Patents Examined by Charles T. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6786454
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an emergency opening control device for an aircraft door comprising: at least one triggering mechanism (10) for emergency opening, at least one door actuator (8), and means of power supply (14, 16) to the actuator driven by the triggering mechanism. The device also comprises means (20) for modification of the output delivered by the means of power supply to the actuator, to allow the door to be opened more slowly in an initial phase of opening and more rapidly in at least one subsequent opening phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Jérôme Baderspach, Albert Modern, Sébastien Rondot
  • Patent number: 6782847
    Abstract: A system for non human animal-based surveillance including a non-human animal-borne, non-human animal noise sensor, and a non-human animal noise analyzer operative to receive sensed non-human animal noises, to determine at least partially therefrom whether an alarm situation exists and to provide an alarm indication output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventors: David Shemesh, Dan Forman
  • Patent number: 6783136
    Abstract: An independent suspension system has a pair of control arms having inner ends which are attached to a vehicle body and outer ends which support a wheel hub therebetween. A ball joint interconnects each control arm with the wheel hub. Each ball joint has a ball pin rotatably mounted in an associated housing. A first threaded shank on the ball pin is bolted to one of the control arm and the wheel hub. A second threaded shank on the housing is bolted to the other of the control arm and the wheel hub. Thus each ball joint is a separate unit which is demountable from the control arm and wheel hub and can be installed without dismantling the ball joint. Conveniently also a threaded shank of the ball joint may screw into a complementary threaded socket in a control arm to allow adjustment of the effective length of the control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Technology Investments Limited
    Inventors: Eanna Pronsias Timoney, Seamus Brennan
  • Patent number: 6782829
    Abstract: A non-lethal cargo projectile includes a projectile body; a nose cap attached to a front of the projectile body; a boattail attached to a rear of the projectile body; a fin assembly including a boom attached to the boattail; a parachute assembly disposed in a front of the projectile body; a cable connecting the parachute assembly to the boattail; a fuze disposed in the boattail; a first pair of half cylinders disposed in the projectile body behind the parachute assembly; a first circular disc disposed at a front end of the first pair of half cylinders and a second circular disc disposed at a rear end of the first pair of half cylinders; a second pair of half cylinders disposed in the projectile body in front of the first circular disc enclose the parachute assembly; and a payload disposed in a space defined by the first pair of half cylinders and the first and second circular discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Seungeuk Han, Raymond Trohanowsky, Andrew Ponikowski
  • Patent number: 6782658
    Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having a tapered base and a decorative skirt therein and securing the sleeve about a pot via a bonding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6782657
    Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having excess material therein and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6779290
    Abstract: A semi permanent backup iron sight is adapted for attachment to, and detachment from a weapon while other devices are still attached to the weapon. The iron sight comprises a base formed of two vertical rails and an interconnecting member that allows the base to flex for securing the iron sight on the weapon; a sight aperture assembly formed of a sight aperture, a sight aperture frame, a sight aperture spring, and a sight aperture pivot pin; an elevation cam assembly formed of an elevation cam, a retaining clip, an elevation cam spring and keeper, and a detent spring and a ball detent; and a windage mechanism. The base provides a mounting interface for the sight aperture assembly, elevation cam assembly, and windage mechanism. The elevation cam assembly has an elevation scale located in a position that allows the shooter to see the elevation scale without moving his or her head from the shooting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Gary J. Houtsma
  • Patent number: 6779489
    Abstract: An automated carrier-based pest control system is provided, and includes a substantially automated sprayer. The system also includes a container in fluid communication with the substantially automated sprayer for holding a mixture of carrier-based ingredients, including one or more ingredients, for discharge from the substantially automated sprayer. Also includes is one or more discharge control units operably connectable to the substantially automated sprayer and to the container for regulating discharge of the mixture of carrier-based ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: John Stuart Greeson
  • Patent number: 6779458
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are devised to install an insulation rubber loop in the aft end of a rocket motor case. The method includes the making of a rubber strip into a rubber loop by casting. The rubber loop is partially cured and is then adhered to the inner wall of the aft end of the rocket motor case by using a silicone rubber loop of the apparatus. The silicone rubber loop is caused to deform so as to press against the insulation rubber loop, which is thus securely attached to the inner wall of the aft end of the rocket motor case. The attachment of the rubber loop is further enhanced by heating the rocket motor case to provide heat which is intended to facilitate the curing of the rubber loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology
    Inventors: Jun-Ling Fan, Hsing-Tsai Huang
  • Patent number: 6779296
    Abstract: An insect trap that utilizes a combustion chamber to produce carbon dioxide for an attractant. Combustion gasses from the combustion chamber are cooled in a conduit for the trap inlet. Thus, a single fan may be used for both drawing insects into the insect trap and for cooling the combustion chamber. Combustion gasses, after being cooled by the flow of air through the conduit connected to the trap inlet, may be further cooled by a cooling system, such as a thermoelectric device. As such, the insect trap of the present invention may be used to produce carbon dioxide, via combustion, at temperatures at or below ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Mosher, II
  • Patent number: 6779490
    Abstract: In order to deter pest animals, particularly deer, from a protected area, a portable, wireless, shock producing, animal repelling and training device is provided having two or more bare electrodes and having an electrode separator which maintains the electrodes in close proximity to each other and insulated from each other, while allowing full exposure of the electrodes to the target animal and while greatly reducing the chances that the device will be discharged by the electrodes contacting each other or by precipitation. The animal control device is deployed such that the target pest animals in the protected area will be attracted to touch the device and so will contact the electrodes, receive an electric shock, and be frightened from the area. Target animals will then continue to avoid the protected area because of a scarecrow effect provided by the presence of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Keith M. Betzen
  • Patent number: 6779267
    Abstract: A method for increasing the wear-resistance of a work piece involves connecting the work piece to a non-formable core material having a greater hardness than that of the work piece material. In order to improve the connection while simultaneously reducing the costs, the core material is connected in a form-fitting manner to the work piece by means of cold extrusion or hot extrusion of the work piece material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignees: GeramTec AG Innovative Ceramic Engineering, UKM Umformtechnik und Kraftfahrzeugkomponenten MeiBen GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Meier, Carsten Rubner, Klaus Rubner, Peter Stingl, Helmut Radke, Steffen Tempel, Dietmar Leuteritz
  • Patent number: 6779617
    Abstract: A vehicle can be designed using modular frame components. There is provided a chain tank module having one or more chain tanks and an adapter module which provides spacing between individual chain tank modules. Wheels are mounted to the chain tank modules. The chain tank modules have wheel cogs to receive drive chains and also receptacles for receiving axles for the wheel hubs. The frame allows the use of steerable or nonsteerable axle assemblies to accommodate a wide variety of steering mechanisms for vehicles. By utilizing the chain tank and adapter modules, frames of different lengths, widths and wheel configurations can be designed and constructed using a small number of standard interchangeable parts. The cab and engine components are mounted onto a skid which in turn is mounted onto the frame. Drive chains are utilized to rotate the wheels. The drive chains extend through the chain tanks which contain a lubricant therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: James S. Kole, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6779322
    Abstract: A riding stirrup includes a foot-receiving part 1 and a plate-like part 2 which is suspended from a strap 14. The part 1 is pivotally received on a tongue 7 held by a flange 8 and a retaining plate 9 which is secured to the plate 2 by snap fasteners 11. Normal downward forces on the stirrup do not dislodge the plate 9, but if the rider falls from the saddle the part 1 pivots in direction A levering the fasteners 11 apart. The retaining plate 9 is thus freed allowing the foot-retaining part 1 to separate from the suspension part 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Maurice Barnes
  • Patent number: 6779457
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting and arming fuses in a projectile to satisfy safety requirements and to initiate ignition with only minimal delay. In accordance with the method, after launch of a projectile, behind a cap having a central inlet opening a safety device of a turbine/ignition pin unit is released and the impeller thereof is subjected to ram pressure. The ram pressure displaces the turbine/ignition pin unit into a front position, to act as impact detector. In a device constructed in accordance with the invention, the turbine/ignition pin unit has a screw thread on its shank and is screwed into a threaded bushing so that the ram pressure displaces the unit, against the direction of flow into the front position. On impact, the rear end of the unit acts as a percussion needle and initiates an ignition chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ruag Munition
    Inventors: Jörg Kutzli, Pascal Guenot
  • Patent number: 6779486
    Abstract: An animal feeder system comprises a mobile feeder suspended from an overhead track. The track can conveniently be made from pipe bent into a desired configuration. The mobile feeder has an on-board computer controller and a computer-controlled motor which can drive the mobile feeder to feed drops located along the track. The mobile feeder has a number of feed compartments which each hold a feed ingredient. The ingredients are dispensed simultaneously by variable speed augers. A customized blend of feed ingredients is dispensed at each feed drop. The animal feeder system can automatically track the amount of feed consumed at each feed drop and can run unattended. Applications include feeding swine, horses, chickens, fish, cattle and other animals which are reared in captivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Feedlogic Systems Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Vaags
  • Patent number: 6779297
    Abstract: A lawn edging device is provided that comprises a flexible body with a tongue connector located at one end and a pocket connector located at the other end. The pocket connector comprises a slot feature sized to receive a tongue connector of another lawn edging strip and comprises a lock feature that prevents disengagement after connection with the other lawn edging strip. The pocket connector can further comprise a guide feature to guide the tongue connector of the other lawn edging strip towards the lock feature and into engagement with the slot feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Easy Gardener Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Clemente Conde
  • Patent number: 6779301
    Abstract: A floral sleeve sized to fit about a flower pot or floral grouping. The sleeve has a base with side gussets and optionally bottom gussets for allowing expansion from a flattened position to an opened position. The sleeve may comprise a detachable upper portion, and a skirt portion. The sleeve is preferably secured about a pot or floral grouping via a banding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6779294
    Abstract: A method of establishing a fishing line comprises the steps of attaching attachment openings of a breakable link to a surface buoy and underwater gear, and disconnecting the surface buoy from the underwater gear by irrecoverably breaking the wall of one of the attachment openings at a weakened portion thereof, without breaking a join portion connecting the attachment openings. The weakened portion extends circumferentially from 150° to 210°, i.e. for about a half of an entire circumference of the associated attachment opening. The thickness and/or material failure load of the weakened portion is from 50 to 70% of the thickness and/or material failure load of the remaining elements of the breakable link. The connecting portions may be rigidly integrated with each other, or pivotably attached via the join portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Ames
  • Patent number: 6775946
    Abstract: An arrangement for displaying the state of a plurality of animal traps is disclosed. Each trap senses the position of a movable trapping portion such as a trap door or jaw and rf transmits the state of the movable portion. A display unit receives the rf transmissions from the traps and identifies and displays the then current state of each trap. The rf signals may be periodically sent from the traps and/or they may be sent in response to a change in state of the movable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Amy Christine Wright