Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Kristin L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6811478
    Abstract: An eviscerating member for processing a cluster of viscera of a slaughtered animal comprises two jaw parts to be moved at least partially into and out of the body cavity of the slaughtered animal. The jaw parts can move with respect to one another between an open position, in which a first jaw part is situated at a distance from the second jaw part, and a closed position, in which the first jaw part and the second jaw part substantially clamp onto part of the cluster of viscera. The eviscerating member also comprises a support mechanism supporting the jaw parts, and an actuating mechanism moving the jaw parts with respect to one another between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Stork PMT, B.V.
    Inventors: Adrianus Josephes van den Nieuwelaar, Cornelis Dirk van Harskamp, Bastiaan Wilhelmina Johannes Elizeus Josephus Drabbels, Hendrikus Antonius Theresia Petrus Hetterscheid
  • Patent number: 6736919
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for making a laminate comprising at least the following steps: placing a metal sheet on a form tool or a substrate, placing an adhesive layer on top of the first metal sheet, placing a second metal sheet on top of the adhesive layer such that at least one of the metal sheets overlaps at least one edge of the other metal sheet, applying heat and pressure to the thus obtained stack, where during the application of pressure at least one of the metal sheets is bent towards the plane of the other metal sheet. Thus, complicated structures can be optimized for a certain application and, besides, manufactured in one go using comparatively inexpensive tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Structural Laminates Company
    Inventor: Gerardus Hubertus Joannes Joseph Roebroeks
  • Patent number: 6736717
    Abstract: Method for obtaining an inner fillet and device for mechanically detaching the undesired tendon part from an inner fillet. The poultry carcass is mounted on a fixing member and positioned so that the tendons are exposed. A processing device, comprising rotating cutters, either partially or completely detaches the tendon from the inner fillets. The cutters make a uniform incision at the moment when the inner fillet and the associated tendon are still essentially in their natural position. The fillets may then be removed manually or mechanically from the carcass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Stork PMT B.V.
    Inventors: Hein Annema, Petrus Chr. H. Janssen, Adrianus J. van den Nieuwelaar
  • Patent number: 6733468
    Abstract: A cast punch and mounting assembly for forming an opening in an orthopedic cast and securing a therapeutic treatment device within the opening adjacent a bone or musculoskeletal injury is provided. The assembly includes a cast punch housing which is fastened to the body surface beneath the cast. The cast punch housing includes a central bore and a guide rod extending outwardly from the central bore. The guide rod extends through the cast. A punch member and a drive member are operably connected to the guide rod and are movable towards the central bore of the cast punch housing to core an opening in the cast above the central bore. The central bore includes engagement structure to releasably secure a therapeutic treatment device within the central bore of the cast punch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Exogen, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger J. Talish
  • Patent number: 6694689
    Abstract: Modular flooring systems and methods using at least one free-lay support module. The free-lay support module includes a baseplate and a frame member having a first arm and a second arm that meet and form an angle. Replaceable wear surface modules with or without a backing structure fit within the baseplate. The top of frame partially overlays the replaceable wear surface modules that my be carpet, carpet tile, vinyl flooring, wood flooring, wood parquet flooring or a variety of other materials. In still another embodiment, this invention provides for a free-lay support module that is self-contouring or self-leveling. In yet another embodiment this invention provides a replaceable wear surface modular flooring structure utilizing floor grid members having a “horizontal arm” and a “vertical arm”, each of which are in the form of an open U-shaped channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham Scott, David D. Oakey
  • Patent number: 6634585
    Abstract: A highly mobile, compact creel (20) that utilizes frames (22) for holding yarn packages (30) (or bobbins) for feeding yarn (33) to a tufting machine (58). Each frame (22) includes holders (60) affixed to the frame (22) for holding yarn packages (30) facing front (24) and back (26), a header (32) attachable to the frame (22) for directing yarn (33) from the yarn packages (30) to the tufting machine (58), and anti-static flexible tubing (50) for leading yarn (33) from the holders (60) to the header (32). The header (32) provides for aligning all the yarn ends in the same plane to join them to ends already threaded into the tufting machine (58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventor: William O. Ingram, III
  • Patent number: 6622443
    Abstract: A plastic trim strip for use with high pressure plastic laminate (HPL) modules or other decorative modules used on access flooring. The strip is extruded polyvinyl chloride or other polymeric or other material such as decorative metals such as brass or aluminum. The cross sectional shape of the strip is generally rectangular with a rectangular tab that: (1) protrudes from one of the narrow edges of the rectangle, (2) is thinner than the height of the strip and (3) has one surface flush with the bottom of the strip. A portion of the edge of the HPL or other floor covering with which the strip is used, and having the same shape as the tab, is router or otherwise removed from the floor covering. The protruding tab of the trim strip is then “captured” within this rabbet with or without adhesive, thereby securely engaging the trim strip when the floor covering is installed on or bonded to the access flooring structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Votolato, Victor A. Sainato, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6615497
    Abstract: Bench planes of different sizes having interchangeable components and an adjustable frog providing full blade support with a frog foot that extends through the plane body mouth to terminate co-planer or nearly co-planer with the sole. The rear plane handle or tote is captured between and secured soley to tines projecting from the frog that is adjustably secured to alternative sizes of plane bodies in a manner permitting forward and backward adjustment of the frog position without removing the plane blade. Superior lateral blade position control is provided by set screws in the plane body and contacting blade side edges. Adjustments in the blade cutting angle without modifying the angle at which the blade is held by the frog in the plane may be made by forming a front bevel on the front surface of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools, Ltd.
    Inventors: Terry Ross Saunders, Lloyd Sevack, Leonard G. Lee, Matthew Siemers, Edwin C. Tucker
  • Patent number: 6588468
    Abstract: A machine for use with a table-mounted router to form a wide variety of woodworking joints by manipulating a workpiece to engage the router cutter in predetermined locations, in some instances by reference to a joint element template, and in other instances by reference to predetermined lateral locations, to form joint elements with predetermined shapes and spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools Ltd.
    Inventors: Edwin C. Tucker, Brent K. Hyde
  • Patent number: 6524261
    Abstract: Ultrasound application devices and methods of use for sternum healing of a patient includes the steps of positioning an ultrasound application device near a sternum having approximated portions, and applying ultrasound to the approximated portions for promoting healing. The ultrasound application device includes a transducer for generating the ultrasound, and a base for positioning the transducer near to the sternum. A diverging lens may be disposed between the transducer and the sternum for acoustically diverging the ultrasound to flood the sternum with ultrasound. A plurality of transducers may be included in a plurality of recesses of the base along a longitudinal length of the sternum for applying the ultrasound along the longitudinal length of the sternum. A ring may be included to be positioned and secured about the neck of the patient. The ring may be woven as and/or incorporated in a tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Exogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger J. Talish, Emery Rose, Signe M. Lund, Frederic S. Wright
  • Patent number: 6503214
    Abstract: A cast punch and mounting assembly for forming an opening in an orthopedic cast and securing a therapeutic treatment device within the opening adjacent a bone or musculoskeletal injury is provided. The assembly includes a cast punch housing which is fastened to the body surface beneath the cast. The cast punch housing includes a central bore and a guide rod extending outwardly from the central bore. The guide rod extends through the cast. A punch member and a drive member are operably connected to the guide rod and are moveable towards the central bore of the cast punch housing to core an opening in the cast above the central bore. The central bore includes engagement structure to releasably secure a therapeutic treatment device within the central bore of the cast punch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Exogen, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger J. Talish
  • Patent number: 6450873
    Abstract: In a method and device for carrying out at least one processing operation on a slaughtered bird which is hung by its legs, the bird is conveyed on a hook of a conveyor towards and into the processing area of a processing device in order for the at least one processing operation to be carried out on the bird. The bird is positioned in the processing area of the processing device by externally supporting the bird at at least two locations, which are selected from the group of locations which comprises the back, the sternum, the area of the clavicle, the wings and the sides of the bird. Then, the at least one processing operation is carried out in the processing device in the area of the breast of the bird. The bird may also be positioned in the processing area of the processing device by internally supporting the bird on the side of the sternum facing the abdominal cavity of the bird.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Stork PMT B.V.
    Inventors: Franciscus T. H. J. van der Steen, Francis W. J. van Happen, Adrianus J. van den Nieuwelaar
  • Patent number: 6448503
    Abstract: A line spacer for use between power transmission lines to maintain the lines at a set spacing front each other includes at least two spaced jaws and a lever action closure mechanism operable to close the jaws after engaging of the spacer onto adjacent lines, to fix the spacer in position between the lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Logistics A.G.
    Inventors: Bruce Raymond Mc Kinnon, Owen Gregory
  • Patent number: 6436060
    Abstract: The system is used for therapeutically treating injuries using ultrasound. The system includes an ergonomically constructed ultrasonic transducer treatment head module and a main operating unit. The transducer treatment head module is positioned adjacent the area of the injury and excited for a predetermined period of time. The system includes a bathtub insert that envelops a portion of the patient's body, and means on the insert for positioning and holding the treatment head module adjacent positions on the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Exogen, Inc
    Inventor: Roger J. Talish
  • Patent number: 6406443
    Abstract: A self-contained ultrasound applicator for therapeutically treating injuries. The self-contained ultrasound applicator comprises a cantilever mounting structure, a cantilever connected to the mounting structure, a main operating unit operably mounted adjacent the cantilever and an ultrasonic transducer positioned adjacent a distal portion of the cantilever for abutment with a treatment site. The self-contained ultrasound applicator includes a means for attaching adjacent a treatment site. The cantilever is configured to urgingly bias the ultrasonic transducer toward a treatment site when mounted adjacent the treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Exogen, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger J. Talish
  • Patent number: 6383069
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing multiple automated poultry processing operations upon a slaughtered animal or a part thereof via a single machine is described. The machine contains at least two rotary processors in a single frame. A covering surrounds the processors. A venting processor cuts out and removes the vent to a slaughtered animal and in the process removes unwanted fecal or other material from the exterior and the interior of the carcass. The processors integrated into the single machine are coupled by a conveyor line following a preferably generally S-shaped route that carries the carcasses amongst the processors, preferably positioning the carcasses at the optimum registration point for the operation performed by the particular processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Stork Gamco Inc.
    Inventors: Max Volk, Raymond Strawn, Adrianus J. Von Den Nieuwelaar, Bradley K. Gazaway, Hendrikus Werner Peeters
  • Patent number: 6381869
    Abstract: A device for pressing and drying organic materials. The organic material is inserted between two sheets of thin cloth which are, in turn, sandwiched between two thick felt pads. These pads are then sandwiched between platens made from inorganic material. The assembly is heated, resulting in a pressed and dried organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools, Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert R. Lunan
  • Patent number: 6377736
    Abstract: The invention provides a helical device and method of producing same for engagement with a cable, the helical device comprising a single length of metal strip comprising a first helical section, a second non-helical section, and a third helical section, the end of either or both the first and third helical sections remote the second helical section being flared away from the longitudinal axis of the helix, the flaring being in the form of a section of spiral helix form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Logistics AG
    Inventor: Maurice William Murphy
  • Patent number: D471067
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard David Blair Coburn, Abdul Aziz, Michael T. O'Malley
  • Patent number: RE38612
    Abstract: A router table fence having three nesting aluminum extrusions or spars, two of which lie under a longer third spar. By positioning the inner ends of the two lower spars adjacent to a router cutter protruding through a router table, it is possible to provide a fence, particularly when the lower spars are used with wood facings or sub-fences, that can be adjusted to closely surround the cutter. Lateral movement of the fence assembly adjusts the amount of cutter that contacts a workpiece manipulated past the cutter while contacting the fence. The cross sectional shapes of the spars are identical and are generally square, with structure that permits the upper, longer spar to rest on top of, and be attached in a manner permitting it to slide against, the lower two spars. T-shaped slots in each face of the spars accept fasteners that connect the spars together and also accept fasteners for a variety of accessories, such as hold-down devices and shields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools, Ltd.
    Inventors: Edwin C. Tucker, Michael S. McGuire, Leonard G. Lee, John S. Lynn