Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Martin & Associates, L.L.C.
  • Patent number: 7716967
    Abstract: A leak detector sleeve allows performing leak detection at a flanged joint. The leak detector sleeve is made of elastomeric material that allows achieving a gas-tight seal when the leak detector sleeve encircles a flanged joint. The leak detector sleeve includes a hole that communicates with a gap in the flanged joint, thereby allowing the tip of a sniffer probe to be placed in or near the hole to detect whether the flanged joint is leaking. The leak detector sleeve is made of material that will withstand the operating temperature of the flanged joint without becoming hardened or brittle. A method for detecting a leak using the leak detector sleeve allows for efficiently and conveniently detecting leaks. In addition, the sleeve may be easily used and reused without the adverse effects or intensive manual labor required in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: WEW LLC
    Inventors: John Martin Woods, Robert Stephen Elbert, Daniel J. Wimer
  • Patent number: 7542205
    Abstract: A controlled-depth matrix layer structure is formed by floating a plurality of geometric shapes in a solidifiable liquid, then solidifying the liquid to entrap the plurality of geometric shapes in a layer. Multiple layers of liquid may be used, one or more of which may be solidifiable, so long as the sum of displaced masses of all the layers is greater than the mass of the geometric shapes, thereby causing the geometric shapes to float. The resulting structure after solidification of the solidifiable layer is a solidified layer interconnecting the plurality of geometric shapes, wherein each of the plurality of geometric shapes is within the solidified layer a specified percentage. The geometric shapes are preferably of different sizes, and may be spheres, hemispheres, or other suitable shapes, and may be hollow, solid, transparent or reflective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Merlin Technology Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Peter D. Poulsen
  • Patent number: 7341049
    Abstract: An apparatus increases the efficiency and emissions of a combustion process by producing sufficient amounts of ozone in the air flow to the combustion chamber to enable more complete and cleaner combustion of the fuel. Embodiments of the invention include a plurality of cell elements disposed within a housing that is in placed in the air intake to a combustion chamber such as a diesel engine. The plurality of cell elements create an electrical plasma field that produces ozone. Other embodiments include a scrubber in the housing to cause the air flow to have a vortex action to increase the amount of ozone that flows into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: David M Clack
  • Patent number: 7117819
    Abstract: An apparatus and method provide rotation of avian enclosures. In a first mode of operation, the apparatus automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a slow speed when a bird is detected, and automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a faster speed when a larger animal, such as a squirrel, is detected. In a second mode of operation, the apparatus may be controlled using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action. In a third mode of operation, the apparatus sends one or more signals via wireless transmission to a wireless notification device, which notifies a user of the presence of a bird or a larger animal. The user then has the option of using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action, which may include rotating the avian enclosure at a desired speed, stopping rotation of the avian enclosure, activating a beeper or vibrator, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: BirdQuest, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick T. Marshall
  • Patent number: 7104737
    Abstract: A hand-held pipe beveling tool makes the job of manually beveling the ends of plastic pipe very simple and easy to perform. The pipe beveling tool includes a frame that defines an opening for receiving the end of a pipe. One or more pipe forming members are coupled to the frame to contact the end of the pipe when the pipe beveling tool is used. A user uses the pipe beveling tool of the preferred embodiments by placing the opening of the pipe beveling tool over the end of a pipe, grasping one or more handles on the pipe beveling tool, and rotating the pipe beveling tool while pushing the pipe beveling tool against the end of the pipe. As a result, the end of the pipe is beveled, making the installation of a splice on the end of the pipe much easier to perform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Rick Shane Rider
  • Patent number: 7073304
    Abstract: A block has a finished surface that provides an attractive appearance. The block is relatively large in size, allowing the quick construction of a wall, such as a retaining wall, using the block. The block includes one or more lift and alignment devices in the block that allow the block to be lifted using a suitable lifting apparatus, such as a crane, forklift, backhoe, etc. The block includes one or more recessed portions in the bottom surface of the block positioned to receive the protruding lift and alignment device of a previously-laid block underneath, thereby helping to align the block with the previously-laid block. The block includes one or more voids that extend from the top surface to the bottom surface of the block, and that align with each other when the blocks are stacked into a wall, thereby allowing fill material to be placed in the voids to strengthen the wall. The preferred embodiments also include a wall system with various different blocks that may be used to build a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventors: Robert D. Hampton, John J. Gran
  • Patent number: 7066109
    Abstract: An apparatus and method provide rotation of avian enclosures. In a first mode of operation, the apparatus automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a slow speed when a bird is detected, and automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a faster speed when a larger animal, such as a squirrel, is detected. In a second mode of operation, the apparatus may be controlled using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action. In a third mode of operation, the apparatus sends one or more signals via wireless transmission to a wireless notification device, which notifies a user of the presence of a bird or a larger animal. The user then has the option of using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action, which may include rotating the avian enclosure at a desired speed, stopping rotation of the avian enclosure, activating a beeper or vibrator, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: BirdQuest, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick T. Marshall
  • Patent number: 7043946
    Abstract: A safe for storing valuables such as guns has an external configuration that resembles a water processing apparatus such as a water heater, water softener, or pressure tank. The safe includes a door that provides access to a dry cavity within the safe for storing valuables. A lock mechanism securely locks the door shut to secure the valuables within the safe. The safe of the preferred embodiments is concealed to look like a water processing apparatus, and includes a lock to deter a thief that happens to discover the safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Gayle M. Cline
  • Patent number: 7011040
    Abstract: An apparatus and method provide rotation of avian enclosures. In a first mode of operation, the apparatus automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a slow speed when a bird is detected, and automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a faster speed when a larger animal, such as a squirrel, is detected. In a second mode of operation, the apparatus may be controlled using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action. In a third mode of operation, the apparatus sends one or more signals via wireless transmission to a wireless notification device, which notifies a user of the presence of a bird or a larger animal. The user then has the option of using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action, which may include rotating the avian enclosure at a desired speed, stopping rotation of the avian enclosure, activating a beeper or vibrator, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: BirdQuest, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick T. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6988466
    Abstract: An apparatus provides rotation of avian enclosures. In a first mode of operation, the apparatus automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a slow speed when a bird is detected, and automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a faster speed when a larger animal, such as a squirrel, is detected. In a second mode of operation, the apparatus may be controlled using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action. In a third mode of operation, the apparatus sends one or more signals via wireless transmission to a wireless notification device, which notifies a user of the presence of a bird or a larger animal. The user then has the option of using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action, which may include rotating the avian enclosure at a desired speed, stopping rotation of the avian enclosure, activating a beeper or vibrator, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Birdquest, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick T. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6918447
    Abstract: A fire protection apparatus includes a plurality of bladders that are substantially filled with a non-flammable liquid via a manifold that is coupled to a source of non-flammable liquid and includes one or more nozzles that discharge the non-flammable liquid into each of the plurality of bladders. In one specific embodiment, the apparatus is initially in a substantially collapsed state at or near a ceiling. When fire or smoke is detected, the non-flammable liquid flows into the manifold. As the plurality of bladders begin to fill with non-flammable liquid, the weight of the filling bladders causes the fire protection apparatus to deploy, spanning from ceiling to floor. The bladders may include one or more discharge orifices that allow the non-flammable liquid to flow out of the bladder and down the exterior of the bladder once the bladder is filled to the level of its discharge orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Edward L. Robinson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6851235
    Abstract: A building block has a cement-based attachment layer on one or both exterior surfaces of the block that can receive and hold a penetrating fastener such as a nail, screw, staple, or the like. This allows surficial coverings such as wallboard, siding or other materials to be easily attached to a block wall made of the building blocks. The block includes substantially semi-cylindrical concave portions that form a cross-linked structure of channels when the blocks are assembled into a wall. Once the blocks have been stacked in place in a wall, grout or other suitable filling material is poured into the cross-linked structure of channels. When the filling material hardens, the blocks are locked together. Surficial covering materials may then be nailed, screwed, or stapled directly to the attachment layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Robert A. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 6851825
    Abstract: An attachable book mirror device enables the reader of a textual document to view the facial expressions of the young adult, child, toddler, or baby who is listening in close proximity to the reader. The listener can also view the mechanical lip movements of the reader to thereby shorten process of learning to read. The attachable book mirror includes a shell for housing the optically human visual spectrum reflective material that is pivotally connected to a base used to attach to the covers of books or any other suitable document. The reflective material can be adjusted in any allowable position, holding its last position due to certain equal but opposite forces that are generated by certain internal components such as a spring contained within the base that helps create a lasting static contact frictional force. An adjustable light may be pivotally attached to the book mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Patrick T. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6796098
    Abstract: A block has a finished surface that provides an attractive appearance. The block is relatively large in size, allowing the quick construction of a wall, such as a retaining wall, using the block. The block includes one or more lift and alignment devices in the block that allow the block to be lifted using a suitable lifting apparatus, such as a crane, forklift, backhoe, etc. The block includes one or more recessed portions in the bottom surface of the block positioned to receive the protruding lift and alignment device of a previously-laid block underneath, thereby helping to align the block with the previously-laid block. The block includes one or more voids that extend from the top surface to the bottom surface of the block, and that align with each other when the blocks are stacked into a wall, thereby allowing fill material to be placed in the voids to strengthen the wall. The preferred embodiments also include a wall system with various different blocks that may be used to build a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Robert D. Hampton
  • Patent number: 6748594
    Abstract: In an object oriented computer system, a framework mechanism defines an infrastructure for allowing a user to flexibly define keys and their corresponding attributes. A special type of key called a specification key allows combinations of attributes to be specified, as well as set and range capabilities. An attribute retrieval policy is defined by a programmer to specify an algorithm or criteria that is used to calculating the desired attribute value. An attribute key controller contains key/value pairings for the attribute, contains the attribute retrieval policy, provides a maintenance interface for changing the attribute values; and provides a client interface for retrieving the attribute according to the attribute retrieval policy. The framework thus allows a user great flexibility in defining a suitable key/attribute retrieval mechanism by defining a suitable policy, defining one or more specification keys, and defining an associated controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Carey, Brent Allen Carlson, Tore Dahl, Dale Henry Manthei, Anders Mangus Nilsson, Torbjorn Pernbeck, Peter Taube
  • Patent number: 6728948
    Abstract: An object oriented framework defines a generic order processing interface that creates an order, and that processes the order and generates requests to one or more fulfillment systems to fill the order. The generic order suitably includes one or more line items. One or more extensible interface classes are provided in the framework, which allows a user to define the order entry protocol for the relevant order fulfillment systems. Once properly extended, the framework is used to generate an executable framework application, which allows a client to enter a generic order, and which then generates the appropriate requests to fill the order with the appropriate order fulfillment system or systems. The framework of the preferred embodiments thus allows the specific knowledge of the back-end order fulfillment systems to be isolated to the extended portions of the framework, while the front-end order entry system has no knowledge of the order fulfillment systems that may be called upon to fill an order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Dee Baxter, James Edward Carey, Brent Allen Carlson, Timothy James Graser, Vincent Edmund Price
  • Patent number: D506227
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Brady, Frederick K. Drummond
  • Patent number: D512285
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Eugene G. Schwartz
  • Patent number: D489386
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Aurora DNV, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mark A. Lewellen, Jonathan W. Rimington
  • Patent number: D593581
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: James Roland Sammons