Patents Represented by Attorney Ralph R. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4930679
    Abstract: There are disclosed jigs that are used in the present invention. These jigs are directed to hold and retain left, right and intra-proximal attachment forms prior to and during the soldering of the attachment to a crown. Each jig has a precisely formed head portion sized and shaped to receive and retain a mating engaging portion of the attachment so that the attachment is soldered in a predetermined position to the crown. The jig is made of a high temperature material and has a tail portion that is integral with and extends from the shaped head so that both the jig and the crown may be retained in an investment material during the soldering of the attachment to the crown. The attachments are used for bridges or partial restorations. Preferably the jig is provided with a scored surface to provide an improved gipping surface while imbedded in the investment material during soldering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventors: Robert Q. Manley, Jerome J. Goodman
  • Patent number: 4889992
    Abstract: This invention relates to an instrument for the detection of microorganisms in a culture media by means of the measurement of the gaseous products generated during bacterial metabolism, without the need for extracting the products of metabolism from the culture vessel in order to perform the measurement. A special vial containing a gas-liquid separation system permits the measurement through the walls of the vial by determination of the infrared absorption by the gaseous contents within the vessel. While intended primarily for blood-culture testing, the method is applicable to other microbiological and physical chemistry investigations where changes in gas concentrations must be determined in a simple, convenient manner. An alternate embodiment is shown and described whereat a high concentration of gas is present and the infrared energy path is too long for accurate measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventor: Max Hoberman
  • Patent number: 4862565
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a spreader roll adapted to remove wrinkles, ripples, bags and torque marks from fast-traveling webs of material of fabric, plastic or combinations thereof. The resulting fast-traveling web has a smooth, uninterrupted surface. This spreader roll is not a bowed or grooved roll, but is a straight roll having a resilient outer tubular rubber sleeve. The supporting shaft is straight, rigid, non-rotating, and is carried by support blocks. This outer sleeve is retained at each end by clamp means which is carried by anti-friction bearings. This clamp means includes a bearing ring which is pivotally carried by the central shaft. Each pivoted bearing ring is individually adjusted to stretch the resilient cover to remove the distorting wrinkles, ripples, bags or torque marks in the fast-moving web. A multiplicity of disc brushes is carried on a freely rotating tubular member and these brushes are positioned by spacer rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Damour
  • Patent number: 4775369
    Abstract: This invention provides a protector for a sharpened tip of a needle of conventional construction. Preferably, foam rubber or plastic is used, with the rear of this foam material secured to the hub containing the needle and with the fore end of the foam material secured to a molded tubular guide end member. An inner sleeve is provided with the foam material. This foam material is shown as an extrusion or as a strip with adhesive on one side. This protector is accordionized when the needle is advanced into the patient. Bias may also be provided by a spring. The spring is shown as an integral part of a tubular length, with the interstice portions extending between convolutions of the spring. Three embodiments of spring placement are shown. In all embodiments, it is anticipated that the needle and protector will be brought to the patient, and with the needle advancement the protector accordionizes as the needle is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Inventor: Boris Schwartz
  • Patent number: 4761921
    Abstract: An acoustic sound-masking system carried in a core module provides conversational privacy for workers in an open-plan office space. The core module is movable to a desired location on the open floor and has at least three substantially like height side-panel portions providing a movable tubular enclosure. This module has a top member configured to provide a closure of the top end of the tubular enclosure and at least one through aperture is formed and in which is mounted a loudspeaker. This loudspeaker is adapted to produce sound and direct this sound upwardly and outwardly. Each loudspeaker is mounted so as to not protrude excessively above the top surface of the top member. At least one divider is attached or has one end substantially contiguous to the tubular enclosure. A plurality of desks or work areas is arrayed between the dividers, with a pair of desks or work areas between each divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Inventor: Philip H. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4725267
    Abstract: A post-injection needle sheath for enclosing the sharpened end of a needle used with a syringe is shown with and without spring actuation. This sheath is initially in a compact and secured condition on the needle hub and has a substantial portion of the needle exposed for insertion into a patient or vial. Two embodiments employ a compression spring. Three embodiments avoid a spring per se, but have a corrugated portion and a flange portion that are manipulated by an attendant to urge the sheath forward to enclose the sharpened end of the needle. In all embodiments, the forward end includes a transverse wall in which is formed an aperture that is slightly larger than the shank of the needle. Protection to the exposed needle before use is provided by a conventionally removeable shield which is removed at time of use. After withdrawal of the needle from the patient, the sheath, with the cap or end portion, is moved forward to enclose the sharpened needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Inventor: Vincent L. Vaillancourt
  • Patent number: 4723955
    Abstract: This suction needle device is used to transfer liquids such as cytotoxic drugs from a stoppered container to a syringe. This device has a sharpened needle which is conventionally attached to a hub. A thin-walled tubular sleeve is mounted on the shank of this needle and is disposed in a telescope fashion around this shank. One end of the sleeve is disposed a short distance from the sharpened end of the needle so that the stopper may be entered by the sharpened needle and sleeve and provides a seal when so penetrated. A crimping tool provides opposed and longitudinally displaced localized crimps to deform the sleeve to the extent that a positive engagement with the shank of the needle is made. The crimps are limited enough to provide positive securing of the sleeve without bending or distorting the interior capacity of the needle to draw fluids into the syringe. The thin-walled sleeve may have an aperture in the side and in flow communication with the air passage between the needle shank and sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Manresa, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent L. Vaillancourt
  • Patent number: 4714421
    Abstract: A quick-switch mold set is depicted wherein the interchangeable mold plate is carried by a T-plate slideable in grooves provided by a top clamping plate which is secured to the upper platen of the molding machine. A lower interchangeable mold plate is carried by an intermediate T-plate slideable in grooves provided in a bottom clamp housing. Removable and rotatable clamps are secured to the top clamping plate and other clamps to the bottom clamp housing. The clamps are disc-like, having two flats providing reduced portions that are positioned in way of a T-plate and mold plate during removal and interchange. The clamps are repositioned and tightened to provide the desired securement and retention of the mold plate and T-plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: National Tool & Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas D'Agostino
  • Patent number: 4704177
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a medicator securing device for use in an I.V. administration in which a needle is inserted into a resilient cap member to add drugs and the like to an infusion procedure. This inserted needle is retained in inserted condition and position in this cap by this securing device. A flexible, substantially transparent plastic film having one surface coated with a self-stick adhesive is applied tightly to a frame of semi-rigid material. This frame provides at least one window-like opening which is covered by the adhesively-coated film. A release sheet member is applied to the window-like area until a time of use and application of the securing device, at which time the release sheet is removed and the adhesive surface of the film within said window is brought to and around the connection, with a fold made of the device so that the film is engaged tightly around the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: Manresa, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent L. Vaillancourt
  • Patent number: 4697819
    Abstract: The drawbar device of this invention illustrates two structures, both substantially similar, and providing a beam member that is removably mounted in a slide guide and retaining bracket. This device may use an I-beam or a tubular steel member. Each beam is provided with divergent arms, with ear portions adapted to be secured, as by pins, to a retainer plate secured to the frame of a dump truck. A front plate on the beam has an adjustably-secured trailer hitch hook by which a trailer may be attached for towing. The retaining bracket is also fixedly secured to the frame of the dump truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Inventor: Michael Cascone
  • Patent number: 4696652
    Abstract: This replica device or toy is structured to suggest commercial establishments such as a post office, bank, hotel, and the like. This replica device is made with a main and two side-hinged panel members with outward-swinging limiting means. The device, when open for use, has a selectively open and closed window, shelf and a box door. Signs indicating the establishment's represented usage are also provided. Bank teller apparatus and post office rental boxes are provided. A minimum of loose components is shown, but accessories are provided so that children may use this device with a minimum of imagination. In storage condition, this device is about suitcase size and of light weight. This device is intended for use by two or more grade school children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Inventors: James A. Reeder, Joanne E. Reeder
  • Patent number: 4694839
    Abstract: This invention provides an assist to a monitor for apnea of infants and very young children. Monitors for such problems are well known, but the usual signals from these monitors are flashing lights or audible sounds. These signals from the monitor may be unobserved or not responded to by an attendant. The present assist apparatus is provided so that the patient is stimulated at the first actuation from the monitor. There are two areas of the patient receptive to such stimulation; a first area is the sole of a foot and the other area is at the neck. At the foot, a shoe is provided with a motor or reciprocated plunger to vibrate or lightly engage the skin of the patient. At the neck area, a removable collar with motors or reciprocating plunger is provided to lightly engage the skin of a patient. Either separately or in combination, the patient is stimulated to an aroused condition absent an attendant. Electrical energy or pressurized air may be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Inventor: William F. Timme
  • Patent number: 4678462
    Abstract: This invention pertains to the construction and use of a sterile securement device for retaining an inserted and placed catheter and a connected tubular conductor in an assembled condition. This securement device in retaining condition maintains this assembly by this adhesively-coated film which is tightly pressed to the skin of a patient. A frame of sheet material has at least three outer-edge portions providing therebetween a determined interior space or area. This retaining film is a bottom member of film adhesively coated on one side and is attached by the adhesive to one side of this frame. The film within the frame has a flexible release sheet applied to the adhesive surface of this film. An additional protector sheet having a sealable surface is configured to be secured to both the frame and release sheet and has a tab means for removal of this protector and release sheet at time of use. The assembled package is sterilized before shipment and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Inventor: Vincent L. Vaillancourt
  • Patent number: 4676361
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a troughing conveyor for products such as bags, boxes, cartons and the like. It is anticipated that products of like configuration and initial orientation are carried to an orienting conveyor means. This conveyor system has a stop plate that is actuated as and when required to insure that an oriented product has exited the system before entrance of another product to said system. Two plate-like conveyors are arrayed in tandem and are of like size and extent. These conveyors are troughed to provide a shallow included angle and the upper extents are also formed with convex arc so that the product is transported on two points. Each of these conveyors is independently driven by variable-speed gear motors, each with computer programs controlling the speed of each of the conveyor extents. An electric-eye counter device insures that an oriented product has exited the system before another product has been delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Inventor: Raymond A. Heisler
  • Patent number: 4674510
    Abstract: The disposable breast pad of this invention is generally circular and there is formed therein a predetermined angle of score lines providing fold assists. The barrier sheet of thin, pliable plastic material is an impervious barrier to the passage therethrough of excess fluid from the breast. The disposable pad is folded at radial edge portions to provide a manipulated overlay and form a conically-shaped cup. The outer surface of the barrier sheet has an applied adhesive which not only retains the overlap edge portions, but also when exposed provides a non-toxic contact-adhesive providing retention of the pad in the brassiere cup until the pad is to be removed and discarded. The barrier sheet is not cut radially; therefore, unwanted leakage therethrough cannot occur. Folding of a portion of the pad produces three or five thicknesses at the overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Inventor: Vincent R. Sneider
  • Patent number: 4669170
    Abstract: This invention is an improved concept of the clamp shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,736,629, as issued June 5, 1973. This construction of a clampingdevice includes forming two C-shaped arms, each of which is an assembly of two plate-like members of sheet metal. These two arm assemblies are pivotally retained at one end with the plate-like members in an overlay condition. A pivot pin has an enlarged center portion which acts as a spacer and has two eccentric cam areas sized and spaced to actuate apertures formed in one of the arm pairs. Shouldered rivets retain these arm assemblies in spaced array and a stop pin secured in this pivot pin has a length sufficient to engage a secured rivet. At one limit of movement of the stop pin, the cam areas move one arm assembly to a maximum clamping force and, at the other limit of movement of the stop pin, the cam areas are in a reduced-force application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Inventor: John B. Blake
  • Patent number: D291014
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Inventor: Matthew W. Grum
  • Patent number: D297011
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Inventors: William D. Quigley, Philip H. Nelson
  • Patent number: D297836
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Inventors: Philip H. Nelson, William D. Quigley
  • Patent number: D300658
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: Vincent R. Sneider