Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Thompson & Knight, LLP
  • Patent number: 6695883
    Abstract: A femoral neck fixation prosthesis and method of using same which reduces bone loss and the avoids the other shortcomings of the prior art by allowing the fixation of a stable femoral head replacement while reducing the amount of the femur which must be reamed for the insertion of the prosthesis. The preferred embodiment provides that the femoral head is attached to a fixation prosthesis which extends coaxially through the canal of the femoral neck, into the femur, and is then attached to the opposite lateral wall of the femur. In this manner, the prosthesis serves to imitate the original structure of the femoral neck. No other support members, either crosspins or arms extending into the length of the femur, are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Theodore W. Crofford
  • Patent number: 6673191
    Abstract: A card display system of the present invention includes a transparent first shell part and a transparent second shell part. The first shell part has a perimeter that includes a flange that extends outwardly of the inner surface of the first shell part. The second shell part has a perimeter that is sized to matingly engage the flange of the first shell part. The inner surface of the second shell part includes a card holding depression positioned within the perimeter of the second shell part. A transparent card holding sleeve having substantially the same dimensions as the card holding depression is positionable within the card holding depression. The first and second shell parts are sealed together to encase a card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Beckett Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Harwell, James D. Hitt, Grant S. Sandground
  • Patent number: 6672190
    Abstract: The present invention provides a precision miter gauge for orienting and positioning a workpiece relative to a cutting tool. The miter gauge reduces positioning errors and improves repeatability. The miter gauge includes a base and a body pivotably connected to the base. A positioning edge of the body contains a plurality of teeth between which a positioning member connected to the base is inserted and locked in place. In this manner, relative movement of the positioning body relative to the base is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Taylor Design Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6666075
    Abstract: A scanning probe microscopy tool is provided with a force sensor that simultaneously measures more than one component of a surface force. The tool is comprised of an oscillator, a tip, a mechanical actuator, a sensing system, and a feedback control system. The oscillator has a selected shape, dimensions ratio, and /or material composition such that the oscillator comprises a first resonant mode for a first direction, wherein a first resonance of the first resonance mode can be altered by a surface force interaction between the tip and the sample in the first direction; and a second resonant mode for a second direction, wherein a second resonance of the second resonant mode can be altered by the surface force interaction between the tip and the sample in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Xidex Corporation
    Inventors: Vladimir Mancevski, Davor Juricic, Paul F. McClure
  • Patent number: 6648844
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for decompressing invertebral discs, relieving back pain, and promoting back healing is provided, involving a pelvic harness, elastic member, and foot-pad-pressing unit. The pelvic harness has a back side and a front side. The back side of the pelvic harness is connected to the elastic member's top end. The elastic member's bottom end is connected to the foot-pad-pressing unit. The foot-pad-pressing unit has a centrally located connector receptacle. The centrally located connector receptacle is used to attach the bottom end of the elastic member to the foot-pad-pressing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Brett Kamerman
  • Patent number: 6594846
    Abstract: The cones used to position poultry carcasses on poultry processing lines must be cleaned frequently. In order to clean the cones, a cone cleaning device is provided. A stainless steel frame holds four rotating cylindrical brushes in position so that the cones can be passed between the brushes. Nozzles spray water on the cones as they pass between the rotating brushes. The brushes are rotated with motors mounted on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Scrivner Equipment Company
    Inventor: Martin R. Scrivner
  • Patent number: 6597090
    Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes as functional elements of MEMS devices. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of preparing a MEMS substrate for synthesis of a carbon nanotube. A nanosize hole or catalyst retaining structure is fabricated on the MEMS substrate in which a nanotube catalyst is deposited. A nanotube is then synthesized within the nanosize hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Xidex Corporation
    Inventor: Vladimir Mancevski
  • Patent number: 6568842
    Abstract: A continuous preparation of calcium hydroxide slurry can be made on a mobile apparatus that uses an eductor to initially combine metered flows of calcium oxide and water. The calcium hydroxide slurry is retained in a deaerating sump and then pumped into a serpentine centrifugal mixer so that the reaction of the calcium oxide and the water is safely complete. Because the apparatus allows the calcium hydroxide slurry to be recirculated into the deaerating sump, the slaking process can continue even when it is necessary to pause the discharge of slurry to change transport tankers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: United States Lime and Minerals, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Murray
  • Patent number: 6565485
    Abstract: An integrated hand exercise device with a hand-held container or a hand-carried object such as a briefcase, handbag, umbrella or a walker-cane is provided. The integrated hand grip exercise device generally includes a handgrip exerciser combined with a handle of the hand-held container or hand-carried object. Such combination oft he handgrip exerciser with the handle permits the hand exercise device to be operated as the briefcase, handbag or umbrella is being used by a user. The handgrip exerciser generally includes one or more springs and a handlebar for interposing a desired resistance or compressible tension between the handle and the handlebar for exercising hands, wrists and arms. Alternatively, a squeezable resilient member may provide a desired resistance or compressible tension. The integrated hand exercise device may be detachable from the hand-held container or hand-carried object, and the resistance or compressible tension maybe user-selectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: David Kinsella
  • Patent number: 6557601
    Abstract: An expandable mechanical stop is provided for positioning a workpiece during woodworking or other operations. The mechanical stop includes a positioning body which is adjustably attached to a track, the track having a vertical face that abuts an edge of the workpiece during operation. A stop arm is connected to the positioning body and includes a rear face that is substantially adjacent to the vertical face of the track. Anti-biasing means are provided to prevent the workpiece from dislodging the stop arm by sliding between the stop arm and the track. In one configuration, tabs are provided on the rear face and are received by grooves on the vertical face to serve as the anti-biasing means. In another configuration, grooves are provided on the rear face and receive tabs disposed on the vertical face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Taylor Design Group
    Inventor: Christopher L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6540063
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly is disclosed for providing selectively spaced products for packing in cases. The conveyor assembly includes a feed conveyor belt for supplying products and first and second pick conveyor belts. A diverter conveyor belt is disposed between the feed conveyor belt and the first and second pick conveyor belts, and adapted to selectively align the feed conveyor belt with either the first pick conveyor belt or the second pick conveyor belt. A first pick motor is operatively associated with the pick conveyor belt for selectively controlling the speed of a first pick conveyor belt. A second pick motor is operatively associated with the second pick conveyor belt for selectively controlling the speed of the second pick conveyor belt. A sensor is operatively associated with the diverter belt for sensing product on the diverter belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventors: David M. Fallas, Richard J. Fallas
  • Patent number: 6507735
    Abstract: A mobile switching center receives a call to a wireless telephone unit and determines if the wireless telephone unit is available to receive calls. If the wireless unit is unavailable, the mobile switching center forwards the call to a wireless service node, preferably immediately and without providing any ring back tone to the calling party. The wireless service node prompts the calling party to speak a message for transmission to the wireless telephone unit. The wireless service node converts the message spoken by the calling party from a speech message to a text message and forwards text message to a short message service center for transmission to the wireless unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Steven F. Baker, Kevin Swank
  • Patent number: D468715
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Alfa Technology Limited
    Inventor: Jean Paul Cuvelier
  • Patent number: D468716
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Alfa Technology Limited
    Inventor: Jean Paul Cuvelier
  • Patent number: D468717
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Alfa Technology Limited
    Inventor: Jean Paul Cuvelier
  • Patent number: D468718
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Alfa Technology Limited
    Inventor: Jean Paul Cuvelier
  • Patent number: D468719
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Alfa Technology Limited
    Inventor: Jean Paul Cuvelier
  • Patent number: D469078
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Alfa Technology Limited
    Inventor: Jean Paul Cuvelier
  • Patent number: D469079
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Alfa Technology Limited
    Inventor: Jean Paul Cuvelier
  • Patent number: D469752
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Alfa Technology Limited
    Inventor: Jean Paul Cuvelier