Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Allen H. Erickson
  • Patent number: 8032948
    Abstract: An upper-body garment has an invertable pocket in the garment's back, formed between an exterior layer and an interior lining layer of the back panel. A vertical pocket opening on one side of the back panel permits ready access to the pocket while wearing the garment. Shoulder straps and pockets are formed within the invertable pocket. The pocket linings and straps may be drawn out to invert the pocket into a backpack configuration. The remainder of the garment may be entirely placed in the backpack and carried therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Loki, LLC
    Inventor: Seth I. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7448376
    Abstract: A medication delivery apparatus and method for a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system such as used in emergency treatment of severe respiratory distress. The apparatus of the invention includes a 3-port Tee fitting, one port of which is connected to the inlet port of a CPAP full face mask operable at a continuous elevated pressure. A second port is connected to a CPAP gas conduit supplying a pressurized oxygen-containing gas. The third port is connected to a flexible tube receiving aerosolized medication from an upper outlet of an openable/refillable lightweight nebulizer. The flexible tube is of a length to support a nebulizer in a vertical attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Pamela Lepel
  • Patent number: 7418740
    Abstract: A versatile upper body garment formed of a stretchable fabric is configured to provide a variety of modes of wear with respect to head covering. A coat, jacket, shirt or vest has an integral hood which covers the wearer's head. Within the hood is an integral face shield which may be swung behind the wearer's head or neck when not covering the face, enabling protection of various portions of the face. The hood may be tightened to expose a variable extent of the head or face. The hood and face shield may be configured to be rolled into a hollow collar for storage when not needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: LOKI, LLC
    Inventors: Seth I. Anderson, Douglas D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7290291
    Abstract: An improved mitt for cold weather use is configured to provide a variety of modes of wear. The mitt is convertible between a fully closed position for covering the hand and fingers and open positions for exposure of the thumb and/or finger(s) or the entire hand. An internal pocket within the mitt permits continuous or intermittent warming of all or some of the fingers when the mitt is in either a generally open position or closed position. Insertion and removal of fingers and thumb relative the internal pocket is easily accomplished without use of the other hand. A thumb hole and/or finger hole for thumb/finger exposure is formed with an overlapping two-layer seal of stretchable material to prevent heat loss while ensuring easy thumb/finger insertion and removal. In one embodiment, stretchable fillets connect the terminal ends of the palm side and back side of the mitt to provide a snug fit about the wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: Douglas D. Anderson, Seth I. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7233795
    Abstract: A location based communications system uses a physical location system (PLS) or relative position system to determine a communication unit's location in two or three dimensions, and is configured for radiotelephonic calls through intermediary communications satellite systems, cellular systems or other mobile systems and land line systems, based on the location G# of the called telephone or on a caller-defined estimated area or space termed a G zone number GZ# surrounding the desired callee. The system is particularly advantageous for mobile communications, and may be interfaced with conventional stationary telephones, cellular phones and other communications devices. Multiple telephone units may be simultaneously contacted with messages in user-defined languages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Michael V. Ryden
  • Patent number: 7229483
    Abstract: A method for gasifying carbonaceous materials to fuel gases comprises the formation of an ultra-superheated steam (USS) composition substantially containing water vapor, carbon dioxide and highly reactive free radicals thereof, at a temperature of about 2400° F. (1316° C.) to about 5000° F. (2760° C.). The USS composition comprising a high temperature clear, colorless flame is contacted with a carbonaceous material for rapid gasification/reforming thereof. The need for significant superstoichiometric steam addition for temperature control. Methods for controlling a gasification/reforming system to enhance efficiency are described. A USS burner for a fluidized bed gasification/reforming reactor, and methods of construction, are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Frederick Michael Lewis
  • Patent number: 7063481
    Abstract: A polymeric connector block for interconnecting a plurality of elongate tubular members into a structure has five-sided front and back sides with an orthogonal pattern of three parallel through-apertures therethrough. A fourth through-aperture passes from the left side to the right side, intersecting two of the parallel through-apertures at 90°. A non-through aperture passes from the top side and intersects the other of the parallel through-apertures at 90°. A sixth aperture extends into the block at an intermediate angle such as 45°. There are no apertures in the bottom side. Tubular members are insertable into the apertures and lockable therein by lockscrews. Tubular members may comprise tubing, pipe, electrical conduit and the like, and may include non-tubular materials such as solid rods. A wide range of structures may be created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Scott E. Trull
  • Patent number: 6996847
    Abstract: A versatile upper body multi-mode garment is configured to provide a variety of modes of wear with respect to hand coverings and head covering. A coat, jacket, shirt or vest has an integral hood which covers the wearer's head. Within the hood is an integral face shield which may be swung behind the wearer's head or neck when not covering the face, enabling protection of various portions of the face. The hood may be tightened to expose a variable extent of the head or face. Versatile multi-mode mitten portions attached to the garment or mittens provided separately enhance a variety of modes of wear which are achieved without removing the mittens or any portion thereof. The wearing modes include full exposure of a hand, exposure of the thumb and the four fingers, exposure of the four finger tips, full hand coverage, and full hand coverage by an integral glove. The hand coverings may be provided as separate mittens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventors: Douglas D. Anderson, Seth I. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6435211
    Abstract: A fail-safe HVAC damper apparatus comprises a duct channel with a closure comprising one or more quadri-panel hinged elements, each with four panels connected by four parallel hinge pins. A gear shaft with a toothed gear is controllably rotated to linearly drive a spring-biased plate to move one of the hinge pins of each quadri-panel element between an open and a closed position. A damper may use blades of different sizes and be driven to begin an opening and/or closing action sequentially and/or very gradually. A drive motor may be activated to open or close the closure, e.g. by a smoke detector or other controller. Melting of a fuse in the duct channel serves to disengage a gear from a gear shaft, enabling a spring mounted plate to move the hinged elements to a default closed (or alternative open) safety position. Various gear shaft and gear structures are shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventors: William L. Stone, Garrick S. Stone
  • Patent number: 6237630
    Abstract: A fail-safe HVAC damper apparatus comprises a duct channel with a closure comprising one or more quadri-panel hinged elements, each with four panels connected by four parallel hinge pins. A gear shaft with a toothed gear is controllably rotated to linearly drive a spring-biased plate to move one of the hinge pins of each quadri-panel element between an open and a closed position. A drive motor may be activated to open or close the closure, e.g. by a smoke detector or other controller. A meltable fuse in the duct channel may be connected to a disconnect which uncouples the gear shaft and toothed gear, and a spring moves the closure to a default closed or open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventors: William L. Stone, Garrick S. Stone
  • Patent number: 6139247
    Abstract: A drive-up equipment transporting apparatus 10 has a tiltable carrying rack 30 hinged to a frame member 22. The rack 30 is lockable in an untilted or tilted position, the latter position for driving an ATV or other small vehicle 18 from ground level 16 onto or from the rack. An outrigger 24 projects from frame member 22 to support the non-loading side 36 of the rack 30. The frame member 22 comprises a square tubing member having a front end insertable into a Class 4 hitch receiver 14 of a host vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, a square tubing member comprises the frame 432 of a wheeled trailer 430 with a terminal hitch 444. A plurality of carrying racks 30 are hinged to centrally tilt about the frame 432.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Bryan Wright
  • Patent number: 6102341
    Abstract: A speed clip hanger bracket for suspending spiral pipes from a structural member comprises a planar rectangular bracket plate having an aperture therethrough perpendicular to the plane of the plate, and an elongate nut extender welded to one edge of the plate. A threaded through-hole in the nut extender may be screwed onto a threaded rod hanging from a hanger clamp, and a fastener passed through the plate aperture and holes in each flange of a pipe band to join them together and support a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Richard Ball
  • Patent number: 6098294
    Abstract: An improved hacksaw for rigorous use has two embodiments, one with a high available cutting depth exceeding five inches, and another with a low clearance with attendant low cutting depth. The saw is easily constructed of inexpensive materials and has a blade alignment bow whereby forces exerted on the bow by the blade are closely aligned to minimize lateral bending and enable precise cuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: George Lemos
  • Patent number: 5822800
    Abstract: A multi-functional cold weather hat has a tubular fabric body with an open bottom for passage over a person's head. A drawstring channel is formed along the upper edge of the tubular body, and the hat has means for retaining the drawstring at any set position. A domal shaped head covering is sewn into the top of the tubular body. An arcuate face opening is formed in the front of the head covering for exposure of the face therethrough, passage of the head therethrough, or ventilation of the head. The hat is adaptable to be worn in at least six configurations for controllably insulating portions of the head and/or neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Loki, LLC
    Inventor: Seth I. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5807604
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing long-lasting decorative items from foliage and other natural plant materials by infusion with an aqueous ethylene glycol solution of tartrazine yellow dye, either singly or with co-dye colorants, about 0.1 to 1.6 g/L dissolved CO.sub.2 and optional low concentrations of a soluble potassium salt, followed by removal of excess solution and application of a topical water-based organic sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Preserved Botanicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Dokkestul, David L. Hauge, Leo A. Ochrymowycz
  • Patent number: 5699560
    Abstract: An integral backpack/upper body garment comprises a garment to which a split backpack is attached or attachable to the back panel of an upper body garment. A front backpack assembly including front assembly with shoulder straps is attached/attachable to the front face of the back panel, and a rear backpack assembly including storage compartments is attached/attachable to the rear face of the back panel. A circumferential garment compartment has two walls, one attached to the front assembly and one attached to the rear assembly. The jacket may be rolled up or folded into the garment compartment and the two walls joined by a closure to protectively enclose the garment therein when it is not worn. The backpack may be worn with or without the integral jacket, and the jacket may be worn with or without the backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: Peter Greenberg
  • Patent number: 5693361
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing long-lasting decorative items from foliage and other natural plant materials by infusion with an aqueous ethylene glycol solution of tartrazine yellow dye, either singly or with co-dye colorants, about 0.1 to 1.6 g/L dissolved CO.sub.2 and optional low concentrations of a soluble potassium salt, followed by removal of excess solution and application of a topical water-based organic sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Preserved Botanicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Dokkestul, David L. Hauge, Leo A. Ochrymowycz
  • Patent number: 4988797
    Abstract: Cyclic ethers having 4 and 5 member rings are polymerized with a alcohol initiator and an acid catalyst. The acid catalyst is used at a molar ratio relative to hydroxyl groups of the alcohol initiator of between about 0.05:1 and about 0.5:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Wardle, Jerald C. Hinshaw
  • Patent number: 4971640
    Abstract: A composite propellant composition consisting essentially of ammonium perchlorate as an oxidizer, a carboxy-terminated polybutadiene binder, ammonium sulfate as a cooling agent, and a small proporation of at least one copper compound which functions as a ballistic modifier to lower the pressure exponent of the propellant over a useful pressure range for combustion of the propellant in a gas generator or other device. The copper compounds also lower the .pi..sub.k value of the composition, particularly at pressures exceeding 3000 psi (about 2000 N/cm.sup.2). Specifically exemplified copper compounds are copper chromite, copper phthalocyanine, and copper stearate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventor: Minn-Shong Chi
  • Patent number: 4970857
    Abstract: For providing controllable thrust reversal or thrust termination of a rocket motor, a U-band retaining the nozzle assembly to the motor case is broken. This allows the internal motor pressure to move the nozzle assembly backward from the motor case to create a circumferential opening therebetween, through which opening gases can be expelled outward and/or in the forward direction to terminate or reverse the thrust. When the U-band is broken, the high internal motor pressure may exert such a high force on the nozzle assembly as it is moved backward that the bolts or other means attaching the nozzle assembly to the rest of the missile may be broken and cause uneven gas expulstion. Uneven gas expulsion may cause undesirable changes in trajectory. By the use of honeycomb structures in association with the bolts or other attachment means, the energy exerted on the nozzle assembly is gradually absorbed, preventing breakage of the connecting parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence C. Faupell