Patents Issued in March 1, 1988
  • Patent number: D294520
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Dental Products, Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Holewinski, Leslie Hamilton
  • Spa
    Patent number: D294521
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventors: Robert V. Willich, Robert Morrow
  • Patent number: D294522
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Larry D. Adcock
  • Patent number: D294523
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Manville Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Ewing, John W. Harvey, Richard G. Armstrong, Randall P. Crothers
  • Patent number: D294524
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Fosforera Espanola, S.A.
    Inventor: Alvaro Garcia de la Noceda Fierro
  • Patent number: D294525
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Iris Tate
  • Patent number: D294526
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Robert Oberheim
  • Patent number: D294527
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Robert Oberheim
  • Patent number: D294528
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Michael J. Gray
  • Patent number: D294529
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Hans T. Meelen
  • Patent number: D294530
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Cutless Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Carluccio, Frank Antonacci
  • Patent number: D294531
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: William Neunzig
  • Patent number: D294532
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventors: August Vandenberg, Ben W. Vandenberg, Andrew W. Vandenberg, Ben E. Haws
  • Patent number: D294533
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Murray G. Spencer
  • Patent number: D294534
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: David L. Hawthorn
    Inventors: David L. Hawthorn, Arvil Lewis
  • Patent number: H438
    Abstract: A shipboard fuel tank sounding tube that allows safer operation by preveng overflow of the fuel tank during filling yet allows the passage of depth sounding rods and sampling probes wherein a light weight floating ball check value located on a prescribed path near the top of the tank is lifted upon filling of the tank, to a seated position yet is shifted upon entrance of a depth sounding rod and sampling probe to check tank fullness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Janis I. Viksne, Thomas S. Allen
  • Patent number: H439
    Abstract: A mounting for an object processed at a predetermined temperature in an uahigh vacuum chamber having a stainless steel wall. The mounting has a stainless steel tube welded to the wall and opening through it and has an oxygen-free-high-conductivity copper finger extended from the tube to receive the object. At the junction of the tube and the finger, the tube bears an annular knife edge which engages a flat surface of the finger, and an ultrahigh vacuum seal is established by a collar and bolt coupling which draws the finger against the knife edge. The temperature of the finger and the object are then controlled and measured by cryogenic liquids, electrical heaters, and sensors inserted through the tube into contact with the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Victor L. Rehn, Peter J. Love
  • Patent number: H440
    Abstract: A blanket bar assembly for use on a printing blanket comprising a U-shaped bar having a centrally located channel and two arms extending outwardly from the channel in a substantially parallel relationship. Inwardly directed projections are provided on one or both arms and are directly aligned with holes on the opposite arm or arms. The projections are of such a length so as to be capable of extending through the holes and be deformed so as to lock the arms together. A printing blanket edge inserted into the channel and pierced by the projections is thereby securely fastened to the blanket bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.
    Inventor: Dennis D. O'Rell
  • Patent number: H441
    Abstract: The hot spall tester comprises a tube furnace portion adapted for retaining a magazine portion for containment of a plurality of steel ball bearings which are heated and individually dropped through a feed tube member to a programmed or manually operated carrousel portion having a plurality of sample cups for receiving and containing individual solid propellant samples to be spall tested in accordance with the method. A torque rod is employed to facilitate rotation of the magazine portion and carrousel portion in a vertically aligned relationship with the magazine portion so that the heated steel ball is delivered by gravity through a feed tube to a sample cup of the carrousel portion positioned below the magazine portion. In operation the magazine portion and carrousel portion are aligned and vertically positioned to provide a calculated transit time for the steel ball bearing to drop by gravity to the propellant in the sample cup. Subsequent rotation of the carrousel of about 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert W. Milton, Lawrence B. Thorn
  • Patent number: H442
    Abstract: A composition for cleaning embedded soil from surfaces coated with flat or ow-gloss coatings has elastomeric particles intermixed with a thixotropic solvent emulsion cleaner. The elastomeric particles provide an eraser-like action to adsorb deeply entrapped soil so that the cleaner can emulsify or dissolve the soil and wash it away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Clark
  • Patent number: H443
    Abstract: New chmeical compounds having the generic formula: ##STR1## wherein n is 5-16, R, R' are radicals selected from the group consisting methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, and X is one equivalent of an anion selected from the group consisting of monovalent or polyvalent anions, and having utility as toxic agents and in munitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1967
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Harold Z. Sommer, Omer O. Owens
  • Patent number: H444
    Abstract: A glycoside compound containing one or more fatty acid ester or ether groups is used as a mold release agent in the production of molded articles from polymeric resinous materials. Said mold release agent can function as either external or internal mold release agent. The molded article also has improved tie coating properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: A. E. Staley Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Claris D. Roth, Kenneth B. Moser
  • Patent number: H445
    Abstract: A method of forming a direct contact lens on a light emitting device strure is disclosed which facilitates the formation of large arrays of light emitting devices. The method uses a printing fixture including a large number of vertically oriented pins which is dipped into a bath of a liquid epoxy material. The printing fixture is then placed over the array structures and lowered until the pins contact the diodes. When the printing fixture is subsequently raised, the lens material will adhere to the associated devices and flow to completely encapsulate the device and a substantial portion of the device mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: American Telephone and Telegraph Company, AT&T Technologies, Incorporated
    Inventors: Anne B. Bock, Samuel E. Kurtz, Thomas E. Seibert
  • Patent number: H446
    Abstract: A method of controlling the reaction rates of the fuel atoms in a fusion reactor comprises the step of polarizing the nuclei of the fuel atoms in a particular direction relative to the plasma confining magnetic field. Fusion reaction rates can be increased or decreased, and the direction of emission of the reaction products can be controlled, depending on the choice of polarization direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Russell M. Kulsrud, Harold P. Furth, Ernest J. Valeo, Maurice Goldhaber
  • Patent number: H447
    Abstract: A process of preparing 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane of high teccal purity by a one-step direct liquid nitrolysis of hexamethylenetetramine with dinitrogen pentoxide in 100% nitric acid under a separate chlorinated hydrocarbon phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John W. Fischer, Ronald L. Atkins
  • Patent number: H448
    Abstract: A process for preparing an energetic mixture of 1,2,4-butanetroil trinitr and nitroglycerin by forming a polyol mixture of 1,2,4-butanetriol and glycerin, and then nitrating the polyol mixture with a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert E. Farncomb, Walter A. Carr
  • Patent number: H449
    Abstract: Catalytic compositions comprising up to about 50 weight percent ZSM-5 zeolite dispersed in an attrition resistant, porous inorganic oxide matrix selected from silica-alumina cogels, silica, alumina and silica alumina sol bound clay. The compositions are combined with zeolitic containing catalytic cracking catalysts and used to convert residual and/or gas oil hydrocarbon feedstocks into lower molecular weight products that include high octane gasoline fractions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.
    Inventor: John A. Rudesill
  • Patent number: H450
    Abstract: An improved method and structure is disclosed for adjusting the magnetic field generated by a group of electromagnet poles spaced along the path of a charged particle beam to compensate for energy losses in the charged particles which comprises providing more than one winding on at least some of the electromagnet poles; connecting one respective winding on each of several consecutive adjacent electromagnet poles to a first power supply, and the other respective winding on the electromagnet pole to a different power supply in staggered order; and independently adjusting one power supply to independently vary the current in one winding on each electromagnet pole in a group whereby the magnetic field strength of each of a group of electromagnet poles may be changed in smaller increments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Klaus Halbach
  • Patent number: PP6117
    Abstract: A shrub rose variety having dark green foliage and bright red flowers borne on an upright vigorous growing shrub that has good mildew resistance in Southern California.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Jackson & Perkins Company
    Inventors: Reimer Kordes, Werner Kordes, Hermann Kordes
  • Patent number: PP6118
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of plum tree which is somewhat similar to the Elephant Heart Plum Tree (unpatented) from which it is a scaffold mutation but which is distinguished therefrom by having a greenish-yellow skin color, a prominent suture line, and a unique, attractive orangish-yellow flesh having red striations which extend from the pit cavity to an area adjacent to the skin surface and which is further aromatic and of excellent eating quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignees: Livorio C. Huerta, Elsie E. Huerta
    Inventor: Frank A. Vieira
  • Patent number: PP6119
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Prunus persica characterized by its leaf size and inflorescent and fruit ripening patterns, particularly adapted for the commercial production of peaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: James W. Sprague
  • Patent number: PP6120
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Syngonium podophyllum named Magnum having the characteristics of large leaves, large diameter stem and petioles, with the petioles carrying the leaves very erect, and having a full appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Gary Welter
  • Patent number: RE32614
    Abstract: A wrench includes an upper jaw integral with a handle and a force multiplying cam member pivotally mounted on the handle. A lower jaw has a pivot point for pivoting relative to the cam member and the upper jaw. A sliding bar is mounted inside the handle to slide with respect thereto. A free end of a first toggle linkage member is pivotally connected to an ear of the lower jaw and a free end of a second toggle linkage member is pivotally connected to the sliding bar so that the pivot point can move relative to the handle. A tension spring extends between the ear and the lower jaw to urge it away from the upper jaw. An extension integral with the first toggle member forms a second handle coextensive with the first handle and cooperates therewith to move the jaws toward each other as the handles are squeezed together. Such movement continues until the jaws contact an associated object. Continued squeezing of the handles causes the second toggle member to move the sliding bar back from the upper jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Christopher B. Fagan
    Inventor: Neill R. Wilson
  • Patent number: RE32615
    Abstract: A cigarette comprises a tobacco rod of tobacco filler wrapped in a paper wrapper, the circumference of the rod being within a range of 10 mm to 19 mm and the free burn rate of the rod being within a range of 25 to 45 mg min.sup.-1. The cigarette may comprise considerably less tobacco than a cigarette of orthodox circumference yet yield an equal or greater number of puffs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Luke
  • Patent number: RE32616
    Abstract: .[.This invention relates to electric warming of towels, with.]. .Iadd.An electric warmer of towels has .Iaddend.a vertical member providing support to a series of spaced parallel horizontal members which receive, store and warm the towels. The heating element, being a line type heater, is enclosed within the vertical support member and is connected to any appropriate standard A.C. power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Joe Graham
  • Patent number: RE32617
    Abstract: A watch (1) comprising essentially a body (15) to the top surface of which is held a flat crystal (2) by means of fixation members (4) providing grooves in which the edges of the crystal are secured after having been laterally engaged therein, and a sealing strip against the perimeter of the bottom face (11) of the crystal. The grooves of the fixation members (4) are bounded by two facing surfaces between which the crystal is engaged, the top groove surface (6) bearing against the top face (8) of the crystal. The case further comprises means (12) for applying the sealing strip (1) against the bottom face (11) of the crystal only after the crystal has been engaged in the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Montres Rado S.A.
    Inventor: Paul Gogniat
  • Patent number: RE32618
    Abstract: Mercaptophenols are reacted with compounds containing olefinic unsaturation, or polycyclic olefins, or dihydroxy compounds to form phenolic antioxidants such as 3,8-bis(4-hydroxyphenylthio)-tricyclo[5.2.1.0..sup.2,6 ] decane; 1,4-bis[2-(4-hydroxyphenylthio)ethyl]benzene and age resistant polymers containing said antioxidants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Kirkwood S. Cottman
  • Patent number: 4727602
    Abstract: An insulated handwear construction which has an outer shell, an inner lining and an insulation material having thermal convection passages therein positioned between the shell and inner lining. The insulation material connects to a source of heat located on either the palm side or back side of the handwear construction and extends over finger and thumb portions to transfer heat from the heat source to the finger and thumb tips of a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: The Marmon Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik O. Giese, Roger Brown
  • Patent number: 4727603
    Abstract: An article of clothing is decorated with light-conducting fibers having varying lengths of exposed segments forming a design on the outer surface of the garment with the remainder segments of the fibers being collected on the opposite side of the clothing and gathered into a bundle that is connected to a light source for emitting light into the fibers. A method of making such a decorated garment is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Rebecca L. Howard
  • Patent number: 4727604
    Abstract: An improved stopper arrangement is provided, for use with a remote stopper actuating mechanism having a mechanical lever system for raising a central post to which the waste stopper is attached. The improved stopper has a central spindle to which is attached the circular stopper disc by means of which the waste is sealed. A set of guidance vanes located beneath the stopper disc and serving to center it in the waste aperture is separably secured by locking means to the actuating spindle in variable height relationship to the stopper mechanism independently of the stopper. Special cranked tools provide access to the locking means, to preclude vandalization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: S. G. Petursson
  • Patent number: 4727605
    Abstract: A hydrotherapy method and apparatus for discharging a fluid stream through an opening in the wall of a water tub, while concurrently translating the stream along a random path, to impact against and massage the body of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
  • Patent number: 4727606
    Abstract: A bathroom accessory for installation on a wall within a shower/bathtub is provided and consists of an elongated waterproof sheet that has an embossed picture of a person in a bathing suit thereon and a plurality of holders on the sheet for carrying toilet articles used in bathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventors: Suzanne E. Cavey, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4727607
    Abstract: A water bed, comprising a box opening upwards and a watertight, closed bog placed in said box. The upper side of said bag consists of a flexible, elastic material the edge portions of which are provided with securing means intended for releasable engagement with complementary securing means on the outside of the side walls of said box in order to keep the upper side of said bag stretched. The underside of said bag is designed for depending from the stretched upper side of said bag in contact with the inside of said box when filled with water. The inside of the box is shaped in accordance with the rear/dorsal side of a human body by the aid of elongated flexible cases that are filled with a light-weight filler and are provided on the bottom of the box. In the bag an air mattress is loosely arranged, which in an inflated and non-loaded state will float beneath the upper side of the bag in order to provide a more firm support surface that is adjustable by changing the air pressure in said air mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Jan R. Nystad
  • Patent number: 4727608
    Abstract: A fitted bed sheet and a method of making the sheet from a rectangular blank of sheet material are disclosed. Resiliently extensibile strips having catches positioned at predetermined locations along the strips are enclosed within longitudinal, open-ended sheaths extending along opposite marginal edges of the blank. One end of each strip extends out of the open end of the sheath and the other end is anchored to the sheath. The blank is folded inwardly upon itself along fold lines to dispose the sheaths in a spaced-apart, generally parallel relationship on the blank to form laterally opposed double-layered panels. Seams are then formed diagonally across the corners of the panels from adjacent the end of the sheaths to points along the fold lines so that a fitted sheet is formed. When the sheet is placed on a mattress, it is drawn into fitting engagement by pulling on the extended ends of the extensible strips and placing the catches over edges of the open ends of the sheaths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: William R. Joyce
  • Patent number: 4727609
    Abstract: A survival tool having a multi-function tool head secured to an elongated hollow shaft. The tool head includes a shovel blade portion with a marginal edge terminating at a rectilinear shoulder portion that is attached to the hollow shaft. An axe blade is formed in one piece with the shovel blade so as to be substantially coextensive with the shoulder portion of the shovel. The cutting edge of the axe blade is substantially continuous with the portion of the marginal edge of this shovel adjacent the shoulder portion. A hammer is formed in one piece with the shovel and axe that has a striking face extending outwardly from the shovel blade adjacent the shoulder portion thereof opposite the cutting edge of the axe. The hollow shaft includes a transverse slot adjacent the tool head which is sized to slidably receive a one-piece bow. An adjustable pressure plate within the hollow shaft engages the central portion of the bow to secure the bow in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Frederick A. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4727610
    Abstract: A combination stapler, tape dispenser, hole puncher, pencil sharpener, paper clip holder, and storage compartment. A function plate with a block on top of it which can be slid back and forth lengthwise along the base of the present invention, so as to set which function can be used, i.e. the stapler or the hole puncher. The hole puncher has a scale so as to allow for accurate two hole punching. A waste flap below the pencil sharpener collects hole puncher blanks and pencil shavings. A punch arm support both supports the punch arm and acts as a hole puncher structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Johnny C. H. Lin
  • Patent number: 4727611
    Abstract: Apparatus for dyeing yarn of the type wherein yarn is wound on cones mounted on a carrier in a vessel fitted with inlet and outlet conduits for the dye liquor, whereby the latter may be circulated in two modes, namely, in a first mode from the inside of the cones, and therethrough to the outside; and in a second mode vice-versa, and including means for operating in the first mode such that the amount of circulating dye liquor is little more than just sufficient to fill the inside of the cones and the perforate carrier, thus leaving the major part of the vessel space outside the volume occupied by the cones and the perforate carrier substantially free of dye liquor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Arel Technology (1971) Ltd.
    Inventor: Lior Shwartzman
  • Patent number: 4727612
    Abstract: The invention provides a tail bridge for bridging a tail end of a motor vehicle and a ramp rail. A first plate to be placed on the motor vehicle tail end is joined along a straight line at one edge to a second plate making an angle of from 12 to 20 degrees with the first plate. An intermediate plate is attached at the joint of the first and second plates and runs downwardly. A third plate is attached to the lower end of the intermediate plate and runs about parallel to the second plate at a distance corresponding to the thickness of a rail to be placed between the second and third plates. Bolt holes can be provided in the first and second plates for secure attachment to the motor vehicle tail end and the ramp rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Edward R. Smith
  • Patent number: 4727613
    Abstract: A dock leveler that includes a pivotable bridge plate and an extension that can be moved back and forth relative to the latter and serves for reseting the bridge plate on a platform that is to be loaded or unloaded. A switch is provided that effects or permits automatic return of the dock leveler into the neutral or rest position. To ensure that return to the neutral position reliably occurs only when no platform is in the vicinity of the dock leveler, there is provided below the tip of the extension a sensing element that is movable in the direction toward the bridge plate and that can be contacted by the platform. The sensing element activates the switch except when the platform contacts the sensing element, at which time the switch is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Kurt Alten
  • Patent number: 4727614
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus using an ionized fluid, such as air, to dislodge charged debris from a workpiece includes a ground corona comb disposed adjacent the workpiece. The ground corona comb has a jagged edge which conforms to the surface of the workpiece. The ground corona comb is attached to a vacuum device which suctions the dislodged debris from the vicinity of the workpiece. Utilization of the ground corona comb reduces the time required for the cleaning process by quickly discharging all electrical charges on the debris enabling the debris to be swiftly suctioned off by the vacuum device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Shape Inc.
    Inventor: Gwido K. Swistun