Patents Represented by Attorney Thomas A. Kahrl
  • Patent number: 5165042
    Abstract: A cover plate apparatus for electrical outlets which comprises a bracket for mounting a plurality of female electrical receptacles including a first and second electrical receptacle connected to the electrical conduit, a base plate attached to the mounting bracket having longitudinal tongue members and a decorative face plate having an outer and inner surface and a central channel for receiving the raised rib provided in the base plate for slideable movement between a closed position wherein the receptacles are completely closed to an open position wherein the electrical receptacles are accessible to receive a male electrical plug having prongs for making an electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Harry E. Klinger
  • Patent number: 5154005
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a guide for attachment to an elongated tube holder to guide a dip stick measuring device into an orifice provided in the upper end of the tube holder for measuring the level of oil in an oil reservoir. The guide provides for controlled entry by the dip stick into the tube holder by means of a funnel member of conical shape permitting return by one hand only, and to a method for directing a dip stick measuring device and for providing a guide for controlled entry of the dip stick device into a fluid reservoir by manual means wherein the dip stick guide means consists of funnel member, a connector and an attachment member secured to the tube holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventor: Russell R. Lalevee, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5137176
    Abstract: A self defense method, particularly for women, for defending against a physical assailant. The method comprising providing a wax capsule of hollow egg shaped construction containing a concentrated citric acid solution in the inner enclosed cavity to be carried in the mouth without releasing the citric acid until desired. The user, by simply chewing through the wall of the wax container releases the citric acid into his/her mouth for expectoration into the eyes of a would be attacker. The wax used in the capsule construction to provide an encapsulating capsule, preferably consists of purified wax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventors: Paul P. Martineau, Anne E. Martineau
  • Patent number: 5136798
    Abstract: A workstation tray device for easy connection with a plurality of collapsible ironing board configurations, for temporary but secure storage of containers of compositions applied to articles being ironed, in hinged cooperation for retractable storage in connection with the ironing board without being detached therefrom. The device consisting of a tray member of resilient material for attachment to a ironing board by fingers for receiving a hinged adjustable collar for clamping to one ironing board leg, and by two support arms each movably attached, at one end by a bolt to the flat end of the board member, and at the other end to a bracket attached to the tray such that the shelf is horizontally disposed under the board in convenient close proximity having adequate clearance for storage of items, all without interfering with the legs and feet of the operator. The arms have arch members hingeably attached to strut to cooperate with the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventors: Robert E. Dooley, Kimberly A. Felice
  • Patent number: 5123553
    Abstract: A disconnect tool for use with a plurality of vehicles powered by a source of high voltage electricity and method of disconnecting high voltage equipment, which disconnect tool comprises a disconnect means for moving a coupling between a coupled position and an uncoupled position, an elongated disconnect member of lightweight rigid construction having a non-conductive shaft and a non-conductive coating, including a non-conductive handle, a non-conductive shaft and a non-conductive hook means for engaging the coupling, and including a non-conductive surface layer for preventing high voltage from passing from the transit vehicle to the handles of the user. The method of disconnecting comprises coupling a first vehicle to a second vehicle, mechanically engaging the first coupling means manually grasping an elongated disconnect tool, moving the disconnect lever between a connected position and a disconnected position by pulling the disconnect tool outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: Frederick W. Burt, III
  • Patent number: 5105482
    Abstract: A water flow control device, using available swimming pool water for a source of water, adapted to be connected to conventional swimming pool hose apparatus for rapidly serving swimming pools for winter and spring cleanup. The flow control device can be used to rapidly fill water tubes, consisting of large vinyl bags which are used to anchor the four sides of conventional swimming pool cover used to cover swimming pools when not in use. The flow control device comprises a check valve, a nozzle, a hose section, a valve housing, a flow control handle, a flow chamber, a ball and a ball check seat. A swimming pool flow control system incorporating a source of water.An improved flow control device, of 11/2" id.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventors: Raymond F. Flynn, Margaret A. Flynn
  • Patent number: 5103249
    Abstract: A folding disposable camera for use with instant film for taking photographs typically with eight black and white or color photographs in a 4".times.5" and 31/4".times.41/4" format, foldable between a packaged stacked position and a picture taking position, including a frame for mounting a foldable enclosure constructed of a unitary blank of sheet material having a plurality of side panels and a front wall for enclosing the instant film positioned in a film container provided in the frame, the frame having a spreader bar apparatus attached at an open end for providing an exit path for the film and film tab including a spreader bar having a slanted groove, an upper tab channel and a lower tab channel the spreader bar acting to release developer contained with the instant film, with a lens and shutter mechanism being mounted on the front wall, and a method of packaging the folding disposable camera with a pack of instant film in a unitary package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: Lauren Keene
  • Patent number: 5074119
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pump for automatic and continuous emptying of water condensate from a dehumidifier positioned below ground level or remotely from a gravity drain. The present invention includes a small electrical pump powered by a 12 volt DC power source to prevent electrical shock, includes an on/off float switch connected with the power source, in cooperation with a flexible hose of small diameter of variable length. Condensate collected in the water collection pan is withdrawn at a preselected water level by the pump and passes through the tubing to an elevated or remote drain means or to other appropriate areas for disposal. The present invention permits continuous operation of portable dehumidifiers which would otherwise shut off when the condensate water pan fills after approximately one day's unattended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: John C. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5042430
    Abstract: A litter collection apparatus in combination with a litter container and method for collecting litter material employing the litter collection apparatus including a tray for attachment to the litter container including a hopper body having inclined walls defining a base within the hopper body to receive litter material, the tray being characterized by an opening for receiving litter material provided with a grate adapted to permit litter material to drop downwardly and inwardly in the hopper body and to provide animal access, the tray being attached to the hopper body by brackets adapted for manual movement to tilt the hopper body between a litter receiving position and to a litter discharging position, and a method for collecting litter material dropped by an animal including providing litter material in a container, attaching a collecting tray to the container characterized with an opening and provided with a grate for providing a platform for animals and for passing litter material into the collecting tray
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventor: Stephen Casmira
  • Patent number: 5038502
    Abstract: A workstation tray device for easy connection with a plurality of collapsible ironing board configurations, for temporary but secure storage of containers of compositions applied to objects being ironed, in hinged cooperation for retractable storage in connection with the ironing board without being detached therefrom. The device consisting of a tray member of resilient material for attachment to a ironing board by of fingers for receiving a hinged adjustable collar for clamping to one ironing board leg, and by two support arms each movably attached, at one end by bolt to the flat end of the board member, and at the other end to a bracket attached to the tray such that the shelf is horizontally disposed under the board in convenient close proximity having adequate clearance for storage of items, all without interfering with the legs and feet of the operator. The arms have arch members hingeably attached to strut to cooperate with the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventors: Robert E. Dooley, Kimberly A. Felice
  • Patent number: 5025621
    Abstract: A combination garden cultivating and pruning device for manual operation having a metal head of generally rectangular shape comprising four cultivating implements, a pruning device and a handle of sufficient length to use while standing up having a cavity in the distal end for receiving the pruning device. The four cultivating implements included in the metal head disposed on four sides thereof include a rake positioned opposite from a sifter and a hoe positioned opposite a cultivator. The pruning devices includes shears, a round handle with a threaded portion, and a fin handle which fits in a slot provided in the round handle to permit closing of the shears are closed adapted to be threadably inserted in the cavity provided in the handle, and to be screwed in for a tight fit, with the outer surface providing a smooth rounded extension of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Inventor: Vito A. DeMarco
  • Patent number: 5025569
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a guide for attachment to an engine riser tube to guide a dip stick measuring device into the orifice provided in the upper end of the engine riser. The guide provides for controlled entry by the dip stick into the tube by means of a funnel member of spiral conical shape permitting return by one hand only, and to a method for directing a dip stick measuring device and for providing a guide for controlled entry of the dip stick measuring device into a fluid reservoir by manual means wherein the dip stick guide means consists of wires of coiled construction having a funnel member, a tilt wire member and a helical coil attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Inventor: Russell R. Lalevee, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5025712
    Abstract: An improved chimney cover system and method for controlling the flow of smoke. The chimney cover including a peaked roof supported by moveable arms mounted on a mounting band received by a chimney flue, including a dome shaped screen and outwardly facing prongs for secure attachment to the flue, where in the peaked roof is moveable in a vertical axis with respect to the flue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Inventor: Kevin D. Perry
  • Patent number: 5021020
    Abstract: An improved flat doll, a combination flat doll and folio system and a method of constructing a flat doll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventors: Pauline Hambly, Ann Frias
  • Patent number: 5022013
    Abstract: An improved underwater release apparatus, underwater release system and method of controlled release of an underwater object employing the underwater release apparatus. The underwater release apparatus comprises a housing release means mounted on a housing, a securing means for holding the housing at a defined position, the housing release means comprising a pair of load-balanced clamping jaws mounted for movement between a clamping position and a load releasing position, a coupling means attached to a water balanced shaft means slideably mounted on a nonexplosive drive means for driving the shaft between an engaged position and a disengaged position and for releasing the housing from the mooring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Datasonics, Inc.
    Inventors: William Dalton, Al Billings
  • Patent number: 4939912
    Abstract: The present invention provides a portable food and beverage cooler with an integral audio receiver, preferably and AM/FM radio receiver. The cooler has an outer shell, an intermediate insulation layer, an inner shell, a partially removable top with handle for carrying cooler, and an inner compartment enclosed by four adjoining walls for holding food and beverages. The audio receiver includes a plurality of components including the receiver unit, one or more speakers, a power source battery, receptacle for earphones, jack separately mounted in compartments provided in one or more of the walls, with components in the wiring means connecting the audio insulation layer. Protective screens and waterproof sealing means are provided for keeping sand and moisture out of the speakers to improve quality of sound. Insulation of cooler also insulate components from sand, heat and moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Inventor: George A. Leonovich, Jr.
  • Patent number: D327607
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: George A. Leonovich, Jr.