Patents Examined by Alvin Wirthlin
  • Patent number: 5479723
    Abstract: An image board comprising a base layer, two lower and two upper intermediate layers, and a single top bed layer. When used with compressible registration pins or spacers, the image board may optionally include either a filler layer or a spacer layer or both disposed in predetermined positions. The top bed layer of the image board defines an image layout area having at least one border region including a plurality of index holes uniformly positioned in a line equidistantly spaced along and associated with the major divisions of a ruler or scale. The newspaper registration board embodiment has a pair of rulers and lines of indexing holes disposed on opposing parallel peripheral edges of the rectangular image layout area. A predetermined number of circular or elongated registration pins are aligned parallel with and proximate to one of the rulers, and a tail pin is disposed proximate to the opposing ruler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Ternes-Burton Company
    Inventor: Gretchen Ternes
  • Patent number: 5477618
    Abstract: A frame has sensors mounted thereon for engaging selected portions of a sand core and generating signals proportional to sensed dimensions of the sand core. A control unit compares the sensor signals with a zero reference dimension and a dimensional tolerance range for each sensed dimension of the sand core and generates an indication of acceptable/unacceptable core dimensions. A computer monitor and/or light panel is activated by the control unit and provides a visual indication for each sensed dimension by means of numeric data, color, directional arrows or distinct illuminated lights of an acceptable/unacceptable and even a marginally acceptable sand core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventors: Stephen P. Gibson, Robert A. Kook
  • Patent number: 5475932
    Abstract: The shaft position sensor is provided with a movable body fixed to a measuring shaft. A first switching apparatus operating in a first measuring position and a second switching apparatus operating in a second measuring position are incorporated in the movable body. The first switching means and the second apparatuses are arranged in parallel with the measuring shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Metrol Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Matsuhashi
  • Patent number: 5475929
    Abstract: A device and method of estimating a percentage of calories derived from fat contained within each serving of a food product when the amount of fat by weight and total calories per serving of the food is known or may be estimated. The device includes viewable indicia printed on at least one side of a rigid or semi-rigid rectangular sheet. The indicia includes a grid or array of numerals arranged in rows and columns and increasing both horizontally and vertically, each numeral representing a percent of calories derived from fat. The indicia further includes a first increasing numerical scale along an upright margin of the grid, each numeral representing a different amount of fat content by serving weight corresponding to a particular row. A second numerical scale is positioned along a horizontal margin of the grid, each numeral representing a quantitative number of calories corresponding to a particular column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventor: Ira T. Yancey
  • Patent number: 5471760
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removable support from a framed member to be hung and with the hanging wire of the framed member being upwardly deflected and tightened as though supporting the weight of the framed member. The apparatus includes an upstanding channel incorporating a single outstanding and upwardly opening hook adjacent its lower end for engaging the longitudinal mid-portion of a picture frame hanging wire and the upper portion of the channel includes a slide adjustably positionable along the channel and defining a downwardly facing, plane abutment surface normal to the longitudinal extent of the channel for downwardly abutting the upper margin of the frame from which the hanging wire is supported. The single hook may be substituted for by a pair of oppositely laterally offset hooks for use in determining the desired location of a pair of frame hanging hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: David R. Farris
  • Patent number: 5471761
    Abstract: A power-driven tape measure including a case having a battery chamber, a circular chamber, and an outlet communicated with the circular chamber, a motor mounted within the case, a frame enclosing the motor, an annular reel fitted within the circular chamber of the case and enclosing the frame, the annular reel having two flanges and a circular groove between the two flanges, a switch mounted on the case and electrically connected with the battery chamber of the case, the switch connected with a spring-loaded press member tending to push against the external teeth of the annular reel, a tape wound on the groove of the annular reel and having an end extending out of the outlet of the case to engage a hook, the tape being slightly larger than the groove of the annular reel in width, a driving gear fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor and engaged with the internal teeth of the annular reel via a gear train, and a manual gear pivotally mounted on the frame and meshed with the internal teeth of the annu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: H. T. Cheng
  • Patent number: 5471758
    Abstract: A tile measuring device for use in laying tiles is disclosed comprising a support member, a reference member portion, and a measuring member portion. The reference member portion is slidably coupled to the support member for establishing a reference position for the device with respect to a tile and second tile. The measuring member portion is movably coupled to the support member at a distal end thereof for defining a portion for removal from the second tile relative to the reference position. Removal of this undesired portion from the second tile permits the second tile to fit properly adjacent an obstruction after the undesired portion is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Dennis P. White, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5469628
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring on the site of an accident the three-dimensional deformation of a damaged vehicle comprises a reference frame and a distance measuring device. The reference frame comprises a first straight frame portion installed in front of the vehicle parallel to the transversal axis thereof, a second elongated straight frame portion installed on the side of the vehicle parallel to this vehicle's longitudinal axis, and a third elongated straight frame portion installed at the rear of the vehicle parallel to the transversal axis. When the deformation is situated in front of the damaged vehicle, the first frame portion defines a first axis of a three-dimensional coordinate system, the second axis of this coordinate system being located in a vertical plane in which the first elongated frame portion is lying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Francois Chartrand
    Inventor: Francois Chartrand
  • Patent number: 5469627
    Abstract: An apparatus for fitting golf club length and head-to-shaft angle to an individual person. The fitting club shaft is in two telescoping portions. A conventional grip is provided at the end of the first portion and the end of the second portion is pivotally connected to a conventional club head. A generally "L"shaped electrically insulating panel has one leg extending into the second shaft portion and the other leg extending into a cavity in the head. A first series of longitudinally spaced electrical contacts on the first end are adapted to be contacted by a connection contact on the movable first shaft portion to send an electrical signal indicating club length. A second series of spaced electrical contacts are radially arranged on the second leg about the shaft pivot point. The second series of contacts is adapted to be contacted by a second connection contact to send an electrical signal indicating head-to-shaft angle. A person grasps the fitting club grip and assumes a normal golf stance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Plop Golf Company
    Inventors: Bradley J. Denny, Richard H. Hannon
  • Patent number: 5467729
    Abstract: Information of the type, number, burying depth and direction of a pipe or other objects buried in the ground is identified on the ground surface. There is provided a buried marker comprising an identifying plate having indicia thereon and an interconnect band for interconnecting the identifying plate to the object buried in the ground. The position where the pipe or other object is buried is thus easily identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Yamada, Katumi Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 5465491
    Abstract: A sighting apparatus for a bow is fixedly mounted on a bow and is provided with a lever such that a sight unit is tilted as the sighting device is adjusted for longer distances so as to compensate for gravity effect on arrows. The sighting apparatus comprises a gauge which is adjustably mounted to the sighting apparatus and may be locked into an adjusted position corresponding to an arrow having alternate flight characteristics from an arrow used to calibrate the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Dale G. Thell
  • Patent number: 5463817
    Abstract: A leveling device is provided that has a hollow thin rectangular housing and is constructed of transparent plastic. The housing holds two different types of fluids, such as oil and water, or a mix of air and fluid. The two immiscible fluids allow the device to be used as a level which operates when the line between the fluids aligns with a datum line that is etched or marked upon the surface of the transparent housing. The device can be attached to an article to be leveled by an adhesive back on the leveling device or alternatively by thumb tacks inserted through holes provided in the housing of the device. The relatively long line between fluids allows the device to be used in judging the degree to which the article is non-level relative to its environment, and also allows the device to hang an article at a specific angle relative to a wall, floor or ceiling. A version of the level can be constructed with a flexible and bendable housing to allow the level to be used to align objects of any shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventor: Richard A. Leeds
  • Patent number: 5461796
    Abstract: A gunsight device for a rotating-wing aircraft having a hollow rotor hub (1), on which there are radially mounted blades constituting said rotating wing, and which is connected to the main transmission box (2) by a drive shaft coaxial with the rotor of the aircraft. The device includes a nonrotating gunsight head (3) mounted, by means of a support (4), at the free upper end (5a) of a nonrotating mast (5) arranged coaxially inside the hub (1) and the drive shaft of the rotor, the other end (5b) of which mast is fixed into the main transmission box (2), a rolling contact bearing (6) coaxial with the rotor axis being provided between the hub (1) and the mast (5). A suspension (7), intended to filter out the excitations in roll and in pitch to which said gunsight head (3) is subjected, is provided between the base (4a) of the support (4) of the gunsight head (3) and the upper end (5 a) of the mast (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme dite: Eurocopter France
    Inventors: Jean P. Jalaguier, Tomasz Krysinski
  • Patent number: 5461791
    Abstract: A method for rotationally positioning a rotor for balancing procedures uses an instrument within a housing that is temporarily mounted to the axial face of a rotor for determining rotational locations with respect to a reference mark located on the rotor. The instrument has a needle indicator which is responsive to gravity, and is mounted such that it can rotate independently of the position of the housing. Tick marks representing degrees are arranged in a circle around the edge of the needle indicator. Two sets of numerical scales are provided, each in a different color, one increasing in a clockwise direction, and the other increasing in a counter clockwise direction. Two arc shaped arrows are provided, one each in the two colors used for the two sets of numerical scales. The color of the arc shaped arrow that points in the direction of incremental rotor rotation indicates that the set of numerical scales printed in the same color should be used for reading the degree of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Computational Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Piety
  • Patent number: 5461793
    Abstract: An improved self centering guide pipe axis laser guide is based on the use of three parallel links spaced 120 degrees apart which are engaged to be expanded or contracted. When expanded the links contact the inside diameter of the pipe which accordingly establishes the center axis of the pipe. The links are actuated for expansion or contraction by mounting a spring base spider element in association with a spider lever element on a smooth pipe housing, wherein the movement of the spring base spider element and the spider lever element is controlled by thumbscrews on each of the elements, the smooth pipe housing containing within, the power supply and laser module, and a removable switch assembly at the rear enabling easy access to the batteries. The laser guide can readily be withdrawn from the pipe by attaching a tether line to the front end and levels for determining the slope are mounted in slots in both the front and rear spider elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Melville
  • Patent number: 5459937
    Abstract: A mat board cutting guide for use in cutting mat board for flamed pictures, for example, is disclosed. The cutting guide includes an elongated straight edge having a top and a bottom surface, a first and a second end, and a first and a second edge. The first and the second edge are parallel to each other and extending along the entire length of the straight edge. The cutting guide also includes a squaring head having a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of a standard single mat board, approximately 1/16 of an inch. The squaring edge is attached to the bottom surface of the straight edge at the first end of the straight edge. The squaring head includes a squaring edge adapted to engage a first edge of a piece of mat board when the bottom surface of the straight edge is placed on the piece of mat board. The squaring head is attached to the straight edge such that the squaring edge of the squaring head is perpendicular to the first and second edge of the straight edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventors: Stephen D. Albin, Michael T. Albin
  • Patent number: 5459942
    Abstract: The invention is a single thickness metallic notation plate for use in combination with today's plastic cased measuring tapes. During manufacture, the metallic notation plate is pressed into a slightly concave shape. The concave surface is pressed against the tape case surface which ensures that the metal edges snug tightly to the tape perimeter for user-friendly contact. The plate is held in place by factory applied, paper protected adhesives. Notations are erased with a rubber eraser or by moistening the plate and rubbing off with finger pressure. When the plate surface becomes too scratched and unusable, it is stripped off and a new one is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Harry W. Hintz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5457890
    Abstract: Scalable measuring apparatus for use by an operator with a laser beam from a laser-level transmitter comprising a vertically disposed grade pole having lower and upper extremities. A laser-level receiver is provided for detecting the laser level beam. A controller is mounted on the grade pole and carries the laser-level receiver. At least a portion of the controller is capable of ascending and descending the grade pole. An indicator is electrically coupled to the laser-level receiver for giving a response perceptible to the operator when the laser beam is detected by the laser-level receiver. The controller has a brake for retaining the controller at a predetermined elevation with respect to the grade pole. The controller is capable of ascending and descending the grade pole which is free of markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Glenn J. Mooty
  • Patent number: 5456018
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a system for precisely aligning a pair of electronic devices, such as an integrated chip test socket electrically interconnected to a motherboard, where such devices are arranged in a parallel relationship. The system includes a method which comprises the steps of fixedly securing plural projections on a planar surface of each of the devices, where each projection includes a flat side or edge and that the flat side of at least two adjacent projections define a first plane or reference line. Arranging the respective planar surfaces in close proximity to one another whereby the projections from one surface contacts the other planar surface. Thereafter, shifting the respective devices relative to one another until the respective first planes or reference lines are aligned into a common plane or line. Finally the devices are fixedly secured together, whereby the electrical interconnections between the devices are precisely aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Irlbeck, Soren Grinderslev, William W. Drabenstadt, Richard C. Fowler
  • Patent number: 5456021
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring displacement by determining the relative speed between a scale and a scanning plate from reading out a first track twice at different times. From this, correction values for the other tracks are calculated, which represent values from those tracks that would have been read out if all those tracks had been read out at the same time the first track was read out instead of sequentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Gunther Nelle, Siebert Holstein