Patents Represented by Law Firm Vinson & Elkins
  • Patent number: 7243661
    Abstract: A hair styling device includes two blades that are hinged together at one end thereof and provide heated plates at the opposite ends for styling hair. The blades and heated plates provide a fine straight edge at one side and a rounded edge at the opposing side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Herbert Lun, Michael Cafaro
  • Patent number: 7239392
    Abstract: A polarization modulation photoreflectance technique has been developed for optical characterization of semiconductor electronic interfaces. By using a laser source in conjunction with polarization state modulation, a polarization modulation spectroscopy technique may be used to characterize the optical response of semiconductor materials and structures. Disclosed methods and instruments are suitable for characterization of optical signatures of electronic interfaces, including characterization of electric fields at semiconductor interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Xitronix Corporation
    Inventor: William W. Chism, II
  • Patent number: 7232189
    Abstract: A container for disposing of waste concrete provides a pivoting front wall assembly such that lifting the container by the front wall assembly breaks the bond between hardened concrete and the container facilitating removal of the waste concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Southern Star Concrete, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester B. Covington, Phillip R. Fletcher, Gerald T. Kitchingham
  • Patent number: 7230609
    Abstract: A touch position coordinate detecting system is provided that is based on surface acoustic waves and includes arrays of reflective patterns between a touch region of a touch panel. An initial burst that includes two frequency components is sent on the panel. The reflective arrays include two sub-arrays centered respectively at the two frequencies. A touch on the panel involves an absorption of the acoustic waves traveling in the region of the panel, and provides a localized damping in a time output signal. A time localized damping is detected for each reflected frequency components, thereby enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: GeneralTouch Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhong De Chao, Ao Yong, Deng Wei
  • Patent number: 7228065
    Abstract: A hair dryer that includes a nozzle with a plurality of concentric layers including an outer, protective layer, a perforated metal layer and an inner metal layer coated with gem stone powder wherein the gem stone layer is accessible through the perforations of the metal layer to provide a round styling appliance in addition to a blow dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventor: Michael Cafaro
  • Patent number: 7223103
    Abstract: An inexpensive take-home training aid for practicing human cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is contained in a non-humanoid shaped housing. When placed in a prominent location in the home, such as a child's room, the CPR training aid reminds users of the CPR sills they have learned and encourages them to practice with the training aid. The internal mechanism consists of a simulated airway, a compression mechanism, a compression feedback mechanism, a metronome, a breast plate and back plate with simulated anatomical landmarks, and/or an external landmark for identifying the proper location for placing a hand, hands, or fingers on the chest. Voice prompts on the steps of CPR and/or actual CPR performance may also be included. The chest plate and back plate are connected by one or more telescoping posts and a resistance device is between the two plates to simulate the resistance of a human chest to compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Trainikins, Inc.
    Inventors: Elroy T Cantrell, Melissa K Waugh
  • Patent number: 7215092
    Abstract: A wireless system uses a direct UHF radio frequency (RF) signal to control electric trains and train accessories. A controller, such as a handheld unit used by the toy train operator, accepts control commands and transmits encoded control data over a high frequency radio link directly to a receiver, on the toy train or train accessory, which decodes the commands and controls the toy train or toy train accessory functions with either unidirectional or bidirectional communication between the controller and the model train or train accessory. One controller has the ability to control many trains and other model train layout components such as signals and track switches even while other train operators are operating their trains on the same electric train track layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: NC Train Acquisition L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert A. Grubba, Randall L. Luck, Tim Toombs
  • Patent number: 7188108
    Abstract: Initially, a table in the database is baselined. The baselining function is usually built into the database system program which manages the database itself. This baselining procedure generates storage information like the number of rows in the table, the average length of a row, the number of chained/migrated rows, and the average free space per page in the table. This storage information is transferred to a monitoring routine via a transaction log. The monitoring routine accepts the storage information for the table. Next, the monitoring routine monitors the transaction log for entries which alter the storage information initially passed to it. At some point, an entity may wish to know the current storage information for the table. When this occurs, a message is passed to the monitoring routine, and the monitoring routine transfers the storage information to the requesting entity, without accessing the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: BMC Software, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray Cole
  • Patent number: 7175497
    Abstract: A purse that converts into a doll bed, having an upwardly facing basket; fabric mounted in the basket and which extends upwardly from the basket to form an upwardly facing container that may serve as either a purse or a doll bed; straps secured to the upper end of one of the fabric or the basket so that the combination purse and doll bed may be readily carried; the fabric of the purse extends upwardly sufficiently so that the fabric may form a purse or be folded outwardly to form a doll bed; and a fabric hood secured to the interior of the fabric which may lay concave when the fabric is formed into a purse or be lifted to serve as a toy sunshade for a doll when the fabric is formed into a doll bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Shelagh Herzog
  • Patent number: 7158944
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for facilitating the selection of legal and legal-related service providers. When characterized as an apparatus, the invention has a host site computer, a listing client computer in communication with the host site computer, and a network subscriber computer in communication with the host site computer. Initially, a request for proposal is created using the listing client computer. This request for proposal includes criteria for determining whether a network subscriber can view the request for proposal. After being created, the request for proposal is transmitted to the host site computer. Next, a profile is created using the network subscriber computer. The profile includes characteristics of the network subscriber. After being created, the profile is transmitted to the host site computer. Finally, the host site computer compares the request for proposal and the profile to determine if the network subscriber will have access to the request for proposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Peveril O. Settle, III
  • Patent number: 7147822
    Abstract: The invention is a composition, device, system or method for mitigating odors or other contaminants from a target environment. The present invention relates to devices that contain a formulation for removing, in whole or in part, foul odors from the air. In certain embodiments the present invention provides odor-mitigating reagents that are delivered by means of a spray dispenser. The present invention also contemplates applications where the invention can be delivered via a foam or gel dispenser. Certain embodiments of the invention therefore particularly relate to devices such deodorizers, air fresheners and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: SL Parkhurst Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Parkhurst, Morey E. Osborn
  • Patent number: 7144584
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions and methods for using the S(+) enantiomer of desmethylselegiline (N-methyl-N-(prop-2-ynyl)-2-aminophenylpropane), for the treatment of selegiline-responsive diseases and conditions. Diseases and conditions responsive to selegiline include those produced by neuronal degeneration or neuronal trauma and those due to immune system dysfunction. Effective dosages are a daily dose of at least about 0.015 mg/kg of body weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Anthony R. DiSanto
  • Patent number: 7121118
    Abstract: Earring enhancements attach to an earring such as a hoop earring and allow a decorative element to dangle at or near the center of a hoop. Enhancements may be interchangeable and may attach to a variety of earring styles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Zoltan David
  • Patent number: 7122806
    Abstract: A laser stimulated atom probe for atom probe imaging of dielectric and low conductivity semiconductor materials is disclosed. The laser stimulated atom probe comprises a conventional atom probe providing a field emission tip and ion detector arrangement, a laser system providing a laser short laser pulse and synchronous electronic timing signal to the atom probe, and an optical system for delivery of the laser beam onto the field emitting tip apex. Due to enhanced absorption, it is also possible to realize a photo ionization mechanism, wherein the laser stimulates electronic transitions from the more extended surface atoms, thereby ionizing the surface atom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: William W. Chism II
  • Patent number: 7109161
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of benzethonium chloride, alone or in combination with phenoxyethanol or phenyl ethyl alcohol, to provide anti-microbial activity in pharmaceutical compositions. The present invention also provides methods of using benzethonium chloride, alone or in combination with phenoxyethanol or phenyl ethyl alcohol, to inhibit microbial growth in pharmaceutical compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Atef Gayed
  • Patent number: 7104583
    Abstract: A truck with one or more storage compartments in the bed adjacent the side panels and in which a hinged panel in the side panel or fender allows access to a storage compartment. The side panels maintain the appearance of a conventional pickup truck without storage compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Scott Clare
  • Patent number: D529183
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventor: Michael Cafaro
  • Patent number: D529230
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventor: Gary Koenemann
  • Patent number: D536482
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventor: Gary Koenemann
  • Patent number: D536483
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Herbert Lun, Michael Cafaro