Patents Represented by Attorney David A. Guerra
  • Patent number: 7431224
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for reducing the amount of water or other fluid discharged at a tap (4), which device comprises a body member (1) having an inlet adapted to be connected to a supply of water or other fluid, dual outlets through which the fluid is to be discharged to the locus, one fluid path between said inlet and said outlet is controlled by a flow/pressure responsive valve mechanism (10) located in the inner fluid path (9) between said inlet and outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Jonathan Paul Laker
  • Patent number: 7425197
    Abstract: Images that can have various subjects are formed by using the specific range of colors that the rainbow has. These images consist primarily of transparent, flexible, 3-D pictures which become even more beautiful when light is passed through them. Their size varies and they can be transferred from one surface to another, so they can be removed easily and leave the room exactly as it was before. They are accompanied: (a) by stories explaining the specific meanings of each color used in the picture and of each transfer from one color to the next; and (b) by other stimuli for the senses (audio-visual images, odors, tastes, etc. which try to give life to the theme of the image and give the viewer the sense that he or she is actually in the image). Their aim is to convert a negative space into a positive, and healing, one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Elpida Tzouriadou-Teske
  • Patent number: 7422688
    Abstract: An aerated treatment of water is performed using a serially coupled reactor and flotation tank and is performed using so much activated sludge in the water that small bubbles from an aerator are entrained in the activated sludge, leading some of or all the activated sludge to flotate in the flotation tank. A reactor (1) and a flotation tank (36) for performing the process are equipped with at least one aerator (19, 20, 21, 22). A number of preferred processes and designs elaborate on the invention, including how the invention may be incorporated into existing wastewater treatment facilities and exploited there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Lars Ekeroth
  • Patent number: 7398901
    Abstract: The invention relates to a universal removal device enabling a footware item having a very short or very long upper from one or two moulds (28) side by side and at different heights with a normal inclination of the foot and a normal heel. The inventive device consists of two vertical belts (1) and (2) which pinch the foot of the item in order to extract it while remaining rotationally fixed with displacement according to the axis A-A? of the foot, in order to subsequently tilt the belt (38) with the aid of fingers (58) and (59). The rotation of the belts (1), (2), (38) and (66) and the simultaneous elevation of the fingers (58) and (59) at the same speed completes the removal of articles of any length without folds or tensing occurring. The inventive removal device is used, in particular, on machines which are used to form socks and tights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Michel Vouriot
  • Patent number: 7398622
    Abstract: A connector (15) for connecting modules together comprises plastic connector member (16), an expander rod (17) and a threaded expander rod displacer (18). The connector member (16) has spaced dovetail style enlargements (19) on one side and a full length dovetail enlargement (20) on the other side. The connector member (16) is designed to slide in the confronting slots with the wasted sections (21) of the expander (17) located inside each of the sections (19). Once in position the threaded expander rod displacer (18) is used to axially displace the expander (17) to force the enlarged sections of the expander (17) into the sections (19) thus engaging the slot and at the same time biasing the modules together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Richard A Walker
  • Patent number: 7371138
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pedal boat drive comprising at least one pedal crank and a drive train for transferring drive energy produced by the pedal crank to a means of propulsion, e.g. a propeller. At least one flywheel, which is mounted on a free-running axle, is placed in the drive train between the pedal crank and the means of propulsion. Drive energy produced by the pedal crank is transferred from the pedal crank to the flywheel, which is mounted in a free-running manner, and is transferred from said flywheel to the means of propulsion. The aim of the invention is to further develop a pedal boat drive of this type that enables a pedal boat to be used as an item of sports equipment. In doing this, the pedal boat should behave in water similar to a bicycle on land with regard to the feeling of riding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Klaus Spass
  • Patent number: 7362279
    Abstract: A device for receiving satellite signals, associated to a parabolic dish (2) suitable for reflecting to a corresponding focus a first signal (25) at a first frequency and a second signal (35) at a second frequency. The device comprises a first feed (7,8) arranged near the focus suitable for transducing the first signal and transmitting it to a first receiver (9), a second feed (40,40a,40b) arranged hear the focus suitable for transducing the second signal (35,35a,35b) and transmitting it to a second receiver. The first frequency is dedicated to TV channels and the second frequency is at a band different from the first frequency and is dedicated to internet transmissions. The feeds can be of double reflection type, comprising a reflecting plate (7) that directs signals already reflected from the parabolic dish (2) towards a tubular wave guide (8) co-axial to the parabolic dish as well as towards a dipole (40) that constitutes the second feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Brunello Locatori
  • Patent number: 7311296
    Abstract: A conduit threading device is provided for passing a pull-cord (24) through a conduit (17) by imposing suction at one end of a conduit to draw a shuttle (16) having a zone of maximum diameter that is commensurate with the internal diameter of the conduit and that is introduced at the other end of the conduit, through the conduit. The conduit threading device includes a positive, displacement pump (1), typically a hand operated piston and cylinder pump, having a suction inlet (14) generally at the end of a flexible suction 10 pipe (13) configured for releasable attachment, by way of one of a selection of adapters, to an end of a conduit. Interposed between the pump and suction inlet is a separate collection chamber (9) for waste solids and liquids drawn into the suction inlet during use. The pull-cord is preferably a light weight polypropylene string, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: John Michael Holtzhausen
  • Patent number: 7310329
    Abstract: This invention consists of a system permitting to send text messages by Internet and let them arrive in the form of speech directly on the addressee's phone. This system works by means of a central server, where at least one software is installed, which receives the written message, converts it into speech and processes it, so that it can be sent in vocal form on a telephone line. The user receiving the message can also answer it, sending another message to the sender, always using the telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventors: Riccardo Vieri, Cristiano Tomasso, Flavio Vieri
  • Patent number: 7293773
    Abstract: A method of playing a card game and a pack of cards for use therewith, the pack including a number of topic cards at least one of which is selected by the player and a number of playing cards in a pack which can be shuffled, a first additional card being located beneath the topic card and, if this additional card does not incorporate an “END” on its lower edge, a further additional card is located therebeneath until the lower end of an additional card incorporates the word “END”, the lower portion of each card, unless it is a card with an “END”, having the first part of a sentence and the upper portion of each card, unless it is a topic card, having the completion of a sentence, the player then reading the sentence(s) on the cards dealt. The cards can be in the form of a tarot pack for persons who are interested in this art, but this is not necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Bruce Bradley
  • Patent number: 7290652
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container, especially for cigarettes, having a base and a lid. The base includes a bottom area and a first wall, and the lid includes a cover area and a second wall. The base and the lid are hinged to each other on a first side of the first wall and a first side of the second wall. When the container is in a closed state, a gap is formed between the other sides of the first wall and the other sides of the second wall. A protective cover is disposed around the base and the lid when the container is in the closed state. The protective cover, in the area of the gap, is provided with a perforated section and is at least partially linked with the base and/or the lid, especially glued to it or linked with it in a similar manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Josef Rath
  • Patent number: 7264116
    Abstract: A protective portable computer briefcase for protecting and securely transporting a portable computer. The briefcase has a bottom part, a top cover part pivotally attached to the bottom part, and an interior flexible case located in the bottom part and which can receive the portable computer therein. The top part has a plurality of springs, a plurality of plates, and an interior lining. The plates extend between opposing sides of the top part to create a mesh with the springs extending from the top part to the mesh. The interior flexible case defines a recess adapted to receive the portable computer. The interior flexible case has a plurality of springs, a plurality of plates, and an interior lining. The plates extend between opposing sides and are parallel to the base to create a mesh. The interior lining covers the mesh and springs, thereby absorbing vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Evaggelia Prentza
  • Patent number: 7258257
    Abstract: A garment hanger adapted for hooking over a clothes rail. The garment hanger having a hanger frame for supporting a garment, a hanger support hook adjacent an apex of the frame, and a handle portion depending downwards from an end of the frame. The frame being generally perpendicular to a notional vertical plane containing the clothes rail. The end being offset downwardly from the apex and laterally of the notional vertical plane. The handle portion has a handle positioned substantially directly below the end for use by a user for more easily handling the hanger when it is loaded with one or more garments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Harry Sebel
  • Patent number: 7246790
    Abstract: A hoist system for raising, lowering, or applying a pulling force to an object or equipment attached thereto. The hoist system has a hoist, a hoist adapter unit attached to the hoist, and a pull pin assembly. The hoist has a frame and a line, cable, or chain which is used to raise, lower, or manipulate an object attached thereto. The hoist adapter unit is removably attached to the frame of the hoist, and it is configured to contact either the object to be manipulated or a stationary object. The pull pin assembly is removably attached to the line of the hoist and to the object other than the object in contact with the hoist adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventors: Ulric Francoeur, Robert Corbiel
  • Patent number: 7242403
    Abstract: A system and method for graphically representing on a computer system the relationship between a plurality of variables related by an equation. A graph having a plurality of axes is displayed on a display device and each axis represents one of the variables. Grips are located on each of the axes to indicate the value of the variable represented by the axis. A user can lock one of the grips on its axis and then select one of the unlocked grips and slide the selected grip to a new position indicating a new value on the axis. The remaining grip will slide in relation to the grip being moved by the user and indicate the value of the remaining variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Timothy Phelan
  • Patent number: 7238125
    Abstract: A green restoring device in the form of a tool by means of which damages, in particular impressions in a golf green, caused by the impact of a golf ball, can be repaired, and comprising a carrier (1) in which a green restoring tool (2) is arranged to be maintained in fully retracted and fully expelled position, respectively, and in which the carrier is made of a non-magnetic material and the carrier (1), at the front end thereof, if formed with means (11, 12; 12a; 12b) for cleaning the tool (2) while the tool is being retracted into the carrier (1). The carrier (1) of the green restoring device is a) at the front end thereof and at the underside thereof formed with a recess (6) having a magnet (7) for holding a marker button easily releasable, and b) at the rear end thereof formed with a built in magnet (9) for holding the tool (2) under magnetic action in its fully retracted position, and a slot (10), in which a fixing clip (4) is adapted to be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Dymling
  • Patent number: 7226939
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel antifungal compounds and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, having as part of its structure, imidazolyl or benzimidazolyl derivatives. The imidazolyl derivative may be substituted at 2 position from among the group consisting of aroyl, p-chloroaroyl, phenyl hydroxy methine or p-chloro phenyl hydroxy methine or with n-butyl at 2 position and chlorine at 4 and 5 position. In the alternative, when it is a benzimadazolyl derivative, with hydrogen at 6 position, the substituent at 2 position may be selected from among methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, 2-oxopropl-1-yl, n-propyl, methoxy methyl, propen-1-yl, phenyl, p-chlorophenyl, p-toluyl, benzyl, 4-pyridyl, p-methoxy phenyl, 3-pyridyl, o-methoxy phenyl, styryl, 2-cyano methyl, p-hydroxy phenyl, p-amino phenyl, p-toluyl sulfonyl methyl or p-(t-butyl) phenyl group and if hydrogen is at 2 position, the substituent at the 6 position is selected from among nitro, trifluoromethyl or methoxy group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventors: Mohan A. Chandavarkar, Vithal Madhavrao Kulkarni, Pranavkumar Shivkumar, Ravindra S. Shetty, Uday Rojaram Bapat
  • Patent number: 7199343
    Abstract: A device for storing photons between one and a plurality of reflected surfaces, and the storage of information, in particular in the form of digital data, being provided by creating at least one circulating memory using the storage device as a delay line. Each device consists of one or a plurality of photon sources, using any wavelength of light, one or a plurality of photon detectors and one or a plurality of reflective surfaces. The injected photons are delayed from reaching the output by one or a plurality of reflections from one surface of the device to the same or another surface of the device, each reflection extending the distance traveled for each photon, thereby inducing a delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Nile Mosley
  • Patent number: 7194318
    Abstract: A modular formulation of model predictive controller is proposed by this invention (400). The modular formulation offers a robust model predictive controller with unified method of tuning. Explicit use of material and energy balance provides stable and robust performance (412). Use of economic based tuning offers a unified tuning method (411). The unified tuning method establishes consistency of control actions resulting from the steady state optimization and the dynamic control (400). Further, a method for formulating and tuning integrated optimization and control using multiple modular model predictive controllers is presented in this invention (100). The method incorporates a direct and explicit method of integration of a number of modular model predictive controllers. The integration of the modular controllers is achieved seamlessly without requiring any further tuning adjustments (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Fakhruddin T Attarwala
  • Patent number: D565943
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Robert K. Bulte