Patents Represented by Law Firm Gifford, Krass, Groh, Sprinkle, Patmore, Anderson & Citkowski
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Patent number: 5520175Abstract: An improved endotracheal tube provides an inflatable cuff having a concavely shaped superior surface forming a collection basin and means to facilitate accurate suctioning of the basin while the tube is in position. In the preferred embodiment the means to facilitate accurate suctioning of the collection basin takes the form of a guide wire having one end attached within the basin and the other end terminating freely outside the body of the patient, thus enabling a suction catheter to be slideably moved along the guide wire and into the basin to remove substances collected therein. The preferred embodiment further includes means to releasably secure the free end of the guide wire when not in use. Alternative means to facilitate accurate suctioning include the provision of a separate passageway having a first end external to the body of the patient for connection to a suctioning means and a second end terminating within the basin.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1995Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Inventor: William R. Fry
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Patent number: 5521562Abstract: A switch for transmitting a signal with gain from one of a plurality of input transmission lines (10A,10B,10N) to a common output line (14) is described which achieves high isolation by omitting the transmission line between the output matching section and the junction of the input and the output. In one embodiment the output of each amplifier, a field effect transistor (38,40), is coupled directly to a common output (34) and the output matching circuitry is also omitted from the input lines, there being provided a common output matching and bias network located in the output line. In another embodiment the output matching network (26a,26b;64a,64b) is coupled directly to the common junction (16;56) and the transmission line length between the output matching network and the junction is omitted for each input line.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Assignee: Cambridge Computer LimitedInventor: Stephen J. Flynn
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Patent number: 5519260Abstract: A system is provided for use with an automotive vehicle having a normally disabled ignition system. Each driver license is encoded with indicia, such as a magnetic strip, indicative of the identity of the driver. This driver's license is inserted into a reader container in the vehicle which then generates an identification signal representative of the identity of the driver's license. A microprocessor then compares the identification signal from the driver's license with prerecorded computer memory representative of the authorized driver(s) for the vehicle. When the driver's license identification signal matches the stored data in memory, the microprocessor generates an output signal which enables the vehicle ignition system. Alternatively, when the driver's license identification signal does not match the stored data, a radio transmitter transmits the driver's license identification signal to a central station which compares this signal against stored data representative of a plurality of different drivers.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1994Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Inventor: Valdemar L. Washington
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Patent number: 5518102Abstract: A diverter for redirecting a single member or portion of a generalized set of material passing thereby. The device includes an electromechanical actuator which moves from an extended to a retracted position. A flexible strip has a first end attached to actuator and a second end fixed with respect to the actuator. The device is positioned proximate a gravity slide down which a stream of material moves in a first direction. When the actuator moves from its extended to its retracted position, the resilient strip flexes out into the path of the moving material. Any of the material striking the flexible strip will be deflected into a second direction which diverges from the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1994Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: Candid Logic Inc.Inventor: Bruce Hershline
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Patent number: 5518473Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame which supports a pair of foot links so that a first end of each foot link is pivotably coupled to the frame for motion about an arcuate path. A guide which is supported by the frame engages each foot link and directs a second end of each foot link along a closed, curved, generally teardrop shaped path of travel. This combination of motions defined by the foot link provides a natural running and stepping motion in which the heel of a user's foot initially rises faster than the toe as the foot move begins to forward and subsequently falls faster than the toe as the foot begins to move backward.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1995Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Inventor: Larry Miller
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Patent number: 5516194Abstract: A combination child's seat and armrest assembly includes an upper portion and 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 this 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. A front bench seat includes three sections, two laterally movable end sections and a central backrest section. For entry into or exit from the back seat of the vehicle, one or the other of the end sections is moved inward toward the central section. The central section is comprised of a back half and a front half.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1994Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Inventor: Warren E. Maule
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Patent number: 5516140Abstract: A collapsible tow bar assembly adapted to extend between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle. A frame is provided which includes a bearing element secured to the front end of the frame and a mounting element secured to the rear end of the frame. The mounting element is adapted to be selectively connected to the receiver hitch of a towing vehicle, while the bearing element extends rearward toward the towed vehicle. A pair of elongated, telescopic swing arms are pivotally secured to the bearing element and extend to the towed vehicle for attachment thereto. The bearing element further includes a yoke rotatable about a ball joint having at least two degrees of freedom which allows for movement of the swing arms in both vertical and horizontal planes. The swing arms further include pivot flanges that are pivotally secured to the swing arms at an end nearest the towed vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1995Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Assignee: Hinte Products, Inc.Inventor: Thomas M. Hinte
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Patent number: 5514223Abstract: A dual discharge photovoltaic module responsive to high and low loads. The module includes a first plurality of series connected, high short circuit current cells, and a second plurality of series connected, low short circuit current cells connected in series with the first plurality. A diode is connected in parallel with the second plurality of cells such that current flow through the module when the module is under low load reverse biases the diode so that the module discharges at a low current. When the module is under high load, current flow through the module forward biases the diode and bypasses the second plurality of cells so that the module discharges at a high rate. The module is particularly useful for starting and running an electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1995Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: United Solar Systems CorporationInventor: Craig N. Vogeli
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Patent number: 5514064Abstract: A process for making metal inking rolls, particularly for flexographic printing, having: A roll structure composed of an ammonia hardenable steel, in particular stainless steel, the selection of a roll wherein the minimum thickness of the wall, if tubular, is a direct function of the diameter and an inverse function of the length of the roll, so that, when the roll is supported at its ends and stressed in the middle, on a surface relatively distributed, it may be permanently distorted in the axial direction but without distorting its cross-section; a post-engraving ionic nitriding treatment to increase the surface hardness of the screen to at least 60 HRC and a final straightening step, to reduce the screen eccentricity at least 0.02 mm.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1994Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Inventor: Renato Della Torre
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Patent number: 5511916Abstract: A shipping container for dunnage, such as automotive engines, is disclosed having a rigid frame and a pair of spaced apart dunnage support members which are secured to the frame. The dunnage support members each have upwardly extending portions which are adapted to abut against and support selected areas of the dunnage. These upwardly extending portions are constructed of a material formed by the isothermal reaction of isocyanate and a resin which are selected such that the elastomeric material resulting from the isothermal reaction is essentially devoid of entrapped air bubbles. A method for forming the dunnage support members is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1991Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: Aldon Pattern, Inc.Inventors: Charles Farley, Lawrence E. Plawecki
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Patent number: 5511787Abstract: A golf club head is formed with a ball impacting face having an outer layer of wood veneer bonded to an inner layer of synthetic resin reinforced fibers by a synthetic resin which impregnates both layers. In a wood-type version of the club head, the outer shell is formed over a molded foam plastic core by covering the core with a flexible woven resin reinforced fibers sock, impregnating the sock with an uncured synthetic resin, covering the impregnated sock with a pair of shaped wood veneer matched halves so that the wood veneer is impregnated with resin, and curing the composite in forming molds.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1995Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: The Baum Research & Development Co.Inventor: Charles S. Baum
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Patent number: 5511878Abstract: An improved drive mechanism is provided for use with automatic paint stirring equipment of the type having a rack adapted to removably receive and support paint cans wherein each paint can has a cover, a stirring element contained within the can and a driven member positioned above the cover and mechanically connected to the stirring element. The improved drive mechanism includes a drive shaft having a diametric cross bore at a position spaced from the first end of the shaft. A diametrically extending opening extends from the cross bore to the first end of the shaft and this opening has a smaller cross-sectional area than the shaft cross bore. The shaft is rotatably mounted to the rack so that the first end of the shaft is positioned adjacent the driven member on the paint can. A drive member is then secured to the first end of the shaft which drivingly engages the driven member on the paint can during rotation of the shaft. This drive member has an axle and a drive plate secured to the axle.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1995Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: Dedoes Industries, Inc.Inventors: John T. Dedoes, Richard Powers
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Patent number: 5509147Abstract: A garment has a multi-pocket system for storing articles generally carried by a traveler. The garment includes a front panel having an outside and inside surface. A pocket assembly which has a plurality of pockets is secured on the outside surface of the front panel of the garment. The plurality of pockets are accessible from the outside of the garment. At least one pocket is positioned on the inside surface of the front panel of the garment. The at least one pocket is accessible from the inside of the garment. The plurality of outside pockets are associated with the at least one inside pocket.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Inventor: Agustin A. Busquets
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Patent number: 5509695Abstract: A quick connect fluid coupling is disclosed for use with a tubular and cylindrical nipple having an annular recess at a position spaced from its free end. The quick connect coupling includes a tubular and cylindrical body open at each end and wherein the first end of the body is coaxially disposed over the nipple. The body includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially extending openings which register with the recess and the nipple once the body is moved to its connected position. A spherical retainer is positioned within each radial opening and these retainers are radially movable between an inner locked position in which a portion of each retainer is positioned within the recess, and an outer unlocked position in which the retainers are spaced outwardly from the recess. A locking collar is disposed coaxially around the body and is axially movable between an extended and a retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1995Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Pilot Industries, Inc.Inventor: Sean P. Hummel
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Patent number: 5507739Abstract: A dual wavelength laser is disclosed for use in dental therapeutic applications. The dual wavelength laser includes a laser cavity in which a laser crystal is disposed and preferably the laser crystal is an Nd:YAG laser, which, upon excitation, lases at two different wavelengths, each of which has a different gain. A shutter, or alternatively an optical filter, is selectively disposed within the optical path of the laser crystal whereupon the higher gain wavelength is selectively suppressed. Thus, with the shutter or optical filter removed from the optical path, the laser lases at its higher gain wavelength. Conversely, with the shutter or filter positioned within the optical path, the higher gain wavelength is effectively suppressed so that the laser crystal lases at the lower gain wavelength.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1992Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Assignee: American Dental Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Arthur Vassiliadis, David R. Hennings, Joseph W. Schaffer, David J. Fullmer, Michael H. Brewer, Terry D. Myers, William D. Myers
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Patent number: 5507202Abstract: A motorcycle handlebar safety grip has a stopper (1) which has two main functions in preventing the rider from injury. Through the shape of both the clutch and brake levers on off-road motorcycles, and the positioning of the stopper (1) to the rear of the grip, it is not possible for these levers to come fully into the handlebars and crush a rider's fingers. This incident is most common when a rider falls to the ground and his hands are still in contact with the handlebars, resulting in the finger tips of the rider being squashed between the lever and the handlebars. Through the stopper (1) surrounding the circumference to the rear of the grips, a slope is created, therefore preventing the riders hands in wet weather conditions from sliding off either end of the grips and enabling the rider to gain greater control of the motorcycle.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1994Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Inventor: Robert C. Phillips
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Patent number: 5508815Abstract: A system for programming the automatic operation of a video recorder over an extended time period uses an associated television receiver as a display device for alphanumeric messages to the operator to provide a self-explanatory, interactive programming routine. The video recorder system includes a digital memory, a real time digital clock, and an alphanumeric character generator, all connected to a central digital controller. A keypad allows the operator to initiate a programming routine in which previously stored programming messages are called up from memory and generated on the TV receiver's display tube using the character generator. The operator's responses entered via the keypad are stored in the memory and are called up at future times to generate control signals for the video recorder. The video recorder system further includes a memory storing digital data representing a schedule of programming available for a future period.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1995Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Assignee: Smart VCR Limited PartnershipInventor: Michael R. Levine
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Patent number: 5508128Abstract: A fuel cell includes an electrolyte layer in form of a plate, an oxygen electrode formed on one surface of the electrolyte layer, a fuel electrode formed on the other surface of the electrolyte layer, and a conductive separator opposed to the oxygen electrode or fuel electrode for defining oxygen-containing gas passages or fuel gas passages. The separator includes a plate-like portion opposed to and spaced from the oxygen electrode or fuel electrode, a pair of strip-shaped projections extending along opposite ends of the plate-like portion for contacting opposite edges of the electrolyte layer, and a plurality of ridges for defining gas passages in form of grooves between the pair of strip-shaped projections. A fuel cell system includes a plurality of such fuel cells stacked one over another in a spaced relationship to define fuel gas passages or oxygen-containing gas passages in between. A flexible conductive element is disposed between an adjacent pair of the fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1994Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Assignee: Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kosuke Akagi
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Patent number: 5508736Abstract: Video signal processing apparatus comprises means for generating data signals representing the physical status of a video camera with respect to a fixed frame of reference, the physical status being the position, orientation, height, altitude or speed, means for receiving video signals from the said camera and means for combining the said data signals with the said video signals whereby to produce a composite signal by which the data information and the video information contained in the video signals can be displayed simultaneously, and means for transmitting the combined signal to a remote location or means for recording the composite signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1995Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Inventor: Roger D. Cooper
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Patent number: D370204Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Inventor: John Kittridge