Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Michael A. Mann
  • Patent number: 6460009
    Abstract: A system that is adapted for determining the delay time between an initiating event and a response to that event. The system includes an optical sensor which is preferably a photo resistor having a resistance inversely proportional to the intensity of a warning light in its proximity. The output of the photo resistor is an analog signal that can be fed to an analog input device such as a strip chart recorder for display versus time. The initiating event signal can also be displayed so that, by comparing the signals, the delay between the initiating event and the changing of the warning light from off to on can be measured and compared to a specified value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: John C Rowland
  • Patent number: 6457226
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a beading machine for shaping, edge-forming and beading sheet metal parts, with at least two corresponding beading rollers 12, 14, wherein each beading roller pair includes an upper beading roller 12 and a lower beading roller 14 as well as at least one limit stop for the sheet metal parts to be processed. In this case, the limit stop 16 for the sheet metal elements is provided in either or both of said beading rollers. The invention simultaneously relates to a process for shaping, edge forming and beading sheet metal parts by means of a beading machine of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Guido-Michael Krehle
  • Patent number: 6459252
    Abstract: A phasing voltmeter having a high impedance AC voltmeter in series with two high impedance probes. Shielding surrounds and electrically isolates the voltmeter and probes. In parallel with the voltmeter and connected electrically with the shielding is an electrical circuit designed to add the capacitive current to a current detected by the probes. The capacitive current is added in such a way that the net effect on the measured current is zero. The electrical circuit comprises two impedance elements, such as resistors, that meet at a junction where they are connected to the shielding. The impedances on either side of the junction are matched either by careful selection of the elements or by selection of adjustable elements so that the junction is a null point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Walter S. Bierer
  • Patent number: 6450667
    Abstract: A lighting system comprising a reflector and an arc lamp designed for illuminating a wide area with an even light distribution. The reflector has a cap that is generally parabolic in shape except perhaps at its top where it supports an arc lamp. The arc lamp is preferably a high intensity sodium or mercury vapor lamp with a vertical arc tube mounted so that the lowermost part of the arc tube is positioned to be even with the lowermost edge of the cap. The glass bulb housing the arc tube may extend below the lowermost edge. In an alternative embodiment, the lowermost edge of the cap has an extended portion and a short portion. In this embodiment, the lowermost part of the arc tube is even with the short portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Earth Lighting Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore Wade Thompson
  • Patent number: 6443709
    Abstract: An oscillating spring valve fluid pumping system for use in a flowing stream of fluid comprises a spring valve, check valve and a housing with inlet and two outlets, one outlet for each valve. As fluid enters the system, it is directed to a spring valve which is biased in the open position by a first spring. Fluid passing by the spring valve exits the housing from one of the outlets and returns to the stream. When a predetermined amount of pressure is reached, the spring valve closes thus creating a back pressure and redirecting the fluid through a check valve mechanism to relieve that pressure. Fluid passing the check valve escapes through one of the outlets for distribution by the user. Concurrently, the pressure at the spring valve is reduced thereby causing the spring valve to open against a second spring. As fluid continues to enter the system, the spring valve repeatedly oscillates thus producing an increased pressure head at the system outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Robert L Jackson
  • Patent number: 6435042
    Abstract: A process and device for installing an encoder receiver transmitter (ERT) (30) onto a gas meter (20) prevents incorrect installation that otherwise requires meter (20) replacement. The device is a guide bracket (10) having a slot (14) for guiding an input gear (32) of an ERT (30) into engagement with a drive mechanism gear (22) of a gas meter (20). During installation, the customary index and lens are removed so that the drive mechanism gear (22) is exposed; next, the guide bracket (10) is mounted to the meter (20) by placing fasteners (16) through the mounting holes (12) in guide bracket (10) and into the index holes (24) in meter. Once the guide bracket (10) is secured, the input gear (32) is slipped through the slot (14) and a screw (36) is loosely threaded into the upper-right installation hole (34) in the ERT (30) and through the upper-right casing hole (26) in the meter (20) so that the ERT (30) pivots about this point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignees: Tru-Check INC, Public Service Company of Colorado INC
    Inventors: Paul D Puseman, Steven D Brunmeier
  • Patent number: 6431715
    Abstract: A method for making polymeric reflectors and parabolic reflectors in particular. The reflector is made by forming a series of layers (12, 14, 16, 18, and 20) that are progressively thinner with the final polymeric layer (20) being about one millimeter in thickness. The reflector is then coated with a reflective layer (22) by vapor deposition. To make a parabolic reflector, the layers are spun cast at a constant, preselected rate throughout the process, including during the curing of each layer. Layer formation is made in a controlled, particulate-free environment and additives can be used to increase stiffness, decrease weight, and reduce stresses during curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Walter A Scrivens
  • Patent number: 6430511
    Abstract: A molecular computer is formed by establishing arrays of spaced-apart input and output pins on opposing sides of a containment, injecting moleware in solution into the containment and then allowing the moleware to bridge the input and output pins. Moleware includes molecular alligator clip-bearing 2-, 3-, and molecular 4-, or multi-terminal wires, carbon nanotube wires, molecular resonant tunneling diodes, molecular switches, molecular controllers that can be modulated via external electrical or magnetic fields, massive interconnect stations based on single nanometer-sized particles, and dynamic and static random access memory (DRAM and SRAM) components composed of molecular controller/nanoparticle or fullerene hybrids. The current-voltage characteristics that result from the bridging between input and output arrays can be ascertained using another computer to identify the bundles of inputs and corresponding outputs that provide a truth table for the specific functions of the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: James M Tour, Mark A Reed, Jorge M Seminario, David L Allara, Paul S Weiss
  • Patent number: 6427347
    Abstract: A line transfer instrument and method for aligning a pipe laser's laser beam are disclosed wherein the instrument includes a base, a self-leveling scope rotatably mounted to the base so that it is capable of looking downward and slightly backward, a horizontal dove-tail slide for horizontally translating the base perpendicular to the line of sight, and a spotting laser for illuminating the pipe laser so that the scope can be centered more easily on it. The method includes positioning the scope over the pipe laser using the spotting laser and slide to illuminate the center of the pipe laser and center the scope over the pipe laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Roy Butler, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6428421
    Abstract: A golf training device to help maintain the proper synchronous relationship between the movement of hands and hip rotation during a golf swing. In the event that the movement of the hands and hip rotation of the user are out of synch, the training device provides feedback to the user. Device basically comprises a belt and strap that secure a sheet to the right leg of the user. A pair of panels is mounted to the sheet. Pair of panels contacts a user's hands if the hip rotation and the movement of the user's hands are out of synch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald C. Halfacre
  • Patent number: 6422158
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for moving an automatic teller machine and the like between an operational position and a servicing position to provide access to the back of the machine for servicing. The apparatus essentially comprises a stationary frame and a moving carriage supported by the frame. In the operational position, the front end of the carriage is coextensive with the front end of the frame. In the servicing position, however, the front end of the carriage is cantilevered beyond the front end of the frame. The carriage may also be telescopic such that a telescoping member is contained in the carriage to allow the carriage more movement. In order to move and support the carriage, especially in the servicing position, there is a shaft freely rotatable in a pair of bearings at the front end of the frame on which the carriage rides. The back end of the carriage rides within the frame's rails, which prevent the carriage from moving up or down but otherwise freely allow lateral movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Concept Unlimited Inc
    Inventors: John E Fitts, Sr., Kenneth G Senterfeit, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6419840
    Abstract: A cleaning system for a swimming pool having plural active drains deployed about the bottom wall of a swimming pool and that cooperate with plural stationary nozzles mounted in the side walls that direct a flow of water down the side wall of the swimming pool. The directional nozzles dislodge debris from the side and bottom walls which is swept toward and received by the plural active floor drains, thus cleaning the pool. Additionally, the active floor drains have a grid cover that admits larger debris and does not prohibit the use of mobile pool cleaners. The active floor drains are connected to in-deck, fine mesh cannister filters to remove medium and large size debris before it reaches the water pump and balance of the pool filtration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Jonathan E Meincke
  • Patent number: 6406229
    Abstract: A clamp for securing an oversized work-piece to a milling machine table using the T-slot on the front surface of a Bridgeport-type milling machine table. The clamp, when attached to the T-slot, extends beyond the table and over it where it can be tightened down on a work-piece to hold it to the top surface of the table. The clamp includes a heel block and a clamp block held in spaced relation by a separation bolt and a tightening bolt. To mill an oversized work-piece, the clamp is inserted into the T-slot and then the separation distance of the clamp block to the heel block is adjusted by rotating the clamp block around the separation bolt until the separation distance is slightly wider than the thickness of the work-piece. The tightening bolt is then used to tighten the clamp onto the work-piece. The nose end of the heel block can be shaped to match the profile of the T-slot or can be modified to allow the nose to be rotated into the slot by rounding its corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Alpha Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Derrick, Scott J Echerer
  • Patent number: 6401275
    Abstract: An improved backsplash for use with a pedestal, console, or wall basin sink wherein a pre-cut backsplash is inserted between the bowl of a sink and the wall. The backsplash made be made of any number of materials commonly known in the art, such as wood, plastic, porcelain, marble or granite. The backsplash may be finished in any number of colors, textures, or finishes to complement the sink, and may include a fanciful top edge, or integrated soap dish, cup or toothbrush holder, and mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: G&A Enterprises, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert A. Garner
  • Patent number: 6386854
    Abstract: A press that subdivides and shapes an amorphous food article into a plurality of discrete items having a particular shape, such as a hamburger patty, a decorative cookie, a biscuit, a ravioli, a turnover and the like. The press simultaneously forms a plurality of discrete items into a particular shape wherein each item has a uniform thickness. The press has a base and an opposing lid that are capable of moving toward each other in order to create a compressive force therebetween. A mold sheet and compression sheet are attached to the base and the lid, respectively, so that the mold sheet and the compression sheet are adjacent to each other. The mold sheet has a plurality of flanges protruding therefrom. The flanges act as a cutting edge for separating a compressible food article into a plurality of discrete items. Preferably, the flanges are formed in a shape to create an ornamental periphery in the discrete items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Tammy L Guss
  • Patent number: 6378587
    Abstract: A cylindrical container labeler includes a horizontal conveyor, a pair of separately controllable vertical coveyors at the front end of the conveyor to rotate the container into the correct oreintation, bail lifter following the vertical conveyors for moving the bail to the rearward side of the pail as it travels along the horizontal conveyor, a label magazine adjacent to the conveyor, a label transfer mechanism to move a label from the magazine into position at the conveyor, apply a thin coating a adhesive to the label and adhere it the side of the container. The container is oriented by operating the two vertical conveyors at different speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel J Frist
  • Patent number: 6367952
    Abstract: A light for use in a string of lights has a lamp and a light socket that may include a parallel group device that may perform a variety of functions. One of those functions is to serve as a resistive element to regulate voltage and current to keep other lights in a group of lights arranged to be electrically in parallel lighted to the same intensity in the event one of the lights burns out or is removed. Another function of the parallel group device is to control the lamp in the socket so that it lights and goes out on command. The socket is designed to be closed against moisture and to be easily manufactured by hand or by machine. It includes piercing terminals that, when pressed into the electrical wires that run from light to light in the string, allow electrical connection with the lamp leads and the parallel group device leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Ventur Research & Development INC
    Inventor: James W Gibboney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6364572
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system of decomposing municipal solid waste (MSW) within a landfill by converting the landfill to aerobic degradation in the following manner: (1) injecting air via the landfill leachate collection system (2) injecting air via vertical air injection wells installed within the waste mass; (3) applying leachate to the waste mass using a pressurized drip irrigation system; (4) allowing landfill gases to vent; and (5) adjusting air injection and recirculated leachate to achieve a 40% to 60% moisture level and a temperature between 120° F. and 140° F. in steady state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark P Hudgins, Bernard J Bessette, John C March, Scott T. McComb
  • Patent number: D462105
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: FN Manufacturing INC
    Inventor: Eric T Myers
  • Patent number: D463898
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Reid P Davis