Patents by Inventor Andy V. Merko

Andy V. Merko 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).

  • Patent number: 6428423
    Abstract: A modular-design putter head, having an extruded main body with detachable, heat treated face and hosel bracket. A unique floating-face feature impart trampoline effect when a ball is struck. A flexible hosel, fastened at two points at the rear of the main body acts as a spring for softer touch. Acoustical properties are enhanced with an internal echo chamber which can be filled with foam. A further departure of the traditional putter design and method of manufacture involve the use of extruded metal to form the main putter head. The extruded stock can be cut to desired lengths allowing for economical production of different weight putter heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Andy V. Merko
  • Publication number: 20020055394
    Abstract: A modular-design putter head, having an extruded main body with detachable, heat treated face and hosel bracket. A unique floating-face feature imparts a trampoline effect when a ball is struck. A flexible hosel, fastened at two points at the rear of the main body acts as a spring for softer touch. Acoustical properties are enhanced with an internal echo chamber which can be filled with foam. A further departure of the traditional putter design and method of manufacture involve the use of extruded metal to form the main putter head. The extruded stock can be cut to desired lengths allowing for economical production of different weight putter heads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Andy V. Merko
  • Patent number: 6280055
    Abstract: An apparatus for integrating and modifying light output of strobe-based and continuous light sources. A light-modifier housing made to accept variety of commercially available lights typically used in photography lighting. The output of these lights is channeled in a uniform way for illuminating an area or subject to be photographed. Multiple light units can be mounted onto the modifier. A light, preferably the center one, can be removed and substituted with camera for shadowless lighting effect. With interchangeable adapter plates, different manufacturer's lights such as strobe lights or constant lights, are quickly mounted onto the modifier. Highly reflective paneling is used to line the inside surfaces as well as the inner side of the adjustable louvers (barndoors). These combination results in a system offering maximum, uniform, light output with high degree of controllability. The light weight modifier can be mounted on user supplied studio stands or inverted from ceiling mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Andy V. Merko