Patents Examined by J. Hakomaki
  • Patent number: 5040320
    Abstract: An illuminated display which utilizes optical fibers to convey visible light from a singular light source to a display board. The display board is provided with channels (apertures) into which ends of optical fibers are inserted and secured. The placement of optical fibers at regular intervals around the perimeter of an alphabetical character and an irregular, random locations within the area defined by the perimeter produces a display with enhanced visual effects, greater reliability, and lower operating costs than conventional illuminated displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Tru-Lyte Systems, Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael J. Reidinger
  • Patent number: 5031344
    Abstract: Apparatus wherein a central housing body includes a fabric network in surrounding relationship thereto wherein the body includes an interior cavity wherein a musical IC module is actuatable by a central deformable dome permitting the pressing of an actuator ring in surrounding relationship relative to the body. The body includes a fastener mounted on a rear surface thereof with a ferro-magnetic cylinder selectively securable about elongate shank of the fastener. The deformable support tube receives a shank of a hook member which permits securement of various notes and the like onto the apparatus when mounted on a ferrous surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Lillian V. Goroza
  • Patent number: 5031346
    Abstract: A title display system for an automatic phonograph in which two sets of large panels, each side of which is adapted to carry three CD jackets, are arranged side by side in a recess in the front of the machine cabinet for concomitant pivotal movement of the panels inwardly or outwardly. A panel moving control system may be set in a first mode in which the panels are moved periodically to attract attention or in a second mode in which the panels are returned to positions at which predetermined pages are in view in the quiescent condition of the phonograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Rowe International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd D. Herring, Robert J. Elshof, Richard Van Dyk, Jeffrey J. Kalis
  • Patent number: 5031345
    Abstract: A display scissors having two elongate members which are movable with respect to one another. The first elongate member has one end portion configured to represent a first blade element of a scissors and an opposite end portion configured to represent a first loop element of the scissors. The first loop element is curved in a clockwise direction. The second elongate member has one end portion configured to represent a second blade element of the scissors and an opposite end portion configured to represent a second loop element of the scissors. The second loop element is curved in a counter-clockwise direction. The second blade element is positioned generally parallel to the first blade element and points in a similar direction to that of the first blade element. The display scissors includes mounting means for pivotally moving the first elongate member in one direction and simultaneously and pivotally moving the second elongate member in an opposite direction about a common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: William J. Kinney
  • Patent number: 5024013
    Abstract: An identification tag assembly comprising a one-piece molded plastic identification member with a plurality of radially extending circumferentially spaced flexible foldable identification indicia receiving means and a flexible connecting strap portion having an enlarged connecting head portion with a curved pointed tip portion and an elongated cutting blade slot; and a one-piece molded connecting member having a slot for receiving the connecting head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Identification Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Norman J. Hayes, Raymond B. Avedon
  • Patent number: 5024014
    Abstract: A label for use on a beverage container. The label consists of a coaster attached to the conventional label or directly to the container by adhesive. In the preferred embodiment an edge or a corner of the label has no adhesive to accommodate easy peeling of the coaster from the container. The adhesive allows for firm attachment of the label to the container or another label while at the same time retains stickiness to flatly adhere to the protected surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Remi D. Swierczek
  • Patent number: 5022170
    Abstract: A pad for covering a work surface comprising a thin transparent cover over a base layer. A portions of the cover is secured to the base layer so that the balance of the cover is liftable upwardly therefrom to receive and retain between the cover and the base layer sheet materials bearing visual information of utility to a user. The information is then visible to the user through the transparent cover. Alternatively, the cover may be attached to the base layer so as to produce therebetween a pouch opening at an edge of the pad to receive such sheet materials. The top surface of the cover can optionally be textured to provide a substitute work surface upon which to write or operate a computer mouse. The bottom surface of the base pad is textured to prevent slipping of the device on the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Data Pad Corporation
    Inventor: V. Dean House
  • Patent number: 5022173
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sign that can be hung from a suspended ceiling. Specifically, the cantilevered and/or counterbalanced sign rests securely in the inverted "T" rail of a suspended ceiling tile grid, and can easily be inserted or removed without damaging or destroying the ceiling tile. At the same time, the cantilevered and counterbalanced structure of the present sign permits the sign to rest securely on grid rails with varying support ledge designs, shapes and dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Pittsburgh Tag Company
    Inventor: Brian E. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 5020252
    Abstract: An illuminated sign system, e.g., an illuminated canopy or roof ridge for petrol stations and the like, comprising a trough with one or more electrical fluorescent tubes partially covered by a light shield having areas of differing light transmissivity, e.g., filters or translucent areas, with reflecting screens in oblique position in the rear, optionally colored to reflect light of one or more selected colors, and a front side of transparent weather-proof material covered with translucent colored indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: Johannes A. G. De Boef
  • Patent number: 5018286
    Abstract: A user authorization tag for the wearer thereof is rendered tamper resistant by forming the tag as an integral unit having a flat panel portion and a flexible loop portion extending from the panel portion. The loop is dimensioned for threading through a clothing opening, for example through a zipper pull, a button hole, or the like. Once the loop is threaded through the clothing opening, the panel is passed through the loop, to thereby secure the loop to the clothint opening. A relatively large ticket, carrying user authorization information such as bar code data, is then nonremovably secured to the panel. The size of the ticket is such that the panel with its attached ticket cannot pass back through the loop if an attempt is later made to remove the tag from the clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Daniel B. Zahner
  • Patent number: 5016371
    Abstract: A scrolling sign apparatus is suitable for incorporation in existing sign enclosures. Brackets are inserted in the enclosure. A web and web roll assembly is removably fastened to the brackets. The web and web roll assembly includes a pair of spaced web rolls with a web extending between them. The web may extend between a pair of transparent sheets for displaying graphic or alpha-numeric information provided on the web. The information may be provided on separate sheets that are taped to the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Robert B. Aiken
  • Patent number: 5016372
    Abstract: A sign for attaching to a vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, a flexible sign requesting road service has a sleeve which allows the sign to be readily attached to the antennae of the vehicle. A second sleeve receives a stiffening member to ensure the readability of the sign. When not in use, the sign may be readily folded or rolled for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: GBD Inc. dba Gold Graphics
    Inventor: Albert A. Gold
  • Patent number: 5015251
    Abstract: A medical fastener strap for engaging the body has an elongated stiff strip of resilient engaging members on one side and a mating and overlapping elongated softer strip of material on a second side carrying coacting engaging members for coacting with the first strip. The strap is wrapped about a body member and overlapped at its ends to form a Velcro-type fastener. Parallel edges of the softer strip extend over and beyond edges of the stiffer strip and are positioned adjacent the body to cushion and protect the body from the stiff strip in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: AliMed, Inc.
    Inventor: Julian H. Cherubini
  • Patent number: 5012602
    Abstract: A locking license plate holder for mounting license plates on automobiles, trucks and trailers includes a frame having a channel formed therein dimensioned for insertion of a license plate. The frame includes a transparent cover plate provided with an elongated lock housing. Spaced pairs of aligned apertures are formed through the frame, the license plate, the cover plate and a side wall of the lock housing. A pair of retaining pins are dimensioned for insertion through a vehicle mounted license plate attaching bracket and through the pairs of aligned apertures in the license plate holder. A key actuated rotary locking cylinder is centrally mounted in the lock housing and includes a pair of transverse locking rods connected to the rotary cylinder for simultaneous extension and retraction. A pair of guide members in the housing constrains the locking rods to reciprocal linear movement. A transverse aperture is formed through each of the retaining pins for receiving the locking rods in a locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventor: Gerald T. Storey
  • Patent number: 5010667
    Abstract: An identification tag for rolled drawings is made froma sheet of heavy stock paper. The tag is enlongated and is preferably from two to three inches wide and five to eight inches long. One end of the device is a holding portion while the other end is the tag portion. Between the two is a transition portion which is comprised of a score line in the paper which extends across the width of the device in an arc. When the holding portion is flexed so as to be inserted into the end of a rolled document, the tag portion can be folded downwardly where it remains substantially planar and perpendicular to the axis of the holding portion and covers the end of the rolled document for identifying the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: Herman A. Hassinger
  • Patent number: 5010670
    Abstract: Automobile window display apparatus which includes a display panel for carrying a message. The panel is pivotally mounted to the rear window molding for movement between a retracted position and a vertical display position in which the message is visible through the rear window. A cord attached to the lower edge of the display panel extends forwardly and is hooked onto the rear view mirror mount. This allows the driver to unhook the cord for rearward movement under the weight of the panel as the panel drops to its display position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: Mario J. Minervini
  • Patent number: 5010669
    Abstract: A mailing card is formed of card stock conforming to the dimensional and weight requirements applicable to postal service post cards. A figure is printed on the face of the card stock and a perforated outline on the card stock circumscribes a portion of the figure. An indicia of placement of a postage stamp appears on the opposite surface of the card stock. Preferably, at least one discontinuous straight line of weakness is defined in the card stock. The line of weakness intersects the perforated outline. A gap is defined within the discontinuous line of thickness within the figure. The card stock is foldable along the line of weakness such that the portion of the figure within the perforated outline does not fold, and the remaining portion of the card does fold back to form a stand for supporting the figure in an upright disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: George Moran
  • Patent number: 5010666
    Abstract: The invention provides a cushioned frame for a picture or other article, which has a bottom layer with edges, a relatively rigid base with first and second sides, a layer of foam material secured to the base by adhesive stripes and having the configuration the size of the base, an upper layer of material sealed along its edge portions to edges of the bottom layer to enclose the foam layer, a transparent or translucent layer over the upper layer and adapted to fit in the section defined by the adhesive stripes, this layer being secured to the upper layer by depressed heat-seal stripes and cooperating therewith to define an envelope for a generally planar article, the foam layer being compressed at the stripes which bond the transparent or translucent layer, the upper layer and the foam material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Plasticos Cream, S.A.
    Inventor: Carlos Robles
  • Patent number: 5010665
    Abstract: A modular electronic message badge has a detachable lamp unit which contains a light bulb associated with an interchangeable lens cover. A power pack unit provides one protected enclosure for receipt of electronic components or circuitry, and another portion defining a chamber, which opens to the exterior of the power pack unit for receipt of a battery. Introduction and removal of a battery from the chamber automatically switches on and off the electronic circuitry protectively enclosed within the power pack unit without requiring that such unit be opened. The lamp unit is physically attached to the power pack unit for support thereon and electrically connected therewith so that the light bulb is powered by an output of the electronic circuitry. The lens cover may be partially transparent and provided with a selected message or design. The cover is backlighted by the lamp to display the message intermittently, under the control of the power pack unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: Cornell Clinkscales
  • Patent number: 5009018
    Abstract: A container with multiple functions consists of dual bodies seated one atop the other with a main prism type body resting on a bearing base. The main prism type body is provided with at least four lateral walls, a top surface and at least one receptacle is situated within the main body. The top surface has at least one opening for introducing objects into the receptacle which is accessible through an access door provided in one of the lateral walls. An upper body of smaller dimension being located centrally on the main body. The upper body is defined by at least two side faces extending substantially upwardly from the top surface and separated by a space, so that the opening of the top surface is situated within the space and between two side faces of the upper body. A roof with at least two inclined surfaces extends between and is supported by the side faces of the upper body. A container is positioned within the upper body spaced between the roof and the top surface of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Inventor: Alain F. Sebag