Patents Represented by Attorney Robert B. Chickering

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  • Method and apparatus for operating a loudspeaker below resonant frequency
    Patent number: 4481662
    Abstract: A method for processing the audio signal in a loudspeaker system prior to delivery to the loudspeaker and the apparatus for such processing is disclosed. Uniform acoustic output with respect to frequency at frequencies below the resonant frequency of the loudspeaker system is achieved by changing the strength of the signal at a constant rate in inverse proportion to audio signal frequencies from a frequency below the resonant frequency to a frequency at least one octave above the resonant frequency. A method and apparatus for limiting the audio signal to prevent distortion is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Inventors: Edward M. Long, Ronald J. Wickersham
  • Bowling lane oil composition
    Patent number: 4478730
    Abstract: An oil composition for use on bowling lanes is disclosed in which an organic cationic compound such as a quaternary ammonium compound or a pseudo cationic compound is distributed substantially homogenously throughout an oil component. The resulting composition exhibits a high resistance to carry-down when bowling balls are repeatedly rolled over the oiled portion of the lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Assignee: Cedric P. Spellman
    Inventor: Robert J. O'Connor
  • Cargo shoring brace extensible foot assembly
    Patent number: 4473331
    Abstract: A cargo shoring device and foot assembly therefor is disclosed. The foot assembly includes a body formed for mounting to a cargo support member, an extensible element movably mounted to the body and carrying a wall engaging foot portion, manually engageable pivotally mounted lever formed and coupled for extension and retraction of the extensible element upon rotation of the lever and a latch element formed in the body to engage the lever when rotated to a position extending the extensible element. By the lever is mounted for movement into and out of engagement with the latch element by manipulating the lever laterally of the plane of rotation of the lever in order to enable manipulation of the lever by one hand of the operator to effect extension of the foot portion, latching and unlatching of the lever and retraction of the foot portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1984
    Assignee: Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation
    Inventor: Martin L. Wisecarver
  • Heat transfer panel and method
    Patent number: 4473066
    Abstract: A durable, low-cost, heat transfer panel of the type typically employed as a solar energy collector is disclosed. The panel includes a flow channel defining structure, preferably formed as a corrugated sheet and a superimposed flexible membrane, to which manifolds or headers are secured. The manifolds have mating corrugated surfaces that are interengaged with the corrugations on the panel sheet to provide transverse rigidity to the overall panel structure as well as distribution of heat transfer fluid to and from the panel. Modified forms of the panel are disclosed in which the panel includes a selective absorber and a venting structure. A method for blow-molding the manifold into mating interengagement with the corrugated support sheet of the panel is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1984
    Inventor: Peter C. Clark
  • Apparatus and method for providing useful audio feedback to users of arc welding equipment
    Patent number: 4471207
    Abstract: The user of electric arc welding equipment is provided with audible feedback signals which provide useful information relating to the output current and voltage of the welder. An audio tone is generated and is frequency modulated by a signal which corresponds to welder output voltage. The tone is amplitude modulated by a signal corresponding to output current thus providing the user with a synthesized feedback signal having a voltage-proportional pitch and current-proportional volume. Additional modulation means are disclosed for introducing a current-proportional warble component to said tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: Deep Ocean Engineering Incorporated
    Inventor: Graham S. Hawkes
  • Pneumatic cable tensioning apparatus and method for an aerial tramway or the like
    Patent number: 4470355
    Abstract: A cable tensioning apparatus and method for automatically maintaining and adjusting the tension forces in an endless cable for a ski lift, aerial tramway, etc. is disclosed. The apparatus includes a carriage on which the cable is carried, a pneumatic carriage displacement apparatus in the form of a piston and cylinder, a source of gas under pressure, and a regulator and relief valve connected to establish and maintain a pressure within the cylinder which falls between predetermined minimum and maximum pressures. As the aerial tramway is subject to passenger or cargo loading and ambient conditions which change the tension forces, the pressure in the pneumatic cylinder will vary within the preselected range, and upon a change in the tension force beyond the range, gas is automatically exhausted from or interjected into the pneumatic cylinder to maintain tension forces within the preselected range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Inventor: Jan K. Kunczynski
  • Laser control apparatus and method
    Patent number: 4468773
    Abstract: A laser control apparatus for use with a laser having output radiation including an intermodal beat frequency and electric signal responsive means for controlling the light frequency from the laser; radiation responsive electric signal means adapted for association with said radiation for providing an electric signal having a frequency as a function of said beat frequency; and means for sensing changes in phase of the aforementioned signal and providing a second electric signal varying as a function thereof and being adapted for connection to the electric signal responsive means. The apparatus also includes a phase comparator and circuitry providing a phase lock of the first-named and reference signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Inventor: Norman T. Seaton
  • Impact-type wire rope cutter with fragment guard
    Patent number: 4464963
    Abstract: An impact-type wire rope cutter is disclosed in which a slotted fragment guard is movably mounted to the body of the wire rope cutter. The slotted fragment guard slidably receives the cutting chisel therethrough, and it is formed so that it can be moved between an open position for receipt of a length of wire rope and a closed position immediately over the cutting area to prevent the direct expulsion or escape of fragments which can be produced by the cutting chisel during cutting. The fragment guard can be retrofit to existing cutters and easily replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Assignee: Morse-Starrett Products Company
    Inventor: John R. Paul
  • Material-handling apparatus and method
    Patent number: 4463845
    Abstract: A material-handling apparatus and method are disclosed for use in high-speed feeding of bar stock or the like to a precise registered position with respect to a machine tool. The apparatus includes a stop which senses the position of the material and is coupled to a controller for a high-speed conveyor. The stop causes disengagement of the high speed conveyor in advance of the registered position and simultaneously causes an inching device, such as a movable vise, to move into gripping engagement with the work piece. The inching vise brakes the speed or advancement of the stock to an inching speed, and when the stop senses advancement of the work piece to the registered position at the inching speed, the inching vise advancement is terminated. Reversing of the inching vise upon an overshoot is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Inventor: Gerald R. Harris
  • Load cell assembly for conveyor weighing of bulk material
    Patent number: 4463816
    Abstract: A bulk material weighing apparatus 10, according to the present invention, includes a weigh frame 12 that is suspended within a conveyor frame 20 by three load cells 14, 16, and 18. The weigh frame has idler rollers 50, 52, 54, and 56 that are so positioned to be level with respect to corresponding rollers 34 and 36 of the conveyor frame. A conveyor belt 22, for transporting the bulk material 24 to be weighed, is supported by the rollers of both the conveyor and the weigh frames. The weight of the material conveyed by the conveyor belt is transferred to the load cells by the weigh frame. Material weight is found by summing the force outputs of the three load cells. The load cells are preferably positioned such that each load cell reacts one third of the weight of the material when uniformly distributed upon the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: AutoWeigh Co.
    Inventor: John L. MacFarlane
  • Game ball
    Patent number: 4462589
    Abstract: A durable, composite safety ball is disclosed which is formed with a soft, resilient, substantially closed-cell plastic foam core. The safety ball, including the cover, has a type A durometer less than about 60 and preferably in the range of about 25 to about 45. Preferably the core is surrounded by an inner skin which is formed to substantially prevent the entry of water into the foam of the core and, together with an outer heavy, tightly knit nylon cover, to provide sufficient strength to hold the soft cellular plastic foam together as a unit. The soft foam core is preferably a urethane foam and enables the formation of balls which have a performance similar to regulation baseballs and softballs and yet will not produce a substantial risk of injury to players or risk of property damage. The composite safety ball is also sting-free and has a long useful life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Assignee: Incrediball, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Morgan
  • Rocker arm assembly for an aerial tramway
    Patent number: 4462314
    Abstract: A rocker arm assembly for support of the haul rope of an aerial tramway or the like is disclosed. The assembly includes rocker arms, rope supporting sheaves rotatably mounted to the rocker arms and cantilevered from an inwardly facing side of the rocker arms. The rocker arms are additionally formed with rope catching groove or recess positioned outwardly of the sheaves and having a configuration which will enable not only the rope, but a hanger arm and grip to pass over the rope catcher in the event that the haul rope derails from the sheaves. The rocker arm assembly also preferably includes a platform which acts as a mount for the rocker arms and can be used for maintainence and repair of the rocker arms and rope supporting sheaves. Additionally, the rocker arm assembly includes haul rope derailment responsive apparatus formed to shutdown the tramway operation upon derailment of the rope from the sheaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Inventor: Jan K. Kunczynski
  • Compact battery-powered headlamp
    Patent number: 4462064
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly 10 including an elastic headband 16 and a tubular shaped clip 14 adhesively bonded to the elastic headband. A commonly available flashlight 12 can be inserted into a holster-like clip for use as a headlamp, or alternatively, it can be withdrawn from the clip for use as a flashlight. When used as a headlamp, the clip positions the light source of the flashlight behind the user's eye 30 with its light beam 34 angled toward the line of sight 36 of the user. The user may direct the light beam by rotating the headband to the appropriate position. Grit particles within the tubular section 22 of the clip act to grasp and retain the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Inventor: Robert B. Schweitzer
  • Support and organizer for components of solar heating systems and the like
    Patent number: 4459971
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the support and organization in a compact and efficient manner of the various components required for a solar heating system. Of importance are a pair of elongated upstanding members mounted in spaced apart relation for positioning therebetween of a pair of superimposed pumps and unitarily mounted electric motor drives therefor. The upstanding members are formed with internal passages and ports for the close and compact support of the balance of the components required for the solar loop circuit and a heat exchanger heated fluid such as potable water or spa water or various combinations of heated fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Heliodyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Jurg H. Bieri, Thomas M. Ingraham
  • Electrical connector for luminous displays
    Patent number: 4460226
    Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed for luminous displays having one or more gaseous electric discharge tubes provided with electrode contact bearing ends and disposed within a letter or sign housing mounted at the exterior side of a building wall. An electrical housing for a high tension transformer and electrical raceway is mounted at the interior side of the wall and rigid metal conduits extend through the wall and have their opposite ends secured to and in communication with the interiors of the letter and transformer housings for accommodation of a high tension conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Hage Connectors, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Hageman
  • Nursing gown or garment
    Patent number: 4458365
    Abstract: A gown 19 for nursing mothers that includes a body portion 21 with sleeves 23 at each side. The body portion of the gown has an opening 27 down the back of the gown that is closed by closure ties 29 and 53. In the front of the gown, the body portion covers the patient's torso from the breasts downward. An upper portion 34 of the gown extends downward from the shoulders to the patient's waist and is sewn to the body portion of the gown in a region 39 adjacent to the patient's sternum. The upper portion forms two flaps 35 and 37 that extent downward from the sewn region. Access to the patient's breast is gained by simply raising a flap. Ties 47 and eyelets 51 are provided to secure the flaps in the raised position. Elastic 33 is sewn into the upper edge 31 of the front of the body portion to keep to gown in position under the patient's breasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Inventor: Mary E. Wood
  • Cargo bracing panel
    Patent number: 4456415
    Abstract: A cargo supporting device, preferably a partition-like member, is constructed for insertion in the interior of a cargo transporting container, such as a truck freight car, or marine cargo carrier, to support the cargo during movement of the container. The partition or bulkhead is constructed of any suitable stiff material and has positioned upon it a pair of foot assemblies at opposite edges disposed to frictionally engage opposite inner walls of the container. One of these foot assemblies includes an adjustable mechanism disposed to move a wall engaging bearing element or pad automatically against the container walls, to apply an increased bearing force to such walls, and to lock the foot assembly, and consequently lock the cargo support device, in a fixed position inside the container against the cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation
    Inventor: Roland R. Joice-Cavanagh
  • Device to locate communication satellites
    Patent number: 4454658
    Abstract: A device to locate the position of a communication satellite with respect to a specific site on the earth's surface including a transparent screen having markings to indicate the positions of one or more satellites for that site with respect to a horizontal platform and a north orientation, a table including an arcuate means to mount the screen, a wide-angle viewer fixed to the table with its axis perpendicular to the tangent of the arcuate means at its south position, a compass fixed to the table oriented with north-south parallel to the axis of the wide-angle viewer and a level to indicate when the tabletop is horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Inventors: Donald F. Lewis, deceased, by Sheri Lewis, administrator
  • Sail-attaching device
    Patent number: 4452164
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for attaching a sail to the mast of a sailing vessel, which will allow the sail luff to move laterally and forwardly of the stern side of the mast for improved air flow past the mast and sail. The device includes a follower for mounting on a vertical guide of a standard mast and provides in mast-mounted position a substantially horizontal track having a mid-portion at the stern side of the mast. The track is formed for reciprocation of a luff-attaching shackle between its opposite ends. The track opposite ends are positioned forwardly of the mid-portion and laterally of the mast in mast-mounted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1984
    Inventor: William L. Dejager
  • Tile removing tool
    Patent number: D273839
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Inventor: Eugene Anderson