Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Carnes, Cona, Dixon
  • Patent number: 5610612
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for maximum likelihood estimation of bearings. This method of the present invention utilizes a novel maximum likelihood algorithm which can be employed to process one or two dimensional array data. The method is applicable to radar and sonar direction-of-arrival estimation problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: John E. Piper
  • Patent number: 5606757
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a combination fence tool that includes a plurality of working implements. The tool includes a first attachment having an upper end with a curved edge and a lower end. A second attachment is pivotally attached to the first attachment. This second attachment includes a protruding portion which extends upwardly from a top area and a lower area which is secured to the upper end of the first attachment. This will provide for the protruding portion to be planar with the first attachment. A gap is located between the protruding portion and the curved edge to provide for the gap to receive wiring by providing for the gap to decrease in size at a forward end of the protruding portion and to increase in size at a rearward end as the second attachment is pivoted forward. This gap and forward movement of the second attachment provide for a wire splicer or wire stretcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Barney Byington, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5603427
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an access door construction that is used with hot water tank assemblies that include an access opening in the inner tank and an access opening in the outer tank. The access door construction includes a first clamp that is interiorly located in the inner tank and is used to cover the first opening and a second clamp that is exteriorly located on the outer tank and is used to cover the second opening. A threaded rod is located between the first and second clamps to provide for the first and second clamps to be connect and to be a one piece structure. Centrally located on the first clamp is a circular groove while centrally located in the second clamp is a threaded through hole. The rod includes a handle at one end and a ball at its opposite end to provide for the ball to be located in the groove and for the opposite end extend through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventors: Michael Truchon, B. Wayne Folsom
  • Patent number: 5595367
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a holding device that is used for holding and maintaining a conventional gasoline pump in an opened position. The holding device consists of a retaining mechanism and a C-shape clamp. The retaining mechanism is used to provide for the holding device to be removably secured in the proximity of the opening of the gasoline fuel line of a vehicle. The C-shape clamp includes a back portion that is attached to the retaining mechanism. This C-shape clamp further includes a pair of identical arms extending from opposite ends of the back portion. This arrangement provides for the arms of the C-shape clamp to engage the lever and handle of a gasoline fuel pump and maintain the gasoline fuel pump in an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventors: Roy Sternes, Mark A. Rutledge
  • Patent number: 5584150
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an angle iron cover to be removably secured to an angle iron. This angle iron cover includes a first wall, a second wall and a securing mechanism for securing the cover to the angle iron. This design and configuration of the angle iron cover will provide for an aesthetically pleasing view in areas where openings are located in brick buildings and will also shield any rusting that can occur with the angle iron from the view of sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: William Newman
  • Patent number: 5579715
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a spray skirt that is adapted to be removably secured to a front portion of a cockpit of a kayak. The spray skirt includes a base triangular in shape and has a front end and a back portion. The back portion includes two distal ends of the triangular shape base. A channel extends from one distal end of the base to the front end and from the front end to the second distal end. An elastic cord having a first end and a second extends through this channel and outwardly from the distal ends of the base. This will provide for the first end of the cord to extend from the first distal end of the base and the second end of the cord to extend from the second distal end of the base. The first and second ends are received within a securing mechanism. This will enable the base to fit on the front area of the cockpit by providing the channel and cord to fit underneath the rim of the cockpit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Freida Harrell
  • Patent number: 5550524
    Abstract: An adjustable thermostat range limit apparatus consists of a base member having a pair of adjustable temperature limit means. The thermostat range limit apparatus is attached in the proximity of a conventional thermostat so that the adjustable temperature limit means can come into contact with the temperature control level of a conventional thermostat. These adjustable temperature limit means will provide for a restriction in the temperature range in which the temperature control lever can be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Ralph W. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5538211
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a bottle harness that is secured to the infant in order to permit for an infant to easily and safely feed from the bottle without requiring for someone to support the bottle. The bottle harness of the present invention includes a frame having a front portion and a back portion. The front portion includes at least one arcuate member that extends downwardly from the frame while the back portion contacts the back of an infant to provide for the device to be secured to the infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventors: Catherine L. Dewey, Donald M. Dewey
  • Patent number: 5522409
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vehicle cover apparatus that includes a front housing that is secured to the front bumper of a vehicle and a back housing that is secured to the rear bumper of a vehicle. The front housing stores the front portion of the vehicle cover apparatus while the back housing stores the back portion of the vehicle cover apparatus. The front portion includes a first collapsible canopy-like frame that is affixed, by clamping devices, onto the front area of a vehicle. A first fabric cover is attached to the first frame. The back portion includes a second collapsible canopy-like frame that is affixed, by clamping devices, onto the back area of a vehicle. A second fabric cover is attached to the second frame. Once the first and second frames are removed from its respective housing, the front portion meets with the back portion are secured in place by an attachment device, such as buttons or hook and loop material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Margaret E. May
  • Patent number: 5511691
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a container that will store a plurality of used plastic grocery bags. The container of the present invention consists of a hollow cylindrical sleeve having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion further includes an open end while the bottom portion includes a bottom panel. The bottom panel is integral with the sleeve. A slot is located at the bottom portion of the sleeve. This slot permits for bags to be extracted individually and efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Stanley M. West, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5505303
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a tool box apparatus that is used to carry and store the tools and equipment that are commonly used by individuals who plaster or drywall. The tool box apparatus of the present invention includes a first wall that is parallel to a second wall, an opened top and an enclosed bottom. The first portion includes a plurality of parallel slots for receiving and maintaining blades that are used by drywallers. The second portion includes a compartment that is used for storing other commonly used items by individuals who drywall. This second portion can be provided with a cover or lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Levi J. Sirman
  • Patent number: 5499750
    Abstract: The spraying device of the present invention includes a container having a hollow interior, a threaded open top, and a closed bottom. The enclosed bottom includes an orifice that is adapted to receive a pressurized fluid line. A flexible bladder is inserted through the open top into the container. A cap is adapted to be removably secured to the open top of the container. Extending through the cap is a through hole which receives a conduit that extends from the interior of the bladder to the exterior of the container. A spraying mechanism is attached to the exterior end of the conduit. Utilization of the device occurs when fluid from the pressurized fluid line enters the interior of the container exerts pressure on the bladder to cause the bladder to contract and force the fluid located inside to escape via the conduit and spraying mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: William J. Manifold
  • Patent number: 5495256
    Abstract: The maximum likelihood function can be simplified by exploiting the symmetry in the equations. This new representation leads to a very significant decrease in the computational load for bearing estimation and spectral analysis applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Inventor: John E. Piper
  • Patent number: 5467998
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an environmentally safe composition of a non-toxic, edible, biodegradable skeet that is used for trap shooting. The skeet of the present invention is designed in such a way that it can be stackable as well as being able to withstand the throwing force of the trap. The skeet is fabricated from a mixture of flour, water, and another edible granular element, such as birdseed. This substance is placed in a mold and is baked to harden. The resulting skeet is one which is easily breakable by a shotgun blasts as well as strong enough to withstand the throwing force of the trap. The design and shape of the skeet of the present invention is such that it possesses an aerodynamic structure which permits the target (skeet) to be projected with considerable speed into the air by the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: Deborah Hellings
  • Patent number: 5456335
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an easy to use lifting device that can be operable by a single attendant. In one of the embodiments, the lifting device is designed to enable the patient or a single attendant to activate and deactivate the lifting device. The lifting device also includes a shaft that is releasably secured to a base. Located on or within the shaft is a lifting mechanism. A seat frame having a seat attached thereto is secured to the lifting mechanism. An actuation device provides for the seat to be hoisted vertically along the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: James E. Kinsey
  • Patent number: 5449140
    Abstract: A mobile motor device is provided to be used interchangeably with motorless equipment shells. The mobile motor device includes a carrying handle, an universal motor, a support plate, and a latch for attaching to a motorless equipment shell. The motorless equipment shell is provided with a device to receive the latch and to prove stability to the mobile motor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: Stanley M. Lastowski
  • Patent number: 5443041
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved hot water tank assembly. The improved hot water tank assembly is provided with a access port. This access port provides adequate space to remove accumulated sediment and debris from the interior area of the hot water tank. By removing sediment and debris from the interior area of the hot water tank a buildup of sediment on the elements will not occur. This will increase element efficiency and decrease operating costs. Element and hot water tank assembly life spans will both be increased. The present invention also provide for a tool having a unique design and configuration to assist in the process of removing sediment and debris from the interior of the hot water tank assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Inventors: B. Wayne Folsom, Michael Truchon
  • Patent number: 5441431
    Abstract: A fresh water flushing system for a marine engine in a boat for use whether the boat is in or out of the water is disclosed. The system comprises a control panel mounted on the interior of the boat, a plurality of tubular T-shaped interconnection fittings in a raw sea water cooling conduit, and a fresh water flush valve. The components are connected for fresh water fluid flow. The fresh water flush valve has valve plunger for establishing fresh water flow between the control panel and the T-shaped interconnection fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Douglas Brogdon
  • Patent number: 5441073
    Abstract: A dispenser assembly provides for a hydro-injected venturi release of an erodible solid into a liquid. This dispenser assembly regulates the flow of a fluid direction and pressure through an activation chamber which contains a chemical capsule, and provides adequate levels of solution concentration. The dispenser assembly consists of a lower body member, an upper body member which contains the activation chamber, and an hydro-injector venturi assembly. The hydro-injector venturi assembly controls the rate of pressure of a fluid entering the upper body member into the activation chamber as well as the flow out of the chamber by means of a venturi plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Francis B. Hoadley
  • Patent number: 5428918
    Abstract: A fishing lure is provided with a head, tail, and body. Located between the head and the body, and encircling the fishing lure, is a locking collar. This locking collar maintains a jighead in a secured position. By doing so, the life span of the fishing lure is increased. A guide hole is located in the head and extends to the front portion of the body in order to guide the hook of the jighead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: William B. Garrison