Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Rodger H. Flagg
  • Patent number: 6445933
    Abstract: A teleremote device includes a cordless or cellular telephone in combination with a remote controller for a television, VCR, satellite receiver, DVD device, and/or video game controller. The telephone and remote control device are provided in a single rechargeable unit. The device includes a telephone keypad on one side of the device, and a remote control keypad on the other side. To avoid accidental or inadvertent actuation of keys on one side of the device while intending use of the other side, a switch control element is provided to permit selective actuation of the telephone keypad or the remote control keypad. An off switch is provided to conserve battery power when the teleremote device is not in use. Indicator lights may also be provided to show which side of the device is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Tim Pettit
  • Patent number: 6434936
    Abstract: An exhaust driven turbofan to operates a generator, for generating electrical energy, which is stored in a battery until needed. An air blower is powered by energy from the battery, to generate pressurized air. The pressurized air passes into the piston chamber when the gas pedal is depressed, independent of the rotation of the crank shaft. An exhaust blower powered by the battery, sucks air from the piston chamber during the exhaust stroke, ensuring complete removal of the exhaust gasses. Valve overlap timing is no longer needed, eliminating the dwell time between intake and exhaust gasses. A non-ferrous wheel having ferrous portions is anchored in spaced relation about the outer periphery of the non-ferrous wheel, to assist the rotation of the crank shaft. At least one electromagnet is selectively energized to aid rotation of the non ferrous wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Daljit Singh
  • Patent number: 6431873
    Abstract: A preprinted food group triangle sheet having indicia representative of a plurality of food groups thereon is sized to be inserted between a first triangular member and a second triangle member. A plurality of apertures extend in complimentary alignment through both the first and second triangular members. The plurality of apertures are positioned in relation to each of the food groups preprinted on a food group triangle sheet. One or more additional apertures may be provided to record the taking of vitamins, minerals or medication. A punch is provided for manual insertion into an aperture selected from a plurality of apertures. A flexible strap may be used to secure the punch to the food group monitoring apparatus. The food triangle sheets may be releasably secured in a pad, or on a page of a book, to provide a lasting record of the quantity and selection of foods consumed according to food groups, over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Rodger H. Flagg
  • Patent number: 6397515
    Abstract: An electronic fly trap apparatus having a housing with an upper housing aperture. A removable front panel is placed over the upper housing aperture, and at least one fly access aperture extends through the removable front panel. At least one light is positioned in the lower portion of the housing. Flies are drawn into the housing by the light, and the warmth and sound generated by the light. A disposable sheet having a plurality of apertures therethrough is positioned above the source of light. A sticky adhesive is disposed upon the upper surface of the disposable sheet. A curved, light reflective panel extends behind and above the disposable sheet. Reflected light passing through the plurality of apertures in the disposable sheet, are redirected by the light reflective surface to pass through the access aperture(s) in the front panel, to attract flying insects within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Brown, Helena C. Brown
  • Patent number: 6393759
    Abstract: An electronic fly trap apparatus having a housing with a cover placed over the top portion of the housing, and at least one flying insect access aperture extends through a portion of the cover. A light is positioned in the lower portion of the housing. A disposable sheet having a plurality of apertures therethrough is positioned on the housing above the source of light. A sticky adhesive is disposed upon the upper surface of the disposable sheet. Light and heat pass through the apertures in the disposable sheet into a space provided beneath the cover. A reflective panel is placed beneath the light to redirect primary light through the plurality of apertures. Flying insects pass into the apparatus through at least one access aperture, and are entrapped upon the sticky adhesive on the disposable sheet when they seek the source of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Brown, Helena C. Brown
  • Patent number: 6393614
    Abstract: A biodegradable, disposable glove carries a disposable sanitary item in a pocket thereof. The glove includes a glove body, an open end of the glove body having a ziplock securement means, which is operable only when the glove 100 is turned inside out. In use, the glove can be used for dispensing an unused disposable sanitary item and for retrieving the sanitary item for disposal after use. The glove is preferably loose-fitting. In use, the glove is placed over the hand of a user, and the user can then retrieve the used sanitary item such as a tampon or sanitary napkin. Once the tampon or sanitary napkin has been retrieved, the user can manipulate it into a pocket in the glove using only the fingers and thumb of the gloved hand. The pocket includes a ziplock sealing edge feature, which permits sealing-in of the biodegradable or disposable sanitary item into the pocket, so that no fluid leakage occurs during removal and subsequent disposal of the biodegradable, disposable glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Lauren M. Eichelbaum
  • Patent number: 6389617
    Abstract: A portable shower is collapsible so that it takes up a relatively small amount of space when not in use. The portable shower has a top member, a bottom member, a shower curtain, a supply water tank, and a disposal water tank. Pumps are provided for the supply water tank and the disposal water tank, which are powered by vehicle power connected via a cigarette lighter adapter in order to heat the water and to run the pumps for the portable shower. In the collapsed condition, the top member and the bottom member of the portable shower are fitted together to enclose the supply water tank, the shower curtain, and the disposal water tank. The top member and the bottom member are releasably secured together by latches in the closed condition. In an open condition, the top member and the bottom member are pulled apart, and supported from above. Alternately, at least one support rod is placed between the bottom member and the top member, in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: George A. Hartline, Janet M. Hartline
  • Patent number: 6386190
    Abstract: A bow press for use in stringing or repairing bows, including compound bows, has a riser operated by a winch mechanism. The bow press includes a riser bar for supporting an inclined riser beam having spaced apertures for positioning two handle rollers thereon. Left and right inclined spacer bars each support a limb roller thereon. Each of the handle rollers and limb rollers includes an axle, and two spaced portions defining an inclined groove therebetween. The inclined groove receives a portion of a bow to support the bow during stringing or re-stringing operations. The riser bar is adjustably movable upwards and downwards by operation of a winch. The base member adjustably supports left and right spacer bars. The left and right spacer bars are adjusted along the base member, and secured in position by respective tensioning members. The base member is a table or other support surface. Alternately, the base member is attached to upstanding leg members, which support the bow press upon the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Gerald Kurtz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6382356
    Abstract: The man lift apparatus comprises a handle secured to first and second arms which extend around an upright pole-type support for supporting a user at a selected position upon the upright pole-type support. When the handle is positioned substantially parallel to the upright pole-type support, the man lift apparatus may be removed, adjusted, raised or lowered upon the upright support. The user places the lift apparatus about the upright support, and moves the handle to a position which places a camming plate against the front side of the vertical support, with the second arm extending in an upward incline from the handle. The first arm extends in a first direction from the handle to engage a portion of a first side of the vertical support. The second arm extends in the opposite direction from the handle to engage the second side, back, and a portion of the first side of the vertical support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventors: Frank P. Skinner, Shelmon G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 6374708
    Abstract: A tool is provided for installing and removing winterizing plugs located in drains, pools, boats, and other systems for providing protection from moisture during the winter season. Such plugs have threaded stems, and are typically secured by wingnuts. These plugs are then removed during warmer weather. In operation, the set screw is loosened to permit removal of the t-bar from the barrel. The t-bar is then inserted into a second transverse bore to serve as a handle for applying torque to selectively tighten and loosen the wingnut and to facilitate pulling the wingnut. The slotted end of the barrel is then slipped over the wingnut. Then, the wingnut can be easily tightened. This technique is also used when removing the plugs. The end of the tool is applied to a threaded portion of a winterizing plug above a wingnut for removal of the plug. The threaded portion of the winterizing plug extends well above the wingnut. The threaded portion of the passage engages the threaded portion of the winterizing plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Cheryl Kunz
  • Patent number: 6375531
    Abstract: A dolphin-tail style multi-purpose swim fin that connects to a flat swim fin securable to a user's foot is used to generate propulsion in the form of displaced water. When the connected dolphin-tail style swim fin flows through a path of displaced water from the flat swim fin at a proper angle of attack, it produces a lifting force that assists in swimming. The dolphin-tail style swim fin is shaped to enhance the propulsion from the flat swim fin. A swim fin assembly can be integrated with both flat and dolphin-tail style fins as one unit. The dolphin-tail style swim fin is shaped to generate lift as water flows across it and can be used directly by the hand (without a flat fin) or used with a handle that can be attached in lieu of the flat fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: John David Melius
  • Patent number: 6374408
    Abstract: The protective athletic pad includes padding, which extends across the knee or elbow, and along front and sides of the lower leg or forearm, to further protect the user from abrasion, cuts and bruises while actively engaged in a sport or other strenuous activity. Opposing U-shaped relief openings are provided adjacent to the opposing sides of a user's knee or elbow to increase flexibility. The adjustable protective athletic pad protects the front portion of the user's knee. The athletic pad extends to the user's lower leg and shin, or to the user's lower arm, to protect against abrasion, burns or cuts resulting from falling, or sliding on the ground during strenuous athletic activity. The opposing sides of the athletic pad are adjustably secured with hook and loop fasteners to provide adjustable tension and positioning of the athletic pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventors: Davy C. Tomlinson, Robert C. Tomlinson, Julie A. Cross
  • Patent number: 6374766
    Abstract: A safety signal apparatus is secured to the lower side portion of roll up doors on trucks and trailers to provide a visual indication of the position of the roll up door, when viewed by the driver of the vehicle through a side mounted rear view mirror. The safety signal apparatus includes a mounting bracket secured to the lower side portion of a roll up door. A first rod portion is secured to the mounting bracket. A resilient flexible member is secured to the first rod portion. A second rod portion is secured to the opposite end of the resilient flexible member. A signal member is secured to the second rod portion, in visual alignment with a side mounted rear view mirror. The signal member is preferably reflective. The resilient flexible member allows the signal member to bend or flex if struck, and to return to operating position when released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Blair T Clark
  • Patent number: 6338307
    Abstract: A sea friendly hull shape invention provides the benefit of water ballast without the penalty of carrying that ballast. There are open ballast passages which can be in the shape of pipes, or other similar shapes, through which water flows continuously when the vessel is in motion or at rest. The passages are connected to a main hull by thin wave piercing hull shapes. As a wave passes under the vessel, there is little area presented to increase the hull's displacement and any hull movement up or down will be countered by the force of the water going through the ballast passages. In this manner there is a reaction similar to one offered by static ballast, but without the power demand needed to carry it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Charles B. Pires
  • Patent number: 6327727
    Abstract: A therapeutic treatment apparatus includes an air mattress overlaying a support structure. A remote control unit includes a switch and a timer, which in turn controls an air pump for the cyclic inflation and deflation of the air mattress. The remote control unit may be operated either automatically or manually. The air mattress is periodically inflated and deflated so that a person resting on the air mattress is raised and lowered at selected intervals to experience several passive movements, which induce deep relaxation and other parasympathetic responses. A special support member may be placed between the air mattress and the support structure to provide a desired pressure on a person's spinal joints. A biofeedback device may be used to provide feedback to an operator, or to the remote control unit, to optimize the inflation, dwell and deflation cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Viktor Bocharnikov
  • Patent number: 6325343
    Abstract: A combination foldable and separable lectern apparatus, which comprises at least seven foam panels. The right side of the second foam panel is pivotally secured to the left side of the first foam panel with a hinge means. The left side of a third foam panel is pivotally secured to the right side of the first foam panel with a hinge means. The lower side of a fourth foam panel is optionally pivotally secured to the upper side of the first foam panel with a hinge means. The right side of a fifth foam panel is pivotally secured to the left side of the fourth foam panel with a hinge means, and the left side of a sixth foam panel is pivotally secured to the right side of the fourth foam panel with a hinge means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Rodger H. Flagg
  • Patent number: 6286850
    Abstract: A U-shaped balance bar is provided which is pivotably secured to the rear axle of a bicycle, and includes a stop portion to prevent the bar or handle from falling to the ground during use. The purpose of the balance bar is to permit a rider, such as a child, to learn to use a bicycle while a second person, such as a parent or coach, can use the bar or handle to stabilize the bicycle when necessary. Since the bar or handle is pivotable, it easily adjusts to persons of different height and reach, so that they can hold the balance bar comfortably during use. The balance bar has an L-shaped portion stop portion, to prevent the bar or handle from falling onto the ground. This balance bar is of unitary construction, to reduce manufacturing and assembly costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Richard P. Conway
  • Patent number: 6253483
    Abstract: The increased tension in the fishing line created by a strike causes an alarm sensor with an armature to be pulled downward bringing a distal portion of a primary sensor wire into contact with a distal portion of a secondary sensor wire to complete an electrical circuit and activating an alarm circuit within a housing. An adjustable loop permits the selectivity of the sensor to be adjusted. The alarm sensor has a distal portion of the secondary wire formed in a triangular configuration to provide an expanded surface area for contact with the distal portion of the primary sensor wire. A rubber clamp has a slit which enable the clamp to be fitted over a distal end of the fishing rod. The alarm sensor is electrically connected to the electrical circuit mounted on the handle by a two-conductor cable having the primary sensor wire and the secondary sensor wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Jim A Reams
  • Patent number: 6238552
    Abstract: A universal filter insert apparatus 10 for a water purifier includes a container insert 12 having substantially cylindrical or conical side walls 11 and an annular lip 17 at an upper portion thereof. A plurality of resilient sealing members 36 are stacked about the upper portion of the container. Each of the resilient sealing members includes (i) an internal sealing diameter 50 adapted to engage the container annular lip and (ii) a uniquely-shaped annular sealing flange 38 for engaging a filter receiving aperture 54 of a particular water purifier 52. At least one guide slot 22 extends along a portion of the bottom of the container insert. A granular filter medium is placed within the container insert and sealed therein with a container lid 30. The container lid has a plurality of apertures 34 sized to let water pass through and also includes a raised handle 32 for ease of insertion and removal of the universal filter insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Roy T. Shannon
  • Patent number: 6230881
    Abstract: A bottle carrier is foldable from two blanks, and is relatively strong, inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetic in appearance, and easy to assemble. The carrier has several advantages: it provides a reduction in paper board costs, improves manufacturing costs, retains the “basket” features demanded by the marketing needs of the beverage industry, and improves packaging line production at the beverage manufacturing location. The carrier is made by joining two blanks, one of which is a component referred to as a shell. The shell provides all “basket” printed surfaces and a handle visible to the consumer on the display shelf. The second component provides the internal longitudinal and transverse product separation, handle reinforcement, and bottom closure flaps. This component is referred to as a partition assembly. The shell and the partition assembly are formed as die cut components, which are then accurately joined by adhesive applied to designated locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Peter C. Collura