Patents Examined by Douglas O. Watts
  • Patent number: 6067714
    Abstract: A personal groomer includes a hand-holdable housing within which is disposed a battery operated motor coupled to a cutting head assembly that protrudes at least partially from a distal end of the housing. An impeller fin assembly is attached to a lower portion of the cutting head assembly for rotation therewith when the motor is energized. Preferably the lower portion of the cutting head assembly and the impeller fin assembly are surrounded by a thimble-shaped member defining sidewall vents and having an opening in its upper surface, through which a distal portion of the cutting head assembly protrudes. A light source is mounted in the housing so as to focus light on hairs to be cut with the groomer. The groomer is cleaned by submerging the distal end of the housing assembly in water and energizing the motor. The resultant impeller fin rotation draws water into the cutting head assembly, and expels the water along with cut hairs and any other debris out the vents in the thimble-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Richard J. Thalheimer
  • Patent number: 5405091
    Abstract: To improve the operation of a roller press, a method is described according to which fluidized material that is discharged from the roller press over and above the sides of the roller press is collected and passed on to the next process stage together with the material which is ground in the roller press and discharged from the centermost section of the roller press. The remaining material which was ground in the roller press and discharged from the roller press through its end sections is returned to the roller press.By practicing the method of the present invention, a depletion of the material in the feed shaft is prevented due to a more stable roller feed, hence obtaining a smooth operation, even for high circulation factors, a higher average power absorption and a higher output level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: F. L. Smidth & Co., A/S
    Inventor: Jan Folsberg
  • Patent number: 5206965
    Abstract: Cutting structure for scoring or cutting surfaces is disclosed. The cutting structure includes a housing having elongated sides, a blade and thumb positioning structure associated with the elongated sides. Measurement means may be positioned against the thumb positioning structure and may be held in place by the user's thumb thus providing a measured distance which may be cut. The invention further includes angled structure associated with the housing which provides a guiding surface when making angled or mitered cuts along the edge of drywall. The invention may also include a retractable measuring structure retained within the housing, a retractable blade, retaining means formed in the housing for housing spare blades and a notch for cutting rope and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: Mark Rowley