Patents Represented by Attorney Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.
  • Patent number: 6883731
    Abstract: A fluid discharge apparatus adapted for to commingling two pressurized fluids, such as a pressurized liquid and a pressurized gas, and for discharging the commingle fluids in a high pressure spiral stream that is particularly useful in washing dirt, debris, barnacles, and other substances from surfaces. The fluid discharge apparatus is adapted with a barrel having internal spirally disposed baffles that induce rotation in the flowing fluids thereby producing a spiral flow. Cavitation results from the spiral flow thereby creating an axial region of low pressure that draws the gas radially inward resulting in a composite stream including a rotating stream of liquid surrounding a concentrically disposed stream of gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Alexander R. Pivovarov
  • Patent number: 6877721
    Abstract: A fencing system and method of manufacturing and installing a fencing system specifically designed to give the appearance of a traditional shadow box or privacy fence, wherein the system uses preformed non-corrosive, structurally sound corrugated panels, posts, posts mounts, channel mounts, and clips that mate and are securable using conventional fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Anthony R. Calverley
  • Patent number: 6872116
    Abstract: An improved baby bottle adapted with handles and a sound-generating module for generating audible sounds. A generally cylindrical baby bottle is adapted with longitudinally extending slots on opposing sides of the bottle. The slots receive and retain a removable handle assembly having first and second opposing handles that facilitate holding of the bottle while feeding. Additionally, the handle assembly includes a portion adapted for receiving an interchangeable sound-generating module in removable engagement therewith. The sound-generating module includes a battery power source, memory chip, speaker, and electrical circuitry required to selectively produce sounds when disposed on the handle assembly. The sound module may be adapted to play single or multiple songs such as the ABC song or lullabies, or may be configured for educational purposes such as number counting lessons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventors: Christopher Dunnum, Michael M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6871444
    Abstract: A user activated, disposable insect bait station particularly adapted for use with liquid bait, including attractants and toxicants is disclosed. The bait station is formed as a sealed container fabricated from two primary parts, an upper half and a lower half sealingly connected along common peripheral edges. The bait station includes first and second internal chambers. The first internal chamber contains a liquid bait reservoir wherein all of the liquid bait is stored prior to use, and the second internal chamber is adapted to function as an entrance providing insects access to the second chamber. Manual manipulation of the bait station is required for activation whereby a frangible seal is broken placing the first and second chambers in fluid communication thereby allowing liquid bait to flow into the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventors: Alan Bernard, Michael M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6868642
    Abstract: A light transmitting storm shutter system for homes, buildings and the like includes a combination of full width corrugated aluminum and half width clear polycarbonate panels arranged in alternating adjacent and partially overlapping relation over a given window or door opening. The aluminum panels provide structural integrity while the polycarbonate panels provide light transmittance. The combination of full width aluminum panels and half width polycarbonate panels provides a storm shutter system that is substantially stronger and more resistant to impact deflection than the light transmitting storm shutters disclosed in the background art, and eliminates the need for additional hardware, supports, and bracing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Madden
  • Patent number: 6814227
    Abstract: A freestanding coin holder capable of displaying a coin such that all sides, namely the front, back, and circumferential edge are viewable. First and second panel members are connected in opposing face-to-face relation such that a coin may be received in a generally cylindrical and laterally projecting coin-receiving chamber defined by optically transparent portions so that the front and back of the coin (e.g. heads side and tails side) as well as the circumferential edge of the coin are clearly visible. A base functions as a stand thereby allowing the coin holder to be disposed in a vertically free-standing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventors: Tom Seligman, Janette Seligman
  • Patent number: 6804585
    Abstract: An aviation navigational system and method for predicting glide range for an aircraft for specific airports and other potential emergency landing locations in proximity to the aircraft. Information is presented to the pilot by complementing a conventional moving map display with symbols centered on each landing location. GPS altitude, airport elevation, and the aircraft's glide ratio are factored into an equation to determine glide range for each airport within proximity to the aircraft. A circular symbol representing the glide range boundary is displayed around each airport. Each circular symbol represents a sectional view of an imaginary inverted cone, having the apex thereof centered on a given landing location. The size and shape of the cone is based on the gliding performance of the aircraft and the altitude differential between the aircraft and the target landing location. As the altitude differential increases the radius of the circle increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventors: John Jay Humbard, Joseph Putman
  • Patent number: 6792622
    Abstract: Hospital patient garments that resemble conventional clothing while offering the convenience of conventional hospital gowns comprising a central panel, a first sleeve panel and second sleeve panel connected to opposite side edges of the central panel, first side panel and second side panel connected to opposite side edges of the central panel below the first and second sleeve panels, third sleeve panel and fourth sleeve panel defined between the first and second sleeve panels and side panels, respectively, upper back panel, collar, head and neck opening defined by the central panel, plurality of buttonholes in the first and second sleeve panels and first and second side panels, and a plurality of buttons affixed to the sleeve panels, side panels and center panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen K. Graves
  • Patent number: 6785970
    Abstract: An electric cutting utensil adapted to receive a variety of shaped attachments for cutting any of a variety of foods into fanciful shapes is disclosed. The cutting utensil includes a housing having an ergonomically designed external shape adapted to comfortably fit in a user's hand. The housing contains an electric motor having an output shaft connected to an attachment-receiving tip by an oscillation-generating coupling. The attachment-receiving tip includes a chuck lock assembly for receiving a plurality of variously sized and shaped interchangeable cutting heads. Each cutting head includes a projecting knife-like edge formed into a fanciful shape, such as a heart or a star, or any other suitable shape. The electric motor may be powered by one or more batteries contained within the housing, or by direct connection to an electrical outlet using a power cord. A base is provided for storage of the device and attachments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Elizabeth Zerlin
  • Patent number: 6769346
    Abstract: A projectile firing gun or weapon barrel is adapted with a gas porting system having conduits and outlets specifically configured, positioned and adapted for maximizing reductions in muzzle jump and/or recoil in accordance with principles of reverse thrust. The conduits or flow tubes are contemplated to be configured to function as nozzles whereby varying the shape and size of the conduit walls can maximize the outlet velocity of gases flowing at subsonic as well as supersonic velocities and the stream of redirected gas flow can be concentrated. The system incorporates porting holes located further rearward than at the barrel muzzle, but at a proven safe distance from the barrel chamber, which porting holes are in fluid communication with gas conduits/nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Herbert Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 6756076
    Abstract: A process for producing hydrophobic cotton fabric useful as material for forming a wide variety of useful articles. The process includes the steps of (1) bleaching the cotton fabric with a suitable optical whitener; (2) affixing the fabric to a conveying machine; (3) applying approximately 7 lbs. of water resistance substance for each approximately 100 lbs. of fabric by conveying the fabric through a pad bath; (4) conveying the fabric through a tenter frame machine having a heating chamber set a approximately 340° F.; (4) conveying the treated fabric through the heating chamber at a speed of approximately 17 yards per minute; (5) repeating step 4 a second time to effect curing of the chemicals thereby resulting in a water-resistant cotton fabric. Alternate methods are disclosed for treating fabric with various antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-odor and/or anti-stain substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Brier
  • Patent number: 6732983
    Abstract: A cable clip having a locking jaw structure capable of securing a coaxial cable for subsequent mounting to a surface is disclosed. The cable clip is formed with upper and lower jaw portions defining a cable-retaining opening adapted for receiving at least one cable therein. The jaw portions are connected so as to be generally configurable between an open configuration wherein at least one cable may be insertably received, and a closed configuration wherein the cable is received and secured within the clip body. An automatically engaging locking mechanism and interlocking teeth on the upper and lower jaw portions provide for the alignment of the jaws and securing of the cable prior to mounting. The upper and lower jaw portions each define a fastener-receiving aperture for securing the clip (and cable) to a mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Joshua Blake, Jason Cohen
  • Patent number: 6698544
    Abstract: A fall protection lanyard apparatus incorporating an automatic emergency release is disclosed. Competing concerns of fall protection (for the load) and on-demand emergency release (for the aerial lift) are each enabled by providing the first lanyard with a quick release mechanism and the second lanyard with a release triggering mechanism. The lanyard apparatus is adapted for attachment to a human or non-human load. The first lanyard incorporates a quick-release mechanism, which, upon activation, results in the separation of the connectable end portion thereof. The second lanyard incorporates a mechanism for activating the quick-release upon application of a predetermined force thereon. The lanyard apparatus provides total fall protection during the transfer of a load to a structure in any elevated environment while providing an on-demand quick-release in emergency situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Michael P. Kurtgis
  • Patent number: 6688338
    Abstract: A system and method for providing secondary containment for pipeline transmission systems that complies with environmental regulations for double wall applications. The outer surface of the pipeline is adapted with an epoxy bonded multi-ply fabric that forms a secondary containment structure external to the pipe with first and second spaced layers forming an interstitial space therebetween. An external coating of cured epoxy resin provides resistance to impact, abrasion, and chemically induced corrosion and deterioration. Probes may be installed at various locations along the pipeline for continuously sampling the environment within the interstitial space thereby providing leak detection. Secondary containment is constructed on an existing section of, steel, iron, fiberglass, composite, metal alloys, or concrete pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventors: Paul Meli, Shanda Lee, Andy House
  • Patent number: 6675804
    Abstract: An apparatus adapted for partial insertion within the user's mouth for preventing snoring, teeth grinding, and light forms of sleep apnea is disclosed. The apparatus includes a multi-lobed tongue receiving structure, an undulating connector for connecting the multi-lobed structure to an inner lip plate, a hollow tube connecting the lip plate to a dome-shaped structure formed on an outer shield. The device is inserted within the oral cavity of the user in an operative configuration such that movement of the tongue is restrained within the multi-lobed structure, and the teeth clamp down upon the undulating connector with the lip plate positioned between the teeth and the inner portions of the upper and lower lips. As a result of proper application of the apparatus breathing at night is normalized, while snoring, grinding of the teeth, and apnea are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Alexander R. Pivovarov
  • Patent number: 6655079
    Abstract: A spill resistant insect bait station particularly adapted for use with liquid or gel insecticide consists of a generally cylindrical housing having an open end, a closed end, and a removable end cap assembly adapted for removable attachment with said open end. The housing interior functions as a reservoir for liquid or gel bait formulations, such as attractants and toxicants. Axial apertures formed in the housing ends provide insects with access to the interior of the housing through a series of openings defined in the walls of internal tube and shaft structures. A spiral baffle projects radially outward from the shaft for sealing engagement with the inner wall of the tubular structure to prevent spillage of liquid bait, while defining a passage for insects leading to the liquid bait. A series of offset openings in the shaft and tube walls provide access to the housing interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventors: Alan S. Bernard, Michael M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6648101
    Abstract: A fall protection lanyard apparatus for use in transferring loads in an elevated environment is disclosed. The fall protection lanyard may be connected to a load and used to safely transfer a human or nonhuman load in an elevated environment, such as from an airborne rotorcraft to an adjacent structure while providing fall protection for the load and emergency release capabilities for the aircraft. The lanyard apparatus provides total fall protection for the load throughout the transfer process without restricting or otherwise limiting available emergency flight options/maneuvers by incorporating an emergency release that automatically activates on demand. In a preferred embodiment, the fall protection lanyard apparatus includes first and second load-bearing lanyards, each terminating in a free end incorporating a connectable hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Michael P. Kurtgis
  • Patent number: 6634766
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus adapted for installation in a variety of configurations to provide decorative illumination is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame formed by a spine member and a plurality of spaced elongate bendable arm members connected to the spine member. Each arm member has a plurality of electric lambs connected thereto. The arms and spine are each semi-rigid to provide a supporting frame, and are further bendable so as to enable the structure to be formed into a variety of different configurations. The lighting apparatus is specifically adapted for use in decorating trees and/or columns by aligning the apparatus with the trunk of the tree and bending opposing arms around the trunk such that the trunk is encircled with lights. Electrical connectors allow a plurality of lighting devices to be connected in series thereby forming very large illumination displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Donovan Gordon
  • Patent number: D484297
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Lorielle Conover-Wise
  • Patent number: D484400
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventors: Joshua Blake, Jason Cohen