Patents Represented by Attorney Arnold J. Ericsen
  • Patent number: 5086555
    Abstract: A power assisted clamping and rotating apparatus for coupling two threadedly engaged members into a third, central member. The central member is held on a support in a fixed position by a clamping mechanism and the other two members are threaded into the central member with rotatable driving mechanisms on each side of central member and being moveable toward the member as they rotate. The rotating side members are in proximity to limit switches which cause rotation of the driving mechanisms to be discontinued when the members are threaded together to a predetermined degree. The limit switches may either be in the form of a laser beam which is interrupted or mechanical or electromechanical switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Arkla Products Company
    Inventors: John M. Broadway, Martin L. Koschmann, William D. Mullikin
  • Patent number: 5046878
    Abstract: A coupling fitting for making joints in reinforcing bars or wires for structural concrete aims to provide a mechanical strength of the coupling virtually equal to the full design strength while providing the ability to increase the strength upto and beyond ultimate tensile strength of the rebar by the addition of resin. To that end the coupling comprises a sleeve for fitting in spaced relation around adjacent portions of rebars to be joined and having positively adjustable engagers threaded through the wall of the sleeve, and profiled engagers to engage said portions. The engagers serve for centering the rebars and the profiling serves to provide a key preferably with both the sleeve and the rebar. It is also preferred to have the positively adjustable engagers configured to bite into the rebars. The spaced relation affords provision for introducing settable resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Metal-Bond (Technology) Limited
    Inventor: Brian W. Young
  • Patent number: 5044326
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling the burning of a volatile waste liquid together with a conventional fuel in a boiler in the form of a free-standing module which contains a flow-control valve for the waste liquid. This system includes a means for monitoring the position to the fuel-control valve for the conventional fuel and a separate means for monitoring the position of a controlled valve for feeding of the volatile liquid. The two monitoring means are coupled and comparisons are made of the relative valve positions indicated thereby. The process controller used for such comparison contols a valve which stops the flow of volatile liquid to the burner in the event that more than a predetermined discrepancy occurs between the indicated valve positions. Said controller may also be employed to correct the valve position. Other features include a reverse purge pumping system which is actuated upon shutdown of volatile fuel flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Aqua-Chem, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip R. Coerper, Boris M. Tynkov
  • Patent number: 5040716
    Abstract: An apparatus for aligning and supporting confronting pipe or tube sections to be welded together. An elongated supporting table is provided with a pair of inwardly grooved tracks and various pipe secondary support members are also provided to mate with the tracks and to hold several pipe or tube arrangements utilizing conventional T-fittings, 45.degree. and 90.degree. elbow fittings, nozzle fittings, etc. The apparatus permits minimal setup time, proper alignment, stability during welding and the use of conventional orbital pipe welding heads and a smooth angular welding surface free from interference by prior art longitudinally disposed clamping external members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Aqua-Chem, Inc.
    Inventor: William Stetz
  • Patent number: 5024407
    Abstract: A support for holding a loudspeaker in an elevated and tilted position is provided. The support includes a pivotable X-shaped frame formed of two legs pivotally connected together at a point equidistant from their respective bottom ends with the upper portions of said legs being of unequal length. The short leg has its upper portion facing forwardly and its lower portion rearwardly. Each leg has an arm and a foot perpendicularly secured to its top and its bottom, respectively. The upper end of the longer leg is bent forwardly at a point located approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the distance from the pivot point to the top of the leg at an angle between about 20.degree. and 45.degree.. The forwardmost arm is lower than the rearward arm and is adapted to support the bottom of a loudspeaker while the upper arm is adapted to support rear of the speaker in a backwardly tilted orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Waukesha Specialties & Fabricators
    Inventor: John E. Bartley
  • Patent number: 5014455
    Abstract: A three-dimensional book or display of three-sided pyramidal configuration including an inner pyramidal support member with its defining sides or panels being joined at their respective edges and outer overlying sides or panels hinged at the joined edges of the inner support member. The hinges comprise a flexible sheet extending laterally in opposed directions from the hinge axis to be secured to at least a portion of the inner surface of the outer panel and a portion of the outer surface of the inner panel. The invention further contemplates the provision of graphic representation on an inwardly facing surface of the panels defining the inner support member to present a kaleidoscopic representation along with another inwardly facing reflective surface of an adjoining panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Inventor: The Poet Desaderata
  • Patent number: 4991810
    Abstract: An adjustable support base for portable vehicle mounted equipment includes a perpendicular pair of support legs adjustable relative to one another. Each leg is adjustable in length and anchorable to the vehicle on which the equipment is being mounted. A plate mounting system is angularly adjustable and secures the vehicle mounted equipment to the base provided by the support legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Michael Roman Bruno
    Inventors: Terry A. Andrus, Robert D. Bartelt, William W. Belson, III, Michael R. Bruno, Scott M. Moen, Joseph A. Popelka
  • Patent number: 4985021
    Abstract: A system for protecting an individual against injury or infection from a sharp instrument such as a needle or syringe includes a sheath slidably attached to the mounting. The sheath is locked in an open position during use of the needle and syringe. After use, the sheath is rotated to unlock the protective mechanism. A spring urges the sheath over the needle, thereby enclosing the needle and protecting anyone handling the instrument from injury. The sheath is maintained in its enclosing position by a locking flange in the interior of the sheath which engages an abutting ring on the mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Jeff Straw
    Inventors: Jeff Straw, C. Thomas Sylke
  • Patent number: 4979533
    Abstract: An adjustable crutch has two vertical supports with an upper arm rest and a third, vertically adjustable lower support. The lower supports fixes the overall height of the crutch. The independently moved hand grip is easily adjustable to provide proper spacing between the crutch's hand grip and arm rest based on the user's arm length. This contruction requires only a two-step adjustment process which may be accomplished individually by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Triad Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ries B. Hansen, Howard G. Morter
  • Patent number: 4972174
    Abstract: A turn signal control circuit has a power source, left and right turn signal inputs, a speed detection input and circuitry for conditioning the power source voltage and current as well as the input signals for proper operation. When a turn signal switch provides an input signal to a logic controller, the circuit begins flashing the respective turn signal. Upon release of the switch, a microprocessor reviews the vehicle speed by way of a speedometer input line and references a lookup table to determine the proper distance at which to turn off the signal. Generally, the faster the vehicle is travelling, the longer the turn signals are left on. Various manual cancellation options are also available to the motorcycle operator. A four-way flasher sysem is operated by simultaneously pushing the two turn signal switches, remaining on until both switches are again simultaneously pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventors: Lance C. Onan, James Scholler, Douglas E. Stehr, Hugh R. Putnam
  • Patent number: 4964362
    Abstract: A dual applicator for simultaneously applying a polyurethane adhesive and sealant and a foam dam to a motor vehicle window or windshield and a robot arm capable of translating and/or rotating the applicator relative to the glass. The applicator includes a first nozzle for discharging the polyurethane through a shaped opening which defines a first plane and a second nozzle adjacent to and offset from the first nozzle. The first nozzle discharges polyurethane in a first bead as the applicator or glass is translated and the second nozzle discharges the foamable material in a second bead adjacent to and spaced from the first bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Inventor: Gilbert Dominguez
  • Patent number: 4950000
    Abstract: A system for sealing leaks of flanged pipe couplings comprises providing a peripheral space between faces of the flanges and in the region of that space a loose ring in facing annular grooves of the flange faces. Should a leak occur between the flanges of the coupling the loose ring allows process fluid to escape past the ring to reduce the effect of localized pressure that may otherwise distort or damage the flange faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Furmanite International Ltd.
    Inventor: Arthur W. Richardson
  • Patent number: 4949701
    Abstract: A cart/table unit includes a top, a base and opposed upright members in pre-assembled pivotal relationship, collapsed for shipping purposes. The unit may be assembled by unfolding to find operating position without requiring tools, and retained in operated position by means of automatically operated latching and stabilizing mechanisms. The unit has particular application for use in connection with gas-fired barbecue grills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Arkla, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Krosp, James E. Lockridge, Harvey L. Crow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4929464
    Abstract: A donut batter is described, along with the use of the batter to provide frozen, uncooked cake donuts which may be reconstituted quickly in a deep fryer. The batter consisting preferably of cake and bread flours, sucrose, shortening, a chemical leavening system and other ingredients is admixed with an amount of water which will allow proper mixing of the ingredients and the ability of the stiff batter to withstand shaping, freezing, shipping and storage. The frozen donut is reconstituted without thawing and proofing by immersing the product in cooking oil for about 100 seconds at 350.degree. F. Flavoring can be added to the donut, and the finished product may be dusted or topped with other materials conventionally used in the preparation of cake donuts by other techniques. The selection of the cross-sectional diameter of the frozen donuts is an important factor in the process of the present invention to ensure proper exterior texture and color and proper interior doneness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Ph. Orth Co.
    Inventors: Marvin R. Willyard, Jean M. Lingg
  • Patent number: 4909353
    Abstract: A tree stand support platform assembly including a flexible strap or band for embracing a supporting upright and front and rear band supporting legs at opposite sides of the platform movable from and to a collapsed transport position to a raised operating position. The legs are each pivotally attached to the platform and pivotally joined to one another at their respective free inner ends. There is further provided improved means for detachably retaining slidable end portions of the flexible bands at the intermediate pivot connection of the front and rear legs with the use of an axially movable knob stem threadingly engageable with a slidable slotted retainer, and inside bracket on the platform for slidably retaining one of said legs relative to the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Total Shooting Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles T. Govin, William M. Haselton, Robert J. Konruff, Thomas G. Bray
  • Patent number: 4893745
    Abstract: A suspendable folder is disclosed having a front panel and a back panel with their bottom edges and a segment of each of their lateral edges secured to one another. A segment of each pair of lateral edges secured to one another is defined by two points, the first of which is near the bottom edge of each panel. The second, upper point is spaced from the first point by a distance preferably selected from the range of approximately one half to two thirds the height of the back panel. At or near the second upper point, a circular radius cut is provided to assist in distributing tearing forces across a large area of both the front panel and back panel. At least one transverse score line is also provided above the radius cut in the front panel to permit easier opening and closing of the folder without tearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Semco, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Weber, Albert Narr, Richard A. Lang, James A. Beck, John J. Weber, Jr., Gary F. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 4892919
    Abstract: Hybrid resins result from the combination of the urethane and unsaturated polyester technology. Improved resin casting and laminate properties are obtained when polyalkylene terephthalate unsaturated polyesters are employed, in lieu of the isophthalic polyesters of the prior art. Especially notable are improved heat distortion temperatures which exceed substantially those of the isophthalic based resins. The economics of using such terephthalate resins is demonstrated. Also within the scope of the present invention is the use of secondary hydroxyl compounds in the preparation of the polyesters. It has previously been believed that such compounds led to embrittlement of the final hybrid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Freeman Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Leitheiser, Joan E. Karloske
  • Patent number: 4848793
    Abstract: A child's safety vest is disclosed for use in automobiles and other vehicles having lap-belt passenger restraining systems. A stress plate, which attaches to the lap belt, forms a vertical sub-frame to support and secure a waist band and shoulder bands which encircle the child wearer. The stress plate is preferably formed of sheet metal material and a padded front, and the waist and shoulder bands are adjustable to accommodate children of varying sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: T & H, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred J. Huspen
  • Patent number: D305195
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Towers, Herb F. Velazquez, Franz K. Stafford, William Werther
  • Patent number: D311962
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Inventor: Richard Huebner