Patents Assigned to Mechanical Answers LLC
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Patent number: 8348682Abstract: A method, apparatus and means to address the problem of utilizing two large power plugs with transformers, converters and/or 90 degree plugs simultaneously with one duplex power receptacle. The duplex power receptacle has a ground-up and ground-down configuration, such that two conventional large three prong power plugs with transformers, converters and/or 90 degree plugs can be used simultaneously. This configuration can be utilized while still maintaining many characteristics of conventional duplex power receptacles such as left and right orientation of neutral and hot conducting busses. By maintaining characteristics of the conventional duplex power receptacle one knowledgeable in the art can install this invention without having to be retrained in a method of installation and a conventional wall outlet box and cover plate will accommodate this invention. Additionally, by maintaining these characteristics users of this invention will not have to learn any new method of using the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Mechanical Answers LLCInventors: Raymond Q. Draggie, Scott D. Maxwell, Marian D. Maxwell, Charles A. Lemaire
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Patent number: 8025527Abstract: A method, apparatus and means to address the problem of utilizing two large power plugs with transformers, converters and/or 90 degree plugs simultaneously with one duplex power receptacle. The duplex power receptacle has a ground-up and ground-down configuration, such that two conventional large three prong power plugs with transformers, converters and/or 90 degree plugs can be used simultaneously. This configuration can be utilized while still maintaining many characteristics of conventional duplex power receptacles such as left and right orientation of neutral and hot conducting busses. By maintaining characteristics of the conventional duplex power receptacle one knowledgeable in the art can install this invention without having to be retrained in a method of installation and a conventional wall outlet box and cover plate will accommodate this invention. Additionally, by maintaining these characteristics users of this invention will not have to learn any new method of using the device.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Mechanical Answers LLCInventors: Raymond Q. Draggie, Scott D. Maxwell, Marian D. Maxwell, Charles A. Lemaire
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Patent number: 7785139Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus and means to address the problem of attempting to utilize two large power plugs with transformers, converters and/or 90 degree plugs simultaneously with one duplex power receptacle. This invention discloses a duplex power receptacle in a ground-up and ground-down configuration, such that two conventional large three prong power plugs with transformers, converters and/or 90 degree plugs can be used simultaneously. This configuration can be utilized while still maintaining many of characteristics of the conventional duplex power receptacles such as the left and right orientation of the neutral and hot conducting busses. By maintaining the characteristics of the conventional duplex power receptacle one knowledgeable in the art can install this invention without having to be retrained in a method of installation and a conventional wall outlet box and cover plate will accommodate this invention.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Mechanical Answers LLCInventors: Raymond Q. Draggie, Scott D. Maxwell, Marian D. Maxwell, Charles A. Lemaire
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Patent number: 7658641Abstract: The present invention provides a barrel clamp apparatus integrated with an electrical contact, which, with the application of a mating compression nut provides a method of clamping the contact to an electrical cable. In some embodiments the electrical contact is configured to mate with a tapered battery post and in others the electrical contact is a pin or socket arrangement whose wire receiving end has been configured with a barrel clamp configuration. In one embodiment the barrel clamp has been integrated into a band clamp battery connector assembly. In all embodiments this device provides a positive means of securing an electrical cable to an electrical contact, maximizing the conductive potential and clamping force to ensure the best electrical and physical connection is made.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Mechanical Answers LLCInventors: Scott D. Maxwell, Raymond Q. Draggie, Marian D. Maxwell, Charles A. Lemaire
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Patent number: 7591692Abstract: An electromechanical connector for use between a power source such as a battery and a device requiring the power such as an automotive electrical system. In some embodiments, the connector includes a radius electrical contact constituting a primary electrical current path, and a band clamp with a slotted band constituting a secondary current path, and a worm drive adjustment assembly for symmetrically tighten the connector to the battery post. A kit is described having an electrical-contact conductor with a concave surface conforming to a battery post, and a band clamp to symmetrically compress the conductor against the post. Some embodiments provide a conductor that conforms to an outer portion of the post, and includes a band clamp mechanism with a band fixed at a non-moving end to the conductor, and at an opposite slotted end interfacing to a worm screw held against the conductor.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Mechanical Answers LLCInventors: Marian D. Maxwell, Scott D. Maxwell, Raymond Q. Draggie, Charles A. Lemaire
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Patent number: 7534124Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides an independently tightening collet surrounding each socket for each of a plurality of corresponding high-electrical-power prongs, wherein the collet is loosened for normal (low-insertion-force) insertion and withdrawal of the plug from the outlet. Once the plug is inserted, the collet is tightened, providing a high-contact force to lower the contact resistance and to help keep the plug from coming unplugged. In some embodiments, the plug is not “locked”, in that a tension force pulling on the plug will overcome the contact force at a point before the plug or outlet is damaged, and the plug is allowed to come unplugged. In some embodiments, engaging the collet will also provide a wiping or sliding motion between the prong and socket for each connection, thus wiping at least some dirt or corrosion away and providing a lower-resistance better electrical contact.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Mechanical Answers LLCInventors: Charles A. Lemaire, Marian D. Maxwell, Raymond Q. Draggie, Scott D. Maxwell
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Patent number: 7329157Abstract: An electromechanical connector for use between a power source such as a battery and a device requiring the power such as an automotive electrical system. In some embodiments, the connector includes a radius electrical contact constituting a primary electrical current path, and a band clamp with a slotted band constituting a secondary current path, and a worm drive adjustment assembly for symmetrically tighten the connector to the battery post. A kit is described having an electrical-contact conductor with a concave surface conforming to a battery post, and a band clamp to symmetrically compress the conductor against the post. Some embodiments provide a conductor that conforms to an outer portion of the post, and includes a band clamp mechanism with a band fixed at a non-moving end to the conductor, and at an opposite slotted end interfacing to a worm screw held against the conductor.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2006Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Mechanical Answers LLCInventors: Marian D. Maxwell, Scott D. Maxwell, Raymond Q. Draggie, Charles A. Lemaire
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Patent number: 7278878Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus and means to address the problem of attempting to utilize two large power plugs with transformers, converters and/or 90 degree plugs simultaneously with one duplex power receptacle. This invention discloses a duplex power receptacle in a ground-up and ground-down configuration, such that two conventional large three prong power plugs with transformers, converters and/or 90 degree plugs can be used simultaneously. This configuration can be utilized while still maintaining many of characteristics of the conventional duplex power receptacles such as the left and right orientation of the neutral and hot conducting busses. By maintaining the characteristics of the conventional duplex power receptacle one knowledgeable in the art can install this invention without having to be retrained in a method of installation and a conventional wall outlet box and cover plate will accommodate this invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Mechanical Answers LLCInventors: Raymond Q. Draggie, Scott D. Maxwell, Marian D. Maxwell, Charles A. Lemaire
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Patent number: D564861Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Mechanical Answers LLCInventor: Charles A. Lemaire