Patents Represented by Attorney Brown & Michaels, PC

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  • Door key retention security system
    Patent number: 7051563
    Abstract: This Door Key Retention Security System guarantees that a key used to enable operation of a powered door is retained or locked in the invention until the door is, once again, closed. Thus, it requires a person who has authorized access to the key to insert the key and properly turn it in order for a door to be opened. Then, while the door is open, the key is locked in the mechanism and cannot be removed. When the need for the door to be open is ended, the door can be closed and the key removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Eckerdt
  • Dynamical methods for solving large-scale discrete and continuous optimization problems
    Patent number: 7050953
    Abstract: Dynamical methods for obtaining the global optimal solution of general optimization problems having closed form or black box objective functions, including the steps of first finding, in a deterministic manner, one local optimal solution starting from an initial point, and then finding another local optimal solution starting from the previously found one until all the local optimal solutions starting from any initial point are found, and then finding from said points the global optimal solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Bigwood Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Hsiao-Dong Chiang, Hua Li
  • Link plate for a silent chain
    Patent number: 7048664
    Abstract: A link plate for silent chains includes a pair of teeth, each formed of an inside flank and an outside flank and a pair of pin apertures. A moment of force around a pin M=F×Lo, where F is a force applied by a sprocket tooth against the outside flank, and Lo is a length of a perpendicular drawn from a center O of a pin aperture to an action line of the force, is decreased by decreasing Lo. The link plate engages a sprocket tooth on an intersection between a straight line n and a flank, line n and the direction of a central line connecting each O forming a pressure angle ?, and contacting a circle having a center O and a radius r<0.25×P, where P is a pin aperture pitch. Also, ? of the outside flank satisfies an inequality, 32°??<34°, to lessen the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: BorgWarner Morse TEC Japan K.K.
    Inventor: Tetsuji Kotera
  • Hinge assembly
    Patent number: 7047599
    Abstract: An abutment member 4 of a first hinge member A1 is pressed against a cam member 8 of a second hinge member A2 by a coiled spring 6. By this, an interval between an enlarged diameter portion 31 of an insertion member 3 of the first hinge member A1 and a connecting plate portion 72 of the second hinge member A2, is restricted to a predetermined interval. In other words, an interval between the end faces 31a, 72a of the enlarged diameter portion 31 and the connecting plate portion 72 is restricted to a predetermined interval. A friction member 10 composed of an elastic material such as a rubber is disposed between the end faces 31a, 72a. The thickness of the friction member 10 in the opposing direction of the end faces 31a, 72a is larger than the interval between the end faces 31a, 72a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Oshima, Katsuya Imai
  • Hydraulic tensioner of the hollow piston type with a screw-type retaining device
    Patent number: 7048662
    Abstract: A cartridge tensioner (10) for drive transmission belts and chains comprises a cylinder (12) with a cylinder bore, a piston (14) slidably received in the cylinder bore and provided with a piston bore (40), a vent device (16) housed in the piston bore and comprising an end part and a stem integral with each other, a pressure spring (18) acting between a shoulder of the cylinder and the vent device, and a retaining device (20), accessible from the outside of the cylinder. The retaining device, in a position engaged with the stem of the vent device, retains the vent device preventing the action of the spring on the piston, and, in a position of disengagement from the stem of the vent device, allows the spring to bias the device against the piston and to act consequently on the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Morse TEC Europe S.r.l.
    Inventor: Bruno Maino
  • Power transmission chain having links with lateral spacing elements
    Patent number: 7048665
    Abstract: A chain having a plurality of inside links and guide links. The plurality of inside links each have a pair of apertures and are interleaved and connected to form rows. The plurality of guide links each have a pair of apertures and are placed outside of alternate rows of interleaved inside links to form guide rows. Connecting pins are received in the apertures and extend across the rows of the chain securing the links together. Spacing elements are found on opposite side of the chain, specifically between the guide links and the adjacent outermost inside links. The spacing elements act to maintain a spaced relationship between each of the guide link sand adjacent outermost inside links. At least one of the spacing elements on one side of the chain is a spring link holding the inside links in compressive frictional contact therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Tim J. Ledvina, Dennis J. Bubel, Mark E. Michaels, Mark A. Giovannini, Roger P. Butterfield
  • Capillary condensation method and apparatus for determining porosity characteristics of a sample
    Patent number: 7040141
    Abstract: A sample having a plurality of pores is located within a pressurizable chamber. The sample divides the chamber into a first volume and a second volume. A known amount of vapor is introduced into the first volume and the second volume at the same pressure (Px). After equilibrium is reached, pressure and decrease in volume of vapor are measured. Pore diameter and pore volume are calculated. A pressure differential is created between the two volumes, and the pressure change is monitored after the pressure differential is introduced. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure is increased in the first volume by a small percentage (?Px), and the pressure change on both sides of the sample is monitored after the pressure increase. The flow rate of the vapor is calculated using the pressure change. These steps are preferably repeated. The pore distribution in the sample is preferably calculated from the flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Porous Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna M. Gupta, Akshaya Jena
  • Poker game suitable for gaming
    Patent number: 7036822
    Abstract: A poker game based on an Aces and 8's legend pays a high multiple of the amount bet for the highest winning hand containing two pair of aces and 8's, and pays a lower multiple of the amount bet for the second highest winning hand containing two pair other than aces and 8's. A hand of less than a pair and neither an ace nor an 8 wins the amount bet, and all other hands lose. Dealing and betting rules can vary, and the game is adaptable to machine play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel R. O'Grady
  • Spring pack
    Patent number: 7037246
    Abstract: A variable spring resistance to movement of a rod uses a plurality of springs permanently connected between a base and a stack of end connector links extending in the direction of the rod movement. Selecting which of the links is connected to the rod then determines which of the springs are deployed to resist movement of the rod, without requiring any disconnection or reconnection of the springs. The selection can be made by a pin inserted through an aligned hole between a link and the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Kellion Corporation
    Inventor: Yong Woo Kim
  • Fluorescent lamp composed of arrayed glass structures
    Patent number: 7034446
    Abstract: The present invention uses at least one array of complex-shaped fibers that contain at least one wire electrode running the length of the glass structure to fabricate a fluorescent lamp. At least one of the complex-shaped fibers has a complex cross-section that forms a channel, which supports a plasma gas. The array of fibers can be composed flat to form a fluorescent lamp or in a cylindrical or conical shaped fluorescent lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Chad Byron Moore
  • Leak resistant seal
    Patent number: 7032905
    Abstract: A seal includes a resilient carrier with opposed limbs holding sealing rings that engage sealing surfaces. The seal is oriented so that a space between the limbs is exposed to a higher than ambient pressure that biases the limbs apart to increase the force pressing the sealing rings against sealing gland surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Michael J. Mullally
  • Tilted cavity semiconductor laser (TCSL) and method of making same
    Patent number: 7031360
    Abstract: A novel class of semiconductor lasers, or “tilted cavity lasers” includes at least one active element with an active region generating an optical gain by injection of a current and mirrors. The active element is placed into a cavity. The cavity is designed such that the optical path of the resonant optical mode is tilted with respect to both the vertical direction and the lateral plane. Thus, the feedback both in the vertical and in the lateral direction is provided for the resonant optical mode. Depending on the particular embodiment, the laser operates as both a surface emitting laser and an edge-emitting laser. Employing a tilted optical mode allows the use of substantially fewer layers in the bottom and the top interference reflectors than in conventional lasers. This preserves the necessary high reflection coefficients. Also, a wavelength-stabilized laser is realized for edge-emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: NL Nanosemiconductor GmbH
    Inventors: Nikolai Ledentsov, Vitaly Shchukin
  • Crane control apparatus and method
    Patent number: 7028856
    Abstract: This crane control apparatus and method with swing control and variable impedance is intended for use with overhead cranes where a line suspended from a moveable hoist suspends a load. It is responsive to operator force applied to the load and uses a control strategy based on estimating the force applied by the operator to the load and, subject to a variable desired load impedance, reacting in response to this estimate. The human pushing force on the load is not measured directly, but is estimated from measurement of the angle of deflection of the line suspending the load and measurement of hoist position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Gorbel, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford B. Laundry, Li-te Liu, Gustavo Montemayor, Dan O. Popa, Michael K. Taylor, John T. Wen
  • Wireless device connection in single medium wiring scheme for multiple signal distribution in building and access port therefor
    Patent number: 7027431
    Abstract: An access node or access port has physical connectors for a variety of signal-receiving and -transmitting devices and includes apparatus that allow all signals used by the devices to be carried by as few as one or two conduits. The conduits can be any signal-carrying medium, including media converters where necessary. Signals are converted to and from addressed data packets carried in a packet stream over the conduits. A central node or node zero receives signals from outside the structure, converts them to addressed data packets, and sends the packets over the conduit(s) as the packet stream. Access nodes take packets addressed to them, convert packets back into the original signals, then feed the signals to appropriate connectors on the access nodes. The central node can also allow internode communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Upstate Systems Tec, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Thompson
  • Compensating for VCT phase error over speed range
    Patent number: 7021257
    Abstract: A method for compensating for variable cam timing of an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes: a) providing a periodical crank pulse signal; b) providing a periodical cam pulse signal; c) determining a segment, wherein the internal combustion engine speed induces a volatile change upon Zphase values; d) dividing the segment into sub-segments; and e) calculating Zphase values of a plurality of points within the sub-segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Ekdahl, Danny R. Taylor
  • Blade-type chain tensioner system
    Patent number: 7014585
    Abstract: The present invention provides a blade-type tensioner system for a chain that can easily improve spring properties. A blade-type tensioner includes a blade shoe and a blade spring positioned on the back side of chain sliding surface of the blade shoe so as to impart tension to a chain through the blade shoe. The blade shoe is pivotably supported around a shoulder bolt inserted into a proximal end portion of the blade shoe, and a distal end portion of the blade shoe is slidably supported on a supporting face provided in the engine. The distal end portion of the blade shoe contacts a flat, first supporting face at a point. When tension in the chain is increased, the distal end portion contacts a concave, second supporting face at a point which is continuous with the first supporting face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: BorgWarner Morse TEC Japan K.K.
    Inventors: Yasuo Horikawa, Toru Okazaki, Hiroyoshi Mitsuhashi
  • Reconfigurable modular microfluidic system and method of fabrication
    Patent number: 7011793
    Abstract: A reconfigurable modular microfluidic system, providing a microfluidic breadboard platform for the formation of fluidic network and fluidic sealing upon a system assembly. Modular microfluidic elements or “chips” are arranged on a precisely machined alignment base to form a fluidic network, with fluid connections provided directly from chip-to-chip at overlapping corners. Fluidic access to external devices is possible at every fluid connection and through special ingress/egress chips. By maintaining a largely planar layout, optical access is provided for detecting or visualization for every chip. The assembly may be covered by a perforated cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Kionix, Inc.
    Inventors: Peng Zhou, Lincoln Young
  • Fenestration locking system
    Patent number: 7004515
    Abstract: This fenestration locking system for a swinging sash or door is characterized by the use of a linear member running continuously from an actuating assembly to a locking pin assembly. The linear member can be a flexible linear member, allowing it to convey motion to the locking pin assembly around corners. The locking pin assembly has a moveable locking pin with an actuator and an extension that can engage a keeper. The linear member has multiple actuator engagement sites along its length where the actuator of the locking pin can engage the linear member. The linear member can then be used to move the locking pin with respect to the locking pin assembly so that the extension can engage or disengage a keeper. The locking pin assembly can be mounted on a fenestration frame and the keeper opposingly mounted on a window or door mounted in the fenestration frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Caldwell Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: E. Erik Timothy
  • Air flow monitoring and control system with reduced false alarms
    Patent number: 7001263
    Abstract: An air flow monitoring and control system with reduced false alarms includes an alarm sensor for monitoring air flow in a fume hood or the like, set to provide a warning if air flow drops below a predetermined amount. A local controller monitors the alarm, and disables it when the hood is set to reduced air flow, whether by a local timer or by command of a central control system. Optionally, the controller itself can operate a variable speed drive to reduce air flow on a timed basis, and the controller can communicate with facility management through a dialer or the Internet, or can interface with a central control for the facility through a facility bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Shaben
  • Control valves with integrated check valves
    Patent number: 7000580
    Abstract: A spool valve for variable cam timing phaser comprising a spool, a plurality of check valves and passages from the advance chamber and the retard chamber to a port in the spool valve. The spool having at least two lands separated by a central spindle, slidably mounted within a bore. When the spool is in the first position, fluid from the advance chamber flows through the passage and the port to the bore surrounding the central spindle of the spool valve and through a check valve and port to the passage to the retard chamber. When the spool is in the second position, fluid from the retard chamber flows through the passage and the port to the bore surrounding the central spindle of the spool valve and through a check valve and port to the passage to the advance chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin R. Smith, Peter Chapman, Braman Wing