Patents Represented by Law Firm Litman, Day & McMahon
  • Patent number: 4378188
    Abstract: A cover assembly is provided which is adapted for use on a receptacle transporting vehicle having a receptacle supporting scull frame swingable from a receptacle transport position to a dumping position for discharging molten contents of the receptacle. Included in the assembly is an insulated lid member for opening and closing the receptacle, the closure position retarding heat loss from the molten contents to preclude solidification during transport thereof between spaced locations. A pair of laterally spaced-apart support arms, mounted so as to move concurrently with the swingable scull frame, position the lid member adjacent the top of the receptacle during scull frame movement and especially during transport of the receptacle from one location to another. A pivot assembly rotates the support arms for similar movement of the attached lid between receptacle opening and closure positions, such movement being independent of the scull frame movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1983
    Assignee: Haulmasters, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hardwick
  • Patent number: 4376317
    Abstract: An adjustable bed is particularly adapted for the care of morbidly obese patients and comprises a ground engaging frame with a mattress support including a head section, a center section and a foot section which are hingedly interconnected and have power devices which selectively drive lift arms to raise and lower the head and foot sections relative to the center section. To assist entry and exit of a patient onto and off of the bed, a foldable step arrangement is provided which is connected to the foot section and automatically unfolds as the foot section is tilted downward to form a step and folds compactly as the foot section is raised to a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1983
    Assignee: Burke, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce L. Johnston
  • Patent number: 4373494
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for treating fluid hydrocarbon fuels. The method includes flowing the fuel through a treater region defined by the apparatus including a cylindrical outer electrode positioned coaxially about an insulated inner electrode. The annular treater region is preferably filled with small dielectric beads of a selected size and having spaces therebetween of a selected size. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the electrodes are connected across the high voltage ignition circuit of a motor, such a motor thereafter consuming the treated fuel, to thereby establish a high intensity electric field within the treater region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Assignee: Electrostatic Equipment Company
    Inventor: Roy C. McMahon
  • Patent number: 4372492
    Abstract: A sprayer boom assembly comprises an elongate spray boom having outwardly foldable wing sections with a center portion pivotally mounted to an upstanding support frame of a transport vehicle for vertical swinging movement as the vehicle traverses uneven terrain. A biasing frame is pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame and the spray boom center section and connected to the spray boom through shock absorbers to dampen shocks and oscillatory movement of the spray boom. The biasing frame is tiltable about the pivot so that the spray boom can be selectively tilted to one side or another while retaining shock absorbing capability in any position. The wing sections include outer and inner wing sections of which the outer wing is automatically foldable against the inner wing through a translational to rotational movement arrangement which is actuated upon folding of the inner wing relative to the center section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Assignee: Lely Independence Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Blumenshine
  • Patent number: 4372334
    Abstract: A control system for an overpressure relief arrangement includes a valve providing selective communication between a pressure passage connected to a pressure vessel and a pair of relief passages, each relief passage having an overpressure relief device therein; sensors for monitoring the pressure in the pressure passage, the status of the relief devices, and the position of the valve; an actuator to move the valve; and a computer to make decisions concerning the placement of the valve based upon the data derived from the sensors. The valve normally provides communication between the pressure passage and first relief passage preferably having a rupture disc therein. Upon rupture of the disc, the system pressure is monitored until it is safe to switch to the second relief passage without overpressuring the relief device therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Assignee: Continental Disc Corporation
    Inventor: Herman L. Paul, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4371561
    Abstract: A stearoyl lactylate salt composition and method of production thereof wherein the composition has improved handling and storage characteristics. The lactylate salt is thermally mixed with from about 2% to about 30% (by weight) of hydrogenated stearin which has from about 50% to 100% (by weight of fatty acid) C.sub.18 fatty acid and an iodine value of less than 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1983
    Assignee: Top-Scor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis J. Forsythe
  • Patent number: 4371816
    Abstract: A control circuit for an ultrasonic dental scaler, comprising a transducer driven by a frequency-controlled oscillator, is disclosed. The control circuit is operable for continuously regulating the oscillator frequency at substantially the same value as the resonant frequency of the transducer with a dental tool attached to it and for controlling the mechanical power output of the transducer. The transducer can be drivingly connected to a work tool for transmitting mechanical energy thereto. The regulation of the oscillator frequency is accomplished by simultaneously applied control signals derived from the current passing through the transducer and from the voltage across the transducer, to compensate for supply voltage variations. Moreover, the mechanical power output of the transducer is controlled such that it is reduced whenever the contact pressure of the work tool exceeds a predetermined maximum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1983
    Inventor: Alfred Wieser
  • Patent number: 4368783
    Abstract: A universal auxiliary implement mount for agricultural implements utilizes spaced, parallel, triangular plate members for attachment and selective positioning on respective tool bars of different main implements. A draw tongue is pivotally attached to one pair of a pair of mounting apertures extending through central portions of the triangular plate members. A biasing rod has one end which is pivotally attached to the draw tongue and extends in an upward angle with the other end thereof received in an apex portion of the triangular plate members. The biasing rod has a spring therewith which selectively exerts downward pressure on the draw tongue while allowing vertical movement over rough ground surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1983
    Assignee: Kent Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Hake, Nelson J. Palen
  • Patent number: 4367884
    Abstract: A removable gooseneck for detachably connecting a tractor and trailer utilizes an elongate beam member attached to the hitch of the tractor and having an upstanding frame member depending from a rear end of the beam member. A foot is pivotally mounted at a lower end of the upstanding frame member for engagement with a front end portion of the trailer. A guide pin and link arrangement detachably connects the foot at a front end to the trailer and a locking pin and bushing arrangement detachably connects the rear end of the foot to the trailer at a location spaced from the guide pin and link arrangement. A power fluid ram extends between an upper portion of the upstanding frame member and the foot to selectively cause the foot member to swing upwardly and tilt the trailer downwardly for detachment of the gooseneck from the trailer and swing the foot downwardly to tilt the trailer upwardly for drafting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1983
    Inventors: Howard L. Johnson, David A. Kramer
  • Patent number: 4366830
    Abstract: A damper assembly is provided which comprises a duct having an opening and a blade movable between a closed position in covering relation to a portion of the opening and an open position. A fusible retainer holds the blade in its open position and releases the blade when the retainer is sufficiently heated. When released, the blade is urged to its closed position by a hinge member which connects the blade to the duct. The blade in its closed position cooperates with the hinge member to substantially prevent flow of fluid through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1983
    Assignee: Ruskin Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Robert V. Becelaere
  • Patent number: 4367517
    Abstract: A light emitting mounting bracket is provided for a handrail arrangement. The bracket comprises a body portion which supports the handrail on an associated wall and which has a cavity therein which contains a light emitting source and provides access to associated wall fasteners. A translucent lens is wedgedly and flushly mounted on the bracket so as to give the appearance of being molded therewith, thereby presenting a clean profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1983
    Assignee: Balco, Inc.
    Inventor: Claude P. Balzer
  • Patent number: 4366774
    Abstract: An adjustable length shelf for a small animal cage having opposite wall members comprises first and second shelf portions which are fitted together in an expansible and contractible telescoping relationship to fit between the opposite wall members of virtually any commonly used veterinary or laboratory animal cage. An adjustment mechanism for forcing the first and second shelf portions apart includes one part mounted on the first shelf portion and a second and coordinating part mounted on the second shelf portion for urging the opposite free ends of the shelf into contact with the cage walls. Opposite end plates are pivotally mounted to the free ends of the shelf for facing engagement with the cage wall members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1983
    Assignee: Schroer Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Lawrence H. Haake, Herschel B. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4366636
    Abstract: A double pocket easel envelope for displaying simultaneously two items includes two panel members foldable along a medial hinge line with each panel member having a top and bottom wall connected at envelope side edges and a common end edge to form a continuous envelope. A display window in each top wall permits viewing of the items. A brace extending between the panel members allows the envelope to freely stand on the side edges thereof. The brace includes respective tongues extending from each panel member back wall, and respectively having a pressure contact adhesive patch for mutual engagement. A seal flap provided with each panel member top wall includes pressure contact adhesive patch to selectively engage a coordinating adhesive patch on an associated bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1983
    Assignee: Tension Envelope Corp.
    Inventor: Tilford Hearsh
  • Patent number: 4362238
    Abstract: An arrangement for selectively applying driving power to a group of conveyor rollers in a conveyor having a longitudinally extending power or drive shaft including a pair of sheaves or pulleys connected to opposite members of a clutch. One of the sheaves is a drive sheave and is coupled by an endless power-take-off belt to the drive shaft. The other sheave is a driven sheave and is engaged with an endless roller drive belt which drivingly engages selected rollers, such as the rollers of an accumulation zone of an accumulation conveyor. A switching device, such as a signal roller positioned in another accumulation zone, is operatively connected to the clutch to cause actuation or deactuation thereof to thereby selectively transfer rotary power from the drive shaft through the sheaves and roller drive belt to the selected rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1982
    Assignee: Mid-West Conveyor Company
    Inventor: Gerard B. Rivette
  • Patent number: 4360198
    Abstract: A self supporting frame for exercising comprises a pair of spaced standards each having an upper and a lower end. Each standard has a respective base attached to a lower end thereof for engaging a floor surface and supporting the frame in an upright position. Each standard also has secured thereto a lower rod respectively. The rods extend outwardly in generally opposed directions and cantilever from a respective standard lower end. The frame is weighted with a pair of plates each having an aperture therethrough for slidably receiving one of the rods, the plates thereby being supported by and connected to a lower end of the standards. A bar extends between and is attached at opposed ends thereof to upper ends of each standard, the frame thereby being liftable by a person grasping the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Inventor: Larry Waulters
  • Patent number: 4360066
    Abstract: An automatically oscillating device is provided for permitting opposing alternate movement by two associated movable members from a common center point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Inventor: Fred W. Mann
  • Patent number: 4358082
    Abstract: A shock absorbent support for an elongate member comprises a resilient shank with opposite first and second ends and an attachment means at the first end. A resilient body member at the second end has a slot with a receptacle portion and divides the body member into adjoining fingers each having an edge. The fingers are partable whereby the edges are sufficiently spaced for an elongate member to pass therebetween into the receptacle portion. A strap has a first end portion connectible to one of the fingers and a free end portion detachably connectible to another of the fingers for retaining the fingers in mutually closed relationship for retention of the elongate member in the receptacle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Inventor: James Reeves
  • Patent number: 4356765
    Abstract: A combination strip reel and printing apparatus and method for printing a headband strip includes a frame with a reel holder and strip tension maintaining dancer tubes positioned in the strip feed path on each side of a printing mechanism. The printing mechanism is an interval printer with a plate wheel and an impression wheel which swings the strip in and out of printing contact with the plate wheel in response to the operation of start and stop switches selectively positionable relative to the plate wheel. The plate wheel turns at a constant speed and the impression wheel and arms holding the impression wheel and the strip move to alternately start and stop rotation of the impression wheel. The arms swing the strip and impression wheel into and out of printing engagement with the plate wheel. The printing interval is completely adjustable between the circumferential length of the plate wheel and the length of a selected character on the plate wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Assignee: Brackett, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Daniel Houseman, Sydney C. Fluke
  • Patent number: 4353483
    Abstract: A one piece molded closure cap for a material dispensing container having a material dispensing valve and nozzle such as an aerosol can. The cap comprises a ring member securely mounted to the can, a closure member hingedly connected to the ring member and a tamper guard which is positioned over the dispensing nozzle and is connected to the ring member by frangible fingers. The tamper guard prevents manipulation of the dispensing valve prior to the removal thereof. In another embodiment, the ring member and closure member are molded with a nozzle which is connected to the ring member by frangible means such that the nozzle functions as a tamper guard. In another embodiment a latch is provided which has two operable positions with one position allowing the closure lid to be opened easier than by the other position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Inventor: Harold T. Pehr
  • Patent number: 4353329
    Abstract: A self feeder for livestock is provided which comprises a base member having a surface for receiving feed thereon and a hopper positioned thereabove. The hopper is adapted for containing feed therein and has a bottom with an aperture for allowing feed to flow therethrough and into said base member receptacle. A plurality of hopper support members are each connected respectively to the base member and the hopper and are also adapted for separating feeding animals. A feed wheel rotatably mounted in the receptacle includes an upright member rotatably mounted in the receptacle. The upright member extends through the hopper bottom aperture with upper and lower portions respectively above and below the level of the hopper bottom. An agitating rod extends from the upright member upper portion for agitating feed within the hopper as the feed wheel is rotated. The feed wheel lower portion includes a spoke extending from the upright member which is movable by an animal to rotate the feed wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Assignee: Osborne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald M. Thibault