Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Drummond & Duckworth
  • Patent number: 6982871
    Abstract: A computer system including a switch box and bracket assembly including one or more manual switches are provided for controlling the selective activation and deactivation of the computer systems' memory storage devices and network system. Preferably, the computer system includes a wire harnesses including a network cable for connecting a network to the bracket assembly's input port, a relay cable for connecting the bracket assembly's output port to the computer's network port and a manual switch. Instead of network communications being transmitted directly from the network to the network port, the signals are rerouted through the bracket assembly's input port, manual switch and output port, and then routed to the computer's network port. Access to the network is then controlled by simple manual manipulation of a button, toggle or knob to create an open or closed circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventors: Richard Tran, Nancy Tran
  • Patent number: 6979198
    Abstract: A method of learning and apparatus useful therein in which a card carrying a visual representation of a concept to be learned in displayed through a window carried on a common-use article, such as luggage items, decorative desk or table accouterments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Daily Window, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Paula R. Krieger
  • Patent number: 6967015
    Abstract: In diagnostic testing for cancer and precancer of the epithelium, the undesired binding of cancer-selective dyes to proteins in the extracellular matrix, which may lead to false positives, is reduced by applying to the epithelium being tested, before application of the dye, a solution of a non-toxic amphiphilic protein in a pharmacolgically acceptable solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Zila, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas D. Burkett
  • Patent number: 6918677
    Abstract: A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling membrane and key members constructed at least partially of translucent material so that light produced from a light source is channeled upwardly to the upper surfaces of the key members. The light source may include LED or LEC systems in adjoining relationship to the light channeling membrane or light pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a light pipe is constructed to illuminate light laterally along a portion of its length to illuminate a plurality of key members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Shipman
  • Patent number: 6905127
    Abstract: The retractable foot gear 10 includes a sole 12 and a retractable wheel, ball, blade, or similar low friction element 16 which normally projects from a recess formed into the shoe's sole 12. The low friction element 16 retracts into a recess 14 when a predetermined amount of force is exerted on the low friction element 16. The low friction element 16 is additionally biased so as to automatically return to an extended position when the predetermined force is relieved. The retractable foot gear 10 assists persons with difficulty in walking, standing, or maneuvering. Moreover, the protruding low friction element enables one to slide one foot along a walking surface while minimizing the tendency of one to slip and fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Debbie A. Lester
  • Patent number: 6902296
    Abstract: A nightlight is provided for providing therapeutic effects on the human body and mind including promoting relaxation, sleep and wakefulness. The nightlight includes a housing, a light source, a central processor, one or more controls, and a power supply. The light source produces at least three modes having various light properties. The light modes include a sleep readiness mode, a sleep help mode and a wake-up mode. The sleep readiness mode produces light at about 40 lumens and preferably includes only light from the blue and yellow portions of the visible light spectrum. The sleep help mode produces monochromatic light in the blue or green spectrum. Preferably, the light undulates at a frequency of one cycle per second to one cycle per minute at a luminosity of between 5 lumens and 25 lumens. Meanwhile, the wake-up mode produces substantially full spectrum light at approximately 1,600 lumens. The processor and controls allow a person to select and control the various light modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Lee Searfoss, III
  • Patent number: 6880788
    Abstract: A one-piece construction ring-post fastener is provided for bundling and securing elongate objects such as electrical wires, tubes or hoses. The ring-post fastener includes an axially aligned post, a plurality of spokes radially projecting from the post, and a ring affixed to the ends of the spokes. The ring-post fastener further includes constructions for affixing the post to the support surface, such as male threads of a threaded fastener projecting from one end of the post. Preferably, the end opposite the male threads include female threads of a threaded fastener sized and configured for receipt of the male threads located at the opposite end of the post. Attaching the male and female threads of the threaded fasteners together enables the multiple ring-post fasteners to be stacked upon themselves. Preferably, the one-piece ring post is constructed of a plastic material, such as Nylon 6/6 per ASTM D4066.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: NMC Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Stephen
  • Patent number: 6880787
    Abstract: A ring-post fastener is provided for bundling and securing elongate objects such as electrical wires, tubes or hoses. The ring-post fastener includes an axially aligned post, a plurality of spokes radially projecting from the post, and a ring affixed to the ends of the spokes. The ring-post fastener further includes means for affixing the post to the support surface, such as male threads of a threaded fastener projecting from one end of the post. Preferably, the end opposite the male threads include female threads of a threaded fastener sized and configured for receipt of the male threads located at the opposite end of the post. Mating male and female threads of threaded fasteners enable the multiple ring-post fasteners to be stacked upon themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: NMC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Stephen, Curt Backman
  • Patent number: 6878744
    Abstract: Vitamin C compositions comprise a Vitamin C compound, preferably a mineral ascorbate, and at least one compound of the group of 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone and 3-hydroxy kojic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Oxycal Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Hegenauer
  • Patent number: 6857328
    Abstract: A sample probe is provided for sampling aerosols within a wall cavity. The sample probe includes a hollow tubular body having a distal end, an intermediate portion, a proximal end and a central passageway. The distal end includes a sharp beveled point provided to inhibit the blockage of a distal open inlet if the distal end is positioned against an object. The probe further includes one or more holes projecting through the probe's tubular body, preferably positioned substantially adjacent to the probe's distal end. The probe further includes a radially projecting region adapted for sealing a hole or opening formed to obtain access to a wall cavity. Moreover, the probe includes a proximal open outlet adapted to connect to the inlet of an aerosol sampling cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Joe C. Spurgeon
  • Patent number: 6854153
    Abstract: The keyboard cleaner 10 is provided including a plate 22, a plurality of projections 24 that protrude from the plate, and a cleaning pad 30 overlaying the projections. The cleaner is maneuvered manually by a handle 12 fixedly attached to the back side 20 of the plate 22. In operation, the cleaning pad 30 engages the surface of the keyboard 14 keys to remove moisture, dirt and debris. The cleaning pad 30 may be removed to permit the cleaning or replacement of the cleaning pad 30. Additionally, the projections 24 may be impermanently attached to the front side 26 of the plate 22 so that the keyboard cleaner 10 may be modified to match the configuration of virtually any keyboard's surface 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6845984
    Abstract: An improved keeper for positioning ring seals is provided. The keeper includes a substantially planar sheet defining upper and lower surfaces. Projecting through the planar sheet are one or more holes configured for affixing corresponding one or more ring seals. The keeper further includes one or more nodes which extend outwardly from the planar sheet beyond the dimensions of the mating surfaces between which a sealed joint is obtained. The one or more nodes identify the position and number of holes constructed for receiving corresponding ring seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Doyle
  • Patent number: 6843446
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing satellite proximity operations such as inspection, recovery and life extension of a target satellite through operation of a “Satellite Inspection Recovery and Extension” (“SIRE”) spacecraft which can be operated in the following modes (teleoperated, automatic, and autonomous). The SIRE concept further consists of those methods and techniques used to perform certain (on-orbit) operations including, but not limited to, the inspection, servicing, recovery, and lifetime extension of satellites, spacecraft, space systems, space platforms, and other vehicles and objects in space, collectively defined as “target satellites”. The three basic types of SIRE proximity missions are defined as “Lifetime Extension”, “Recovery”, and “Utility”. A remote cockpit system is provided to permit human control of the SIRE spacecraft during proximity operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: David D. Scott
  • Patent number: 6830743
    Abstract: Compounds having the structural formula (A) wherein X is hydrogen, methyl, or Y; Y is —NH—R or hydrogen; and R is methyl or formula (B) are useful as in vivo stains for the detection of dysplastic tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Zila Biotechnology, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas D. Burkett
  • Patent number: 6800800
    Abstract: An improved electric guitar and pickguard assembly are provided. The pickguard assembly includes a traditionally shaped deck plate for mounting to the body of an electric guitar. The deck plate is constructed at least partially, or entirely, of a multi-layered printed circuit board for providing electrical pathways for communicating power and signals between electrical components mounted to the deck plate. Preferably, the deck plate's printed circuit board includes an integrated wireless transmitter and an integrated synthesizer which eliminates the need for a phantom pickup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventors: Renato Giordano, Alex Perelman, Larry Santellan
  • Patent number: 6779411
    Abstract: An adaptable filter sampling device is provided for localizing the utilized area of a filter medium. The filter sampling device of the present invention includes a filtration cassette having an inlet port, a body portion having an internal cavity, and an outlet port. Positioned within the body portion across the internal cavity is a filtration medium having a predetermined pore size for collecting particles. In addition, the filter sampling device includes an interchangeable restrictor plate made in various forms to enable its use with commercially available filter mediums and filtration cassettes. The restrictor plate includes one or more portals for directing the flow of gases or liquids through the filter sampling device. Preferably, the restrictor plate is positioned anterior and abutting the filter medium in relation to the particle exposure so that a gas or liquid is directed to a defined localized area of the filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Joe C. Spurgeon
  • Patent number: D506289
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Luis A. Moncayo
  • Patent number: D510720
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Tom Kruse
  • Patent number: D496851
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Stephen, Curt Backman
  • Patent number: D497100
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Stephen, Curt Backman