Samples -- Issued Patents & Publications

Medical component system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
Medical component systems are described in which individual hand-held components are enhanced by adjacent restraint and by combinations of function, including: suction devices with a port for regulating suction with single-finger-operable valve for repeatable incremental user control of suction-vacuum variation by aperture shapes like triangles and slots and tactile feedback means like plane changes for amplifying tactile feedback to a user to enhance distinguishing of control increments; clips and tubing restraints for attachment between devices; endotracheal tubes with feedback features so a user knows where the distal end is; wound kits and splash shields for use in combination with various irrigation sources; combination cough shields with medical components; endotracheal tube adapters with less dead space and improved flanges and monitoring ports; and improved long syringes and medical lights.

LOGBOOK DATABASE SYSTEM   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A method and system for recording the actions and activities (as for a logbook) of a person, persons, machines, or other animate or inanimate objects using portable or stationary devices. These devices are (1) directly connected, or wired or (2) are connected wirelessly to a local (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). The actiosn or activity are either immediately transmitted to the local or wide area network and received and recorded on a server system, or recorded and held in the wired/wireless device and then transmitted to the server system at a later date. Once recorded on the server system, the actions and activities are accessible to wired or wireless devices via local or wide area networks or available to other server systems. They can be reviewed and acknoledged by an authoritative entity through the use of an electronic signature facility.

Fuel-efficient tractor-trailer system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A fuel-efficient tractor-trailer system for improving the fuel mileage of a tractor-trailer combination by improving the air resistance that occurs in the area between the rear of the tractor and the front of the semi-trailer. The fuel-efficient tractor-trailer system provides an improved roof extension, which automatically raises when the tractor is put into reverse gear and an improved wheel mechanism for assisting the side extensions to slide around the semi-trailer ends when the tractor-trailer is turning. The fuel-efficient tractor-trailer system requires only modification to the tractor and not the trailer.

Logbook database system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A method and system for recording the actions and activities (as for a logbook) of a person, persons, machines, or other animate or inanimate objects using portable or stationary devices. These devices are (1) directly connected, or wired, or (2) are connected wirelessly to a local (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). The actions or activity are either immediately transmitted to the local or wide area network and received and recorded on a server system, or recorded and held in the wired/wireless device and then transmitted to the server system at a later date. Once recorded on the server system, the actions and activities are accessible to wired or wireless devices via local or wide area networks or available to other server systems. They can be reviewed and acknowledged by an authoritative entity through the use of an electronic signature facility.

Business card system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A business card which includes both a printed business card as well as associated labels removably attached to the business card. The business card, a laminate of card stock with label stock, contains removable labels with adhesive backing and a perforated tear-off end tab. The business card information on a card portion of the card stock is similar to the information on the associated labels/tab. The removable labels/tab are sized such that they accommodate use as file folder labels, index card file labels, address labels, or other such business information transfer applications.

Spinal fluid collection system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A cerebrospinal fluid collection system and method for conveniently and safely holding in a test tube rack, during a spinal tap and collection procedure, sterile test tubes and spinal needles, needle sleeves and stylettes. A test tube rack has four holes for holding four sterile test tubes, two needle holes for holding a spinal needle, stylette or needle sleeve, and a handle for the physician to hold when moving the test tube rack during the CSF procedure. The handle can be held on the left side by a left hand, on the right side by a right hand, or in the front by either hand. The test tube rack also allows the physician to see when the appropriate amount of cerebrospinal fluid has been collected in each test tube, while such test tube is being held in the test tube rack. The test tube rack may be prepackaged with the other needed items in a sterile package.

CATHETER SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTING EMBRYOS   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
Described is a catheter system (20) for implanting embryos into a woman's uterus. The catheter system utilizes a protective catheter sleeve (24) for introducing a catheter into the uterus without mucus contamination of an inner catheter (25). Once the sleeve containing the inner catheter is introduced into the uterus, the protected inner catheter, carrying the embryos, is pushed through a swivelable distal end cap (32) on the sleeve to a desired implanting location. The distal end of the inner catheter has a protective cap and a side opening for embryo release. Also, stiffness and indicia features of the outer sleeve and inner catheter assist in the physician's handling of the catheter system and in ensuring a desired uterus location for implanting.

Battery filling system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A battery filling system for use in efficiently adding water to, for example, those lead-acid batteries which are located in inconvenient or hard-to-reach places. The battery filling system includes a first flexible tube for use in transferring distilled water from the interior of a water-filled vessel to the hard-to-reach cell of a lead-acid battery. A second flexible tube transfers pressurized air from an external pressurized air source (typically human lungs) to the interior of the vessel in a quantity sufficient to cause the water to advance into and fill the first tube. A cap is used to snugly attach both tubes to the vessel. A means is also provided to minimize loss of air pressure from the vessel.

System for creating and maintaining a database of information utilizing user opinions   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A system for automatically creating and maintaining a database of information utilizing user opinions about subjects, particularly exceptional experiences. Described is an Internet system assisting/motivating a population of users interested in information about certain categories of subjects to automatically maintain the database content and to improve the usefulness and quality of the database information without any substantial management by the website owner-manager. The user opinions are primarily in the form of both comments and ratings about which natural-language terms best describe a particular subject, enabling user searches of the subject database to be by way of preferred such descriptive natural-language terms, which terms are further preferred to be evaluative and approving.

Interactive internet advertising and e-commerce method and system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
The present invention includes a method and system for interactive Internet advertising and e-commerce. The method and system delivers advertisements to viewers wherein a viewer is rewarded for viewing advertisements by being offered the opportunity to win prizes, request information from the advertiser or link directly to the advertiser's e-commerce site. In one embodiment the advertisements are delivered in series as interstitial, full-screen or full browser window, static or dynamic ads. In a further embodiment, the viewers are offered the opportunity to win prizes, request information, or link to the advertiser's web site only after viewing the ad for a period of time without having these opportunities.

Palette system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A palette system for use in storing and holding substances such as paint or glue, and for maintaining these substances in a usably moist condition for extended periods of time, is provided. The palette system is provided with a sealable open-top box structure for containing a moisture-retaining structure (preferably a substantially-wood-fiber flat sponge) whose cell structure provides a "wick effect" thereby maintaining the paint or glue in a moist condition. A water-permeable paper sheet, placed atop the moisture-retaining structure, is provided for supporting a plurality of paint or glue dabs. Also provided is a lid for sealing the open-top box structure.

Heel crack healing composition and method therefor   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
Described is a method and heel cream composition for healing epidermal cracks on the soles of feet, primarily on heels, having active ingredients consisting of a combination of a safe and effective amount of salicylic acid and hydrocortisone in some preferred embodiments, with further embodiments further consisting of salicylic acid, hydrocortisone, boric acid, and zinc oxide. The preferred embodiments also comprise a preferred carrier for transporting the active ingredients to the heel cracks. The method of preparation includes, using a specified heat, separately mixing an oil phase, a water phase, and a medicate phase (preferably including the salicylic acid and the hydrocortisone) and then combining them. As a method of treatment, the heel cream composition should be topically applied to the skin areas having epidermal cracks about twice a day.

Snake repellent system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A snake repellent system for use in repelling snakes so as to prevent the human user from being bitten. The snake repellent system consists of a receptacle into which is placed a quantity of garlic or onion, the aroma of which is believed to be effective in repelling snakes. The receptacle is provided with a lid having a plurality of openings for facilitating the dispersal of the garlic or onion aroma. The receptacle may be provided with a mincing rack used to mince a clove of garlic, thereby more fully releasing its aroma. The receptacle may also be provided with a means to both limit child access to the repellent substance within the receptacle and prevent removal of the repellent substance from the lid openings. An adjustable band is provided for attaching the receptacle to the arm or leg of the user.

Trailer tire pressure-monitoring system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A tire pressure-monitoring system for use with a trailer. The monitoring system includes an inductive proximity sensor mounted adjacent each wheel. To activate the sensors, a target is mounted on each brake drum. Rotational speed data for each wheel is relayed from each sensor to a programmable logic controller which compares the rotational speed of a wheel with another wheel. Sensitivity parameters written into the program contained in the programmable logic controller compares the input data and, if the data falls outside the safe parameters, alerts the driver by activating and audio or visual alarm mounted within the tow vehicle. The sensitivity of the programmed logic may be optimized to differentiate changes in a tire diameter due to turning versus an actual loss in tire pressure.

Semitrailer cargo, door locking system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A semitrailer cargo door locking system is described for use with a semitrailer cargo door having as part of its opening mechanism a rotatable handle which secured within a hasp mechanism comprising a rigid lower hasp and a swivelable upper hasp. The locking system includes a shackleless keyed lock having an internal bolt for engaging aligned holes provided in the upper and lower hasps, thereby preventing unauthorized opening of the cargo doors when in a locked state. The lock housing is provided both with a protective extension to minimize attempts to pry the lock, and with a tapered side wall to prevent removal by the application of a destructive torque applied by a wrench or other like device. The lock is further provided with a anchor line for either permanently or removably securing the lock to the cargo door. To provide the lock with the ability to be used with regulated loads, a means may also be provided to attach a sealing structure to the lock.

Overhang support system for gable roofs   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
This invention provides an overhang support system for gable roofs which eliminates any need to put a notch in the gable end truss top chord member. It utilizes a novel unitary connector device for improved support of overhang structures in a gable roof of the type including an overhang member, a gable end truss top chord member, and a first adjacent truss (to the end truss) top chord member. The rigid connector provides some holes for nailing to an intermediate support member, situated between the first adjacent truss top chord member and the gable end truss top chord member, or, optionally, in one preferred embodiment, if no intermediate support member is used, these holes are used for nailing to an overhang support member; and it provides some holes for nailing to an overhang support member, situated between the gable end truss top chord member and the overhang member; and also holes for nailing to the gable end truss top chord member. The connector is channel-shaped to fit snugly over, e.g., the overhang support member; and the connector enhances the strength of cantilever support of the overhang support member.

Custom ankle brace system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A custom ankle brace which is made to compensate for debilitating conditions of an individual patient's ankle area. The brace is custom made by creating a negative cast of the patient's foot/ankle/lower-leg; and then prescribed markings are included on the negative cast by the castmaker to indicate the desired geometry of support. The markings are transferable to a positive cast to inform the bracemaker. The custom brace has inner and outer material layers with a stiffening element within, all fitted to the shape of a built-up positive cast, the stiffening element having a unitary horizontal partial sole portion and vertical back-and-sides-of-leg portion. The stiffening element, made from a thin polymeric sheet, is vacuum and heat fitted to the built-up positive cast.

Semitrailer antitheft system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A semitrailer antitheft system is described for use with a semitrailer landing gear of the type having a housing-enclosed gear train coupled to a telescoping lower strut. The antitheft system includes a non-rotatable shaft-mounted gear segment for engaging the gear on the stationary shaft of the existing gear train, thereby preventing unauthorized raising or lowering of the telescoping lower strut. A lock is provided on one end of the non-rotatable shaft to prevent unauthorized disengagement of the gear segment from the gear train. The antitheft system may be incorporated into an existing housing, if room permits, or the housing may be modified so as to provide for incorporation. Alternatively, the antitheft system may be provided as an add-on kit to be attached to the existing housing.

Computer system for trapshooting competitions   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A computer system utilizing a local area network and multiple computers used in association with a trapshooting competition of the type wherein each entrant in each event is, at one of multiple squad-assignment stations, assigned to a squad (of particular entrants) scheduled for shooting at a specific time and place. This system's operators, software, and hardware efficiently manage the competition, including computer-assisting assignment of each entrant to a position in a squad. The computer system has a method for temporarily restricting access to an entrant list for a squad of an event to a particular computer workstation, enabling efficient assigning of an additional entrant to a temporarily-restricted entrant list, as well as handling functions like handicapping, scoring, fees, prizes, etc.

Fire-control sprinkler system riser means   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
This invention provides a fire-control sprinkler system riser for a residence, including a unitary manifold for porting to system components. The longitudinal manifold has pipe threads on its ends to connect to an inlet water pipe and an outlet sprinkler system; and it has ports all to one side of the manifold for mounting the riser system components in the following order from inlet to outlet: flow switch means; test and drain valve means; pressure gauge means; and relief valve means. On the other side of the manifold are support connections, as for attachment to a beam of the residence. The manifold may be connected facing either way, i.e., left support or right support, and it has indicia on both manifold facing sides for indicating flow direction and port identifications to a user from either side. Dimensions provide high efficiency in use of space, etc.

Dome switch assembly system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A machine method for providing a dome switch sub-assembly used for providing a keyboard-type user input to electronic devices. A spacer layer, attached to a retaining layer, having a plurality of spacer layer openings for receiving a plurality of dome switches is placed upon a moveable machine table. The dome switches, arranged in reel form, are machine removed and placed into the spacer layer openings. A removable release liner is then attached to the spacer layer. Also a complete dome switch assembly is provided. A spacer layer, attached to a circuit board, having a plurality of dome switch openings is placed on a moveable machine table. The dome switches, arranged in reel form, are machine removed and placed into the spacer layer openings. A retaining cover is attached to the spacer layer. An overlay layer, attached to the retaining cover layer, may also be provided.

Sprayable roof coating systems   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
Improved sprayable roof coating systems which provide immediate waterproofing of a newly-sprayed latex-based ionic roof coating by applying to the upper surface of such roof coating an ionic catalyst having a pH opposed to the pH of such roof coating, whereby such upper surface of such roof coating coagulates immediately to form a thin waterproof surface layer on such roof coating and the bottom portions of such roof coating are permitted to coagulate and bond to the underlying roof normally. Also, latex-based sprayable roof coating systems permitting use in roof mastics of recycled rubber and spray equipment for such systems which do not clog up when air spraying such recycled-rubber-containing roof mastics.

Protective housing for bathroom toilet paper   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A cover system for toilet paper to protect the toilet paper from dispersal by children and pets comprising a wall-mounted plastic casing completely covering upper and lower rolls of paper. The upper and lower rolls are covered by respective upper and lower swivelable covers, each having a safety latch system. Each safety latch system includes a pair of button-releasable latches with one button on each side of the casing and each cover may be released only by pushing both such buttons at the same time. The covers are light permeable and night lights may be mounted to the inside of the casing or as part of each holder going through each toilet paper roll.

Handbag system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
Disclosed is a handbag system having a substantially rectangular body with an open middle compartment. Within the middle compartment are a plurality of sub-compartments sized for holding various personal safety items such as mace, a wireless phone and a pager. A closure flap is provided for partially covering the middle compartment. The closure flap is sized and arranged to allow unrestricted access to those personal safety items which are adjacent to the sides of the body when the closure flap is in a closed position. A closeable front and rear compartment are provided to store other miscellaneous personal items.

Sculptured fingernail training systems   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A fingernail sculpting teaching system for use in practicing the creation of an artificial fingernail on a typical human finger. The teaching system includes a cylinder for simulating a typical human finger. Formed at each end of the cylinder is a visual marker, shaped to simulate a typical human nail bed, on which is placed the material comprising the artificial fingernail bed. A form may be provided adjacent the visual marker for receiving the material comprising the artificial fingernail free edge. The cylinder may be provided with a cover to faciliate removal of the artificial fingernail from the cylinder.

Sprayable roof coating systems   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
Improved sprayable roof coating systems which provide immediate waterproofing of a newly-sprayed latex-based ionic roof coating by applying to the upper surface of such roof coating an ionic catalyst having a pH opposed to the pH of such roof coating, whereby such upper surface of such roof coating coagulates immediately to form a thin waterproof surface layer on such roof coating and the bottom portions of such roof coating are permitted to coagulate and bond to the underlying roof normally. Also, latex-based sprayable roof coating systems permitting use in roof mastics of recycled rubber and spray equipment for such systems which do not clog up when air spraying such recycled-rubber-containing roof mastics.

Manual screeding system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A manual screeding system for use in leveling freshly poured concrete which includes a frame for providing structural integrity to the screed. The screeding system includes handles, attached to the frame, for manually holding and manipulating the screeding system during the screeding process. A support, attached to the frame, is provided for preventing the screeding system from rotating about the handles during the screeding process. The support is structured to engage the forearms of the user when the screeding system is in use. A pair of bracket assemblies are provided for securely holding a screed board to the frame.

System for thermal control of outdoor pet enclosure   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A system for transferring ambient air from an interior of a house to a pet enclosure external of the house, thus allowing for the pet enclosure to receive cooled or heated air approximating the temperature of the house. An electric fan housed in a preformed enclosure is installable in, or on, the house exterior wall. An air conduit between the fan and pet enclosure is preferably provided by a flexible rubber transfer duct which may vary in length. Conduit connections at the house and at the pet enclosure use a gasket/flange sealing system. A damper to avoid backflow of air is provided near the fan. And a protective cover at the pet enclosure limits access from the pet enclosure to the conduit. An end cap to protect the house when the duct is not in use is also shown.

Tabletop horseshoes game system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A tabletop miniature horseshoes game for use in private residences which includes a substantially horizontal playing surface and a pair of miniature posts to be used as the target for tossed miniature horseshoes. An embodiment for use in commercial establishments provides a token means to activate the game, a means to change and display each players score, a means to keep track of and display game time, and a means to lower the posts when the game is over. The commercial establishment game may also incorporate a vending machine to dispense the 1/10th scale horseshoes to be used with the game.

Fishing lure   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
The ornamental design for a fishing lure, as shown and described.

Mount system for supporting binoculars on a tripod   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
This invention provides a mount system for supporting binoculars on a camera-type tripod, particularly, a mount system wherein a single monocular barrel of such binoculars may be securely supported and mounted on such tripod for using such binoculars. A rigid L-cross-sectioned cradle member, in concert with an adjustable strap between the ends of the arms of the cradle member, provides the holding means for secure grasping of the circular objective-lens end portion of a monocular barrel, and the cradle member is attachable to a panning head of a tripod, providing secure tripod support for the binoculars without hindering or restraining normal adjustment of the binoculars by a user-viewer.

CATHETER SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTING EMBRYOS   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
Described is a catheter system (20) for implanting embryos into a woman's uterus. The catheter system (20) utilizes a protective catheter sleeve (24) for introducing a catheter (25) into the uterus without mucus contamination of an inner catheter (25). Once the sleeve (24) containing the inner catheter (25) is introduced into the uterus, the protected inner catheter (25), carrying the embryos, is pushed through a swiveled distal end cap (32) on the sleeve (24) to a desired implanting location. The distal end of the inner catheter (25) has a protective cap (44) and a side opening (45) for embryo release. Features of the outer sleeve (24) and inner catheter (25) assist in ensuring a desired uterus location for implanting.

Sprayable roof coating systems   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
Improved sprayable roof coating systems which provide immediate waterproofing of a newly-sprayed latex-based ionic roof coating by applying to the upper surface of such roof coating an ionic catalyst having a pH opposed to the pH of such roof coating, whereby such upper surface of such roof coating coagulates immediately to form a thin waterproof surface layer on such roof coating and the bottom portions of such roof coating are permitted to coagulate and bond to the underlying roof normally. Also, latex-based sprayable roof coating systems permitting use in roof mastics of recycled rubber and spray equipment for such systems which do not clog up when air spraying such recycled-rubber-containing roof mastics.

System for producing Enterocytozoon bieneusi live organisms   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
Described is a system for efficiently producing live Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) organisms using laboratory animals, preferably Mongolian gerbils. Some important steps are: providing at least one breeding pair; administering to each of such breeding pair a sufficient antibiotic in sufficient dosage to destroy essentially all parasites which might be passed to offspring, especially Trichomonas; permitting such breeding pair to produce and rear offspring as production animals; preventing breeding by the production animals by separating males from females in separate cages; immune-suppressing each production animal sufficiently to permit propagation of live E. bieneusi organisms; infecting each production animal with love E. bieneusi organisms administered in an amount sufficient for such organisms to propagate but insufficient to kill the production animal; and, during a production period following such infecting, collecting the feces of each production animal. The collected fecal material is then prepared for use.

Hand-held hair dryer with vibration and noise control   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
Described is a quiet hand-held hair dryer with configuration and component combinations for making the hair dryer exceptionally quiet and efficient. The hair dryer includes a housing having a lower handle portion and an upper body portion separated by an air-directing wall. A large impeller moves air downward from a large top air inlet and passes it outward through a side air outlet in a hair drying stream. An electric motor is mounted in the handle housing adjacent its bottom and is connected in driving relation with the impeller by a long vertical shaft. The motor is mounted in a rubber casing permitting cooling air flow and minimizing vibration to the housing; and the upper end of the shaft is stabilized by a bearing mounted in a rubber housing for the same purpose. The configuration of the described hair dryer permits high air flow with relatively low motor speeds.

Truckbed security system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
This invention provides a truckbed security system which includes a substantially-horizontal platform designed to cover the entire top opening of the cargo bed of a pickup truck, lockably, thereby providing security and protection to the contents within. The horizontal platform is strong and rigid enough to carry a heavy payload and is attached by hinge to the rear of the cargo bed allowing the platform's front end to be raised to a convenient height for providing access to the interior of the cargo bed and the contents within. To raise the platform, there is a hydraulic cylinder operated by an integral hydraulic power unit, powered by the battery of the pickup truck, and operator-controlled with a locking key switch. The top of the platform may be used to carry the payload which would normally be carried within the cargo bed. The platform, when raised hydraulically to a substantial angle, can serve as a dump bed with limited capacity.

Premanufactured portable concrete house   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
This invention provides a premanufactured portable concrete house and efficient systems for making such a house and for providing portability to a housing site. Floor, roof, and wall components are made by casting concrete in molds with features such as electrical and water conduits being concrete-embedded during the casting. Also concrete-embedded in the various house components are steel plates used for welding to secure the components to each other during assembly of a portable house. Spaced core holes for holding lift rods are cast into the periphery of the floor/foundation component; and these are used as lift points in lifting the house onto a truck for transport to a housing site.