Selected U.S. Patent Abstracts

Abstract: A core-chuck device having reusable parts as well as replaceable interchangeable-fins for use within the field of large-scale paper, film, or foil manufacturing. The reusable core-chuck device provides a versatile and lightweight core-chuck of plastic material, where the outermost diameter of the core-chuck can be modified by replacement of radially spaced interchangeable-fins of varying sizes on the core-chuck. The interchangeable-fins are matingly securable within the central-hub of the core-chuck device. The inner-core of the central-hub contains a metallic element that enables mechanical handling of a paper-roll having one core-chuck device inserted into each end of the paper-roll core. An optional end-cap is also included which secures the interchangeable-fins from longitudinal movement with respect to one another. The core-chuck device results in a cost-effective alternative to prior-art devices.

Abstract: An active rectifier circuit for automatically selecting a pathway for reversible current to move. The rectifier circuit includes a transistor element that is preferably a MOSFET controlled by an amplifier. The amplifier is coupled to a reference voltage source that regulates operation of the transistor element at a potential much lower than is currently available with diode devices. In one application, the rectifier is a battery protection circuit for use within rechargeable battery packs. The battery protection circuit employs the amplifier to drive a pair of discrete MOSFETs having their sources coupled together. In this application, the amplifier functions as a sensitive current detector. The battery protection circuit automatically detects when any battery cell is over-charged or under-charged thereby opening and protecting the MOSFETs. The battery protection circuit determines the direction of current flow within the battery pack. It also automatically detects safe conditions for recovery from an over/under discharge or overcurrent conditions. Optional digital switches may be employed to regulate on, off, and direction of current flow permitted through the MOSFET pair, which effectively is a low-turn-on-threshold reversible diode.

Abstract: A support structure that provides a stable housing for grave-markers. The grave-marker support device is highly resistant to the effects of seasonal freezing and thawing and of raining and drying cycles. The grave-marker support maintains the grave-marker in a substantially horizontally-oriented position without undesirable sinking effects. This is accomplished by forming the grave-marker with a structurally-sound flange that is reinforced by a rigid curled-under edge or lip. The flange is attached to a basin that conforms substantially to the shape of the grave-marker and within which the grave-marker rests. Grooves within the basin's bottom surface channel water to an outlet to facilitate drainage. Further, the bottom surface may include raised notches that support the grave-marker in an elevated manner within the basin to enhance drainage even more.

Abstract: An auger-holder designed for transporting, stabilizing, and operating an auger from a vehicle, preferably an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The auger-holder includes a primary frame, a secondary frame, an attachment device for attaching the primary frame to a vehicle, and a locking mechanism for securing the secondary frame to the primary frame when the auger is not in use. The primary frame includes a structure of vertical and horizontal support members. The secondary frame is adjustably connected to the primary frame for stability and operability of the auger. The auger-holder optionally includes a hinge apparatus for aligning the auger at a range of angles relative to the plane of underlying terrain.

Abstract: A sport utility vehicle storage bumper for the rear and the front of the vehicle. The bumper may be mounted to the front or to the rear of the frame of the vehicle. A floor plate or a diamond step plate is hingedly mounted to the storage compartment of the device for convenient opening and closing. The storage chamber is preferably designed with the storage compartments sweeping back at an angle of approximately 45 deg. from the center of the vehicle toward the sides so as to reduce the profile of the vehicle and to minimize the possibility of unnecessarily bumping the storage chamber when moving the vehicle. The closeable lid includes one or more locks for locking one or more chambers of the storage unit. When applied to the front of the vehicle, the storage bumper is designed to accommodate a winch and a chain, in addition to other desirable equipment. When applied to the rear of the vehicle, the storage bumper has sufficient room for storage of a jack, a tow ball, and first aid equipment. Alternatively, an outwardly extending plate of the device is designed to accommodate a tow ball.

Abstract: A buckling device to be used in athletic foot-gear, typically ski-boots. The buckling device includes a pivoting clasp affixed to one of two ski-boot flaps, an adjustment section, a linearly adjustable loop, and a hook section affixed to the second of two ski-boot flaps. The adjustment section includes three alternative types of actuation including a knob, a swivel-key, and a ratchet, each being able to actuate gearing in order to provide tension adjustment of the loop around a given hook on the hook section. An optional protective hook-cover is also provided.

Claim: The ornamental design for a global positioning system receiver with offset shape, as shown [in the drawings]. (Design Patent)

Abstract: A Computer Aided Routing and Positioning System (CARPS) determines a route along selected waypoints that include a travel origin and a travel destination and intermediate waypoints therebetween. The selected waypoints may be uploaded to or downloaded from various geocoding devices that utilize the Global Positioning System (GPS). A CARPS database incorporates travel information selected from a range of multimedia sources about the transportation routes, waypoints, and geographically locatable points of interest (POIs) selected by the user along the travel route. The CARPS software permits user selection of specified POI types within a user-defined region of interest and user selection of particular POIs from the selected types within the region of interest. The transportation routes, waypoints, POIs and region of interest are identifiable in the computer by coordinate locations of a selected geographical coordinate system. The CARPS software is constructed to present a user-customized travelog for preview on the computer display of the user-defined travel route. The travel planner can preview on the computer display a multimedia travelog particularly customized for the user-defined travel route including multimedia information on the transportation routes, waypoints, and POIs selected by the user. The user can engage in an iterative trip planning process of revising the route and previewing travelogs of revised travel routes until a satisfactory travel route is determined. Hardcopies of customized travel maps of the user-defined travel route can be used in conjunction with a GPS device which has been uploaded with selected waypoint data.

Claim: The ornamental design for a global positioning system receiver with centered shape, as shown [in the drawings]. (Design Patent)

Abstract: A device designed to enable a sailor to move easily about a watercraft. The device includes a bench unit that may extend substantially from port to starboard. One or more bench units are movingly coupled to a rail system extending fore and aft on the watercraft. The bench unit is designed and coupled to the rail system such that the sailor can remain on the bench unit and move it fore and aft by pushing his or her feet on the underlying substrate above which the sailor sits. The bench unit is preferably designed to permit the sailor to straddle it. The bench unit may be a unitary piece extending substantially the entire width of the watercraft. Alternatively, it may be formed of two sections that can be moved independent of one another. A handrail affixed to the bench enhances stability for the sailor. An optional braking system that can be engaged or disengaged by the sailor prevents undesired movement of the bench unit along the rails.

Abstract: A rotary vibrating system is used in surveys of the acoustic properties of the shallow earth. The vibrator itself is of eccentric-mass (or "swinging-weight") form. Coupled to a flywheel, it decelerates freely from a selected high frequency to a selected low frequency. The observed deceleration rate is manipulated to give a measure of the acoustic properties of the near-surface. The eccentricity of the vibrator is then annulled, and the flywheel and vibrator accelerated back to the selected high frequency for another measurement at another location. A display in map form is provided to facilitate visual interpretation of the results.

Abstract: A pest-trapping device that enables quick and easy containment of one or more rodents such as mice or rats. The device includes a container that may be easily manufactured in a unitary piece. A dowel is fixed between opposing walls of the container. A rodent access ramp spans a distance from the surrounding floor to the dowel. An entry hole is located adjacent to the ramp connection to the dowel to provide a rodent path into the container. A baited spinner is rotationally placed on the dowel so that a rodent travelling up the ramp, through the entry hole, and along the dowel will climb atop the baited spinner and lose its balance. The rodent will then be trapped in a well portion of the container. The well may be empty or may contain a quantity of fluid sufficient to drown the rodents. The spinner is preferably formed in the shape of an hourglass.

Abstract: A hole-filling tool designed for compacting a material into holes in wood. The hole-filling tool includes a tube, a plunger, and operating means for aligning and operating the tube and plunger. The tube is thin-walled to allow the user to align the tool properly over the hole. The plunger slides within the tube and forces material therein into the hole to be filled. The hole-filling tool may include a handle and trigger for simplified use of the tool and a loader for packing a sawdust-adhesive-thinner filler material into the tube. The hole-filling tool may also include an automatic filler material feeder, such as an auger.

Abstract: A package for a disk product has an inner box formed with outer and inner surfaces spaced from each other for presenting a disk product. The outer surface is composed of substantially transparent material so that the disk product is visible through the outer surface. The box is formed with at least one hub on the inner surface with a free end extending toward the outer surface. The free end of the hub is constructed to pass through the center hole of the disk product. The hub is formed with a holding surface for holding a disk product suspended on the hub so that it does not contact the inner surface. An outer box encloses the inner box. The outer box is composed of material bearing printing and graphics and is formed with inner and outer surfaces. The outer surface of the outer box is formed with a window for visibility of the disk product through the window and outer surface of the inner box. The outer box may be formed with a frame around the window. The outer box may further comprise a bookflap and bookflap window. The outer box also houses documentation and accompanying literature which can also be visible through the outer box window and provides visual background. In an alternate embodiment the disk product is suspended between inner and outer blister packs over a backpiece. In that case the package can be hubless.

Abstract: A stepper for use during aerobic stepping exercises. The invention has modular platforms that allow for one or more platforms to be stacked upon a base platform. The platform is placed on the base in a pyramid-like manner forming steps in every direction surrounding the stepper so that the user may step from one platform to another in any direction. Interlocking slots and ridges are formed on opposing surfaces of each platform and the base to provide stability during use. A non-slip coating on all opposing surfaces and on the step surfaces to provide additional stability. An optional one-piece cap is provided as a top surface which is also non-slip.

Abstract: An electromechanical transducer drives a resonator plate, which develops oscillating pressure in a contacting liquid. A high-speed check valve rectifies the pressure oscillations, causing pumping. On the driver side of the valve, the high inertial flow impedance in a narrow passageway confines oscillating pressure while admitting non-oscillating fluid flow. On the valve side opposite the driver, a volumetric compliance element decouples the inertia of the fluid passageway to permit fast acceleration and deceleration of fluid pulsing through the valve. A high-speed passive check valve consists of a thin-section o-ring covering a circular slot, with circumferential tension setting the forward bias pressure. Pump frequencies above one kilohertz and microliter stroke volumes are practical. Electrical impedance measurements on the pump indicate fluid volume in the pump. A coupling of two pumps in series and an alternation of pumping and volume measurement operations in the coupled pumps leads to volumetric metering of fluid.

Abstract: A quick-connect hookup that includes a connector and an adapter designed for quick and easy assembly and disassembly from a common oil drain valve. The adapter is formed with a standardized tabbed section and a customized threaded section. The threaded section of the adapter is made to fit within an outlet of the oil drain valve in substantially permanent manner. The tabbed section of the adapter includes tabs that are made to quickly attach to and detach from the connector via recesses in the connector. The invention includes a method of connecting and evacuating waste oil through the use of vacuum forces and the quick-connect hookup.

Abstract: Drainage water having floating and non-floating particulate is collected and processed to separate out in the floating from the non-floating particulate, thereby cleaning the flow of water through the system during sudden storms or during steady rainfall conditions.

Abstract: A method for performing surgical procedures using a multi-functional access port for deploying a wide array of instruments and manipulation devices, including a surgeon's hand or fingers. The method includes optional video-assisted techniques and one or more components to aid in those techniques. The multi-functional access port includes a sealing ring providing easy access to the body cavity and to prevent contamination of one or more incisions of the body wall. The sealing ring may also be used to effect a seal when and if desired expansion of the body cavity is to be maintained. The sealing ring acts to isolate the exterior surface and optionally the interior surface of the body wall. Another component designed to aid in the surgical techniques of the present invention is a modified surgical glove that extends up to at least the surgeon's wrist. The modified glove can be used in conjunction with the sealing ring so that wound protection and expansion of the body cavity can be maintained as the surgeon's hand is moved in and out of the incision. The modified glove may also include accessory regions that permit the surgeon to deploy equipment within the incision. The surgical technique of the present invention includes the integration of video observation of the body cavity with the operative tactile advantage of placing the surgeon's hand or fingers in direct physical contact with the internal body contents.

Abstract: An adaptive weight device for supplementing the weight to be moved using standard exercise weight equipment. The adaptive weight device includes a weight component fabricated into a shape essentially conforming to the shape of the standard equipment to which it is removably attached. The device is removably attached to the standard weight equipment by a plurality of small magnets equally spaced on the side of the weight component that interfaces with the weight equipment. The magnets are positioned within retention seats of the weight component wherein so that they are either flush with the surface of the weight component or so that they extend slightly beyond that surface. The adaptive weight device of the present invention may be used with bar-mounted as well as stand-alone weight equipment. In either case the attachment design of the adaptive weight device ensures a balanced load when the device is added to the equipment.

Abstract: Read errors in data transferred from a remote memory to a buffer memory are detected and corrected by a series of error detection and correction techniques. In the present invention, the transferred data includes user data, a checksum that detects read errors in the user data, row and column syndromes that identifies read errors in the user data, and a Hamming code that identifies read errors in the row and column syndromes. To minimize any performance degradation, a checksum is initially calculated from the user data and compared with the stored checksum. If an error is detected, a Hamming code is calculated from the stored row and column syndromes and compared with the stored Hamming code. Corrections are made, as needed, and then row and column syndromes are calculated from the user data. The calculated row and column syndromes are then compared with the stored row and column syndromes the identify and correct single-bit read errors, and report multiple-bit read errors.

Abstract: A protective garment designed to shield a wearer from insects. The garment includes a protective hood that may be attached to a body-covering piece of the garment, or that may be used separately. The body-covering section and the hood are fabricated substantially entirely of a see-through mesh material that is breathable but that prevents very small insects from entering. The hood includes a crown and a lower section that covers the face and sides and back of the head. The crown is fabricated with a plurality of crossing reinforcing strips designed to cause the lower section of the hood to stand off from the wearer's face.

Abstract: Seismic exploration for hydrocarbons may use an eccentric-mass (or "swinging-weight") vibrator as the seismic source. According to the invention, a vibrator undergoes alternate periods of acceleration and deceleration, during one of which the vibration may be annulled. For example, the rotating mass may be formed in a plurality of parts; then the several parts are disposed in a manner that rapidly and automatically balances their vibratory forces during the period when the vibration is to be annulled, and that adds their vibratory forces during the other period. The invention further provides for modulation of the frequency-time relation during deceleration, for synchronization of several vibrators, and for modulation of the effective output force by controllable variation of the mass, eccentric radius or relative phase of the several parts of the rotating mass; in such modulation, only resultant forces are applied to the vibrator bearings.

Abstract: An eye-drop dispenser guide designed for aiding the insertion of an eye-drop into the eye. The guide is designed to stabilize a dispenser so that an individual can safely and accurately insert drops into any area of the eye. The guide includes three essentially perpendicular regions, one designed to grasp the eye-drop dispenser, one designed to rest on the bridge of the user's nose, and one intermediate portion designed to set the eye-drop dispenser off from the user's eye. The portion that rests on the user's nose is preferably curved so as to accommodate the user's finger and to permit easy pivoting of the guide.

Abstract: A stimulative feeding device for use by animals. The device is designed as a function of the specific animal for which it is intended, with the underlying characteristic that the animal is required to use its natural foraging capabilities to recover food from the device. The device includes a basic structure having a plurality of cavities for retaining a supply of food for the animal. The basic structure is opaque so that the animal cannot see through it to observe some or all of the food. A portion or all of the cavities are hidden so that the animal is required to manipulate any hiding component in order to expose the food. The means for hiding the food can be as varied as the skill level of the animal for which it is intended. The device is not designed to teach the animal, but is instead designed to occupy that animal's time through activities that it would ordinarily carry out while in its natural environment. Although the device may be configured to suit most any animal, particularly those in captivity, attention is directed to avian, mammalian, and reptilian species.

Abstract: A holder for tool transport and method for transporting tools is provided. The holder includes a compartmentalized top section with an optional handle. A securable cover may be included to protect tool during transport. The base of the holder includes both a contiguous edge that provides suitable support during placement on a flat surface and a curved cavity that provides suitable support during placement on a component of mobile machinery to be serviced. The component can be a wheel and the cavity can be configured to allow for placement on substantially all wheel types and size.

Abstract: A firearm-securing device providing tamper resistance features which device includes a keyway that operates a threaded rod which, in turn, controls spring-loaded cams that obstruct a tubular area including a chamber, a barrel, and a muzzle of a firearm. The cams have either fixed or articulated contact pads. Operating the keyway in clockwise rotation causes the cams to wedge against the inner chamber and barrel surfaces, locking the device in place. Counterclockwise keyway rotation unseats the cams, allowing the device to be remove from the chamber and barrel and thus allow operation of the firearm. The device includes several components designed to minimize tampering of the device itself as well as tampering of the firearm.

Abstract: A sea chest cover for providing access to the sea chest of a ship. The sea chest cover is fabricated essentially entirely of one or more viscoelastic materials, preferably either polyethylene or polyurethane. Fabrication of the sea chest cover from a viscoelastic material reduces or eliminates corrosion and erosion problems. It also minimizes marine organism and ice build-up. The result is a reduction in the expense associated with maintaining such covers. The fabrication of the sea chest cover essentially entirely of viscoelastic materials minimizes the weight of such components, thereby making handling and maintenance easier. The sea chest cover is either pre-formed to a shape conforming with the shape of the ship's hull in the area where the sea chest is located, or it is sufficiently flexible to be placed into such conformance. The sea chest cover of the present invention may be formed as a unitary piece or as a plurality of removably connectable parts.

Abstract: A position-dependent switch to sense deployment of an underwater pinger to enable operation upon deployment. During underwater deployment the pinger orients itself differently from an orientation chosen for the stowed (not deployed) condition. The position-dependent, or orientation-dependent, switch senses the pinger orientation and enables pinger operation automatically upon deployment. When the pinger is stowed the position-dependent switch disables the operation of the pinger.