Patents Examined by Kristina Junge
  • Patent number: 9412287
    Abstract: A traffic advisor for an emergency vehicle. The traffic advisor includes a base capable of being attached to a roof of an emergency vehicle. The traffic advisor additionally includes a display member coupled to the base and shiftable relative to the base between a stowed position and a deployed position. The display member is further configured to display one or more advisory messages. The traffic advisor may also include an actuation system for shifting the display member between the stowed position and the deployed position. As such, in the deployed position, the traffic advisor is operable to display advisory messages that are clearly viewable from a position rearward of the emergency vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Halcore Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Fisher
  • Patent number: 9382052
    Abstract: A series of memorabilia pieces have markable areas for recording an autograph or signature and an information area for recording information about the autograph or signature (e.g., the person who signed it, the time, the place and other information). The pieces are readily autographed, signed, registered, collected, and displayed. The pieces can have many shapes and sizes and can include images related to a sport, profession, or pastime of collectability. For example, the pieces relate to a section of a collectable population, such as sports, music, acting, politics, auto racing and more. The pieces may be serialized to allow recording and identification. The items may be registered in a central recording archive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventors: Lauren Cecchi, Paige Cecchi, Michael R. Cecchi, Michael D. Cecchi
  • Patent number: 9371142
    Abstract: A hold-down assembly for retaining a portable electronic unit within an avionics equipment mounting tray includes a shaft, a locking collar, and an actuator knob. The shaft is coupled to pivot with the mounting tray. The locking collar slides along the shaft to engage the portable electronic unit. The actuator knob includes a knob body, a ratchet plate having detent holes within the knob body, a ball bearing, and a compression spring within the knob body. As the actuator knob is rotated to move along the shaft, the knob body and the ball bearing rotate with respect to the ratchet plate, and the ball bearing is forced against a spring bias of the compression spring as the ball bearing travels between adjacent detent holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas P. Rodig
  • Patent number: 9346419
    Abstract: A sign plate 1 includes a plate-shaped metal plate 2 having a a slot 23 which penetrates from the front surface 21 toward the back surface 22, an RFID inlay 3 arranged on the front surface 21 of the metal plate 2 so as to straddle the slot 23, and a retroreflective sheeting 4 arranged on the front surface 21 of the metal plate 2 and having a mirror reflective region 41 and a non-mirror reflective region 42. In a plan view of the retroreflective sheeting 4, the mirror reflective region 41 includes a plurality of mirror reflective regions which are formed as independent regions by being divided by the non-mirror reflective region 42, the slot 23 region overlaps the mirror reflective region 41 and the non-mirror reflective region 42, and the overlapping mirror reflective region 41 does not straddle the slot 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: NIPPON CARBIDE INDUSTRIES CO., INC.
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Sirosaki, Ikuo Mimura
  • Patent number: 9349309
    Abstract: Apparatus to communicate a message to a vehicle exterior, comprising sheet metal box having vertical sides, cut-outs in one of the sides configured to communicate a message, colored translucent plastic material closely covering the cut-outs at the box interior, light means for substantially uniformly illuminating the plastic material, within the box, means to connect the box to the vehicle whereby the cut-outs face rearwardly of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventors: Ashot Eloyan, Edvin Tsaturyan
  • Patent number: 9349306
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to integrated modular display panels. In one embodiment, modular display panel includes a casing having a recess. The casing includes locking points for use in attachment to an adjacent casing of another modular display panel. A printed circuit board is disposed in the recess and a plurality of LEDs attached to the printed circuit board. A driver circuit is attached to the printed circuit board. A heat sink is disposed between a back side of the casing and the printed circuit board. The heat sink thermally contacts the back side of the casing and the printed circuit board. A framework of louvers is disposed over the printed circuit board. The framework of louvers is disposed between rows of the LEDs. The framework of louvers is attached to the printed circuit board using an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Ultravision Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: William Y. Hall
  • Patent number: 9311830
    Abstract: A labeling article and a method of use and assembly of the labeling article, where the labeling article comprises a label, an elastic securing band, and a release liner, and where the elastic securing band is configured to be stretched to define a loop between the elastic securing band and the release liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Bedford Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Maltas
  • Patent number: 9305255
    Abstract: An electronic tag having a wristband includes a base defining at least one receiving notch, a radio frequency identification element received in the base, at least one connecting element connecting the radio frequency identification element, a locking module captured in the receiving notch and resisting the connecting element, and a wristband mounted in the locking module. The radio frequency identification element, the connecting element, the locking module, and the wristband cooperate to form a closed loop circuit to achieve an electric induction. When the wristband is detached from the locking module, the closed loop circuit is cut and the radio frequency identification element sends out an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zong-Yuan Sun, Da-Hua Xiao
  • Patent number: 9305469
    Abstract: A subsea antifouling sign and a method for mounting such a sign on a structure to be located subsea. The sign comprises a body of an antifouling material, and a first surface of the body has indicia or markings thereon. An adhesive layer or coating is provided on a second opposing surface, and a protective lining is located on the adhesive layer or coating. The method comprises removing the protective lining from the adhesive layer or coating; and attaching the subsea antifouling sign to the structure by adhering the adhesive layer or coating to a surface of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: THE CHAMPION PARTNERSHIP
    Inventor: John Alastair Milne
  • Patent number: 9305475
    Abstract: A multipurpose sign base suitable for supporting temporary signs includes an upstanding mast supportable atop a support surface by a substantially horizontally extending, elongate, support member connected to a lower region of the mast, and by a plurality of elongate leg members of adjustable length each having an upper portion movably connected to a central region of the mast, and each having a lower portion movably connected to a different foot adapted to engage a different area of the support surface at locations arrayed about the mast. An upper region of the mast is connectable to a sign to support and display the sign. The legs and feet have retracted positions near the mast. A rearwardly extending formation of the horizontal support member can be coupled to a vehicle hitch so the sign base also can be supported on a vehicle for transport while displaying a sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: J. E. WHITE, LLC
    Inventor: Franklin B White
  • Patent number: 9293069
    Abstract: A method of forming an elastic labeling band. The method includes covering a central portion of a web of tag material with a release agent, advancing the web of tag material longitudinally and disposing a layer of molten elastomer over the advancing web of tag material, including over the release agent on the central portion thereof. The layer of molten elastomer is disposed over the web of tag material so that the elastomer bonds only to those portions of the web not covered with the release agent. The method includes curing the elastomer to define, with the web bonded thereto, an advancing web assembly, and separating a longitudinal segment from the web assembly to define an elastic labeling band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Bedford Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Maltas, Ronald G. Story, Jeffrey D. Tschetter, Justin C. King, Guy B. Longbrake, Michael E. Pederson
  • Patent number: 9293068
    Abstract: An ambigram coin comprises a coin body including a field having an obverse side, a reverse side, bound by a circumferential edge side, a central portion including a cut-out hollow ambigram legend therethrough. The ambigram coin includes two opposing cut-out hollow apertures that provide an opening through which a displaying device is passed therethrough. The ambigram coin includes a cut-out ambigram including the hollow letters “M” and “E”, ambigram “ME” at an obverse display position such that when the ambigram coin is vertically rotated symmetrically 180 degrees the cut-out ambigram “ME” reads as the cut-out ambigram “WE”, at a reverse display position. In another aspect, a kit is provided that includes an ambigram coin kit. In another embodiment, the ambigram coin further comprises a displaying device coupled to a connecting device so that the ambigram coin is used worn as jewelry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Laura Ann Hibbert
  • Patent number: 9211014
    Abstract: A body support structure includes a molded polymeric support grid having a three-dimensional molded contour. The support grid includes a body support region having a plurality of through openings separated by a plurality of lands. In one embodiment, an area of the openings is greater than an area of the lands. In another embodiment, the ratio of a surface area of the lands relative to an area defined by an outer peripheral edge is less than or equal to 0.74. A fabric layer is bonded to the plurality of lands and covers the plurality of openings. Methods of manufacturing and recycling the body structure are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Claudia Plikat, Carola E. M. Zwick, Roland R. O. Zwick, Andrew J Kurrasch
  • Patent number: 9205906
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement is for supporting an outboard motor with respect to a marine vessel extending in a fore-aft plane. The mounting arrangement comprises first and second mounts that each have an outer shell, an inner wedge concentrically disposed in the outer shell, and an elastomeric spacer between the outer shell and the inner wedge. Each of the first and second mounts extend along a axial direction, along a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction, and along a horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction and perpendicular to the vertical direction. The inner wedges of the first and second mounts both have a non-circular shape when viewed in a cross-section taken perpendicular to the axial direction. The non-circular shape comprises a first outer surface that extends transversely at an angle to the horizontal and vertical directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Charles H. Eichinger
  • Patent number: 9189971
    Abstract: A jury selection system for efficient jury selection using a jury board demarcated with a grid that mimics a jury seating arrangement. The jury selection system further comprises a primary tag to record a juror's information to be placed in the demarcated space on the board that corresponds with the juror's actual seat number. The primary tag has a primary tag indicator to indicate that the tag is a primary tag. A supplemental tag is provided if more information is recorded to be placed on top of the primary tag. The supplemental tag has a cut out to align with the primary tag indicator so that the primary tag can be identified when the supplemental tag is placed on top of the primary tag. Peremptory tags may be used to keep track of peremptory challenges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth Spencer
  • Patent number: 9168852
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat structure. A carrier is disposed on the seat structure and includes a matrix of fluid transfer lines. A spacer material is positioned over the carrier. A trim cover is disposed over the spacer material. A desiccant is made from a volcanic ash and is supported by the seat structure. The matrix of fluid transfer lines thermodynamically influences a relative temperature of the trim cover through both the carrier and the desiccant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Paul Bryan Hoke, Clay Wesley Maranville, John W. Jaranson, Michael Kolich, Daniel Ferretti, Jeroen Lem
  • Patent number: 9156376
    Abstract: A seat slide apparatus for a vehicle includes: a lower rail freely fixed to a vehicle floor and having a pair of first vertical wall portions, a bottom wall portion, and a pair of first flanges; an upper rail fixed to a seat having a seat cushion and a seatback, and having a pair of second vertical wall portions, a lid wall portion, and a pair of second flanges; a locking member connected to the upper rail; a memory piece placed on the bottom wall portion, engages with the upper rail due to an upward urging force by a memory piece urging member; a memory link connected to the upper rail; a lever member connected to an upper portion of the upper rail; and a stopper member fixed to the inside of the upper rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukifumi Yamada, Yasuhiro Kojima, Naoki Goto
  • Patent number: 9147356
    Abstract: A valve apparatus for an inflatable article, wherein the inflatable article includes a main body and a moveable portion. The valve includes a valve body and a baffle. The valve body includes first and second chambers and first, second and third openings. The baffle is moveable between first and second positions. The first chamber includes the first and second openings, while the first opening forms a first fluid communication between the main body and the first chamber. The second chamber includes the second and third openings, while the third opening forms a second fluid communication between the second chamber and an ambient atmosphere. When in the first position, the baffle seals the first opening and when in the second position, the baffle seals the third opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventor: David E. Moomaw
  • Patent number: 9138836
    Abstract: A method for using a guard for structural members is disclosed. This can reduce worker injury with a thin sheet metal or plastic, broadly U-shaped guard plate attached to a structural support through attachment to a pair of clamps, each with a primary and a secondary threaded clamp mechanism. The attachment between the guard plate and pair of clamps may be via a slotted intermediate structure. The primary mechanism has a swivel pad end while the secondary clamps have a pointed, cone-shaped end. The guard can be used in wind turbine towers to protect workers on a fixed ladder from hitting interior flanges as they climb up and as they climb down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventors: Edward Antony Oliver, William Nichols
  • Patent number: 9140404
    Abstract: A rigging system adaptor which creates an infinite number of adjustability positions for a line array, wherein the adaptor is particularly well suited for use with a spine frame. The adaptor comprises a main frame having a longitudinally extending body to which a first attachment member, a second attachment member, and a mount are attached. The first attachment member may be fixed onto the main frame via a pair of lateral rods, wherein the lateral rods are oppositely situated from each other relative to the main frame. The second attachment member and the mount may be slidably engaged with the lateral rods such that they can move along the main frame and can be repositioned to meet the specific needs of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: POLAR FOCUS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Akrep