Patents Represented by Attorney Robert A. de Groot
  • Patent number: 5037162
    Abstract: A universally adjustable truck utility tray having heated cupholders, a low-intensity light, and a novel interlocking cup base that prevents tipping and spilling of beverages. The tray mounts on a vertically telescoping stand and also has horizontally adjustable and swiveling brackets to place the tray in a convenient reachable position adjacent a vehicle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ransom
  • Patent number: 5036012
    Abstract: An apparatus for the biodegradation of toxic organic solvents contained in liquid scintillation cocktail (LSC) wastes is disclosed, as well as a method for its operation. Additionally, a novel microorganism, Pseudomonas sp NRRL B-18435, is disclosed for the biodegradation of the organic solvents contained in such wastes. The apparatus is capable of operating with solvent concentrations greater than 5,000 ppm and emulsifier concentrations greater than 2,000 ppm. Rates of solvent biodegradation range from 0.095 mg/L.min to about 7.0 mg/L.min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Inventors: James H. Wolfram, Robert D. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5036015
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a planar endpoint on a semiconductor wafer during chemical/mechanical planarization of the wafer. The planar endpoint is detected by sensing a change in friction between the wafer and a polishing surface. This change of friction may be produced when, for instance, an oxide coating of the wafer is removed and a harder material is contracted by the polishing surface. In a preferred form of the invention, the change in friction is detected by rotating the wafer and polishing surface with electric motors and measuring current changes on one or both of the motors. This current change can then be used to produce a signal to operate control means for adjusting or stopping the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gurtej S. Sandhu, Laurence D. Schultz, Trung T. Doan
  • Patent number: 5019798
    Abstract: A warning device that is removably affixed to overhead loads which are moved by an overhead crane. The warning device has a rotating beacon light and a horn, both activated by a switch and powered by internal batteries. The device is attached to steel loads with magnets or to non-metallic loads with straps and is activated whenever the load is raised and in motion. The device is removed from the when the load arrives at its destination load and is then stored by attaching the device to the crane hook with a safety cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Wayne H. Pherigo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5016542
    Abstract: A closed loop transit system that transports passengers in vehicles to a destination of their choice where they exit a main line to a shunt line and station. The system has automatic means for bypassing vehicles past stations that are full and moving excess empty vehicles from one station to a next station that does not have excess vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Bruce Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5012664
    Abstract: An apparatus, and method of using the apparatus for forming multiple bends in the lead wires of a multiple lead integrated circuit package. The apparatus comprises cooperating first form punches which provide a first bend in the lead wires, and a plurality of second form punches and anvils to provide a second bend in the lead wires. The lead wires are held by a clamp mechanism during the bending process so as to prevent damage to the package. The integrated circuit package is provided in a lead frame strip which is indexed through the apparatus so that a plurality of packages are worked at each of the three different positions. A misfeed mechanism is provided to shut down power to the device in the event of a misfeed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Hembree
  • Patent number: 5005619
    Abstract: A combination finger joint cutter head having a pair of adjustable cutter assemblies, that cut a plurality of finger joints in an end of a wood piece, and a pair of adjustable trim knives, wherein a single adjusting means extends or retracts the pair of knives, thereby changing the finger joint length slightly to either loosen or tighten the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Ace Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Raliegh J. Jensen
  • Patent number: 4999919
    Abstract: An archer's bow pin sight device having a combination of vertical bands and horizontal bands in conjunction with typical sight pins commonly used on bows, so as to provide bracketing lines on either side of sight pins and target or bracketing lines above and below the pin and target or both side and top and bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventor: Frank Sparkman
  • Patent number: 4999921
    Abstract: An adjustable spirit level having a plurality of spirit levels therein. A first spirit level measures vertical orientation, a second adjustable spirit level is adjustable to a true horizontal position, and a third spirit level is adjustable to any desired position between vertical and horizontal. The second level may be adjusted with a rotatable cam-shaped end piece secured within the level body, while the third level is ratcheted to a predetermined angle. The third level may be held in place by a spring member biasing the level against the level body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventors: James M. Bird, Dennis K. Hendricks