Patents Represented by Law Firm Dunlap & Codding
  • Floral wrapper utilizing a breathable packaging material
    Patent number: 5743398
    Abstract: A breathable packaging material used for packaging items, such as floral groupings, flower pots, fresh produce, food, medical supplies/equipment, pharmaceutical products, and the like, thereby forming a breathable package for containing said items. The breathable packaging material comprises a sheet of material having controlled atmosphere characteristics, and having a desiccant and/or an antimicrobial agent. Methods for using breathable packaging material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Method for reducing stress cracks at re-entrant corners of a concrete slab
    Patent number: 5743065
    Abstract: A stress reducing device for reducing or eliminating stress cracks in concrete slabs caused by shrinkage stresses at re-entrant corners of the concrete slab and method of use is provided. The stress reducing device is provided with a body member having a first and second leg, each leg having a first and second surface, the first surface of each leg defining an angle in the body member substantially corresponding to the angle of the re-entrant corner in a stem wall and the second surface of the first and second legs cooperating to define an arcuate concrete engaging surface for reducing concentration of stresses in the concrete slab adjacent the re-entrant corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Dolese Brothers Co.
    Inventors: Grant Crews, Ben D. Fuller, Michael Caldarone
  • Single station covering and fastening system
    Patent number: 5740656
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Method for forming a decorative cover about a flower pot
    Patent number: 5740657
    Abstract: A method for covering a pot means, the cover is a flattened sleeve comprising a base portion tapered and sized to fit a pot and having an upper portion which is detachable and having a closed bottom. The cover may be bondingly connected or crimped about the pot means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Method for forming a decorative cover about a flower pot
    Patent number: 5740658
    Abstract: A method of covering a pot means, the cover is a flattened sleeve which comprises a base portion sized to fit a pot and may have a non-linear upper edge defining a skirt and having a closed bottom. The cover may be bondingly connected to or crimped about the pot means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Method of wrapping a floral grouping
    Patent number: 5740655
    Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a wrapper which may be a sheet of material, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover. The wrapper is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxy material such as waxed paper, waxed tissue or high density polyethylene. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Single station covering and fastening system
    Patent number: 5740664
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Cell analysis method using quantitative fluorescence image analysis
    Patent number: 5741648
    Abstract: A system for evaluating one or more biochemical markers for evaluating individual cancer risk, cancer diagnosis and for monitoring therapeutic effectiveness and cancer recurrence, particularly of bladder cancer. The system uses automated quantitative fluorescence image analysis of a cell sample collected from a body organ. Cells are treated with a fixative solution which inhibits crystal formation. Cell images are selected and stored as grey level images for further analysis. Cell images may be corrected for autofluorescence using a novel autofluorescence correction method. A neural net computer may be used to distinguish true-positive images from false-positive images to improve accuracy of cancer risk assessment. Cells having images positive for a marker amy be compared to threshold quantities related to predetermined cancer risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
    Inventors: George P. Hemstreet, III, Robert E. Hurst, Rebecca B. Bonner, Jian Yu Rao
  • Wrapping material having a pull tab and method
    Patent number: 5738215
    Abstract: A wrapping material for both wrapping a floral arrangement and removing the wrapping material from the floral arrangement, comprising a sheet of material having a pull tab and pull indicia thereon, the pull tab sized to be easily graspable, a bonding material disposed on the sheet of material near the pull tab. A floral arrangement is utilized, the floral arrangement being wrapped in the sheet of material and being substantially surrounded and encompassed thereby, the pull tab and pull indicia readily visible on the wrapped floral arrangement so that the pull tab is readily graspable to remove the sheet of material from the floral arrangement, the removal being accomplished without causing damage to the floral arrangement. Methods of using the wrapping material to both wrap a floral arrangement and to remove the wrapping material from the floral arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, William F. Straeter
  • Portable apparatus for monitoring the weight of a vehicle
    Patent number: 5739477
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for weighing a vehicle on a ground support surface comprising a scale platform adapted to support the vehicle and a scale positioned on the scale platform operably engagable with the vehicle to monitor the weight of the vehicle. The platform having a lower side defining a ground contact surface engagable with the ground support surface. The ground contact surface having an area sufficient to support the platform and the vehicle on the ground support surface so as to prevent the platform from sinking substantially into the ground support surface. The platform is rollingly supportable on a plurality of wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: C. Ray Queen
  • Chromium (VI)-resistant strain of Shewanella alga
    Patent number: 5739028
    Abstract: A chromium-resistant strain of Shewanella alga BrY and method of using such for removing chromium (VI) from a chromium-contaminated waste stream involving treating the waste stream with the chromium-resistant strain under anaerobic conditions whereby Cr(VI) in the waste stream is reduced, the chromium generally forming a precipitate which can be separated from the waste stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
    Inventors: Frank Caccavo, Jr., Michael J. McInerney
  • Plant package having detachable sleeve and methods
    Patent number: 5735103
    Abstract: A plant package assembly, comprising a pot containing a floral grouping and a flexible sleeve having detaching elements at preselected areas, the sleeve further comprising a bonding material which connects the sleeve to the pot when the pot is positioned within the sleeve, the sleeve being positioned about the pot and a lower portion of the sleeve closely surrounding and encompassing the pot, an upper portion of the sleeve extending upwardly from the pot and substantially surrounding and encompassing the floral grouping contained within the pot, at least a portion of the sleeve being removable via the detaching elements, leaving a portion of the sleeve which is a decorative plant cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust Internatonal, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Fluid collection device
    Patent number: 5735834
    Abstract: A fluid collection device having a primary container and a secondary container and a two stage fixation system for facilitating and controlling the fixation of cells in a sample of a biological fluid such as urine. The primary container generally comprises a plastic cup having a filtering apparatus disposed within it for filtering cells from the fluid. The primary container may contain a first stage fixative. The device further comprises a cover comprising a pressurizing chamber for forcing fluid through the filter and fixative delivery chamber for dispensing a fixative into the primary container. The filtered fluid may be reserved within a secondary container attached to the primary container. The filter having the cells retained on its surface is removable from the primary container for the purpose of laboratory analyses of the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
    Inventors: George P. Hemstreet, Karl H. Bergey, Robert E. Hurst, Rebecca B. Bonner
  • V-shaped safety shield for handcuffs
    Patent number: 5732576
    Abstract: A V-shaped safety shield for a pair of handcuffs including a pair of wristlets interconnected with a flexible chain is provided. The safety shield includes a housing having a first end portion and a second end portion angularly disposed relative to the first end portion. The housing is positionable about the chain of the handcuffs such that the wristlets are extendable from the first and second end portions of the housing in an angular relationship to one another when the housing is positioned about the chain such that upon securing the wristlets about the wrists of an individual the wristlets are disposed substantially concentrically around the wrists of the individual when the individual's wrists are positioned in a substantially corresponding angular relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventors: Eddie G. Moore, Jerrell Bray
  • Cell analysis method using quantitative fluorescence image analysis
    Patent number: 5733721
    Abstract: A system for evaluating one or more biochemical markers for evaluating individual cancer risk, cancer diagnosis and for monitoring therapeutic effectiveness and cancer recurrence, particularly of bladder cancer. The system uses automated quantitative fluorescence image analysis of a cell sample collected from a body organ. Cells are treated with a fixative solution which inhibits crystal formation. Cell images are selected and stored as grey level images for further analysis. Cell images may be corrected for autofluorescence using a novel autofluorescence correction method. A neural net computer may be used to distinguish true-positive images from false-positive images to improve accuracy of cancer risk assessment. Cells having images positive for a marker amy be compared to threshold quantities related to predetermined cancer risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
    Inventors: George P. Hemstreet, III, Robert E. Hurst, Rebecca B. Bonner, Jian Yu Rao
  • Retaining flap for shipping cartons
    Patent number: 5732823
    Abstract: Retaining flaps for shipping cartons, with bonding material disposed on at least a portion of the flaps, are provided. The flaps are interposed between delicate items, such as, for example, floral grouping assemblies, to hold the delicate items essentially immobile within a shipping carton in order to prevent damage from internal movement of the delicate items when the shipping carton is transported. The bonding material disposed on the flaps releasably connects to portions of the floral grouping wrappings and to portions of the internal surface of the shipping carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Jack Feld
  • Merchant specific debit card verification system
    Patent number: 5732136
    Abstract: A merchant specific debit card verification system which includes a debit card having at least one ID property stored thereon and a merchant's terminal having at least one ID property stored thereon so that the ID property stored on the debit card relates to the ID properties stored on the merchant's terminal in a predetermined manner. The merchant's terminal retrieves the ID properties stored on the debit card so as to provide a retrieved ID property and then transmits to an intelligent network platform the retrieved ID property and the ID properties stored on the merchant's terminal. The intelligent network platform matches the ID properties stored on the terminal with the retrieved ID property and then transmits a validation whereby the debit card may be used at the merchant's terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: RealSource Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Murphree, Leslie A. Speck
  • Semiautomatic firearm with gas operated rotating cylinder
    Patent number: 5727345
    Abstract: A semiautomatic firearm having a rotating cylinder is provided. The cylinder has a plurality of chambers adapted to receive a cartridge and is rotatingly supported in a housing by a cylinder pin whereby each of the chambers of the cylinder is positionable in one of a loading position, a firing position, and an ejecting position. The cylinder pin is reciprocally movable between a retracted position wherein the cylinder pin is disengaged from a firing mechanism and an extended position wherein the cylinder pin engages the firing mechanism so as to cock the firing mechanism. The cylinder pin is movable from the retracted position to the extended position in response to gas pressure generated by the firing of a cartridge disposed in the chamber of the cylinder positioned in the firing position acting on the cylinder pin so as to move the cylinder pin from the retracted position to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Hotshot, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Sullivan
  • Flower pot cover
    Patent number: D392918
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Flower pot cover
    Patent number: D393232
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter