Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Alton W. Payne
  • Patent number: 5608701
    Abstract: A method of masking data on a storage medium for selective playback upon demand or for transcription to another medium is provided. The method comprising the steps of (a) determining the position of the start location on the storage medium, (b) determining the position of the stop location on the storage medium, (c) positioning at least one data track on the storage medium between the start location and the stop location such that the data track has, adjacent thereto, enough space or time for accepting a concealed data track, and (d) impressing data on the storage medium for generating the concealed track having a hidden recording area such that the hidden recording area contains concealed data which can be accessed upon demand for transcription to another medium or for playback. The present invention can be adapted for use with different storage media such as, for example, a compact disk, a read-only memory compact disk, a mini-disk, a photo compact disk or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Randall Jamail
  • Patent number: 5546990
    Abstract: An orifice installation for centering the center of a plate carrying device within a fitting is disclosed. The plate carrying device has a centering opening at its base which interacts with a stop pin in the base of the fitting. The plate carrying device further has ears on either side which interact with ears formed on the sides of an enlarged opening in the fitting to receive the carrying device therein in order to laterally center the carrying device. An opening is also formed in the top of the carrying device in which a plunger pin is positioned. A valve carrier of the fitting has a downwardly facing extension which upon positioning of the plate carrying device within the enlarged opening in the fitting and moving the valve carrier into place will contact the plunger pin, further stabilizing the carrier device within the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Daniel Industires, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Wass, Anthony E. Carter
  • Patent number: 5471443
    Abstract: A method of prerecording data for later playback upon demand, the data operatively associated with a data storage medium having a first play location and a last play location, the storage medium adapted for use with a player or transcriber such that the media has a predefined begin play point from which the data begins to be removed from the medium by the player wherein the begin play point can be located at any location on the media, the method comprising the steps of (a) on the media, locating the begin play point sufficiently remote from the first play location for accepting data therebetween, (b) impressing data on the media between the first play location and the begin play point, (c) impressing data on the media between the begin play point and the end play point, (d) further impressing data on the media between the first play location and the last play location, (e) engaging the player for locating the begin play point, (f) further engaging the player to locate the first play location, (g) initiating t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Randall Jamail
    Inventors: Randall Jamail, David Thompson
  • Patent number: 5467327
    Abstract: A method of masking data on a storage medium for selective playback upon demand or for transcription to another medium. The method comprising the steps of (a) determining the position of the start location on the storage medium, (b) determining the position of the stop location on the storage medium, (c) positioning at least one data track on the storage medium between the start location and the stop location such that the data track has, adjacent thereto, enough space or time for accepting a concealed data track, and (d) impressing data on the storage medium for generating the concealed track having a hidden recording area such that the hidden recording area contains concealed data which can be accessed upon demand for transcription to another medium or for playback. The present invention can be adapted for use with different storage media such as, for example, a compact disk, a read-only memory compact disk, a mini-disk, a photo compact disk or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Randall Jamail
  • Patent number: 5420589
    Abstract: A pulse radar system for determining the subsurface structure of a medium comprising an electronics unit for providing electronic signals and control comprising a utility controller, a sampler controller, and a timing controller such that the timing controller provides a pulser trigger and the sampler controller provides a sampler trigger; a microwave unit comprising all the microwave components within the system including a pulser for generating pulses as directed by the timing controller in the electronics unit, a transmitting antenna for receiving the pulses directly from and being in close proximity to the pulser, a receiving antenna for accepting the pulses emitted from the transmitting antenna, and a receiver in close proximity to and for accepting the pulses from the receiving antenna, and a data unit for receiving signals from the electronics unit and for displaying the data for review and analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventors: C. T. Wells, Rob Peterson
  • Patent number: 5419372
    Abstract: An orifice installation for centering the center of a plate carrying device within a fitting is disclosed. The plate carrying device has a centering opening at its base which interacts with a stop pin in the base of the fitting. The plate carrying device further has ears on either side which interact with ears formed on the sides of an enlarged opening in the fitting to receive the carrying device therein in order to laterally center the carrying device. An opening is also formed in the top of the carrying device in which a plunger pin is positioned. A valve carrier of the fitting has a downwardly facing extension which upon positioning of the plate carrying device within the enlarged opening in the fitting and moving the valve carrier into place will contact the plunger pin, further stabilizing the carrier device within the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventors: Donald J. Wass, Anthony E. Carter
  • Patent number: 5417275
    Abstract: An air circulator control apparatus and method of use for at least one air circulator and a climate control system having a heater and a cooler to regulate the air temperature of a vertical column of air in a structure. The present invention seeks to overcome the negative effects of naturally occurring convection currents and improper placement of air outlets resulting in distinct zones of warm and cool air in structures. The air circulator control apparatus temporarily delays activation of at least one air circulator when used with the heater, to provide for an accumulation of warm air at or near at least one air circulator, before allowing at least one air circulator to be activated. In this manner, generally warm air is circulated in the absence of creating undesirable drafts and wind chills. The air circulator control apparatus instantly activates at least one air circulator when used with the cooler to generally circulate cool air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Ray Vallejo
  • Patent number: 5404922
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having a dispensing manifold for repetitiously, timely, effeciently and evenly dispensing equivalent amounts of a gelatin-based solution into at least one container. The dispensing manifold includes a horizontal tubular member having a plurality of dispensing nipples mounted laterally thereon. A plurality of discrete dispensing areas are positioned along the tubular member wherein each dispensing area is comprised of one or more dispensing nipples. The design of the dispensing manifold and arrangement of the dispensing nipples allows for equal sized discharges of gelatin-based solution at each dispensing area, wherein the pressure differential remains constant at each discharge area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Spencer Sliter
  • Patent number: 5396923
    Abstract: A surge relief apparatus for sensing, tracking and responding to pressure changes in a flow system to prevent damage caused by transient pressure changes in the flow system having one or more conduits with fluid. The surge relief apparatus comprising a transient pressure sensor, a pressure sensor, a regular and a valve. The transient pressure sensor is in communication with an upstream conduit and is responsive only to the fluid in the flow system for sensing transient pressure changes and for generating a first signal continuously proportional to the rate of change of the pressure. The pressure level sensor is in communication with an upstream conduit and is responsive only to the fluid in the flow system for sensing pressure changes in the flow system and for generating a second signal continuously proportional to the pressure level in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventors: Donald M. Allen, Drew S. Weaver
  • Patent number: 5388022
    Abstract: The specification discloses a solid state auto-reset circuit breaker intended for use in ac circuits, dc circuits and ac/dc circuits. A current sensing device is used to generate a voltage drop proportional to the current flowing through the device. When the voltage drop reaches a predetermined level, resulting from an over-current condition, it trips a control means that opens a solid state switch in the line. After a defined delay interval the circuit will automatically reset to close the solid state switch. If the over-current condition still exists, the control means will again open the solid state switch. This cycle is repeated at the delay interval until the over-current condition has subsided. Circuits are also disclosed which provide over-voltage protection, through detectors which trigger the control means when an over-voltage condition is detected. The application of the invention to lightning or surge protection is also disclosed, for single line and multiline environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Inventor: Om Ahuja
  • Patent number: 5382018
    Abstract: A simple, brightly colored, plastic collar is disclosed for greatly enhancing the visibility of the golf hole for players, spectator and televised golf events. The collar has a diameter essentially the same as a regulation hole and is installed in the cup adjacent the exposed earth wall between the lip of the hole and the hole liner. Furthermore, use of the collar enhances a retention of moisture in the earth around the lip to prevent drying and crumbling of the soil which can cause an initially sharp lip to become rounded. The collar preferably has thinner upper perimeter wall to insure that the reaction of an impinging golf ball against the cup wall having the collar installed is not substantially altered from the reaction of a ball impinging an earth surface of a cup not having the collar installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: Richard P. Browne
  • Patent number: 5377819
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method associated with conveyors for moving items where the conveyor has an endless loop belt, a wear strip for supporting the belt and a way of moving the belt. The endless loop belt comprises a succession of individual components, each component having a first end, a second end, an inner surface and an outer surface such that the first end and the second end comprise a pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventors: Paul L. Horton, John J. Carbone
  • Patent number: 5348419
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ascertaining and implementing the permeability effective for preventing and repairing scour or erosion in a control zone associated with a river or shoreline having a bank and a bed associated with a moving fluid. The method provides for preventing and repairing scour or erosion in a control zone associated with a river or shoreline having a bank and a bed associated with a moving fluid. Associated therewith, a variably permeable jetty system (Palisade.TM. system) is provided for preventing and repairing scour or erosion in a control zone associated with a river or shoreline having a bank and a bed associated with a moving fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Ercon Development Co.
    Inventors: Bert E. Bailey, W. Al Pollock, W. Les Thompson
  • Patent number: 5331284
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the measurement of, for example, the moisture in a material or, more generally, for the measurement of any material parameter which may be inferred by measuring the electromagnetic properties of the material under investigation. The meter apparatus comprises a controllable source of electromagnetic energy having stable selectable frequency. The controllable source of electromagnetic energy is coupled to a material measurement chamber by means of probes, loops, antennas, apertures or other structures so as to establish an electromagnetic field inside the measurement chamber thereby causing the field to interact with the material contained in the chamber. The method includes passing the process material through a frequency sensitive measurement cell. Exposing the process material to electromagnetic energy produced by a multi-frequency source. Generating an output signal having a distinctive frequency response characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Buford R. Jean, Gary L. Warren, F. Lynn Whitehead
  • Patent number: 5325729
    Abstract: A gas turbine meter that is miniaturized based on its design is disclosed. While the size of the gas turbine meter is small, it performs all the functions of prior gas turbine meters and has a large rangeability over a very large range of pressure. The turbine meter includes a body which is bilateral or symmetrical, permitting the turbine meter to be installed in either orientation in a flow line. Diffusers are included with the turbine meter that maintain the rotor of the turbine meter in position and prevent dust from entering into bearings which connect the rotor with the diffusers. The rotor of the turbine meter optimally has twelve flat vanes, each having blades angled at 45.degree. from the plane of the blank in which it was made. Close clearance is maintained between the blades and the interior of the meter. Slots are formed at the lower end of the rotor, thereby forming the shanks of the vanes. The slots are optimally sized to increase stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Daniel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin D. Goodson, Zaki D. Husain, Helmut Zenger, Bob E. Kubin, Charles Allen, Jack Harshman
  • Patent number: 5326323
    Abstract: A stabilizing apparatus is provided for use with an oval gear meter. The oval gear meter for receiving material such that the quantity of material is measured by the meter. The meter having the characteristic of alternating acceleration and deceleration for a constant flow of material passing through the meter due to the eccentricity associated with the elliptic shape of the oval gear thereby causing excessive instability or oscillatory conditions with respect to the measured material. The stabilizing apparatus includes a first actuator secured to and synchronized rotationally with an oval gear. The first actuator receives rotational force from the oval gear representative of the quantity of material passing through the meter. A second actuator secured to and synchronized rotationally with a shaft. The second actuator is rotationally driven by force received from the first actuator for transferring rotational force to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Daniel Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert Krampitz
  • Patent number: 5323797
    Abstract: A rotating hose device for rotating and helically thrusting a high pressure hose and biased nozzle into a pipe for the purpose of cleaning the interior surface of the pipe. The rotating hose device is powered by converting linear torque from a rotating high pressure hose into linear thrust, forcing the high pressure hose and biased nozzle into the pipe, where the high pressure hose and biased nozzle travel through the pipe in a helical manner. The present invention more effeciently cleans conduit, pipe and other tubular members, by constantly positioning the biased nozzle against the interior surface of the pipe and avoiding the "streaking" effect left by prior art nozzles. The helical pitch of the rotating high pressure hose, speed and direction of travel of the high pressure hose are controlled through the alignment of the drive wheels in the rotary hose drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: George J. Rankin
  • Patent number: 5323651
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a small nominal diameter oval gear flowmeter having curved swivel surfaces for automatic self-alignment of the oval gears about a longitudinal shaft axis to enhance measurement accuracy and facilitate restriction-free rotational movement of the oval gears by reducing gaps in the seal surfaces to prevent contact between the oval gears and the axial measuring chamber wall. Two or more oval gears are each supported on independent shafts which in turn are supported in the measuring insert of the housing. The oval gears are supported on the shafts in such a manner that they may swivel at a small angle about the longitudinal shaft axis and that small axial displacements of the oval gears may be accommodated on the shafts. A plurality of recesses that reduce the support length to approximately the shaft diameter are located on both sides of the frontal surfaces of the oval gears, to provide for automatic alignment of the oval gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Daniel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert Krampitz, Ulrich Heyn
  • Patent number: 5324232
    Abstract: The invention concerns a permanent magnet front or central coupling unit that generally works through a watt to transfer measured values and torque in units that may, for example, be used in the volume gauge technology. In accordance with the task, the permanent magnet coupling shall be designed so that its transferable maximum torque is not present in the starting state and that it thus exhibits vibration-damping properties. In accordance with the invention, this is achieved by the fact that one or several permanent magnets are arranged in a fixed manner and that the poles are located such that they produce repulsive forces in their effective direction, i.e., the respective opposite magnet poles are of equal denomination. In the stationary state, the magnet poles thus occupy the greatest possible distance from each other, resulting in the lowest possible transferable torque. As a function of the required load, the coupling halves begin to rotate and the transferable torque increases to the required value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Daniel Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert Krampitz
  • Patent number: 5322080
    Abstract: A retractable rotating hose device for rotating and helically thrusting a high pressure hose and biased nozzle into a pipe for the purpose of cleaning the interior surface of the pipe. The retractable rotating hose device is powered by converting linear torque from a rotating high pressure hose into linear thrust, forcing the high pressure hose and biased nozzle into the pipe, where the high pressure hose and biased nozzle travel through the pipe in a helical manner. The retractable rotating hose device remains generally stationary during the pipe cleaning operation and includes a spring-operated spool which automatically rewinds the high pressure hose at the termination of pipe cleaning operations. The present invention more effeciently cleans conduit, pipe and other tubular members, by constantly positioning the biased nozzle against the interior surface of the pipe and avoiding the "streaking" effect left by prior art nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventor: George J. Rankin