Patents Examined by Brian K. Green
  • Patent number: 6739081
    Abstract: A resilient road sign comprising a rigid center member having left and right wings resiliently attached to the center member. The left and right wings are comprised of a substantially rigid material. The left and right wings and the rigid center portion each have a front surface and a rear surface. The left and right wings and rigid center portion may all have written indicia on the front surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Jim Powers
  • Patent number: 6735894
    Abstract: A tag encasement has an envelope having a pocket portion with a first surface and a second surface together forming an enclosure and an opening along one side of the pocket portion. A slot is disposed through the first surface of the pocket portion for receiving a tag, a flap portion is foldably coupled to the pocket portion for closing the opening and the slot, and a releasable fastener to hold the flap portion releasably closed against the pocket portion is disposed on the first surface of the pocket portion and on the flap portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: The Silverhills Group, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen M. Crusenberry, Tilak B. Dissanayake, Debra A. Young
  • Patent number: 6732460
    Abstract: An illuminated display assembly includes a flexible, translucent and rectangular display plate having an outer edge including two opposing side edges and two opposing end edges, and an image depicted on the display plate within the outer edge of the plate. The display plate also has a width dimension measured from the opposing side edges. The display plate is mounted to a support frame having a rectangular panel and a support member extending along a periphery of the panel. The support member includes two opposing side supports and two opposing end supports. A retainer is disposed along each of the side supports and the support frame has a dimension measured from the retainer on the side support that is less than the width of the display plate. Thus, when the retainer receives respective side edges of the display plate, the display plate deforms in a convex shape with respect to the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Bill Blakeslee
  • Patent number: 6729054
    Abstract: Articulated continuous electronic display providing for an electronic display panel bridging between adjacent non-coplanar electronic display sections to provide for continuous non-interrupted alphanumeric or graphic informational display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley Jon VanderTuin
  • Patent number: 6729058
    Abstract: An apparel mounted picture securing and displaying apparatus is provided having a lower support member with a corner attachment orifice formed at each corner point. An upper frame element forming a transparent retention means within an outer perimeter is attached to the lower support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Alfred Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6729053
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting a license plate to a vehicle having an air scoop in the bumper area. The bracket has a body having a mounting surface adapted to receive a license plate, an arm having a hook which extends from a rear surface of the body. The hook engages a flange defining the air scoop. A pair of threaded fasteners pass freely through the license plate, body of the brackets to be received in threaded apertures in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Technical Center USA, Inc.
    Inventor: James Castro
  • Patent number: 6718672
    Abstract: A display assembly for mounting advertisement panels on a road barrier having a base, a vertical partition having front and rear surfaces, and transverse cavities extending between the surfaces. The display assembly has a panel sleeve and a pair of mounting brackets for securing the sleeve against the barrier. Each mounting bracket has an insert for extending partially into the transverse cavities. One mounting bracket is mounted against the vertical partition front surface and the other bracket is mounted against the vertical partition rear surface. The inserts of the mounting brackets are simultaneously brought into close proximity within the cavities and are mated together to hold the brackets and the panel sleeve securely against the vertical partition. The panel sleeve is secured to the mounting bracket and has a horizontal top lip oriented downward and a horizontal bottom lip oriented upward. The advertising panels may be easily inserted therebetween for display and removed when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence D. Wieringa
  • Patent number: 6718665
    Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing an image of flames transmitted in a fluctuating light. The flame simulating assembly has a simulated fuel bed, a light source, a screen disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for diffusing and transmitting light, and a flicker element for creating the fluctuating light, the flicker element being positioned in a path of light from the light source. The simulated fuel bed defines a profile viewable by an observer. In addition, the screen includes a curved portion which is curved in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction to correspond to the profile of the simulated fuel bed. Also, the curved portion of the screen is positioned adjacent to the simulated fuel bed. The fluctuating light transmitted through the screen is attenuated and a three-dimensional image of flames appears to curve around the profile of the simulated fuel bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Dimplex North America Limited
    Inventors: Kristoffer Hess, Kelly Stinson
  • Patent number: 6715225
    Abstract: An illuminated exit bar incorporates a light source within the elongated space defined between a door-mounted housing and a push bar. The push bar defines an elongated opening for light generated within the exit bar. An exit plate covers the push bar opening and defines light transmissive openings in the form of exit instructions. An exit insert of light transmissive material is configured to be complementary to the exit plate. Light is gathered from within the exit plate and conducted to the push face of the exit bar to provide illuminated words and/or symbolic instructions for egress. The illuminated light bar is configurable for installation on left or right hand opening doors by electrically altering the pattern of internal illumination and assembling some parts in alternative configurations. The illuminated exit bar is compatible with electronic building security systems. The pattern of illuminated instructions can be remotely altered to reflect changed security conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Harrow Products, Inc
    Inventors: George Frolov, Alfred S. Levesque, Victor Bogdanov, David C. DeBiase, Michael Brown
  • Patent number: 6708433
    Abstract: A portable display unit is provided that illuminates a symbol formed by the unit. The display unit has a frame that forms an inner portion of the symbol and a backing sheet in the shape of the symbol that substantially covers the inner portion. The display unit further includes a rope light that surrounds the backing and thereby outlines the symbol. The rope light includes a power cord and a power connector for connecting to a power supply. The backing and display unit may have various colors to enhance the symbol or represent colors for the logo formed by the symbol. The display unit also includes hanging elements for removably attaching the unit to a support structure. In one embodiment, the hanging elements include suction cups for attaching the display unit to a window of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Lighted Logos, L. C.
    Inventors: Jason R. Falkner, Paul Lankford, Scott L. Biron
  • Patent number: 6701648
    Abstract: An adjustably locking stethoscope identification tag having a first body and a second body, the first body defining a first surface and a second surface, the second body defining a third surface and a fourth surface, a first leg positioned adjacent to the second surface of the first body and extending in a direction away from the second surface of the first body, and a first leg retainer positioned adjacent to the third surface of the second body and extending in a direction away from the third surface of the second body, wherein a space defined between the first body and the second body is increased by moving the first body in a direction away from the second body and is decreased by moving the first body in a direction toward the second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Pocket Nurse Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Battaglia
  • Patent number: 6701652
    Abstract: An emblem (20, 20a, 20b) with encapsulated embossed 3-D graphics is provided by a substrate (22) having a first side (24) and an opposite second side (26), an ink pattern (28) printed on the second side and providing embossed 3-D graphics, and a transparent layer (30) molded on the first side and through which the graphics are viewable. The substrate is softer than the ink pattern and deforms therearound during molding of the transparent layer, to provide differing depths. A mold (36, 38) has a smooth nonembossed surface (42) engaging the second side of the substrate without a 3-D mold-insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Serigraph, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. McElhatton, Michael G. Reindl, Michael J. Ruminski
  • Patent number: 6701650
    Abstract: A remote-controlled motor-driven drum is provided to wind and unwind a cord which holds a self-balancing sign carrier. The sign carrier, which has telescoping rails, is adjustable in width. Its center rail includes two sheaves to receive the cord and lead it from the drum back to an end secured to the ceiling. Rotation of the drum raises and lowers the sign carrier and a sign carried by it. The sheaves on the carrier also serve to make the unit self-balancing. The motor responds to actuating signals for raising and lowering the sign and to safety features. Safety features include a limit switch which stops the motor when an object gets in the way, an overload control which stops the motor if excessive weight is detected, and the use of the motor for braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Mechtronics Corporation
    Inventors: Cary A. Cieciuch, Henry Wilko
  • Patent number: 6698123
    Abstract: A mounting for a sheet to the side of a truck or the like includes attachment members forming a rectangle frame. Certain of the attachment members include frame members including mutually parallel multiple engagement surfaces defined on ribs. An elongate retainer, which cooperates with the frame members, is RF welded to the sides of the sheet. The retainer includes an elongate flange with an interlocking surface selectively interlocking with any one of the engagement surfaces on the frame. Both the frame member and the elongate retainer include rails. A tool including pinch rollers squeeze the rails toward one another to tension and mount the sheet. The sheet mounting for a roll-up door further includes rollers extending above the top of the door which are spring mounted. The sheet extends from the lower front of the roll-up door up over the rollers and is attached to the back side of an upper elongate panel of the roll-up door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Marvin A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6694652
    Abstract: A raised surface sign with a Braille portion (8) has a reference notch (13) or elevation along its outside border to serve as a Braille locator. The visual presence of the notch or elevation is masked by an underlying colored layer (12) that spans the Braille locator and is of the same color as adjacent areas of the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: George Jeha
  • Patent number: 6688023
    Abstract: An identification badge having a front panel and a back panel affixed to the front panel. An extended section extends from the back panel and has a perforation pattern formed thereon. The perforation pattern defines a neck strap when the perforations are separated. The front panel is formed of a transparent material. An identification card can be positioned between the front and the back panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick Gwen
  • Patent number: 6688027
    Abstract: A selectively reversible message board has a first face of the message board which displays one or more message cards, either preprinted, containing common messages such as “OUT OF GAS”, “FLAT TIRE”, etc., or hand written. The message board may be reversed and the second face is adapted to receive a hand written message. Reversible suction cups are retained in keyhole shaped openings so as to minimize damage to the suction cup tabs when they are reversed. A flashing signal lamp is reversibly mountable on either face of the message board and serves to call attention to the message board and the stopped vehicle. The message board and accessories are provided in a kit contained in a reclosable bag. Storage inside the passenger compartments allows convenient configuration and deployment of the message board without need for any vehicle occupant to leave the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Frederick Fink
  • Patent number: 6684541
    Abstract: A secure hand-held prayer scroll is provided for creating and retaining writings such as prayers. A replaceable paper webbing is retained on, and in use unwound from, a rotary spool within a hollow housing. To rewind the paper webbing onto the spool, a locking wheel is unlocked by use of a button. A retraction spring and comfort spring balance the return force of the paper webbing. A pen may be stored within the article for writing purposes in use. A key activates a locking device to prevent unwanted release of the paper webbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Byron Ashley McPhaul
  • Patent number: 6678976
    Abstract: An identification device for eyeglass frames is provided. The identification device includes an identification sleeve adapted to couple with an eyeglass frame. This identification sleeve includes an identification marking. A non-toxic protective sleeve is superimposed over the identification sleeve and at least a portion of an eyeglass frame. This device does not accumulate dirt and bacteria and easily attaches to an eyeglass frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Eyeglass Rescue, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter A. Jones
  • Patent number: 6675515
    Abstract: A luminous electric display unit is disclosed in which glass tubing containing inert gas such as neon is entirely or substantially enclosed within a protective housing, thereby providing protection both for the glass tubing and the public.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Fallon Luminous Products
    Inventors: Timothy Ross Fallon, Walter Keisler Tanner, Jr.