Patents Represented by Attorney Robert C. Butler & Binion, L.L.P. Curfiss
  • Patent number: 5671666
    Abstract: A system for recycling cans includes a housing adapted for displaying promotional advertising, a deposit slot for receiving the cans and a discharge system for providing immediate payment for the recyclable cans. The system incorporates a rotating drum for receiving the cans and advancing the cans into a conduit where they are then transported to a crusher for compression and storage. A magnet associated with the drum maintains ferrous cans on the drum until they have passed the conduit opening for separating ferrous cans from non-ferrous, recyclable cans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Doug Wenglar
  • Patent number: 5628281
    Abstract: An energy efficient aquarium system with a separate cover wherein the lamp or lamps are located below the filters and filter ponds thus heating the filter pond bottom and sides to further heat the water contained in the filter ponds thus eliminating the need for a separate heater and further saving the energy required to heat the water as it flows into the aquarium. Floats each with a filter condition indicator bar are located in the filter ponds wherein the filter condition indicator bars extend through the cover and further indicate the condition of the filter as the water rises in the filter ponds due to the filters filling up with debris that restricts the flow of water passing through the filter; as the water rises in the filter ponds, the float rises and further causes the filter condition indicator to rise wherein it may easily be seen. When the filter condition indicator rises to a predetermined height, the owner of the aquarium would be given notice that the filters need to be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Scott A. Kelley
  • Patent number: 5608998
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of repair for manholes and other like tubular structures and is more specifically directed to a sectioned panel assembly which is premanufactured for installation within an existing manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: James M. Hume
  • Patent number: 5584178
    Abstract: A combustor for burning the untreated exhaust of an internal combustion engine heats and burns the exhaust prior to release into the atmosphere, or prior to introduction into a downstream treatment system such as a catalytic converter. The combustor defines a novel, passive flame holder in combination with an igniter, whereby the exhaust continues to burn, without assist, once ignited. Managed air injection may be employed. The combustor is configured to fit within standard exhaust systems with a minimum of modification to the overall exhaust assembly. The combustor is particularly useful in cold start conditions for increasing the temperature of the exhaust to catalytic converter operating temperatures and for use in small engine applications where exhaust has heretofore been released untreated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: David W. Naegeli, Michael E. Crane
  • Patent number: 5577996
    Abstract: A hand held massage device having a plurality of spheres adjustably mounted on an axial rod with enlarged grip handles mounted on the outer ends of the rod for rotation. The massage device is easy to use and, because the handles are in axial alignment with the massage spheres, allows the user to apply and direct the desired amount of pressure. The spheres of the massage device may be adjusted to various positions along the axis of the rod to comfort and to direct the massage to specific areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventors: Gary R. Gardner, James N. Kontaratos
  • Patent number: 5568741
    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: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Parsons
  • Patent number: 5567616
    Abstract: An irradiator includes a support structure for supporting and rotating a cylinder of the type used for treating fluids. The cylinder is hollow and is mounted for rotation about an inclined axis for permitting fluids such as blood constituents to flow by gravity downward along the internal peripheral wall of the cylinder. The angle of inclination, the drive speed and the thickness of the fluid film on the wall of the cylinder are controlled and variable in order to achieve consistent and predictable results during various treatment processes, and for critical in controlling the precise exposure of the fluid to the lamp. A unique collection cup is provided at the discharge end of the cylinder for receiving the discharged, treated fluid and the collection cup is designed to receive and seat one end of the lamp assembly. The cylinder is mounted on roller bearings having a resilient bearing surface for isolating potential external vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Dill Instruments
    Inventor: John J. Dill, II
  • Patent number: 5564407
    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. Movement of the string into the release mechanism 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Tru-Fire Corporation
    Inventor: Louis R. Linsmeyer
  • Patent number: 5558077
    Abstract: The bow string release includes a trigger mechanism which may be selectively operated in a push to fire or pull to fire manner. The sear mechanism in the release is adapted to pivot relative to the release body without the use of spherical bearing elements. The pull force of the trigger is adjustable in a direction orthogonal to the trigger travel. The release also includes a beard guard to minimize the tendency of a beard or hair from being caught in the release mechanism during firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Tru-Fire Corporation
    Inventor: Louis R. Linsmeyer
  • Patent number: D378065
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Jason E. Levy