Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Cahill, Sutton & Thomas P.L.C.
  • Patent number: 5999323
    Abstract: An active solar reflector, preferably mounted within a transparent dome, tracks the sun from sunrise to sunset to reflect impinging solar radiation into a room or other space to be lighted. The reflector includes a plurality of angled mirrors mounted one behind the other and of progressively increasing heights to intercept and reflect as large a flat plate area of solar radiation as possible. The mirrors are mounted upon a support rotatable about an axis to track the sun and to have the mirrors continuously reflect the impinging solar radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Charles F. Wood
  • Patent number: 5988731
    Abstract: A tub support kit which can be dismantled and completely removed from the cargo tub of a wheeled vehicle such as a utility trailer or a pickup truck. The kit includes a frame structure which is adapted to rest upright at the rear end of the tub near a drop down tailgate. U-shaped support members extend out over the side walls of the tub and have their rear legs separably connected to the frame structure. Two berth bases overlie the support members and are releasably connected to the U-shaped support members and the frame structure to hold the assemblage together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Roger Eischen
  • Patent number: 5985302
    Abstract: Methods, compositions and a kit for deactivating spills or leaks of HIV infected blood or anticancer drugs by applying to the leak or spill an aqueous solution containing calcium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient. In order to thicken the aqueous solution and thus keep it from spreading beyond its intended area of application, the solution of calcium hypochlorite contains methylcellulose. In addition to chemically deactivating the active anticancer drug, the solution of the invention also effectively decolorizes it, thus preventing permanent stains on any surface or fabric with which the anticancer drug comes into contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Supergen, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Dorr, David S. Alberts
  • Patent number: 5982187
    Abstract: A resilient connector uses a spring made from a cylindrical tube. The wall of the tube is cut in a helix along the central portion of the tube to form the spring. One or more plungers within the spring have a tip extending past a first end of the spring and a second end attached to the spring. Each plunger is a pin or a pair of coaxial conductors separated by a dielectric sheath. One of the coaxial conductors is a conductive layer on the sheath. A double ended connector uses a spring made as described above with a pair of plungers attached one each to each end of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: AlphaTest Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick James Tarzwell
  • Patent number: 5975230
    Abstract: A motorcycle frame is formed of tubular members which are hollow to provide a reservoir for oil used to lubricate the motor of the motorcycle. Fittings are provided within the tubular frame for receiving an oil filler cap, an oil spill hole, an outlet to the oil pump, an oil return inlet, an oil drain, and a crankcase vent. The seating area of the motorcycle frame is dropped closer to the ground due to the elimination of the oil reservoir normally located below the seating area of the frame, while incorporating a dampened rear wheel swing arm frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph Roger Bourget
  • Patent number: 5975951
    Abstract: A coaxial cable F-connector (20) includes a tubular post (32) for insertion around the dielectric (26) of the coaxial cable (22), a cylindrical body member (46) secured to the tubular post for receiving the jacket (30) of the coaxial cable, and a coupling nut (38). The tubular post includes an enlarged shoulder (80) that extends inside the nut; the nut includes an inwardly directed collar (82) that extends around the tubular post and around one end of the cylindrical body member. An O-ring (35) is disposed around one end of the cylindrical body member between the shoulder of the tubular post and the collar of the coupling nut. Limited axial movement of the coupling nut is permitted relative to the tubular post and cylindrical body member for allowing the coupling nut to spin free of the O-ring until tightening of the coupling nut over the threaded port is almost complete. Upon final tightening of the coupling nut, the O-ring forms a seal between the nut, the tubular post, and the cylindrical body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Gilbert Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Burris, William B. Lutz, Herman P. Durst
  • Patent number: 5976009
    Abstract: A security grate is disposed intermediate a conventional multi-apertured vent on the front of a garage door panel to prevent intrusion through the juxtaposed aperture in the panel. Straps or washers serving as a backing plate may be located on the interior of the panel to further hinder unwanted removal of the vent and the security grate from the panel to obtain access to the aperture in the panel. Alternatively, the security grate may be disposed adjacent the interior of the panel and then any backing plate variants may be omitted. A cover of insulating material is attachable adjacent the rear of the panel to prevent airflow through the panel aperture and to provide insulation. A transparent or translucent cover may be substituted for the insulating cover to provide illumination when the garage door is closed. A closeable opening may be provided in the cover to permit airflow therethrough on a selected basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: John J. Achen
  • Patent number: 5977895
    Abstract: A waveform shaping circuit for use in a function circuit is provided which minimizes interference with a feedback circuit of the function circuit and a load. The waveform shaping circuit disposed in the function circuit includes a voltage transfer unit and a voltage-to-current converter unit. The voltage transfer unit transfers a voltage at an output terminal of an operational amplifier to the converter unit in an electrically isolated condition. The converter unit has a predetermined threshold for the magnitude of the voltage at the output terminal. The converter unit supplies an inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier with a current having a magnitude depending on a relationship in magnitude between the voltage at the output terminal and the predetermined threshold. In one embodiment of the invention the waveform shaping circuit is used to prevent the onset of instability in a high order delta sigma modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Burr-Brown Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Murota, Toshihiko Hamasaki
  • Patent number: 5975359
    Abstract: A source of liquid soap for washbasins and the like is provided by a flexible, collapsible bag filled with liquid soap. A hollow open tipped needle is penetrably inserted through the material of the bag, which penetration develops a seal about the needle. The needle is connected through a conduit to a dispenser for the soap. A source of vacuum in communication with the conduit, the force of gravity or a force externally imposed upon the bag to compress it, actuates a flow of soap from the bag through the needle for discharge from the dispenser. As liquid soap is evacuated from the bag, the bag collapses. Upon depletion of the soap, the needle is withdrawn and inserted into a replacement bag of soap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: International Sanitary Ware Manufacturing CY, S.A.
    Inventor: Karel Carl Van Marcke
  • Patent number: 5973564
    Abstract: An operational amplifier output circuit having a low, stable quiescent current includes an input stage (22) receiving an input voltage (v.sub.in ") and producing first (v.sub.1) and second (v.sub.2) signals. An output stage (23) includes a pull-up transistor (1) and a pull-down transistor (2), a base of the pull-up transistor (1) receiving the first signal (v.sub.1). An emitter of the pull-up transistor (1) is coupled by an output conductor (30) to a collector of the pull-down transistor (2). A base of the pull-down transistor is coupled to receive the second signal (v.sub.2), and an emitter of the pull-down transistor (2) is coupled to a second reference voltage conductor (GND). A feedback stage (24) includes a first sensing circuit (36) coupled to the pull-up transistor 1 and produces a third signal (v.sub.3) representing a collector current of the pull-up transistor (1), a second sensing circuit (37) coupled to the pull-down transistor (2) and producing a fourth signal (v.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Burr-Brown Corporation
    Inventor: Vadim V. Ivanov
  • Patent number: 5969658
    Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter includes an input circuit (9) producing a plurality of corresponding switch control signals (25) in response to a digital input signal (D.sub.IN) and a resistive ladder network (10A) including an R/2R MSB ladder section (2) including a plurality of "R" resistors (17) and a plurality of "2R" resistors (5), and an R/2R LSB ladder section (3) including a plurality of "R" resistors (17) and a plurality of "2R" resistors (5). A scaling resistor (21) is coupled between a least significant node conductor (7-3) of the MSB ladder section and a most significant node conductor (7-4) of the LSB ladder section. A plurality of switch circuits (6) each selectively conducts a respective parallel resistor circuit (5) to a first reference voltage conductor (VREFH) or a second reference voltage conductor (VREFL) in response to the various switch control signals (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Burr-Brown Corporation
    Inventor: Jimmy R. Naylor
  • Patent number: 5963135
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a proximity detecting device for detecting the presence of an object in a target area, comprising a low voltage power source, a circuitry for generating electrical pulses and supplying them to a light emitting diode (LED) in order to emit light pulses, and a receiver for reception of light pulses emitted from the LED and directed towards said target area, characterised in that said circuitry comprises a first circuitry containing a primary coil and switching means for connecting the primary coil for a period of time to said low voltage power source such as to accumulate a predetermined amount of magnetic energy in the primary coil, and a second circuitry containing said LED and a secondary coil magnetically coupled to said primary coil to transform the accumulated magnetic energy by mutual induction upon opening said switching means each time into one of said electrical pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: International Sanitary Ware Manufacturing CY, S.A.
    Inventor: Karel Carl Van Marcke
  • Patent number: 5954591
    Abstract: Sports equipment "user's grip" enhancing device, especially functional for golf. A portable training device that is molded, cut or formed into a barrel shape that is slipped on the grip of the golf club and modifies the user's grip on the club itself. This device becomes the resting point for the thumb and index finger of the right hand for right handed golfers and the left hand for left-handers. Repositioning the thumb and index finger reduces the amount of unneeded control that these two fingers exert on the club. Traditionally for many golfers, these two fingers dominate the entire grip and trigger the major muscle groups of that side of the body to contribute unneeded, excessive participation throughout the entire golf swing. Thus, these two fingers attempt to total control the speed of the club and aperture of the club face during the swing and the resulting direction of the flight of the ball once struck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Anthony Liberatore
  • Patent number: 5950882
    Abstract: A hanger for drying clothes thereupon constructed from plastic or other rust resistant material. The hanger is constructed to be hung from a stationary object or member which will commonly be a door or wall. The hanger includes an extension arm which is connectable at one end nearest the door or wall to a suspender. Oppositely and on a distal end, a collapsible hanger is installed. The hanger has a connector that is installable upon the extension arm and the hanger also has hanger arms which are jointed and extendable within a piece of clothing. In use, the hanger will be emplaced within a wet garment to be dried and additional jointed members will be installed at distal ends of the hanger arms so as to fully support and expand the hanging wet article for drying. In this manner, wrinkle-free and expedited drying of durable, as well as fragile wearing apparel may be accomplished while the original shape of the garment is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Joe B. Scott
  • Patent number: 5947502
    Abstract: A portable stage, transportable in a stacked configuration on a conventional truck trailer, has two modular units manually or vehicularly positionable side-by-side to define the platform of the stage. The platform of one unit is laterally and angularly relocatable relative to the supporting frame to position it contactingly adjacent the platform of the other unit. A plurality of carts, nestable as pairs intermediate the stacked units during transport, are deployed to convey the equipment used on the stage from a source or depot to the assembled stage and return. A pair of ramps serve multiple functions of loading and unloading the units and the carts and are configured to be anchored to different load bearing receiving elements. A specifically configured detachably attached yoke permits turning of pivotally mounted paired wheel trucks while positioning a unit to assemble or disassemble the stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: K-Zell Metals, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Kammerzell, Don T. Engler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5943712
    Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a water valve in response to the presence of a human body part by providing a passive detecting apparatus to produce a human-presence-indicating signal in response to variation in radiation by the body part, detecting with a first level detector circuit having an input coupled to the passive detecting apparatus whether the human-presence-indicating signal is between a first upper threshold level and a first lower threshold level, producing with a first circuitry responsive to the first level detector circuit a first active mode signal if the human-presence-indicating signal is either higher than the first upper threshold level or lower than the first lower threshold level, opening the water valve with a second circuitry responsive to the first active mode signal, after production of the first active mode signal, further detecting with a second level detector circuit more sensitive to the presence of a human body part than the first level detector circuit and having an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: International Sanitary Ware Manufacturing Cy, S.A.
    Inventor: Karel Carl Van Marcke
  • Patent number: 5946181
    Abstract: A circuit provides at least partial thermal shutdown of an integrated circuit chip including a functional circuit (7) in response to detection of a hot spot in a first area of the chip. First (Q1) and second (Q3) transistors in a second area (3) of the chip are located a first distance (10) from the second area of the chip, and third (Q4) and fourth (Q2) transistors in a third area (4) of the chip are located a second distance (11) substantially greater than the first distance from the first area. The functional circuit (7) dissipates power in the first area, causing a temperature in the hot spot to rise to approximately a first temperature T3 and causing the temperature of the first and second transistors to be a second temperature T2 and causing the temperature of the third and fourth transistors to be a third temperature T1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Burr-Brown Corporation
    Inventor: Gary S. Gibson
  • Patent number: 5942125
    Abstract: An ozone generator injects and entrains ozone enriched air into water to be used by a dentist or technician during a dental procedure. The ozone entrained in the water will eliminate the motility and viability of any microbes and pathogens present in the water or in biofilm present in the water lines or channels conveying water to a patient's oral cavity. The ozone generator may be used in combination with water from a municipal water source or from bottled water. Alternatively, the ozone generator may be incorporated within a bottle supplying distilled or otherwise puritied water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Germiphene Corporation
    Inventors: Rolf Engelhard, Stephen P. Kasten
  • Patent number: 5939944
    Abstract: A push-pull output stage includes an NPN pull-up transistor (Q6) and an NPN pull-down transistor (Q7) connected to an output. A compensation capacitor 17 is coupled between the collector and base of the pull-down transistor. A differential input stage includes emitter-coupled first (Q2) and second (Q3) NPN input transistors each coupled by a degeneration resistor to a constant current source. A base of the first NPN input transistor (Q2) is coupled to receive a shifted input voltage (V.sub.IN), and a base of the second NPN input transistor is coupled to the output conductor (3). The collectors of the first (Q2) and second (Q3) input transistors are connected to the sources of a folded cascode circuit including first (J1) and second (J2) cascode P-channel JFETs, respectively, the drains of which are connected to a current mirror output transistor (Q5) and a current mirror control transistor (Q4), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Burr-Brown Corporation
    Inventor: Gary S. Gibson
  • Patent number: D414370
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: City of Scottsdale
    Inventor: John J. Shy