Patents Examined by Willie Morris Worth
  • Patent number: 5765501
    Abstract: A gauge marker system has a flexible track that fits around the circumference of a gauge housing and carries one or more markers that extend over the face of the gauge to indicate a dial position that is to be noticed by a person using the gauge. The markers can be slid along the track to a selected position. The track is adapted to be fastened to the gauge by a cable tie that lies in a groove on the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shu-Lin Tung, Bii-Junq Chang, Jen-Song Liu
  • Patent number: 5761955
    Abstract: An externally mounted transducer assembly for an ultrasonic liquid level measuring device that utilizes a piezoelectric crystal for generating ultrasonic pulses to be transmitted through a tank or the line containing a volume of liquid. Electrical conductors are formed integrally with the fuel tank for connecting the transducer to other components of the system. The wall of the tank is provided with an arrangement for removably attaching the transducer housing thereto. The tank is provided with electrical contacts that connect to the conductors that are integral with the tank. Also, electrical contacts in the transducer housing are connected to the transducer for providing current thereto. When the transducer housing is attached to the tank, the transducer is thereby connected to the measuring system circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick L. Lichtenfels, II, Ralph E. Burt
  • Patent number: 5758540
    Abstract: A retrofit device includes an elongated displacement element of uniform cross-section. When disposed in an upright position in a chamber of a multi-chamber fluid measuring device, the retrofit device reduces the volume of the chamber and thereby alters the ratio which the volume of that chamber bears to another chamber of the measuring device. The retrofit device may be advantageously employed in a syrup chamber of a multi-chamber measuring vessel used for assessing the volumetric ratio of syrup and diluent components used to prepare a beverage in a post-mix dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Joaquin R. Davila, W. Andrew Harvill
  • Patent number: 5755174
    Abstract: A traffic safety control security system is described. Warning lights, signs, and warning flags are connected and secured to the tops of standard traffic cones either with or without the use of cone adapters. One end of a stainless steel aircraft cable connects directly to the traffic control accessories, while the other end of the cable is secured by a removable security disc and padlock within the traffic cone. Interconnecting the accessory and traffic cone together prevents injury to vehicles or individuals nearby if a traffic cone is accidentally struck by a vehicle, or encounters violent weather, causing the accessory to fly loose as a projectile. In addition a chain can now interconnect traffic cones in the system together, preventing theft of the traffic cones and/or accessories. Set up and knock down of the system is consistent with customary traffic safety control procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Continental Safety Supply Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald H. Freeman
  • Patent number: 5755135
    Abstract: A process and device for scanning a moving fiber sliver in a textile machine to measure the thickness of the sliver has a movably mounted scanning element which is pressed against the fiber sliver and has a contact pressure against the sliver. The degree of movement of the movable scanning element indicates changes in the thickness of the moving fiber sliver. An adjusting element is connected to the movably mounted scanning element and maintains a constant contact pressure of the scanning element against the sliver over the entire measuring range of the movable scanning element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Rieter Ingolstadt Spinnereimaschinenbau AG
    Inventors: Michael Maria Strobel, Gerd Munnekehoff
  • Patent number: 5749259
    Abstract: Sweating hot plate apparatus simulating the thermoregulatory behavior of human skin and related method for predicting fabric comfort level with the apparatus. Fabric is placed on the top surface of the apparatus, and selected constant inputs of power flux and water flow are supplied to the apparatus, whereby the surface temperature of the apparatus changes and closely approximates the skin temperature of human subjects having levels of heat generation and sweat production corresponding at the same levels of power flux input and water flow input, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Hechmi Hamouda, Roger L. Barker, Darrin S. Millsaps
  • Patent number: 5746088
    Abstract: This invention includes a combustion engine fuel level indication system operable at 10 mA or lower and without any contact resistance buildup. The present system utilizes a noble metal ink formulation for both contacts of resistive path and a conductive path. The resistive and conductive paths each having angled conductor lines which reduce the overall volume requirement for the noble metal ink composition used to make the paths. The invention also includes a wiper contact having spaced apart parallel tangs or fingers positioned so that a first finger engages a first conductor line along the conductive path and a second finger engages an adjacent conductor line along the conductive path to improve the make brake contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ulf Sawert, Hugh Wesley Ireland, Timothy Francis Coha
  • Patent number: 5743133
    Abstract: In a valve used in a nuclear power plant, a valve body from which a valve stem projects upwards is connected with a valve drive device for driving the valve stem by a hollow cylinder which is provided concentrically with the valve stem. On the hollow cylinder, strain gauges are attached to detect both torque and thrust, thereby detecting load exactly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Nippon Gear Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5735230
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting flags on automobile antennas including an antenna securement portion adapted for securement to an antenna of an automobile. A flag attachment portion is molded with the antenna securement portion. A flag is removably received within the flag attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel R. Romesburg
  • Patent number: 5730026
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method of operating any structural configuration of a heater and array of thermocouples to measure with high accuracy, the level of stratified liquids like water and oil or water and gasoline and non-stratified liquids, liquid temperature, and other liquid properties. Simultaneous measurements from all the temperature sensors, before and after heat is applied, will be used to generate accurate temperature profiles for the entire configuration and not just from two adjacent temperature sensors. Different features of the temperature profiles will determine accurately the liquid level, and other liquid properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Josef Maatuk
    Inventor: Josef Maatuk
  • Patent number: 5727498
    Abstract: A retractable indicator assembly 10 may be mounted on a container C which transmits air through the container and removes deleterious gases with an activated charcoal medium M in the container. An elongate indicator housing 12 has a chamber 20 therein. A male adaptor 14 has external threads 16 for sealing engagement with the container. A plug 40 is provided at the upper end of the housing 12. Housing 12 includes a transparent wall portion 28 for viewing at least a portion of the chamber 20. A litmus indicator 42 is moveable by a retractable rod 54 from a retracted position within the container to an extended position within the chamber 20 of the housing 12. An outer housing 64 is secured to the upper end of the rod 54, and protects the indicator housing 12 while the litmus indicator 42 is in its normally retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: George R. Hackler, Ronald J. Gamboa, Victor Dominquez
  • Patent number: 5727421
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing liquid and gas proof sealing between a metal rod and a plastic housing molded there around. The rod includes a plurality of annular intrusions or protrusions along a length thereof. The plastic material is formed around the rod and the annular intrusions or protrusions. After the plastic material has cooled the rod is translated linearly with respect thereto whereby the annular intrusions or protrusions cause a cold flow movement or disruption of the plastic material. This movement results in a liquid and gas tight sealing between the rod and the plastic housing. The invention herein has particular application for liquid level sensing probes located within gas pressurized vessels. In such examples the rod or rods are used for sensing liquid level by means of electrical conductivity with the sensed liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.
    Inventor: George W. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5727497
    Abstract: The invention is a flag system for displaying a flag from a hood of an automobile. The primary embodiment consists of a mast with a pin which is inserted into the mast. The pin prevents the flag from creeping up the mast. The flag system is held in position between the hood and car by a tongue. A threaded portion and a threaded nut are located on the mast. The threaded nut is tightened, clamping the tongue onto the car hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: John A. Nichols, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5724909
    Abstract: This invention relates to source of photoluminescence that attaches to a building structure, providing back-up lighting. A source of photoluminescence constructed in a accordance with the present invention consists of a base member which attaches to the building structure, a support member which releasably attaches to the base member, and photoluminescent material affixed to the support member so as to be visible to an occupant escaping from the building structure. The support member is formed with a cover member that in cooperation with the building structure hides the base member from view when the source of photoluminescence is attached to the building structure. The photoluminescent material is affixed to the outer surface of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Burke Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Pitman, Daniel L. Garrison
  • Patent number: 5724910
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for emergency under-door signalling includes a paddle in the form of an elongate strip of stiff plastic material bearing on its surface a phosphorescent marker. The strip may be slid under the door of an apartment or other building unit in an emergency situation, for example a fire, to indicate to emergency response personnel that the unit is occupied. The system includes a strip storage mechanism, for example a hook that will mount the paddle on a wall and an indicator for attachment to the outside of the door to indicate any relevant handicap that the unit occupant may suffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventors: Robin John Annesley, Dorothy Yakiwchuk
  • Patent number: 5722287
    Abstract: A video pedobarograph system for providing a real time, qualitative display of dynamic relative pressure measurements includes a plurality of force sensors, a substantially rigid support structure and video pedobarograph electronics. The force sensors generate dynamic relative pressure signals and are positioned within a force sensor matrix structure. The substantially rigid support structure includes a substantially planer surface to which the sensor matrix structure is fixedly secured. The video pedobarograph electronics include a video sync stripper and control logic. The video sync stripper strips a video sync signal from a composite video signal received by the video pedobarograph electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Micah Aaron Forstein
  • Patent number: 5722290
    Abstract: A liquid level sensor based on a closed field circuit comprises a ring oscillator using a symmetrical array of plate units that creates a displacement current. The displacement current varies as a function of the proximity of a liquid to the plate units. The ring oscillator circuit produces an output signal with a frequency inversely proportional to the presence of a liquid. A continuous liquid level sensing device and a two point sensing device are both proposed sensing arrangements. A second set of plates may be located inside of the probe housing relative to the sensing plate units. The second set of plates prevent any interference between the sensing plate units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: James W. Kronberg
  • Patent number: 5713240
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic and remote testing of check valves and backflow preventers. Pressure sensors have ports in communication with chambers upstream and downstream from a check valve to be tested. The sensors may be pressure transducers or pressure switches, of single stage, differential, or "dead band" design. Zero or substantially zero liquid flow through the check valve is confirmed either by an existing water flow meter or an auxiliary water flow switch. Upstream and downstream pressures are sampled, and the differential pressure therebetween is compared with predetermined standards and a pass/fail report is rendered. The report may be stored and communicated by hard wire or wireless means, to a remote facility where like information is received from a plurality of check valve sites. One of the three disclosed embodiments teaches an apparatus and method for testing a backflow preventer including a pressure relief valve operating on the reduced pressure principle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Ames Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Lester B. Engelmann
  • Patent number: 5713300
    Abstract: The device for providing the visual location of the location of the end of the dipstick tube is provided. The device makes it easier for a motorist to replace the dipstick in the dipstick tube after checking the fluid level (i.e., motor oil level, transmission fluid level, etc.) of an internal combustion engine or other industrial apparatus. One preferred device made in accordance with the present invention includes a flat ring-shaped structure of a bright color that is mounted directly over the end of a dipstick tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Ray Hubert
  • Patent number: 5713239
    Abstract: A projectile testing system and method is used to assess the projectile fht and test the accuracy of a projectile launcher and projectile in both controlled and uncontrolled underwater environments. The projectile testing system includes a penetrable member that is positioned substantially orthogonal to an expected flight path of the projectile. The penetrable member intercepts the projectile, forming a penetration in the penetrable member. The location of the penetration is used to determine the actual flight path of the projectile. The penetrable member further includes side support members that help keep the penetrable member taut. In an underwater environment, flotation members and anchor members are coupled to the penetrable member, to hold or support the penetrable member taut. The projectile testing system can also include multiple penetrable members positioned consecutively to provide a more accurate assessment of the actual flight path of a projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Ivan N. Kirschner