Patents Represented by Attorney Robert Platt Bell
  • Patent number: 6926241
    Abstract: A number of roofing accessories, including a lightweight adjustable ladder and scaffold support are disclosed. The scaffold support includes a pair of rails at the standard spacing of most roof joists. Rods, connected to the rails, support an adjustable platform. An apparatus is also provided for supporting loads of materials or supplies on an inclined roof, using components and parts in common with the scaffold support, or components and parts similar thereto. A tool tray is provided which may be backed with a layer of foam to prevent the tray from slipping off the roof, while allowing the tray to be freely moved along and up and down the roof, as work progresses. In another embodiment of the present invention, a cooling system is provided to spray water on the face and neck area of an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Roofmates, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Garrett
  • Patent number: 6913116
    Abstract: The present invention provides a roll-edge stamped metal drip tray with a wire retaining bar hinged at one end and secured at another end by a locking slot. The wire retaining bar holds an absorbent material in the drip pan. The wire retaining bar may be provided at a distance away from the edge of the drip pan to as to prevent the absorbent material from blowing out of the pan. The wire retaining bar may be released from its locking slot an one end, and the bar hinged upwards to a substantially vertical position, where the wire retaining bar is prevented from falling backwards by bends in the retaining bar hinge portion. Once an absorbent material is inserted into the pan, the wire retaining bar may be lowered into position and locked into place using one or more locking slots which accept a suitably formed wire portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Elliot W. Lee
  • Patent number: 6885340
    Abstract: The surveillance system provides a means to augment Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) with “look alike ADS-B” or “pseudo ADS-B” surveillance transmissions for aircraft which may not be ADS-B equipped. The system uses ground based surveillance to determine the position of aircraft not equipped with ADS-B, then broadcasts the identification/positional information over the ADS-B data link. ADS-B equipped aircraft broadcast their own position over the ADS-B data link. The system enables aircraft equipped with ADS-B and Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) to obtain surveillance information on all aircraft whether or not the proximate aircraft are equipped with ADS-B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Rannoch Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander E. Smith, Bennett Cohen
  • Patent number: 6879163
    Abstract: A device for the automatic control of joints 5 in electrical high voltage lines is disclosed. It comprises a first support 1, a first wheel 2, for lying on a line 4, a driver for driving the first wheel 2, at least one second wheel 3 for lying on the line 4, a measurement unit 11, in contact with a device for measurement of physical data at the joint. The device includes at least one pointed element 7,8,9 for electrical contact with the line 4. The device is especially characterized in that at least one wheel 2,3 is provided electrically connected to the measurement unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Vatten Fall AB
    Inventor: Jonas Örmin
  • Patent number: 6812890
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for generating landing fee and other airport service bills automatically. The system automatically detects aircraft N-number from air traffic control voice data using a voice recognition system and determines aircraft landing and departure events from one or more remote sensor units which determine aircraft vicinity or actual aircraft track. From the landing and departure data and the voice-recognized registration number, the system automatically bills aircraft owners for landing fees based upon this voice recognition as well as upon aircraft position detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Rannoch Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander E. Smith, Robert Bradley
  • Patent number: 6786036
    Abstract: The present invention relates to turbine fan aircraft use. In particular, the present invention is directed toward a turbine fan driven by a piston or rotary (e.g., Wankel) engine. The present invention makes possible the most flexible and effective installation of a ducted fan with a fixed horsepower source, namely a conventional internal combustion engine. Effectiveness being defined as full utilization of the engine's available horsepower at the chosen flight points. In a further embodiment of the present invention, a novel heat exchanger may be provided which removes waste heat with minimal drag while boosting the fan system's effective thermal efficiency by increasing the enthalpy of the working fluid. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, bypass air from the turbine may be used to supercharge the piston or rotary engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Matthew Scott Kight
  • Patent number: 6762988
    Abstract: A CD Card for packaging card like information and digital information in the basic dimensions (length and width) of a business, credit or collectors card. The CD Card is made up of one, two, or three major components. The first component is a small compact disc with dimensions small enough to be contained within the typical dimensions (length and width) of a business card, credit card, or collectors card. The second component is a container shaped like a business, credit, or collectors card in length and width, but with a depth large enough to hold the small compact disc and adaptor (if required) discussed subsequently. The third component is an adaptor designed to position the small compact disc of the first and third embodiments of the present invention correctly in standard CD drives. A second embodiment of the small compact disc may not require an adaptor or case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: David B. Wood
  • Patent number: 6745869
    Abstract: A number of roofing accessories, including a lightweight adjustable ladder and scaffold support are disclosed. The scaffold support is provided with a pair of rails spaced the standard spacing of most roof joists. Connected to the rails through suitable holes and slots, are rods supporting an adjustable platform. One of the rods may be placed through a corresponding slot to achieve a suitable angle of adjustment corresponding to roof incline. An apparatus is also provided for supporting loads of materials or supplies on an inclined roof, using components and parts in common with the scaffold support, or components and parts similar thereto. A tool tray is provided which may be backed with a layer of foam to prevent the tray from slipping off the roof, while allowing the tray to be freely moved along and up and down the roof, as work progresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Roofmates, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert Garrett
  • Patent number: 6681212
    Abstract: Copyrighted software may be executed only on an authorized computer by using a protection mechanism to restrain software to a designated machine. The protection mechanism includes a CIN (Computer Identification Number) reader and a CIN verifier. The CIN reader comprises a function call which reads CINs from the computer where the copyrighted software is intended to execute, and a converter which converts CINs to encrypted CINs. The CIN verifier comprises the encrypted authorized CINs and logic. The CIN may comprise the serial number of a computer chip, the serial number of a hard disk, the serial number of a computer operating system or the like. Protection mechanisms may be integrated into the copyrighted software at stop points by compiling the software source code or revising the executable code of the software. When the resulting protected software is processed on a computer, the protection mechanisms are executed at the stop points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Nianning Zeng
  • Patent number: 6675744
    Abstract: A decorative animal collar having “mood stones” which are in contact with the body of a pet. Specifically, the invention is directed to an animal collar containing encapsulated or artificial stones containing cholesteric liquid crystals called “mood stones” that can identify the mood of an animal based on changes in body temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Michele Levan
  • Patent number: 6661197
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery which may be used with most presently available hearing aids (or other appliances) with no modification to the existing hearing aid is needed in order to use the described wireless charging system. The battery may be known a “Dynamic battery” as the battery is actively charged by means of an inductor circuit built into the battery housing itself or added onto the battery. The hearing aid may simply be placed within the charger housing (or cradle) to charge the battery. No electrical connection by either wires or electrical contacts is needed to recharge the battery, which is located inside the hearing aid housing. Moreover, the battery need not be removed from the hearing aid (or other appliance).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventors: Uwe Zink, Gary Skuro
  • Patent number: 6637447
    Abstract: The present invention provides a small umbrella (“Beerbrella”) which may be removably attached to a beverage container in order to shade the beverage container from the direct rays of the sun. The apparatus comprises a small umbrella approximately five to seven inches in diameter, although other appropriate sizes may be used within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Suitable advertising and/or logos may be applied to the umbrella surface for promotional purposes. The umbrella may be attached to the beverage container by any one of a number of means, including clip, strap, cup, foam insulator, or as a coaster or the like. The umbrella shaft may be provided with a pivot to allow the umbrella to be suitably angled to shield the sun or for aesthetic purposes. In one embodiment, a pivot joint and counterweight may be provided to allow the umbrella to pivot out of the way when the user drinks from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventors: Mason Schott McMullin, Robert Platt Bell, Mark Andrew See
  • Patent number: 6636017
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery which may be used with most presently available hearing aids (or other appliances) with no modification to the existing hearing aid is needed in order to use the described wireless charging system. The battery may be known a “Dynamic battery” as the battery is actively charged by means of an inductor circuit built into the battery housing itself or added onto the battery. The hearing aid may simply be placed within the charger housing (or cradle) to charge the battery. No electrical connection by either wires or electrical contacts is needed to recharge the battery, which is located inside the hearing aid housing. Moreover, the battery need not be removed from the hearing aid (or other appliance).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: Uwe Zink, Gary Skuro
  • Patent number: 6633259
    Abstract: The surveillance system provides a means to augment Automatic, Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) with “look alike ADS-B” or “pseudo ADS-B” surveillance transmissions for aircraft which may not be ADS-B equipped. The system uses ground based surveillance to determine the position of aircraft not equipped with ADS-B, then broadcasts the identification/positional information over the ADS-B data link. ADS-B equipped aircraft broadcast their own position over the ADS-B data link. The system enables aircraft equipped with ADS-B and Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) to obtain surveillance information on all aircraft whether or not the proximate aircraft are equipped with ADS-B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Rannuch Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander E. Smith, Carl Evers
  • Patent number: 6594716
    Abstract: An integrated data storage control system provides, in a single integrated circuit, RDC, servo logic, ATA interface, microprocessor, and other formerly discrete components in one highly integrated system design. The integrated circuit is rendered using a single integrated circuit technology type (e.g., digital CMOS) for all components. Analog and digital circuits are combined in such a way as to eliminate or reduce noise or interference in digital circuits from analog circuit components. Individual elements may have their outputs and inputs MUXed together such that individual elements can be selectively switched (during testing modes) such that the integrated circuit emulates or behaves in the same or similar manner as one of the prior art components. The present invention may be applied to magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs) or other types of storage devices such as floppy disk controllers, optical disk drives (e.g., CD-ROMs and the like), tape drives, and other data storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Siamack Nemazie, Kaushik Popat, Balaji Virajpet, William R. Foland, Jr., Roger McPherson, Maoxin Wei, Vineet Dujari, Shiang-Jyh Chang
  • Patent number: 6584723
    Abstract: A pole handling apparatus includes a T-shaped base mount with a connecting member pivotally attached thereto. A cradle member is attached to the connecting member, and two securing arms are pivotally attached to the cradle member. The cradle member is secured to the connecting member via a pin, with the cradle member including a base plate with a pair of attached sidewalls. A central aperture traverses the base plate such that the pin may extend through the base plate to join with the mounting cylinder. At least one of the sidewalls includes a recession to receive and support the fishing pole. To secure the fishing pole in the pole handling apparatus, the securing arms are initially in an open position, and the fishing pole is inserted into the recession of the sidewall. The securing arms will pivot from the open position to the closed position as the fishing pole is inserted into the recession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Keeper Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Elmore
  • Patent number: 6584732
    Abstract: An inflatable object includes interior attachment points to opposing interior faces of the object and rope or cord connections between these attachment points. The opposing walls have interior faces which include attachment points adapted to be connected together by predetermined lengths of material, the arrangement being such that upon inflation of the device, the walls are held in position relative to one another by the lengths of material. The connection material between the inner and outer panels is a flexible cord-like material. However any appropriate material may be used. The attachment points are located on webbing strips attached to the interior face of each wall at a seam, provided with eyelets. In the preferred embodiment, the cords are maintained at an angle substantially or averaging substantially 90 degrees from the inner and outer surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Inflatable Image Technologies Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Chris Kinglsey Miller, Tom Zayit
  • Patent number: 6567043
    Abstract: The surveillance system provides a means to augment Automatic Dependent Surveillance—Broadcast (ADS-B) with “look alike ADS-B” or “pseudo ADS-B” surveillance transmissions for aircraft which may not be ADS-B equipped. The system uses ground based surveillance to determine the position of aircraft not equipped with ADS-B, then broadcasts the identification/positional information over the ADS-B data link. ADS-B equipped aircraft broadcast their own position over the ADS-B data link. The system enables aircraft equipped with ADS-B and Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) to obtain surveillance information on all aircraft whether or not the proximate aircraft are equipped with ADS-B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Rannoch Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander E. Smith, Carl Evers
  • Patent number: D503404
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: David B. Wood
  • Patent number: D486051
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Stuart John Parry