Patents Represented by Attorney Richard P. Matthews
  • Patent number: 5178076
    Abstract: A bio-mass burner construction for alternate fuels at temperatures from about 1,800 degrees F. to about 2,800 degrees F. to replace oil and gas burners. The burner utilizes a first burning chamber having a falling fuel, entrained bed zone positioned above a traveling grate having a porous metallic woven belt. Primary air is directed through the porous belt to establish an oxygen-starved first burning chamber. A second burning chamber in fluid communication with the first burning chamber, but having a restricted diameter, effectively provides a hot air gas nozzle. The second burning chamber receives a superheated secondary air source from cored apertures in interfitting refractory block members which provide a refractory lining for a portion of the first burning chamber and receive heat from the first burning chamber to heat the secondary air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Inventors: David J. Hand, Calvin H. Hand, Jr., Stan E. Abrams
  • Patent number: 5170810
    Abstract: A sliding tray assembly is disclosed comprising a pair of spaced support rails which are interconnected by means of a connecting bar and which can be easily secured to a pair of spaced, substantially upright legs of a walker or other like object. The tray assembly itself is attached to the legs so as to extend forwardly thereof in order to prevent the tray assembly form obstructing the use of the object. The tray assembly further includes a pair of guide rail members which are respectively secured to the spaced support rails. The guide rails define guide channels within which a tray is removably, slidably mounted. The tray can be selectively secure within the channels along the length of the guide rails to position the tray in various operating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: Margaret T. Chapin
  • Patent number: 5094352
    Abstract: A portable rack for holding pots and pans and the like. Two pair of main frame leg members slope inwardly toward each other and are provided with swivel casters to provide portability. Each pair of leg members supports a peg board to which pots and pans are attached by conventional hooks. A top closure member is positioned at the top of the inwardly sloping leg members. At least two shelf members are provided between the sloping leg members. An interior retaining slot for cookie sheets and lids for the pots and pans is provided at each end of each shelf defined by portions of the peg board members, the shelves themselves and an additional retaining strip secured to inside surfaces of the leg members and spaced vertically from the shelf members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventors: James F. Green, Sr., Annie L. Green
  • Patent number: 5058774
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting and collecting spilled fuel products from fuel dispensers of the type that are customarily mounted on a raised concrete island. One or more deflectors are mounted within a casing for the fuel dispenser at an elevation higher than the raised island. The deflectors serve to redirect the spilled fuel onto the top of the raised island so that the existence of the spilled fuel may be detected and corrected. It is possible for the deflectors to include channel members and for the spilled fuel to be delivered to more than one location on the island. In another embodiment of the invention, the spilled fuel product is conveyed to a flame and vapor safe container for disposal or recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventors: Earl D. Hartman, Walter F. Atkins
  • Patent number: 5056745
    Abstract: A geared head for a camera having a pan gearing means and a tilting means, the tilting means being mounted on the pan gearing means and having a mounting arm rotatably connected on the riser and rotatable about 360.degree.. The camera is mounted on a mounting plate attached to the mounting arm, the height of the mounting plate being adjustable so that the center of gravity of the camera may be positioned along the axis of rotation of the mounting arm. Once the camera is balanced on the mounting plate, the camera is neutrally balanced throughout its tilt range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Flight Research
    Inventor: Richard Gelbard
  • Patent number: 5054981
    Abstract: A screw and toggle fastener in which the toggle member is formed from spring steel so as to be flexible but non-expandable. The toggle member is provided with a centrally located aperture to permit the threaded insertion of a screw member. The toggle member has a leading portion with respect to the central aperture which may be provided with a pointed leading edge to facilitate insertion through a member to which it is to be attached. A trailing portion of the toggle member is arcuately deformed out of the plane of the leading portion by an amount which permits pivotal movement of the toggle member with respect to the axis of the screw member so that it forms a bridging contact with the threads of the screw member when the toggle member is at right angles to the screw member after passing through the members being fastened together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Edwin F. Schnedl
  • Patent number: 5031253
    Abstract: A method of making a sanitary toilet anti-splash and silencer device and an article produced thereby. A floatable member is formed from two or more layers or sheets of biodegradable paper. The layers are joined together by an adhesive pattern which establishes individual compartments between the layers. A gas forming agent is placed in at least a plurality of the compartments. The gas forming agent releases a gas such as CO.sub.2 when exposed to water thereby providing buoyancy when the device is placed on the water in a toilet. The device may have a target indicia imprinted thereon and it may be provided with a paper strip or string so that the device may be positioned or held in place in the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Dirck L. Brendlinger
  • Patent number: 4987720
    Abstract: A non-skid holder for shingles for use on a pitched roof and method of making it. The holder is made from sheet metal and has one end upturned to a position at right angles thereto in order to guide shingles placed thereon. A handle is secured to the upturned end and to the underside of the metallic sheet. The handle provides additional lateral support for the holder when positioned on a roof in the event of tipping of the holder. The holder is provided with a non-skid undersurface by securing a rubberized or plastic material thereto. Preferably, the non-skid surface material is adhesively bonded to the undersurface of the holder and is wrapped in continuous fashion around the corner between the upturned end and the bottom of the holder. In one form of the invention, the non-skid surface covers the entire bottom surface of the holder and in another form the non-skid surface is applied as strips along the marginal undersurface of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Inventor: John C. Wozney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4961599
    Abstract: A sealing gland construction for use in connection with hydraulic unit joints. Receptacles are provided at the joint for enlarged and compressible heads disposed on each end of the sealing gland. One receptacle is located on an inner wall of a female or bell end of one pipe and another receptacle is located on the exterior wall or a male or spigot end of an adjacent pipe. The enlarged heads of the sealing gland extend perimetrally around their associated female and male ends of the pipe and are adhesively secured within the receptacles. By making the compressible heads larger than the dimensions of the receptacle they are maintained under compression both horizontally and vertically. In the assembled joint position, the male end and its receptacle have been inserted into the female end past its receptacle so as to effect a fluid seal which is encased within the walls of said pipes and which remains sealed even in the event of a slight discoupling of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Inventors: Oliver S. Delery, Jr., William T. Burt
  • Patent number: 4942669
    Abstract: An apparatus for locating and guiding a dipstick used to measure the level of oil in a crankcase of an automobile engine and for wiping excess or residual oil from the dipstick. For existing vehicles, an adaptor is provided which is secured to the exterior of a dipstick tube. The adaptor has a lower section which engages the dipstick tube, an intermediate seciton to receive a cap member for the tube, and an upwardly extending funnel-shaped top section serving as an easy locator for the lower end of the dipstick. The upper edge of the funnel-shaped top section is provided with one or more wiper slots to wipe residual oil from the dipstick. For new automobiles, the dipstick tube is formed with a flared-funnel top which preferably terminates in a cylindrical vertical wall in which at least one wiper slot is provided. The handle of the dipstick is provided with a plug-like member from which the dipstick is subtended and which also carries a cover member to prevent excessive oil contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Inventor: Edwin F. Schnedl
  • Patent number: 4926326
    Abstract: A coin-operated message display system used by the public under the control or censorship of a system operator. Typical uses are in skating rinks, convention halls, stadiums and other public gathering places. The user inserts a coin, dollar bill or combination thereof to activate the message insertion process. A joy stick controls movement of a cursor to position it over a letter or symbol to be selected in forming the message. An input button is depressed to make an individual selection so as to fill spaces on a matrix in sequential fashion. A delete button and a backspace button facilitate changes and corrections. When the desired message is completed, the user has the option of selecting how the message will enter and exit the display board. The user then presses the transmit button. This signals the system operator at the main central processing unit who reads the message and either approves or disapproves the message. If approved, the message is stored in a memory unit for display in time sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventor: Robert E. McKinley
  • Patent number: 4909413
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for dispensing rubber gloves in an aseptic condition for insertion of the hands of a user. The gloves to be dispensed are contained within a chamber in a suitable housing provided with hand holes for a user. The gloves are attached to a continuous web of material provided with an aperture at each glove attachment for insertion of a hand of the user. Each glove is covered by a packaging film that is lightly perforated at each glove. The gloves are fed intermittently into registry with the hand holes in the housing. The user activates a vacuum pressure which is in fluid communication with the hand holes causing the gloves to expand and rupture through the film of packaging material. The user inserts his hands, deactivates the vacuum pressure, thrusts his hands further into the housing to detach a temporary retention of the gloves and removes his hands from the housing with the gloves aseptically applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Medical Implements, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond L. McCutcheon
  • Patent number: 4896092
    Abstract: A voltage regulator for AC single phase and three phase systems. An output voltage is controlled by controlling a preset stepped addition to or subtraction from the input voltage. The controlled addition or subtraction is performed by a series injection transformer whose secondary is in series with the input voltage and whose primary is controlled by a microprocessor based switch matrix. The switch matrix imposes various voltage levels and phasing on the primary winding so as to produce a regulated system output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Power Distribution, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon E. Flynn
  • Patent number: 4885492
    Abstract: A rotary power module construction especially useful in computer room application. A motor-generator set consisting of an induction motor and synchronous generator is mounted vertically and a direct drive is provided between the components by an electrically insulating coupling. A flywheel is mounted on a shaft of the synchronous generator to provide a maximum ride through condition for short term power outages. A plurality of spider-like leg members envelop the flywheel providing retainment protection for the flywheel as well as providing a suitable support for the synchronous generator. The spider-like leg members are anchored to a plate member which is secured to a non-rotating part of the induction motor. The motor-generator set is encased within a housing that is serviced only from the front of the housing, thereby occupying a minimum amount of space in the computer room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: United Power Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Van Sickle
  • Patent number: 4832046
    Abstract: Urine specimen containers combined with a temperature sensitive member which is capable of signalling a spurious urine specimen when placed in a sufficiently close heat exchange relationship with a urine specimen. The temperature sensitive member contains portions which change color irreversibly at preselected temperatures when placed in sufficiently close heat exchange relationship with a urine specimen. The temperatures at which the irreversible color changes are made are selected slightly below normal body temperature and slightly in excess of normal body temperature such as from about 90.degree. F. to about 100.degree. F. The urine specimen collector itself includes a bowl-shaped member with an integral handle. The bowl-shaped member is contoured to fit in close proximity to the body of the user. A cover member is pivotally attached to the handle and functions as a splash guard for the user. The cover member also has a raised boss terminating in an open top to permit urination through the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Medical Implements, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Parrish
  • Patent number: 4763362
    Abstract: A Velcro latching device for a torroidal toilet seat and a toilet seat cover. In a first embodiment an elongated attaching strap has one end adhesively secured to an upper surface to a toilet seat cover and a Velcro attaching device at its free end. A Velcro patch member is adhesively secured to the lower surface of the toilet seat cover to receive the Velcro attaching device on its exposed surface. The elongated attaching strap is sufficiently long to be looped over the toilet seat so as to engage the Velcro patch member and thereby secure the toilet seat to the cover member when each are in a raised position. In the second embodiment, the elongated strap is adhesively secured to the under surface of the toilet seat cover and the Velcro patch member is adhesively secured to the upper surface of the toilet seat cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Inventor: Lee B. Eure
  • Patent number: 4674242
    Abstract: A special stud which permits drywall installation on walls and ceiling surfaces independent of the structural qualities of the synthetic plastic material used in building panels. A stud member is positioned between adjacent building panel members which are preformed to form conduits in both the wall and ceiling members. Male attaching members such as lag screws or nails are partially inserted into the stud members so that their heads remain in the conduits to permit fastening thereto of column or roof beam structural steel members as well as rebar members. Furring strip members may be attached to the inside of the studs so that drywall members may be attached to the furring strip members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: High Tech Homes, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Oboler, John M. Schram
  • Patent number: 4649919
    Abstract: A hand held surgical instrument for use in removing body tissue from a human body. It is particularly useful in arthroscopic surgery of joints such as of the knee or shoulder, but may also be used to remove tissue from the stomach, abdomen, jaw or other portions of the body. An auger-like helical cutter is motor driven at speeds in excess of 1,000 rpm within a stationary outer cylindrical sheath member. The helical cutter is ground to provide a generally concave distal end which gives it a generally fish-tailed appearance and the ability to cut endwise, i.e., to effect an axial boring cut. In addition, the cylindrical sheath member is provided with a pair of longitudinally extending, diametrically opposed tab members at its distal end. Each of the tabs has at least one longitudinally extending edge thereof ground to provide a cutting edge which co-acts with the auger-like cutter blade to sever body tissue insertable between the tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Precision Surgical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Thimsen, Terry L. Whipple, Richard B. Caspari
  • Patent number: D303572
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Medical Implements, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Parrish
  • Patent number: D303573
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Medical Implements, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Parrish