Patents Examined by Denise Gromada
  • Patent number: 5624179
    Abstract: A lamp for fluorescent tubes with a housing (2) of plastic consisting of two half-shells (9,10) that can be divided laterally, a plug element (3) molded out of the housing (2), an illumination field with possibly an illumination field cover (5), as well as the electrical equipment necessary for operating the fluorescent tube (12), has a switching element (7) guided through the housing (2) which can be held in place in the desired switching position by a catch element (19) provided on the housing (2) (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Heinrich Korte
  • Patent number: 5599088
    Abstract: A flasher module for footwear includes a main housing containing all necessary circuitry for supplying power to at least one LED and for causing the LED to flash in response to movement of the shoe, except that at least one upper contact is affixed to a press fit cover such that when the press fit cover is secured to the main housing, at least two batteries are sandwiched between the upper contact and a lower contact in the main housing to complete a power supply circuit. The at least two batteries are connected in series, and two additional batteries may also be included in various series and parallel combinations depending on the desired voltage and current. An improved motion sensitive switch includes a terminal member from which a coil spring extends on one side to engage an outer conductive member upon motion of the shoe, the coil spring being soldered to the terminal member on the opposite side from the free end of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Tseng L. Chien
  • Patent number: 5588744
    Abstract: A gallery ring assembly includes a plurality of decorative members, such as glass leaves, mounted around the periphery of a gallery ring. Each of the glass leaves is mounted to the gallery ring with a single mounting screw. Each glass leaf and each mounting location on the gallery ring are provided with interlocking elements to prevent rotation of the glass leaf about the mounting screw. The interlocking elements preferably include an integral dimple on the gallery ring and an indentation on the outer periphery of the glass leaf. The gallery ring may have a truncated conical shape and may be fabricated by laser cutting an arc-shaped flat blank, and rolling the flat blank into a truncated conical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Schoenbek Worldwide Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Lucas, Arnold Schonbek, Georg Bayer
  • Patent number: 5588298
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for supplying heat to an externally fired power system by using a multistage system having two or more combustion zones. Each combustion zone has an associated heat exchanger that conveys a respective working fluid stream from the externally fired power system. Each combustion zone receives a portion of the total amount of combustion fuel, and the amount of fuel and air supplied to each combustion zone is adjusted to control the temperature to a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Exergy, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander I. Kalina, Mark D. Mirolli
  • Patent number: 5584558
    Abstract: A lighting device with two light pipes contains a light source with two optical systems arranged at right angles to each other and a common lamp. Behind the lamp, shifted by 9.degree., there are two reflector concave mirrors and, opposite each of them a condenser, which focuses the light arriving directly from the lamp and the light arriving from the reflector into one light pipe each. The full utilization of the light-pipe aperture requires a crowded construction, which is achieved by chamfered lateral edges of the condenser-lens mountings and the concave-mirror mountings, including cut-off lateral segments of the concave mirrors. Mirrors and lamp are contained in a replaceable module which module is inserted and fastened in the device housing, whereby the alignment of lamp and mirrors with the condensers (which are rigidly mounted in the housing) is automatically ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Gunther Nath
  • Patent number: 5584131
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drier for printed strips, comprising a housing through which the printed strips are carried, means for supporting the strip, a feed means for feeding heated gas to the housing, a discharge means for discharging gas from the housing, and a recirculation device for recirculating the gas present in the housing during standstill of the strip, wherein the recirculation device has been adapted for maintaining recirculation parallel to the direction of movement of the strip. As a consequence of these features the temperature prevailing in the space in the housing is kept substantially uniform during standstill of the strip. By maintaining the operating temperature there is hardly any need for temperature increase to take place during the start-up procedure, so that this procedure will proceed quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Stork Contiweb B.V.
    Inventors: Martinus J. C. Van Liempt, Gerardus C. J. Logtens, Clemens J. M. De Vroome
  • Patent number: 5582480
    Abstract: A light assembly for a motor vehicle has a housing and a transparent plate closing off the housing. At least one light-emitting device is positioned in the housing for illuminating the transparent plate. At least one main reflector is positioned in the housing for reflecting light emitted by the light-emitting device to the transparent plate. A prism is positioned in the housing so as to be placed at least partially in the path of the light emitted by the light-emitting device, whereby the prism reflects the light impinging thereon to the main reflector so as to be reflected onto the transparent plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hubert Zwick, Gernot M. Bracht
  • Patent number: 5582474
    Abstract: A vehicle light assembly includes a housing for attachment to a vehicle, a light source mounted to the housing, and a lens and/or reflector attached to the housing for controlling the distribution of light from the light source. The lens and/or reflector includes a surface with microvariations formed therein to define a holographic optical element that directs the light into a predetermined pattern for illuminating an area. The lens so formed simultaneously eliminates undesirable uneven light distribution such as glare, "spider webbing," light/dark patchiness and chromatic aberrations in and around the predetermined light pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Kim L. Van Order, Brian L. Spoelman
  • Patent number: 5580155
    Abstract: A cabinet lighting apparatus including a plurality of lamps attached to an interior cabinet wall in proximity to a cabinet door, the lamps including an actuation device so that they are illuminated when the cabinet door is opened, and extinguished when the door is closed. The lamps are connected to a main power distribution box by a telephone wire, each end including a miniature telephone plug, one plugging into a receptacle on the lamp, and the other plugging into one of a plurality of receptacles on the distribution box. The distribution box includes a step-down transformer that transforms standard 110 VAC to a voltage below 50 VAC. The distribution box accepting a battery and further including an outlet line for plugging the box into an electrical outlet, and an adjustable switch to easily convert the apparatus between AC and DC current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignees: Jeff Hildebrand, Kelly Copeland
    Inventors: Jeff Hildebrand, Kelly Copeland
  • Patent number: 5580159
    Abstract: A miniature light fixture includes a miniature light bulb, an elongated folding element having a recess that receives a base portion of the light, and a socket bounding an internal passage for partially receiving the holding element in an assembled condition of the fixture. At least one hook-shaped projection to be used to effect extraction of the holding element out of the passage of the socket extends axially beyond an end portion of the holding element that is situated outside the passage in the assembled condition and includes an outwardly extending engageable nose on its free end. At least one protuberance and at least one associated depression are disposed on respective zones of the holding element and of a circumferential wall of the socket that are juxtaposed with one another in the assembled condition in which the depression receives the protuberance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Noma, Inc.
    Inventor: Ivan Liu
  • Patent number: 5580157
    Abstract: Handle apparatus includes a housing for receiving a flashlight and a hand guard secured to the housing. A leash for walking or exercising an animal may be secured to the hand guard portion. A purse or pouch may also be secured to the hand guard portion for holding keys, change, etc. The housing is grasped by a user, and the users fingers extend into the hand guard portion. An alternate embodiment includes a leg secured to the hand guard portion to define a walking cane. Another alternate embodiment comprises a double cylinder in which the top cylinder comprises a flashlight housing and the bottom cylinder may be secured to a tubular element of a bicycle, walker, wheelchair, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventors: Thomas R. Patricca, Janet K. Patricca
  • Patent number: 5580156
    Abstract: A marker apparatus including a retroreflector constituted by three reflective surfaces arranged on three surfaces of a trigonal pyramid and a light source disposed on an optical axis of the retroreflector. A lens is provided in front of the retroreflector and a condensing lens is formed on the lens for condensing light emitting from the light source. A plurality of retroreflectors are provided continuously on the same plane in such a manner that directions of the three reflective surfaces, which constitute each of the retroreflector, are different from one another, and a front view of the retroreflector is regular hexagonal. A wall surface is formed between the three reflective surfaces constituting each retroreflector so that the wall surface directed in parallel with an optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Suzuki, Nobuo Matsukawa, Kazunori Tamura
  • Patent number: 5577836
    Abstract: The headlamp has a housing in which a reflector is arranged adjustably. Engaging on the reflector is an adjusting element which can be moved along its longitudinal axis to make an adjustment. At its end, the adjusting element has a ball head which is arranged in a ball socket connected to the reflector. At the transition between the adjusting element and the ball head there is, over part of the circumference, a flattened portion by which a shoulder is formed. Over the rest of the circumference the transition from the adjusting element to the ball head is stepless. The ball socket has a resilient locking member which can engage on the shoulder, in a rotational position of the adjusting element, to secure the ball head from being pulled out. In another rotational position, the locking member engages on the stepless transition between the adjusting element and ball head so that the ball head can be pulled out of the ball socket and the adjusting element can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Albert Vent, Wolfgang Lehmann
  • Patent number: 5577830
    Abstract: An awning comprises an outer sheet of flexible material supported on a rigid translucent support. The awning is illuminated by strip lights mounted on a support framework, which is stepped back from the rigid translucent support. An even illumination is achieved with no shadow lines on the flexible sheet. The sheet may have advertising indicia or logos.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Illuminated Awning Systems Limited
    Inventors: Martin Barry, David McKeown
  • Patent number: 5575459
    Abstract: A light emitting diode array mounted on a printed circuit board is provided with capacitive means to reduce voltage, mounted in a glass tube and provided with a standard candelabra or other base for insertion into a light socket in a slim line exit or other sign. In a preferred embodiment the circuit board is rotatable relative to the metal base so as to facilitate maximum light emission from the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Uniglo Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5572819
    Abstract: A light bulb or lighting element protector apparatus is disclosed which comprises a socket assembly, a cage assembly, wherein the cage assembly further comprises a means for protecting a light bulb, a message area wherein the message area is located on the cage assembly, a word, a message or a logo wherein the word, message or logo is located on or in the message area, and a means for latching the cage assembly to the socket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventors: Ferdinand Topinka, John A. Jeneral
  • Patent number: 5567041
    Abstract: A self supporting recessed ceiling fixture including a can formed of an exterior cylinder with four spring clips attached thereto and an interior cylinder. The exterior cylinder has an interior surface, an exterior surface and a bottom edge with a bottom opening adjacent thereto. Each spring clips are capable of movement between the interior and exterior surface of the exterior cylinder. The exterior cylinder is positioned within a hole of a ceiling. The spring clips support the exterior cylinder within the hole of the ceiling. The interior cylinder is positioned within the exterior cylinder in the ceiling and supported by three supporting spokes. Included is a bulb support formed of four sections. The bulb support is positioned within the interior cylinder. A diffusing lens is provided. Lastly, a support ring for positioning within the exterior cylinder is included. The support ring supports the lens within the can positioned through the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Karl Slocum
  • Patent number: 5444925
    Abstract: A new apparatus for treating substrates with fluids, as well as a corresponding fluid treatment method, is disclosed. The new apparatus includes a new configuration of fluid jet injectors which substantially overcomes the problem of dragout, in which fluid impinged upon an area of a substrate is retained on that area, preventing fresh fluid from reaching the impinged area. This new configuration also avoids imposing torques on substrates, and substantially reduces the need for rollers and guides for transporting substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven L. Bard, Jeffrey D. Jones, Robert H. Katyl, Ronald J. Moore, Oscar A. Moreno
  • Patent number: 5437108
    Abstract: The present food dehydrator may be substantially cylindrical in shape including a base member, an air heating and circulation means, a plurality of stackable trays, and a top. Each tray includes an outer wall structure and a platform section which may be separated from each other. Removal of a platform section when the trays are stacked allows for dehydration of larger items, and otherwise allows for easier cleaning of the tray and for replacement of the platform section. Attachment and detachment is performed by rotation of the platform section with respect to the outer wall structure. A method of forming the two-piece tray for the dehydrator is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: American Harvest, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Alseth
  • Patent number: RE35251
    Abstract: Gaseous discharge from a pelletizing drier used in the treatment of sewage sludge is partially directed back to a combustion chamber that generates an effluent which is fed to the drier. Volumetric requirements of a gas scrubber and an afterburner are reduced to the volume of gaseous discharge not recycled back to the combustion chamber. A concentrated stream of sewage sludge is mixed with a quantity of dehydrated particulate matter and supplied to a rotary pelletizing drier. Fuel and air undergo a combustion process and are mixed with additional air and part of the gaseous discharge in the combustion chamber which generates a hot gaseous effluent that is directed through the drier. The effluent removes moisture from the mixture of concentrated sludge and dehydrated particulate matter to provide dehydrated particulate sludge and the gaseous discharge. Entrained materials are initially separated from the gaseous discharge by cyclone separators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Jos van den Broek