Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Dick & Harris
  • Apparatus for facilitating the performance of surgical procedures such as the placement of sutures, ligatures and the like
    Patent number: 5741276
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the performance of surgical procedures such as the placement of sutures, ligatures and the like, having a cannula portion and a stylet portion. The apparatus is configured to hold a suturing needle or the like, having an attached thread. The apparatus holds the trailing end of the thread in an orientation internal to the apparatus for controlled handling and protection of the thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Innovative Surgical Instruments
    Inventors: Alexandr Poloyko, Raymond Firfer
  • Process for heating glass sheets therewithin a forced convection heating apparatus by controlling impingement velocity
    Patent number: 5735924
    Abstract: A forced convection heating apparatus and process for heating glass sheets therewithin. The apparatus includes at least one gas burner for producing hot combustion gases which is to be distributed toward and into contact with the top and/or bottom surfaces of a glass sheet within the apparatus housing. The velocity of the distributed hot combustion gases which eventually impinges upon the top surface of the glass sheet is controllable independently of the impingement velocity of the hot combustion gases being distributed, and, in turn, directed toward and into contact with the bottom surface of the glass sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Kormanyos
  • Water and organic constituent separator and stripper system and method
    Patent number: 5733417
    Abstract: A regenerating system, for the removal of water and potentially harmful organic constituents from a dehydration fluid used to dehydrate gas. The system includes apparatus for converting all the organic constituents to a gaseous phase; and utilizing the gaseous organic constituents in the separation of the water from the dehydration fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: Adolph J. Foral
  • Drainage catheter apparatus
    Patent number: 5730724
    Abstract: A drainage catheter apparatus for draining fluid from a body cavity of a patient, of the catheter type having an elongated hollow drainage member, a flexible tip, an interfacing hub member, and further comprising a flexible drawing member capable of altering the flexible tip. A sealing member of elastomeric material seals the draw-string opening to automatically seal the opening from the passage of fluid therethrough, while enabling extension of the flexible drawing member, together with releasable restraint of the draw-string in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Manan Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Plishka, Manfred Mittermeier
  • Integrated solenoid valve/rotary joint
    Patent number: 5730186
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating a liquid, such as cooking oil for a fryer. A heat transfer fluid, such as an oil, is heated, such as by a gas-fired burner, at a location remote from the liquid to be heated, and passed by the liquid in a heat exchange relationship, so as to more accurately control the transfer of heat into the liquid to be heated. The invention also includes an advantageous combination pivot and valve mechanism for controlling the flow of heat transfer liquid through the liquid to be heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: Paul E. George
  • Method and apparatus for cooling a prime mover for a gas-engine driven heat pump
    Patent number: 5727396
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing cooling for the prime mover for a gas powered heat pump system, which is operably configured to provide cooling for the prime mover without additional equipment or losses in heating capacity or efficiency. The method and apparatus of the present invention advantageously utilizes the residential or structural hot water system for removal of heat from the prime mover and delivery of that heat to the indoor heat exchanger and/or domestic hot water tank for the heat pump system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Douglas E. Boyd, Jan B. Yates
  • Carburetor air/fuel ratio control for single cylinder engines
    Patent number: 5724945
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling air/fuel ratio in a carburetted single cylinder internal combustion engine, including an apparatus for preventing fuel from being drawn into a carburetor, and, in turn, toward the cylinder inlet, as a result of air flow oscillations occurring during the portion of an engine cycle in which the at least one inlet valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: James C. Swain
  • Electrode mask application process for forming an electrolytic cell
    Patent number: 5724721
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrode mask for use in an electrolytic cell, and an associated process for fabricating such a cell with an electrode mask. The electrode mask is applied to a limited portion of the active material of at least one of the first and second electrodes so that the peripheral edge of the electrode mask and associated electrodes are in planer relationship with each other. In addition, the electrode mask can be applied in a manner which enables a fully fabricated electrolytic cell to be manufactured with any desired geometric configuration, merely by altering the electrode mask application pattern, and a die-cutter to cut an assembled cell in conformance with the applied pattern of the electrode mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Denis G. Fauteux, Martin Van Buren
  • Handle conversion apparatus
    Patent number: 5722118
    Abstract: A handle conversion apparatus for attachment to a preexisting handle of a wheeled object, such as a wheeled suitcase. The preexisting handle of the wheeled object has a grip member positioned for use in a position substantially perpendicular to a desired direction of forward and backward motion of the wheeled object. The handle conversion apparatus comprises an apparatus attachment member for attaching the apparatus to the preexisting handle of the wheeled object, towards conversion of its orientation by 90 degrees. The apparatus further includes a hand grip having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis between the first and second ends; the longitudinal axis being substantially perpendicular to the grip member of the preexisting handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Jetset Design
    Inventors: Barbara Hansen, Lin Beribak, Marcie Moran, Krista Brown
  • Hip protector
    Patent number: 5722093
    Abstract: A hip protector (4) comprising a dome-shaped element having a concave side adapted to be attached to the hip region of a human body (1). The hip protector is formed in the shape of a curved shell made of foamed rigid plastic material. The protector can be attached to the inner side of an underwear (2), such as an inner pocket (3), for correct positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Sahva A/S
    Inventor: Susanne Hamann Andresen
  • Frame apparatus and process for the manufacture of same
    Patent number: 5720511
    Abstract: A frame apparatus, and process for constructing same, for use in the construction of various vehicles. The apparatus comprises one or more frame members, each fabricated from a single longitudinal extrusion, and one or more cross-members. The frame members include a predetermined number of regions softened through a localized heating process. The softened regions are bent to varying radii in predetermined directions relative to the profile of a specific frame configuration and then allowed to harden back toward their pre-softened hardness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Alumax Extrusions, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Benedyk
  • Multiwall bag
    Patent number: 5718514
    Abstract: A container apparatus and method of manufacture for same, in which the container includes an inner tube formed of plastic material, and an outer tube of one or more plies of material. The container is generally configured to lie flat, when in its unfilled condition. The container has a flat first end formed from flap members configured from one or more plies of the outer tube. The container is advantageously configured to enable opening of the first end of the outer tube to provide access to the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond George Steele, Stephen John Grace, John Frederick Robinson, Andreas Karl Haussrer, Eric John Brown, Michael John Kane, Allan Paul MacFarlane, Ian Murray Allerby
  • Apparatus for scanning user input devices
    Patent number: 5719597
    Abstract: A scanning apparatus for uniquely identifying an actuated key on a keyboard and an actuated location in a drawing tablet. The scanning apparatus includes independently actuatable switches associated with the keyboard. The scanning apparatus also includes vertical and horizontal conducting traces juxtaposed one to another and electrically connected to a horizontal and vertical resistive bar, respectively, associated with the drawing tablet. The switches and traces are energized under control of the apparatus such that portions of each can be actuated by a user resulting in the generation of unique analog signals indicative of the particular key and particular location upon the drawing tablet actuated by the user. These unique analog signals are converted to digital signals for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: VTech Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-ming Fong
  • Boot for an inline skate
    Patent number: D391743
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Sport Maska, Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Brouillard, Daniel Thibault
  • Stuffed dog
    Patent number: D392003
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Breslow, Morrison, Terzian & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Rouben T. Terzian
  • Lighted visor mirror
    Patent number: D392235
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Cobbs Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Steinhagen, John E. Schenken, Charles A. Haas, Jerome Hartmann
  • Chassis design for inline skates
    Patent number: D392358
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Sport Maska, Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Brouillard, Daniel Thibault
  • Pair of protective pants
    Patent number: D392437
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Sport Maska, Inc.
    Inventor: Helene Duval
  • Vest for home care professionals
    Patent number: D392439
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Medivest, Inc.
    Inventor: Gloria J. Okoniewski
  • Combined neck massager and control
    Patent number: D393317
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Signature Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Lange, Frank Brichetto, Lawrence M. Pillion