Patents Represented by Attorney C. Thomas Sylke
  • Patent number: 4831839
    Abstract: A frozen comestible freezer with a freezing chamber, a receiving chamber, and a tank of liquid comestible fed to the receiving chamber through an aerator proportioner which provides the correct proportion of liquid comestible and air for the freezing chamber. The aerator proportioner further contains means for isolating pressure exerted by the comestible product in the chamber from the combined pressures exerted by the liquid comestible and atmospheric pressure of air admitted into the receiving chamber, and thereby minimize backflow concerns brought about by pressure imbalance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Stoelting, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Anderson, Philip L. Davis, Theodore J. Salkowski
  • Patent number: 4822981
    Abstract: A self-regulating warmer device which is especially suited for the food service industry. Such devices are suitable, for example, for keeping wrapped or unwrapped food products at a desired holding temperature between the time the food is prepared and the time it is delivered to the customer. The warmer device includes a plate on which the food is held and a self-regulating warmer element beneath the plate to keep the plate at a uniform temperature. The plate is preferably used with spaced apart infra-red convection heaters such as those commonly used in fast food restaurants, and provides even food heating regardless of the changes in ambient conditions, the number of food products located between the infrared heater and the plate and provides dramatic reductions in power usage. Moreover, heat losses which occur at the edges of the plates now used for these applications are reduced and localized hot or cold spots are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Hatco Corporation
    Inventor: Roderick J. Chaudoir
  • Patent number: 4814079
    Abstract: A spirally-wrapped reverse osmosis membrane cell employing an envelope of semipermeable membrane sheets spirally wound or wrapped about a tubular mandrel. The convolutions of the membrane assembly are separated to form an open channel, directed feed flow path leading into a lateral opening or series of openings in a communicating tubular member defining an unobstructed bore throughout its length. The feed separator may comprise a plurality of substantially parallel strips of impermeable material of a thickness sufficient to provide desired separation between membrane sheets and wherein the strips define a meandering fluid flow path throughout the length and width of the membrane sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Aqua-Chem, Inc.
    Inventor: Burnett M. Schneider
  • Patent number: 4811504
    Abstract: A sole or plantar surface for footwear which may be incorporated in a walking appliance or attachment for conventional ski boots, and wherein the footwear has been deliberately configured to retain a foot in a substantially rigid and inflexible manner which interferes with a normal walking gait. The surface configuration facilitates walking by including at least one roll point area spaced rearwardly from the forward end. The one roll point area lies in a plane angularly disposed relative to the longitudinal axis of the plantar surface and in a direction towards the medial surface of the footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventor: Clinton R. Bunke
  • Patent number: 4811250
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining the positions of a set of points on a body and comparing those points to a set of reference points. The system includes a data acquisition apparatus comprised of emitters, receivers, and microprocessor controls. The emitters are mounted at various predetermined positions on the body, for example a vehicle body or frame, and are triggered in an optimal fashion by the microprocessors. Triggering generates a single acoustic burst signal from an emitter. An array of microphones acts as the receiver. After generation of the signal, the microprocessor initializes an external clock which measures the travel time of the signal from the emitter to the receivers. By repeating this process a number of times, data is acquired which yields the three-dimensional coordinates of a given point when processed by a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Applied Power Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Steber, Michael Mondloch
  • Patent number: 4807472
    Abstract: A fuel gauge for a fuel tank wherein external components of the gauge are configured to substantially resemble a conventional fuel filler cap, and in particular, the invention provides a single chambered fuel tank, fuel gauge and fuel filler cap configured to retain the appearance of a conventional dual chambered tank having separate fuel filler caps, but wherein the present fuel gauge retains the outward appearance of one of the caps for which it is substituted upon conversion of the dual chambered tank to a single chambered fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Brown, Michael W. Hamann
  • Patent number: 4800824
    Abstract: An incineration system utilizes a circular cross-section pyrolysis chamber in which waste materials are gasified. A flat cast iron hearth serves as the floor of the pyrolysis chamber and has a number of small holes which are raised above the general hearth level by a number of nipples. The bolted front head of the chamber has a vertically movable front door. When raised, the hinged door assembly may be opened by unscrewing a pair of locking mechanisms which seal the door to a vertically movable frame. Ash removal may be accomplished by partially raising the entire structure, rather than opening the door. The ash ram is rectangular, covers a substantial area of the chamber floor when extended, and utilizes a unique cable and cylinder ram moving system. An air plenum above the chamber also acts as a platform, allowing inspection and maintenance to take place on top of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Aqua-Chem, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. DiFonzo
  • Patent number: 4800988
    Abstract: An adjustable platform for a rung ladder has a footplate which provides sufficient surface area to enable full contact by the users feet. A footplate support system enables the footplate to accomodate a range of angles of inclination of the ladder relative to the horizontal. The footplate support system is releasably secured to two parallel guides running length wise of the ladder, either as part of extruded ladder stiles or secured to stiles of an existing ladder, and is adapted to slide up and down the guides to engage the footplate with the desired rung of the ladder. Clamp means is provided to locate the footplate in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventor: Joseph Dunmore
  • Patent number: 4800123
    Abstract: A scratch resistant coating for peroxide curable urethane elastomers comprises a radiation curable composition including at least one polyfunctional monomer having three or more acryloloxy groups per molecule, preferably five or more acryloloxy groups per molecule, and at least one N-vinyl imido group containing monomers. The coating is applied to at least one mold surface and the mold is closed for receiving the urethane elastomer. Following curing of the urethane elastomer, a coated, molded product is obtained which has improved scratch and solvent resistant properties on the surface or surfaces of the mold to which the in-mold coating was applied. The coating composition in combination with the elastomer, and the method disclosed in the present invention are especially well suited for coating plastic, optically clear lenses, i.e., those to be used in eye glasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Freeman Chemical Corporation
    Inventor: Rudolph H. Boeckeler
  • Patent number: 4799657
    Abstract: A powered work clamping device including a housing with an upper and lower chamber and an intermediate chamber communicating with the upper and lower chambers, an upper and lower piston respectively residing in the upper and lower chambers, and wherein the lower piston has a section with reduced diameter slidably and rotatably operating in the intermediate chamber, an index rod projects from the lower piston into an index bore in the upper piston and a piston rod connected thereto. The piston rod projects from the housing and is secured to a work-engaging head. The head is rotatable and independently extendable depending upon operation of the upper and lower pistons and means for rotating the lower piston and actuated upon operation of a check valve served by one of two independently actuated two-stage directional control valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Applied Power Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas P. Miller
  • Patent number: 4795054
    Abstract: An insert assembly for a stationary fuel tank filler cap retainer for motor vehicles including motorcycles and the like. The insert assembly includes a hollow inwardly threaded tubular stem to be received in the bore of a tubular member of the filler cap retainer communicating with an opening in the fuel tank. The insert assembly includes a retainer spring member having outwardly extending, angularly disposed spring clips to be received by a notched stationary retainer. The clips are further formed to provide an over-center latching relationship an inwardly extending flange of the retainer upon insertion into the insert assembly the bore of a hollow retainer tube. The insert assembly includes an internal continuous thread for threadingly receiving a fuel cap having a threaded closure stem, and further includes an outwardly extending flanged portion overlying the flange of the stationary retainer tube for protection from deleterious contact with a fuel dispensing nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Brown
  • Patent number: 4782535
    Abstract: A belt is disclosed which may be used for support, comfort and/or decoration, and has particular application in weight lifting, kidney support or other protection and which is of a construction utilizing a plurality of layers, one of which is of an elastically yieldingly compressible and shape-restoring material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Edward H. Yewer
    Inventors: Edward H. Yewer, Jr., Clifford L. Cook
  • Patent number: 4774976
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control valve includes a modulator-controlled solenoid assembly which selectively axially displaces a disc armature adjacent thereto. When not attracted by the solenoid, the armature is biased away from the solenoid by a wave spring. Movement of the armature opens and closes the outlet of a lower body member to a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure. The armature is improved, having dimples on the face adjacent the solenoid assembly to minimize sticking. Additionally, the center pole of the solenoid is axially adjustable and can therefore be set for different valve performance levels. Assembly of the valve is quickly accomplished using pneumatic pressure under performance conditions for adjustment of and setting the initial displacement of the disc armature. Setting is accomplished by crimping the various components in an outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Applied Power Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Janecke, Ronald C. Koltz
  • Patent number: 4775163
    Abstract: A motorcycle has a frame, a front wheel and Y-shaped rockers attached to the axle of the front wheel on either side. Also attached to each rocker is a rigid fork which directly connects the rocker to the frame of the motorcycle and a springed fork which connects the rocker to shock absorbing means which are likewise mounted on the rigid fork. The springed fork is mounted to the rocker intermediate the points at which the rigid fork and axle are mounted to the rocker. The rigid fork is attached to the rocker using an adjustable, split spherical bearing which is attached and held to the rigid fork by a stud. This bearing arrangement engages a pair of bearing races which are held in two prongs of the Y-shaped rocker. Similarly, the springed fork has a stud passing therethrough which also holds a spherical bearing. The bearing engages a bearing race which is held within the rocker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. McGowan, Steven W. Wentworth
  • Patent number: 4767218
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a mixing paddle assembly which may be used with a variety of mixing devices, but which is especially useful with devices which include a motorized carriage adapted to move along a beam spaced above an elongate mixing vat. Depending from the carriage are a pair of shafts, and within the carriage a separate motor is adapted to move the shafts upwardly and downwardly as the carriage moves along the beam. The mixing paddles of the present invention are affixed to the end of such shafts. The improved paddle assemblies of the present invention include a pair of plastic blades mounted to a blade assembly which includes laterally extending, stationary pegs residing in arcuate slots of pivotably supported end plates, so that the blades may be freely rotated on supporting shafts to be angled differently on the forward and return passes of the paddles. The supporting shafts extend substantially normal to the axis of the respective depending shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Stoelting, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Palus, Robert E. Williams
  • Patent number: 4753259
    Abstract: A hinge element consists of a tube connector attached to the end of a tube, the end of the tube connector having a notched head portion. Pivotably attached to the notched head of the connector is a bracket element having a spherically shaped, notched end which engages the ends of a spring and a limiting wire. The limiting wire and spring are attached at their other ends to a cross bar and a second tube in which the hinge element and the first tube may slide coaxially. A hand grip is also disclosed which consists of a central grip portion with two cylindrical parallel holes having slits on the outside thereof. At the outer edges of the slits are ribs which, when the outer portions of the grip are tightened, focus the compressive forces generated by the tightening toward the tube portions, thereby creating a strong frictional hold. The hinge and grip configurations are found in a bitubular orthopedic crutch having three sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Inventors: Ries B. Hansen, Howard G. Morter
  • Patent number: 4747423
    Abstract: A reducible walking aid is disclosed that incorporates three bitubular sections in slidable engagement with one another in the preferred embodiment. The first and third sections are connected via a pair of elastic cables attached to slidable, bidirectional hinge elements anchored to the near ends of the first and third sections, with the cables running through the tubular sections of the second section. To reduce the size of the walking aid, one pulls in opposite directions on the first and second bitubular sections. Once the hinges are generally clear of the second section, the first section is folded over the second section in one direction. The third section is folded in the opposite direction in a similar fashion to accomplish the complete folding of the crutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: Ortho-Tech Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ries B. Hansen, Orlando J. Casariego
  • Patent number: 4744285
    Abstract: An automatic, hydraulically actuated, sequencing valve for use with a pair of hydraulic acutators (e.g. double acting hydraulic cylinders) includes a valve body having a cylindrical bore therein. Cam members at either end of the bore are engaged by pins on the ends of a cylindrical spool, thereby rotating the spool 30.degree. each time it engages one of the cam members. A third cam member incorporated into the spool alternately locks open one of a pair of check valves as said spool is pressure shifted between the two bore cam members. The third cam member operates a locking system which permits only one of the two hydraulic cylinders to operate at a time and in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Applied Power Inc.
    Inventor: Glen T. Presley
  • Patent number: 4730435
    Abstract: An apparatus for aseptically filling and sealing preformed bags includes a carousel table supporting a number of bags along its periphery, each bag having a nozzle initially sealed by a diaphragm. As the carousel table brings an individual bag under a sterile docking unit, that unit lowers over the bag and showers the nozzle and diaphragm with HEPA filtered air to remove particulate matter and bioburden. A flash heat sterilizer sterilizes the diaphragm and the top of the nozzle and at least partially melts the diaphragm. A heat sterilized fill pipe descends, piercing the diaphragm and filling the bag. When filling is completed, the fill pipe partially withdraws, the lower portion of the pipe remaining inserted in the nozzle. A heat sealer then seals the nozzle below the tip of the pipe. The pipe completely withdraws, the sterile docking unit moves clear of the bag, and the carousel table rotates, thus moving an empty bag into position for filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Aqua-Chem, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Riddle, Natale J. Cerami, Deborah L. Jackman
  • Patent number: RE32834
    Abstract: A liquid-filled polyurethane elastomer gel is fabricated from water, organic glycol and a polyisocyanate prepolymer. The prepolymer is formed from organic diisocyanate and organic diol or triol having a molecular weight of 3,000 to 10,000 and containing at least 40 percent by weight ethylene oxide adducts. The prepolymer is mixed with 3 to 20 times its weight of aqueous reactant including 25 to 65 percent by weight water and 75 to 35 percent by weight organic polyol. The resulting stable gel contains aqueous solutions of emulsions dispersed therein as small droplets comprising 75 to 95 percent of the weight of the resulting article. The liquid-filled polyurethane elastomer gel can be cast into shapes or can be formed into globs of random shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Freeman Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Howard P. Cordts, Joan E. Karloske