Patents Represented by Law Firm Hardaway
  • Patent number: 6041509
    Abstract: The essence of the proposed method resides in that assumed as the datum point of measurement of the well azimuth is an azimuthally stabilized housing of a down-the-hole inclinometer and the magnitude of the azimuth is determined by measuring the angle of rotation of the housing of the down-the-hole instrument (1) round its longitudinal axis, which rotation occurs in response to an azimuthal deviation of the longitudinal axis of a well (5). According to a first embodiment of the proposed device, it comprises a plurality of spring-loaded arcuate elements (3) secured on an external surface (2) of the housing of the down-the-hole instrument (1) so as to form at least three rows, each row consisting of at least three elements (3), each of the latter establishing, together with an internal surface (4) of the well (5), a contact spot (6) whose portion having a greater size (h) is arranged lengthwise the longitudinal axis of the well (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Vladimir Viktorovich Shelyago
  • Patent number: 6035914
    Abstract: Fluorescent dichroic fibers randomly incorporated within a media provide an improved method for authentication and counterfeiting protection. The dichroism is provided by an alignment of fluorescent molecules along the length of the fibers. The fluorescent fibers provide an authentication mechanism of varying levels of capability. The authentication signature depends on four parameters; the x,y position, the dichroism and the local environment. The availability of so many non-deterministic variables makes production of counterfeit articles (e.g., currency, credit cards, etc.) essentially impossible. Counterfeit-resistant articles, an apparatus for authenticating articles, and a process for forming counterfeit-resistant media are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems Inc.
    Inventors: J. Michael Ramsey, Leon N. Klatt
  • Patent number: 6023868
    Abstract: A selective information display device having a self-supporting frame comprising an upper magazine and a lower magazine adapted to store rolls containing rolled up informational posters, each poster equipped at one of its ends with an elastic return which ensures the rolling up of the poster inside its roll without any external action, and on the other end with an outer extract assembly allowing an opposing force of the elastic return to be counteracted, and the unrolling of the posters out of their rolls. The device also comprising at least one display window allowing the display of information on the poster unrolled behind it and at least one unwinder equipped with a pair of hooks arranged facing each other and acting to hook the outer extracting assembly for extracting the posters from their rolls, thus, ensuring the unrolling of one poster behind the window at the same time as the rolling up of another poster having just been displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: S.C. Rollerblade, Lasserre, France
    Inventors: Alain Viode, Frederic Houache, Thierry Costes, Gerard Bardou, Francis Martinez
  • Patent number: 6021816
    Abstract: The invention relates to a corrugated pipe of thermoplastic polymer material for use as fluid line with at least one polymer layer, comprising closed geometric outer contours which are spaced at an interval from each other in the axial direction of the pipe and which define a corrugation on the pipe jacket in at least one radial angular sector in axial, longitudinal direction one behind the other. The closed geometric outer contours are designed in such a manner that two jacket lines of the pipe jacket surface, which lines are approximately opposite one another, are free of corrugations and that these jacket lines extend in the longitudinal direction of the pipe (FIGS. 1b-1d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Ems-Inventa AG
    Inventors: Thomas Jeltsch, Jurgen Brueggemann
  • Patent number: 5984047
    Abstract: An erectable horizontal work surface apparatus having a work surface pivotally connected to two sets of legs and removably connected to brace members for the sets of legs. The brace members are removably connected to the legs. When in the assembled position, the legs are extended at an angle somewhat perpendicular to the work surface and one end of the brace members are placed in brace member reception notches so as to connect the brace members to the legs. The opposite end of the brace members are connected to the work surface by use of a removable dowel member. To place the apparatus in a disassembled position, such as for transporting or storage, the dowel member is removed from its reception notch thus allowing the brace members to fall free. The legs are then pivoted toward the work surface until they are placed in a position that is parallel or horizontal with the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: William R. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5984064
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for adjusting a luggage handle in relation to a luggage frame utilized to transport luggage by a traveler. The handle is connected to two extendable and retractable slide tube assemblies, the assemblies allow for the telescoping of the luggage handle to multiple positions in relation to a pair of fixed frame tubes connected to a luggage shell with wheels, to accommodate the height and personal stride of traveler. The luggage handle incorporates triggering buttons that allow ambidextrous and single-handed control of the height of the handle and slide tube assembly in relation to the luggage. The handle and slide tube assembly are connected by interior filaments to pulleys and filaments within two concentric light-weight slide tubes, which are inserted respectively into two fixed frame tubes, to allow a multitude of positions for the slide tubes to lock into the fixed frame tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald A. Byington
  • Patent number: 5976401
    Abstract: A method for treating phosphate-containing waste water comprising treating phosphate-containing waste water with a metal hydroxide complex as a phosphate adsorbent represented by the formula:M.sub.1-x.sup.2+ M.sub.x.sup.3+ (OH.sup.-).sub.2+x-y (A.sup.n-).sub.y/nwherein M.sup.2+ is at least one divalent metal ion selected from the group consisting of Mg.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Fe.sup.2+, Ca.sup.2+ and Cu.sup.2+ ; M.sup.3+ is at least one divalent metal ion selected from the group consisting of Al.sup.3+ and Fe.sup.3+ ; A.sup.n- is an n-valent anion; x is in the range 0.1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.5; y is in the range 0.1.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.5; and n is 1 or 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Tomita Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Suzuki, Toshio Sato, Akira Ookubo, Tomohide Koizumi, Mikiko Mihara, Shoichi Oonishi
  • Patent number: 5975853
    Abstract: A cover for an aperture in a ceiling having a shell and a back panel. The shell includes: a wall; an interior portion; and an exterior portion. The interior portion has a tubular hub extending from the wall; fins extending from the wall and from the hub; and blocks extending from the wall. The hub has a central aperture and a distal end with a flange. The exterior portion has a recess cooperating with the hub on the interior portion. The back panel is nestable within the interior portion of the shell. The back panel has an aperture cooperating with the hub on the shell when the back panel nests within the interior portion of the shell. In such an arrangement, the back panel sits on upper surfaces of the fins and blocks. In order to attach to the ceiling, either the recess on the interior portion of the shell or the recess on the exterior portion of the shell is positioned between the mounting plate and the junction box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: R.W.L. Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Lackey
  • Patent number: 5977547
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing air having contaminants and radon progeny therein. The apparatus includes a sampling box having an inlet for receiving the air and an outlet for discharging the air. The sampling box includes a filter made of a plate of sintered stainless steel. The filter traps the contaminants, yet allows at least a portion of the radon progeny to pass therethrough.A method of testing air having contaminants and radon progeny therein. The method includes providing a testing apparatus that has a sampling box with an inlet for receiving the air and an outlet for discharging the air, and has a sintered stainless steel filter disposed within said sampling box; drawing air from a source into the sampling box using a vacuum pump; passing the air through the filter; monitoring the contaminants trapped by the filter; and providing an alarm when a selected level of contaminants is reached. The filter traps the contaminants, yet allows at least a portion of the radon progeny to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Westington Savannah River Company
    Inventors: Terrance D. Phillips, Howard D. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5964245
    Abstract: A hose reel comprising: an outer hub including: opposite ends; a hollow interior extending between the opposite ends; and an opening through the hub and in communication with the hollow interior; a pair of walls, each attached to one of the opposite ends of the outer hub; and an inner hub attached to the outer hub and positioned within the hollow interior of the outer hub. The walls and the outer hub define a first storage area therebetween. The inner hub and outer hub define a second storage area therebetween. The aperture receives the medial portion of the hose so that a first length of the hose resides within the first storage area and a second length of the hose resides within the second storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: ROF Group
    Inventor: Jim Lionel Liberty
  • Patent number: 5953199
    Abstract: The present invention offers a touch pad cover for the touch pad of a Laptop/Notebook computer whereby the touch pad is protected from environmental conditions such as static electricity, particularly the static charge of a computer monitor when the computer is in a closed position and from the static charge transferred by the user, thus reducing the likelihood of a malfunctioning computer touch pad. These, as well as other objects of the invention, are accomplished by a cover for a touch pad of a Laptop/Notebook computer, the computer having a touch pad and an upper portion; the cover comprising an upper surface of nonconductive material (e.g. neoprene) in contact with the upper portion of the computer when the computer is in a closed position; a lower surface of nonconductive material opposite and parallel the upper surface, the lower surface in contact with the touch pad of the computer and depositing a powder residue of nonconductive material on the touch pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Steve Owens
  • Patent number: 5943739
    Abstract: A hinge assembly having a first leaf, a second leaf and linking member. The first leaf has a contact surface. The second leaf has a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The linking member pivotally connects to the first leaf and to the second leaf. The hinge assembly is capable of moving from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the contact surface of the first leaf merges with the first contact surface of the second leaf. In the open position, the contact surface of the first leaf merges with the second contact surface of the second leaf. The hinge assembly can include a seal on the contact surface of the first leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David Houston Vandergriff
  • Patent number: 5942706
    Abstract: The present invention, a sheet music turning apparatus, comprises a base, a first spindle on one end of the base, and a second spindle opposite the first spindle on the base. A rotation means for rotating the first spindle in a direction is also provided such that a supply of sheet music mounted on the second spindle is transferred to the first spindle by the rotation of the first spindle, thereby causing consecutive pages of sheet music to be viewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Franklin Leckie
  • Patent number: 5931469
    Abstract: A method of playing a board game and method for practicing making positive and negative life choices and experiencing the subsequent results. The game board has a plurality of game sites depicted on its playing surface with at least one of the game sites being associated with a therapeutic exercise. A plurality of game pieces are used by players to move between game sites along a series of roadways. When a player stops at a game site, the player is engaged in any therapeutic exercise associated with that site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Cynthia Marie Biggerstaff Stichnoth
  • Patent number: 5928072
    Abstract: An apparatus and a process for extracting crustacean meat from shells is provided. The extracting method is based on mechanical separation utilizing heated water spray within a rotating drum assembly for removal and separation of meat from shells. The water is collected, pumped to a holding tank, and is flavored with natural crab extract for recycle within the process. The apparatus includes a hammer mill for fracturing shells, a heated water bath for separating fractured shells from meat, an inclined rotating drum assembly having perforated walls and an internally located nozzle dispensing a water spray for separating meat from fractured shells, a tank having at least one water jet for separating meat from shell fragments, a vibrating dewatering apparatus for separating meat from the water, and a recirculation system for collecting, reheating, and reusing the solution of water and crab extract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignees: Garland Christopher Fulcher, Walter F. Lubkin
    Inventors: Garland Christopher Fulcher, Walter Franklin Lubkin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5921052
    Abstract: A desk frame (1) for trader desks is described including a first lateral support (2), a first vertical support (5), and a first cross support (11) interconnected to each other at respective ends, a second lateral support (21) superposed onto the first lateral support (2), a diagonal support (23) interconnected to the second lateral support (21) and inclined at an angle with respect to an axis of the second lateral support (21), and a third lateral support (24) interconnected to the diagonal support (23). Supports may be interconnected to each other by three-way corner connectors (67) or angled connectors (73), and they may be directly connected to one another by adding an insert (20) seated within an indentation of a support and a fastener engaging the insert. The desk frame (1) is strengthened by two-way gussets (114) and three-way gussets (84) located at junctions of supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Specialized Banking Furniture (International), Inc.
    Inventor: John Kemp
  • Patent number: 5922950
    Abstract: A sampling port is provided which has threaded ends for incorporating the port into a length of subsurface pipe. The port defines an internal receptacle which is in communication with subsurface fluids through a series of fine filtering slits. The receptacle is in further communication through a bore with a fitting carrying a length of tubing there which samples are transported to the surface. Each port further defines an additional bore through which tubing, cables, or similar components of adjacent ports may pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Westinghouse Savannah River Company
    Inventors: Bradley E. Pemberton, Christopher P. May, Joseph Rossabi, Brian D. Riha, Ralph L. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5922543
    Abstract: A composition and method of producing a composition which is directed to a single nucleic acid comprising a first section complementary to a sequence of a first chromosome, and comprising at least a first label, and a second nucleic acid section complementary to a sequence of a second chromosome, the second label being different from the first label. It is used for detecting translocations such that the single nucleic acid probe has different interactive labels on each side of a translocation break-point region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Universitat Heidelberg
    Inventor: Christoph Cremer
  • Patent number: 5920317
    Abstract: A system for recording and displaying ultrasound images. The system includes a database server, an ultrasound image capture station and an ultrasound image review station. The ultrasound images are captured from an analog video signal stream output by an ultrasound machine and converted into compressed digital data preferably in MPEG format. The compressed digital data is archived to a compact disc recordable medium for permanent storage. The ultrasound images may be annotated by a sonographer as they are captured. The sonographer selects an annotation icon from a predefined list of icons to highlight points of interest in an ultrasound scan. The system also includes a demographic data module for tracking captured ultrasound scans, and a clinical data module for reporting ultrasound findings and diagnoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: VMI Technologies Incorporated
    Inventor: Omid McDonald
  • Patent number: 5920017
    Abstract: An improved method for measuring residual stress in a material comprising the steps of applying a spot of temperature indicating coating to the surface to be studied, establishing a speckle pattern surrounds the spot of coating with a first laser then heating the spot of coating with a far infrared laser until the surface plastically deforms. Comparing the speckle patterns before and after deformation by subtracting one pattern from the other will produce a fringe pattern that serves as a visual and quantitative indication of the degree to which the plasticized surface responded to the stress during heating and enables calculation of the stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Westinghouse Savannah River Company
    Inventor: Martin J. Pechersky