Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Charles F. Meroni, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6834987
    Abstract: A kit for retrofittedly illuminating transmission shifter knobs. The kit comprises a retrofit knob cavity cover to replace a preexisting knob cavity cover for a knob cavity of a knob body made by a particular entity connected to a transmission shifter. The retrofit cover has a lens aperture and a switch aperture. A lens has a transparent portion disposed within the lens aperture. An illuminating mean is positioned to be disposed within the knob cavity when the knob cavity cover is replaced by the retrofit knob cavity cover. A portion of the illuminating means extends within an illuminating well illuminating the lens when activated. A switching means having a portion extending into the switch aperture activates the illuminating mean. A battery receiving structure is positioned to be disposed within the knob cavity when the knob cavity cover is replaced by the retrofit knob cavity cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis R. Zynda
  • Patent number: 6826984
    Abstract: A socket for manipulating a conduit lock nut comprises a wall enclosing a circular area equal to an outer diameter of a lock nut terminates in a lip. A plurality of teeth spaced at a predetermined distance engage lugs of a lock nut. The teeth have sufficient height to engage the lugs when force is applied to the socket. A centering stem within the wall coacts with an inner wall of an electrical conduit opening to axially align the teeth with lugs of a lock nut about the opening. A tapered lead in provides spatial relief for initial engagement of the stem with an inner wall of an opening. A well between the stem and the teeth provide a recess for protruding walls of an electrical conduit opening to reside in during engagement of the teeth with lugs of a lock nut about the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Keith K Poppen
  • Patent number: 6824850
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an article for preventing pests from gaining entrance to a building structure. The article comprises a length of fibrous fabric and a plurality of adhesive strips. The fabric is designed for adhesive attachment to a dwelling or building structure adjacent points of entry and the adhesive strips are designed for adhesively attaching the fabric in snug adjacency to the outfitted building structure. The fabric is impregnated with at least one pesticide composition and has outwardly extending fibers for entangling the legs of pests attempting to gain entrance to the building structure by maneuvering across the fabric to points of entry. These outwardly extending fibers thus directly deposit pesticide composition on the pests for preventing them from gaining entrance to the building structure. Importantly, the fabric is brilliantly colored or has highly light reflective coloration for attracting the pests to the pesticide-impregnated fabric for contact treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Robert M. Nourigat
  • Patent number: 6821210
    Abstract: The present invention provides an L-shaped golf training mat for improving a golfer's aiming and alignment skills. The mat comprises positioning-aiming markings, which markings are longitudinally and latitudinally aligned on the superior mat surface for enabling the golfer to visualize an effective ball-placement-zone distally removed from the L-shaped mat and defined by distally extending and laterally extending zone lines collinear with the positioning-aiming markings. Further, the present invention provides an auxiliary alignment blade removably attachable to the mat for enabling the golfer to align and aim golf shots for variably controlled golf ball flight trajectories. The blade comprises reference markings which function in cooperative association with positioning-aiming markings on the superior mat surface for enabling a golfer to align and aim for variably controlled golf ball flight trajectories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Richard G. Kallage, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6789368
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved column structure for use with a building structure. The column structure comprises a hollow load-bearing capital, which is mounted on top of a hollow load-bearing column. Both the capital and the column are constructed from polystone. The column structure further comprises a series of brackets for attaching or mounting the capital to the column, which brackets are preferably placed in substantially uniformly spaced distance around a circumference of contact between the capital and the column. The column and the capital together define a passageway wherein the brackets are located. The brackets are paired off, each bracket pairing comprising a capital bracket and a corresponding column bracket, which capital brackets and column brackets are then fastened together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Savenok
  • Patent number: 6777952
    Abstract: The integrity, connection and location of cable wire termination extending between two different points is checked for shorts between wires and open wires. The actual remote termination plug configuration can be mapped from testing end to determine remote plug wiring. The actual location of the remote terminated end is identified either by a visual indicator, a electronically recorded message made by operator at time of cable termination, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Elenco Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur F. Seymour
  • Patent number: 6767314
    Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible exercise apparatus, generally comprising a riser assembly, a carriage assembly, riser assembly support means, and peripheral attachments. The riser assembly further comprises a pair of parallel riser members and the carriage assembly further comprises a riser-engaging end. The riser-engaging end is received between the riser members in a carriage assembly-receiving track. The user may thus selectively incline the carriage assembly in the carriage assembly-receiving track in this operational state for exerting muscular effort against varying degrees of the user's own body weight resistance to achieve some level of physical activity or as part of an otherwise regular exercise regimen. To enable easy horizontal transferability, for example, during shipping or when not in use, the carriage assembly is easily nested within the carriage assembly-receiving track. Additionally, no tools are required to assemble or collapse the exercise apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6764457
    Abstract: The improved longitudinal support structure is used in combination with a leg brace that provides support to a wearer's leg. The improved longitudinal support structure for longitudinally supporting the leg brace provides a pivot post attached to the outer lower portion of the leg brace. A support member extends from the outer lower portion of the leg brace. The support member has apertures through it to provide longitudinal adjustment and is rotatably connected to the pivot post through one of the apertures so that an end can rotate about the pivot post. A stop post limits the rotation of the support member to a predetermined range. A rigid cross member attached to the end of the support member positioned adjacent the wearer's ankle rests atop the wearer's foot and is shaped to accept the wearer's ankle. Means for securing the rigid cross member about the wearer's ankle is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Theodore B. Hogg
  • Patent number: 6748943
    Abstract: A firebox cover for thermally sealing off a firebox while not in use comprising a flexible barrier member, a sealing member and a magnet member. The flexible insulating barrier member covers a firebox opening within a room preventing thermal energy within the room from exiting through the firebox opening and preventing thermal energy within the firebox from entering the room. The barrier member has a cellular structure with a thermally reflective front face and thermally reflective back face. The sealing member about the periphery of the barrier member provides a substantially air tight seal about edges of the barrier member when the sealing member is magnetically affixed to a metallic surface surrounding the firebox opening during use of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: John P. Krimmer
  • Patent number: 6746348
    Abstract: The present invention provides a backstop net assembly and kit for use in combination with a basketball hoop assembly, which comprises a multi-socketed mounting block, a plurality of net extension rods, and a ball-gathering net assembly. In a basketball playground, one can find an upright support post, a backboard mounted on the post, and a basketball rim and net structure mounted on the backboard. The present invention provides a basketball backstop net assembly to gather errant basketball shots launched by a basketball shooter to minimize basketball retrieval time and possible damage to surrounding valuables. The ball-gathering net is a reticulated having a size and width, which extends vertically and laterally via the net extension rods a sufficient distance to capture errant shots and to assist in keeping the basketball in play. Additionally, a perimeter cord bounds the reticulated portion of the net to provide added strength to the ball-gathering net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventors: Richard J. Barnes, James P. Fieberg
  • Patent number: 6738984
    Abstract: The present invention provides a protective body vest for protecting against impact upon a human torso when worn by an athlete during sporting activities. The protective body vest comprises a multi-section, one-piece garment or vest sized and shaped to be worn on the torso of an athlete. The garment includes multi-layered protective padding that automatically adjusts for varying body sizes and can be customized by the wearer based on safety, comfort and athletic performance concerns. The body vest further comprises a shoulder portion with oversized apertures for receiving a wearer's arms, an anterior portion, a pair of lateral portions and a tapered-design posterior portion. The body vest further comprises at least one opening located off set from the medial line of a wearer's torso and at least one flap or overlap to cover the region of the offset opening as well as the vest area about the offset opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventors: Sherry S. Gillen, James G. Gillen
  • Patent number: 6735473
    Abstract: The defibrillator storage device has an enclosure comprised of wall sections, a top section, bottom section and door section defining an interior compartment of sufficient size to house a defibrillator. A defibrillator mount is connected to the interior of the enclosure. An alarm means having a visual alarm signal and an audible alarm signal is used to indicate that the door of the device has been opened, signaling a possible cardiac arrest incident. An activation switch for triggering the alarm is connected to the door and positioned to contact an enclosure wall when the door is closed. The normally open switch is closed and is closed when the door is opened. An alarm deactivating switch connected in circuit to the alarm is used to reset the system or to totally deactivate the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Robert D. Kolder, Timothy Strok, William R. Sears, Kevin J. Cronin
  • Patent number: 6725764
    Abstract: A segmented elongate, hollow convection pipe formed with an angled mid portion having a removable closed piercing cap or tip for piercing through the body cavity of stuffed poultry during cooking and preparation to cooking the closed end prevents dressing or stuffing from clogging the pipe when the stuffing is pierced by the tip of the hollow convection pipe. The tip is then removed for convection cooking. Each segment and the piercing cap or tip has a locking connection to enable the convection pipe segments to be securely locked together. The convection pipe is provided in plural individual sections of tubing that are serially joined in end-to-end relation. Overall length of the pipe can be adjusted by connecting greater or fewer numbers of sections of tubing, as required. Overall cooking time of both the poultry and the stuffing is more uniform and reduced as a result of simultaneous cooking from the inside as well as the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Richard B. Sherwin
  • Patent number: 6713138
    Abstract: A combination fluid collection container and drive-up service point in a traffic lane. The fluid collection container for retention of leaked automobile fluids is thermally bonded to the traffic lane surface adjacent to a drive up service point. The shallow, rectangular basin is formed of a thermoplastic material which is impervious to automotive fuels and lubricants, and resistant to wear and degradation by the environment. The container is formed of multiple thermoplastic components which are assembled during installation on the traffic lane surface. These components include a base sheet which provides the bottom surface of the container, side walls, and end walls. The outer edges of the end walls may be tapered during installation to remove any abrupt discontinuities in the traffic lane surface. The leaked fluids are retained within the container until removed in compliance with local laws and codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Darrell P. Griner
  • Patent number: 6690619
    Abstract: An underwater communication device in combination with a chemiluminescent glow stick. The combination comprises a rigid housing having a seat structure for receiving a chemiluminescent glow stick on an outer face of the housing and a loop structure on a second outer face of the housing for attachment to another object. A projectile resides within the rigid housing such that movement of the housing will cause the projectile to move within the housing impacting an inner surface of the housing causing sound vibrations. A chemiluminescent glow stick is engaged with the seat structure, illumination of the glow stick providing means for visual underwater communication. A means for maintaining engagement of the glow stick with the seat structure of the rigid housing maintains the glow stick against the seat structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph R. Brausam
  • Patent number: 6684813
    Abstract: The present invention provides a maintenance-efficient birdbath—fountain assembly essentially comprising an upper annular basin, a lower support reservoir, a fountain assembly, and a decorative cap. The basin comprises a central water dam and a sloped superior surface. The water dam comprises a plurality of water retainers and a plurality of water inlet grooves intermediate the water retainers, which together define a reservoir access aperture. The support reservoir supports the basin and receives excess water emptying from the basin via the water inlet grooves. The fountain assembly comprises a pump assembly and a float valve assembly for recirculating water and for maintaining a desired water level. The decorative cap caps the reservoir access aperture, which allows a user to manually access the fountain assembly or the reservoir without removing the basin from the reservoir thus providing the user with an efficiently maintained birdbath—fountain assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Barbara L. Lemon
  • Patent number: D490696
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Brimar, Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine A. Calig, Dieter Thiergart
  • Patent number: D491053
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Brimar, Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine A. Calig, Dieter Thiergart
  • Patent number: D494485
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Duke Specialty Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Schiene, Thomas M. Schiene
  • Patent number: D498083
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Alan S. Bishop