Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Michelle Evans
  • Patent number: 6766532
    Abstract: The present invention contains a back support belt brace system comprised of a back panel, two side panels, two side wings, and a belt. The side wings are attached anywhere along the back panel and side panels using a hook and loop fastener providing adjustability. The belt is connected to the back panel, side panels, and two side wings with a hook and loop fastener. The belt contains an end with a belt buckle and an end with a plurality of holes, which are interlocked to secure the brace. An adjustable suspension system is attached to the support brace using clips. The suspension system contains adjustable suspenders, shoulder padding, and upper back padding. The back support belt brace system is worn around the waist and the lumbar region of a wearer. The suspension system is worn around the chest and upper back of a wearer, similar to a vest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Rooster Products International, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel F. Cabana
  • Patent number: 6723067
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering aerosolized fibrin endoscopically to a wound is disclosed. The apparatus has a pair of syringes for holding fibrin precursors, a mixing chamber for mixing the fibrin precursors separately with pressurized gas to form individual aerosol solutions, and a delivery tube for delivery of the aerosol solutions to a remote surgical site for formation of an aerosolized fibrin seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: David H. Nielson
  • Patent number: 6695823
    Abstract: A wound closure apparatus having a housing that contains a vacuum pump and a chamber for holding a disposable wound fluid collection canister. The canister resides within the chamber and connects at an outlet with the vacuum pump at an inlet with a porous wound pad. The pad is placed over or within a wound and adhesively secured thereto. When the vacuum pump activates, it evacuates air from the canister resulting in wound fluids flowing from the wound into the canister. Due to the negative effect that a vacuum can impose on tissue when granulation tissue is pulled into the pad, the pad contains multiple pore sizes to prevent granulation tissue from migrating into the pad. The pad has an outer surface adjacent the wound with pore sizes of a diameter of approximately 100 microns or less to prevent tissue from growing into the pad and is treated for biocompatibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Cesar Z. Lina, Keith Heaton, Royce Johnson
  • Patent number: 6690166
    Abstract: Magnetic resonance technology can be used to non-invasively measure bone porosity, pore size distribution, and other bone properties, including aging, in situ. Spin-lattice (T1) as well as spin-spin (T2) relaxation time data and spectra are used to determine porosity and pore size distribution in human bones, including compact bones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Qingwen Ni, Xiaodu Wang, James D. King
  • Patent number: 6679973
    Abstract: A high performance purified natural zeolite pigment composition for use in papermaking and paper coating is disclosed. Use of the pigment facilitates manufacture of coated ink jet and digital printing papers with improved quality and economics. The novel zeolite pigment composition can also be used as a supplementary pigment to improve the properties of coated paper and paperboard for flexographic and water-based gravure printing. When used as filler, the novel zeolite pigment composition is readily retained and eliminates print-through in uncoated papers. The novel zeolite pigment is low in abrasion and provides improved coefficient of friction. The novel zeolite pigment is also useful as a microparticulate retention aid in papermaking and as an additive to improve the performance of deinking processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Zo Resources, LLC
    Inventors: Charles P. Klass, Margaret K. Joyce
  • Patent number: 6659937
    Abstract: A bladder access device is disclosed that incorporates a load port and a valve connected to each other by way of a series of tubes. The valve is a four piece elliptical ring closed by a locking mechanism. The inner major axis portion of the elliptical ring has two inflatable cuffs. When fluid is injected into a self sealing and leakproof load port, the fluid flows through the series of tubes into the inflatable cuffs of the valve thus expanding them. This allows the elliptical ring to be placed around a patient's bladder and upon inflation of the inflatable cuffs, the valve closes onto the bladder allowing for continence. During this state of inflation, access can be made to the bladder by compressing the valve with two fingers. The valve closes automatically when released. The present device can be used as a closure control valve for other internal organs as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventors: M. Sheldon Polsky, Charles A. Mencio
  • Patent number: 6641106
    Abstract: A hanger having a front plate attached through a plate junction to a back plate. At the rear of back plate are lower pins that extend outward from back plate. Back plate has slots that hold lower pins. A hinge pin is provided that traverses the upper portion of plate junction and fits into a slot that traverses the top of back plate horizontally. Hinge pin is bent backward and downward at right angles to ensure vertical portions of hinge pin do not create a binding condition between the fabric-covered wall or furniture and the back plate. Vertical portions of hinge pin are used to initially pin the hanger into the applicable fabric-covered wall or furniture. Once the tips of hinge pin are inserted into the fabric of the fabric-covered wall or furniture, the rest of the hanger will rotate freely on the horizontal axis of hinge pin allowing the lower pins to penetrate the fabric exterior surface and the inner core material at an angle slightly less than 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventors: Alan Keith Beaty, Wallace Andrew Pennington
  • Patent number: 6635739
    Abstract: Specially designed non-mammalian GnRH analog decapeptides resistant to degradation by the placental enzyme, C-ase-1, or a post-proline peptidase, are disclosed. The GnRH analogs are further defined as analogs of chicken II GnRH or salmon GnRH. These non-mammalian analogs incorporate D-arginine, D-leucine, D-tBu-Serine, D-Trp or other active D amino acids at position 6 and ethylamide, aza-Gly-amide or other Gly amide at position 10. The D-Arg (6)-chicken II GnRH-ethylamide, D-Arg (6)-chicken II GnRH-aza-Gly(10)-amide, the D-Arg (6)-salmon GnRH ethylamide, and D-Arg (6)-salmon GnRH-aza-Gly(10)-amide analogs are also provided, and demonstrate preferential binding to chorionic GnRH, ovarian, endometrial, tubal, uterine, prostate and testicular receptors. Biopotency is greater at the ovary and endometrium than at the pituitary. These non-mammalian GnRH analogs may be used in pharmaceutical preparation, and specifically in various treatment methods as a contraceptive or post-coital contraceptive agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Theresa Siler-Khodr
  • Patent number: 6616748
    Abstract: A high performance purified natural zeolite pigment composition for use in papermaking and paper coating is disclosed. Use of the pigment facilitates manufacture of coated ink jet and digital printing papers with improved quality and economics. The novel zeolite pigment composition can also be used as a supplementary pigment to improve the properties of coated paper and paperboard for flexographic and water-based gravure printing. When used as filler, the novel zeolite pigment composition is readily retained and eliminates print-through in uncoated papers. The novel zeolite pigment is low in abrasion and provides improved coefficient of friction. The novel zeolite pigment is also useful as a microparticulate retention aid in papermaking and as an additive to improve the performance of deinking processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: ZO Resources, LLC
    Inventors: Charles P. Klass, Margaret K. Joyce
  • Patent number: 6612839
    Abstract: A gingival retractor for placement at or into the gingival crevice surrounding a tooth used to deflect gingival tissues away from the tooth to aid in dental procedures. The retractor includes a flexible brace. This brace supports prongs or legs that extend toward the root of the tooth. One or more retractors can be placed into the gingival crevice as needed given the particular tooth and procedure involved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Murgesh J. Loynes
  • Patent number: 6607151
    Abstract: An ultra fine mineral compound and method of processing native Dead Sea minerals into this ultra fine mineral compound that can be used to manufacture all natural Dead Sea mineral compositions particularly compositions for use in bath and body products is disclosed. Even with the extreme ionic character of the Dead Sea minerals, the Dead Sea mineral compositions prepared remain in suspension creating a viable cosmetic preparation that can maintain adequate shelf life and provide a more pleasant feel for the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventors: Morris Samelson, Johnathan M. Scharff
  • Patent number: 6585205
    Abstract: A hanger having a fixed pin assembly and a hinged pin assembly. Left and right vertical portions of fixed pin assembly are used to pin the hanger into the inner core of the applicable fabric-covered wall or furniture. Once the left and right vertical portions are inserted, the hinged pin assembly will rotate freely allowing the left and right lower angled portion to penetrate the fabric exterior surface and the inner core. At the central portion of the hinged pin assembly is a prong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventors: Alan Keith Beaty, Wallace Andrew Pennington
  • Patent number: 6586745
    Abstract: An ultraviolet target designator and methodology that utilizes ultraviolet radiation from a laser designator to remotely designate targets for various applications. In one embodiment, the ultraviolet laser designator is used to remotely designate a target for insects to fly to so as to collect environmental information. In another embodiment, the ultraviolet laser operates in the solar blind region to remotely designate a target. When used in conjunction with a solar blind camera, the targeting can be performed without detection by infrared or visible detection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Ralph H. Hill, Jr., James R. Keys, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6581216
    Abstract: A commode shutoff device having a diverter housing, diverter valve within diverter housing, diverter arm, a means for actuating the diverter arm, support bracket, and an alternate water line is disclosed. Water is redirected from the overflow water line to the alternate water line by actuating the diverter arm through manually pulling up on the flush handle. Once the water is redirected, it can no longer flow into the bowl, thus preventing an overflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Halsell
  • Patent number: 6575304
    Abstract: A vibrating screen apparatus for sizing materials is shown that has a minimum of moving parts therein. A vibrating motor is mounted below longitudinal vibrating bars. The vibrating bars are set on air mounts, which air mounts are between the vibrating bars and cross braces connected to the frame. The vibrating bars press against the underside of a vibrating screen to form a crown therein when the air mounts are inflated. The vibrating screen is stretched between the sides of the frame by tensioning rails. A shroud over the top of the frame is secured in place. Multiple size materials can be produced by stacking multiple vibrating screen apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: George F. Cudahy
  • Patent number: 6571611
    Abstract: Tortuous passageways are provided in a substrate component that is retained within a holding chamber. Fuels and fuel mixtures to be comparatively tested are introduced into the holding chamber and into the tortuous passageways of the substrate component. The substrate component is controllably maintained at an elevated temperature during a specified number of defined test cycles. The substrate component is then removed and its after-test weight compared with an initial weight before the test. The tortuous passageways of the substrate component provide increased surface area subject to deposit formation and extended residence time for fuel to remain in contact with the substrate surface, thereby greatly enhancing the measured difference between tested fuels and fuel mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Paul Lacey, Jose De La Cruz, Eliazar H. Saucedo, Jack R. Compton
  • Patent number: 6572877
    Abstract: A food composition for feeding to worms to enhance their desirability to predators and process therefor is disclosed. The composition contains a xanthene dye which is applied to the surface of or admixed with a nutritionally acceptable carrier in an amount sufficient to enhance the worm's detection by the visual color receptors of a fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Legend Laboratories Corporation
    Inventors: Lane F. Gergely, Anthony J. Gergely
  • Patent number: D506831
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventors: Rachel Miller, Veronica Ruiz
  • Patent number: D477330
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Alamo Group Inc.
    Inventors: John Klein, Bill Steele
  • Patent number: D496787
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Rooster Products International Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Pablo Cabrera, Daniel F. Cabana