Patents Represented by Law Firm Richard, Harris & Medlock
  • Patent number: 4971146
    Abstract: A downhole chemical cutting tool having an anchoring system employing interchangeable slip arrays of progressively larger outside diameters that can be used economically to adjust the range of the anchoring system. The range can be further adjusted by utilizing interchangeable slip expansion mandrels. This anchoring system both anchors and centralizes the chemical cutting tool. The cutting tool includes a slip shaft that provides fluid communication between the propellant section and chemical section, thence to the slip piston that receives the interchangeable slip arrays. The slip shaft and slip piston are threadably connected to a set coiled tension spring. Interchangeable slip expansion mandrels connected to the slip shaft below the slip arrays are constructed with ball bearings on the surface that receives the slip arrays expanding the slip segments into a gripping engagement an usually large angle as the slip piston is actuated by the application of fluid pressure during the cutting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: Jamie B. Terrell
  • Patent number: 4949750
    Abstract: A surge reliever relief valve is provided in which a flexible membrane is maintained in a peripherally sealed relationship across a rigid grid. The grid bounds the laterally adjacent intake and output regions of the valve. Intake pressure extends the membrane allowing flow between intake and output. Extension of the membrane is limited by a retainer. Extension may be elastic or inelastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Peerless Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Donald W. Goodwin, Kenneth S. Adamson
  • Patent number: 4934186
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) is disclosed for permitting continuous calculations of the depth of the fluid level (12) within a well bore (14) during a test interval. A sonic event is generated in the well bore, and the reflected sonic signals from down hole tubing collars and the fluid surface are sensed and recorded. By knowing the depth of the tubing collars, the fluid depth and speed of sound in the oerlying gas can be computed. Subsequently, the apparatus (10) generates sonic events and records the travel time for the sound to reflect off the fluid surface and return. Measurements of the actual fluid depth and sonic velocity are made at regular intervals, and interpolated between actual measurements to allow the variation in fluid level to be calculated from the measurements of travel time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: James N. McCoy
  • Patent number: 4924497
    Abstract: An interface (10) is disclosed for coupling a conventional pay station telephone (12) to a telephone switching system (16). The interface (10) provides supervision signal detection functions normally provided by a switching system, and thus can be connected thereto by a less costly business line (28). The interface includes processor controlled tone generators (72, 76) and detectors (73, 74, 81, 106, 108) for detecting tones and voltages transmitted by either the telephone (12) or the switching system (16). The interface (10) further includes a detector (106) and a procedure (FIG. 8) for providing an answer call indication. Coin collection or return is controlled by the interface (10) depending on the status of the call which is also determined by the interface (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Digital Telecommunications Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Smith, Conaway K. Hoback
  • Patent number: 4917709
    Abstract: A simplified, single component resin bed is coupled with a permeation tube and bottle. The permeation bottle contains an ionic species and a dissolved gas. The apparatus makes unnecessary a multi-component resin ion exchange column for solvent pH control in electrolytic conductivity detection as applied to gas chromatography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: O. I. Corporation
    Inventors: Randall C. Hall, Karl M. Williams
  • Patent number: 4916733
    Abstract: An interface (10) is disclosed for coupling a conventional pay station telephone (12) to a telephone switching system (16). The interface (10) provides supervision signal detection functions normally provided by a switching system, and thus can be connected thereto by a less costly business line (28). The interface includes processor controlled tone generators (72, 76) and detectors (73, 74, 81, 106, 108) for detecting duration of tones and other audio signals, and voltages transmitted by either the telephone (12) or the switching system (16). The interface (10) further includes a detector (106) and a procedure (FIG. 8) for providing an answer call indication. Coin collection or return is controlled by the interface (10) depending on the status of the call (as indicated by audio signal duration) which is also determined by the interface (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Digital Telecommunications Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Smith, Conaway K. Hoback
  • Patent number: 4893182
    Abstract: An imaging processing system (10) for displaying a succession of selected separated images of a moving object (62, 64) moving in an otherwise substantially static scene includes an image sensor (12) for generating video signals of the static scene and for generating video signals of the static scene including the object (62, 64) moving therethrough. The video signals are generated over a plurality of frames (80-94). A first memory (104) stores the video signals of at least one of the plurality of frames from the static scene. A second memory (104) stores the video signals of the plurality of frames from the static scene including the object (62, 64) moving therethrough. Structure (106) is provided for comparing on a frame-by-frame basis the video signals stored in the first memory (104) with the video signals stored in the second memory (104) to thereby determine the presence of the object (62, 64) in each of the plurality of frames (80-90).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignees: Micronyx, Inc., Brunsick Bowling & Billiards Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. Gautraud, Thomas M. Buie, Mark F. Blessing
  • Patent number: 4884729
    Abstract: An improved tire rack (10) is disclosed for use on any vehicle, but which is particularly suitable for use on a pickup truck (12). Brackets (24, 26) are mounted on the frame members of the truck and support a rod (28) and arms (32, 36) for pivotal motion between a storage position and a release position. In the storage position, the spare tire is held horizontally against the bottom of the bed of the truck. When moved to the release position by rotating a worm gear (72) to pivot the sector gear (66) on the rod (28), the tire rack moves the spare tire below and behind the bumper of the vehicle for ready access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: Dutton-Lainson Corporation
    Inventor: Ronnie Barkouskie
  • Patent number: 4881874
    Abstract: A helicopter tail rotor (10, 130) includes a drive mast (12) having an axis of rotation (14). A first blade pair (20) is mounted for rotation about the drive mast (12). The first blade pair (20) includes a pitch change axis (54) perpendicularly disposed to the drive mast axis of rotation (14). A second blade pair (34) is mounted for rotation about the drive mast (12) and is spaced apart from and parallel disposed to the first blade pair (20). The second blade pair (34) includes a pitch change axis (60) parallel to the pitch change axis (54) of the first blade pair (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Billy P. White, Dwayne E. Morrison
  • Patent number: 4881759
    Abstract: A flexible pipe joint having an annular housing with a central cavity in which a nipple is partially submerged. The nipple has a flared end on the submerged portion thereof. An elastomeric ring, internally contoured spherically with reference to a common center point spaced from the flared end and located on the longitudinal axis of the joint, is adhered about its outer surface to the inner surface of the flared end. An elastomeric body having an assembly of embedded concentric spherical rings is adhered to the outer surface of the flared end. The spherical rings are contoured and positioned symmetrically with respect to the common center point. A flange (42 or 144, 146) is welded to the nipple at the end opposite the flared end. The flange is used to bolt the joint to the adjacent pipe sections and can be in two parts (144, 146). A collar welded to the housing encircles the nipple and engages the outer surface of the elastomeric body to maintain the body in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventors: Frank J. Kovitch, Charles M. Reinhardt, Paul E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 4872565
    Abstract: A Christmas tree shaker including a base with a horizontal turntable mounted rotatably thereon on a motor driven shaft. A tree trunk receiving receptacle is mounted on the turntable for limited relative rotation with respect thereto. The receptacle is offset from the turntable axis of rotation. A stabilizer link between the base and receptacle limits the amount of relative rotation between the receptacle and turntable as the motor driven shaft rotates the turntable causing the receptacle to travel rapidly in a tight circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Inventor: Don J. McAlpine
  • Patent number: 4872929
    Abstract: Disclosed is an explosive composition formed by a mixture of solid oxidizer salt and emulsion. In one aspect the emulsion contains no dissolved inorganic oxidizer salts in the aqueous phase. In another embodiment the emulsion contains an aqueous solution of less than a 75% saturated solution of oxidizer salt dissolved in the aqueous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Atlas Powder Company
    Inventor: John J. Mullay
  • Patent number: 4873629
    Abstract: A computer (20) is configured for optimizing the processing rate of instructions and the throughput of data. The computer (20) includes a main memory (99), a memory control unit (22), a physical cache unit (100), and a central processor (156). A instruction processing unit (126) is included within the central processor (156). The function of the instruction processing unit (126) is to decode instructions and produce instruction execution commands or directing the execution of the instructions within the central processor (156). Instructions are transferred from the main memory (99) into a register (180) where the address fields of the instructions are decoded to produce a cracked instruction and these instructions are stored in a logical instruction cache (210). As the cracked instructions are selected they are transferred to an output buffer and decoder (214) where the remaining fields of the instructions are decoded to produce instruction execution commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Convex Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Harris, David M. Chastain, Gary B. Gostin
  • Patent number: 4869529
    Abstract: A bookmark and page holding device is provided for automatically holding and marking a page of a book. A spring clip attaches the bookmark to the rear cover of a book. A spring-loaded swing arm is pivotally attached to the spring clip at one end and has a page holder plate pivotally attached to the other end. In one embodiment, the swing arm is lengthwise adjustable to accommodate various sizes of books. As the book page is turned, the page holder plate pivots up and away from the page, allowing the page holder plate to return to the next page under the action of the spring-loaded swing arm. In a second embodiment, the page holder plate can be removed from the device and replaced. In a preferred embodiment, the page holder has an arcuate, inwardly curving edge for engaging the edge of the turned page to facilitate its use with lightweight paper. The page holder plate marks the last page being read when the book is closed as well as when opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: Henry R. Hoffman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4869167
    Abstract: A variable speed oscillating roller assembly (10) is provided for use on a press. The roller (12) in the assembly can be adjusted to oscillate at a desired speed by adjusting the frictional engagement between the roller and a first sleeve (18). If desired, the oscillation of the roller can be halted by securing a second sleeve (60) to the shaft (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Royse Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose A. Villarreal
  • Patent number: 4868976
    Abstract: A tool (10) facilitates use of self-stripping electrical connectors (12). The connectors are formed into a string held within a holder (14) and indexed sequentially to the forward end of the body where an integral pair of crimping pliers (16) activates the first connector in the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventors: Valerian J. Schiller, Sr., Reuben W. Schiller
  • Patent number: 4867158
    Abstract: A hand held, self powered bone awl (10, 50) is disclosed which can be held in the hand of a surgeon for drilling holes through bone, such as the sternum bone during open heart surgery. In one embodiment, the awl is activated by a finger operated switch (38). In another embodiment, a pressure activated switch (52) operates the awl when the end of the bone awl bit (20) is pushed against the bone to be drilled. In either embodiment, a predetermined length (24) of the bit (20) is exposed to limit the depth of drilling to prevent damage to tissue behind the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: Winfred L. Sugg
  • Patent number: 4868742
    Abstract: A communication bus (14) provides bidirectional data communication between a computer (12) and various peripheral units including input/output processors (18, 20) and a service processor (22). The computer includes a memory control unit (24) which is connected to a memory array (26). A central processor unit (30) is connected for data exchange with the memory control unit (24). Data blocks are transferred through the bus (14) and either originate or terminate at the memory array (26). A peripheral unit, such as the processor (18) transfers a data block by first transferring a header parcel (146) which defines an address, block length and type of function. This is transmitted to the memory control unit (24) which carries out the desired data transfer by sending or receiving sequential data parcels. An interrupt bus (16) connects each of the units of the computer system (10) including the processors (18, 20, 22) and the central processing unit (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Convex Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Alan D. Gant, David A. Nobles, Thomas M. Jones, Arthur T. Kimmel
  • Patent number: 4865341
    Abstract: A trailer body (600) and pedestal (604) are provided where the pedestal supports an axle assembly (605) which is pivotally secured to the pedestal so that when the pedestal is in the forward position to permit trailer dumping, the axle assembly pivots about the pedestal to keep all wheels (612) on the ground. A safety plate (630) can be mounted between a frame and pedestal to prevent structure from being wedged between the transverse beams of the frame and pedestal as the pedestal slides relative to the frame. Also, a striker plate (616) is employed to prevent a locking wedge (622) from interfering with movement of the pedestal relative to the frame until the pedestal is either in the rearward position or in the forward position. A fender structure (614) is provided which acts as a fender when the pedestal is in the rearward position, but is not damaged as the pedestal moves to the forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventor: W. Glen Hicks
  • Patent number: 4865277
    Abstract: An aircraft flight control stick is mounted on a gimbal which provides left, right, forward and aft pivotal motion of the stick. A pivot member that is mechanically linked to the aircraft flight controls is attached to the gimbal through a uni-ball bearing which allows the pivot member to pivot independently of the control stick. A bell-shaped housing is slidably mounted on the control stick. The housing is spring-biased downward toward the pivot member so that a stud protruding upward from the pivot member plugs into a socket in the housing. A lever assembly mounted on the control stick and attached to the housing can be actuated to slide the housing away from the pivot member, thereby unplugging the stud from the socket to disengage the control stick from the aircraft flight controls. The downward facing housing circumscribes all possible motion of the stud while the control stick is disengaged. Release of the lever assembly allows a spring to urge the housing downward toward the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Smith, Frank Wolstencroft