Patents Represented by Law Firm Lee, Mann, Smith, McWilliams & Sweeney
  • Pool cover having integral reflective solar heating and insulative properties
    Patent number: 6286155
    Abstract: An improved lightweight, multi-layer, reflective swimming pool cover containing two thermoplastic layers. The top layer has a dark-colored polyethylene film and the lower layer has a polyethylene film with a aluminum concentrate, or other suitable reflecting material, deposited thereon along the entire layer, thereby becoming a reflective surface. The layers are suitably bonded together to form a water and air tight seal so as to provide the cover with a reflective surface on which are integral reflective solar heating and insulative pockets configured in a predetermined spatial relationship to each other. The cover acts to continually reflect radiating heat back into the pool and provides an effective and enhanced insulation barrier against radiant heat loss from the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Midwest Canvas Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Handwerker
  • Method for performing replacement of a subscriber identity module (SIM) in a mobile communications network
    Patent number: 6285869
    Abstract: In a mobile communications network, each subscriber is allocated a unique identity code and is provided with a card (a SIM card) bearing that code which provides subscriber access to the system. A list of identity codes together with corresponding subscriber details are stored in a first store. When a card is to be replaced, a new identity code is created for the subscriber and is stored in the first store and in a second store. A mapping is provided between the new identity code and the corresponding existing subscriber identity code. The new identity code is then associated with the corresponding subscriber details and is activated while the existing code is de-activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: John Parker Shannon, Andrew Morgan
  • Tactical flashlight
    Patent number: 6283609
    Abstract: The flashlight of the present invention is comprised generally of a flashlight chassis which houses energy cells, a flashlight head which houses a beam adjustment assembly, and an endcap which houses a switch assembly. The beam adjustment assembly and the switch assembly utilize printed circuit boards to support the lamp bulb and switch, respectively. The beam adjustment assembly mounts inside the flashlight head and can only be accessed and adjusted by removing the outer lens retaining ring that secures the assembly within the head. Once accessed, the bulb support of the assembly can be rotated relative to the reflector of the assembly to adjust the light focal length of the flashlight. The adjustment assembly is also provided with a shock absorber that supports the light bulb. In one embodiment, the endcap is provided with a threads to permit the flashlight to be axially attached to an expandable baton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Parsons, Donald A. Keller, Clay C. Reeves
  • Suction gas conduit for a refrigeration compressor
    Patent number: 6280153
    Abstract: A suction gas conduit (1) for a refrigeration compressor has a curved section (4) of the gas path (2), which connects an inlet section (3) of the gas path to an outlet section (5). A widening (11) in the form of a step (12) is located on the inner side of the curve of the gas path. The curved section (4) especially abuts, at the outlet end, a valve plate (7) of the compressor, which valve plate (7) has a suction gas opening (6). The outer side of the curve of the gas path (2) is unimpeded. The step height (H) is from 0.3 to 1.0 times, and the step length (L) from 0.2 to 1.0 times, the hydraulic diameter (d) of the outlet section (5). As a result thereof, the unavoidable recirculation flow is located in a position where its undesirable effect is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Holm Iversen, Preben Bjerre
  • Continuous ink-jet printer and method of operation
    Patent number: 6280023
    Abstract: A continuous ink-jet printing method in which a stream of droplets issue from a nozzle of a continuous ink-jet printhead and a print substrate is moved past the printhead. The deflection electrodes of the printhead being disposed at a preselected angle relative to the path of movement of said print substrate. In accordance with said deflection electrode angle, for each of a series of droplets to be printed on said substrate to form an image, the value of the charge to be applied to the droplet is determined. The speed of movement of the print substrate relative to the printhead is determined and the values of the charges to be applied to the droplets in said stream corrected and the number of uncharged droplets between printable droplets adjusted in accordance with the determined speed of the substrate before the respective charges are applied to each of the droplets for printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Domino Printing Sciences PLC
    Inventor: Edsko Ufkes
  • Indirect ophthalmoscope
    Patent number: 6280033
    Abstract: An indirect ophthalmoscope is used in the observation of the eye, and comprises viewing optics through which, in use, at least part of said eye is viewed. Light from the eye travels to and through the viewing optics along a viewing path, and the ophthalmoscope includes a lens (36) which is movable between an operative position (in which it is situated in the viewing path) and an inoperative position (in which it is situated clear of the viewing path). The lens 36 can be used to enable the observer to see a magnified image of the eye under examination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Keeler Limited
    Inventor: Henry Pedack
  • Optical timing detection
    Patent number: 6282007
    Abstract: Optical timing detection, for phase comparison of optical signals, or clock recovery is achieved by arranging an interferometer to be responsible to data transitions. A pulse train is fed into both arms of the interferometer. An optical amplifier (20) enables the interference condition to be changed when the data is fed into one arm. The output changed if the data transitions lose synchronization with the pulse train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventor: Kim Byron Roberts
  • Network restoration routing optimization
    Patent number: 6282170
    Abstract: Following failure of part of the network, a restoration process is carried out. A restoration route around the failed part is selected, and at least a portion of the capacity of links along the restoration route is allocated. The restoration route may be completed without delay. If it can be optimised subsequently, it will be changed, to eliminate any loops, or to use routes further away from the failed part, to avoid congestion close to the failed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Mark Bentall, Brian Charles Hargrave Turton, Christopher William Lewis Hobbs
  • Grinding machine spindle
    Patent number: 6277002
    Abstract: A machine tool, particularly for grinding workpieces, has a single rotatable spindle (2) carrying a fixed cup-shaped inner grinding wheel (8) and an axially slidable cup-shaped outer grinding wheel (22). A T-shaped annular piston (14) engages in a recess with the spindle to form front and rear annular chambers to each of which hydraulic oil is alternately connectable. The piston has an outer part (18) on which is mounted the grinding wheel (22), being preferably the coarser of the two wheels for use in rough grinding. A tooth-shaped location device (32) at each side of the piston (14) engages with a respective device (34) on the spindle to prevent relative rotation of the wheel (22) and to provide a driving torque when it is advanced to its working position beyond the inner wheel (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Unova U.K. Limited
    Inventor: Peter Brian Leadbeater
  • Interactive on line code inspection process and tool
    Patent number: 6275223
    Abstract: A code inspection tool comprises a plurality of physical computing resources connected by a network facility, eg an LAN, intranet or internet, and a voice conferencing communications facility. The code inspection tool interfaces with a known configuration management system to load a quantity of original source code. A group of developers use a plurality of graphical user interfaces to inspect the code. All graphical user interfaces log into display views generated on a main graphical user interface, which is operated by a human controller of a code inspection session. The code inspection tool comprises means for allowing developers to compile annotation data and forward the annotation data from their respective graphical user interfaces to a centralized data store. Internal algorithms of the code inspection tool compile markers relating the annotation data files to individual lines of source code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventor: Gerard John Hughes
  • Amplifier control
    Patent number: 6275328
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining control signals of a filter for optimization of the gain profile of an amplifier, particularly though not exclusively for use in optical communications systems, and a system incorporating the same. The method is for calculating at least one control signal for at least one periodic filter arranged to alter the output gain profile of an amplifier, in which at least one of the phase and amplitude of the filter response are tuneable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Simon Parry, Alan Robinson, Jonathan King
  • Connecting rod for hermetic refrigerating compressor
    Patent number: 6272971
    Abstract: The invention concerns a connecting rod for a hermetic refrigerating compressor, in which the connecting rod forms the mechanical connection between a crank and a piston. The purpose of the invention is to reduce wear in the crank bearing of the compressor with simple means. This is obtained by reducing compressive stresses in the connecting rod by making a cut-out in the connecting rod near the crank bearing. The cut-out causes deflection of compressive stresses, so that they are distributed over a larger share of the crank bearing surface. Also the outer shape of the connecting rod is adapted, so that also here the compressive stresses are distributed over a larger bearing surface. This reduces the wear on the crank bearing of the compressor and increases the life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Thomsen, Peter Hansen
  • Lifting device
    Patent number: 6273662
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a lifting device that can be used to lift, support and align articles such as cabinets, counter tops, shelving and the like during installation and removal. The lifting device includes a base, a hydraulic ram assembly, an adjustable L-shaped bracket assembly and an adjustable platform. The lifting device has a height adjustable range from thirteen inches to eight feet and is adapted to allow the load to be positioned directly over the lift or offset if an extended outward reach is needed. The adjustable platform is designed to allow the lifted article to be pivoted in multiple axes of rotation thereby allowing precision alignment of the cabinet with respect to the wall to which it is to be secured prior to installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Mark A. Fleckenstein
  • Linear amplifier arrangement
    Patent number: 6275685
    Abstract: This invention relates to high power linear amplifiers. A high power linear amplifier is disclosed for communications such as CDMA communication systems. In accordance with the invention, there is provided a power amplifier comprising a power amplifier, a feedback circuit and a control element; wherein the architecture proposed uses an envelope detector to generate a baseband signal representing the amplitude envelope of the system input RF signal. This is digitised and used to generate phase and gain correction signals. The correction signals modulate the input signal to create a pre-distorted signal: which is applied to the power amplifier for amplification. The pre-distortion is such as to cancel the AM-AM and AM-PM distortion of the power amplifier thus resulting in an amplified output of improved spectral purity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: David N Wessel, John D McNicol, Howard J Smith
  • Adaptive resource allocation scheme for a fixed wireless access communications system
    Patent number: 6275486
    Abstract: This invention relates to radio communication networks and more particularly, but not exclusively, to radio communication networks using multiple access techniques. A system and method for adaptively changing the characteristics of a signal transmitted across a network is provided. In one embodiment, the communications network comprises at least two stations for transmitting and receiving; wherein at least one of the stations is capable of sending a control signal to the other station after receiving a signal transmitted over the network from the other station after analysis of the transmitted signal, which control signal is transmitted as a data packet independent of the other data and overhead signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Keith Russell Edwards, Alister Graham Burr, Timothy Conrad Tozer, David Andrew James Pearce
  • Optical amplifiers
    Patent number: 6275331
    Abstract: In a WDM optical transmission system employing optical amplifiers in its transmission path, a supervisory signal channel, used for monitoring and controlling the operation of the amplifiers and spectrally separated from the data transmission, may be multiplexed with the data. A construction of amplifier is disclosed which is capable of being upgraded with an upgrade of the transmission system to include additional data handling capacity, for instance data transmission in an additional waveband and/or in the opposite direction, without interruption of the pre-upgrade data transmission path through the amplifiers. This is accomplished by the use of channel dropping and insertion filters disposed so that the amplifying data transmission path extends via the drop/insertion channel of those filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Kevan P Jones, Roger M Gibb, Robert A Baker, Martin P Poettcker, Mark E Bray, Barrie Flintham, James Regan, Toby J Reid, Alan A Solheim, Robert W Keys, Mark R Hinds, Joseph Mun, Nigel E Jolley, Alan Robinson, Jonathan P King, Simon P Parry
  • Polarization-insensitive optical modulators
    Patent number: 6275321
    Abstract: The or each strained quantum well layer of a quantum confined Stark effect modulator is provided with a substructure of substructure layers not all having the same lattice constant. The thickness and composition of these substructure layers may be arranged to produce a differential strain that is asymmetric with respect to the mid-plane of the quantum well and so skews the hole wavefunctions for heavy-holes, HH1, and light-holes, LH1, in opposite directions. This enables the choice of composition designed to provide substantial matching of the E1-HH1 and E1-LH1 Stark shifts for one particular polarity of applied field, thereby providing a modulation facility that is substantially polarisation insensitive. Alternatively, the thickness and composition of the layers may be chosen to produce a symmetrical strain profile in which the same effect is provided, but for both polarities of applied field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Peter David Greene, Mark Silver, Alfred Rodney Adams
  • Outdoor lighting fixture
    Patent number: D446593
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Northwestern Memorial Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Straus, Angel Orellana, Chris Liakakos, Jeffery M. Reinke
  • Boot
    Patent number: D446911
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: ZM International, Inc.
    Inventor: Liping Yang
  • Boot
    Patent number: D447319
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: ZM International, Inc.
    Inventor: Liping Yang