Patents by Inventor Alan Menter
Alan Menter has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 6217314Abstract: A fully disposable oil candle comprises a disposable blow-molded exterior resin shell made to resemble a conventional beeswax candle and an inner disposable fuel cell. By configuring the fuel cell to include a separating structure to fit within a radial groove inside the opening of the shell, the cell and the exterior shell can be permanently joined, forming a candle that closely resembles an ordinary beeswax candle. Moreover, the separating structure of the fuel cell acts to provide distance between the fuel cell and the exterior shell, partially insulating the exterior shell from the heat of the fuel cell. By maintaining an insulating distance between the fuel cell and the exterior shell, the exterior shell can be made less robust. The result is a candle that is less expensive to manufacture and ship and more convenient for consumers to use. In addition, the separating structure can act as a safety feature by making it more difficult for individuals to remove the fuel cell from the candle once assembled.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Muench-Kreuzer Candle CompanyInventors: Frederick C. Kiesinger, J. Alan Menter
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Patent number: 5811233Abstract: A psoriasis susceptibility locus defined as among linked members within a family has been identified. The locus is linked to an intron of the interleukin enhancer binding factor gene in some families, while being linked to an interleukin 8 gene in other families demonstrating a familial linked form of psoriasis. The locus identified may be further defined as being located distal to genetic maker D17S784 of human chromosome 17q. This locus does not demonstrate linkage with DNA markers within flanking the HLA cluster of genes. A psoriasis susceptibility locus has also been observed close to the centromere of human chromosome 4. Both identified regions provide positive LOD scores with markers on chromosomes 17q and particularly 2 regions close to the ILF gene or the interleukin 8 gene. Methods of screening a family for psoriasis susceptibility using a defined familial psoriasis susceptibility locus are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1994Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Board of Regents, Univ. of Texas SystemInventors: Anne Bowcock, James Tomfohrde, Alan Menter, Richard Gaynor
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Patent number: 5525055Abstract: A cap for closing the burner of a liquid fuel cell and protecting the burner wick. The burner wick has upraised adjustable tabs that can be separated to control the heat output of the cell. The cap contains a die member that is arranged to move between the tabs when the cap is closed over the burner to position the tabs at a desired standard heat setting that is best suited for a majority of fuel cell applications.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1995Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: Hollowick, Inc.Inventors: J. Alan Menter, Robert C. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 5211553Abstract: A die-cut wick for use in the burner of a disposable fuel cell formed from a single sheet of wicking material so that the wick has two symmetrical half-sections situated on either side of a vertical center line and which are folded along the center line into a face-to-face alignment. Each half-section further includes an elongated lower body segment containing a horizontally-disposed upper edge, a narrow neck segment centered on the upper edge of the body segment and a tab vertically extending therefrom to a given height. The neck is slidably received within a burner of a fuel cell so that it can be raised or lowered between limits to control the flame height and the amount of heat produced by the burner. The tabs are foldable toward and away from each other to further control the flame geometry and distribution of the heat.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1992Date of Patent: May 18, 1993Assignee: Hollowick, Inc.Inventor: J. Alan Menter
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Patent number: 4805076Abstract: A liquid candle lamp having a base with an opening passing downwardly through the top surface of the base. A disposable fuel cell is positioned in the base opening. The cell has an expanded lower section that has a close running fit with the side wall of the opening and an upper section of smaller size that forms a vertical slot with the side wall of the opening. A burner is mounted upon the top of the fuel cell which is surrounded by a globe-like chimney that is seated upon the lamp base. A skirt depends from the globe and is received within the slot so that the fuel cell substantially fills all the usable space within the base opening thereby permitting a maximum quantity of fuel to be stored within the lamp base.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1988Date of Patent: February 14, 1989Assignee: Hollowick, Inc.Inventor: J. Alan Menter
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Patent number: 4611986Abstract: A die cut wick for use in a burner having a rectangular body that contains two half sections that are folded back into a face to face alignment. Each half section further contains a tab upwardly disposed from the top surface of the body, the tabs being centrally positioned on the half sections with the top surface of the body extending laterally to either side to form a shoulder. The tabs of the wick are folded against each other and passed upwardly through a hollow stud secured to the lid of the fuel container. The shoulders of the tabs abut the bottom surface of the lid to prevent the tabs from being drawn entirely through the stud and the body is secured to the bottom of the lid using holt melt glue or the like. The end of the tabs extend beyond the top of the stud to form the flame region of the burner. The end of the tabs extend beyond the top of the stud to form the flame region of the burner. The burning rate and heat output of the flame is controlled by separating the exposed ends of the tabs.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1985Date of Patent: September 16, 1986Assignee: Hollowick Inc.Inventors: J. Alan Menter, Gerald A. Menter
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Patent number: 4526530Abstract: A burner for a liquid candle having a hollow stud containing a wick. Primary and secondary venting systems having vent openings situated at different elevations are provided to vent vapors generated in the fuel reservoir into the flame region.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1984Date of Patent: July 2, 1985Assignee: Hollowick, Inc.Inventors: J. Alan Menter, Gerald A. Menter
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Patent number: D317059Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1988Date of Patent: May 21, 1991Assignee: Hollowick, Inc.Inventor: J. Alan Menter
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Patent number: D318927Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1989Date of Patent: August 6, 1991Assignee: Hollowick, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Cleminshaw, Robert C. Zimmerman, J. Alan Menter
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Patent number: D420462Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: Hollowick, Inc.Inventor: J. Alan Menter