Patents Examined by Glenn T. Barrett
  • Patent number: 5224589
    Abstract: An operating lever device constructed such that the members thereof having a comparatively high rigidity can be used in such a way as to minimize the wear-down thereof and enable the angle of inclination of the lever to be detected precisely over a long period of time. The operating lever device is arranged such that any one of a plurality of rod members (22) which are inserted slidably while they are constantly urged upward into the device body (10) can be pushed down by the tilting of a lever (20) so as to rotate either a first shaft (23) or a second shaft (24) through a retaining member (27) or (28) held in contact with the lower end of the rod member (22). Thus, the angle of inclination of the lever (20) can be detected precisely by either one of rotational angle sensors (25, 26) mounted on at least one end of each of the first and second shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventors: Tadao Karakama, Mitsumasa Akashi
  • Patent number: 5224637
    Abstract: An infant carrier adapted to be worn about the waist of an adult for supporting and transporting an infant on the hip region of the wearer. According to a preferred embodiment, such carrier comprises a fabric belt and an integral fabric seat portion which is adapted to receive and support an infant who is positioned to face the adult wearer with legs straddling the wearer's waist. The integral seat portion is defined by a section of the belt, a loop of fabric extending away from and back to the belt section at spaced locations, and a pair of spaced gussets, positioned one above the other and connecting the belt section and the loop portion. A compressible member, such as polyurethane, foam rubber, or a bladder of air, is disposed in the volume defined by the aforementioned seat-defining members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventor: Margaret A. Colombo
  • Patent number: 5222642
    Abstract: An article of luggage with an interior compartment and a visual display unit formed within at least one sidewall of the article. The visual display unit contains distinct first and second visual images, which are formed on separate first and second visual image components. Each component contains a plurality of first and second visual image segments which are arranged in interleaved fashion such that movement of an actuator from a first position to a second position changes the visual display of the unit from the first visual image to the second visual image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: ERO Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Solarz
  • Patent number: 5220998
    Abstract: For use with coffee bean grinders, a safety switch is actuated by a pivot arm having a pivot point located below a contact area at which a removeable container engages the pivot arm. The pivot arm pivots about the pivot point on a substantially horizontal axis between a forward and a retracted position. Also, the contact area is disposed forwardly of a vertical plane containing the pivot point and the horizontal axis. This construction reduces the amount of force necessary to move the pivot arm and actuate the switch. Because this force is smaller than before, this safety switch can be used with thin-walled containers, like plastic bags, without compromising the proper operation or safety of the grinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: David F. Ford
  • Patent number: 5221031
    Abstract: A body-mounted cutting apparatus comprised of a band able to encircle a body limb and a cutting tool are disclosed. The band is of an elastically extensible fabric and bears releasably fastenable hook and loop fabric patches on its ends. The band also has such a fabric patch along its length which is adapted to engage a mating patch on a cutting tool. The cutting tool is comprised of a flattened handle sleeve having a cutting edge carrier slidably disposed, and frictionally positionable, therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: Raymond L. Prigmore
  • Patent number: 5219416
    Abstract: Elastic devices (3) abruptly actuate a contact carrier (9) in the upward direction when a push-member (1) reaches a tensioning position (E) from a position of rest (R). In the event of any blockage preventing such abrupt movement a lever (24) constrainedly produces the movement when the push-member (1) continues its movement as far as a constrained actuation position (A). The push-member carries colored zones (101, 102). The contact carrier carries a colored zone (104). From the relative position of these zones viewed through a window in the casing (100), the user can adjust the positioning of the limit switch with respect to a movable member intended to actuate it so that the two phases of the actuation take place at the required points. The user can also check whether the contact carrier moves in response to the elastic devices or in response to the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Telemecanique
    Inventors: Michel Rochard, Jean-Pierre Guymard, Pierre Neau
  • Patent number: 5219068
    Abstract: A proximity switch mounting plate is rotatable about a center point and releasably-clamped to a mounting surface of a device. The cylindrical proximity switch is attached to the mounting plate at a location spaced outwardly from the center point, and the detection end of the switch extends to a moving member within the device. Rotation of the mounting plate around its center point adjusts the radial position of the detection end of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron, Inc.
    Inventor: Tadeusz W. Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 5219067
    Abstract: An electronic housing structure including an enclosure for containing at least one electronic device having a plurality of user interface switches. The electronic housing structure further has a user interface pad attached to the enclosure near the user interface switches for operating said user interface switches. The user interface pad further seals the enclosure to completely seal and protect the electronic device. The enclosure and the user interface pad are composed of a waterproof, dust-proof and mud-proof material whereby said electronic device can be operated in an outdoor condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: David J. Lima, John G. Tang
  • Patent number: 5217151
    Abstract: A scabbard for sheathing an intermediate force weapon such as an expandable tactical baton includes a front pocket for holding the baton when in the retracted position and rear pocket for holding the baton when in the fully extended, expanded position. The scabbard is designed such that it may be worn on the belt of law enforcement personnel in a position permitting a quick draw of the baton to a ready position whether or not the baton is contracted or expanded. A unidirectional fastener is utilized to guard against accidental release of the scabbard from the belt when the scabbard is properly installed and properly utilized by law enforcement personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Kevin Parsons
  • Patent number: 5215237
    Abstract: A multi-function wallet comprising a leather cover, at least two strips, a sub-wallet, a plurality of notebook papers, a string, a bead chain, a hook and a fastening hook; the string is to pass through holes on the leather cover, the strips, and the sub-wallet so as to fasten all the aforesaid part into one piece; both ends of the string are fastened the hook and the bead chain together. The fastening hooks are fixedly connected with the bead chain. The strips mounted on the leather cover and the sub-wallet are used for clamping banknotes and notebook papers respectively. The inner side of the leather cover has a large bag for storing ID card or the like; the inner side of the inner leather sheet of the sub-wallet has a partition flap and a lid flap; the partition flap can be opened partially, and used for storing ID card or the like. The inner side of another inner leather sheet has several coin bags for storing different coins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventor: Shih-fu Wu
  • Patent number: 5213205
    Abstract: An enclosure is provided for a switch having at least one extending terminal with a first configuration engageable with an adaptor terminal that converts the switch terminal to a second configuration for connection to an electrical lead. The enclosure includes at least one support block defining a switch cavity for receiving at least a portion of the switch and also defines an adaptor terminal cavity for receiving at least a portion of the adaptor terminal with access provided for connection of the electrical lead. Rivets or other fasteners are provided for holding at least the switch and support block together. The support block further includes support surfaces for engaging at least a portion of the adaptor terminal to resist at least some of the force applied to the adaptor terminal as the electrical lead is connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Pittway Corporation
    Inventors: William Laubach, Scott Robillard
  • Patent number: 5213204
    Abstract: An electrical switch assembly is disclosed to include a self-contained switch unit having a pair of depressible operators. A rocker actuator is rockably mounted about a rotational axis overlying the switch unit with wing portions of the actuator disposed on opposite sides of the rotational axis for alternatingly engaging the depressible operators. A two-part housing includes a base part and a cover part. The base part has a receptacle for mounting the self-contained switch unit. The cover part rockably mounts the rocker actuator. The two housing parts have complementary interengaging latches for snapping the parts into latched interengagement. The base part and the self-contained switch unit have complementary interengaging snap latches for snapping the switch unit into latched interengagement with the base part. The rocker actuator and the cover part have complementary interengaging snap latches for snapping the rocker actuator into latched interengagement with the cover part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward S. Sommer
  • Patent number: 5213243
    Abstract: A tissue dispenser for a motor vehicle which is molded as an integral part of the interior trim of a motor vehicle in such a manner that no additional hardware is needed. The tissue dispenser is preferably located in a readily accessible location in the interior of the motor vehicle--such as the dashboard, the passenger rear seat arm rest compartment, the center console, the overhead console, or the door. The tissue dispenser may be color blended to match the interior trim or may be covered with fabric to match the upholstery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Kimberly A. B. Landon
  • Patent number: 5213206
    Abstract: A pair of lock links straddling and pivoted on the same pin as the latchable cradle of a circuit breaker follow the toggle device of the breaker either by riding on the toggle knee pin or through a pin which bears against the edges of the toggle arms. The lock links have extensions which engage the handle yoke to prevent the handle from being moved to the off position when the circuit breaker contacts are welded closed causing the toggle device to remain erected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Henry R. Beck, Charles W. Pipich
  • Patent number: 5213241
    Abstract: A protective device configured to accommodate snow ski goggles when the goggles are not to be used for vision purposes. The protective device includes a strap and a protective cover which collectively form a loop adapted to circumscribe a portion of an animate bearer, such as the bicep area of one's arm. The cover is provided with structure to engage the ski goggle in a secure manner so that the protective goggle in conjunction with the strap can be worn with the cover occluding an outer arcuate surface of the goggle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Jeffrey Donald Dewar
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Dewar, Kenneth S. Janzen
  • Patent number: 5213242
    Abstract: A storage device for an implanting tool for implanting an implant into the body of an animal, the implanting tool having a handle (16) provided with a hollow needle (4) and being loadable by inserting the needle into an implant storage cavity (6) of a reservoir (2) for implants, including a holder portion (8, 9, 11) for holding the reservoir (2) and a fastening device (12, 13, 14) for fastening the storage device in an operative position, the fastening device and holder portion being so shaped, and so positioned relative to each other, that, in the operative position of the storage device, a cavity of a reservoir placed in the holder portion can hold the needle of an implanting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: N.V. Nederlandsche Apparatenfabriek Nedap
    Inventor: Hendrik J. de Jong
  • Patent number: 5210884
    Abstract: An environmentally controlled toilet designed to neutralize and confine contaminating agents such as bacteria, odors, vapors and other airborne particles inside the bowl by generating and maintaining a cyclone-type air circulation inside the bowl. A bowl (70) with a housing (20), and an air-trapping cavity (76) created inside the bowl (70) by a bowl-skirt (73), confines the contaminating agents during toilet use and improves the efficiency of the air circulation. Sanitizer and odor conditioner cartridges (31) are employed to neutralize the contaminating agents by releasing sanitizing and odor conditioning agents into the air flow circulated inside the bowl (70). A toilet seat (82) having an ergonomic design has a protective skirt (87) that accommodates a hygienic-shield (100). A solution to body heat loss and noise contamination during toilet use is also addressed. The invention is retrofitable to existing toilets, and is applicable to portable toilet systems including children's training toilets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: Daniel S. Redford
  • Patent number: 5211322
    Abstract: A thermoplastic molded sheath for a knife grips the knife tightly to prevent accidental loss or withdrawal. The security of such grip is sufficient to enable the knife to be carried in the sheath in an inverted position upon the body of the wearer. The sheath is made by thermoforming a rigid yet resilient thermoplastic about a knife blade having the exact dimensions of the blade which is to be carried within the sheath. The thermoformed sheath may be attached at its bottom to a pocket-sized semirigid pocket-retaining clip, which clip, when inserted into a pocket, supports the sheath in an inverted position with the blade of the knife extending upwardly and the hilt of the knife in a convenient position for drawing from the sheath. The combination of the orientation of the sheath and the pocket retaining clip places a minimum stress upon a pocket and is comfortable to wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: Charles V. Nealy
  • Patent number: 5208924
    Abstract: A front enclosure for a bathtub including a top rail, a bottom rail, and vertical supports arranged to contain panels which fit in the grooves in the rails and vertical supports. The enclosure may be readily assembled and adjusted to fit and be installed on the front of a bathtub to provide an enhanced appearance. The enclosure attaches to the front of the bathtub without requiring any structural modification of the bathroom or significant disruption of the household.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Gaylan Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy S. Smith, Mostafa Doroudian, Howard D. Dirkson
  • Patent number: 5209267
    Abstract: An insert fitting for a convoluted hose end includes a generally cylindrical nipple insert having two spaced annular sealing surfaces and a relief region situated between the surfaces. The relief region has a diameter less than that of each of the sealing surfaces, each of the sealing surfaces being radially equidistant at all points from a longitudinal axis extending through the center of the insert. In the preferred form, each of the spaced sealing surfaces has a longitudinal width in the range of seventy-five to one hundred percent of the pitch width of the convoluted hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Morin