Patents Represented by Attorney Michael R. Schramm
  • Patent number: 8336663
    Abstract: The present invention is an adaptive seatbelt apparatus having the means in response to a first situation to readily allow release or disengagement of the seatbelt apparatus when the seatbelt apparatus is loaded with a predetermined belt tension load, and having the means in response to a second situation to prevent release or disengagement of the seatbelt apparatus notwithstanding the seatbelt apparatus being loaded with the predetermined belt tension load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Michael R. Schramm
  • Patent number: 8216078
    Abstract: The improved billiard rack is an invention that allows a user to quickly and easily rack or position a set of billiard balls without the inconvenience or necessity of actuating an auxiliary ball positioning device. The rack includes NEOPRENE or the like compressible members that cause a compressive load to be placed upon a group of billiard balls when the rack is positioned on a set of balls which further causes the group of balls to be tightly and properly grouped or racked. The rack further includes angled walls that provide for removal of the rack from a group of balls without the walls colliding with the balls. The rack further includes feet upon which the rack may be rotatingly removed from a set of balls by rotating the rack in an upwards rearwards rotation motion away from the group of balls. The feet preferably include alignment marks that may be aligned with corresponding marks on a playing surface so as to properly, accurately, and consistently position the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventors: David A. Yovanovich, Mark A. Vester
  • Patent number: 8123787
    Abstract: The present invention is a bone growth stimulating and promoting cytokine type biological implant preferably comprising PTH coated with a controlled release biodegradable coating that is implanted preferably in the concave side of a scoliotically curved spine in combination with a bone growth inhibiting type biological implant preferably comprising methotrexate or like anti-metabolite coated with a controlled release biodegradable coating that is implanted preferably in the convex side of a scoliotically curved spine. The insertion of the biological implant is highly non-invasion, especially as compared to more conventional spine surgical methods, and the biological implant does not decrease spinal mobility or spinal range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: James W. Ogilvie, Kenneth Ward, Lesa M. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7967767
    Abstract: The invention is a three-contact-point dynamic scoliosis orthosis (DSO) brace to aid physicians treating scoliosis. A pelvic mold and two pads, one positioned above the apex of the spine curvature, the other positioned orthogonal to the apex of the spine curvature provide the anchor points on opposite sides of the curve. The pad orthogonal to the curve's apex is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: James W. Ogilvie
  • Patent number: 7942109
    Abstract: The spill-proof coloring container is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design, will when oriented in any position prevent spillage of liquid contents when filled to predetermined amount. Because of the use of vacuum formed sheet in the construction of the container, the container pieces are compactly stackable and are of substantially low manufacturing cost. The container is principally intended for use by young children to facilitate painting pictures and dying objects such as Easter eggs without the mess otherwise associated with painting and dying. The invention is also intended to help avoid the mess associated with pouring paint or paint powder concentrates otherwise encountered when preparing a cup of paint for general purpose painting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Michael R. Schramm
  • Patent number: 7926773
    Abstract: An apparatus designed to provide quick connect capability between a frame straightener and a vehicle chassis comprising a plurality of varying clamp members designed to secure to the various apertures within the chassis frame and tubular inter frame-rail cross members according to the restrictions of varying attachment points thereof and thereby enabling rapid installation and removal of multiple anchors and torsion tethers thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Todd Duke
  • Patent number: 7817498
    Abstract: The time measuring and indication device is an invention that automatically measures and indicates elapsed time and is adapted to be connected to an IV or like medical apparatus. The device measures time by means of measuring the flow of a fluid having a known fluid flow rate. Prior to actuation, the device displays a first indicia such as the word “GOOD”, and after actuation and a predetermined lapse of time, the device displays a second indicia such as the word “EXPIRED”. The device further includes a means to halt or stop the time measuring function and to permanently display the elapsed period of time once the time measuring function is stopped. The time measuring and indication device further includes a means to prevent use of an apparatus such as an IV or like medical apparatus to which the device is attached, without activating the time measuring function of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: C. Martin Hinckley
  • Patent number: 7731596
    Abstract: The improved billiard rack is an invention that allows a user to quickly and easily rack or position a set of billiard balls without the inconvenience or necessity of actuating an auxiliary ball positioning device. The rack includes NEOPRENE or the like compressible members that cause a compressive load to be placed upon a group of billiard balls when the rack is positioned on a set of balls which further causes the group of balls to be tightly and properly grouped or racked. The rack further includes angled walls that provide for removal of the rack from a group of balls without the walls colliding with the balls. The rack further includes feet upon which the rack may be rotatingly removed from a set of balls by rotating the rack in an upwards rearwards rotation motion away from the group of balls. The feet preferably include alignment marks that may be aligned with corresponding marks on a playing surface so as to properly, accurately, and consistently position the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: David A. Yovanovich, Mark A. Vester
  • Patent number: 7637047
    Abstract: A supportive display container having an inner structure and an outer structure. The dimensions of the inner structure and the outer structure are such that when the outer structure has been placed over the inner structure, there is a gap between the side or sides of the inner structure and the side or sides of the outer structure which can hold an insert consisting of compressible material. The gap is of such a dimension that compression of the insert and friction prevent the inner structure and the outer structure from slipping apart. Preferably the side or sides of the outer structure are transparent to permit viewing of a message or design that is preferably on the insert. When the top of the inner structure is open, devices for stacking cubes, holders for cards, and display platforms can be inserted into the interior of the inner structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Nielson
  • Patent number: 7479094
    Abstract: A strike pod for use with an interactive recreational system includes a vibration conducting base, coupleable to a support frame of the interactive recreational system and being suitable to conduct vibration from one area of the pod to another. A strike receiving shell is disposed adjacent the vibration conducting base to receive a blow delivered by a participant. The strike receiving shell is formed of a material more pliable than the vibration conducting base. A vibrational transducer is in operable communication with the vibration conducting base to detect vibration in the vibration conducting base caused by the blow delivered by the participant to the strike receiving shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Alexander
  • Patent number: 7234258
    Abstract: A supportive display container having an inner structure and an outer structure. The dimensions of the inner structure and the outer structure are such that when the outer structure has been placed over the inner structure, there is a gap between the side or sides of the inner structure and the side or sides of the outer structure which can hold an insert consisting of compressible material. The gap is of such a dimension that compression of the insert and friction prevent the inner structure and the outer structure from slipping apart. Preferably the side or sides of the outer structure are transparent to permit viewing of a message or design that is preferably on the insert. When the top of the inner structure is open, devices for stacking cubes, holders for cards, and display platforms can be inserted into the interior of the inner structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Nielson
  • Patent number: 7222453
    Abstract: The insertable pest catching device is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design provides for the simple and cost effective catching of pests such as hornets and yellow jackets. The device is principally intended for use in combination with an empty plastic two-liter volume soda pop bottle or the like. In practice, an attractant such as a predetermined amount of sugar water is placed into a capped plastic bottle and the funnel shaped device is retentatively pressed into the side of the bottle. The device in combination with the bottle creates an attraction to pests. The pests are guided into the bottle through the funnel and subsequently die within the bottle. After a predetermined quantity of pests are trapped within the bottle, the bottle, with the device still inserted may be discarded as an entire assembly. Thus the disassembly, mess, and washing common with prior art pest catching devices is avoided. In certain embodiments, multiple devices may be inserted into a single bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Michael A. Uhl
  • Patent number: 7150176
    Abstract: A vehicle frame attachment apparatus encompasses a vehicle frame and efficiently distributes the holding or pulling forces involved in aligning a vehicle frame. The frame attachment apparatus includes a vise and a containment mechanism that secures the vehicle frame within the vise. In one embodiment, the vise includes an opposable member and a set of grasping digits that conform to bends in the vehicle frame. An alignment device may be connected to the vise to exert a pulling force and thereby align the vehicle frame. The disclosed vehicle frame alignment apparatus is easy to deploy, and reduces the risk of damaging a vehicle or injuring an alignment technician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Desmond R. Thomas
  • Patent number: RE39443
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing both bubbles and streams of water that because of its unique geometry and design, will when oriented in any position prevent spillage of its bubble solution when filled to the fill line or below, and is capable of automatic and continuous bubble generation while simultaneously generating amusing water streams. It is principally intended for use by young children as a lawn water toy as well as a bubble creating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Michael R. Schramm
  • Patent number: D577790
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventors: David A. Yovanovich, Mark A. Vester
  • Patent number: RE42610
    Abstract: The spill resistant bubble machine is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design, prevents spillage of liquid when filled to the fill line or below, and oriented in any position. At the same time the invention is capable of automatic and continuous bubble generation. It is principally intended for use by young children in the hands free automatic generation of bubbles, especially while riding a bicycle, without spilling its liquid contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Michael R. Schramm
  • Patent number: D660076
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Michael R. Schramm