Patents Represented by Attorney Birdwell & Janke, LLP
  • Patent number: 6036007
    Abstract: A transportation case for a heavy object. A top portion and a mating bottom portion, are proven to be the bottom portion having a lesser height than the top portion to minimize lift-over height into the bottom portion. The bottom portion employs a substantially frusto-conically shaped cushion projecting upwardly therefrom, toward the top portion. The top portion employs a similar frusto-conically shaped cushion projecting downwardly therefrom, toward the bottom portion, the cushions being substantially aligned. The cushions are adapted to be partially inserted into respective apertures in the heavy object, such as, in an aircraft brake assembly. The bottom portion provides for attachment of a removable skid on an exterior surface thereof, the top portion having a corresponding recess for receiving the skid of another transportation case stacked thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventors: Miriam L. Alejandro, Jan M. Alejandro, Raymond L. Ward
  • Patent number: 6002337
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved flow control. A flow metering valve has an actuator formed of magnetic material which moves on response to an applied magnetic field to control fluid flow through the valve. A servo-control circuit receives a position command signal representative of a desired position of the actuator and produces an output command to produce a magnetic field in response thereto. The magnetic permeability of the actuator modifies the applied field and a magnetic field sensor measure the modified magnetic field to determine the position of the actuator. An actual position signal representative of the position of the actuator is negatively fed back to the servo-control circuit which produces an updated version of the output command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Proflow Inc.
    Inventors: Paul B. Palfey, Gary J. Gress, Gordon A. Moyle
  • Patent number: 5996191
    Abstract: A hookless connecting ring. An elongate member having two ends is formed in a loop defining axial and circumferential directions. The loop, in the absence of any applied forces, forms a closed configuration of the connecting ring in which the loop is in state of relaxation and the ends assume an overlapping relation for closing the loop. The ends remain, however, freely displaceable from one another along the axial and circumferential directions and depend on substantially elastic restoring forces in the member to maintain the closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Tony M. Christler
  • Patent number: 5979522
    Abstract: An improved knife holder for a chipper disc. A knife holder for holding a knife has a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion for clamping the knife therebetween. One of the clamping portions pivots about a pivot point for clamping the knife and for releasing the knife so that it may be easily removed from the knife holder. In the relative position of the clamping portions in which the knife is clamped and in their relative positions in which a space is opened up around the knife permitting its removal, the clamping portions are rigidly disposed with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Key Knife, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy M. Swartwood, Douglas O. Keller, Loren R. Schuh
  • Patent number: 5963707
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting torque in an electric impact torque wrench. A current sensing circuit passes current through a power relay for powering an electric impact torque wrench. The power relay is normally in a conducting state. The current sensing circuit includes a threshold current indicator which is activated when current flowing through the current sensing circuit reaches a predetermined threshold amount. The threshold current indicator is provided to a first timer which counts an activation-off time since the threshold indicator is activated, the first timer presuming that the current has remained above the predetermined threshold amount during this time. At the conclusion of the activation-off time, the first timer signals a time-off extender circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: KC Multi-Ring Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Carr
  • Patent number: 5915707
    Abstract: An improved skate-board for reclined use. A substantially thin board has a cross-section that is curved to be ergonomically advantageous for reclined use. The board is broader than and extends laterally beyond its operator. The board includes two skate wheel trucks either or both of which may employ bicycle-type hand brakes wherein, preferably, the brake pads are removed. The board includes upwardly projecting hand grips aiding the operator to control the board and to operate the hand-brakes, the hand levers of which are attached thereto. The board further includes laterally disposed downwardly projecting skid runners for protecting the board during cornering. The board still further includes heel guides proximate the position of the operator's feet, for helping maintain the operator's feet inboard of the skate-board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Nathan S. Steffen
  • Patent number: D417722
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph J. Jumalon