Patents Examined by Alexander K. Pechhold
  • Patent number: 6725942
    Abstract: A pulverizer for reducing the clumpiness or aggregation of soil into clumps or clods and for screening materials, the pulverizer having a frame mounting a substantially cylindrically configured screening drum for rotation and a scoop for aiding the delivery of the material to be pulverized or screened to the screening drum. The pulverizer may be mounted as an attachment onto an appropriate power source such as a tractor or a skid-steer loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy J. Stevens
  • Patent number: 6695531
    Abstract: The combination of a hand held mounting mechanism having an elongated tubular member containing a rotating shaft, where the elongated tubular member includes a cone-shaped bracket at a free end thereof, and a concrete slumping implement. Several embodiments are disclosed, where in each the implement comprises a concrete contacting plate, either flat and/or sectional, or contoured, an upstanding wall extending therefrom, and an L-shaped bracket for mounting to the cone-shaped bracket. Additionally, the rotating shaft may mount an eccentric wheel for imparting a vibrating or cyclic action to the concrete slumping implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Prescott
  • Patent number: 6676331
    Abstract: A roadway delineator comprises first and second reflectors; a pivot joining respective one ends of the first and second reflectors; and the first and second reflectors have first and second tabs, respectively, for attachment to a side wall of a barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Alfredo Casale
  • Patent number: 6652184
    Abstract: An apparatus to provide a temporary road way with minimal damage to the ground surface beneath the apparatus comprises a plurality of adjacent sections held together by a retainer. Each section comprises a front and back face. The front face of a section mates with the back face of an adjacent section to form an interface at a non-perpendicular angle to the direction of travel. An interlock is also provided whereby each section provides vertical support to each adjacent section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: Keith Knafelc, Lloyd Knafelc
  • Patent number: 6453511
    Abstract: A hinge structure for an opening-and-closing member of an automobile includes a base member attachable to an automobile body. The base member has front and rear through holes formed therein. Front and rear bushes are fitted to the through holes. The bushes have a rod slidably inserted therethrough. The rod has its front and rear ends projecting from the base member. The front end of the rod is pivotally connected to an arm. The arm is attached to a trunk lid. The base member has one end of a connection link connected via a pin thereto. Another end of the connection link is connected to the arm by a pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hironobu Sato
  • Patent number: 6454492
    Abstract: A pig launching system and a pig receiving system for use in cleaning a subsea flowline. This invention further relates to a method of propelling a pig through a flowline using a pressurized accumulator, a method of assembling a subsea pig receiver in a flowline using a remotely operated vehicle, and a method of collecting a sample from a subsea flowline, using an accumulator connected to a pig launcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Dean, Richard Weser, Karl Winter
  • Patent number: 6419418
    Abstract: A spreading apparatus utilizes a number of features to improve material discharge and apparatus maintenance. In one embodiment, the apparatus uses a diverter in the box receiving the material for discharge that directs the material along a converging path and then a non-converging path to avoid material bridging and feed stoppages. The apparatus also employs a double tipping mechanism and a gate assembly, which arranges the gates in the plane of the box floor for improved dumping. The gate opening can have a grid to further control material discharge. The spreader device receiving the discharged material can employ one rotatable disc or double rotatable discs for spreading and a deflector plate directing the material to the discs. The box can be configured to utilize a number of different removable chutes, the removable chutes configured to handle a specific type of material for spreading. A particular chute can be selected to match the material intended for spreading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Francis V. Smith
  • Patent number: 6270285
    Abstract: An integrated underground storage reservoir and above-ground canopy system is provided. This system comprises a storage reservoir suitable for being buried beneath ground level and suitable for containing a fluid. The integrated system also includes a support system disposed in communication with the reservoir and suitable for projecting above ground level when the reservoir is in a buried condition. The support system preferably includes at least one support member. The integrated system further includes a canopy attached to at least one support member, suitable for providing shelter from weather while accessing the reservoir. In alternative embodiments of this invention, the support system includes support units disposed adjacently to, attached to the exterior of, and disposed within the interior of the underground storage reservoir. The integrated system allows direct access to the storage reservoir, minimizes underground piping and provides enhanced vapor recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Albert L. Wokas
  • Patent number: 6244781
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting structural supports from damage when impacted by an object such as a moving vehicle is provided. The apparatus has a shaped component which in the preferred embodiment is a semi-cylindrical component having a body defined by a wall, a top, and a base. The wall has at least one flat wall face and surrounds a hollow interior. An indentation for receiving a structural support is present in at least one flat wall face. A device for securing the shaped component to the structural support and for firmly seating one component at its flat wall face against the second component at its flat wall face when two components are present. Preferably, each component has a plurality of impact absorbing indentations, each having an aperture, a base and a wall extending from the base to an aperture mouth. These indentations function to re-distribute the energy of impact when a collusion occurs between the apparatus and a moving object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Hero Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Roller
  • Patent number: 6231272
    Abstract: Construction blocks for use in constructing retaining walls, embankment stabilizing matrixes, planters, waterway protection walls, and similar structures include a generally C-shaped block, a straight block, a generally Z-shaped block, and a generally S-shaped block. The blocks have a center section having a length X. Except for the straight block, wings project outwardly from each end of the center section. The wings have a length ½X and extend from the centerline of the center section at an angle of 120 degrees. The blocks include grooves on their upper surfaces and tongues that project from their lower surfaces. The grooves and tongues are interconnected when blocks are superimposed so as to provide a stable structure. In addition, the ends of the wings include openings into which dowels can be inserted in order to connect adjacent blocks and thereby provide additional stability. The blocks are attractive, strong, and inexpensive to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Merrill E. Bishop
  • Patent number: 6192541
    Abstract: A dynamic ramp interface system to allow a roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ship to unload and load onto a pier, floating storage facility, or other ship during high sea states. The dynamic ramp interface system includes a motion compensation damping system attached to a first platform, a first ramp also attached to the first platform leading up to the motion compensation damping system, and second ramp that is hingedly connected to a second platform and also leading to the motion compensation damping system. The motion compensation damping system includes a top plate, a bottom plate, a series of interconnected hollow bladders, and a pivot support structure. Through this arrangement, the top plate is allowed to pivot relative to the bottom plate, with the bladder system providing a damping effect. The first ramp is slideably in communication with the top plate by means of a set of articulated fingers. The second ramp is also slideably in communication with the top plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Vincent J. Castelli, Joseph F. Korczynski, Jr., Wayne C. Jones, Ely G. Fishlowitz