Patents Represented by Attorney Peacock & Myers, P.C.
  • Patent number: 7292419
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for making fault interrupter receptacles tolerant to miswiring errors. By employing redundant sense elements plus a special switch configuration, the device obtains a symmetry that makes it unnecessary to designate specific line and load terminals. The addition of open neutral protection, ground assurance, transposed conductor protection and end-of-life protection provides enhanced performance with the addition of only a few parts relative to a conventional fault protection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: David C. Nemir
  • Patent number: 7287722
    Abstract: A method for racing rocket-powered vehicles directly against one another is provided in which a first rocket-powered vehicle simultaneously races against a second rocket-powered vehicle to be the first to complete a race course. The method may include the first and second rocket-powered vehicles performing a pre-determined maneuver while proximate a group of spectators, and/or the rocket-powered vehicles strategically performing the steps of gliding and boosting the flight of their rocket-powered vehicle in accordance with a pre-determined maximum fuel criteria. The method further may include permitting spectator interaction with participants of the racing competition and enabling spectators to compete with actual participants via virtual vehicles. The method may also include the rocket-powered vehicles performing a refueling operation. The method may further include providing audible or visual identifiers of the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Rocket Racing, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter H. Diamandis, Granger B. Whitelaw, Michael R. D'Angelo
  • Patent number: 7287903
    Abstract: An apparatus for rapid thermal testing of samples consisting of a single sample chamber in which the samples are preferably arranged circularly around the opening through which a fluid of varying temperature, preferably air, is introduced to provide for rapid, uniform cooling and heating of the samples. The samples are preferably uniformly spaced to allow for uniform air flow. The samples are mounted in slots which are preferably oriented radially outward from the opening. The sample mounts comprise electrical connectors which form a network connected to at least one ohmmeter for measuring the resistance of the samples. The samples preferably comprise test coupons, each with multiple daisy-chained nets of vias or other components to be tested. Also a method for thermal testing of samples consisting of steps to characterize the samples before the test is run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Conductor Analysis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Estes, Robert Neves
  • Patent number: 7270844
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the deposition of a source material (10) are disclosed. An atomizer (12) renders a supply of source material (10) into many discrete particles. A force applicator (14) propels the particles in continuous, parallel streams of discrete particles. A collimator (16) controls the direction of flight of the particles in the stream prior to their deposition on a substrate (18). In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the viscosity of the particles may be controlled to enable complex depositions of non-conformal or three-dimensional surfaces. The invention also includes a wide variety of substrate treatments which may occur before, during or after deposition. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a virtual or cascade impactor may be employed to remove selected particles from the deposition stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Optomec Design Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Renn
  • Patent number: 7261042
    Abstract: A munition and method of making same comprising at least partially surrounding a warhead with a protective barrier comprising pumice and surrounding the protective barrier with a shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martins Corporation
    Inventor: George W. Brooks
  • Patent number: 7261653
    Abstract: The present invention provides a training apparatus and method for improving the stance of a golfer throughout the golfer's swing. The apparatus comprises a shaft pivotally connected to a base so that the shaft pivots about a pivot point along a plane to increase or decrease the angle formed by the base, the shaft, and the pivot point. A golfer stands on the base and straddles the shaft so that the leading foot is behind the shaft nearest the pivot point, and the non-leading leg is in front of the shaft thus preventing an over-rotation of a golfer's hips during the performance of a back swing and keeping the golfer's arms in front of the golfer's chest so that the golf club does not become trapped behind the golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel C. Thornburg, Brian D. Thornburg
  • Patent number: 7256009
    Abstract: Methods for the isolation and identification of a toxicant in a sample are disclosed. Luminescent biological agents (i.e., bacteria) having sensitivity to a toxicant or an isolatable component in a sample are used to provide visually discernable zones of luminescent inhibition in the presence of a toxicant (or) in the presence of an isolatable sample component as separated by paper or thin layer chromatography. Kits for use in conjunction with the identification of a toxicant in a sample are also described, which include a luminescent biological reagent as the visualizing agent. Particular examples of luminescent bacterial agents useful in the practice of the present invention include Photobacterium leoganthi, Photobacterium phosphoreum, Vibrio fischeri, Vibrio harveyi a luminescent fungi, a luminescent fish extract, a luminescent dinoflagellate and fluorescent microorganisms, such as Cypridina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: James E. Becvar, Laura E. Becvar
  • Patent number: 7255327
    Abstract: Hands free system providing user control and regulation of water flow and temperature mix using “foot actuated” devices. Hands free system is adaptable to pre-existing water faucets and conventional plumbing, enabling full integration of an adjustable foot operated device with conventional hand operated water faucets. The hand free water system includes a control state module for providing a user with BYPASS, ON, OFF, HOT and COLD modes of operation. Hardware can include a sealed chamber body adapted for containing a mixing ball valve and having chamber ports further serving as internal passages to channels adapted to said sealed chamber body for connection to water line tubing. The mixing ball can include delivery and exit ports through which water can enter and exit and is adapted for rotation in relation to the fixed chamber body for selective alignment with said chamber ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Harmon Houghton
  • Patent number: 7247272
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of the dosed application of a liquid onto to selected portion of the surface of a substrate (A) by means of spraying under the influence of an electric current. According to the invention the liquid is fed at a flow rate between 0.01 pl/s and 1 ml/s to a distal tip (3) of a capillary (1) having an inside diameter of less than 150 ?m, wherein the distance between the distal tip and the surface (A) is less than 2 mm. Surprisingly it has been shown that it is possible in this manner to apply liquid to a restricted surface of a defined size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Delft
    Inventors: Robert Moerman, Johannes Frank, Johannes Cornelis Maria Marijnissen
  • Patent number: 7243841
    Abstract: A method and system for transmitting information from a point of sale terminal such as an electronic cash register to a remote site. The system eliminates the need for a computer to operate the point of sale terminal at the store location. The system includes modifying the firmware of the point of sale terminal to store the data from the periodic transactional report of the terminal in data storage areas within the POS terminal. This data is later retrieved and transmitted to the remote central office or data warehouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Ba-Bing! LLC
    Inventors: Mark N. Nelson, Andrew James Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 7245642
    Abstract: An external cavity laser and a method of generating laser light via an external cavity laser comprising emitting laser light from a source, collimating light output by the source, receiving collimated light with a diffraction grating, reflecting light received from the diffraction grating back to the diffraction grating with a cavity feedback mirror, wherein at least a portion of the mirror is curved, and tuning the external cavity laser to a set of wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Southwest Sciences Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Pilgrim, Daniel J. Kane
  • Patent number: 7244357
    Abstract: Improvements in product water throughput from a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane filter achieved by thinner feed spacers in the RO element, enhanced recovery (ratio of permeate to feed), pressure recovery of the retentate fluid pressure opposing the feed water pressure, and fluid pulsing of the RO element feed stream. The system of the invention preferably comprises a dual head reciprocating pump, an RO element, and a differential pressure activated (“DPA”) valve. The DPA valve, in combination with connecting the two pump heads to reduce required pump pressures, generates energy recovery. The frequency and amplitude of the reciprocating pump create a pulse wave in the RO element that improves permeate quality and throughput. A control system preferably monitors system parameters to optimize the reciprocating pump speed and amplitude in order to obtain maximum throughput and permeate quality from any given RO element configuration. Also a highly compact, portable RO system comprising a piston and a DPA valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: MIOX Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney E. Herrington, Frank R. Hand
  • Patent number: 7243905
    Abstract: A lifter with an adjustable wheel base comprising a lever assembly, an adjustable axle assembly, and a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly may be magnetic and may additionally comprise safety cables having other attachment means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Jack B. Henderson Construction
    Inventor: Mark Henderson
  • Patent number: 7238874
    Abstract: A disc for use in an apparatus for signal processing, wherein the disc during its use is placed on the turntable and is provided with a groove which can be followed by the pick-up element, and which comprises a time-code signal wherein during use of the disc the said time-code signal controls the digital audio source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: N2IT Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Mark-Jan Bastian
  • Patent number: 7235270
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a pain balm comprising a fermentation extract of the cultivar of the genus capsicum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry V. Mayeux
  • Patent number: 7230711
    Abstract: A spectrometer and spectrometry method comprising modulating a light source with a carrier waveform multiplied by an envelope function, directing light from the light source through a sample region and to a photodetector, and demodulating current from the photodetector at a reference frequency. Also a method for computing a modulation waveform comprising specifying a target detection efficiency in a Fourier space, computing a response of a waveform that comprises a carrier wave multiplied by an envelope function, and modifying the envelope function using nonlinear optimization means to minimize a difference between the computed response and a predetermined target detection efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Southwest Sciences Incorporated
    Inventor: David Christian Hovde
  • Patent number: 7227069
    Abstract: A portable modular device for the purpose of sensing key movement of a piano or keyboard, processing key movement information, and communicating at least key-note ON/OFF and key-note velocity information. A portion of the modular device, the key sensor strip, inserts between the keys and fallboard and mounts atop a piano or keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen N. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 7225816
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile or stationary waste container cleaning system used for residential, commercial and industrial waste, garbage, trash, storage or operations containers or receptacles. Other applications include, but are not limited to cleaning of chemical drums, grease dumpsters (e.g. behind restaurants), rain barrels and non-uniform residential, commercial or industrial dumpsters or waste containers. The container cleaning system can alternatively be used for rural areas, farms or ranches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Blast-N-Clean, LLC
    Inventor: Ernest F. Byers
  • Patent number: 7222980
    Abstract: Accessories such as jewelry lighted with chemiluminescence. The accessories have decorative chemiluminescent article holders which utilize apertures or spaces for direct viewing of the chemiluminescent article. The accessories, may include ornamental elements back-lit by chemiluminescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Fred James Pinciaro
  • Patent number: D553975
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Voges Verpakking B.V.
    Inventor: Albert Johan Ferdinand Voges