Patents Represented by Attorney Walter J. Tencza, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7502756
    Abstract: Given a fixed amount of capital, how to invest it optimally by distributing it among a set of stocks and securities so as to maximize the return while minimizing the overall risk is addressed here. Given that one has full freedom in selecting the type of stocks, a new strategy is outlined here by maximizing the ratio of the gain to risk—rather than minimizing the risk alone—to determine the fraction of capital that must go to each stock. An optimum gain versus variance plot can be used to determine the type of stocks to be selected in addition to their relative quantity for maximum yield over the duration of interest. By modifying the definition of risk to include a function of the covariance matrix of secondary stocks that are sympathetic to the primary stocks of interest, an alternate investment strategy is also developed here. If short selling of stocks and securities is not allowed in a portfolio, then stock selection becomes important so as to maintain the desired fractions to be positive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Unnikrishna Sreedharan Pillai
  • Patent number: 7497785
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a flexible body portion and a first ring attached to the flexible body portion. The first ring typically surrounds a first opening in the flexible body portion. The first opening may typically be about equal to or larger than the diameter of an end of a typical golf club handle. The apparatus may include a rigid member attached to the flexible body portion substantially along the entire length of the flexible body portion. A flexible body portion and a band are also provided. The flexible body portion typically can be folded over itself and a first portion of the flexible body portion can be inserted between the band and a second portion of the flexible body portion to attach the flexible body portion to a shaft of a golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Koncelik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7486339
    Abstract: An improved multiparameter lighting fixture is provided comprising a base, a yoke, a lamp housing, and a communication port for receiving address and command signals. The lamp housing may be comprised of a lamp, a light valve, and a lens. The lamp, the light valve and the lens may cooperate to project, for example, an ownership image, a fixture identifier image, a time identifier image, a show identifier image, a content identifier image, or an effects identifier image. The lamp, the light valve and the lens may cooperate to produce a first image on a projection surface and a second image may be created from the first image by applying an interactive effect to the first image in response to an image captured by a camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 7469800
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a fuel bladder is disclosed. The apparatus may include a lid, and a container body. The container body may include first and second hatch doors for accessing fuel in the fuel bladder. The lid may include one or more tie downs, which allow the apparatus to be tied down to an aircraft pallet. One or more devices may be provided for securing the lid to the container body. The container body may include first, second, third, and fourth channels fixed thereto for the use of a forklift device. The apparatus may be further comprised of a first device, which can be placed over an opening in the container body exposed by an opened first hatch door. The first device may include a hose, which can be attached to the fuel bladder in order for fuel from the fuel bladder to be supplied through the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventors: Paul J. Elstone, Sr., Daniel L. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7465052
    Abstract: A lighting system comprised of a central controller, a digital communications path, and a plurality of image projection lighting devices (IPLDs) is provided. The IPLDs contain cameras that can capture both visible light and infrared light. Address signals sent from the central controller first address a particular IPLD and then command signals sent from the central controller control an infrared blocking filter to be positioned in and out of a camera optical path of the particular addressed IPLD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 7441741
    Abstract: A method is disclosed, which may include attaching an apparatus to a picture frame, and removing an adhesive cover from the apparatus to reveal an adhesive surface. While the apparatus, without the adhesive cover, is still attached to the picture frame, the apparatus can be pressed against a surface of a wall so that the adhesive surface adheres to the surface of the wall. The method may further include detaching a first part of the apparatus from a second part of the apparatus so that the first part of the apparatus remains attached to the picture frame and the second part of the apparatus adheres to the wall. Fasteners may be inserted into the wall using the second part of the apparatus as a guide, and the first part of the apparatus and the picture frame may be hung from the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Hammond Wong
  • Patent number: 7406448
    Abstract: A computer is programmed to receive data concerning a current location of a vehicle, a plurality of gas prices at a plurality of gas stations, and a plurality of locations, one location for each of the plurality of gas stations. The computer is programmed to determine a first gas station of the plurality of gas stations based on the current location of the vehicle, the plurality of gas prices, and the plurality of locations such that driving the vehicle from the current location to the first gas station and then to a final destination requires a first cost of gas, which is less than or equal to the cost of gas of driving the vehicle from the current location to any other gas station and then to the final destination. The data concerning the current location of the vehicle may be received from a global positioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher S. Leberknight
  • Patent number: 7392576
    Abstract: A first portion or plug and a second portion or pencil are provided, for use in a device, such as a marine engine. The first portion or plug may have an outer surface with external threads and a cavity with internal threads. The external threads of the first portion or plug may be threaded oppositely from the internal threads inside the cavity of the first portion or plug. The opposite threading allows the plug and pencil combination to be detached and unscrewed from an engine without the plug and pencil coming apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Michael E. Fedor
  • Patent number: 7391482
    Abstract: An improved multiparameter lighting fixture is provided comprising a base, a yoke, a lamp housing, and a communication port for receiving address and command signals. The lamp housing may be comprised of a lamp, a light valve, and a lens. The lamp, the light valve and the lens may cooperate to project, for example, an ownership image, a fixture identifier image, a time identifier image, a show identifier image, a content identifier image, or an effects identifier image. The lamp, the light valve and the lens may cooperate to produce a first image on a projection surface and a second image may be created from the first image by applying an interactive effect to the first image in response to an image captured by a camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Richard S. Belhveau
  • Patent number: 7390092
    Abstract: A lighting system comprised of a central controller, a digital communications path, and a plurality of image projection lighting devices (IPLDs) is provided. The IPLDs contain cameras that can capture both visible light and infrared light. Address signals sent from the central controller first address a particular IPLD and then command signals sent from the central controller control an infrared blocking filter to be positioned in and out of a camera optical path of the particular addressed IPLD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 7377651
    Abstract: A lighting system comprised of a central controller, a digital communications path, and a plurality of image projection lighting devices (IPLDs) is provided. The IPLDs contain cameras that can capture both visible light and infrared light. Address signals sent from the central controller first address a particular IPLD and then command signals sent from the central controller control an infrared blocking filter to be positioned in and out of a camera optical path of the particular addressed IPLD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 7374288
    Abstract: An improved image projection lighting device is disclosed. Commands received by a communications port of the base housing may be acted upon to change zoom and focus values of a zoom and focus lens. A cooling system may be provided which compares an input air temperature of the image projection lighting device to an exiting air temperature to determine if a filter needs service. A video projector may project a first image comprised of first, second, and third separate images and the first separate image can be faded up to project light that is void of an image by a first command received at the communications port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 7325930
    Abstract: An improved image projection lighting device is disclosed. Commands received by a communications port of the base housing may be acted upon to change zoom and focus values of a zoom and focus lens. A cooling system may be provided which compares an input air temperature of the image projection lighting device to an exiting air temperature to determine if a filter needs service. A video projector may project a first image comprised of first, second, and third separate images and the first separate image can be faded up to project light that is void of an image by a first command received at the communications port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 7310973
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a first color glass feeder having a first valve device, and a second color glass feeder having a second valve device, each connected by communications links to a controller. The controller controls the first valve device and second valve device in order to provide molten glass of a first color and a second color, at a first and a second flow rate, respectively. The controller may be a computer. The controller may include an interactive device into which a first and a second flow rate value can be entered for controlling the first and second flow rates, respectively. The first and second color molten glasses may be incompletely mixed in a channel so that discrete portions of the molten glass of the first color and of the second color can be seen. The controller may also control a robotic mixing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Alex Xie
  • Patent number: 7278924
    Abstract: A putting training system for practicing putting outdoors on a putting green or indoors on a carpeted surface comprised of a circular toroid putting target which by design has the ability to distinguish between a correctly or incorrectly struck putt with the rule that all putts should be struck with enough force to leave the golf ball approximately seventeen inches past the hole if the hole was not there. The training aid target is visually realistic, 360 degree, three dimensional depiction of a real hole on a putting green. This is accomplished by distinguishing the color of the outer half of the target from the inner half of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Robert D. Weidlich
  • Patent number: 7253942
    Abstract: A lighting system is disclosed comprised of a plurality of image projection lighting devices including a first image projection lighting device. The first image projection lighting device is typically comprised of a microprocessor and a camera. The microprocessor and/or a command from a central controller can cause the camera to capture a first image of the projection surface and can cause the first image projection lighting device to produce a projected light which substantially reduces the nonuniformity of light intensity on the projection surface from the plurality of image projection lighting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 7206023
    Abstract: A lighting system is disclosed comprised of a plurality of image projection lighting devices including a first image projection lighting device. The first image projection lighting device is typically comprised of a microprocessor and a camera. The microprocessor and/or a command from a central controller can cause the camera to capture a first image of the projection surface and can cause the first image projection lighting device to produce a projected light which substantially reduces the nonuniformity of light intensity on the projection surface from the plurality of image projection lighting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 7152380
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for repairing nail pops in a wallboard is disclosed. The apparatus can be placed In a first state in which it acts as a cutting tool and can be used to cut a bore hole into a wallboard to separate a popped nail from the wallboard. The apparatus can also be placed in a second state in which it acts as a driving or impact tool and can be used to drive the popped nail which has been separated from the wallboard, into a framing support. The apparatus may be comprised of first and connecting members and a cutting member. The driving member may have an elongated core and may be connected by the connecting member to the cutting member. The driving member may be able to slide with respect to the connecting member to allow the apparatus to change from the first state to the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Pendrous, Thomas O. Wiener
  • Patent number: D551533
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Master Cutlery Inc.
    Inventor: Wen Choon Lam
  • Patent number: RE40015
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed incorporating a plurality of light sources, such as a plurality of lighting emitting diodes, and a beam altering mechanism for altering the light projected by the plurality of light sources. Several mechanisms for altering the beam produced by the plurality of light emitting diodes are disclosed. The present invention can be used in for example hand held flashlights and theatrical lighting. The present invention in one embodiment discloses a hand held flashlight incorporating a plurality of light sources and a beam altering mechanism capable of changing the color of the emitted light beam produced by the flashlight. The beam altering mechanism may be comprised of an aperture device, which may be an aperture plate, provided with a plurality of apertures that are strategically aligned with the individual light beams emitted from each of the plurality of light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau