Patents Represented by Law Firm Gifford, Groh, Sprinkle, Patmore and Anderson
  • Patent number: 5334016
    Abstract: A combination air abrasive system and laser system are provided for dental applications. The air abrasive system creates an abrasive material laden gas flow and then directs this gas flow towards a target site in the patient's mouth. The air abrasive system also includes a vacuum system which creates an air flow to remove the abrasive material after impingement on the target site. The abrasive material is filtered from the air flow and the resulting clean air is then used to create a positive pressure within the housing for the dental laser system to prevent the entry of debris and other contaminants within the laser system. Additionally, the clean air flow is used to clean the lens system for the laser. Also, the air abrasive system and laser system include a common control system and may also utilize a common aiming and illumination mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: American Dental Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel S. Goldsmith, William S. Parker
  • Patent number: 5334019
    Abstract: Improvements are provided for a dental air abrasive system of the type which utilizes a compressed gas or air which creates a gas stream. Abrasive particles are introduced into the gas stream and expelled out through one end of a nozzle whereupon the abrasive laden gas stream impinges upon the target, i.e. tooth amalgam, composites, stain and/or tooth dental filling materials. The improvements include the use of two or more hoppers each containing different sized abrasive particles, which are selectively fed, either together or independently of each other, into the gas stream. Different sized abrasive particles are provided in each hopper for cutting different types of tooth structures. Other improvements include the use of fluorescent and/or colored abrasive particles to facilitate the aiming process, a laser beam, strobe, white light or other illuminating means for aiming the abrasive stream and/or illuminating the target area as well as a disposable nozzle for hygienic reasons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: American Dental Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel S. Goldsmith, Michael P. Howell, William S. Parker
  • Patent number: 5333590
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for detecting leaks in the evaporative emission control system utilized in automotive vehicles. Such control systems include a carbon filled canister having both a vent port and a fuel vapor port. The fuel vapor port, as well as a vapor line from the fuel tank, are connected through a purge valve to the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine. The present invention includes a vent valve which is fluidly connected with the canister vent port. An electronic control system closes both the vent valve and opens the purge valve thereby exposing the evaporative emission control system to the partial vacuum in the intake manifold. After a predetermined time period, the purge valve is closed thus entrapping the partial vacuum in the purge system while a pressure transducer thereafter monitors the partial vacuum in the purge system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Pilot Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon Thomson
  • Patent number: 5332958
    Abstract: A device for use in conjunction with a battery in a motor vehicle which is connected to an electrical load. The device includes a microprocessor which iteratively inputs the value of the battery voltage as well as the ambient temperature surrounding the battery. The microprocessor also sets a cut off voltage level which increases proportionately with elapsed time from the last system reset of the device and preferably adjusts the cut off voltage level as a function of the ambient temperature of the battery. The cut off voltage level is set so that when the battery reaches the cut off voltage, sufficient energy remains in the battery for engine ignition, i.e. engine starting. The microprocessor then iteratively compares the battery voltage signal with the cut off voltage level and generates an output signal whenever the battery voltage is less than or equal to the cut off voltage level. The output signal initiates a timer which counts down a relatively short period of time, for example two minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Sloan
  • Patent number: 5329721
    Abstract: A fishing lure has a lure body and a chamber open to an interior of the lure body. An intake extends from the outside of the lure body to the chamber at a first end of the chamber. A discharge extends from the outside of the lure body to the chamber at a second end of the chamber. A plunger sealingly engages a circumference of the chamber and is connected to a stem. The stem is adjustable between a first, a second and a third position located on a tongue extending from the lure and results in the plunger being displaced within the chamber. The plunger acts to draw ballast within the intake and to discharge air through the discharge opening to adjust the operating depth of the lure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Richard D. Smith
  • Patent number: 5329703
    Abstract: A gage block is designed as a stepped sine block to produce commonly used angles when used with a conventional sine bar without the use of conventional gage blocks. Reference surfaces parallel to one or more bases are provided to produce the desired number of commonly used angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: William L. Craig
  • Patent number: 5328773
    Abstract: An article of manufacture is disclosed having a first part constructed or powdered metal and having a lip which extends outwardly from one end of the first part. A second part, for example a steel stamping, has a first side, a second side and an opening extending between its sides. The opening is dimensioned so that, with the second part positioned on the end of the first part, the lip extends through the opening and outwardly from the second or outer side of the second part. The first and second parts are then mechanically secured together by deforming the lip so that a portion of lip overlies and entraps an edge portion of the second part between the deformed lip and the end of the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: ICM/Krebsoge
    Inventor: Norm Scott
  • Patent number: 5328233
    Abstract: A combination child's seat and armrest assembly includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The portions are pivotably attached to each other at the front of the assembly, thereby providing for the raising and lowering of the upper portion. In its lowered position, the assembly functions as an armrest for the driver and passenger. In its raised position, a child may be seated facing front, or the bottom side of the raised upper portion. This positioning securely fits the child between the raised upper portion and the seat back of the vehicle's seat. A bed telescoping between the rear seat and the front seat may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Warren E. Maule
  • Patent number: 5326352
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in attaching a leg prosthesis. The purpose of this coupling device is to allow for the quick attachment or detachment of the prosthesis without removal of the bucket portion which is left connected to the wearer by suction or by a belt. The device is both self aligning and quick coupling. One plate has a plug and the other plate has a socket into which the plug fits. A threaded pin joins the two plates and forces the two plates, which are deliberately misaligned, together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Lyle Ferrier
  • Patent number: 5324200
    Abstract: A dental laser assembly is disclosed for use in eradicating carious lesions in teeth, the treatment of sensitive teeth, as well as the removal of soft tissue, the incising of the frenum, opurculum, anestesia of the tooth, etching enamel for restorations or orthodontic appliance fixation, the welding of fixed prosthesis, removal of bacterial flora periodontal pockets, removal and/or vaporization of healthy or necrotic pulp, the vertical and/or horizontal condensation of gutta percha or any other root canal sealant, the cauterization of blood vessels in the oral cavity, vaporizing bone tissue, removing tartar, apical fusion of foramina, enlarging and shaping root canal, removing carbon from surface of teeth, removal of enamel, bleaching teeth, etching dentin, separating orthodontic brackets, merging hydroxyapatite to bone and enamel, amalgam removal and undercutting of carious and/or healthy dentin and/or cementum. The laser assembly includes a housing having a cavity in which a pulsed laser in contained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: American Dental Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Vassiliadis, Joseph W. Shaffer, David J. Fullmer, Michael H. Brewer, David R. Hennings, Terry D. Myers
  • Patent number: 5323583
    Abstract: A stanchion with sleeve includes an elongated member secured to a fixed structure and extending generally linearly away from the fixed structure. The sleeve has an elongated body extending curvilinearly between two opposing ends. An interior cavity extends along the sleeve and through one end of the sleeve. The interior cavity has a cross-sectional shape adapted for slip fit engagement with the stanchion post. The sleeve is formed with a curve for receiving the stanchion post in the interior cavity in force fit engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Frank Venegas, Jr.
    Inventor: Frank Venegas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5323521
    Abstract: A manually actuable blind riveting tool comprises a housing carrying a sleeve member at the front end thereof. Fixed in the front sleeve member is a mouthpiece member for accommodating a pulling mandrel of a blind rivet while a collet for clamping the pulling mandrel is arranged in the front sleeve member behind the mouthpiece member. The collet is connected to a movable pulling plunger which extends through the housing of the tool and which in its interior has a discharge passage for receiving mandrels after they have been torn off a respective rivet. Two pivotal levers are mounted on the housing for applying an axial force to the pulling plunger to produce a stroke movement thereof during the actual riveting operation. The stroke movement of the pulling plunger is adjustable by a variation in the spacing between the mouthpiece member and the collet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Maschinenbau Subotsch & Schwab GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Freund, Roman Subotsch
  • Patent number: 5322342
    Abstract: A chaise lounge is provided having an integral misting system. More particularly, the misting system is disposed on the inner side of the chair frame and between the webbing of the chair. Four spray zones are provided, two on each side of the user when disposed in a reclining position. A "T" connector interattaches the ends of the misting hose loop and includes a threaded end for removable attachment thereto of a garden hose. A water flow control valve is preferably mounted to the "T" connector for operation by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventor: Donald Gange
  • Patent number: 5320399
    Abstract: A pivot rod for a sun visor having a lighted vanity mirror which is constructed with two L-shaped semi-cylindrical members so that both wires for the circuit can be inserted into a channel prior to assembly. A connector is applied to the wires extending from the mounting socket end of the pivot rod, and the wires extending from the longer leg of the L-shaped pivot rod which is inserted into the sun visor are connected to the lighting circuit in the sun visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventors: Jay E. White, Jay R. White
  • Patent number: 5320205
    Abstract: An improved wear compensation device for manual or automatic adjustment for wear in a spring loaded friction clutch. An annular circumferentially extending cam track on the clutch cover or the adjusting ring or both is used to move the adjusting ring towards the clutch pressure plate when the adjusting ring is turned relative to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Martin E. Kummer, Richard A. Flotow
  • Patent number: 5319822
    Abstract: A broom head holder with a receptacle for a handle. A broom head is clamped into a C-shaped broom head holder portion. A first variation of the broom head holder has a spring clamp attached to an over center lever to hold the broom head in the C-shaped broom head holder. A second embodiment of the broom head holder has a C-shaped member which engages the top, a first side surface and a first bottom lip of the broom head. A second holding member engages an opposite side of the broom head. Threaded fasteners connect the C-shaped members to the second holding member to secure the second holding member against an opposing edge and against a bottom opposite edge of a broom head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Barry Hirsch
    Inventor: Raymond R. Shaw
  • Patent number: D347989
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventor: Thomas C. DeWard
  • Patent number: D348411
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Pac-Tec, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Hedgewick
  • Patent number: D348616
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventors: Ardash V. Apigian, George K. Kotsonas
  • Patent number: PP8835
    Abstract: A new distinct variety of coleus, characterized by its compact, large, and symmetrically domed shape and its deep maroon color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Wolfgang W. Schuhman