Patents Represented by Law Firm Jones & Askew
  • Patent number: 6112214
    Abstract: A method and system for directly manipulating cells in an electronic spreadsheet program or the like. After the user has selected the cells to be manipulated, the user merely positions the cursor over any part of the outside border of the selected group of cells, depresses and holds down a predefined mouse button, drags the border to a new location and then releases the mouse button. Depending upon which mouse button or control key was depressed, the user may be presented with options such as whether the manipulation should be to move or copy the selected cells, or the selected cells may be moved and no option presented. Depending upon which control key was depressed or upon the location of the repositioned border, the selected cells may be pasted over existing cells, or they may be inserted into the spreadsheet causing the existing cells to be shifted right and/or down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher E. Graham, Ross A. Hunter, Lisa R. James
  • Patent number: 6112216
    Abstract: A method and system for inserting a table over text, for splitting a cell with text into two or more cells, for converting a bordered paragraph into a table, and for adding cells to a table. A table drawing tool allows a user to insert a table over existing text in a document, convert a bordered paragraph into a table, split a table cell into multiple cells, and add cells to a table, among other features. To insert a table over existing text, a subset of the plurality of lines of text that the table covers is determined. A determination is made whether the subset of text needs to be placed inside the table. If so, then the subset of text is extracted from the electronic file and the subset is placed inside a paragraph. The table is inserted into the electronic file with a height equal to the height of the extracted subset of text and the paragraph is pasted into the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Hugh Pratley, Katsuhiro Namba
  • Patent number: 6108537
    Abstract: A system for communicating data via a cellular network control channel of a cellular mobile radiotelephone system. The system includes a mobile switching center operable for receiving a registration signal from a registering cellular communications device. The registration signal includes identification information associated with the registering cellular communications device and a predefined data field containing data. The mobile switching center detects the presence of the identification information in the registration signal. In response to the identification information, the mobile switching center determines whether the registering cellular communications device is a member of a predetermined class of cellular sources, such as a class known as "roamer" units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Cellemetry, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Irby Comer, Peter Owen Roach, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6107405
    Abstract: A process for making the grafted polyolefin includes the steps of adding a predetermined amount of polyolefin, a predetermined amount of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and a free radical initiator to a reaction vessel. Preferably, the reaction vessel is an extruder. The constituents are then mixed under melt grafting conditions so that at least 5 weight percent of the 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate is grafted onto the polyolefin to form a copolymer. The grafted polyolefin is then solidified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly Clark Corporation
    Inventors: James Hongxue Wang, David Michael Schertz
  • Patent number: 6105578
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel equipment drapes for use with an Interventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (IMRI) device. An IMRI device enables medical personnel to obtain magnetic resonance imaging data on a patient and, at the same time, perform surgery on the patient. An IMRI device requires specialty equipment. The present invention is directed to one form of specialty equipment, equipment drapes. Equipment drapes of the present invention have a U-shape or rectangular shape and are attached to the IMRI machine to maintain a sterile field and to provide a barrier against fluids escaping from a surgery patient. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses an equipment drape having a U-shape with a retractable flap positioned with the "U" portion of the drape. In a further embodiment, the present invention discloses an equipment drape having a U-shape with a retractable pouch positioned with the "U" portion of the drape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay R. Sommers, John W. Frankland, Chris Vetsch
  • Patent number: 6107218
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new chenille yarn and a method of making the same. The chenille yarn may be used on conventional weaving equipment, including air jet and water jet weaving machines, to produce simulated pile fabrics having superior abrasion resistance and improved hand. The present invention is also directed to a method of making fabrics containing the chenille yarn, and various uses for the fabrics, especially as residential upholstery fabrics, decorative throws, contract fabrics, automotive fabrics, and bedding fabrics for use in the home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Chatham Incorporated
    Inventor: J. Derrill Rice
  • Patent number: 6106962
    Abstract: An air manager system for a metal-air battery. The system includes a housing for enclosing at least one metal-air cell with an air electrode. The housing also has at least one air inlet opening, at least one air outlet opening, and a fan positioned to force air through the openings when the fan is turned on. These openings are unobstructed and sized to eliminate substantially the air flow through the openings when the fan is turned off. The system also includes fan control means having voltage sensing means to monitor the voltage across the air electrode and to operate the fan when the voltage reaches predetermined levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: AER Energy Resources Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Pedicini, Gary E. Gray
  • Patent number: 6105328
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing and installing a roof structure, in which clay is formed into tiles which simulate wood shakes, and the tiles are attached atop a supporting surface in a predetermined manner in a substantially unrecognizable pattern. The tile configuration provides a structure which is light in weight yet is structurally sound, which lends itself to ready installation upon a wide variety of structures. Secondary supporting ribs for strength and upwardly-directed support ridges for improved stackability are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Boral Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Martin Hahn
  • Patent number: 6104377
    Abstract: Displaying an image at a particular level of opacity on a pixel-oriented output device by selecting a dithered pattern corresponding to the desired opacity level. The image is divided into tiles of a predetermined pixel width and height. The dither pattern comprises a predetermined number of bits, each bit corresponding to a pixel in a tile. When a bit in the dither pattern is set to a binary 1 value, the corresponding pixel is displayed opaque. In contrast, if a bit in the dither pattern is set to a binary 0 pattern, the corresponding bit is displayed transparent. The pixels in each tile in a row are displayed according to the dither pattern. A new dither pattern is then created by shifting the dither pattern by a random number of bits. The pixels of another row are displayed according to the new dither pattern. New dither patterns can be created for each row in the image, thereby generating an image having a desired opacity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Ledoux
  • Patent number: 6102418
    Abstract: A hydropneumatic suspension system, particularly for wheel support in motor vehicles, with at least one spring arrangement (1, 2) having at least one hydraulic spring strut (4), at least one hydropneumatic spring reservoir (6) and at least one damping valve (8). The spring strut (4) includes a cylinder (10) containing a hydraulic medium, and a piston (12), movably guided therein for spring compression and rebound. The piston (12) separates a cylinder space (16) from an annular space (18) surrounding a piston rod (14), wherein the cylinder space (16) is connected via a damping valve (8) with the spring reservoir (6) for producing an elastic force. The annular space (18) of the spring strut (4) is directly connected, while circumventing the damping valve (8), with the respective spring reservoir (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Hemscheidt Fahrwerktechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Walter Runkel
  • Patent number: 6102284
    Abstract: A cradle for holding a wireless terminal. The cradle includes a lower spring-loaded leveling tray and an upper bracket including two spaced-apart retainers that allow one-handed access to the wireless terminal using an ergonomically safe push-down-and-tilt motion. Easy removal is enhanced by using an optical communication link between the cradle and the wireless terminal. The optical communication link allows an optional articulating keyboard to communicate with the wireless terminal when the wireless terminal is in the cradle. A battery charging terminal in the leveling tray charges the battery in the wireless terminal. The leveling tray is automatically locked when the wireless terminal is installed in the cradle. When the wireless terminal is in the cradle, a solenoid may be activated to open the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: LXE Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Myers, Charles A. Moore, Steven J. Meister, William Sims
  • Patent number: 6102796
    Abstract: Composing an image with fragments. The fragments of an image are downloaded from a server. The fragments are displayed in an initial configuration within the image. One of the fragments located at one of the positions within the image is then selected. The selected fragment is then moved to a second position within the image which has defined characteristics. The selected fragment is then visually altered to conform to the defined characteristics of the second position. The visual alteration may include altering the size or the aspect ratio or both of the fragments to conform to the defined characteristics of the respective positions, such as a positions within a grid, or altering the size or orientation or both of the fragments to conform to the defined characteristics of their respective positions, such as C-shaped fragments arranged radially around a center of the image. After the appearance of the selected fragment is altered, a new configuration of the image fragments may be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Alexey L. Pajitnov, Corey C. Dangel
  • Patent number: 6102879
    Abstract: An adjustable back brace having a posterior wound clearance. The back brace includes a pair of spaced apart support members configured to extend circumstantially about a patient's waist. Each support member has a posterior portion and an anterior portion. The anterior portions overlap one another and are adjustably secured to one another with hook and loop fasteners when the back brace is worn by the patient. A pair of inelastic straps secure and tighten the back brace about the patient's waist. Each strap is anchored approximately adjacent the patient's spine to one of the posterior portions. The straps extend toward one another across the wound clearance to rings attached to the opposite posterior portion. The straps pass through the rings to reverse direction and extend back across the wound clearance, around the patient's sides, and to the patient's anterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Innovative Orthotics and Rehabilitation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark G. Christensen, David P. Defrances
  • Patent number: 6103391
    Abstract: The present invention seeks to provide a titanium product applicable to construction material, daily necessities, cutlery and a trowel which has an excellent decorative effect or an excellent smoothing ability in smoothing the kneaded material surface and a manufacture method thereof. The titanium product according to the present invention has crystal grains including twins of 100 .mu.m or larger separated on or near a partial or the entire surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Ryuta Hirayama
  • Patent number: 6099628
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ink set of inks which have substantially identical light fastness properties. The ink set includes ink compositions containing a colorant and at least one colorant stabilizer. The colorant stabilizer imparts light-stability to the colorant so that the colorant does not fade when exposed to electromagnetic radiation such as sunlight or artificial light. The ink set provides a range of colored inks having similar light-stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Sinclair Nohr, John Gavin MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6100382
    Abstract: A method and composition for the remediation of environmental contaminants in soil, sediment, aquifer material or water wherein contaminants are first reduced with a reducing agent found in sediment and are then oxidized to environmentally safe products. The composition includes a reducing agent, solubilized from sediment by a solvent, for reduction of environmental contaminants such as nitroorganics, halogenated hydrocarbons, cyano compounds, anisoles and metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Environmental Protection Agency, Dyncorp, Inc
    Inventors: N. Lee Wolfe, Laura H. Carreira, Mark C. Delgado
  • Patent number: 6100040
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the detection of specific nucleic acid sequences purified from cellular or tissue sources. More particularly, the present invention includes methods and compositions for the detection of nucleic acid sequences using a protection molecule that forms a protected nucleic acid sequence (PNAS) such as a triplex or duplex nucleic acid structure that includes the target nucleic acid sequence. An assay using the methods of the present invention may include one, two or three levels of specificity to minimize false positive signals. An assay using the methods or compositions of the present invention can be performed on large amounts of purified DNA in a single test, with high levels of sensitivity, thus eliminating the need for DNA amplification procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Cygene, Inc.
    Inventor: Elliot R. Ramberg
  • Patent number: 6096217
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a supported liquid membrane carrier liquid with a dielectric constant between approximately 20 and 32, more particularly between 22 and 28, and preferably about 24, and the use of that carrier liquid in a supported liquid membrane device to extract one or more chemical species from a feed liquid. The invention further comprises such a device where a temperature gradient is maintained between any of the feed, carrier, or strip liquids. In another embodiment of the invention, any of the feed, carrier, or strip liquids are conditioned, for example, by passing the liquids through a purifier, or replacing lost carrier liquid. In another embodiment of the invention, two or more devices are connected in series or parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignees: Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation, Commodore Separation Technologies, Inc., The University of Tennessee Research Corporation
    Inventors: Srinivas Kilambi, Bruce A. Moyer, R. Bruce Robinson, Peter V. Bonnesen
  • Patent number: D429794
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Griffin LLC
    Inventors: Larry Gene Beaver, Mark T. MacLean-Blevins, Craig Stephen Ketcham
  • Patent number: D430036
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Sterling Steward, Michael O. Kelly