Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Stephen G. Rudisill
  • Patent number: 6362709
    Abstract: A tap for coupling electromagnetic energy between first and second coaxial cables includes an impedance transformer, a probe for connecting the impedance transformer to the first cable, and a tap cable for connecting the impedance transformer to the second cable. Ferrite beads surround the probe and the tap cable to provide frequency-variable series impedances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley R. Paxman, Samuel M. Warren, Kenneth G. Hodson
  • Patent number: 6353344
    Abstract: A high input impedance circuit for a buffer amplifier of a hearing aid microphone includes a transistor coupled across an input of the buffer amplifier and providing a high impedance transconductance, and a control circuit operatively coupled with the transistor to control the effective value of the input impedance provided thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Microtronic US, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrianus M. Lafort
  • Patent number: 6350483
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a food product having a plurality of sections having different characteristics, such as different colors and/or flavors. The method and apparatus has a first nozzle extruding a first stream of a liquid food product having a first characteristic onto a moving platform. The first stream has a height and a width with respect to the platform. A second nozzle extrudes a second stream of a liquid food product having a second characteristic onto the platform. The second stream has a height and a width with respect to the platform. The second nozzle is adjacent to the first nozzle providing adjacent first and second streams on the moving platform. The first stream and second stream spread out such that their heights decrease and their widths increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Asma N. Ahad, Warren R. Zaug, Kampat Sangern, Gary F. Smith, Susan B. Findlay
  • Patent number: 6337921
    Abstract: A currency identification system identifies currency bills of different denominations of a plurality of currency systems. The device includes a discriminating unit for discriminating the identity of a bill, the discriminating unit retrieving characteristic information from the bill. Furthermore, a memory stores master characteristic information associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying; the memory storing master characteristic information associated with at least one genuine bill from each of at least two currency systems. A signal processor compares the retrieved characteristic information with master characteristic information associated with at least one genuine bill. The signal processor generates an indication of the identity of said bill based on the comparison when the bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Douglas U. Mennie, Bradford T. Graves, Richard A. Mazur
  • Patent number: 6315668
    Abstract: A system for a networking electronic game units, includes an arcade router coupled with one or more game units at each of a plurality of locations and coupled to a communications resource for supporting bi-directional exchange of information with the one or more game units. A first router is coupled with a first group of the communications resources for supporting bi-directional exchange of information with a first group of game units. A first server is coupled with the first router for controlling the bi-directional exchange of information so as to support interactive play by game units at different locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Midway Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony R. Metke, Jeffrey L. Allen
  • Patent number: 6317099
    Abstract: A folded dipole antenna for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals is provided. The antenna includes a ground plane and a conductor extending adjacent the ground plane and spaced therefrom by a first dielectric. The conductor includes an open-ended transmission line stub, a radiator input section, at least one radiating section integrally formed with the radiator input section, and a feed section. The radiating section includes first and second ends, a fed dipole and a passive dipole. The fed dipole is connected to the radiator input section. The passive dipole is disposed in spaced relation to the fed dipole to form a gap. The passive dipole is shorted to the fed dipole at the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: Martin L. Zimmerman, John S. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6285336
    Abstract: A folded dipole antenna for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals is provided. The antenna includes a ground plane and a conductor extending adjacent the ground plane and spaced therefrom by a dielectric. The conductor includes three sections: a feed section, a radiator input section, and at least one radiating section integrally formed with the feed section. The radiating section includes first and second ends, a fed dipole and a passive dipole. The fed dipole is connected to the radiator input section. The passive dipole is disposed in spaced relation to the fed dipole to form a gap. The passive dipole is shorted to the fed dipole at the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventor: Martin L. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6280401
    Abstract: A hypodermic-needle sample collection device includes an elongated, generally cylindrical barrel forming an aperture at the distal end of the barrel and opening into the interior of the barrel, and a needle bolder mounted for longitudinal movement within the barrel The needle holder includes a pin projecting laterally therefrom. A hollow needle carried by the needle holder projects from the holder along the axis of the barrel. The pin is guided by longitudinal linear and helical guide surfaces extending along at least a portion of the length of the barrel for moving the needle longitudinally within the barrel in response to relative rotational movement between the linear and helical guide surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Sakharam D. Mahurkar
  • Patent number: 6259419
    Abstract: A multiple sector cell-site configuration comprises a support frame and a plurality of antennas mounted on the support frame. The antennas include one transmit antenna element and two receive antenna elements for each sector of the multiple sector cell-site. One of the receive antenna elements for each sector of each two adjacent sectors is located in a common housing mounted adjacent a given point on the support frame located substantially along a boundary between the two adjacent sectors. Each of the receive antenna elements mounted in each housing has an offset azimuthal beam directed toward its associated sector, and each of the transmit antenna elements has an azimuthal beam directed toward its associated sector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas D. Monte
  • Patent number: 6215298
    Abstract: A tachometer has a display responsive to an rpm signal for producing an observable indication of an rpm value. A circuit responsive to an engine input develops a standard rpm signal representative of instantaneous engine rpm, and a differential Power Band amplifier circuit amplifies the difference between the standard rpm signal and an adjustable “offset” rpm signal by predetermined gain to produce an amplified differential rpm signal. A switching circuit selects the standard rpm signal or the amplified differential rpm Power Band signal for driving the display. A peak or valley rpm signal may also be developed and selected for display either in a standard mode or a differentially amplified Power Band mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Auto Meter Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John V. Westberg, Karl G. Rindt, Timothy D. Joyce
  • Patent number: 6215065
    Abstract: A bulkhead penetration system for interlocking with a wall to feed cable therethrough is set forth. The system includes a bulkhead member having a shoulder disposed between a collar portion and a locking portion. A plurality of flexible outwardly extending fingers are formed about the locking portion with each finger having a fixed end and a retaining end. The bulkhead member interlocks with the wall such that the wall is retained between at least one of the retaining ends and the shoulder. The distances between retaining ends and the shoulder can vary such that a single system will generally interlock with walls of different thicknesses. The system further includes a boot defining a boot split and a boot bore. The boot includes an inner surface, a first sleeve portion sized to encompass the collar portion, and a second sleeve portion. A grommet defining at least one cable aperture is adapted for being received within the boot bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventor: Albert R. Cox
  • Patent number: 6206856
    Abstract: A single-use safety syringe assembly comprises an elongated, generally cylindrical barrel which forms a hollow nozzle located at the distal end of the barrel and which opens into the interior of the barrel. A plunger is slidably mounted in the barrel and forms a longitudinal cavity. A needle holder carries a hollow needle on its distal end, and the needle holder is slidably mounted in the longitudinal cavity of the plunger. A biasing arrangement urges the needle holder in a direction for retracting the needle into the barrel. However, a releasable latching arrangement retains the needle holder against the urging of the biasing arrangement in a position wherein the needle projects from the barrel. An In-Barrel assembly sequence is provided which permits sequentially inserting components of the syringe into the barrel and effecting assembly with a push of the plunger. An OTN catheter may also be employed in combination with the syringe assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Sakharam D. Mahurkar
  • Patent number: 6199346
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a food product having a plurality of sections having different characteristics, such as different colors and/or flavors. The method and apparatus has a first nozzle extruding a first stream of a liquid food product having a first characteristic onto a moving platform. The first stream has a height and a width with respect to the platform. A second nozzle extrudes a second stream of a liquid food product having a second characteristic onto the platform. The second stream has a height and a width with respect to the platform. The second nozzle is adjacent to the first nozzle providing adjacent first and second streams on the moving platform. The first stream and second stream spread out such that their heights decrease and their widths increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Asma N. Ahad, Warren R. Zaug, Kampat Sangern, Gary F. Smith, Susan B. Findlay
  • Patent number: 6196913
    Abstract: A manifold adapted to distribute six coin denominations discharged from a coin sorter to a standard cash till is set forth. The manifold includes a plurality of paths to deliver at least five of the coin denominations to the five coin compartments of the standard cash till. The manifold delivers the sixth coin denomination to a receptacle within the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Geib, Steven S. Kuhlin
  • Patent number: 6117112
    Abstract: A single-use safety syringe assembly comprises an elongated, generally cylindrical barrel which forms a hollow nozzle located at the distal end of the barrel and which opens into the interior of the barrel. A plunger is slidably mounted in the barrel and forms a longitudinal cavity. A needle holder carries a hollow needle on the distal end, and the needle holder is slidably mounted in the longitudinal cavity of the plunger. The needle holder includes a lateral arm which extends between the plunger cavity and the barrel. A spiral guide slot through a wall of the barrel extends along a proximal end portion of the barrel for engaging the lateral arm of the needle holder and retracting the needle holder within the barrel in response to relative rotational movement between the barrel and the needle holder. A pair of longitudinal ribs strengthen the proximal end portion of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Sakharam D. Mahurkar
  • Patent number: 6106500
    Abstract: A needle-syringe assembly comprises an elongated, generally cylindrical barrel which forms a hollow nozzle located at the distal end of the barrel and which opens into the interior of the barrel. A plunger is slidably mounted in the barrel and forms a longitudinal cavity. A needle holder carries a hollow needle on the distal end, and the needle holder is slidably mounted in the longitudinal cavity of the plunger. The needle holder includes a lateral arm which extends between the plunger cavity and the barrel. A spiral channel or slot forms a guide surface which extends along a proximal end portion of the barrel for engaging the lateral arm of the needle holder and retracting the needle holder within the barrel in response to relative rotational movement between the barrel and the needle holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Sakharam D. Mahurkar
  • Patent number: 6094174
    Abstract: An omnidirectional microwave antenna comprises a paraboloidal reflector disposed above the ground and facing downwardly with a substantially horizontal aperture and a substantially vertical axis. A vertically oriented feed horn is located below the paraboloidal reflector on the axis of the paraboloidal reflector and has a phase center located near the focal point of the paraboloidal reflector. A conical reflector having a shaped reflecting surface defined by the parameters of a mathematical equation extends downwardly away from the periphery of the feed horn for reflecting radiation received vertically from the paraboloidal reflector in a horizontal direction away from the conical reflector, and for reflecting horizontally received radiation vertically to the paraboloidal reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: Charles M. Knop, Edward L. Ostertag, Gregory S. Orseno, Robert C. Gunnels
  • Patent number: 5141472
    Abstract: A coin-sorting system having a rotatable disc with a resilient surface for receiving coins of mixed denominations and imparting rotational movement to the coins; a drive for rotating the disc; and a stationary sorting head having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to the resilient surface of the rotatable disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: William M. Todd, James M. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 4976353
    Abstract: The invention discloses the provision of a container securable to a pallet to prevent the container or other goods to be carried from becoming dislodged from the pallet in transit. The invention provides a container having a base and side walls a plurality of the base having a plurality of articulatable lugs in the form of elongate tabs depending therefrom and each foldable to engage with a slot provided on the base so as to form a retaining loop which secures a portion of the pallet member between the tabs and the base of the container. The container may be erected from a blank, also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: A&W Fullarton Limited
    Inventor: George M. Halliday
  • Patent number: 4959472
    Abstract: The present invention related to the preparation of substantially pure diastereoisomers of derivatives of tetrahydrofolate and the use of such diastereoisomers. More particularly the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a desired substantially pure (6R or 6S) diastereoisomer of a derivative of tetrahydrofolic acid or salt or ester. The process comprises the steps of: attaching a chiral auxiliary group at either N-5 or N-10 of a mixture of 6R and 6S diastereoisomers of tetrahydrofolic acid, separating the new diastereoisomers, recovering the desired new diastereoisomer (6R or 6S) corresponding to the desired (6R or 6S) diastereoisomer, and converting the substantially pure new diastereoisomer recovered into the corresponding diastereoisomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: University of Strathclyde
    Inventors: Hamish C. S. Wood, Colin J. Suckling, Lilias G. Rees