Abstract: For qualification for traffic preemption an area is defined and if the vehicle is in the area it can obtain preemption. The vehicle's position is determined, in one embodiment, by use of differential GPS.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 15, 1997
Date of Patent:
November 16, 1999
Assignee:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Gary V. Jones, Kevin Judge, James C. Beck, Richard Keegan
Abstract: An improved, precision shooting, safety oriented, high speed projectile (10) comprising a non-toxic, soft, hollow, capsule (12) formed of a plurality of portions joined together at at least one seam line (14), said seam line (14) being the weakest point of the capsule (12), with the greatest length of the capsule (12) alignable along the length of a gun barrel, whereby said capsule (12) will generally consistently impact on an essentially predetermined portion of the capsule (12) relative to the centerline of the initial direction of flight of the capsule and a colored, non-toxic, fill material disposed in said capsule (12) for ejection therefrom, the angle of at least one seam line (14) being generally consistent relative to the centerline of the initial direction of flight, upon rupture of said capsule (12) at at least one seam line (14) upon impact of said projectile (10) on a soft solid target. The capsule (12) is preferably elastic gelatin.
Abstract: A combined toe and finger nail clipper having a common metal strip with a toe nail cutting edge at one end and a finger nail cutting edge at the opposite end. Mating nail cutting edges are at the ends of two additional metal strips which are each welded above and below at opposite ends of the common metal strip. A pair of vertical retaining posts located at each end of the nail clipping unit hold lever arms which can be stored in the flat position or rotated around and put into the use position as in conventional nail clippers. In this way a manufacturer can produce a combined toe and finger nail clipper more economically than two separate nail clippers and the user can store the combined nail clipper in a smaller space without worrying about locating two separate clippers. The clipper can be constructed so that while one of the clippers is in use the cutting edges of its other are closed or only slightly open so as to avoid the corners of the cutting edges catching or scratching a finger of the user.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 5, 1998
Date of Patent:
July 27, 1999
Assignee:
Kirk Langman
Inventors:
Kirk Langman, Michael Greene, Kenneth Tarlow
Abstract: A traffic signal preemption system, and a related method for its use, using differential global positioning system (GPS) measurements for accurate monitoring of the position, speed and direction of an emergency or service vehicle approaching a controlled intersection. The preemption system includes a reference GPS receiver, for computing GPS measurement corrections, and a GPS receiver in each vehicle, which transmits its GPS measurements by radio to a receiver located at the controlled intersection. A computer also located at the intersection uses corrected vehicle position, speed and direction measurements, in conjunction with previously recorded data defining approach routes to the intersection, to determine the optimum time to switch a traffic light controller to preemption mode to permit safe passage of the vehicle. GPS measurement corrections may be applied in a vehicle computer or in the computer located at the intersection.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 5, 1995
Date of Patent:
July 20, 1999
Assignee:
L & H Company, Inc.
Inventors:
Gary V. Jones, Ronald R. Hatch, James R. Hume, Richard G. Keegan
Abstract: A sulky comprises two wheels (7) which are attached via frame members (3) to the sulky's support structure, which consists of a beam section (1) which connects the wheels (7), a seat section (2) and shafts (4). In order to give the horse which is harnessed between the shafts (4) an impulse by means of swinging movements from the driver who is sitting on the seat (2), the shafts (4) are designed with an arm member (6) which is facing the wheel (7). This arm member (6) is rotatably connected to the frame member (3). From the shaft (4) to the beam section (1) there is maintained a connection (9) for transfer of tensile force.
Abstract: A means and method for protecting a windshield from damage and therefore the development of cracks due to stone or other impact on windshields around the peripheral area. An impact resistant barrier is placed around the periphery of the windshield. The barrier is preferably a clear polymeric film, but could be opaque rubber plastic or metal. The barrier is placed on the glass surface and in contact adjacent to the windshield molding. The width of the barrier is selected to eliminate the higher incidence of damage to the peripheral area.
Abstract: A bird feed holder for holding an elongated bird treat such as a millet spray in a horizontal position. The bird feed holder includes mounting elements for mounting the holder on a cage in such position that gripping members are horizontally aligned and spaced apart. There is also a perch parallel to the gripping members so that the bird can access the bird treat.
Abstract: Patent for "PROCESS AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS RECOVERY OF TWO PIPES OR TUBES WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF OBSTRUCTION", with the said process consisting of recovering each of the said obstructed pipes or tubes by means of a jet of compressed air flowing with a spiral motion from one of the extremities of each of the said pipes or tubes, with water first being added to the said jet in order to increase the passage of the air; with the said water then being followed by a cleaning solution, a volatile liquid, or another equivalent product, along with an abrasive material consisting of crushed rock or gravel, or a similar substance, in order to clean the said pipe or tube; after which an epoxy resin paint or another type of coating is added, which coats all of the inner wall of the pipe or tube, as a result of the pressure applied by the said jet of compressed air.
Abstract: An image speed indicator displayed in a monitor to be used as an aid during the filming process with a video camera and monitor or a film camera being used with a video assist unit. The indicator can be adjusted to move at a selected speed horizontally and/or at a selected speed vertically. When both horizontal and vertical non-zero speeds are set the marker will move at an angle across the monitor. The apparatus displays and saves the speed setting so that it can be reproduced at later time Therefore shots recorded at different times can be shot with the marker set on a desired scene object and the camera panned at the same speed and angle or wholly horizontally or vertically.
Abstract: A carrying body preferably of a size to be worn by a child and preferably in the form of a fanny pack, having an anchor strap attached inside the carrying body providing an access length and a retaining strap which can be looped around the access length at one end and holding a child's amusement device at the other end. The retaining strap and amusement device can be stored inside the carrying body and can be accessed when it is desired to play with the amusement device. Therefore, the amusement device can be stored, and not lost when not in actual use.
Abstract: A poker type cards game. First, each player bets. Then three cards are dealt face down to each player. Each player discards one card, keeping two. Then five cards are dealt face up as common cards. Each player makes a five card poker hand from any combination of his two hole cards and the common cards. Alternatives require that one only, or one or two of the hole cards be used.
Abstract: A calendar has a personal display portion and a monthly calendar portion from which a memory book is created at the end of the year. Each personal display portion is a graphics image such as a picture of personal interest. The calendar pages are bound along an edge of the personal display portion, so that by removing the monthly calendar portion there remains a book of the twelve personal graphics or pictures. This book is then bound in a binder for permanent preservation and presentation.
Abstract: A means and method for protecting a windshield from damage and therefore the development of cracks due to stone or other impact on windshields around the peripheral area. An impact resistant barrier is placed around the periphery of the windshield. The barrier is preferably a clear polymeric film, but could be opaque rubber plastic or metal. The barrier is placed on the glass surface and in contact adjacent to the windshield molding. The width of the barrier is selected to eliminate the higher incidence of damage to the peripheral area.