Patents by Inventor Christopher R. Helmer

Christopher R. Helmer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7575450
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly, such as for use with a tractor-trailer, comprises a socket and a plug. The plug can comprise a resilient seal configured to surround mating electrical terminals on the socket and the plug. A coupler can be configured to retain the plug in the socket and compress the resilient seal against the socket. The plug can further comprise a knob having a bulbous portion sized to fit in a palm of a user's hand for ease of grasping by the user. The knob can include a drip edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: BLD Products, Ltd
    Inventors: Libby Williams, Anthony Karafa, Christopher Terryn, Todd M. Kuipers, Christopher R. Helmer
  • Patent number: 7021334
    Abstract: The invention provides a fluid coupling for coupling a fluid source with a fluid supply line. The fluid coupling comprises a gladhand mounted to a body via a swivel connection. The gladhand is movable between a stored and protected position, wherein an outlet of the gladhand rests against a rubber cup to prevent fluid flow therefrom, and a use position, wherein the gladhand is removed from the rubber cup and can be connected to a fluid supply line. Additionally, the fluid coupling comprises a valve assembly preferably disposed in the body. The valve is operable between open and closed positions to effectively turn the fluid coupling on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: BLD Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher R. Helmer
  • Patent number: 6382587
    Abstract: A fluid control valve comprising a valve housing in which there is a reciprocating shaft on which is mounted a valve body that is brought into and out of contact with respect to a valve seat disposed within a fluid flow passage to permit or prevent fluid flow through the passage. The valve includes a vibration retarding mechanism comprising a sleeve mounted on the shaft and a guide mounted to the housing with an axial opening sized to receive the sleeve. Either the sleeve or guide has slots and the other has corresponding grooves that receive the slots to limit the radial movement of the shaft to retard or dampen reciprocation-induced vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: BLD Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jerry Rabe, Christopher R. Helmer, Libby Williams