Patents Represented by Attorney Harold E. Meier

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  • Obstacle-detection system
    Patent number: 5341344
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting objects around a vehicle, comprising a plurality of microwave-transceiver sensors for transmitting microwave signals to reflect off objects around the vehicle. The reflected signals are received and passed to a control unit for comparing the received signal to a transmitted signal to determine whether a detected object constitutes a threat to the moving vehicle. An alarm means is connected to the control unit and activates upon the receipt of an alarm signal when the control unit determines a detected object constitutes a threat to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Optical Detective Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen W. O'Brien, Leo C. Hayes, Jr., Takaaki Nishyama
  • Peelable thermoplastic film
    Patent number: 5334643
    Abstract: Heat-sealable thermoplastic elastomeric films comprise from approximately 35% to about 65% of an A-B-A block copolymer wherein "A" blocks are derived from polystrene or a polystrene homolog and said "B" blocks being derived from lower alkenes and from about 25% to about 55% of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, the ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer comprising approximately 28% vinyl acetate. The films are heat-sealable to various substrates including polyvinyl chloride. Once sealed to the substrate, the film may be readily peeled from the substrate by the application of a low and relatively constant peel force. A method for measuring the peel strengths of the film is disclosed. The films are especially adapted to being heat-sealed to a substrate which forms, together with the substrate a package, or multiple serially connected packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Rexene Products Company
    Inventor: Paul D. Gage
  • Frame isolator for terminal tractor
    Patent number: 5330222
    Abstract: A frame isolation system is presented which enhances the ride quality of a terminal tractor. The isolation system includes an axle saddle provided with leading and trailing anti-torque links which permit the axle to move through a limited displacement to compensate for rough and uneven road surfaces. The terminal tractor includes a main frame and a rear axle, the axle saddle being rigidly coupled to the rear axle, and a resilient bumper positioned between the main frame and the axle saddle. The rear axle is also permitted to move through limited range of side to side oscillation because of the use of spherical bearings and ball joints between the anti-torque links and their respective connections with the axle saddle and the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Ottawa Truck, Inc.
    Inventors: Merlin B. Halverson, Raymond J. Carter
  • Vacuum beam product dispenser and singulator
    Patent number: 5326219
    Abstract: A vacuum beam product dispenser and singulator to dispense and singulate "soft" products in an automated order dispensing system (AOS) includes a product cartridge and an inclined conveyor belt. The conveyor belt picks the products from the bottom of the cartridge using a vacuum control element and carries it up the conveyor until it reaches a pinch roller that holds the product ready to be dispensed to a central conveyor of the AOS. Products are picked from the product cartridge by the inclined conveyor in a position such that a product will fall off the conveyor unless held by a vacuum generated by the vacuum control element. Thus, random multiples removed from the cartridge with the picked product fall off the conveyor. The product stream from the hopper is thereby singulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: ElectroCom Automation L.P.
    Inventors: James M. Pippin, Son T. Hoang, Richard C. Hickey
  • Packaging films
    Patent number: 5324555
    Abstract: A lidstock film adapted to form a peelable seal with a substrate upon heat sealing comprises, a first layer of high density polyethylene, a second layer of ethylene vinyl acetate, and a third seal layer of a blend of a polyionomer and a low density polyethylene is disclosed. Also disclosed is a forming web adapted to form a peelable seal with a lidstock upon heat sealing, the forming web comprising a first seal layer of a mixture of a rubber and ethylene vinyl acetate, a second layer of a mixture of ethylene vinyl acetate and a linear low density polyethylene, and a third layer comprising linear low density polyethylene. The lidstock film and forming web are heat sealable at temperatures between 250.degree. F. and 350.degree. F. to form packages with peelable seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Rexene Products Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Hughart, Joel D. Finnell
  • Process for multispectral/multilook atmospheric estimation
    Patent number: 5324113
    Abstract: A method of estimating both atmospheric conditions and surface temperatures of an object from either a single set of multispectral images or multiple simultaneously-acquired single-band images of the object. Estimates of atmospheric conditions are generated by determining and radiometrically correcting radiance values measured from the image of the object. Expected radiance values are then determined and compared with the measured radiance values. The best fit of the radiance values measured from the image of the object to the expected radiance values corresponds to the best estimate of the atmospheric conditions associated with the object. The present method estimates atmospheric conditions for the object regardless of the availability of atmospheric conditions associated with the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: E-Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Ingram, Jr., James R. Johnson, Fenton L. Givens
  • Order filling system with cartridge dispenser
    Patent number: 5322406
    Abstract: An automated ordering system has a gathering conveyor belt and a plurality of product dispensers for dispensing products onto the gathering conveyor belt, the plurality of product dispensers arrayed in a matrix in rows and columns wherein each row of product dispensers and each column of product dispensers share common control elements. The product dispensers are of cartridge type utilizing gravity to eject products from a cartridge suspended above the gathering conveyor belt onto the gathering conveyor belt. A universal product dispenser platform accepts a wide range of different sizes and shapes of cartridges storing products to be dispensed. The universal product platform provides support for an actuator for singulating products mounted to the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: ElectroCom Automation, L.P.
    Inventors: James M. Pippin, Jerry D. Erwin
  • Personal telecommunications system
    Patent number: 5315636
    Abstract: The location independent personal telecommunications system of the present invention enables a subscriber to have a single personal telephone directory number. When that personal telephone number is dialed, the system uses the existing public and cellular communication systems and a service node all comprising parts of the personal telecommunications system to route the call to the present, or last known location of the subscriber. The location of the subscriber is determined by the personal telecommunications system through a radio tracking system comprised of a number of radio base stations that monitor the subscriber's location by communicating with a personal communicator carried by the subscriber. The subscriber location information is transmitted from the base stations to the service node for storage and subsequent access when a call is placed to the subscriber's personal telephone number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Network Access Corporation
    Inventor: Rajendra Patel
  • Method of metallic surface preparation utilizing silane for adhesive bonding
    Patent number: 5312520
    Abstract: To prepare a metallic surface for adhesive bonding, surface irregularities and contaminants are removed. This first step is followed by repeated cleaning of the metallic surface with a solvent and testing of the metallic surface for uniformity. Next, new surface material is exposed by blasting or abrading the surface material. Subsequently, the surface is cleaned and again tested for uniformity. Finally, the surface is treated with a silane solution and dried prior to bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: E-Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jaycee H. Chung
  • Process for dissolved gas flotation in anaerobic wastewater treatment
    Patent number: 5310485
    Abstract: A process for gas entrainment of wastewater in an anaerobic wastewater treatment system includes the steps of withdrawing wastewater from an anaerobic digester and piping it into a flotation container. Thereafter the wastewater is pumped into a free standing tank having pressure in the tank maintained at a predetermined level through the injection into the tank of compressed gas generated by anaerobic digestion occurring in the treatment system. The wastewater is removed from the tank and pumped through a multiple jet configuration wherein gas from the tank is entrained in the wastewater as the water is injected back into the tank. The gas entrained water is then discharged from the tank back into the flotation container where the gas bubbles particles to the surface of the water to form a sludge layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Darling-Delaware Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mel Roshanravan
  • High tensile strength amorphous 1-butene/propylene copolymers
    Patent number: 5302675
    Abstract: A process for the production of propylene/1-butene copolymers comprising:reacting propylene and 1-butene monomers in the presence of a catalyst system comprising:(a) a solid supported catalyst component is prepared by the method comprising: (i) co-comminuting magnesium halide support base and aluminum trihalide in a molar ratio from about 8:0.5 to about 8:3 in the absence of added electron donor; and (ii) then co-comminuting the product of step (i) in the absence of added electron donor with sufficient titanium tetrahalide to provide a molar ratio of magnesium halide to titanium tetrahalide from about 8:0.1 to about 8:1.0.(b) a trialkylaluminum co-catalyst, having from 1 to 9 carbon atoms in each alkyl group in an amount such that the Al/Ti ratio is between about 50:1 and about 500:1.(c) an alkoxy silane component of the formula R.sub.n Si(OR').sub.4-n where n=1-3, R=aryl or alkyl and R'=C.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Rexene Corporation
    Inventors: Andres Sustic, George C. Allen
  • Method for manufacturing fiber-reinforced parts utilizing stereolithography tooling
    Patent number: 5296335
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional fiber-reinforced part utilizing the single-tool method of stereolithography. The tool is fabricated by designing the tool on a computer-aided design system and curing successive layers of a fluid medium via a computer-controlled irradiation source to form the three-dimensional tool. The desired part is generated by applying layers of resin-wetted fabric to the tool, curing the fabric on the tool, removing the tool from the designed part and cleaning, trimming and inspecting the designed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: E-Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stan W. Thomas, Roger D. Key, Kyle G. Fluegel, Willie K. Jackson, Keith D. Elwell, Gary L. White
  • Non-combustible anti-smoking device with nicotine impregnated mouthpiece
    Patent number: 5293883
    Abstract: The invention includes a non-pyrolytic cigarette, having an elongated tube of approximately the same, shape, dimensions, and weight of a traditional cigarette. The elongated tube contains two tobacco-filled chambers along its length and incorporates a filter at the end placed in the mouth of the user. The chambers contain pre-burned tobacco and unburned tobacco. A central air passageway communicates with the tobacco-containing chambers, and provides the taste, smell and sensation of a traditional cigarette as air is drawn through the tube and is delivered to the user. Additionally, a multiplicity of nicotine-containing ampules located within the mouth filter release liquid nicotine into the mouth of the user when pressure is applied to the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Patrica T. Edwards
  • Ceiling fan support
    Patent number: 5292228
    Abstract: A ceiling fan includes a ceiling support plate; a plurality of support arms extending downwardly in a cone-shaped, triangular pattern from the ceiling support plate; and a bowl-shaped housing suspended from the support arms and housing the fan motor. A bowl-shaped fan motor cover mounted in the housing covers the fan motor and decorative trim is mounted to the base of the support member and on the support arms to create an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Tubular lights are mounted around the interior perimeter of the housing to provide indirect lighting in a room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: David L. Dye
  • Support ferrules
    Patent number: 5292013
    Abstract: A ferrule for supporting a wiring harness or a piping part on a host structure includes a base member mounted to the host structure, and a support member engaging the base member. The support member includes an aperture for receiving the wiring harness or piping part. The support member may include a dovetail- or T-shaped protuberance, and the base member may include a corresponding dovetailor T-shaped slot for receiving the protuberance for detachably mounting the support member to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: E-Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Tommy L. Earl
  • Vacuum beam product dispenser and singulator and method for singulating products
    Patent number: 5288201
    Abstract: A vacuum beam product dispenser and singulator to dispense and singulate "soft" products in an automated order dispensing system (AOS) is comprised of a product cartridge and an inclined conveyor belt. The conveyor belt picks the products from the bottom of the cartridge using a vacuum control element and carries it up the conveyor until it reaches a pinch roller that holds the product ready to be dispensed to a central conveyor of the AOS. Products are picked from the product cartridge by the inclined conveyor in an unbalanced position such that a product will fall off the conveyor unless held by a vacuum generated by the vacuum control element. Thus, random multiples removed from the cartridge with the picked product fall off the conveyor. The product stream from the hopper is thereby singulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: ElectroCom Automation L.P.
    Inventor: James M. Pippin
  • Integrated antenna-converter system in a unitary package
    Patent number: 5276457
    Abstract: Monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) technology is advantageously used to fabricate microwave circuitry for an antenna-converter system to enable an antenna and its associated converter circuits to be integrated together into a unitary package. Small reliable radio frequency (RF) circuits, polarization switch matrix circuits, intermediate frequency (IF) circuits and power and control circuits for the converter are manufactured and integrated onto a plurality of small area microwave circuit disks using MIC/MMIC technology. The plurality of converter circuit disks are sandwiched together and directly mounted flat against the back of the antenna to form a unitary package. The disks for the converter circuits are further sized such that the circuit disks fit within an envelope volume defined by the size and shape of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: E-Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna Agarwal, Donald F. Shea
  • Tube fastener
    Patent number: 5271460
    Abstract: A fastener for securing a tube assembly to a mating assembly in a sealing engagement includes a vertical member and two integrally formed side members each having an inwardly projecting lip for forming a vertical slot with the vertical member. The mating assembly includes an assembly mount with integrally extending side ribs for engaging the inwardly projecting lip of each side member of the fastener. The tube assembly includes a circular rib near the end of a tube which engages the back of the vertical member of the fastener when the fastener and mating assembly are engaged. An "O-Ring" seal located between the circular rib of the tube and the mating assembly mount is compressed forming a sealing engagement between the tube assembly and the mating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Tripac, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen W. O'Brien
  • Method and apparatus for controlling infrared emissions
    Patent number: 5269132
    Abstract: There is described a method and apparatus for reducing the infrared emissions from a tail-pipe section of a jet engine. The apparatus consists of a plurality of overlapping hollow panels each having a truncated cone shape supplied with a liquid coolant such that the coolant absorbs heat from the surfaces of the panels and converts the liquid to a vapor. The vapor created by this heat absorption is injected from an end opening of a panel between the panels and the exhaust gases of the jet engine to form a boundary layer. Surrounding the panels is an outer cowling defining a chamber with the overlapping panels and containing a liquid coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: E-Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Loucks
  • Torso exercise machine
    Patent number: D344993
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Robert W. Laratta