Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Thomas B. McGurk
  • Patent number: 6237446
    Abstract: A wrench adapter assembly is provided that can adapt a conventional manual or power wrench to be used to grasp and rotate a smooth-surfaced cylindrical object. The wrench adapter assembly includes of a pivoting hook, a biasing means for the hook, a wrench adapter with a multisided flange for engaging the jaw of a wrench and a concave jaw. The pivoting hook is in circumferential alignment with the concave jaw so as to receive a smooth-surfaced cylindrical article. The flange shoulder has sides that match up with the sides of the jaw of the wrench. Once the wrench adapter assembly is secured within the wrench jaw, it may receive and hold a smooth-surfaced cylindrical article. The wrench adapter rotates with the jaw of the wrench. Thus, the wrench may be used in combination with the wrench adapter assembly to rotate smooth-surfaced cylindrical articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventor: Yong Ming Zhang
  • Patent number: 6202878
    Abstract: A closure apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of plug closures interconnected by straps. Each plug includes a blind bore therein into which a sampling needle may be inserted for penetration of the plug in order to extract a sample from the container to which the plug is attached. The plugs are arranged within an array that may correspond to an array of containers set within wells located in a block array. A membrane is also provided that interconnects the straps and the plugs. The plugs are fashioned from an elastomer such as a silicone elastomer. A layer of PTFE is provided on the bottom outer surface of the plugs and may also be included on the underside of the interconnecting straps and membrane, so as to provide an inert barrier in contact with the contents of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Chromacol Limited
    Inventor: Charles David Cook
  • Patent number: 6174274
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for formation of a preformed bonded pull tab over a reseal liner is disclosed. The pull tab seal layer of material is bonded together with a reseal liner layer of material for insertion into a closure. The pull tab on the pull tab liner seal is formed prior to combination of the two layers and is folded backwards between the two layers of material. Thus, after combining the two layers, punching out the closure liner and insertion into the closure, the reseal liner is separated from the pull tab seal and the pull tab seal is adhered to the rim of the container. Only one punch press step is required for forming the closure and container seals and insertion of the members into the closure. By forming the pull tab prior to combining the two layers, an assembly of the pull tab and reseal liner is made more efficient and less time consuming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Rexam Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronnie Lee Hawkins, William R. Weinert