Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Charles G. Lamb
  • Patent number: 6526663
    Abstract: A tonsorial device is provided that includes a comb releasably attached to a pair of shears. This tonsorial device allows the user to employ a one handed method of cutting hair. The attachment mechanism includes a nut having a polymeric core and a metallic casing. The nut may be hand tightened to provide easy adjustment of the device. The comb provided includes a channel, which receives one blade of the shears, and a notch which receives the collar of the nut. The comb-and-shears apparatus allows for the efficient attachment and detachment of a comb from a pair of shears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventors: Timothy Keen Simmons, Craig A. Mueller, Wes Koch, Steven M. Prentice
  • Patent number: 6527300
    Abstract: A device that aids in the holding of a book or binder is fully adjustable to the hand size of the holder by parting and remating of hook and loop fastening strips attached to U-shaped clips, the U-shaped clips being placed at the top and bottom of the outside surface of the backbone or spine of a book or binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: James W. Moss
  • Patent number: 6517885
    Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a pressed mustard cake from mustard seed, as well as mustard powder yielded from the milling of the mustard cake of the process. Employing strict temperature controls at key points in the process, this process yields a mustard cake and mustard powder of increased pungency, good flavor, enhanced protein content and enhanced preservability by limiting the degradation of key components in the mustard seed by excessive temperatures in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventors: Makoto Sakai, Hisao Tanaka, Shiro Sakai
  • Patent number: 6510855
    Abstract: A cigarette manufacturing system includes a feed hopper for feeding cut tobacco at a preselected rate to a cigarette rod forming device which in turn feeds formed cigarette rods to a filter tip attaching device. A tobacco recovery system is provided which includes air conveying conduits in flow communication with the rod forming device, the filter tip attachment device and a tobacco dust and useable tobacco particle separator wherein particles of tobacco dust and useable tobacco particles recovered from the rod forming section of the cigarette maker and the filter tip attaching device are separated. The useable particles are re-fed back into the feed hopper. The tobacco dust is transferred to a tobacco dust recovery collector. The tobacco dust and useable tobacco particles separator include a centrifugal curved conduit in combination with a classifying chamber having a bottom outlet for removing useable tobacco and a top outlet for removing tobacco dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Korte, Michael Wuolukka
  • Patent number: 6502244
    Abstract: A glove includes a plurality of separated elongated sections to receive a plurality of fingers and a thumb therein, said elongated finger sections being tapered toward a longitudinal axis extending between a long finger section and a ring finger section so that when the elongated finger sections are in a flexed condition, the finger sections point to an area of the wrist including the scaphoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
    Inventor: James M. Kleinert
  • Patent number: 6502581
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for regulating the output moisture content of tobacco conditioned by a loosening/conditioning and optionally casing (saucing) drum comprising injecting a throughflow of water into the infeed region of the drum by a first nozzle regulated depending on the target value for the tobacco output moisture content and the actual values for the tobacco mass flow, the steam throughflow and the tobacco input moisture content; and injecting a throughflow of water in the outlet region of the drum through a second nozzle, the target value of which is computed depending on the target value and actual value for the tobacco output moisture content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation
    Inventors: Dietmar Franke, Fritz Schelhorn, Hans-Werner Fuchs, Harald Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6503392
    Abstract: A flow distribution box for a wastewater treatment system includes an inlet into a back wall and outlets in the opposed outer side walls and front wall, the distribution box including a plurality of flow dividers therein to compartmentalize effluent within the flow distribution box. A flow director is disposed in the inlet into the flow distribution box for directing the flow into selected compartments within the distribution box. Each of the outlets in the box is in flow communication with a conduit leading into a selected area of a drain field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Zabel Environmental Technology
    Inventor: James E. Tyson
  • Patent number: 6478957
    Abstract: A filtering apparatus of T-shaped configuration includes a vertically extending filter element receiving tube and a horizontally extending outlet conduit portion. A removable tubular filtering element having a flexible seal surrounding the outer surface of the filter element at a lower end is engagable with an inner surface of the filter element receiving tube. A stationary filter element is disposed at a juncture of the outlet conduit with a central opening in the vertically extending filter element receiving tube wherein the flexible seal of the filter engages with and cleans the particulates from the stationary filter element upon insertion and removal of the tubular filtering element from the filter element receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventors: Theophilus B. Terry, III, Harry L. Nurse, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6475288
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a homogeneous fibriform element comprising a smoke-modifying agent. In the process a mixture comprising a solution of a polysaccharide (an alginate for example) and a smoke-modifying agent (menthol for example) is fed through a nozzle and a jet of the mixture issuing from the nozzle is brought into contact with a solution containing multivalent cations (such as calcium ions). Solidification of the mixture is thus effected. In a second aspect of the invention, a fibriform element is manufactured by passing a thread through a mixture comprising a solution of a polysaccharide and a smoke-modifying agent whereby the thread is coated with the mixture. The coated thread is brought into contact with a solution containing multivalent cations thus to effect solidification of the mixture on the thread. A fibriform element as manufactured by the inventive process and a smoking article comprising such a fibriform element are also provided for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Oliver
  • Patent number: 6453474
    Abstract: A hockey catch glove includes shock absorbing pads in the areas above and below the center axis of rotation of the metacarpalphalangeal joint of the index finger. Additional shock absorbing pads may extend to areas above and below the center axis of rotation of the proximal interphalangeal joints of all of the fingers as well as the metacarpalphalangeal joints of the fingers and the bony prominences of the thumb. Even additionally, stiffeners may be sandwiched between the shock absorbing pads and a bottom panel on the palmar side of the glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
    Inventor: James M. Kleinert
  • Patent number: 6443429
    Abstract: A surface supported vehicle lift includes at least one independent elevating runway member which accepts loads of varying weights. The runway member accepts uniform or non-uniform loads imposed from a first end to a second end. The runway member includes at least two lift leg assemblies. The lift leg assemblies include hydraulic cylinders and a pump having an electric motor to drive the hydraulic cylinders. Each lift leg assembly also includes pulsed or proportional solenoid valves and position sensors affixed thereto. Synchronizer pumps are provided to equalize flow to and from each lift leg assembly for the runway member, and each lift leg assembly includes pulsed or proportional flow divider bias thereby maintaining lateral and longitudinal synchronization between each lift leg assembly. The surface mounted vehicle lift need not be fixedly attached to a supporting surface, and in addition, may be in moveable contact with the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventors: Marion N. Hawk, Frederick G. Heath
  • Patent number: 6438189
    Abstract: An on-line material analyzer which utilizes pulsed neutron generation in order to determine the composition of material flowing through the apparatus. The on-line elemental material analyzer is based on a pulsed neutron generator. The elements in the material interact with the fast and thermal neutrons produced from the pulsed generator. Spectra of gamma-rays produced from fast neutrons interacting with elements of the material are analyzed and stored separately from spectra produced from thermal neutron reactions. Measurements of neutron activation takes place separately from the above reactions and at a distance from the neutron generator. A primary passageway allows the material to flow through at a constant rate of speed and operators to provide data corresponding to fast and thermal neutron reactions. A secondary passageway meters the material to allow for neutron activation analysis. The apparatus also has the capability to determine the density of the flowed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Numat, Inc.
    Inventor: George Vourvopoulos
  • Patent number: 6427423
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for insertion of coupons or other material into hinge lid pack cigarettes. The apparatus of the present invention inserts the coupons in between the foil wrapped pack of cigarettes and the inner frame portion of the hinged lid pack. The apparatus of the present invention is comprised of a coupon inserter, a third wheel pocket and rail system wherein the pockets travel rotationally with the third wheel after receiving a coupon and thereafter allow the foil wrapped cigarette pack to be inserted thereon. The rail of the hinged lid pack assembly machine has been modified to receive these coupons in conjunction with the coupon multistage inserter or dispenser and all act cooperatively such that the coupons are inserted in timed relation to the rotational speed of the third wheel of the packager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Hinzman, Mark Baker, Rickey Johnson, Weston Johnson
  • Patent number: 6426030
    Abstract: A method of making a closure for a container is accomplished by providing a unitary mold with a mold cavity therein having vertically extending ribs and a rotatable and linearly movable threaded core element is received within the cavity. A formable plastic material is placed within the cavity and the core element is received within the cavity. Alternatively, the formable plastic material may be injected into the mold cavity. Upon contacting the formable plastic material with the core element the plastic material is forced around the outer surface of the core element and the inner surface of the cavity forming a closure with an internal thread and externally extending vertical ribs. The closure and the core element are backed out of the cavity wherein the core element is moved linearly and rotatably, but rotation of the closure is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Rexam Medical Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Julian
  • Patent number: 6422721
    Abstract: A tube guard system is provided for use in a flourescent light fixture and comprises at least one lamp assembly. The lamp assembly further comprises a lamp having two ends and having at least one terminal at each end, a sleeve having two ends and surrounding the lamp, and an end cap having a concentric opening formed thereupon affixed to each end of the sleeve whereby the terminals protrude through the openings in the end caps. A pair of lampholders affixed to the fixture receive each lamp used in the fixture whereby the terminals are placed in contacting relation with the lampholders. A preferred lampholder has a lamp center line of at least ⅝″, thereby allowing the use of low-profile lampholders having a lamp center line of ⅝″, or standard lampholders having a lamp center line of ⅞″. Preferred sleeves and end caps are of polycarbonate materials in order to provide heat and ultra violet resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Carlton Plunk, Mike Miller
  • Patent number: 6415444
    Abstract: A conventional baseball (softball) catcher's mitt includes an additional layer of protective padding in the areas above and below the center axis of rotation of the metacarpalphalangeal joint of the index finger. Additional protective padding may extend to the areas above and below the center axis of rotation of the metacarpalphalangeal joints of the long ring, and small fingers as well as the bony prominences of the thumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
    Inventor: James M. Kleinert
  • Patent number: 6405886
    Abstract: A closure for a container is provided with a tamper indicating band attached to a lower terminating end of a skirt wherein the tamper indicating band is provided with an outer surface of varying diameters from the attaching point of the tamper indicating band to the skirt and the lower terminating end of the tamper indicating band. A plurality of folding fingers are hingedly connected to the retaining band terminating end and the thicknesses of the folding fingers increase from the connection of the folding fingers to the lower retaining end to a preselected position of the folding fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Rexam Medical Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Gearhart, Christopher Clodfelter
  • Patent number: 6402112
    Abstract: The present invention provides a support assembly for a lighting fixture that allows for the adjustment and positioning of a lamp about both a horizontal and a vertical axis using only one locking mechanism. The support assembly includes a first support member that is pivotably attached to a second support member. The support assembly also includes a cylindrical sleeve to which the second support member is adjustably engaged. Both support members include at least one leg extending therefrom. The locking mechanism includes a pivoting brake shoe that can engage the cylindrical sleeve so as to secure the lamp into position about a vertical axis. The locking mechanism also includes a thumbscrew that is housed within a slot defined within a leg of the first support member, and that engages both the brake shoe and a leg on the second support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Thomas, Daniel F. Francis, Orlando S. Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 6394294
    Abstract: A safety closure and a container is comprised of a container having an externally threaded neck portion and a first locking bead spaced downwardly from the threaded neck portion and a closure having a cap portion and a tamper indicating band portion. The cap portion is provided with a top wall and a side wall which extends downwardly from an outer periphery of the top wall and terminates in a lower end. The side wall is provided with an internal thread which is engageable with the externally threaded neck portion of the closure. The tamper indicating band portion is attached to the lower end of the cap portion with a plurality of frangible bridge segments. The tamper indicating band portion is also provided with an inwardly projecting second bead which is engageable with the first beads whereby the engagement of the bead prevents removal of the tamper indicating band portion upon removal of the cap portion. At least one ramp is integrally formed with the second bead and projects downwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Rexam Medical Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Marc A. Briere
  • Patent number: 6389601
    Abstract: A batting glove includes a plurality of finger elements, a thumb element, a top portion, and a lower portion. The finger elements cover fingers, the thumb element covers a thumb, the top portion covers a back side of the hand, and the lower portion covers a palm of the hand. Preselected thicknesses of preselected materials are included in order to protect the bones, ligaments, pulleys, tendons, etc. of a wearer from direct shock, and to distribute stress along the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
    Inventor: James Kleinert