Patents Represented by Attorney Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett
  • Patent number: 5664478
    Abstract: A spring break actuator (10) with a cast aluminum adapter (74) partially defining tandem spring brake and service brake portions has several corrosion fuses on the adapter. Each corrosion fuse is defined by a recessed or thinned area which does not compromise the structural integrity of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: NAI Anchorlok, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Pierce
  • Patent number: 5664726
    Abstract: A collapsible box construction in which a flat blank, made of a suitably rigid material, is assembled to form a box. The box construction can be assembled and stored in a flat configuration and thereafter erected into the box in a simple, efficient manner. Additionally, the initial assembly of the blank into the box construction provides stability and rigidity without requiring that one or more bottom flaps be glued or otherwise fixedly mounted together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: DeWitt Packaging Corp.
    Inventor: Tom S. Opper
  • Patent number: 5662375
    Abstract: A mounting clip assembly for mounting an accessory to a roof sheet metal bracket. A mounting clip is fastened to or molded with the accessory and comprises two diverging legs, which are snap-fit into an aperture in the roof sheet metal bracket. A locking bezel has a pair of lugs and a locking finger, which are inserted between the legs to prevent the relative movement of the legs. The locking finger is received within a slot on one of the legs to releasably fasten the bezel to the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Edward R. Adams, Bradley D. Miller
  • Patent number: 5662607
    Abstract: A catheter for supplying liquid to the coronary sinus in a perfusion procedure comprising a tubular catheter body having an interior lumen, a proximal end, and a distal end; and an inflatable cuff (balloon) adjacent the distal end of the catheter. The cuff has a proximal end and a distal end, each of which encircle the catheter body and hermetically seal thereto. The cuff further comprises an elongated central section having a length of at least 1 inch. When the inflated cuff is positioned a sufficient distance into the coronary sinus to firmly retain the cuff therein, it blocks the left coronary vein where it meets the coronary sinus. Further, the cuff can comprise end panels defined between the central section and the proximal and distal cuff ends. The end panels have a shape which allows for flexure between the central section and the cuffs proximal and distal ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Booth, Jean-Aubert Barra
  • Patent number: 5664252
    Abstract: To provide a standard for determining an objective level of performance of photographic film developer processes, a production sensitometer, of the type commonly used in the field, is correlated with a high precision, master sensitometer, defined as a standard. Relative exposure values are computed for each step of a step wedge exposed by a production sensitometer with reference to a corresponding step of a step wedge exposed in the master sensitometer. The relative exposure values are recorded and stored in a read-only memory in the production sensitometer. In the field, the steps of a step wedge on a test film strip exposed by the production sensitometer and developed by the developer processor to be tested, are read by a densitometer which uses the stored relative exposure values to compute density values for the test strip correlated to the master sensitometer. The developer processor may then be adjusted such that the developed film will match quality control parameters, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: X-Rite, Incorporated
    Inventors: Bernard J. Berg, Patrick S. Rood
  • Patent number: 5655431
    Abstract: A nut and bolt assembler comprises a threaded bolt (78a) having a proximal end (140) with a knurled outer surface (142). A nut (144) is press fit onto the bolt knurled proximal end (190) to prevent rotation of the nut (144) with respect to the bolt (78a). Preferably, the knurled outer surface preferably comprises axial splines (142). The connection is most useful on the proximal end of a caging bolt (78a) in a spring brake actuator (10) having a hollow actuator rod (60) into which a head (86) at a distal end of the caging bolt (78a) is positioned with the proximal end (140) of the caging bolt (78a) extending out of the brake actuator through a threaded aperture (77) in an end portion of a brake actuator housing (52). A washer (148) can be provided between the nut (144) and the brake actuator housing (52) to prevent foreign material from entering the break actuator housing (52) through the threaded aperture (77).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Nai Anchorlok, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Pierce, Raymond D. Subdon, Steven M. Stojic
  • Patent number: 5655255
    Abstract: A water extractor and nozzle for spraying fluid in an even distribution across a predetermined area. The nozzle comprises a tubular body with an axial fluid channel, which intersects a nozzle opening through which the fluid is sprayed onto the surface being cleaned. The nozzle opening is defined by opposed sidewalls connected to opposed end walls. The sidewalls are concave outwardly. The sidewalls and end walls define the spray coverage area and the shape of the opening controls the distribution of the fluid across the spray coverage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Bissell Inc.
    Inventor: Luke E. Kelly
  • Patent number: 5655708
    Abstract: A tray for containing fluid-exuding foods, such as meat, fish and the like, comprises a laminate having upper and lower laminae, with openings in the upper lamina. Fluid retaining cavities are formed in the lower lamina or between adjacent lamina to keep exuded liquids away from the food and out of sight of the purchaser. The upper surface of the lower lamina is embossed to form regularly shaped liquid containment cells. The openings in the upper layer are preferable aligned in accordance with a predefined pattern and in register with the cells on the lower lamina. An intermediate lamina of absorbent material and a reticulate lamina may be disposed between the upper and lower lamina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Horst-Ditmar Grone
  • Patent number: 5653690
    Abstract: A catheter for retrograde perfusion of the heart through the coronary sinus, which has an infusion lumen for introducing perfusion liquid into the heart, a retention means such as an inflatable balloon, and can have retention enhancements such as proximally sloping spikes, or barbed protuberances on the surface of the retention means to keep it firmly in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Booth, James H. Devries
  • Patent number: 5652007
    Abstract: A meat product containing one or more forms of uncooked cherries is shown. The meat product can be a comminuted meat mixture in which ground or chopped cherries are included in the mixture. Alternatively, cherry juice, or a slurry of cherry juice and cherry tissue, could be mixed with the meat to create a comminuted meat mixture according to the invention. In another aspect, uncooked cherry products could be used in preparing a meat product for curing. The meat products produced according to the invention have the benefits of enhanced lipid oxidation resistance, enhanced flavor, better natural color retention, and a reduction of undesirable elements, such as fat or sodium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Raymond M. Pleva
  • Patent number: 5651307
    Abstract: A compression device adaptor for compacting discarded oil filters having a compacting member (10) which is connected to various types of compression devices, such as a hydraulic press, by way of a compactor connector (12). Formed within compacting member (10) is an interior drain channel (30) providing escape of waste oil held within an oil filter (28) upon pressure being applied by operation of a compression device. An oil filter platform (20) accommodates oil filter (28) as well as containing excess oil and providing drainage of same through a drain port (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Kenneth N. Reny
  • Patent number: 5649469
    Abstract: An air-operated combination diaphragm spring brake has a service chamber in tandem with a spring chamber. The service chamber being separated into an upper and lower section by a first elastomeric diaphragm. The spring chamber is separated into upper and lower sections by a second elastomeric diaphragm. A lever type stroke indicator is positioned within either or both the lower sections of the service chamber and the spring chamber.The stroke indicator in the service chamber pivots about a pin when contacted by a plate associated with the service push rod when the brakes are applied, resulting in a portion of the stroke indicator to extend beyond the periphery of the service chamber housing and provide a visual indication of the need to inspect the brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: NAI Anchorlok, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Pierce
  • Patent number: 5641445
    Abstract: An extrusion die for extruding at least two layers of polymers at substantially different temperatures wherein a first die has portions connected to a second die and portions spaced from the second die. Insulation is provided between the first and second dies and the first die is water cooled. A layer of insulation is provided between the spaced portion of the first and second dies. A third die is mounted to the second die and co-extrudes a third material onto the laminate formed by the first and second dies. The third die is connected to the second die but has portions spaced from the second die. The spaced portion between the second and third dies are insulated. A thermosetting polymer, such as FKM, is extruded by the first die at a temperature of about 180.degree.-200.degree. F. A fluorinated, thermoplastic polymer, such as THV, is extruded from the second die at a temperature of about 480.degree. F. A thermosetting polymer, such as ECO, used to extrude multilayered fuel tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Cadillac Rubber & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Fauble, William Troy Browder, Glenn V. Dukes
  • Patent number: 5640743
    Abstract: A holder for long slender implements such as pencils and pens is disclosed. The holder comprises a support member which is preferably a thin web having opposed side surfaces. The web includes at least one opening that communicates with each of the side surfaces. Each side of the opening is surrounded by a plurality of flexible fingers which extend away from each side surface in a converging relationship so that the flexible fingers form a hollow frusto-conical shape that is preferably divided into equal segments. A long slender implement inserted through an opening in an outer end of the frusto conical shape forces the outer ends of the flexible fingers outward. The pressure exerted by the flexible fingers holds the long slender implement securely. The holder may be provided with a resilient clip, an adhesive or a magnetic base for attaching the holder to a variety of suitable surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventors: Leonard A. Greene, Stephen Lienau
  • Patent number: 5640893
    Abstract: A bearing (104) is mounted to the caging bolt head (86) within a hollow actuator rod (60) of a spring brake actuator (14). The bearing (104) is self-lubricated to guide movement of the actuator rod during application and release of the spring brake and to minimize friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: NAI Anchorlok, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Stojic
  • Patent number: 5639110
    Abstract: A trailing arm suspension (10) has a trailing arm (12) comprising a central rib (32) to which opposing U-shaped side plates (52, 54) are welded. The central rib (32) and the opposing side plates (52, 54) have congruent semicircular recesses (34, 38) disposed at one end of the trailing arm to define a first seat (55) for receiving a mounting collar (36) to mount the one end of the trailing arm to a hanger bracket (16). The central rib (32) and opposing side plates (52, 54) have further congruent semicircular recesses (56, 58) that define a second seat (57) in which is mounted a cast member (40) for mounting an axle (24). A portion of the central rib extends above the opposed side plates and defines a shock absorber mount (42). The other end of the central rib (32) has a rectangular recess (46) for receiving an end shaft (48) to mount a transverse beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: NAI Neway, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Pierce, Gregory A. Richardson
  • Patent number: RE35545
    Abstract: A valve cartridge is disclosed which includes ceramic discs and a retainer force-fit and positively located on the end of a valve cartridge body. The retainer frictionally secures valve elements within the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Amerikam, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmie D. Chrysler
  • Patent number: D381481
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Bissell Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Medema, Robert C. Coon
  • Patent number: D381482
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Bissell Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Medema, Robert C. Coon
  • Patent number: D383573
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Bissell Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Saunders