Patents Represented by Attorney Robert C. Butler & Binion Curfiss
  • Patent number: 5662082
    Abstract: A pre-combustion chamber is adapted to be installed in the spark plug well of an existing engine. The pre-combustion chamber includes an inner combustion chamber housing and an outer cooling jacket housing. The two housing are assembled in such a manner to permit movement therebetween during thermal cycling to minimize stress and fatigue fracture. A resilient seal is installed between the housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Compressor Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Art Black, Tom Riggs
  • Patent number: 5526796
    Abstract: A fuel injector valve controls both the metered flow of fuel and the metered flow of air into a mixing chamber, permitting intermittent, cyclic flow of both air and fuel into the chamber. The controlled cycling of both the air and fuel flow permits optimization of fuel performance. A single action valve and a dual action valve are disclosed. The air flow and fuel flow may be independently adjusted for maximum flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Robert H. Thring, Evan S. Guy
  • Patent number: 5518033
    Abstract: An inspection plug assembly includes an elastomeric outer sleeve which may be compressed into the skin of an insulating jacket for forming a seal between the assembly and the jacket by mechanically anchoring the assembly to the jacket, without requiring the use of adhesives. The plug includes pull tabs to facilitate removal of the plug from the sleeves. A lanyard may be attached to the plug and the jacket without disturbing the sealing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Sepco Industries
    Inventor: James Webster
  • Patent number: 5516313
    Abstract: A fire fighting accessory for diverting the water flow generated by a jet propulsion system from the drive unit to a fire fighting implement, the accessory specifically designed to be attached to an existing drive system in a noninterfering relationship with the steering nozzle of the jet. The accessory may be mounted either downstream or upstream of the jet outlet and is controllable from within the vessel. In one embodiment, the accessory coupler is moved into and out of engagement with the drive unit. In an alternative embodiment, a valve system is used to direct water into either the jet outlet or the accessory coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Anthony P. Lumpkin
  • Patent number: 5509581
    Abstract: A chemical irritant dispenser includes an in line nozzle, chemical canister and actuator, whereby the dispenser may held in the palm of the hand with the actuator between the thumb and forefinger and the nozzle at the heel of the hand, the dispenser further including a safety lock at the actuator end, the safety lock configured to be moved between the latched and unlatched positions by an upward movement of the thumb and the actuator configured to be operated by a forward movement of the thumb, without repositioning the dispenser in the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures
    Inventor: Kevin L. Parsons
  • Patent number: 5509653
    Abstract: A plurality of accessories which may be assembled in a kit in a compact carrying case for modifying an expandable baton for multiple uses. The kit includes two expandable batons, a coupler, interchangeable tips and a carrying case. Each expandable baton includes a telescoping end with a removable tip and a handle with a threaded end covered by an endcap. The removable tip is specifically designed to include a circumferential resilient member which prevents the tip from accidently disengaging from the baton while being easily interchangeable. The coupler is readily secured to the threaded end of each baton to form a riot control device which is expanded by a rapid single twisting motion. The baton may also be modified for use as a search tool by replacing the interchangeable tip of the baton with any of a plurality of interchangeable tips. The interchangeable tips may also be used with a shorter baton, such as a keyring baton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Parsons
  • Patent number: 5505094
    Abstract: A test block and method of testing for law enforcement personnel to quickly and easily test the strength of and gauge the dimensions of a handcuff key before it is used in actual handcuffs. The block has an opening in its center which receives the latch tab end of the key and also serves as a gauge for the maximum permissible dimensions of a handcuff key. To test the key, the officer inserts the latch tab end in the opening and exerts pressure on the key with his thumb while holding the block in a stable position. The test block has a thickness which is sufficient to hold the key in the test block as it is being tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Parsons
  • Patent number: 5460022
    Abstract: A device for concealing, storing and permitting ready access to and use of a handcuff key which is not readily identifiable as a key holder but is easily retrieved and utilized by law enforcement personnel. The handcuff key is camouflaged and concealed in a variety of devices, such as a ball point pen enclosure, a pocket knife holder and a rectangular case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Parsons
  • Patent number: 5458691
    Abstract: An umbilical is flushed with a fluid to wash out any permeants in the interstices within the umbilical core. A housing may be installed on an open end of the core with the flushing fluid introduced therein, the core elements passing through the housing. In a free-flooding umbilical installation, the flushing fluid may be gravity drained from the top of the umbilical. In other installations, the flushing fluid may be introduced under pressure. Bactericides and other active agents may be added to the flushing fluid, as desired. The flushing fluid is released from the opposite end of the core and may be captured for disposal, recycled, or released into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Multiflex, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles K. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5451162
    Abstract: A mock weapon is cast in a non-metallic material from a master mold made directly from a standard issue side arm weapon, providing a mock weapon having the same size, shape and feel as the standard issue weapon for law enforcement training exercises. This provides law enforcement personnel with a training weapon which is safe to use, while conforming to the feel of a standard issue weapon for enhancing the training exercises in the proper and proficient handling of a specific, standard issue side arm weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Armament Systems & Procedures
    Inventor: Kevin Parsons
  • Patent number: 5449104
    Abstract: A baton carrier for expandable batons is constructed for receiving and stowing expandable batons when in either the retracted or expanded position. The baton is received in a cylindrical holder having a bottom constructed such that a retracted baton cannot pass through the bottom when retracted, but the inner shafts of the baton can pass through the bottom when extended. A friction shoe positively secures the baton in the holder by pushing against the baton. A cinch bar is used to selectively lock the friction shoe. A belt attachment assembly secures the holder to the belt of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Armament Systems & Procedures
    Inventors: Kevin L. Parsons, Jerome J. Weber
  • Patent number: 5417197
    Abstract: A caliper type bow string release includes a reversible trigger which is operable selectively in either the push fire mode or the pull fire mode. The caliper jaws of the release include automatic alignment and locking features, whereby movement of the string into a retaining notch engages the automatic locking mechanism and closes the release into a string retaining position until the release is fired by activation of the trigger. A complex cam surface is provided on the actuator for permitting incremental linear adjustment of the trigger force. In one embodiment, each jaw includes an arcuate socket in alignment with a complementary socket on the opposing jaw. A spherical member is received in the sockets. A head is secured to the spherical member and extends into the retaining notch; placement of the string against the head pivots the jaws to the closed position. In another embodiment, each jaw includes an arcuate synchronizing tab to be received in a concave arcuate recess in the complementary jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Tru-Fire Corporation
    Inventor: Herbert A. Bankstahl
  • Patent number: 5414147
    Abstract: A method for improving the conversion of isobutylene in the MTBE reaction process while simultaneously producing a substantially methanol-free MTBE utilizes an increased methanol to isobutylene molar ratio in the reaction process and methanol-free C4 hydrocarbons as reflux. The use of a methanol-free C4 hydrocarbon stream as reflux eliminates the excess methanol generated by increasing the methanol to isobutylene molar ratio without requiring a higher reflux ratio or changing operating conditions. The method permits isobutylene conversion of more than 98% while producing a purified MTBE with less than 0.5% methanol content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Global Octanes Corporation
    Inventor: Kunio Koga
  • Patent number: 5409244
    Abstract: A plateless snowboard binding device is designed to eliminate use of base plates in connection with snowboard bindings and allows the snowboarder to exercise maximum control over the speed and direction of the board. The plateless binding device is lightweight and does not promote snow and ice buildup around the boot area. The device includes a flexible strap designed to stay upright for ready fastening and a hinged high-back support for easy transporting and stowing of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Young
  • Patent number: 5407197
    Abstract: A plurality of accessories which may be assembled in a kit in a compact carrying case for modifying an expandable baton for multiple uses. The kit includes two expandable batons, a coupler, interchangeable tips and a carrying case. Each expandable baton includes a telescoping end with a removable tip and a handle with a threaded end covered by an endcap. The removable tip is specifically designed to include a circumferential resilient member which prevents the tip from accidently disengaging from the baton while being easily interchangeable. The coupler is readily secured to the threaded end of each baton to form a riot control device which is expanded by a rapid single twisting motion. The baton may also be modified for use as a search tool by replacing the interchangeable tip of the baton with any of a plurality of interchangeable tips. The interchangeable tips may also be used with a shorter baton, such as a keyring baton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures
    Inventor: Kevin L. Parsons
  • Patent number: 5407564
    Abstract: A closed loop liquid treatment system for removing particulate matter and hydrocarbon waste from a contaminated liquid uses passive filtering systems in combination with an active microbe solution to remove particulate matter and to reduce hydrocarbons to fatty acids and carbon dioxide. A plurality of like stages may be employed to enhance the process. The treated liquid may be used in a closed loop system including a work station to which the liquid is recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Turf Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald B. Thrailkill
  • Patent number: D375578
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Dalal Kanafani Hibri
    Inventors: Dalal K. Hibri, David A. Monroe, Chris N. Lenart, Beth K. Mosher, Bryan F. Howell, David R. Davis