Patents by Inventor John L. Ames

John L. Ames 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: 5887727
    Abstract: A device for handling small objects which performs the combined functions of collection, inspection, sorting, transfer, and funneling. The device has a planar sheet of material optionally having uniformly dimensioned openings therethrough, a three-sided frame attached to the top and side edges of the sheet for support, with the top frame member and the side frame members remaining unattached to one another. Optionally hinges can be used to connect top frame member and side frame members when the sheet is required to support heavy loads. The dimension and configuration of top and side frame members are defined by the size and shape of objects to be retained on the surface of the sheet. A portion of each side frame member extends beyond the unbounded bottom edge of the sheet to form a handle. When the sheet is fully opened into a flat configuration, the device can be used for collection, inspection, and sorting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: John L. Ames