Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Thomas D. Foster
  • Patent number: 8117991
    Abstract: A pet water dispenser having a system of water pumps to circulate water, a water bowl containing a temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the water in the bowl, an ultra violet light and a filter to purify and clean the circulating water, an in-line water heater and a thermoelectric cooling plate to keep the water at a desired temperature, water jets inside the bowl to spray water against the inside of the bowl to clean hair and debris from the bowl, a rotating drain disc in the bowl which periodically opens to permit emptying of old water from the water bowl and closes to permit filling of the bowl with fresh water, a digital controller to permit a pet owner to control the operation of the dispenser and the temperature of the water presented in the bowl to the pet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Sandra Civitillo
  • Patent number: 8070022
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for dispensing a measured amount of paste is provided herein, including a flexible container for paste, comprising a closed end, a peripheral wall, and an open outlet; a top cap comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the top cap hingedly attached to the open outlet, the bottom surface of the top cap disposed to cover the open outlet in a closed position and uncover the open outlet in an open position; and a scooper attached to the bottom surface of the top cap in a substantially perpendicular orientation, the scooper configured to dip into the container in the closed position and scoop out a measured amount of paste from the container in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Franklin S Briles
  • Patent number: 7975405
    Abstract: A shoe is described having a removeable heel, removeable platform, and in some embodiments one or more removeable straps. The shoes of the present invention provide for flexibility in design with the same sole by allowing for replacement of one type of heel with another and in some shoes replacement of the strap or straps by alternate styles or colors of straps. The replaceability or modularity of the heel and straps allows for compact storage as well, which is desirable during travel. The removeabitlity of the platform enables the shoe to adjust to different heights. Additionally, some embodiments have one or more hinges formed in the sole to allow the shoe to collapse to an even smaller size for storage or travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Quintana Kemp
  • Patent number: 7882989
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for dispensing a measured amount of paste is provided herein, including a flexible container for paste, comprising a closed end, a peripheral wall, and an open outlet; a top cap comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the top cap hingedly attached to the open outlet, the bottom surface of the top cap disposed to cover the open outlet in a closed position and uncover the open outlet in an open position; and a scooper attached to the bottom surface of the top cap in a substantially perpendicular orientation, the scooper configured to dip into the container in the closed position and scoop out a measured amount of paste from the container in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Franklin S. Briles
  • Patent number: 7803772
    Abstract: The invention relates to fragments of an amino acid sequence of mature, full length 24 kDa fibroblast growth factor-2 or an analog thereof. The fragments have an activity that inhibits the migration of cultured cells as well as inhibiting angiogenesis, tumor growth, or any other processes that involve the migration of cells in vivo. This fragment does not stimulate the proliferation of cells which is in contrast to activity shown by the mature, full-length 24 kDa fibroblast growth factor-2. The present invention also relates to a DNA molecule encoding the fragment, an expression vector and a transformed host containing the DNA molecule, and a method of producing the protein by culturing the transformed host. Moreover, the present invention relates to a therapeutic composition the 24 kDa fibroblast growth factor fragment and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: The Scripps Research Institute
    Inventor: Eugene G. Levin
  • Patent number: 7775851
    Abstract: A soft, protective breast support worn by pregnant, postpartum and nursing mothers when showering to support engorged breasts, function as a warm compress to soothe breasts and ease engorgement, and to shield the breasts, nipples and areolas from direct contact with harsh shower sprays, drying soap and other chemical residues found in toiletries that can damage sensitive nipple and areola skin, while leaving the wearer's hands free. The breast support is a two-sided, rectangular fabric panel made of soft, lightweight, elastic and absorbent material. The wearer snuggly wraps the fabric panel lengthwise around her bustline and back, so that the width of the panel covers the breasts, and attaches the opposing ends of the panel along the front mid-line of her chest using a hook and loop closure mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Andria M. Sgro
  • Patent number: 6764190
    Abstract: The present invention includes an illuminated sign display assembly comprising: a transparent panel having two oppositely facing planar surfaces separated by a surface forming a linear edge between said oppositely faced surfaces, one of said oppositely facing surfaces adapted to support a sign; a light source on or adjacent to said linear edge for transmitting light between said opposite facing surfaces; characterised in that at least one of said oppositely facing surfaces has applied thereon at least one single continuous line forming a matrix extending substantially over the entire surface of said at least one of said oppositely facing surfaces. The applicants have found that the sign display assembly of the present invention enables even distribution of transmitted light and effectively illuminates the entire panel even at distances remote from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Spicon Industries Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Spiros Michaelidis, Constantine Michaelidis
  • Patent number: D486953
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Catharine M. Hall