Patents Examined by Willie Morris Worth
  • Patent number: 5443029
    Abstract: An improved bookmark includes a body having one surface substantially covered by an adhesive layer for mounting the body on a book. The adhesive layer is covered by a flexible peelable layer. The body also has a transparent pouch mounted thereon adapted to receive a label therein. The body further includes a slot defined near an edge thereof. The bookmark also includes a plurality of marking straps. Each marking strap has an end passing through the slot in the body and formed into a loop thereby securing the respective marking strap to the body. The bookmark further includes a plurality of tabs slidably mounted to the marking straps and movable therealong. The tabs can be set at predetermined positions along the straps for marking exact locations within a book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Inventor: Arrow Garnet
  • Patent number: 5438950
    Abstract: A dartboard scoring system for allowing players to keep score of a variety of dart games comprising a pegboard bearing indicia for dividing it into a plurality of team zones, each team zone bearing indicia dividing it into a matrix of scoring spaces, each scoring space bearing corresponding indicia indicative for scoring dart games, each scoring space further having a mounting hole formed thereon adapted for receiving a scoring marker; a chalkboard associated with the pegboard with the chalkboard adapted to be written upon with chalk for tallying and indicating a player's score during a dart game; and a plurality scoring markers, each securable in a mounting hole of the pegboard for indicating status of scoring during a dart game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: John M. Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 5438868
    Abstract: A noninvasive ultrasonic liquid level indicator for indicating the level of a liquid in a reservoir is disclosed which comprises an ultrasonic transducer assembly, structures for holding the transducer assembly in a dry coupled attachment with the reservoir at selectable locations against an exterior surface of the reservoir, and a monitor for revealing a change in liquid height. The transducer assembly conveys signals regarding changes in liquid height to a monitor which warns the user in time to add more liquid or replace the reservoir before the liquid supply "runs dry." The manners for holding the assembly in place include, but are not limited to, a strap, a clamp, or adhesive material, such as tape. These allow the user to selectively place the transducer assembly along the reservoir at the desired triggering point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Zevex, Inc.
    Inventors: James Holden, David J. McNally
  • Patent number: 5438867
    Abstract: A process for measuring the level of a liquid in a tank according to the radar principle, in which microwave energy is transmitted in the direction of the liquid level and the bottom of the tank from an antenna located above the liquid level, a measuring signal reflected from the liquid level is received by an antenna, and the liquid level may be determined from the transit time of the measuring signal, other signals than the measuring signals, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Krohne Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Ronald van der Pol
  • Patent number: 5437241
    Abstract: A differential pressure indicator includes a housing having first and second pressure ports for fluid and a bore communicating with the pressure ports. A piston is movable in the bore between an actuated and an unactuated position in response to a pressure differential between the first and second pressure ports. A sensor senses movement of the piston between the actuated and the unactuated positions. A fluid control mechanism varies the effective surface area of the piston communicating with the first pressure port when the piston is in the unactuated position in accordance with variations in temperature of fluid at one of the pressure ports. The indicator is thereby prevented from actuating at low temperatures at which the fluid has a high viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Gary C. Rosenberg, Frank Gossett
  • Patent number: 5437184
    Abstract: A capacitive liquid level sensor having phase detecting circuitry incorporates a capacitive sensor array, an oscillator generating an input signal, a switching circuit sequentially coupling the input signal to the input plates of the capacitive sensor, one at a time, a pair of phase lock loop circuits (PLLs) each having voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs), a second switching circuit selectively coupling the output plates of the capacitive sensor array, in sequential fashion, to the PLLs, and an exclusive OR-gate (XOR) receiving the outputs of the VCOs from each of the PLLs. The XOR generates a first logic level signal when a difference in the phase of two signals from any two adjacent output plates indicates that a phase difference is present. A second logic signal is generated if no phase difference is detected. The signals are perfectly in phase when any two adjacent output plates are either submerged in fluid or both disposed in air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: KDI/Triangle Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Shillady
  • Patent number: 5437240
    Abstract: A bookmark for marking a page and line in a book. The bookmark includes an elongated planar body having an upper terminal portion that provides a relatively large flat surface for the display of matter such as decorative and whimsical designs each of which includes a dominant design element. The bookmark further includes a finger engaging indicator piece that substantially corresponds in size and shape with the dominant design element of the imprinted design and is slidably movable along a slit provided in the body from a first position overlying the design element to a second line marking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Mike Miroyan
  • Patent number: 5435181
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic float gauge for indicating the level of liquid in a tank. A float follows the liquid level and causes a rotor that has magnets on it to rotate. Surrounding the magnets, in a concentric array, are a series of reed switches. The rotation of the magnets feeds information to the reed switches about the level of fluid in the tank. The reed switches are connected to a fluid level indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: The Kelch Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald E. Koebernik
  • Patent number: 5431047
    Abstract: A float lever assembly for a fuel sender in a fuel tank of a motor vehicle includes a urethane float having a flat passage therein, a metal wire float lever attached to a pivot arm of a transducer of the fuel sender, and a bayonet connector formed integrally on the end of the float lever. The bayonet connector includes an inner leg, a relatively shorter outer leg, and a knee therebetween. The bayonet connector has a span dimension which exceeds a width dimension of the passage in the float so that when the bayonet connector is plugged into the passage, a tip on the outer leg of the connector bears against a side wall of the passage and defines a barb which prevents dislodgement of the bayonet connector from the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy F. Coha, Ulf Sawert, William S. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5426976
    Abstract: Precise information about the position of a liquid-liquid interface (28, 32) is often important for the control and automation of molten metal refining processes. For example, in an electrolytic process for removing magnesium from molten aluminum, knowledge of the vertical position of an interface (32) between the electrolyte and the magnesium and an interface (28) between the electrolyte and the aluminum facilitates the automatic removal of the purified metals. Differences in surface tension in the fluid layers of a molten electrolytic salt (30) and a molten metal (29) produce different pressures as bubbles (57) evolved from vertically displaced tips (52) of tubes (34, 36) press against the liquid layers on either side of their interfaces (28, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: John McHardy, Thomas P. Moser
  • Patent number: 5427050
    Abstract: A system and method for producing a horizontal wave motion in flags, pennants, banners and other insignia. The system comprises a flag or the like, a flagpole, an air blower, and a cabinet which houses and conceals the air blower. The air blower generates a free airstream of selectively chosen volume which is directed towards the lower region of the flag where the flag is attached to the flagpole. The combination of the force of the vertically directed airstream, the force of gravity, and the connection of the flag to the flagpole at one end imparts to the flag a resultant vector force which disposes the flag to unfurl and wave horizontally. The system and method for producing a horizontal wave motion in flags and the like provides for the unobtrusive manipulation of flags and the like such that a natural windblown appearance is created with no audible or visual cue as to the actuating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Michael Horn
  • Patent number: 5425329
    Abstract: Fill indicator apparatus (10) for use in a feed bin (B) to visually indicate the level to which the bin is filled witch feed (F). A first visual indicator (12) includes a first flag (18) positioned externally of the bin and movable linearly along the side of the bin. The flag is movable to a reference position prior to the bin being filled, and the flag subsequently moves from one position to another as feed is taken from the bin. The subsequent positions of the flag represent the level of feed remaining in the bin. A second and separate visual indicator (14) includes a second flag (22) also positioned externally of the bin. This second flag is movable in response to an increasing level of feed in the bin, as it is being filled, to provide a visual indication of the level to which the bin is filled. This helps prevent spillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Eugene B. Pollock
  • Patent number: 5425271
    Abstract: A liquid level indicator has a housing which defines a pair of fluidly isolated chambers. A flag including a first magnet is pivotally mounted in a forwardly disposed of the chambers and a lens is mounted in the front of the forwardly disposed chamber. An arm is pivotally mounted in and extends out of the rearly disposed of the chambers, a second magnet is attached to the end of the arm which is disposed in the rearwardly disposed arm, and a float is attached to the other end of the arm. The first and second magnets are permanently magnetically coupled so that movement of the float will cause arcuate movement of the second magnet which is translated to rotational movement of the flag and its integral first magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas Duksa
  • Patent number: 5425328
    Abstract: A beacon for power lines or similar cables, intended to scare birds and/or warn them of the existence of cables and having a central body attached to the line as a clamp, equipped with side fins, arranged vertically and with a color, layout and configuration consistent with the area's terrain and fauna. For installation, a car-shaped device, equipped with an electric motor and battery-operated, has been provided, which has a beacon charger and a device for setting down the same, which is moved through the line by remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Sociedad Anonima de Performados Metallicos
    Inventor: Fernando M. Larumbe
  • Patent number: 5423281
    Abstract: A display system for displaying visually perceivable information, particularly from elevated structures such as poles. A generally rigid board shaped in the form of a pennant has visual indicia on one or more sides. The board is hingeably attached to a cross-arm which in turn is secured to a structure such as the pole. The preferred construction of the board is a structured plastic for purposes of rigidity, durability, and environmental longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Myron K. Gordin, Jeffrey A. Rogers, Jim L. Drost, Timothy J. Boyle
  • Patent number: 5423282
    Abstract: The present invention provides a signal device of a type worn by a person while engaging in a water activity in order to indicate the location of the person in the water. The signal device includes at least one belt that may form a part of or be secured to a variety of flotation devices, or that may be secured directly about a person's torso. At least one upright or mast extends upward from the belt to an upper end above a shoulder of the person. A flag or other "attention getter" is secured to the upper end of the upright in order to enhance visibility of the person to whom the signal device is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventors: Mark A. Krull, Kristine M. Schlagenhauf
  • Patent number: 5421287
    Abstract: A signalling device for indicating, by day or night, the position of a person lost at sea (on land or in space) comprises an elongate brilliantly colored streamer made up of flat, flexible, inherently buoyant material with built-in support struts to keep the material at maximum outstretched surface area. The streamer can be coated with any one or more of the following in any combination: brilliant color, phosphorescent pigment, reflective material, or International Distress Signal indicia. The device may be attached to a life jacket and rolls up into a water-release container secured to the life jacket. Upon deployment, the container converts into a sun-protective, radar-visual reflective, and water catchment hat. The streamer is extended manually or automatically and can remain in an outstretched manner indefinitely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Robert N. Yonover
  • Patent number: 5421202
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting whether liquid is present at a location in a tank, comprises a probe placed at the location, containing a negative temperature coefficient resistor (NTC) and a positive temperature coefficient resistor (PTC) mutually connected in series relation. The positive temperature coefficient resistor exhibits a progressive resistance variation responsive to temperature change. An electrical power source delivers a constant electric current to the probe. The detector further comprises a comparator for comparing the total resistance of the serially mounted resistors with a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Intertechnique
    Inventor: Michel Le Pimpec
  • Patent number: 5415124
    Abstract: A dial arrangement is formed of plastically deformable material, in particular sheet metal, for a combination instrument. It has at least two individual dials which are connected to each other, each being provided with an imprint. In order to permit a curving, i.e. an arching of the array of dials provided with the imprint while the individual dials are connected to each other without impairing the appearance of the individual dials, the connection in each case of adjacent individual dials is effected by at least one web, the web being arranged outside the center connecting line of the individual dials. The web in question can thus plastically deform upon the curving of the dial arrangement so that the dial center points and the respective imprints, and thus the appearance of the dial arrangement, are retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AG
    Inventors: Ernst-Ulrich Simon, Stephan Zech
  • Patent number: 5415042
    Abstract: A measuring probe to detect the presence of electrically conducting liquid or granular material includes a first metal electrode (4) comprising a tube (5) which is adhered to a porous, ceramic insulator (12) adhered in turn to a skirt (10) forming a second metal electrode (6). First electrode (4) is connected to a gas supply (58) supplying gas, for example nitrogen, under pressure which emerges into a space (26) in the probe and which then passes through insulator (12) to emerge from face (20) thereof. A heat resistant cable (46) has its conductor (52) brazed to cap portion (8) of second electrode (6). Cable (46) and first electrode (4) are connected into an electrical circuit (66) in which current flows when a conducting bridge of granular material simultaneously contacts both electrodes (4 and 6). Should the level of the granular material drop below second electrode (6), gas emerging from face (20) blows away any granular material trying to preserve the conducting bridge, and circuit (66) is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: British Gas plc
    Inventors: Harry Gray, Barry L. Price