Nicholas C Pappas

US Patent:

6718912, Apr 13, 2004

Filed:

Jun 24, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/178606

Inventors:

Nicholas J. Pappas - Westport CT 06880

International Classification:

A01K 700

US Classification:

119 725

Abstract:

A pet drinking aid includes a cap defining an axial passage therewithin. Preferred embodiments of the cap include securing means for detachably securing the cap to a fluid container and an inwardly directed flange. The securing structure may include helical threads, an elastomeric sleeve or the like. The cap further includes a ball positioned within the axial passage of said cap and, in a preferred embodiment a biasing structure mounted relative to the cap within the axial passage. The biasing structure advantageously engages the ball to bias the ball toward the inwardly directed flange. The ball is preferably captured within the axial passage between the inwardly directed flange and the biasing structure, and the ball is capable of rotatable movement and limited axial movement against the bias of the biasing structure. The biasing structure may include a compression spring, a foam member or the like. In an alternative embodiment, the biasing means is omitted and the cap includes an inwardly directed ridge extending from the caps inner surface at an axial location intermediate the first and second ends of the cap.

US Patent:

6758165, Jul 6, 2004

Filed:

Jun 16, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/462442

Inventors:

Nicholas J. Pappas - Westport CT
Craig Pirie - Greenwich CT
Javier Verdura - Milford CT

Assignee:

Medialore, LLC - Westport CT

International Classification:

A01K 700

US Classification:

119 725, 119 72, 2221531

Abstract:

A flow control mechanism is provided for regulating the flow of fluid from a container or vessel, e. g. , a plastic bottle containing a fluid such as water or the like. The flow control mechanism may be advantageously employed in a variety of applications where it is desired to dispense and/or access fluids in a controlled manner, e. g. , applications wherein a liquid, colloidal system, suspension or the like is to be dispensed/accessed in a controlled manner. The flow control mechanisms are particularly advantageous as animal/pet drinking aids that provide animals/pets with convenient and controlled access to fluid refreshment, e. g. , when away from a home-based water bowl. An exemplary control mechanism includes a cap member, overcap and ball captured therebetween. The cap member may be secured to a fluid-containing vessel and used to regulate or control the flow of fluid therefrom.

US Patent:

7117818, Oct 10, 2006

Filed:

Mar 12, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/798985

Inventors:

Nicholas J. Pappas - Westport CT, US
Craig Pirie - Greenwich CT, US
Javier Verdura - Milford CT, US
Steven K. Ettelson - Hollis NH, US
Roger S. Spurrell - Hollis NH, US

Assignee:

Medialore, LLC - Westport CT

International Classification:

A01K 7/06
B65D 41/04

US Classification:

119 725, 401213, 215337

Abstract:

A flow control mechanism is provided for regulating the flow of fluid from a container or vessel, e. g. , a plastic bottle containing a fluid such as water or the like. The flow control mechanism may be advantageously employed in a variety of applications where it is desired to dispense and/or access fluids in a controlled manner, e. g. , applications wherein a liquid, colloidal system, suspension or the like is to be dispensed/accessed in a controlled manner. The flow control mechanisms are particularly advantageous as animal/pet drinking aids that provide animals/pets with convenient and controlled access to fluid refreshment, e. g. , when away from a home-based water bowl. An exemplary control mechanism includes a cap member, overcap and ball captured therebetween. The cap member may be secured to a fluid-containing vessel and used to regulate or control the flow of fluid therefrom. In an alternative embodiment, the overcap defines an angular geometry and a pair of balls are positioned therewithin.

US Patent:

7129931, Oct 31, 2006

Filed:

Sep 14, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/952138

Inventors:

Nicholas J. Pappas - Westport CT, US

International Classification:

G09G 5/00

US Classification:

345168, 361681

Abstract:

A computer system is provided that allows a computer user to easily and effectively maximize the value and utility of the computer system's display screen. In a preferred embodiment, a laptop computer system includes a keyboard unit that includes a computer keyboard mounted to (or within) a system base. A flat-panel display is pivotally mounted relative to the system base, i. e. , the back wall thereof. The flat panel display provides a display screen for displaying computer-generated images. An advantageous mounting assembly is provided proximate the back wall of the system base to join the flat panel display to the system base and permit rotational and pivotal motion of the flat panel display relative to the system base. A receiver or port for use in connecting the laptop computer's processor to an ancillary processing system is advantageously provided proximate a front wall of the system base. Rotational motion of the flat panel display relative to the system base permits repositioning of the flat panel display to facilitate optimal viewing by the user, either independent of or in combination with the aforementioned pivotal motion.

US Patent:

20070103442, May 10, 2007

Filed:

Oct 30, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/589675

Inventors:

Nicholas Pappas - Westport CT, US

International Classification:

G09G 5/00

US Classification:

345168000

Abstract:

A computer system is provided that allows a computer user to easily and effectively maximize the value and utility of the computer system's display screen. In a preferred embodiment, a laptop computer system includes a keyboard unit that includes a computer keyboard mounted to (or within) a system base. A flat-panel display is pivotally mounted relative to the system base, i.e., the back wall thereof. The flat panel display provides a display screen for displaying computer-generated images. An advantageous mounting assembly is provided proximate the back wall of the system base to join the flat panel display to the system base and permit rotational and pivotal motion of the flat panel display relative to the system base. A receiver or port for use in connecting the laptop computer's processor to an ancillary processing system is advantageously provided proximate a front wall of the system base. Rotational motion of the flat panel display relative to the system base permits repositioning of the flat panel display to facilitate optimal viewing by the user, either independent of or in combination with the aforementioned pivotal motion. In further preferred embodiments, the display screen is detachable and may be mounted on a system stand.

US Patent:

20090173283, Jul 9, 2009

Filed:

Jan 7, 2008

Appl. No.:

11/970300

Inventors:

Nicholas J. Pappas - Westport CT, US

Assignee:

MEDIALORE, LLC - Westport CT

International Classification:

A01K 7/06
A01K 1/035
B65D 47/06
B67D 3/00
B65D 83/00
F16K 31/44
A01K 7/00

US Classification:

119 725, 2221531, 215387, 251213

Abstract:

A flow control mechanism/device is provided for regulating the flow of fluid from a container or vessel, e.g., a plastic bottle containing a fluid such as water or the like. The flow control mechanism may be advantageously employed in a variety of applications where it is desired to dispense and/or access fluids in a controlled manner, e.g., applications wherein a liquid, colloidal system, suspension or the like is to be dispensed/accessed in a controlled manner. The flow control mechanisms are particularly advantageous as animal/pet drinking aids that provide animals/pets with convenient and controlled access to fluid refreshment, e.g., when away from a home-based water bowl. An exemplary control mechanism includes an inner cap member, an overcap member, and a ball captured therebetween. The overcap member is adapted for axial translation relative to the inner cap member, thereby facilitating one-handed manipulation. Adapters may be provided to facilitate mounting of the disclosed flow control mechanism/device relative to containers/vessels of differing design/geometry. A releasable locking mechanism may be provided to prevent the flow control mechanism/device from becoming inadvertently operational.

US Patent:

20120000042, Jan 5, 2012

Filed:

Jul 5, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/176367

Inventors:

Nicholas J. Pappas - Westport CT, US

Assignee:

MEDIALORE, LLC - Westport CT

International Classification:

F16B 45/00

US Classification:

245984

Abstract:

A mechanism/device is provided for use with a container or vessel or other object and, more particularly, a device for use with a bottle to assist in securing such bottle to a belt, belt loop, strap, hook or other hanging device while not in use and further allowing the securing of objects such as keys and key rings, and further allowing addition of personalizing accessories to the subject device.