Patents Represented by Attorney IPLM Group, P.A.
  • Patent number: 7053037
    Abstract: A pseudo-stable phase-splitting solvent composition that forms a single liquid phase when subjected to mild agitation and retains that single phase while the composition is applied to a surface, but which forms two or more laminar liquid phases promptly after being applied. A concentrated solvent film forms on the surface, under a film containing the other phase. The solvent preferably is denser than water, and the composition preferably is diluted with water. This enables the solvent to attack the surface at near full strength, and provides a water seal over the solvent film. The solvent composition can be used full strength or in diluted form for cleaning, reducing the microbial population of, or degreasing a variety of surfaces, and for stripping a variety of difficult-to-remove coatings from surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Mark D. Levitt, Robert D. P. Hei, Keith E. Olson, Bryan M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7035688
    Abstract: A laminate having a plurality of layers of magnetic material sandwiched together having a first side and a second side and a method of making the laminate. The plurality of layers of magnetic material having a plurality of radial grooves. A first insulative layer applied over the first side of the plurality of layers of magnetic material. A lead wire applied to over first insulative layer at a predetermined location on the first side of the plurality of layers of magnetic material. A second insulative layer applied to the first side of the plurality of layers of magnetic material over the lead wire. A third insulative layer applied to the second side of the plurality of layers of magnetic material. Thus, the laminate is ready to receive a coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, Steve T. Deininger, Charles E. Peters, Jeffrey J. Clayton
  • Patent number: 7030712
    Abstract: An interconnection structure for interconnecting circuitry on a first conductive layer to circuitry on a second conductive layer is provided. The interconnection structure of the present invention comprises a signal conductor via surrounded by a plurality of ground vias. The plurality of ground vias shield the signal conductor via, thus providing electrical isolation for the conductor via from the rest of the circuitry. One feature of the present invention is that the plurality of ground vias can be modified, adjusting their diameters and their placement relative to the signal conductor via, in order to affect the overall characteristic impedance of the interconnection structure. This feature is useful when propagating high frequency signals between signal traces on different conductive layers of a printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: BelAir Networks Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert P. Brunette, Eric Johnson, Stephen G. Rayment, Colin Soul
  • Patent number: 7025267
    Abstract: A method for reading a graphic pattern by illuminating the graphic pattern with at least two groups of light sources, each of the at least two groups of light sources having at least one light source operating according to an illumination cycle that comprises an illumination cycle-portion and a non-illumination cycle-portion. The light sources of one of the at least two groups of light sources are activated according to equal illumination cycles. The illumination cycles of the light sources belong to different ones of the at least two groups of light sources having a reciprocally different timing. Light is gathered from the light sources having been diffused by the graphic pattern on a sensor having a plurality of sensitive points. Light impinging on the plurality of sensitive points is converted, through a conversion cycle of the sensor, point by point into electric signals representative of single points of the graphic pattern, at a same time for all of the plurality of sensitive points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Datalogic S.p.A.
    Inventor: Michele Benedetti
  • Patent number: 7018967
    Abstract: Enhanced cleaning can be obtained by applying primarily to a stained region of a washable soft substrate a prespotting composition that contains at least one molybdate and which can generate singlet oxygen in situ in the presence of a peroxide, optionally applying to the substrate a prespotting composition that contains at least one peroxide, and rinsing, laundering or otherwise cleaning the substrate, using a peroxygen-containing built detergent to clean the substrate if a prespotting composition containing peroxide has not been applied to the substrate. Preferred embodiments of the method can provide stain removal comparable to that obtained using chlorine bleach but with better color safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan M. Hubig, Kristopher R. Grymonpré, Christopher James Uecker
  • Patent number: 6998369
    Abstract: A method for antimicrobial treatment comprising applying to microbes a composition containing a diluting solvent (e.g., water), an antimicrobially-active solvent having a density different from the density of the diluting solvent, and an optional cosolvent, surfactant, or additional antimicrobial agent, wherein the amount of antimicrobially-active solvent or additional antimicrobial agent is sufficiently high and the amount of cosolvent or surfactant is sufficiently low so that the composition will provide greater than a 1-log order reduction in the population of bacteria or spores of Bacillus cereus within 10 seconds at 60° C. Preferred methods of the invention employ compositions containing an additional antimicrobial agent such as peroxyacetic acid. Compositions for use in the method can be prepared as concentrates, and used full strength or in diluted form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Guang-jong J. Wei, David A. Halsrud, Kim R. Smith, Teresa C. Podtburg
  • Patent number: 6990775
    Abstract: A product, and a wall system utilizing such product, adapted to allow drainage of moisture from a wall of a structure. A sheet of corrugated material forms a plurality of ridges and grooves on opposite sides of the sheet of corrugated material. The sheet of corrugated material is relatively inflexible under a force applied generally perpendicular to the sheet. The sheet of corrugated material has a multiplicity of perforations. A sheet of water permeable material is affixed to one side of the sheet of corrugated material. The product is flexible in a direction along the plurality of ridges and grooves allowing the product to be stocked in roll form. A method of providing drainage of moisture from a wall structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Masonry Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Koester
  • Patent number: 6974631
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high reflectivity lighting fixture, comprising a coated reflector and a light source. The reflector is coated with a composition that includes a cycloaliphatic group containing polyester resin and a pigment. The present invention also provides coating compositions that may be used on other articles where high reflectivity is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Valspar Sourcing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Bryant Hayes, Thomas John Melnyk
  • Patent number: 6971476
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment safety harness includes two straps that are operatively connected at a juncture and a D-ring proximate the juncture. A retrofittable, removable back panel padding is configured and arranged to accommodate the straps and the D-ring to aid in the comfort in donning the safety harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt
  • Patent number: 6962266
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a unit dose product (11) from a unit dose package (10) is disclosed. The unit dose package (10) includes a first continuous strip (12) operatively connected to a second continuous strip (13) so as to provide individual segments (17) containing the unit dose of product (11). The unit dose of product (11) is dispensed by suitable method which separates the strips (12, 13) and dispensing the unit dose of product (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Morgan, Eddie D. Sowle, Tareasa L. Bradley
  • Patent number: 6943690
    Abstract: A flow verification sensor apparatus (30) is used with a constant volume pump (11) that pumps a liquid product (13) from a container (12). A plummet (32) is positioned in a flow tube (31). A sensor (33) is positioned upward from the lower end of the flow tube (31). A timer (34) measures the length of time for the plummet (32) to move from a first position to a second position after activation of the pump (11). Suitable alarms (50) are operated to indicate low flow or out of product conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6938785
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for anchoring a retractable netting system in a vertical orientation relative to a shelving assembly. A retractable netting system includes a frame assembly onto which a net is operatively connected. Cables attached to opposing ends of a draw bar member may be pulled and released to raise and lower the net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Sinco, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Denny, Edward T. Mehl, Maurice A. Russo
  • Patent number: 6931943
    Abstract: A passive flowmeter having an inlet, sensing passage and outlet in fluid communication with one another, the sensing passage having a noncircular cross-section having a minor axis generally aligned with a permanent magnetic field and a major axis generally aligned with at least a pair of generally opposed electrodes for detecting a flow-dependent voltage induced by the passage of conductive liquid through the magnetic field. By using both permanent magnets and a noncircular cross-section sensing passage together in the same device, much greater latitude in magnet selection may be obtained. This may facilitate for example the use of lower cost permanent magnets and the construction of a lower cost device for disposable flowmeter applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Knud Torp Aundal
  • Patent number: 6926173
    Abstract: A disposable, tamper-resistant condiment shaker (10) containing a condiment (37) is supported within a cavity (24) of a decorative sleeve (20) to provide a more aesthetically pleasing condiment dispensing assembly (100). The sleeve (20) includes a securing member (29, 42, 44) to support the shaker (10) within the cavity (24). When the condiment supply within the shaker (10) has become depleted, the shaker (10) may be removed from the sleeve (20), discarded, and replaced with a new shaker (10). This cartridge type loading and refilling of the condiment (37) eliminates the need to pour condiment (37) into a dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Hormel Foods, LLC
    Inventors: W. Lyle McGlothlin, W. Richard Oetgen
  • Patent number: 6918616
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a printed security device for a document comprises an intaglio printed latent image which has been printed onto a substrate using a highly reflective ink, wherein the intaglio printed latent image is visible when viewed within a first angle range extending from near-vertical to the plane of the latent image towards the image and also within a second angle range closer to the plane of the image, and is not visible when viewed within an angle range between the first and second angle ranges. A change in viewing angle from one angle range to an adjacent angle range results in a visible latent image becoming invisible or vice versa (creating a flip-flop image visibility effect).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Canadian Bank Note Company, Limited
    Inventors: Eric A. Lyen, Laurence M. -F. Suzzarini
  • Patent number: 6910640
    Abstract: A product dispenser (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 780, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860) for attachment to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer releasably attaches a product (31, 131, 431, 531, 713, 733, 743, 753, 763, 787, 804, 815, 825, 834, 844, 854, 862) to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Eric R. Balz, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig, John E. Thomas, Terry J. Klos, Ronald B. Howes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6910641
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Stephan M. Hubig, Terry J. Klos
  • Patent number: 6911069
    Abstract: Iodine or iodophor stain resistance is imparted to a surface by applying a hardenable coating composition containing an effective amount of a reducing agent having a redox potential sufficient to decolorize an iodine or iodophor stain. The reducing agent reacts with triiodide anion in the stain to change the stain coloration from a yellowish hue (e.g., yellow-white, yellow or brown) towards a lighter hue (e.g., pale yellow, white or transparent). This decolorization reaction takes place over a period of minutes, hours or days, and preferably can eventually cause the stain to disappear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Scott I. DeFields, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: 6908041
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig, John E. Thomas, Terry J. Klos, Brian A. Chute, Kathryn A. Netschke, Jamie W. Lerbs
  • Patent number: D517122
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: James Michael Milliorn