Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Gifford, Krass, Groh, Sprinkle, Anderson & Citkowski, P.C.
  • Patent number: 6997817
    Abstract: A putter alignment tool for use in establishing a correct line of putting motion of a golf club head upon a golf ball. An elongated structure includes a first guide wall and a second spaced apart and substantially parallel extending guide wall, the first and second guide walls being secured together proximate at least one of first and second ends. A golf ball placement position is located between the guide walls at an intermediate location between its ends. First and second adjustment mechanisms are associated with at least one of the first and second guide walls. The putter head swing clearance adjustment mechanisms include inwardly projecting portions relative to the guide walls and in order to adjust a width and height (swing window) within the structure proximate the ball placement position, the mechanisms permitting unimpeded travel of the golf club head during a putting stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph Consiglio
  • Patent number: 6994130
    Abstract: A capless automotive fueling system having a funnel with a port open to receive a fuel filling nozzle. A spring loaded valve is movable between an open position in which the port is open and a closed position in which the fuel valve overlies and sealingly covers the port. A shield is movable between a first position in which the shield overlies and covers the valve, and a second position in which the shield is laterally disposed to one side of the valve to permit insertion of the fuel filling nozzle. A motor is drivingly connected to the shield and, on activation, moves the shield from its first and to its second position. Alternatively, two latches engage the valve to retain the valve in a closed position. Upon insertion of a properly sized fuel nozzle, the nozzle engages the latches and pivots them to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Martinrea Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David John Gabbey, Daniel Paul Cunkle
  • Patent number: 6995542
    Abstract: A battery charger amusement has a receptacle adapted to receive a rechargeable battery, an electronic circuit monitoring battery charge status, and a mechanical movement signal activated upon charge status attainment. The battery charger can include a motion actuator so as to move during the battery recharge process. The device is intended to encourage the use of rechargeable batteries over a disposable counterpart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignees: Zen Design Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sun Yu, David A. Perrin
  • Patent number: 6994391
    Abstract: A release mechanism for use with a latch associated with a vehicle seat pivotally secured to a vehicle floor. A three-dimensional housing encloses an actuator mounted in axially translatable fashion upon the vehicle floor. A coil spring secures at a first end to an interior location of the housing, a second end of the spring engages the actuator in a selected biasing direction. A lever pivotally secures to a bracket extending from an underside location of the vehicle seat, an extending end of the lever engaging the actuator through the housing, a torsion spring biasing the lever in a given pivoting direction relative to the mounting bracket. A cable extends between the lever and the vehicle latch and, upon the actuator translating in a selected direction, the lever is caused to pivot and the cable to translate in order to disengage the latch and to permit pivoting of the seat relative to the vehicle floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Bae Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tavis S. Lutzka, Stanley D. Pacolt
  • Patent number: 6991219
    Abstract: A valving assembly for a motor vehicle includes a hard, lubricious and chemically inert coating of graphitic carbon. The coating may include a metal. Preferred metals include chromium or other transition metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ionbond, LLC
    Inventors: Robert R. Aharonov, Raymond P. Fontana, James M. South
  • Patent number: 6992585
    Abstract: A security system includes within a single module in combination an arming component, a motion sensing component and a notifier component. The arming component creating an output signal received by the motion sensor component, which in turn generates an alarm signal upon the motion sensor being moved. The alarm signal activates a notifier component to broadcast notification of unauthorized movement of the system. A MEMS motion sensor and a trigger optimally serve as the basis for the motion sensing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventors: Rameez Saleh, James Frank Klemic, Abigail Lubow, Mark Meras
  • Patent number: 6988748
    Abstract: A fluid coupling assembly having a first and second metal tube, each tube having an outwardly flared end. A first connector includes a throughbore, a first end and a second end with a radially inwardly extending rim at the first end of the first connector. The first connector is disposed over the first tube so that the tube extends outwardly from the first end of the first connector and so that the rim registers with one side of the first tube. A second connector also includes a throughbore with a first and second end and in which the second end of the second connector is flared outwardly. The second connector is disposed over the second tube so that the second tube extends outwardly from the first end of the second connector and so that the second connector flared surface registers with one side of the second tube flared end. An annular seal member is longitudinally slidably mounted within the first connector throughbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Martinrea Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Staniszewski, Armando Ricci, Paolo Ricci
  • Patent number: 6987366
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a voltage reducing circuit for use with an LED flashlight. The LED flashlight according to the invention comprises a battery, a solid state light source having an on voltage less than the voltage of the battery, and a voltage reducing circuit in electrical communication with the battery and the solid state light source. The voltage reducing circuit is operative to reduce the voltage from the battery to a level that is slightly above the on-voltage threshold of the solid state light source. In this manner, power expended from the battery by the solid state light source is minimized such that the need for battery replacement is prolonged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Sun Yu
  • Patent number: 6986987
    Abstract: A method and a package for identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms in Fc?RI is useful in identifying individual susceptibility to a disease. Fc?RI is active as a cellular receptor of IgA. The susceptibility and severity of an IgA related disease is determined by genotyping or phenotyping an individual for Fc?RI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: The UAB Research Foundation
    Inventor: Robert P. Kimberly
  • Patent number: 6988015
    Abstract: The inventive bone implant for replacing defective joint sockets comprises a base body (10) consisting of preserved natural spongiosa with an approximately hemispherical cavity (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Tutogen Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Schöpf, Karl Koschatzky, Rolf-Dieter Kalas, Matthias Löwel
  • Patent number: 6986342
    Abstract: A homogenous charge compression ignition barrel engine includes an engine housing with a first and second end. An elongated power shaft is longitudinally disposed in the engine housing and defines a longitudinal axis of the engine. A plurality of cylinders surround the longitudinal axis with each cylinder having a closed end and an open end. Each cylinder has a central axis. The open ends of the cylinders are each generally directed toward the first end of the housing. An intake system is operable to introduce a combustible mixture of air and fuel into each of the cylinders. A track is disposed between the first end of the housing and the open ends of the cylinders such that a portion of the track is disposed generally in alignment with the central axis of each of the cylinders. The track has a cam surface that longitudinally undulates with respect to the open ends of the cylinders. A portion of the cam surface is disposed generally in alignment with the central axis of each of the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Thomas Engine Copany
    Inventor: Charles Russell Thomas
  • Patent number: 6983751
    Abstract: An improved condom includes a body that has a wall, a closed end and an open end. The wall of the condom has an interior surface and an exterior surface. A textured portion on the condom functions to increase the sensation transmitted by the condom during use. The textured portion may be positioned in a curved region of the condom. When used as a female condom, the textured portion inhibits the possibility of the condom be displaced. A retention device is also provided that is disposed in the interior of the condom and expands during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Brian J. Osterberg
  • Patent number: 6983567
    Abstract: An engineered purpose-built portable habitable structure formed of a transformable rectangular enclosure that includes a base shell having hingedly attached exterior and interior walls that fold out to form a habitable structure. The walls of the structure are pre-wired and pre-plumbed and are adapted to connect to appropriate supply sources exterior to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Theodore T. Ciotti
  • Patent number: 6984616
    Abstract: A purge solution for removing water-based dehydrated paint residues from a paint delivery system includes 2–15 total weight percent of a purge concentrate diluted with solvent. The concentrate includes 20–99.5 total weight percent of a C4 alcohol or an alkoxylated C4 alcohol, and 0.5–30 total weight percent of an amine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Gage Products Company
    Inventors: Nadine Fedrigo, Michael E. Moore, Robert R. Patzelt, Stephen Summerfield
  • Patent number: 6981862
    Abstract: A slush molding machine having a tool with an outer surface includes a powder assembly. The powder assembly has a powder reservoir and a first lift. The first lift includes a first frame and a cylinder. The powder reservoir is mounted on the first frame. One end of the cylinder is attached to the frame, allowing the frame to be raised and lowered. The slush molding machine also includes a cooling assembly. The cooling assembly has a coolant reservoir and a second lift. The second lift has a second frame and a second cylinder. The coolant reservoir is attached to the second frame. The second cylinder is also attached to the frame. When the second cylinder is actuated, the second frame is raised and lowered as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Technical Center USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Janine R. Bond, Juhan Kim
  • Patent number: 6981293
    Abstract: A device for providing self-assisting hygienic activity to individuals of limited dexterity, the device including an elongated body constructed of first and second telescoping portions and terminating at a first end in an ergonomically configured handle. A hygienic related accessory is secured to the other end of the elongated body, which includes a repositionable goose neck portion. The accessory capable of being manipulated relative to the elongated body in at least one of axially extending and angularly configurable fashions and the accessory is further capable of being releasably engageable to the associated end of the elongated body and substituted by at least one alternately configured accessory drawn from at least one of a sponge attachment, lotion dispensing attachment, disposable sheet attachment, scrub brush attachment and powder applicator attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Rochelle Steinberg
  • Patent number: 6978956
    Abstract: A granulator has a first coarse cutting stage operating at between 5 and 45 rotations per minute and a second fine cutting stage operating at two to ten times the speed of the first stage. Since granulate exiting the second stage is uniformly divided, the granulator operates independent of a screen. A first cutter stage has cutting segments having blades interspersed with deflector segments about a shaft. Rotation of the shaft urges the blades past a spaced stationary cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Donald E. Maynard
  • Patent number: 6972285
    Abstract: A concentrated solution of a polyglucosamine such as chitin or chitosan is prepared by forming an aqueous slurry of said polyglucosamine with a peroxide, and adding copper ion to said slurry so as to solubulize said polyglucosamine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Glycogenesys, Inc.
    Inventor: Yan Chang
  • Patent number: 6968874
    Abstract: A capless automotive fueling system having a funnel with a port open to receive a fuel filling nozzle. A spring loaded valve is movable between an open position in which the port is open and a closed position in which the fuel valve overlies and sealingly covers the port. A shield is movable between a first position in which the shield overlies and covers the valve, and a second position in which the shield is laterally disposed to one side of the valve to permit insertion of the fuel filling nozzle. A motor is drivingly connected to the shield and, on activation, moves the shield from its first and to its second position. Alternatively, two latches engage the valve to retain the valve in a closed position. Upon insertion of a properly sized fuel nozzle, the nozzle engages the latches and pivots them to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Martinrea Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David John Gabbey, Daniel Paul Cunkle
  • Patent number: D514033
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald J. Jacklyn, II