Patents Examined by Jerry A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6540311
    Abstract: A display case security apparatus comprises a housing, a plurality of platform guide tracks, a platform, an elevating mechanism, and a closure. The housing includes a lower storage section and an upper display section disposed above the storage section. The storage section has an opaque exterior wall and the display section has an exterior wall which is at least partially transparent. The platform guide tracks are disposed on the interior of the housing. The platform is disposed within the housing and includes a generally horizontal portion for supporting articles to be displayed. The platform is selectively movable between a first position, wherein any articles supported on the platform are displayed in the display section of the housing, and a second position, wherein any articles supported on the platform are stored in the storage section of the housing. The platform interfits with the platform guide tracks so as to constrain the movement of the platform to vertical translation only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Faubion Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Canedy, Leo Faubion, Paul Lenox, Larry G. Stanford
  • Patent number: 6523919
    Abstract: A filing cabinet has at least one drawer or file hangers associated with the drawer that can be selectively lifted from a first elevation to a second elevation when the drawer has been moved to an open position with respect to the frame of the filing cabinet. The filing cabinet includes the frame; drawers, including the drawer that can be lifted; and a drawer-opening assembly that movably connects the drawer to the frame. When the drawer is opened, it can be disengaged from the drawer-opening assembly and lifted to a position that is more accessible to users of the filing cabinet. The drawer can be lifted by force supplied by the user, by mechanical or electrical devices, or by a combination of the foregoing. Examples of the mechanical or electrical devices include pneumatic pistons, hydraulic pistons, spring-activated structures, and electric motors. The bottom drawer or a number of bottom drawers of the filing cabinet can experience the lifting motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Switchboard
    Inventors: L. Dwight Israelsen, R. Burns Israelsen
  • Patent number: 6520095
    Abstract: Shelf support system in which “T”-shaped mid base members and support members and “L”-shaped end base members and support members have inner sections which contact and hold a shelf board and outer sections containing alternating extensions and indentions so that adjacent base members and support members interlock with each other. The shelf system may thus be assembled without tools. The rear aspects of base members are angled forwardly and downwardly and the side aspect of end base members are angled inwardly and downwardly to allow the shelf system to clear a baseboard and/or molding along a wall so that the main portion of the shelf unit may fit flush against the wall. The shelf support system is suitable for use with standard shelf boards of any length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Lowell Hayes
  • Patent number: 6522368
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a portable vehicle video system. The preferred portable vehicle video system comprises a flat panel video display that can pivot flat against the vehicle ceiling when not in use. The preferred video display contains a digital video disk (DVD) player, a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver and at least one pair of speakers. The video display is mounted to a vehicle's headliner by a vehicle mount comprising a block containing a pivot port; said block mounted to an anchor by a nut. A remote transmitter is connected to an audio/video source such as a console video game system or a video cassette recorder (VCR). The preferred system has at least one pair of wireless headphones to receive an audio signal from the display. The preferred system also has a portable stand comprising a base, a battery and a pivot port for holding the video display when not mounted to the ceiling of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Timely Innovations, LP
    Inventors: Eugene M. Tuccinardi, John M. Dunkle, Gordon H. Buck, Ernesto R. Haack
  • Patent number: 6520610
    Abstract: A device includes a main container unit and top container units that can be stored inside the main container unit. A lid doubles as a lid and as a table to support food thereon. Legs support the lid on the top container units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Michael A. Miller
  • Patent number: 6520607
    Abstract: A laptop computer appearance enhancement device for enhancing the appearance of a laptop computer lid includes at least one generally planar appearance enhancement applique having a generally flat lower surface and adhesive such as glue or the like applicable to one of the lower surface of the applique and a laptop computer lid for removably securing the applique to a laptop computer lid. A centering and aligning device having a generally planar top wall and at least one downwardly depending side wall mounted on the top wall adjacent an edge thereof further includes an applique application opening formed in the top wall of the centering and aligning device, the opening having dimensions approximately equal to the size of the applique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Raymond Pfaff
  • Patent number: 6516730
    Abstract: A corner protector system for use with a pallet protector encircling the periphery of at least one pallet. The corner protector system comprises at least one protector member having a pair of walls disposed generally perpendicularly to each other to form a corner. A right-angle corner shaped channel is provided in the bottom of the corner protector member to releasably accommodate a corner portion of the pallet protector. The corner member extends upward from the pallet protector and the pallet for good visibility to protect persons in the vicinity and to protect merchandise on the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Food Machinery Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Allen Mason
  • Patent number: 6508292
    Abstract: Improved retractable mosquito net, of the type designed to be fitted to the structure of a window opening or door, there being a fly mesh or cloth (11) which slides sideways upon two profiles (15) and (15′) optionally provided with hidden locks (10) and (10′) the fly cloth has in its lower part a profile (12) provided with a central channel (13) in which a handle (14) is attached and slides provided with, side plugs (16) and (16′), the lower part of the profile a dust excluder (13′).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Fivent, S.A.
    Inventor: Jordi Saperas
  • Patent number: 6508181
    Abstract: A mount (50) is adapted to be move along a table (20) without disturbing a patient (P) lying on a pad (130) on the table. The mount includes lips (52 and 72) which are joined by a cross member (90) which passes under the table (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Robert W. Odell
  • Patent number: 6493997
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a portable garage with a ballast-containing base. The garage is assembled at a site without physical attachment thereto and disassembled for erection at another site. Each elongated base segment extending along the sidewall of the garage has a cavity therein for receiving ballast, which, after erection of the garage, is filled with water, sand or gravel. The weight thereof stabilizes the structure. The bases have extensions which interlock and overlie connector portions. Apertures through the connectors house support members and, upon the sidewall being assembled, these columns are vertically disposed. Between support members a prefabricated roof is attached. The ballast-container is a lightweight, molded plastic construct of high-impact, UV resistant material. The base is equipped with suitable inlet and outlet ports for the addition and removal of ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Handi-Hut Shelters, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Melvin Cohen
  • Patent number: 6485117
    Abstract: A data card drawer for installing a data card, such as a compact flash card, into a device that uses data cards. Devices that use data cards include, for example, medical devices, and more particularly defibrillators. The data card drawer electrically isolates the data card from the user when the user is installing or removing the data card from the device. The data card drawer may also be formed to provide a closure to the opening in the device housing provided to receive the data card. Further, the data card drawer may be formed to prevent damaging pins located on a pin connector within the receiving device which communicate data with the data card. The data card drawer preferably mates with the device to prevent ingress and egress of foreign matter and moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Alan P Greenstein, Daniel J Powers
  • Patent number: 6484739
    Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a foldable door and sidewall, and more particularly, to a foldable door and sidewall suitable for use with tents, awnings, restaurant patio shielding, and other protective enclosures. The invention is also directed to methods for retrofitting a protective enclosure (e.g., frame structure associated with a collapsible tent) with a foldable door or sidewall, as well as to kits for accomplishing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Barrett Enclosures, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Sofie, John A. Barrett
  • Patent number: 6485119
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an accent panel incorporated with an aperture in the panel that allows access to a support member attached to a bezel. A person's hand may fit within the aperture and grasp the support member to allow easy transport of the computer. The panel may be installed and removed easily without the need for tools. A user of a computer equipped with an accent panel of the present invention may be able to match the color of the front of his or her computer to his or her surroundings while still allowing access to a support member to allow easier transport of a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Davis, David D. Williams, Daniel C. Castillo, Dirk O. Cosner, Jorge A. Moriel, Michael J. Calvillo
  • Patent number: 6481810
    Abstract: A heat sealing garbage cabinet stores a plastic bag of garbage. When the bag is but partially full, the bag is temporarily sealed by folding and pressure sealing the top of the bag. When the bag is full, it is heat sealed. A slitter unit cuts a handle-hole in the bag for easy disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Robert W. Kirchhoff
  • Patent number: 6477966
    Abstract: A modular rotatable food tray supported by a vertical support member features tray segments that are easily removable and free standing. Each tray segment has a depending clip that is received in a hub of a bearing for rotatably supporting the tray. The individual tray segments may be removed for filling and cleaning, and segments of different configuration can be used for different purposes. The trays can also be removed for serving away from the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas M. Petryna
  • Patent number: 6480243
    Abstract: An installation structure is so configured as to allow a panel-type display device to be installed in the following manner. A fixing frame is fixed and fastened to a rectangular opening portion of a wall in advance. After being placed in the fixing frame, the panel-type display device is pressed by a pressing member against the fixing frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kouichi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6474243
    Abstract: In an adjustable desktop for a personal computer, having a keyboard an a monitor, wherein the desk comprises a telescopic column supporting a top, the telescopic column having a static component and a mobile component, wherein an adjustment of different height levels of the desk's top is achieved by a relative movement of the mobile component with respect to the static component, the essentially the features that the monitor is supported by a platform connected to the desk's top, said platform being pivotable about an axle which is aligned parallel to the front edge of the desk's top, wherein an alteration of the pivoting angle of the platform with respect to the desk's top is achieved by way of a Bowden cable movable in response to an adjustment of height of the desk's top, have the effect that a pre-determined angle of inclination of the head of a user when looking on to a monitor screen is independent of a given adjustable height level of the desk's top and is therefore indepe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Grohse
  • Patent number: 6476879
    Abstract: A liquid crystal flat panel monitor is mounted in a frame that is positioned in an overhead compartment of an aircraft. A D.C. motor is mounted for pivoting the monitor. A voltage source having positive and negative polarity controls the D.C. monitor causing it to pivot the monitor to a viewing position or to a stowed position. The D.C. motor carries a flywheel on its shaft that stores energy as the motor rotates. During power loss, a controller sends a voltage pulse to the D.C. motor to spin it at high speed and store enough energy in the spring flywheel to pivot the monitor to a stowed position. A deployed position switch senses when the LCD monitor is fully rotated to its open view position. An electromagnetic latch keeps the LCD monitor locked in its stowed position until it is to be displayed for viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Airshow, Inc.
    Inventors: Chung Lin Ho, John W. Hubbs
  • Patent number: 6474029
    Abstract: A roadway or fence comprises a series of panels linked together by means of flexible joints. A series of the panels is prevented from separating into discrete panels by means of a compression rod. Lengths of the panels thus connected are secured to further such lengths using a coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: L. H. Woodhouse & Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Cook, Gordon Partridge, Anthony Richard Marsh
  • Patent number: 6471308
    Abstract: The frameless, stackable cabinet system for use with rack mounted electronic equipment comprises stackable wall members that mechanically interconnect without the need for tools to assemble the cabinet. A base unit and cover unit provide the interlocking top and bottom members of the cabinet. The stackable wall members come in various heights and can be interlocked together and to both the base unit and cover unit to configure a cabinet of desired height. Each stackable wall member therefore not only provides a mounting site for a rack mounted piece of electronic equipment, but also serves to provide the wiring channels through openings formed in the stackable wall members. The cabinet system can be transported in a disassembled form to reduce shipping costs and can be simply assembled on site via the interlocking interconnection of the stackable wall members. The resultant cabinet can be reconfigured without a significant effort and the certification of the resultant cabinet configuration can be simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Vaughn Konshak, Dale Robert Eichel