Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm LaMorte & Associates
  • System and method for processing fuel for use by a fuel cell using a micro-channel catalytic hydrogen separator
    Patent number: 7704485
    Abstract: A power generation system and a fuel processor for use within a power generation system. A common hydrocarbon fuel is introduced into the heated reaction chamber along with water vapor. The hydrocarbon fuel and water react, producing less complex resultant gases. The resultant gases are passed into a hydrogen separator. The hydrogen separator separates hydrogen from the resultant gases. The separated hydrogen is used to power a fuel cell. The fuel cell produces electricity and water that can be recycled back into the system. A standard hydrocarbon fuel can therefore be used to power a fuel cell in a highly efficient, singe-step process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventors: Peter R. Bossard, Jacques Mettes
  • Device and method for preventing the use of a compromised pharmaceutical that is stored in a vial or similar container
    Patent number: 7680001
    Abstract: A cap assembly for a container that holds a perishable product. The cap assembly defines an opening through which the perishable product inside the container can be accessed. At least one obstruction plate is present within the cap assembly. Each obstruction plate is positionable between an open position, where the obstruction plate is clear of the opening, and a closed position where the obstruction plate obstructs the opening. A mechanism is provided within the cap assembly that automatically moves each obstruction plate from its open position to its closed position when the shelf life of the perishable product has expired. Optionally, the cap assembly may also include at least one condition sensor for detecting a condition harmful to the perishable product in the container. The mechanism also closes each obstruction plate if such a harmful condition is detected by the condition sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: Lindsay L. D'Annunzio, Anthony J. D'Annunzio, Courtney L. D'Annunzio, Russell A Shannon, John Quiter
  • Random chance device for use in a game where cards are drawn during play
    Patent number: 7677574
    Abstract: A game assembly and method of adding additional randomness to a game that uses a deck of cards during play. The deck of cards contains event cards that cause players to perform certain actions if drawn during the play of the game. A random selection device is provided. The random selection device utilizes indicia that correspond to the event cards and/or some new event activity. The random selection device embodies a means to randomly select a single indicia from the plurality of indicia being used. At least one card is added to the deck of cards that indicates that the selection device is to be used. Accordingly, when the card is drawn, the random selection device is utilized. The game is played as if the card indicated by the random selection device had been drawn from the deck of cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: Robert A. Butkiewicz, James P. Carty
  • System and method of repairing a wax candle having a diminished wick
    Patent number: 7665986
    Abstract: A system and method of repairing a wax candle having a diminished wick. A kit is provided having a coring device, a ramrod for displacing wax from the coring device and a length of replacement wick. The coring device is used to cut a core from the candle around the diminished wick. The coring device removes a core of wax from the candle, therein creating a bore in the candle. A length of replacement wick is then placed into the bore. The removed core of wax is then reinserted into the bore, thereby locking the replacement wick in place. The replacement wick extends above the wax and is trimmed to the proper height for use in lighting the candle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Sang Ho Park
  • Pill organizer containing disposable receptacles
    Patent number: 7661530
    Abstract: A pill organizer assembly and the associated method of organizing and isolating multiple doses of pharmaceuticals using a pill organizer. The pill organizer includes a holding case. A plurality of partition walls extend between the side walls in the holding case. The partition walls define a plurality of compartments. A lid is provided that is selectively positionable into a closed position on the holding case. A plurality of removable receptacles are provided. A removable receptacle is disposed within each of the plurality of compartments. The lid creates a seal against each of the removable receptacles when the removable receptacles are within the plurality of compartments and the lid is in its closed position. The seal created by the lid isolates the contents of the removable receptacles until they are removed from the holding case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: William Hewitt
  • Flashlight casing containing retractable tools
    Patent number: 7641354
    Abstract: An assembly that combines a flashlight with at least one secondary tool element. The flashlight has an elongated casing. At least one tool element is provided. The tool element is coupled to the elongated casing of the flashlight, wherein the tool element is capable of moving reciprocally with respect to the elongated casing between a retracted position and an extended position while remaining coupled to the casing. The tool element lays parallel to the central axis of the flashlight and protrudes beyond the front of the flashlight when in its extended position. A locking mechanism is provided for selectively locking the tool element into its extended position. As such, the tool element can be locked into an extended position in front of the flashlight or retracted back into a stored position along the casing of the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: A. Daniel Valois, M. Joy Valois
  • Novelty noise making device
    Patent number: 7642438
    Abstract: A novelty noisemaker assembly and its associated method of assembly. The noisemaker assembly has a bellows for manually producing a flow of air. Air from the bellows passes through a sound generator that produces sound energy as the air passes. The sound energy from the sound generator passes into a pitch control chamber. A plurality of slots are formed in the sound generator. A secondary object is coupled to the end of the pitch control chamber. The secondary object obstructs the pitch control chamber. Consequently, the slots in the side of the pitch control chamber provide the only exit port for the flow of air created by the bellows and the sound energy created by the sound generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Wayne Cohen
  • Method for replacing a louvered panel mounted in a finished opening
    Patent number: 7640710
    Abstract: A replacement ventilation cover and its method of installation in place of an old damaged ventilation cover. The replacement ventilation cover has a peripheral frame and an air permeable structure contained within the interior of the peripheral frame. Guides are prefabricated in the peripheral frame. The Guides hold nails or screws at acute angles relative to the plane of the opening being covered. To utilize the replacement ventilation cover, a central portion of the damaged ventilation cover is removed. This creates an opening without having to remove the nailing flange of the damaged ventilation cover. Consequently, the siding and trim around the vent opening does not have to be disturbed. The replacement ventilation cover is inserted into the remnants of the damaged ventilation cover. Nails or screws are then driven through the guides and into the construction under the old ventilation cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph P. McAtee
  • Selectively tunable percussion instrument
    Patent number: 7642441
    Abstract: A percussion instrument and its method of construction. The percussion instrument has an annular body with an open top and an open bottom. The annular body has multiple sections that include a first section and an opposite second section. The first and second sections join together at bending regions that are located at opposite sides of the annular body. A striking membrane is stretched taut over the open top of the annular body. An adjustment mechanism is provided that is used to selectively bend the annular body within the bending regions. Depending upon what direction the annular body is bent, the tautness of the striking membrane is either increased or decreased. This selectively alters the tone of the sound produced by the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Wayne Cohen
  • Magnetic projectile and target game that uses a fulcrum board launcher
    Patent number: 7631876
    Abstract: A dart projectile game and its associated method of play. A launcher is provided that has a base and a lever suspended above the base by a fulcrum connection. The lever has a first end and an opposite second end that can teeter up and down. Magnetic material is coupled to the base below the first end of the lever. A projectile is provided that contains a magnet tip. Furthermore, a target is provided that has at least one magnetic section. The projectile is placed on the first end of the lever, wherein the magnet in the projectile attracts the magnetic material under the first end of the lever and biases the first end of the lever downwardly. A person presses down on the second end of the lever with enough force to overcome the magnetic attraction and accelerate the projectile into flight toward the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Steve Walterscheid
  • Bottle and can opener arrangement
    Patent number: 7614321
    Abstract: A maraca is provided with a handle having a first end and a second end, the second end being coupleable to the maraca. A tool configured to engage a bottle cap may be mounted in the handle. The handle further includes a part configured for engaging an opener or a tab of a can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Wayne Cohen
  • Tubular bracing for a musical instrument
    Patent number: 7612271
    Abstract: A tubular bracing assembly for a string instrument and the resulting string instrument. Resin reinforced fibers are shaped into the form of a tubular structure. The tubular structure decreases the weight and increases the stiffness of the structure. The result is a bracing system that has very light weight and varied stiffness properties to achieve desirable acoustic performance from the hollow body of an acoustic instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen Davis, C. Malcolm Bash
  • Magnetic acrobat game
    Patent number: 7591471
    Abstract: A game in which game pieces in the form of acrobats are launched toward a target. The game pieces include magnets at the distal end of the extremities of the stylized acrobat game pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Steve Walterscheid
  • Vertical 3D imaging method
    Patent number: 7589759
    Abstract: A method for creating three dimensional images which are seen to project vertically upwards from the image display surface and which give the impression of a three dimensional image in a vertical and up-right orientation relative to the placement of the image display surface and the viewing position of the viewer whereby the image is placed in a horizontal orientation and perpendicular to the viewer's seated or standing position, and which then requires that the image is viewed from above and in a placement forward of and relative to the viewer which creates an approximate look-down viewing angle of 45 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventors: Richard Stewart Freeman, Christopher J Ellis
  • Confinement fence structure for climbing animals and its associated methods of construction and installation
    Patent number: 7562453
    Abstract: A fencing system for confining climbing animals. The fencing system uses a plurality of vertical posts that are set in place along a fence line. Arch support brackets are provided that attach to the vertical posts. Each arch support bracket has an ascending section that climbs to an apex point and a descending section that descends from that apex point. Flexible plastic netting is suspended between the rigid supports that are created by the vertical posts and the arch support brackets. Flexible plastic netting is supported vertically by the vertical posts. Above the vertical posts, the flexible plastic netting is supported in an ascending angle to an apex point by each ascending section of the arch support brackets. From the apex point, the flexible plastic netting is supported in a descending angle to the free end of the arch support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventors: David Alan Benner, Matthew Hough
  • Process for mixing congealable materials such as cement, asphalt, and glue with fibers from waste carpet
    Patent number: 7563017
    Abstract: A process for making reformed fiber from waste carpet material including separating into their individual strands, in well-graded lengths by mechanically disrupting, milling and granulating the waste carpet material and a further process for inserting and uniformly distributing such fibers throughout congealable materials such as asphalt and concrete, thereby providing improved physical properties to the resultant solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Paul E. Bracegirdle
  • Ball having long elastomeric protrusions with spherical terminations
    Patent number: D596681
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventors: Mark J. Chernick, Webb T. Nelson
  • Cosmetic packaging
    Patent number: D601009
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin Shinn
  • Hand drum
    Patent number: D601617
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Wayne Cohen
  • Table
    Patent number: D609505
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventors: Nandinee Phookan, Emily Amanda Sprague, Molly Joe Felde