Patents Represented by Law Firm Pravel, Gambrell, Hewitt & Kimball
  • System for controlling the transferring of different widths of data using two different sets of address control signals
    Patent number: 5165037
    Abstract: A computer system which utilizes two different sets of address control and state information signals for transferring information of the same or different widths is disclosed. The use of two sets of signals allows master units to utilize only one set and a system board determines when the second set of signals must be used to complete the transfer and controls the second set of signals as necessary. The system board provides the necessary information routing and latching to properly transfer the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Paul R. Culley
  • Method and apparatus for processing fish fillets and other food items into predetermined portions
    Patent number: 5163865
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for cutting or marking fish fillets and other foodstuffs of varying cross-section into portions of predetermined size by conveying each product through a volume scanning unit, computing correct cut locations, and then cutting or marking at each location using a guillotine-type knife mechanism. The guillotine-type knife mechanism moves in a longitudinal direction while cutting perpendicular to the conveyor surface. Dislocation of the fillet is eliminated by synchronizing knife speed with the conveyor, and by overcoming resistance of blade retraction with a retraction mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Innerspace Technologies of Alaska, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry J. Smith
  • Method and apparatus for mixing and dispensing foam with injected low pressure gas
    Patent number: 5163584
    Abstract: A foam dispensing system and apparatus for mixing a plurality of foam components into an expanded foam and dispensing the mixed foam components, the apparatus having a body portion and a cartridge assembly mounted on said body portion. The cartridge assembly includes a mix chamber having a longitudinal bore and an aftermix chamber in communication with the mix chamber. The apparatus further includes inlets and passageway for supplying the plurality of foam components to the longitudinal bore of the mix chamber and a slidable valve rod for controlling the flow of the plurality of foam components into the mix chamber. A pressurized gas is injected into the aftermix chamber to aid in the mixing of the plurality of foam components and to provide an improved spray pattern of foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Polyfoam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Richard Huber, Pat L. Murray
  • Ossicular prosthesis for mounting magnet
    Patent number: 5163957
    Abstract: A prosthesis for use with an intact ossicular chain to allow a magnet to be coupled to the ossicular chain, the magnet being moved by an electromagnetic induction hearing aid. The prosthesis has a body having a first groove which cooperates with the manubrium and a second groove formed by an arm extending from the body and a hooked end, the second groove cooperating with the long process. A magnet is connected to a planar surface developed by the arm and the hooked end and is generally parallel to the tympanic membrane when installed. A conventional disk shaped magnet can be utilized inside a biocompatible housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew Richards, Inc.
    Inventors: Yacov Sade, T. Manford McGee, Harlan J. Reitan, Jorgen Heide
  • Embedded testing circuit and method for fabricating same
    Patent number: 5162729
    Abstract: An improved structure for testing the operability of a completed circuit board having components thereon and improved method of fabricating same are disclosed. The structure and process include the use of an insulator portion with a printed circuit board adhered thereto which includes a testing pattern to evaluate the operability of a completed printed circuit board. The insulator portion which provides support for the test pattern extends past the edge of the printed circuit board thereby providing a remote means to test the operability of the printed circuit board without having to utilize valuable space and contact points on the printed board itself to test the operability of the completed printed circuit board once components have been installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventor: W. Randolph Lusby
  • Enhanced locked bus cycle control in a cache memory computer system
    Patent number: 5163143
    Abstract: An enhanced processor lock cycle management system for computer systems including a processor 10 and a cache memory controller 12 which accommodates existing methodologies and provides an enhanced mode wherein processor lock cycles are not passed to the controlled 12 but control of the system bus 14 by controller 12 is maintained by inhibiting hold requests to the controller 12 by other system elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Paul R. Culley, Mark Taylor
  • Portable safety apparatus
    Patent number: 5162006
    Abstract: A portable safety vest (20) includes an inflatable collar (22) which functions as a personal floatation device, a transparent, inflatable air bag (50), and an air mask (60). A cylinder of compressed air (40) has a seal (41) and, when the seal (41) is broken by a triggering mechanism (42, 43, 44), the compressed air expands and fills the air bag (50) and the collar (22). The air bag (50) is preferably large enough to hold at least a two-minute supply of air to allow one time to escape from an area filled with smoke or noxious or toxic gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: Sylvester E. Yandle, II
  • Method for cleaning tube bundles using a slurry
    Patent number: 5160548
    Abstract: A method for cleaning the interior wall of a tube with a slurry and a tubular lance. The method includes the steps of inserting an end of the tubular lance into the tube and pumping a fluid through the tubular lance into the tube. A slurry is pumped into the interior of the tube between the tubular lance and the interior of the tube. The slurry mixes with the fluid at the end of the tubular lance in the tube and the slurry and fluid mixture is propelled against the interior tube wall at the end of the tubular lance to clean the interior wall of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Ohmstede Mechanical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas B. Boisture
  • Computer interface for the configuration of computer system and circuit boards
    Patent number: 5161102
    Abstract: A computer program permits a user to simulate configuring add-in boards for a computer system. A board may be "pulled" from an inventory list for inspection, and may be "inserted" into any legal slot in the computer system. The program can automatically generate any permissible configurations for the board, i.e., configuration of the board's address resource allocations that avoid conflicts with the address resource allocations of other, already-installed boards. The user may select from among permissible configurations; for a selected configuration, the user may display to screen or printer a drawing of the switch- and jumper settings on the board that are needed to implement the selected configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Griffin, Daryl D. George, Curtis R. Jones, Jr.
  • Opposed-magnet bearing with interposed superconductor
    Patent number: 5159219
    Abstract: A superconductor-magnet system having high thrust and stability, with a method for increasing the thrust and stability of such a system, comprises a first magnet, a second magnet and a superconductor. The magnets are in motion relative to each other and the superconductor is in motion relative to one and stationary relative to the other magnet. High thrust and stability can be achieved by increasing the magnetic field of the magnet in motion relative to the superconductor. Also disclosed are magnetic thrust and journal bearings utilizing the above system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: University of Houston-University Park
    Inventors: Wei-Kan Chu, Ki-Bui Ma, Chase K. McMichael
  • Computer system with high speed data transfer capabilities
    Patent number: 5159679
    Abstract: The present invention is a computer system which can perform master unit controlled memory accesses at a first rate, DMA controlled operations at a second rate and burst operations of both types at a higher third rate. The burst operation is set up by performing a standard access cycle, thus setting up the dynamic random access memory row address, and then performing a series of fast, column address-only accesses to the same page of memory. The fast mode must be exited to a standard rate access whenever a page boundary is crossed, with burst operations recommencing thereafter. Wait states can be inserted in all type operations. Thirty-two bit master units can downshift or step down to 16 bit operation to respond to 16 bit burstable responding units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Paul R. Culley
  • Light end enhanced refrigeration loop
    Patent number: 5157925
    Abstract: This invention relates to a closed-loop, multi-stage compression refrigeration system which uses a multi-component refrigerant wherein the compressed refrigerant is partially condensed, and the vapor and liquid streams are separated in a primary separator. The liquid stream passes through several expansion stages, providing a refrigeration duty at each stage. That portion of the refrigerant which is vaporized is recycled to an intermediate stage of the multi-stage compressor. The vapor from the primary separator, which is rich in the light component, is condensed and expanded to the lowest stage of refrigeration, providing maximum refrigeration duty for a given refrigerant composition and compressor suction pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Denton, Russell H. Oelfke
  • Manual pallet changer
    Patent number: 5156254
    Abstract: A manual pallet changer for performing a loading operation and an unloading operation for a pallet between a table of a machine tool and a pallet magazine comprising a clamp for clamping the pallet to the table of the machine tool. The pallet magazine connected to the machine tool by an opening and closing joint, the pallet magazine as a whole being rotatable about a supporting point of the opening and closing joint; and the pallet magazine having first guide rails arranged alone a longitudinal direction of the pallet magazine in two rows; second guide rails arranged along a direction different from the longitudinal direction in two rows; movable guide rails arranged along the longitudinal direction in two rows, the movable guide rails being movable between an upper position and a lower position; and a lift for moving up and down the movable guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Kitamura Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichiro Kitamura, Shigeru Yamada
  • Log truck securement system
    Patent number: 5156506
    Abstract: A load tie-down and arrangement for securing loads onto vehicles, particularly non-uniform and abrasive loads such as logs onto log-hauling trailers, and for enhancing the safety with which such loads can be transported. The tie-down includes a high abrasion resistant webbing capable of being attached at one end to the vehicle and at the other to a winching mechanism. The winching mechanism easily accommodates excess webbing for small load situations and is capable of being easily and quickly tightened or retightened during transport to offset any slack in the webbing which may have been created due to load shifting or settling. A modified tie-down can be used to encircle the load without attachment to the vehicle for increased security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Greenhead Industries
    Inventor: Warner Bailey
  • System for fast selection of non-cacheable address ranges using programmed array logic
    Patent number: 5157774
    Abstract: A fast logic system for decoding addresses for the purpose of designating areas of memory as noncacheable is disclosed. The logic system is based on a programmable array logic having as inputs selected address lines, certain switch settings, and software-selectable diagnostic settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Paul R. Culley
  • Integrated firefighter safety monitoring and alarm system
    Patent number: 5157378
    Abstract: A monitoring and alarm system allows a firefighter to monitor a variety of safety related parameters during firefighting activities through audible and/or visual means. The system monitors the pressure in the firefighter's breathing system and also monitors ambient temperature and motion of the firefighter. An audible alarm is activated to indicate a potential emergency situation relating to low remaining air time, impending thermal breakthrough or lack of motion of the firefighter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: North-South Corporation
    Inventors: L. Herbert Stumberg, James A. Fulton
  • Drum tensioning apparatus
    Patent number: 5157212
    Abstract: An apparatus for varying the tension on a drum head to change the pitch of the instrument during a performance. The apparatus may be configured to tension one drum or several drums simultaneously. The tensioning components of the apparatus are installed within the barrel of the drum and the apparatus is actuated by the performer using a control module which may incorporate a system for foot pedals, proximity switches, or photoelectric switches. The control module may be programmed to effect the alteration of drum pitch in variable increments and at variable speeds. The apparatus is electrically powered and is suitable for installation in any type of drum, including those with open-ended barrels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventor: John R. Fleming
  • Method and apparatus for honing workpieces
    Patent number: 5155944
    Abstract: A method and device for honing a workpiece surface to be machined to provide a finished size and surface configuration comprising a honing tool with adjustable honing elements, the elements having a cutting zone and a calibrating zone, and also comprising a guide element with a surface sized to the finished size of the workpiece surface such that on the cutting stroke of the tool the cutting zone performs the cut and the tool is guided by the movement of the calibrated zone through the guide element and the honed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Nagel Maschinen-und Werkzeugfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Nagel, Wolf Nagel
  • Pocket sized telescoping level apparatus
    Patent number: 5155917
    Abstract: A pocket sized telescopic level apparatus includes a plurality of at least three telescoping tubular sections including a largest section and sequentially smaller sections, each section having an exterior diameter and a longitudinal bore with an interior diameter, and wherein the sections are of sequentially larger external diameter so that one section fits into an adjacent section and all sections are contained upon the largest section in a collapsed position. A level bubble member is disposed at an end portion of the largest section and a plurality of shims form interfaces between the end portions of adjacent sections upon extension of the apparatus. The shims are tubularly shaped and positioned between the outer wall of an end portion of one section and the inner wall of an adjacent section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Nursing Knowledge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jackson Townsend, Nancy G. Townsend, Ronald M. O'Connor
  • Spool for winding string and wire
    Patent number: D330848
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: James A. Elliott