Gerald A Sorensen

US Patent:

51686465, Dec 8, 1992

Filed:

Nov 20, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/798011

Inventors:

John Dippong - Addison IL
Gerald R. Sorensen - Elgin IL

Assignee:

NCM International, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G09F 1300

US Classification:

40442

Abstract:

A method of creating apparent motion on a two-dimensional surface, the surface being illumination responsive to a directed moving reference of light source. The method comprising the steps of devising on a tracing sheet at least one pattern of apparent motion to be created on the surface. Dividing the pattern into a plurality of discrete and spatially related zones. Next a direction of apparent motion to be created within each zone is determined. The pattern and zones thereof are then transferred onto the surface of a light responsive deformable material. On the surface is found a plurality of grooves corresponding to each zone. The grooves in the direction of apparent motion are progressively angled relative to the directed moving reference of light source from about 90 degrees through about 180 degrees. Finally, the surface is illuminated with the directed moving reference of light source to produce at least one illumination response within each zone and thereby create apparent motion between adjacent zones.

US Patent:

56367406, Jun 10, 1997

Filed:

Apr 18, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/229251

Inventors:

Daniel J. Finkiewicz - Schaumburg IL
Gerald R. Sorensen - Elgin IL

Assignee:

NCM International, Inc. - Arlington Heights IL

International Classification:

B65D 4104
B65D 5124

US Classification:

206457

Abstract:

An efficient, economical container closure means of a functional and decorative nature includes elements connectable together to provide a relatively simple, inexpensive, reliable, easy operable closure for dispensing a wide variety of materials and to provide a changeable decorative ornamental appearance. The elements include a base with an opening therein connectable to a container to close or restrict an opening therein, a cap tethered to the base operable to close the opening therein and having a connecting means cooperable with a decorative means.

US Patent:

46977104, Oct 6, 1987

Filed:

Dec 30, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/814662

Inventors:

Raymond J. Gradecki - Mundelean IL
James M. McLaughlin - Lake Zurich IL
Gerald R. Sorensen - Elgin IL

Assignee:

NCM International, Inc. - Arlington Heights IL

International Classification:

A47F 716

US Classification:

211 45

Abstract:

The carpet display stand of the present invention generally comprises a support assembly having at least four legs. The support assembly carries a basket deferred by vertical and horizontal framing pieces. The basket further includes a multitude of horizontal wires which have at least one depressed or U-shaped section connected with the vertical basket framing wires. A basket support wire joins the depressed section of the formed horizontal wires. The basket also includes a unique friction clip device formed from a plurality of eveny-spaced, integrally-formed loop-shaped strutures. Adjacent clip devices define a slot between which corners of the carpet samples are downwardly inserted.

US Patent:

D3335917, Mar 2, 1993

Filed:

Jun 4, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/710299

Inventors:

Raymond J. Gradecki - Mundelein IL
Gerald R. Sorensen - Elgin IL
Steven Holt - Des Plaines IL

Assignee:

NCM International, Inc. - Arlington Heights IL

US Classification:

D 7514

US Patent:

49994654, Mar 12, 1991

Filed:

Aug 31, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/576376

Inventors:

Marvin G. Kuhlman - Des Plaines IL
Gerald R. Sorensen - Elgin IL
Raymond J. Gradecki - Mundelein IL

International Classification:

H01H 916

US Classification:

200308

Abstract:

A switch plate cover for a wall switch having a switch actuator is disclosed. The cover comprises a generally elongated panel folded substantially about a transverse fold line to form an outer member and an adjacent, inner member. The outer member includes a graphic representation having an aperture extending through the outer member. The cover further comprises a slot disposed along the fold line. A slide is disposed between the outer and inner members and extends through the slot. The slide includes a tongue extending outwardly through the slot. The tongue includes an opening for receiving the switch actuator. The slide moves between first and second positions in response to actuation of the switch between respective on and off switch positions. The slide further includes a first graphic indicia aligned with the aperture when the slide is in one of the first or second positions. For example, the graphic representation may be of an animated face, the aperture may be located at a location of a mouth of the animated face and the first graphic indicia may be of a smiling mouth, such that the smiling mouth is displayed through the aperture when the switch is shut off, thus encouraging the shutting off of the swtich.

US Patent:

D3106241, Sep 18, 1990

Filed:

Nov 14, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/271070

Inventors:

Raymond J. Gradecki - Mundelein IL
Gerald R. Sorensen - Elgin IL
Daniel J. Finkiewicz - Elk Grove Village IL

Assignee:

National Creative Merchandising Corp. - Arlington Heights IL

US Classification:

D 8395

US Patent:

54890500, Feb 6, 1996

Filed:

Apr 19, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/230046

Inventors:

Daniel J. Finkiewicz - Schaumburg IL
Gerald R. Sorensen - Elgin IL
John E. Sowinski - Park Ridge IL

Assignee:

NCM International, Inc. - Arlington Heights IL

International Classification:

B67D 300

US Classification:

222525

Abstract:

A three piece closure for selectively controlling flow of product from a container, and method of manufacture, are disclosed. The closure includes an inner member, an outer member and an insert disposed therebetween. The inner member is adapted for attachment to a necked opening of the container. The outer member has a base portion, a top portion, and an inward flange disposed substantially circumferentially about the base of the outer member. The insert has a base portion and a radially outward flange disposed substantially circumferentially about the base portion. Upon insertion of the insert into the outer member, the outward flange passes the inward flange to provide cooperative engagement with the inward flange such that axial movement of the outer member causes axial movement of the insert to control the flow of the product. The inward flange of the outer member includes a taper portion tapering radially inward away from the base portion, such that insertion of the insert into the outer member causes the taper portion of the insert to progressively outwardly expand the inward flange of the outer member to assist assembly thereof.