Patents Represented by Law Firm Bielen & Peterson
  • Patent number: 5456793
    Abstract: A mechanism for heat bonding a mastic coated opened band to a heat conductive hub which utilizes a mandrel sized to fit within the hub. The mandrel itself is formed of heat conductive material and includes cavities for carrying heating elements. The hub is mounted on a mandrel while the mastic coated band is held tightly to the external surface of the hub. Heating elements transfer heat to the mastic on the bands and permit the same to be fixed to the hub when cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Torque Converter Rebuilding Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Myers
  • Patent number: 5454565
    Abstract: An impact weapon having an elongated body with an undulated, continuous, outer surface which extends along an axis. First and second end portions are connected to opposite ends of the elongated body. A first depression zone is formed on the continuous undulated outer surface adjacent the first end portion while a second depression zone is formed on the undulated continuous outer surface near the second end portion. The first and second depression zones include at least first and second depressions respectively that are angularly separated from one another about the axis by approximately ninety degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Leonard Ramirez
  • Patent number: 5454391
    Abstract: A device for cleaning cart wheels utilizing a trough of liquid which is intended for contacting the cart wheels. The trough includes a bottom portion supported on a ground surface and an upwardly extending side portion terminating in an edge. A floating platform is locatable in the trough and includes a multiplicity of openings through the same. The platform is capable of contacting a cart wheel and in certain cases buoying the cart itself. A first ramp member leads from the ground surface to the edge of the trough while a second ramp member leads from the trough edge and into contact with the floating platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventors: Charles Cheung, Carlos E. Mosto
  • Patent number: 5452468
    Abstract: A computerized information retrieval system having consistency among a sensory network portrayed in a visual display, a semantic network that establishes the logic of data organization and retrieval and a mechanical storage network that locates data in a memory structure the networks having an architecture based on a life tree array that splits the search and storage paths into multiple paths for rapid access and retrieval in response to user queries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Richard E. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5451203
    Abstract: A traction mechanism utilizing a tube of flexible material possessing an inner chamber which includes a dimension that is reducible in size upon the application of tension to the tube. Likewise, the tube chamber dimension is expandable in size upon the application of compression on the tube. The first end portion of the tube extends from a closure and terminates in a second open end portion. A tube may be formed of flexible material and possess a dual wall construction. A line extends from the first end portion of the tube to the second end portion thereof for attachment at that point. Pulling the line compresses the tube and thus increases the dimension of the same, releasing items held thereby in traction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Orthopedic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Lamb
  • Patent number: 5449309
    Abstract: A support mechanism for holding a water skier to a water skiing tow bar utilizing a harness capable of being connected to the water skier. The harness includes an element which extends a certain distance relative to the water skier, preferably along the front portion of the water skier. A link connects to the element and may be slidable or movable along the certain dimension of the element. A line is fixed to the movable element and possesses pre-determined degree of flexibility to wrap about a tow bar and alleviate the effort expended by a skier holding on to the tow bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: James A. McCarty
  • Patent number: 5447482
    Abstract: A body conditioning device utilizing a base member having a first surface and a second opposite surface. The base member includes a padded core between the first and second surfaces. The first surface provides a recess portion which is capable of at least partially positioning weights. The weights are held to the base member by a strap which is extendable along the base member. The strap and base member form a unit by feeding the strap through a plurality of holding slots in the base member. The weights may be positioned at the front and back of a user when the strap is looped about the waist portion of the user, and held in such a configuration by a clasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas Kusel
  • Patent number: 5445379
    Abstract: A game accessory for a diving board utilizing a support having a plate with an aperture. The diving board is passed through the aperture to support the plate in an upright position. A hoop is affixed to the vertical surface of the plate and extends outwardly from the diving board over the body of water. A brace is also employed in the present invention for supporting the plate in its vertical upright orientation. The brace derives support from the diving board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Francis R. Recore
  • Patent number: 5445063
    Abstract: A rotisserie mechanism utilizing a base member having a first portion and second portions which are angularly disposed relative to one another. The first and second portions may take the form of a pair of racks and are held to a rotisserie rod. A holding element is locked to the base member and includes a locking device for fastening the holding element thereto. Thus, food items to be cooked on a rotisserie are clipped to the rotisserie rod by the base member and holding element. The rod is easily disengaged from the turning motor and includes block supports and a stop that prevents the rod from accidentally moving downwardly into the source of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Stephen E. Sherman
  • Patent number: 5444882
    Abstract: A surgery table utilizing a frame member which is supported on a ground surface, A platform is connected to the frame member and includes a laterally movable portion which supports a patient. The table also includes a torso support which is connected to and moves with the laterally movable portion of the platform. A leg support rotates relative to the platform and connects to a hip support which holds the patient's hip during such rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Orthopedic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Trent Andrews, Robert R. Moore, Steven R. Lamb
  • Patent number: 5446534
    Abstract: A spectrometer for analyzing a sample of material utilizing a broad band source of electromagnetic radiation and a detector. The spectrometer employs a waveguide possessing an entry and an exit for the electromagnetic radiation emanating from the source. The waveguide further includes a surface between the entry and exit portions which permits interaction between the electromagnetic radiation passing through the wave guide and a sample material. A tapered portion forms a part of the entry of the wave guide and couples the electromagnetic radiation emanating from the source to the waveguide. The electromagnetic radiation passing from the exit of the waveguide is captured and directed to a detector for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Optical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Don S. Goldman
  • Patent number: 5441148
    Abstract: A release mechanism for multiple containers forming a row between first and second portions utilizing a band of resilient material. The band extends about a portion of the periphery of each of the multiple containers and forms a closed loop about the entirety of the containers. The closed loop exerts a force on each of the multiple containers. A frangible element is formed along the loop. In addition, the release mechanism includes a connecting member located along the row between the first and second portions of the multiple containers. The connecting member includes a plurality of frangible elements linking the connecting member to the band in order to form a breakable collar about each of the multiple containers. A flange or tab is also included in the present invention for permitting the application of a pulling force on the connecting member to separate any selected number of frangible elements linking the connecting member to the band to free the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Arthur J. Appleton
  • Patent number: 5437575
    Abstract: A game method utilizing a particular number of bowling pins that are set up in a formation which may be conventional to bowling. A bowling ball is directed at the bowling pins in order to topple the same. The topple bowling pins are transferred into a number which is indicated on a game board having a number of spaces, each with an assigned number. The spaces on the game board are arranged in a definite pattern. Successive placements of indicia on the game board are collated according to an arrangement forming a selected part of the game board pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: John Douglass, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5435048
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a pattern utilizing a line which interacts with a frame member. The frame member includes at least a first portion and a second portion spaced from each other. First and second collar elements are rotatably attached to the first and second portions of the frame member. Each of the first and second collar elements possess a plurality of flexible fingers, each finger being capable of releasably holding the line. The frame members may be straight, angulated, or curved as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: Leslie A. Walker
  • Patent number: 5432412
    Abstract: A security device for a cart wheel utilizing a housing which is mounted to the cart in the vicinity of the wheel. A locking element supported to the housing and is selectively movable into positions engaging the cart wheel or being disengaged from the cart wheel. A motor is employed to move the element in such reciprocal motion and is operated by a controller. The controller includes a counter to determine the number of revolutions completed by the wheel, and a trigger for starting the motor upon receipt of a signal from the counter representing a preselected number of revolutions completed by the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: David Fulton
    Inventors: Charles D. Harris, David Fulton
  • Patent number: 5426802
    Abstract: A scoring tool for a work piece utilizing a housing. The housing is linked to a scoring element which is capable of extending from the housing to score a work piece for the purpose of marking or cutting the same. A flexible measuring member is included in the present invention and possesses at least one indication of a dimension of the same. The flexible measuring member is capable of lying in the vicinity of the scoring element, preferably in an opening through the housing. The flexible measuring member includes an end portion which terminates in a fence that is capable of confining the end portion of the flexible measuring member to the work piece. Movement of the scoring element along the work piece is easily accomplished since the fence is capable of sliding along the work piece with movement of the scoring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Delmer Greenwood
  • Patent number: 5420606
    Abstract: An electronic paperless couponing system in which a store provides shoppers with an electronic communications device having a display screen for display of a graphic of a redemption coupon that represents a discount for an item in the store available for purchase. The communication device has a selection button to enter the selection of the coupon indicating the user's desire to redeem the coupon and a memory to record the selection until the shopper reaches the checkout counter and deducted from the purchases when it is determined that the item subject to the discount has been purchased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventors: Paul G. Begum, Mark A. Geiger
  • Patent number: 5413389
    Abstract: A convoluted flange ring for a flange coupler in a piping system the flange ring having an annular bolting disk with an outer rim and an inner rim forming a U-shaped cross section, with the bolting disk having a transitional thickness for improved stress management, the thickness of the bolting disk increasing from the outer rim to the inner rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Gunter Schlicht
  • Patent number: 5410998
    Abstract: A thermal engine utilizing a positive displacement rotary expander and preferably a positive displacement rotary compressor in conjunction with an external substantially steady-state thermal source, such as a continuous fuel combustor, the external source heating a high pressure gas that is directed from the thermal source to the rotary expander wherein the gases expand driving a rotor in the positive displacement rotary engine before discharge. An additional embodiment of the thermal engine includes a modified epitrochoidal chamber configuration for the compression cycle and the expansion cycle to utilize the total internal volume for each compression pulse and expansion pulse for obtaining improved thermal efficiency in a manner similar to super long stroke reciprocal piston engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventors: Marius A. Paul, Ana Paul
  • Patent number: D360886
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Velodyne Acoustics, Inc.
    Inventor: David Hall