Patents Represented by Attorney Gary Alan Culliss
  • Patent number: 5372225
    Abstract: An organizer for storing excess audio and video cable. The storage device includes a housing within which a plurality of reels are rotatably mounted. Each of the reels stores thereon a length of cable which may be extended therefrom through a slot in the housing and connected to an electrical device, such as a cable box, a VCR, or the like. The cables are electrically connected through a switching arrangement which allows operation of selected devices in the absence of other devices. An auxiliary input for connecting video games to the television and audio cable storage reels are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventors: Lance R. Joynes, Sandra M. Hilgarth
  • Patent number: 5370566
    Abstract: A lighted lifejacket for facilitating a location of a user wearing the lifejacket. The lighted lifejacket includes a plurality of lights located around the lifejacket and is provided with a power source in the form of a battery and a switch that allows the lights to either flash or to remain on. The lifejacket further includes a plurality of interchangeable lenses that may be attached to the lights on the lifejacket to selectively change a color of the lights. The lifejacket is also provided with an extensible light mounted in a back area of the lifejacket that is operable to extend above a users head to increase a visibility of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Mitchell, Jr., Linda M. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5367821
    Abstract: An insect trapping apparatus having a spring actuated vacuum pump for capturing an insect within a container. The apparatus utilizes a nozzle that automatically extends therefrom upon an actuation of the vacuum pump by a user. An insect drawn into the apparatus by the vacuum pump is captured within the container and may be selectively released therefrom by the user without excessive harm occurring to the insect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Gary D. Ott
  • Patent number: 5365956
    Abstract: A toothbrush having a spool of floss stored within the handle and a floss holding frame for holding a portion of the floss in a taut condition for use thereof. The toothbrush includes a handle which terminates in a floss holding frame across which floss from the spool may be extended and held tight. The floss spool and the floss holding frame are longitudinally arranged such that a protective cover may be placed thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Gregorio G. Guadiana
  • Patent number: 5357739
    Abstract: A rake having a plurality of rows of spaced rake tines and a pair of weighted rollers disposed in an operational relationship between the rows of tines. The apparatus includes a substantially rectangular frame having rows of rake tines extending across a front end, a rear end, and medial portion for grating a ground surface. Weighted rollers are positioned between the rows and a handle is pivotally connected to the frame to facilitate an operation of the rake by a standing user. The apparatus is particularly suited for grating and leveling sand such as that found on a golf course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Leamon L. Nuss
  • Patent number: 5357735
    Abstract: A horse bit which may be adjusted to fit various widths of horses' mouths. The adjustable bit includes a mouth piece having an adjustment assembly which may be elongated or abbreviated to an appropriate width for insertion into a mouth of a particular horse. The adjustable horse bit is illustrated in both curb bit and snaffle bit styles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Donald G. Fry
  • Patent number: 5349775
    Abstract: An adjustable ground-inserted fishing rod holder for supporting a fishing rod at a desired angle. The holder includes a stake which may be inserted into a ground surface at the desired angle. A pair of supports are coupled to the stake and may be adjusted to accommodate fishing rods of various lengths. Measurement indicia is provided on a side of the stake and an alternate embodiment includes an oscillator assembly for selectively oscillating an associated fishing pole. A foot engagement element is coupled to the stake so as to aid insertion of the stake into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Inventor: Valentino G. Mondares
  • Patent number: 5347674
    Abstract: A contact lens treatment apparatus for polishing and cleaning a pair of contact lenses. The apparatus utilizes a pair of polishing probes to clean each contact lens within a liquid bath. A motor rotates the polishing probes and a fluid reservoir supplies a solution to the lenses. The polishing probes include a cleaning solution measuring and dispensing system integrally formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventor: Chuck Gabbert
  • Patent number: 5346380
    Abstract: A caulking tube extension nozzle engagable to a caulking tube for facilitating a distribution of caulk onto hard-to-reach or awkwardly positioned areas. The extension nozzle includes a nozzle coupling assembly engagable to both soft plastic caulking nozzles and threaded nozzle receivers provided on caulking tubes having detachable nozzles. The coupling assembly tapers into a elongated extension tube having a flexible section which allows the extension tube to be bent while still permitting fluid communication therethrough. Alternate embodiments of the present invention include a bead forming assembly for shaping a bead of caulk dispensed from the extension nozzle and an adjustment mechanism for positioning the bead forming assembly relative to the dispensed caulk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: James T. Ables
  • Patent number: 5345640
    Abstract: A motorized scrubber for effectively cleaning a dorsal portion of an individual. The scrubber includes a plurality of rotating brushes powered by an electric motor. The device may be conveniently secured to a shower wall or the like by suction cups provided thereon. A soap dispenser provides soap to a center area of each of the plurality of brushes and an alternate embodiment of the present invention includes a water supply assembly for rinsing a user's back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Mary A. Goss
  • Patent number: 5343981
    Abstract: An emergency cable descent system for lowering a person from a building in an emergency situation. The system includes a boom which may be pivoted outside a window of a building to support a cable away from an exterior of the building. The cable is contained upon a spool which rotates against a force of a friction brake to provide a constant rate of descent. The friction brake is actuated by a solenoid system to control the rate of descent according to the body weight of the person. Alternate embodiments of the present invention include both a mechanical siren for alerting other occupants of the building to a use of the system and a mechanical brake assembly which may be utilized to control the rate of descent in an absence of electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventors: Cyril R. Schroemges, Gene F. Kull, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5335633
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine valve actuator apparatus for operating an intake valve or an exhaust valve of an engine. The valve actuator apparatus operates by selectively allowing fluid from a pressure source to flow into a valve actuator causing either an opening or a closing of the associated valve. The fluid is directed through a spool valve and solenoid arrangement which is controlled by a computer. The valve actuator apparatus also includes a solenoid powered actuator which operates by direct mechanical communication with the associated valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: James L. Thien
  • Patent number: 5335444
    Abstract: A protector for a treble hook while in storage which comprises a plastic box completely enclosing each point of the hook. The protector is designed to provide for easy insertion of the hook and to resist accidental exposure of the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Joe C. Janeiro
  • Patent number: 5327994
    Abstract: A portable, rectangularly shaped tree seat for hunters and outdoorsmen that may be used to sit between the two trunks of a double trunk tree. The tree seat may then be secured in its elevated position by straps that encompass each trunk. To utilize the tree seat while on the ground, the device may be leaned against a tree trunk and secured to the trunk with a strap. The seat area may then be pivotably released from stowage to form a resting area for objects or a seating area for a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Michael P. Smith