Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Steins & Associates
  • Patent number: 6449075
    Abstract: A Method and System for Enabling Wireless Data Communications with Electronic Devices having Disparate Operating Systems is disclosed. Also disclosed is a system that compares the Infrared or RF communications configuration of an electronic appliance to a target profile, and then uploads the target configuration profile to the appliance, if necessary. The preferred device and system perform a functional testing on the wireless communications system of the electronic appliance, including the transceiver hardware and all device drivers and software stacks. Furthermore, the device of the present invention is able to adopt the target configuration from an electronic appliance by downloading it from one or more appliances. Still further, the device of the present invention is able to communicate with two or more electronic appliances simultaneously. The device and system of the present invention are operable independent of the BIOS of the electronic appliance(s) to be configured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Zilog, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Watson, T. Allan Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6435529
    Abstract: A Detachable Footplate for Scooters is disclosed. The footplate easily attaches to and detaches from a conventional foot-powered, folding scooter to provide additional width to stand upon, as well as acting as a stand to prevent the scooter from falling over. The footplate permits the scooter stem to fold down by not interfering with the collapsibility of the scooter stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventors: Harry Stewart, Marc Firestone
  • Patent number: 6431439
    Abstract: An information storage and transmission device which captures handwritten and digital data relating to various financial transactions and stores the information when the transactions are made. The device can then wirelessly transmit this information to different terminal units, such as host PCs, ATMs, or terminal units used for point-of-sale transactions in order to facilitate the financial transaction and help a user track his financial transactions in an easier manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Personal Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Myles P. Suer, David Sommers, Howard Stanley
  • Patent number: 6399869
    Abstract: A Cadence-Providing Drum Practice Pad Assembly and Method is disclosed. The preferred assembly combines a practice pad and a cadence generating device in the same body. In other embodiments, the device provides visual prompting to the user on the striking pad. Furthermore, the device of the present invention includes a local repository of cadence programs, as well as the ability to retrieve and play cadence programs stored in remote cadence repositories, such as on a computer network or a portable storage media. Still further, the device includes the option of connecting remote striking pads that can be attached to a conventional drum set to provide visual and/or audible cadence prompting at the drums themselves. Furthermore, the device is attachable to a conventional cymbal or drum stand. The device may also have the ability to play musical accompaniment for the user's enjoyment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: John Sagastegui
  • Patent number: 6332467
    Abstract: A Feeding tube spike set with integrated Y-port is disclosed. The preferred spike set includes a spike, a drip chamber, a y-port fitting, a stepped connector, and tubing connecting these components to one another in series. The y-port fitting further includes a body, a plug assembly and an undulating retaining member connecting the plug assembly to the body. The plug assembly further includes a plug from which a pair of tabs extend. The body also includes a flushing port formed within it; the preferred flushing port includes a plurality of ridges formed along it's bore to assist in retaining a secure seal between the inserted plug and the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: LH Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lonnie Hutson, Leonard Hoffstetter, Raymond D. Clark
  • Patent number: 6317235
    Abstract: A Method and System for Preventing Bum-out of Infrared Transmitter Diodes is disclosed. The preferred method and system detects when the Ir transmitter(s) are approaching or have achieved an overtemperature condition. Once an overtemperature condition is detected, the preferred system will interrupt electrical transmit power to the transmitter until such time as the overtemperature condition is dissipated. Furthermore, the system and method will send a standby signal to the Central Processing Unit or communications controller when an overtemperature condition is detected. Finally, it is yet another feature that the system emit status signals perceptible to the human senses when normal and abnormal temperature conditions are detected in the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Zilog, Inc.
    Inventor: T. Allan Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6293412
    Abstract: An Improved Skateboard Rack is disclosed. Also disclosed is a rack that provides users with a safe, secure and easily-used location to securely lock their skateboards. The preferred rack is attachable to a base frame in order to provide a location to secure several skateboards at one time. In the preferred embodiments, the rack provides means for hanging a conventional skateboard from its trucks in a manner that is simple enough for an adolescent to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Sandra Draper
  • Patent number: 6287414
    Abstract: A Collapsible Rotary Blister Sealer with Improved Heating Plate Assembly is disclosed. The disclosed blister sealer comprises a lightweight, tubular frame, detachable legs and a lightweight, modular turntable. Further disclosed is a sealer that is mountable on a table-top or other horizontal surface. Said disclosed turntable is height-adjustable; easily removable, and further includes an indexing means for stopping said turntable at predetermined angular positions. The disclosed press of the present blister sealer may be height- and pressure-adjustable, and said frame may further include a strut to further strengthen said frame when greater pressures are desired from said press. It is further disclosed that said sealer include a unique heater plate assembly that permits easy access to the heating coils and further may include a protective sheath to prevent damage to said heater plate assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventors: Robert Green, Greg L. Wawrzyniak
  • Patent number: 6281999
    Abstract: An Improved Optics System for Infrared Signal Transceivers is disclosed. Transceivers. The preferred system includes an IR transceiver assembly that is easily grasped by assemblers. Furthermore, the primary and secondary lenses associated with the transceiver system are easier to manufacture than current lens designs. Also, the heretofore critical lens separation between the emitter/detector devices and the primary lens is rendered a flexible dimension, dependent only upon the particular appliance in which the system is installed. The present invention permits the stand for emitter/detector devices to be eliminated as a result of exchanging a non-imaging transceiver system with the current imaging transceiver system. Finally, the present invention comprises assembling or otherwise combining emitter/detector devices into a single emitter/detector device stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Zilog, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Watson, T. Allan Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6212813
    Abstract: A Quick-release Gun Lock is disclosed. The gun lock comprises a base that cooperates with the gun's extractor, a pliable and expandable portion attached to the base for expanding to create an interference fit with the gun's bore, and a compression shaft that, when rotated, will force the expandable portion outwardly to create the interference fit. The device may further include a cam hub that interacts with the compression shaft to provide the desired interference fit with less than one rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventors: Cruz Luna, Larry Ross
  • Patent number: 6212985
    Abstract: An Improved Ground Cover Cutter is disclosed. Also disclosed is a device that permits the user to cut normal home garden green waste and other plant material into plugs that can then be used as a highly efficient and decorative ground cover. The disclosed cutter may be configured to be portable and further may include a collapsible platform that is configured to permit the cutter to rest atop a receptacle, such as a standard trash can, while in use. The preferred device and method provide the ability to cooperatively use a standard off-the-shelf hand circular saw to cut the plugs. The device preferably also includes a saw chamber for reducing the emission of environmental noise and dust. It is a further feature of the device to include a feed stabilizer means for restrain materials being fed down the device's feed tunnel and into the cutting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Matthew Payne
  • Patent number: 6163997
    Abstract: A Vehicle-Mountable Picture Frame is disclosed. Also disclosed is a frame that includes a front side and a back side and a pocket formed therebetween, and having an aperture at the top for inserting photographs therethrough. The frame further includes one or more display portions disposed on the front side for displaying indicia there. The frame further includes a variety of attachment mechanisms that are connected to the backside of the frame via a swiveling attachment. The attachment mechanisms are configured to attach to a variety of surfaces within a vehicle, and further to permit the interchangeability of the attachment mechanisms with a variety of other types of mechanisms. The frame further is available in a variety of shapes and sizes to provide a package that is pleasing to the user's eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Peter Deralas
  • Patent number: 6152198
    Abstract: A Retractable Funnel is shown. Also shown is a funnel that includes a base that is insertible within an existing reservoir and a plurality of fins extending outwardly from the base. The fins are configured so that they will collapse to form a tube such that the funnel can be slid into the reservoir. Each of the tips of the fins include lip segments provided to form a continuous lip ring when the fins are collapsed into the tube. The preferred lip ring prevents the funnel from falling into the reservoir, while still permitting the lid of the reservoir to be attached over the funnel. The funnel's base further includes a ridge running around its periphery in order to restrain the funnel from being inadvertently removed from the reservoir when extending the funnel for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Tuan Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6149165
    Abstract: An Improved Collet Assembly and Manufacturing Process is disclosed. Also disclosed is an improved collet that includes a spindle, a center portion comprising several tabs and a collar. The disclosed collet is manufactured from a single piece of stock, and as such, the tabs are formed from this unitary piece. The disclosed collet is inserted into a collet housing that is further defined by a bore at its center. The preferred collet housing bore is further defined by a sloped portion that cooperates with the tabs formed on the collet to restrain a burr shaft from rotational or axial movement. The collet assembly of the present invention provides improved balance and therefore wear properties over previous collet assemblies. In particular, the disclosed collet assembly is well-suited for application inside a canister assembly of an air-powered dental tool handpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Tuan Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6135467
    Abstract: An Improved Bucket Stand is disclosed. The stand includes a base and at least one receptacle extending generally vertically, provided for the storage of elongate items. The preferred stand includes clamp means for attaching to the bucket or pail, and in other embodiments, a wheel or castor on its bottom to provide the bucket with mobility. The stand might also include the ability to insert elongate tubes into one of the previously-mentioned receptacles in order to permit the stand assembly to be collapsible for storage. Finally, the stand also may include a generally circular base, and still further include an embodiment wherein a plurality of peripheral receptacles be formed in the base for further storage utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Philip Tagariello
  • Patent number: 6131758
    Abstract: A Bus Pan Cover is disclosed. Also disclosed is a cover that includes a top and a plurality of sides to form a cover for a conventional bus pan. The cover further includes a pass-through aperture formed in the top such that the user might access the bus pan for passing dishes and the like therethrough. The preferred cover includes one or more handle apertures formed in the sides such that the handles formed in a standard bus pan line up to provide access thereto through the handle apertures so that the cover and bus pan might be picked up in a single motion. Finally, the cover might furthermore include decorative or informative display panels formed on the sides to display indicia or otherwise improve the aesthetic qualities of the bus pan and cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventors: John S. Callahan, John F. Callahan
  • Patent number: D441742
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Mark Augusta
  • Patent number: D444185
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventors: Harry Stewart, Marc Firestone
  • Patent number: D448848
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: LH Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond D. Clark, Lonnie Hutson, Leonard Hoffstetter
  • Patent number: D450685
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Mark Augusta