrical guide slot (6) is provided for guiding the tool into position against the rim of the cap in such a way that the jaw grips the lower edge of the cap, after which a slight lifting of the handle brings about an elastic deformation of the rim of the cap allowing the vacuum in the preserving jar to be broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Helge Brix-Hansen
  • Publication number: 20020000139
    Abstract: The tool is provided with an oblong handle (1), which at one end has a portion (5) for engaging the cap (7) of a preserving jar (8), and a jaw (2) for engaging the lower edge of the cap. The mouth of the jaw is turned away from the other end of the handle, and between the free end (3) of the jaw and the portion (5) for engaging the cap (7) a concave, circular cylindrical guide slot (6) is provided said guide slot (6) guiding the tool into position against the rim of the cap in such a way that the jaw grips the lower edge of the cap, after which a slight lifting of the handle brings about an elastic deformation of the rim of the cap allowing the vacuum in the preserving jar to be broken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: HELGE BRIX HANSEN
  • Patent number: 6199452
    Abstract: A tool device constructed and arranged to open and reseal plastic pail lids. The device is comprised of a rigid, unitary, and elongated body structure with a center and a tip end. The body structure having a handle portion, a lid opening structure, and a lid closing structure. The body structure has a lower portion and an upper portion, a top side, and a bottom side. The lower portion of the body structure being comprised of the handle portion and the upper portion being comprised of the lid opening structure and the lid closing structure. The lid opening structure is comprised of a first hook and a second hook extending from the bottom edge of the upper portion of the device. The first hook extends from the bottom edge of the end of the upper portion with the hook curving back toward the center of the body structure. The second hook extends generally from the center of the bottom edge of the body structure and curves toward the tip end having the first hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Dennis E. Vinar