Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Terrance L. Siemens
  • Patent number: 5847331
    Abstract: A speaker propagating sound waves in the manner of a point source. The speaker includes high, medium, and low range drivers vertically arranged within a vertically arranged tubular support member having sound escape openings in its lateral wall. The high and medium range drivers project sound upwardly, and the low range driver projects sound downwardly. The speaker has a truncated obeliskoid housing including a chamber disposed below the low range speaker. This chamber is muffled to absorb non-coherent sound, and has a vertical air tube for managing air flow within the chamber and conducting sound waves downwardly from the housing. The high range driver is exposed above the housing, so that sound projects upwardly therefrom. Sound produced by the medium range driver passes through the openings in the tubular support member. The housing is supported on casters for mobility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Edward Vollmer, Teresa Hart
  • Patent number: 5844488
    Abstract: A narrow, pressure-sensitive sensor pad for installation on top of and across the width of a mattress proximate the midsection of a reclining patient has both central and edge switching areas. The central pressure sensitive switch indicates the presence of a patient in the center of the bed. When a patient moves toward either edge of the bed, an edge switch is activated which generates an early warning signal indicating to attending personnel that a patient has moved from the center of the bed to an edge and may be attempting to exit the bed unattended. This early warning signal provides time for an attendant to reach the patient before he or she has actually evacuated the bed. In addition, the in-room alarm may remind a patient previously instructed not to leave the bed unassisted. The system prevents falls of dizzy or disoriented patients attempting to exit the bed without assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Jeff L. Musick
  • Patent number: 5842246
    Abstract: A cleaning brush for scraping the interior of circular chimney flues and stove pipes. The brush has a central threaded rod from which blades radially project in a spiralled arrangement. The blades are just greater in length than the radius of the flue or stove pipe, and connect to the central rod by passing the rod through any one of a series of holes formed in the blade. The blades are adjusted for wear by passing the rod through a different hole. The blades are clamped into the spiral arrangement by being sandwiched between upper and lower washers secured by nuts to the rod. Each blade comprises two U-shaped thin metal members, which may be slats from a venetian blind, adhered back to back. The brush has a dust shield disposed beneath the blade assembly for suppressing passage of dust into living spaces. Optionally, the dust shield comprises a receptacle for retaining dislodged soot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Patrick O. Doyle
  • Patent number: 5842958
    Abstract: Arm wrestling apparatus employing two opposed hydraulic dampers to provide resistance. The apparatus has a base and a lever pivotally mounted to the base. Hydraulic circuitry of the dampers may be controlled to vary resistance, and is employed to operate a gauge indicating force of effort. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, two novel arm wrestling devices are employed remotely from one another. Each device is provided with a video display. Radio, telephone or other links connect the displays of the two arm wrestling devices so that observers at either location may monitor a competition between two persons, one at each location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Fernando P. Rufa
  • Patent number: 5841921
    Abstract: The present invention features a rectilinear optical coupler consisting of a single optical fiber terminating in an expanded, convex portion. An array of optical fibers consisting of a central optical fiber surrounded by six additional optical fibers has an end precision-ground to receive the convex, essentially spherical portion of the first optical fiber such that radiant energy in the single, input optical fiber is uniformly transferred to each of the fibers in the array. The convex/concave topology of the interface allows for uniform distribution of radiant energy in a small, rectilinear configuration which allows combining multiple couplers in an edge-to-edge arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Troy B. Wallace
  • Patent number: 5841426
    Abstract: A foot operated mouse for controlling a computer, providing similar functions as a conventional hand operated mouse. The novel foot operated mouse has a base which rests on a horizontal pad or surface, and a separate platform for supporting the foot. A ball for generating positional signals based upon an x-and-y coordinate grid is fixed to the base. The foot platform is attached to the ball and can wobble, or simultaneously rotate and incline, thereon. Switch operators corresponding to conventional finger operated control buttons of a conventional hand operated mouse are provided. Preferably, these switch operators are hinged to the foot platform, and incline when depressed. In an alternative embodiment, the foot platform and switch operators are integral. In the latter embodiment, switch operation results from contact of the platform with the base. Preferably, the upper surface of the platform is inclined, thereby establishing a toe position and a heel position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventors: Dean Dodson, Timothy Kelley
  • Patent number: 5839898
    Abstract: A ball retainer for spanning and connecting an anchor osteointegrated into the jaw of a person and a dental prosthesis intended to be connected to the anchor. The ball retainer is formed in two separate parts. The first part has a column atop which is mounted a ball for engaging the prosthesis. The column has excess or sacrificial material. The second part has a hexagonal or otherwise non-circular shank for being inserted into and engaging the anchor, atop which is located a platform having a flat top surface. When being utilized in a particular prosthetic installation, excess material of the column is planed or otherwise removed to adjust height of the prosthesis from the anchor. Simultaneously, the cut is oriented appropriately for accommodating misalignment between the anchor and the intended orientation of the prosthesis. Preferably, the column is similar in diameter and cross sectional configuration to the platform of the anchoring member, and both are greater in diameter than the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Americo Fernandes
  • Patent number: 5836400
    Abstract: A hydraulic tool having a ram or other working element propelled by pressurized fluid. The tool has a lever which is squeezed to develop fluid force in a pump. The fluid circuitry automatically operates the ram selectively at any one of three operating speeds and hence at three different magnitudes of force relative to the input speed of the lever as it is squeezed. The circuitry includes a principal supply subcircuit in which fluid flows directly from the pump to the ram, thereby establishing a normal speed mode of operation. A high speed subcircuit and a low speed subcircuit each operated by respective pressure responsive valves direct fluid ejected as the ram piston and pump piston advance to the respective rear sides of the ram piston and pump piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventors: Myron D. Tupper, William Gallentine
  • Patent number: 5832645
    Abstract: An automobile accessory comprising an illuminated picture frame which is insertable into a receptacle of a cigarette lighter of a motor vehicle for power and for mounting. The picture frame has a plug assembly which is compatible with the receptacle of the cigarette lighter with respect to interfit within the receptacle. The plug assembly also has electrodes located to connect to power from the receptacle. The plug assembly therefore both supports the picture frame and provides electrical power for lighting. A suitable lamp is provided behind the picture or slide for back lighting the same. The picture frame has electrical circuitry connecting the light to the electrodes. A switch is provided for extinguishing the lamp. The switch may be located on the visible exterior of the picture frame or alternatively, on the plug assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Brett W. Wells
  • Patent number: 5832800
    Abstract: A cutter for manually cutting club sandwiches into four wedge or triangular sections. The cutter has a flat base and a cutting blade assembly mounted to the base. The cutting blade assembly comprises four blades arranged in cruciform pattern, a handle, and a shaft connecting the blades to the handle. A cover guard preventing direct contact with the blades from above is slidably mounted on the shaft, and urged into proximity with the blades by a spring. The cover guard has holes enabling decorative toothpicks to be inserted into the center of each section of a cut sandwich. A guide constrains the cutting blade assembly to move only vertically and reciprocatably relative to the base, and prevents rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A resilient member holds the cutting blade assembly in an elevated "ready" position above the base. Stops are selectively mounted on the base to enable centering sandwiches made from different standard bread loaf dimensions on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Terence Donoghue
  • Patent number: 5829607
    Abstract: A double ended bottle having two narrow necks at opposed ends of the bottle. Sloped shoulders provide gentle transition between each neck and the full width of the body of the bottle. The bottle is internally open and unobstructed so that a common chamber extends from one opening to the other. Each neck has a threaded cap having two features for sealing against leaks past the cap. In one feature, an internal projection formed in each cap plugs the neck of the bottle. In an alternative embodiment, the neck has a separate adaptor or insert for reducing throat diameter. If this is provided, the projection is accordingly sized. Both the projection and the throat of the insert are beveled for centering the projection within the bore of the insert. The second sealing feature includes an external flange formed on each neck between the threads and the body of the bottle, and a corresponding groove formed in the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Moheb M. Ibrahim
  • Patent number: 5829914
    Abstract: A method of repairing asphalt or concrete surfaces such as roads and parking lots which have developed pot holes therein. The hole is cleaned of loose debris, lined with a water barrier sheet, provided with a reinforcing mesh, and filled with hot asphalt mix. The asphalt mix is compacted by a roller which has been chilled by exposure to a cryogenic substance, such as liquid nitrogen. Alternatively, the cryogenic substance directly contacts the asphalt mix. Preferably, the reinforcing mesh is further reinforced by flattened rods woven through the mesh or alternatively, laid thereon, with the rods oriented at angles of approximately forty-five degrees to linear structural members of the mesh. The water barrier, reinforcing mesh, and reinforcing rods are preferably formed from recycled plastic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Raymond Wells
  • Patent number: 5830107
    Abstract: An exercise machine providing selectively variable rhythmic audible accompaniment for torso twisting and arm thrusting motions. The machine has three rotatably mounted foot platforms and two upwardly projecting, pivotable hand levers. Two of the three foot platforms are located proximate to and equidistant from the hand levers and the remaining foot platform is located distally from the hand levers. The hand levers are adjustable as to resistance to pivoting, and alternatively may be fixed in place if arm motions are not desired. A music synthesizer controls tempo of exercises. Tempo, beat, volume, and other characteristics of the music may be controlled by the user. A microprocessor sums the number and frequency of body motions and calculates energy expended while exercising. This information is transmitted to a display visible to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: George R. Brigliadoro
  • Patent number: 5826589
    Abstract: The present invention features an ash receptacle for attaching to a vertical surface of the body of a golf cart or similar vehicle. A tiltable cover keeps rain from entering the ash collection chamber which features a removable insert for ease of dumping. Clips are provide for securely holding one or more lighted cigarettes. Drainage holes are provided in the bottom of the outer body to allow drainage of trapped rain water, condensation, or the like. All outer edges and corners of the ash receptacle are rounded to prevent snagging a user's clothing or injuring a user in the event that the user accidentally brushes against or bumps the ash receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Varoujan Ohanian
  • Patent number: 5821852
    Abstract: Apparatus for indicating axial alignment or deviation from alignment, and proximity between a tow vehicle and a trailer towards which the tow vehicle must be maneuvered. The apparatus comprises a storage reel mounted on the tow vehicle for storing and paying out a cord, a pulley having a magnet for mounting the pulley temporarily on the trailer hitch, and a take up reel mounted on the tow vehicle for applying tension to the cord. As the tow vehicle is maneuvered, changes in relative position between tow vehicle and trailer cause the cord to change length and angular orientation relative to the tow vehicle. These changes are sensed as one or both of the storage reel and take up reel rotate responsive to cord changes. A plurality of switches make or break contact to a matrix of indicating lamps located in the cabin of the tow vehicle, the indicating lamps indicating position of the tow vehicle relative to the trailer. The reels are permanently or temporarily mounted on the tow vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: O. Dean Fairchild
  • Patent number: 5819483
    Abstract: A construction for and method of building a tie-down type ground anchor for securing a structure to supporting ground. A cylindrical block formed from recycled plastic waste has a longitudinal bore and receives a tether through the bore. The tether is knotted at one end. The tether is pulled through the block until the knot lodges thereagainst, thus preventing the tether from being pulled free of the block from the unknotted end. The block is lowered into a hole dug beneath the structure being secured. The block is disposed with the free end of the tether facing away from the structure. The free end of the tether is then tied to the structure after being adequately tightened. The hole is then filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Raymond Wells
  • Patent number: 5821855
    Abstract: A security system for detecting weapons and explosives being carried into buildings and similar locations accessible to the public. A sensing unit is located at a monitored premises, and has at least two types of sensors. Each sensor senses a characteristic of weapons or explosives which is different from characteristics sensed by another sensor. The sensing unit transmits data signals by radio to a control station having a microprocessor for processing these data signals. Data from the sensing unit is compared to stored data relating to known, predetermined characteristics of weapons and explosives. If comparison determines recognition of a weapon or explosive or both at a monitored premises, an alarm ensues. Identification of the weapon or explosive is displayed on a CRT monitor and is printed out. Optionally, a distress signal is generated, and connected by a telephone system to a third party. Preferably, many sensing apparatuses at diverse premises communicate with a single control station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Tommy J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5820324
    Abstract: The invention features an improved flush installation multi-part interlocking nail fastening system which eliminates loosening of flooring members, rubbing, or relative movement, thereby eliminating squeaks and noises. A master nail with modified head and shank portions accepts insertion of two smaller nails of soft composition which, when driven into a pair of internal longitudinal bores, these small nails exit the master nail to form opposing arcs, pulling abutting floor members into tight abutting engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Samuel Chapman
  • Patent number: 5816275
    Abstract: A hydraulically powered cleaner for cleaning a paint roller. The cleaner comprises a housing and removable cover which closes and a cleaning chamber within. Water pressure rotates a turbine mounted inside the housing, which turbine in turn rotates the paint roller element. Water is also conducted to a spray manifold which directs jets of water against the roller element at a directly impinging angle. Two valves are disposed within the hydraulic system for individually controlling the turbine and spray manifold. The water system accepts a threaded hose connection for the water supply. Alternatively, an adapting hose is connected, which adapting hose terminates in a flexible, resilient funnel for conducting water from a faucet to the water system of the cleaner. Preferably, hydraulic conduits and components are formed as part of the removable cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Sean Mullen
  • Patent number: 5813184
    Abstract: Self-heating roofing construction elements containing a heating element embedded therein. Each construction element has at least one tab extending laterally, the tab enclosing one or more electrical conductors so that one construction element may be connected by snap fit to an adjacent construction element. Preferably, the elements are provided as a kit including a right side end module, one or more center modules, and a left side module. Individual construction elements may be ceramic tiles, wood shake shingles, or asphaltic shingles, preferably reinforced with recycled glass, recycled rubber, or both. Whether one or plural modules, the construction element is controlled by an electrical controller responsive to subfreezing temperatures and to presence of precipitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: David J. McKenna