Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm William G. Forster
  • Patent number: 6632072
    Abstract: A pneumatic pump control system for sequentially switching on and off an electrically operated pump disposed in a waste water liquid storage tank The pneumatic pump control system comprises a pneumatic pressure accumulator that is disposed within the liquid storage tank at a predetermined level. The pneumatic pressure accumulator is a dome-type that defines an interior air chamber for containing air, and a lower opening disposed at an elevation that represents a zero reference level within the tank. The lower opening is in communication with the liquids in the liquid storage tank when the level of liquid is as high as the lower opening. A pressure transducer is operatively connected to the pneumatic pressure accumulator for communication with the interior air chamber to measure the differential air pressure between the air within the interior air chamber and the upper layer of air within the liquid storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventors: Brian E. Lipscomb, William Carl Garrison
  • Patent number: 6601478
    Abstract: The invention is an extension accessory provided for extending the effective working range/reach of an electric screw gun by adapting the extension accessory to receive and attach to a screw gun to place the same closer to the work surface. The extension accessory is adapted to removably mount and attach to an electrically powered screw gun. The extension accessory comprises a shaft disposed for orientation about a shaft axis that is substantially parallel to the bit rotation axis of the screw gun. The shaft includes a gripping end for gripping the same by the user, and a coupling end for fixedly mounting a screw gun thereto. A first retaining band is supported from the shaft at the coupling end for receiving the body of a screw gun therethrough. Once the body of the screw gun is so received, the first retaining band is adjusted to urge the body of the screw gun toward the shaft for fixing the screw gun thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Robert D. Hanson
  • Patent number: 6381766
    Abstract: A spa cover removal apparatus includes a pivot frame assembly having a pair of elongate side arms spaced apart to receive opposing cover side surfaces between the same for rotatably supporting the spa cover. Fixed to the spa is a stationary base, for pivotally supporting the pivot frame assembly. For this purpose, the stationary base is disposed under the pivot frame assembly. This arrangement, enables the spa cover to shift from a first horizontal covering position over the spa, to a second stowed position adjacent the back side of the spa as a rearwardly directed force is applied to the spa cover. Accordingly, the spa cover moves rearward and pivots relative to the side arms while the pivot frame assembly simultaneously pivots relative to the stationary base, about a substantially horizontal base pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Gary L. Perry
  • Patent number: 6240863
    Abstract: The invention is a mounting frame 20 configured and arranged for positioning a workpiece 22 in an automated computerized embroidery machine 24. The mounting frame 20 is provided to replace the prior art hoop frame system. The mounting frame 24 supports a workpiece 22 disposed on the adhesive side 34 of the adhesive backing material 32. The mounting frame 24 is formed from sheet metal to include an upper surface 36 having an aperture 38 that extends downward through the mounting frame 24 to a mirror image, opposing lower surface 42 to define an open primary sewing field 40. With this configuration, the lower surface 42 is adapted to receive thereon adhesive backing material 32 oriented so that the adhesive side 34 is facing upward to adhere to the lower surface 42 to cover the primary sewing field 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Bryan K. Vickroy, David Drost
  • Patent number: 6209215
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a contour gauge for use in the fabrication of saddle joints in pipe connections to record and reproduce the projected line of continuous contact between the end of a first pipe intersecting the side of a transversely disposed second pipe so that the same can be accurately cut, and then joined/welded together in end-to-side relationship. The contour gauge comprises a cylindrical frame having a centrally disposed bore that defines a radially inner surface for positioning the frame over a pipe of predetermined size. In addition, the frame has a radially disposed outer surface that comprises a plurality of parallel guide channels that are disposed side-by-side to extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame. In the present invention, the guide channels are shaped in the form of grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Steven W. Helms
  • Patent number: 6109346
    Abstract: A waste heat auxiliary tank system is provided for transferring heat from the coolant of an internal combustion engine to process water contained in an auxiliary water storage tank. The waste heat auxiliary tank system operates by drawing coolant from the engine of a truck, diverting the coolant through a common heat exchanger of the type employing coils, tubes or the like, and pumping process water through the heat exchanger, where heat is transferred from the coolant to the process water, to an auxiliary water storage tank for storing the hot process water on the truck. Importantly, the waste heat auxiliary tank system includes at least one automatically activated multiport thermostatically controlled diverter valve. The diverter valve includes an inlet port for receiving coolant from the engine, a first outlet port for diverting coolant directly back to the engine, and a second outlet port for diverting coolant to the coolant inlet of said heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Gary G. Hill
  • Patent number: 6044161
    Abstract: The invention is a pillow speaker for use as a combination headrest and sound delivery system for transmitting sounds, including music to a person's head. The pillow speaker comprises a pillow headrest having an upper surface for receiving and supporting a person's head. Extending downward from the upper surface is a lower body portion. The lower body portion is adapted for support from an exterior stable surface, the pillow speaker being constructed from a homogeneous flexible material. A pair of spaced apart loud speakers are mounted through the upper surface, within the lower body portion. The loud speakers include an exterior face for projecting sound outward from the pillow speaker, and an opposing rear face for projecting sound into and through the lower body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Keith Lee
  • Patent number: 6033179
    Abstract: The invention is a clean-out apparatus for use in a trailer of the type having a reciprocating floor conveyor system for conveying and unloading large quantities of granular material. The clean-out apparatus is designed to minimize the residual granular material that remains on the reciprocating floor of the truck after the floor is reciprocated to unload the granular material. The clean-out apparatus comprises a reel adapted for rotatable support from the trailer, adjacent the forward end wall thereof, and a flexible clean-out cover movable from a first retracted position where it is coiled around the reel to a second uncoiled extended position adjacent the rear door opening. Importantly, when the clean-out cover is in the first retracted position, it is disposed such that a portion thereof extends over the reciprocating floor, under a portion of the granular material adjacent the forward end wall of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: William S. Abbott
  • Patent number: 5967426
    Abstract: The invention is a compact, self-contained, portable, electrically powered, knockdown spray application machine/system for spraying liquid material on to surfaces. The spray system comprises a frame with wheels for supporting and transporting the components thereof. The spray system is powered by an electrically activated motor which includes a motor drive shaft disposed about a motor drive shaft axis. Attached to the motor is a gear reducer having a driven end and a drive end wherein the driven end is configured to receive and engage the motor drive shaft. The drive end includes a gear reducer drive shaft that rotates responsive to electrical activation of the motor. Coupled directly to the drive end of the gear reducer is a pump comprising a pump housing. The pump housing is shaped to define a containment chamber for receiving and containing liquid material therein. The pump housing also defines an inlet port for receiving and directing liquid material into the containment chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: David J. McLeod
  • Patent number: 5842488
    Abstract: The invention is a folding lotion applicator for applying liquids, lotions, and other materials to hard-to-reach places on the user's body. The applicator includes an elongated applicator handle for griping. The applicator handle is pivotally connected to an elongated pivot arm which extends from the applicator handle and includes an opposing applicator end with a pad for applying lotions. The pivot arm can be pivoted to a plurality of pre-determined pivot angles wherein a biasing member/tightening nut is employed to urge the pivot arm against the applicator handle wherein opposing detent surfaces interengage thereby locking the pivot arm in the desired or selected pivot angle. A portion of the applicator handle is formed to define a receiving seat to receive the pivot arm when it is completely folded adjacent to the applicator handle. In this way, the lotion applicator can assume a compact arrangement suitable for situations where economy of space is desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventors: Gary P. Belleau, Luis P. Hamel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5836635
    Abstract: A removable knockdown truck rack having independent front and aft support frames. Each support frame having two spaced apart side-posts, each side-post being rigidly connected to a cross rail disposed therebetween thereby forming a moment resistant frame to resist lateral forces transverse to the truck. Each side-post of the frames being supported by a socket assembly adapted to be attached to the cargo bed of a truck. Each said socket assembly having a receiving socket disposed to securably receive a side-post therein. Wherein the receiving sockets are braced to resist longitudinal forces imparted substantially by acceleration and deceleration of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: John R. Dorman
  • Patent number: 5819332
    Abstract: A spa cover removal apparatus. The removal apparatus includes a pair of elongate spaced apart side arms. One end of each side arm is pivotally connected to the bottom side portion of a spa side, and the opposing end rotatingly engages a side edge of the spa cover. In this way, the spa cover can rotate in relation to the side arms such that a horizontal cover rotation axis is defined by the axis of rotation of the spa cover relative to the side arms. A back rack is pivotally coupled to the rear edge of the spa cover to enable the spa cover to pivot, relative to the back rack, about a horizontal cover pivot axis. In addition, a base bracket assembly is provided for pivotally connecting the back rack to the back surface of the spa. This enables the back rack to pivot, relative to the base bracket assembly, about a substantially horizontal back rack pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Gary L. Perry
  • Patent number: 5752432
    Abstract: The invention is an expandable volume food preparation tool for precisely and quickly forming a quantity of dough into a plurality of uniform dough blocks having a predetermined volume and shape. Included therein is a base plate having a base opening disposed therethrough. The base opening is defined by a continuous substantially vertical interior base sidewall arranged to define a predetermined outline shape. A base volume is defined by the void enclosed by the base sidewall. To enable the user to manipulate the base plate, a handle is mounted to the base plate. Additionally, a removable primary extension plate is mounted to the base plate. The primary extension plate includes an extension opening defined by a continuous, substantially vertical, interior extension sidewall arranged to define an outline shape substantially identical to the outline shape of the base opening. An extension volume is defined by the void enclosed by the extension sidewall within the primary extension plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Charles C. Burchfield
  • Patent number: 5685978
    Abstract: A portable, self-contained concrete reclaimer for use at construction sites to collect, break-down, and transport uncured waste concrete washed from concrete delivery equipment, to recycling facilities for use in the manufacture of fresh concrete. The concrete reclaimer comprises a screen having openings sized to separate aggregate from sand, cement and water when uncured waste concrete is washed thereon. The screen being sized to cover a portion of a water tight reclaiming tank having an open top, a closed wall, a bottom continuously sealed to the closed wall, and an upwardly extending partition disposed therein to divide the reclaiming tank into at least two separate, adjacently disposed compartments including a first receiving compartment adapted to receive and contain sand, cement and water, and an adjacent second receiving compartment adapted to receive and contain aggregate separated therefrom during the concrete washing and reclaiming procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventors: Harold W. Petrick, Michael H. Petrick
  • Patent number: 5668904
    Abstract: A reusable fiber optic connector for splicing, coupling, and connecting fiber optic cables without the use of adhesives or epoxies. The connector includes a retaining collet having a centrally disposed bore sized to receive the outer protective jacket of a fiber optic cable therethrough. The retaining collet being arranged to threadedly engage the compression bore of a connector frame, wherein as the retaining collet is threadedly advanced into the compression bore of the connector frame, the retaining collet is compressed against the outer protective jacket of a fiber optic cable. A retaining collet so compressed secures the fiber optic cable in proper position relative to the connector frame. In order to urge the fiber optic connector, including connector frame with fiber optic cable secured by the retaining collet, toward a coupling device such as a patch pad or coupling block, biasing means comprising a spring coaxially disposed about the connector frame and a cap are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Northwest Fiberoptic Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Martin A. Sutherland, Donald L. Barney
  • Patent number: 5664822
    Abstract: A tailgate gap cover for attachment to pickup trucks to cover the gap formed between the tailgate and the truck bed. The tailgate gap cover includes a plurality of adjacently disposed interconnected panels, the arrangement of all the panels thereof comprising: a truck bed panel disposed for removable attachment to the truck bed of a pickup truck, adjacent the tailgate gap; a tailgate panel disposed for removable attachment to the tailgate of a pickup truck, adjacent the tailgate gap; and a folding panel operatively disposed between the truck bed panel and the tailgate panel, the folding panel being pivotally connected to the truck bed panel and the tailgate panel, wherein the interconnected panels substantially cover a tailgate gap when a tailgate gap cover is mounted to a pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Gerald F. Rosenfield
  • Patent number: 5649508
    Abstract: A receiving side handle is provided for receiving and supporting a liquid rubbing compound dispenser from a hand-held buffing machine of the type having a threaded side handle bore. The receiving side handle is interchangeable with original equipment threaded side handles. In this way, the receiving side handle retrofits hand-held buffing machines to enable a buffing machine operator to dispense liquid rubbing compound on a surface while maintaining an uninterrupted grip on a retrofitted buffing machine. The receiving side handle includes a handle frame attached to a threaded rod for mounting the handle frame to a hand-held buffing machine. In addition, the receiving side handle includes a coupling structure defined by a portion of the handle frame, the coupling structure being provided for receiving and coupling a liquid compound dispenser to the handle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignees: Wallace A. Rost, Elaine L. Rost, Robert W. Rost, James S. Rost
    Inventors: Richard J. Rost, Jeffrey P. Fay
  • Patent number: 5647065
    Abstract: A male supporting apparatus for supporting and lifting male genitalia. The apparatus includes a support panel for attachment to the front interior surface of a garment such as a swim suit, briefs or trousers, in front of, and adjacent to the user's genitalia. The support panel being constructed of flexible material having an adjustable aperture disposed for receiving male genitalia, including the penis and scrotum, therethrough. The aperture being adjustable in size from a first maximum circumference configuration for receiving male genitalia, to a second reduced circumference configuration to support and lift male genitalia so received. A guide conduit is incorporated in the support panel to encircle the aperture about its circumference so that a draw means/cinching cord can be slidingly received therethrough for adjusting the size of the aperture from the first configuration to the second configuration when drawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Michael B. Richerson
  • Patent number: 5480262
    Abstract: A continuous oil containment boom foldable to a compact configuration for storage in standard size 8' by 8' by 20' shipping containers, arranged for quick deployment. The containment boom comprising a plurality of boom segments having a lower floatation member and an upper impermeable barrier that is inclined to extend over the layer of contaminants to further serve as a thermal shield barrier to lower the temperature in the area adjacent to the upper barrier. The boom segments being joined end-to-end by pivot joints having vertically oriented overlapping plates that are pivotally connected by a pivot hinge for relative pivotal movement about a horizontally axis, the pivot joints further having a pair of vertically oriented hinge assemblies for relative pivotal movement about a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Baldassare Russo, III
  • Patent number: D453294
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Richard L. Bitzer