James B Mercer

US Patent:

39982190, Dec 21, 1976

Filed:

Dec 5, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/637916

Inventors:

James D. Mercer - Lafayette CA
Richard G. Kvalheim - Dublin CA
Milton F. Custer - Livermore CA

Assignee:

Hexcel Corporation - Dublin CA

International Classification:

A61F 504

US Classification:

128 89R

Abstract:

A honeycomb sandwich cast for supporting human or animal body portions. The cast has inner and outer cast layers which, in the finished cast, are rigid, and a central honeycomb core having honeycomb cells which are perpendicular to the skin of the underlying body portion. The honeycomb is securely attached, e. g. , mechanically locked or bonded to the cast layers to form an integral, high strength, low weight honeycomb structure. An indentable, resiliently compressible fabric such as reticulated plastic foam may optionally be positioned between the faces of the honeycomb core and the cast layers. With use of such a foam, when the outer layer is applied normally by wrapping a bandage-like fabric about the body portion and the surrounding honeycomb core, a compressive force is generated which presses portions of the foam structure into the honeycomb cell openings to form a more secure interlock and prevent relative movement between the components of the cast. The foam structure can subsequently be rigidified to form a mechanical interlock between it and the honeycomb.

US Patent:

45208026, Jun 4, 1985

Filed:

Sep 30, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/537795

Inventors:

James D. Mercer - Lafayette CA
Gordon Aaserude - El Sobrante CA

International Classification:

A61F 300

US Classification:

128 80C

Abstract:

An improved bi-axial hinged orthotic device for use in knee braces, stabilizers, modified cast and fracture braces that allows movement of the leg and knee, providing lateral support, protection and rotational stability of a knee-joint and ligaments consisting essentially of a three-segment double hinged single side brace employed in a paired configuration; said brace having a rigid support bar or rod positioned opposite the knee-joint; index blocks positioned on the support bar coact with one end of the upper flex bar and at the other end with a lower flex bar; the upper flex bar secured to a first attachment anchor and the lower flange secured to a second attachment anchor; each attachment anchor can be used for securely embedding in casting material one end over the thigh and one end over the lower leg or calf; said double hinged brace modified with index blocks for limiting flexion and extension of the knee joint and leg.

US Patent:

40522938, Oct 4, 1977

Filed:

Oct 10, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/621474

Inventors:

James L. Mercer - Los Altos CA
Hachiro J. Togashi - Palo Alto CA

Assignee:

CRYO-MAID Inc. - DE

International Classification:

C10G 102

US Classification:

208 11R

Abstract:

A closed self-contained system (method and apparatus) for efficiently extracting oil and other hydrocarbons from oil-bearing hydrocarbonaceous solid material, which may be preheated to remove water and hydrocarbons which vaporize below about 600. degree. F. , is advanced in the form of discrete individual pieces along a pathway in a substantially evacuated zone (e. g. , less than 50 torr) while in the presence of heat energy sufficient to raise the temperature of the shale (e. g. , to 600. degree. to no more than 900. degree. F. ) to cause the oil and other hydrocarbons to be liberated as a vapor in the evacuated zone. The hydrocarbonaceous solid material advances in proximity with at least one condenser surface so that oil and other hydrocarbons are condensed and recovered from the liberated vapor. The system operates at temperatures which are at all times below 900. degree. F. , and generally below 700. degree. F.

US Patent:

54257000, Jun 20, 1995

Filed:

Feb 18, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/198991

Inventors:

Gordon V. Aaserude - El Sobrante CA
James D. Mercer - Alamo CA

Assignee:

Omni Scientific - Concord CA

International Classification:

A61F 500

US Classification:

692 16

Abstract:

A gravity operated locking device and method of operation are disclosed for use with an orthotic brace of a type having upper and lower members hinged together for articulation of the brace with flexion and extension of a limb joint, the locking device comprising a housing adapted for ready attachment to or ready detachment from a portion of the brace, preferably the upper brace member, and forming a groove extending along the length of the housing for receiving a drop bolt tapered at its lower end for riding over and locking into engagement with a projecting stop surface on the lower brace member. The drop bolt is preferably formed with an elongated slot captured by a portion of an attachment means for the brace. The locking device may include an overriding lock for securing the brace in either a fixed, fully extended condition or free for articulation. With the overriding lock released, the drop bolt may be manually operated for selectively permitting either articulated or locked operation of the brace.