Patents Represented by Attorney Alvin S. Blum
  • Patent number: 5609177
    Abstract: A knock down beach cabana is compact enough to be carried by one person; stored in a car trunk and readily assembled and disassembled. Long tubes join together to form three U shaped frame elements that are held together by two rigid bases. A center frame element is held perpendicular to the base and two end frame elements extend upward at an angle to the center frame element. A top cover panel and two side cover panels attach to the frame. One end panel closes off one end of the cabana to form a floor in one position or for privacy in another position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Morton Iver
  • Patent number: 5609282
    Abstract: A tote tray with a carrying handle has a number of openings in its upper surface. Held securely within each opening is a rigid receptacle having an open top and closed sides and bottom. A belt clip is connected along one side so that the receptacle can be clipped to the belt for a worker to carry about a readily available supply of small items such as fasteners on the job. A supply of various styles and sizes of small items is conveniently carried to the job site in the tote tray, and whatever is needed is then clipped to the belt for as long as required. The tote tray is supplied with a belt clip engaging element adjacent each opening. The belt clip is springably engaged thereto when the receptacle is inserted into the opening. This provides more secure holding of the receptacle in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Charles J. Melanson
  • Patent number: 5597056
    Abstract: Contained within a wheel hub housing is a variable ratio friction drive transmission. A chain drive input sprocket drives direction reversing spools arrayed around a central axis on shafts set at an angle to the central axis. A spool driven element rotates in the opposite direction. The spool driven element drives double cone elements on the shafts. A cone driven element then drives the wheel in the same direction as the input. The double cones are axially movable relative to the cone driving and driven elements. In a first axial position, for low torque, the driving element contacts a small diameter cone portion, and the driven element contacts a large diameter cone portion. As torque increases, the cones are moved by a cam mechanism so that the output ratio reverses and rapid input rotation produces high torque, slow output. A clutch and brake may be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: William L. Blake
  • Patent number: 5592775
    Abstract: A molded plastic sheet has many rectangular sprout growing trays joined together at top peripheral flanges. Each tray has drainage holes and a bottom sloping to the holes. A sheet of many trays may grow sprouts in preproportioned amounts. The flanges are divided by partially cut through lines for separation after growing. A transparent clamshell container receives the tray and holds it in place by the flange when closed The container has a front portion and a rear portion joined by a hinge, with rectangular perimeters which snap sealingly together. The lower part of the container holds the tray. It is sealed water tight. Above that part, one or more ventilation passages are provided in the container sides so that the sprouts may continue to grow while on retail display. A hanging tab is provided on the container top with an easy opening adjacent flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Diana Dew
  • Patent number: 5586832
    Abstract: An attachment for mounting on a rod or shaft when an end of the rod is not free, in the form of a split collar, pulley or gear, is in two parts having half-cylinder inner portions. The parts may be mounted on diametrally opposed sides of a rod or shaft when axially displaced from one another. Each part has a pair of interlocking elements. Each of the pair of interlocking elements of the first part interdigitates and thereby interlocks with one of the interlocking elements of the other part when the two parts are moved together axially to form a completely encircling attachment on the rod which resists radial dismemberment. A threaded passage extends radially through at least one of the parts to receive a long threaded fastener such as a thumbscrew to fixedly engage the rod. The attachment may be readily and rapidly mounted, locked and removed by an unskilled user without the use of any tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Zylka
  • Patent number: 5568871
    Abstract: A modular chute assembly section has a tubular shape with an axial bore. When joined together, one atop the other, a multistory gravity conveyor chute is formed for deposit of waste through an access door at any floor that will fall to a basement receiver. In the basement, a receptacle mover has a number of different receptacles thereon, one for each type of separated waste. Controls at each access door enable the waste depositor to selectively move a waste receptacle beneath the chute to correspond to the type of waste being deposited. Controls for locking the access door, selecting a particular waste receptacle, sensing when the door is closed, and signalling apparatus for informing a depositor of system operating conditions are enclosed in a housing attached to the section adjacent the access door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Mark D. Shantzis
  • Patent number: 5554240
    Abstract: A method of joining metal parts together and the joints thereby produced having great strength and thermal conductivity by means of an adhesive filled with small, hard, thermally conductive particles. The filled adhesive is applied to the surfaces to be joined and the surfaces are pressed together with a force in the range of 35 to 105 Kg/sq cm while the adhesive is curing. A fixture is disclosed made of a metal with a coefficient of thermal expansion less than the parts being joined. When the parts are held in the fixture and heated, differential thermal expansion causes the fixture to apply the necessary pressure during curing while also providing a measure of the applied pressure. For joining a cooling fin normal to the surface of a part, a tapered plug is formed in the fin edge and it is forced into a tapered slot in the part after adhesive application. A low external perpendicular force applied to the fin yields a high pressure to the mating surfaces through the inclined plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: William W. Toy
  • Patent number: 5552971
    Abstract: An elongate light assembly for shoe skates removably encircles the skate frame below the shoe and is held in place by elastic tension. A plurality of light sources are positioned along the sides of the skate frame and are powered by a self-contained electric power source. The light sources may be a pair of elongate electroluminescent light sources or a plurality of LED's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Joel Madden
  • Patent number: 5549309
    Abstract: A multi-line in-line roller skate, having a frame (15) which includes a pair of siderails (4), a center rail (3), and a topsurface (5), the frame composed of two adjacent siderails separated by either one or two center rails all of which are communicating with the topsurface through a common connection of their top edges. The siderails and center rail(s) are positioned so as to form two parallel channels or planes in which a plurality of wheels may supportably rotate therein. This combination of frame and wheels along with axles, bearings, aperture plugs, and an assortment of many other accessories can be put together and attached to a boot/shoe (6) to form the multi-line in-line roller skate (14). The frame (15) is made of a light-weight sturdy material which can withstand the random degrees of pressure that may be exerted upon it, and the design of the frame allows for many adjustments and varied wheel configurations . The frame may take many forms to facilitate utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Darin L. Gleichmann
  • Patent number: 5548917
    Abstract: A prod or teaser or tickle stick used by a diver to urge a lobster from a hole includes an elongate, small diameter distal end for probing in the holes. The proximal, or handle end, includes a portion with a density less than that of sea water. The overall density is greater than that of sea water. When the device is dropped, it will fall to the bottom and not drift off. The handle end will be upright, off the bottom. It can be easily seen above the bottom growth and retrieved. Along the side of the device is a gauge including a recess for receiving the carapace of a lobster that is not of legal size. This takes the place of a separate gauge and is safer and easier to use while also holding the lobster in a net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: David L. Holwadel
  • Patent number: 5539939
    Abstract: Bathing apparatus for the infirm or disabled is a portable chair supported on adjustable legs. A depressed intermediate basin portion holds water and can receive the buttocks of a bather. It is provided with a drain at its lowermost portion. One end of the basin portion is connected to an upstanding backrest/headrest. A second end of the basin portion is connected to an elevated horizontal platform which serves as a thigh rest when the buttocks are in the basin in a first mode of operation. In a second mode of operation, the platform serves as a seat so that the user can slide into or out of the basin for less strenuous entry and exit when alone or assisted. A continuous smooth, water resistant surface covers platform, basin and backrest/headrest portions for comfort and ease of maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Theresa C. Gesse
  • Patent number: 5535896
    Abstract: Apparatus provides multiple pivotal rods or dowels for hanging many garments such as trousers or skirts in a confined space. An elongate base is mounted on a vertical wall with its long axis vertical. An elongate rigid bar having a circular cross section is mounted at both ends to the base, with the bar vertical and spaced away from the base. The bar supports multiple horizontal parallel rods pivotally mounted, one atop the other, by a transverse hole through one end of each rod. A spacer is interposed between adjacent rods to allow sufficient space for a garment folded over the rod. Any garment may be accessed by simply swinging all of the garments above it to one side and all of the garments below it to another side of the bar, leaving the garment free on its rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Donald E. Morgan, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5520393
    Abstract: A game tests spatial perception in vertical and horizontal planes and physical responsiveness. A vertical planar display displays selected points thereon. A test point is displayed thereon and a player being challenged, upon seeing the test point, must select a response point on a corresponding planar horizontal response panel which is perceived to correspond to the test point position. The response point is then transferred to a corresponding location on the display, so that test and response points are both displayed. The distance between the points is measured as a score. The time interval between viewing the test point and response may also be recorded to be combined with the distance in a score. The horizontal response panel may be a touch sensitive screen. Competing players may each have a response panel shielded from other players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Alfred J. Rickey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5519672
    Abstract: An alarm clock simulates a fishing reel mounted on a fishing rod. The sound it makes simulates the reel clicker sound made by a fishing reel when a fish strikes and pulls line off the reel. This is a more pleasant and welcome sound to a fisherman. The clock is provided with an alarm on/off control that works in the same manner as the clicker on/off control on a reel. The sound volume control simulates the handle and star drag of a reel. The overall result is an alarm clock that looks, feels and sounds like a fishing reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Aleksander S. Zwolinski
  • Patent number: 5516181
    Abstract: A roll-up covering for motor vehicles comprised of a rectangular main section 10 and side flaps 14 with antenna slits 18, 20 in either to accommodate antennas. A cylinder 16 is fixed perpendicular to the length of the main section and located between the main section and the top of the vehicle while in use. The side flaps 14 partially cover the side of the vehicle while in use and fold over the top of the main section for removal. Combined, the covering rolls around the cylinder for compact storage. Rear adjustable straps 26 anchor the covering in the rear compartment of the vehicle for theft prevention and as a means of changing the fit of the covering. Front elastic straps 11 and side elastic straps 12, in conjunction with the rear adjustable straps and the cylinder, tension the main section and side flaps to provide an airspace 34. The airspace between the covering material and the majority of the top vehicle surfaces provides for insulation and ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Craig D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5514344
    Abstract: Microorganism growth within water chambers of air conditioning systems is controlled by the periodic introduction of minute quantities of biocidal materials. A large volume reservoir holds a concentrated solution of biocidal material. A pump, fed from the reservoir, pumps the solution through a tube to the water chamber. The pump is actuated for very short duration periods so that only a very small volume of the solution is dispensed. The time interval between periods is very long so that the biocide concentration in the water chamber is renewed as required. The duration of the pumping periods and the time interval between periods are adjustable by controls in a timer. A normally closed check valve in the line keeps the line full between periods. An antisiphon mechanism is provided in the line when it branches. An alarm mechanism is optionally provided to warn when the reservoir solution is depleted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Raymond D'Agaro
  • Patent number: 5508040
    Abstract: A unit dosage form of capsule, tablet or the like is composed of a large number of pellets made up of two or more populations of pellets or particles. Each pellet contains a core containing the therapeutic drug and a water soluble osmotic agent. A water-permeable, water-insoluble polymer film encloses each core. Incorporated into the polymer film is a hydrophobic, water insoluble agent which alters the permeability of the polymer film. The film coating of each population of pellets differs from the coating of every other population of pellets in the dosage form in the rate at which water passes through to the core and the rate at which drug diffuses out of the core. The osmotic agent dissolves in the water, causing the pellet to swell and regulating the rate of diffusion of drug into the environment of use. As each population of pellets releases its drug into the environment sequentially, the effect is to provide a series of pulsatile administrations of the drug from a single dosage form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Andrx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 5507466
    Abstract: A fluid fuse is operable to shut off fluid flow only when a certain predetermined volume of fluid has passed through in a single operative cycle. This can then be reset by dropping the inlet pressure. The device protects a hydraulic system from line rupture while automatically resetting after every routine operative cycle when less than the predetermined volume flows. A cylinder has a large diameter bore portion and a small diameter bore portion and holds a sliding piston with large and small diameter segments sealed to respective bore portions by sliding seals. An annular fluid chamber between the seals is reduced in volume as the piston, during fluid flow, moves from a reset position toward a closed position. In the closed position a valve member at the end of the small diameter segment seals off fluid flow as it engages a valve seat at the outlet. Fluid from the annular chamber passes to the outlet through an axial passage in the piston so that the piston may advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Predator Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Yowell, Duane Samuelson
  • Patent number: 5506911
    Abstract: An assistive listening device has a housing enclosing both infrared radiation and FM radio receivers and audio amplifier for receiving audio information transmitted to the hearing impaired audience in an auditorium by either infrared or radio radiation. The received radiation is converted to an amplified electrical audio signal. The signal is converted to audible sound by two earphones at the distal ends of two extendable arms. The arms are attached at their proximal ends to the housing. The arms have two configurations, a compact configuration in which the earphones are retracted to a position against the housing for storage or transport and an extended configuration in which the earphones are at a distance from the housing and spaced apart less than the distance between a user's ears. The arms may have one or more joints for folding compactly around the edge of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventors: Bernard Neuman, Sandra J. Neuman
  • Patent number: 5498054
    Abstract: An improved reclining, knock down chair assembly having a plurality of tubular members which define a seat frame, a back frame connected pivotally to the rear end portion of the seat frame at the lower portion, two leg frames which are engagable in a locking position, and two spaced arm support, frames provided on two sides of the backrest frame. A particular feature of the device is that the chair is pivotal to any position from an upright position to a fully reclined position because of the employment of the telescopic positioning device of the arm frame. Another particular feature is that the three laterally disposed tubular support members are attached to the different frames by quick release couplings which allows the entire assembly to be broken down into a compact state which is then secured in a tote bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Richard S. Tomlinson