Patents Represented by Law Firm Bell, Seltzer, Park & Gibson, P.A.
  • Patent number: 5681489
    Abstract: A plasma arc torch includes a torch body defining a discharge axis, an electrode coaxially aligned on the discharge axis, a nozzle assembly positioned adjacent the discharge end of the electrode, and a heat shield removably secured on the torch body. A power supply delivers electrical current to the electrode to create an electrical arc, and a plasma gas is delivered so as to surround the arc. Also, a pressure sensing system is provided for sensing the pressure of the plasma gas and for disabling the power supply if there is insufficient gas pressure, such as when the heat shield is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: The ESAB Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald W. Carkhuff
  • Patent number: 5682168
    Abstract: One or more antenna elements are submerged beneath a faired cover over a roof supporting member of a motor vehicle or hidden behind or as part of the front grill. Usually a conductive support extends behind the antenna elements and are electrically isolated therefrom to form the ground plane of the antenna. In some cases the antennas can be the structural members electrically isolated from the remainder of the body, but physically connected thereto. RF absorbers may be positioned spaced from radiating antenna elements to prevent antenna cross talk and exposure of occupants of the vehicle to high RF power densities. The antenna elements are especially useful in providing collision avoidance radar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse C. James, James B. Blackmon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5682146
    Abstract: Method of monitoring the quality of an advancing yarn by continuously measuring the yarn tension, which includes determining the progression of the yarn tension upon occurrence of a defined failure (failure record), storing the failure record in a data memory, comparing the measured yarn tension with the failure record and generating an alarm signal, when a range of the yarn tension progression shows a similarity to the failure record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Barmag AG
    Inventor: Bernd Neumann
  • Patent number: 5682004
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reducing the grain size of crystalline explosive provide for, first of all, dissolving the coarse crystalline explosive in an organic solvent. Subsequently, the dissolved explosive is brought together with ice water in a precipitation reactor. In the precipitation reactor the precipitation and crystallization of the explosive occur, while turbulent agitation takes place. A filtration stage is connected downstream of the precipitation reactor. A fine crystalline explosive is obtained, having a mean particle size of from 4 to 6 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Wasagchemie Sythen GmbH
    Inventors: Gregor Fels, Gerhard Ewald
  • Patent number: 5681540
    Abstract: A process for the recovery of sulfur from a feedstock, such as sour gas, including hydrogen sulfide, in which the feedstock is contacted with an aqueous mixture of ammonium nitrate, sulfuric acid and nitric acid to produce solid sulfur and gaseous hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: R. and O. Ore Processing Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert n. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5681793
    Abstract: The use of certain herbicidal semicarbazones and salts thereof as potentiators or enhancers of herbicidal and/or plant growth regulating substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventors: Richard J. Anderson, Ian S. Cloudsdale, Robert J. Lamoreaux, Kristine Schaefer, Jost Harr
  • Patent number: 5678395
    Abstract: An apparatus for bundling truss plates includes comprises means for forming a plurality of truss plates and means for forming these truss plates into a unitized bundle that is easily shipped, stored, and handled. The apparatus can include means for orienting each of the plurality of truss plates so that the backing members are substantially parallel to a predetermined plane, aligning means for aligning the oriented truss plates so that the peripheries of their backing members are substantially aligned, stacking means for stacking the oriented and aligned truss plates, and interconnecting means for interconnecting the stacked truss plates into a unitized bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Tee-Lok Corporation
    Inventor: William H. Black, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5678695
    Abstract: A packaging structure for holding an object securely against a rigid backing. The structure includes a substantially rigid panel having a pair of generally parallel fold lines which define respective folding side portions and a center portion. A flexible film material is superimposed on one surface of the center panel portion and extends onto the folding side portions. Means, such as opposed glue strips extending along the side portions, are provided for securing the film material to the rigid panel and for cooperating with the folding side portions to tighten the film against objects between the film and the center panel portion when the side portions are folded in a direction away from the film. The panel may include a fold line extending through the center panel portion for allowing the object to be inserted and secured beneath the film. The panel may also include openings into which projection on the folding side portions may be inserted to tighten the film. An associated method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Devin C. Ridgeway, Terry N. Wynn, Kevin P. Greene, Jacqueline Marshall
  • Patent number: 5678570
    Abstract: A method of treating a subject under cardiac arrest comprises the steps of: blocking the descending aorta of the subject; then withdrawing blood from the subject; oxygenating the blood withdrawn from the subject; and perfusing the aortic arch of the subject with oxygenated blood in an amount effective to deliver oxygen to the heart of the subject. This method enables the subject to continue to receive oxygenating material (i.e., blood in this instance) without the danger of volume overload that would be present if another oxygenated solution were continuously infused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventor: James E. Manning
  • Patent number: 5679153
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing epitaxial layers of silicon carbide that are substantially free of micropipe defects. The method comprises growing an epitaxial layer of silicon carbide on a silicon carbide substrate by liquid phase epitaxy from a melt of silicon carbide in silicon and an element that enhances the solubility of silicon carbide in the melt. The atomic percentage of that element predominates over the atomic percentage of silicon in the melt. Micropipe defects propagated by the substrate into the epitaxial layer are closed by continuing to grow the epitaxial layer under the proper conditions until the epitaxial layer has a thickness at which micropipe defects present in the substrate are substantially no longer reproduced in the epitaxial layer, and the number of micropipe defects in the epitaxial layer is substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Cree Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir A. Dmitriev, Svetlana V. Rendakova, Vladimir A. Ivantsov, Calvin H. Carter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5679208
    Abstract: A sealing and severing apparatus is disclosed for sealing plastic bags formed in succession from stock plastic film material and then severing the sealed bags from one another. The bags are filled with a foamable composition while they are being formed so that when the formed and filled bags are placed in a container, the foamable composition fills the bag with foam to thereby produce a customized foam cushion for any objects in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Laurence B. Sperry
  • Patent number: 5678584
    Abstract: Tubes (12), which can have any variety of cross-section and multiple bends, to be cleaned each have one end portion retained within a fixture (16) by an expanded bladder (42) while pressurized cleaning fluid (52) from conduit (50) passes through the tubes (12). Where no tube (12) is positioned within a particular fixture (16), the cleaning fluid (52) is prevented from moving through the fixture by the expanded bladder (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Dudley L. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5676422
    Abstract: A slipcover combination for covering a movable item of furniture having an upright and a lounging position is described. The slipcover combination has a main body panel having a substantially rectangular shape with first and second adjacent corners being notched to form a pair of substantially V-cut slits defining a panel portion therebetween for covering the pivotable foot rest of the recliner. First and second skirts are also provided, one for covering the seat main body and the other for individually covering the movable foot rest portion. The skirt for the main body is preferably in the form of a longitudinal piece of material, while the other skirt is desirably formed as a ring which fits the foot rest in the manner of a sleeve. A plurality of stay puts and spiral fasteners may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Fieldcrest Cannon, Inc.
    Inventors: Cecil A. White, Susan Shaner, Gretchen F. Dale, Clarence J. Reiss, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5677494
    Abstract: A mechanical impact test is performed using an incremental mechanical loading apparatus having a loading head movable in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a stationary cross piece. A starter specimen is mounted between the loading head and the stationary cross piece, such that the starter specimen extends in the first direction from the loading head and the movement of the loading head in the second direction applies a tensile load to the starter specimen. A test specimen is mounted to the loading head such that a mechanical reaction force generated by the breaking of the starter specimen is imparted from the starter specimen to the test specimen. To perform the test, the loading head of the incremental mechanical loading apparatus is moved in the second direction such that the starter specimen is loaded to failure, with the result that the failure of the starter specimen causes the application of an impact force to the test specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Steven G. Keener, Charles P. Thrash, John T. Mecklenburg
  • Patent number: 5677923
    Abstract: An electron beam pumped semiconductor laser includes a semiconductor laser screen and an electron beam source adjacent the semiconductor laser screen. The semiconductor laser screen comprises a transparent single crystal substrate, an electron beam responsive active gain layer on the substrate, and first and second reflective layers. The epitaxial electron beam responsive active gain layer has a crystal structure in alignment with the crystal structure of the substrate, and the first and second reflective layers define a laser cavity through the epitaxial electron beam responsive active gain layer therebetween. The electron beam source generates an electron beam which impinges on the epitaxial electron beam responsive active gain layer thereby generating a laser output. Accordingly, the single crystal active gain layer can be formed on the substrate by epitaxial deposition techniques increasing the performance and reliability of the electron beam pumped semiconductor laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Rice, Neil F. Ruggieri, James F. Shanley
  • Patent number: 5677966
    Abstract: An automated interactive cytology system provides expedited handling of samples, minimizing false negatives, while not substantially increasing the number false positives. A computerized system identifies and displays the cells which are of greatest interest to the cytologist. The system then processes this information on all cells identified to classify the slide as normal, abnormal, or questionable based on a statistical analysis of cells meeting given criteria. Before displaying the results of the statistical analysis, a cytologist reviews the cells which the computer has determined to be most significant. It is only then after the cytologist has determined whether the cells are positive, negative, or questionable, that the determination is inputted into the automated system. The automated system then compares the cytologist's analysis with its own statistical analysis. Based on the two opinions, the cytologist determines how to advise a doctor regarding the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Autocyte, Inc.
    Inventors: Rainer Hermann Doerrer, Jochen Ernst Fischer, Ernest Arthur Knesel, Thanh Van Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5677521
    Abstract: A personal identification and credit information system and a method of performing a transaction are provided for reducing inconveniences associated with using identifications, credit cards, debit cards, or the like when a user engages in purchase, credit, or banking transactions. The personal identification and credit information system preferably includes a ring arranged for inserting a finger of a user therethrough. The ring preferably has a memory device mounted to the ring for storing data therein. The ring preferably has a storage chamber connected to an outer surface of the ring for positioning the memory device therein. The memory device preferably includes a personal identification and credit data file having personal identification and credit data stored in a predetermined format in the personal identification and credit data file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Elizabeth B. Garrou
  • Patent number: 5676764
    Abstract: An advantageous effective cleaning solvent consisting essentially, according to one embodiment, of methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, isopropyl alcohol, toluene and n-butyl acetate, in certain ranges of proportions. Water also is included to aid in reducing the vapor pressure of the solvent. The composite vapor pressure of the solvent, at 20.degree. C., neglecting the vapor pressure contribution of water, is not greater than 35 mm of mercury. The invention solvent is particularly effective as a paint cleaner, e.g. for cleaning paint guns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Locklin, Paul A. Hatcher, Mervin A. Danforth
  • Patent number: 5676249
    Abstract: A wallpaper display package permits vertical display of wallpaper without causing a crease or other damage to the wallpaper. The display package comprises a card having a generally planar body portion of substantially uniform thickness configured to receive an elongate wallpaper sheet wound thereon. A pair of opposing tabs are positioned on and project from respective sides of the body portion lower end. Each tab has an upper portion configured to prevent the wound wallpaper from sliding over the body portion lower end. A pair of opposing slots are provided in the body portion adjacent the upper portions of each tab. The slots prevent the formation of a crease in the wallpaper when displayed vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Imperial Wallcoverings, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. DeProspero
  • Patent number: D385121
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Industrie Natuzzi, Spa
    Inventors: Pasquale Natuzzi, Domenico Abbruzzese