Patents by Inventor Donald T. MacKinnon

Donald T. MacKinnon 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).

  • Device for increasing the tension on a cable or the like
    Patent number: 5211378
    Abstract: A tensioning device is provided for applying a tensioning force on a cable or rope used to secure a load by fixing its free end to an anchoring device. The device includes a pair of outwardly-protruding horn-like projections interconnected by a generally serpentine body, with one of the horns having friction-enhancing capabilities to prevent slippage of the cable or rope thereon, while the other horn functions similar to a pulley or block to provide a mechanical advantage in combination with the anchoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: Donald T. MacKinnon, Jr.
  • Combination overfill and tilt shutoff valve system for vehicle fuel tank
    Patent number: 5036823
    Abstract: A vapor storage canister protection system that prevents tank overfill and prevents canister contamination when the vehicle tilts significantly from the horizontal, using a single valve to perform both the overfill and tilt protection shut off functions. A series of switches sensitive to when vehicle is being filled block the canister vent line at the end of fill, and then reopen after a short, timed duration or when the vehicle is restarted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Donald T. MacKinnon
  • Vehicle fuel system with fill prevention structure
    Patent number: 4969919
    Abstract: Return fuel from the engine is routed through the fuel tank vent pipe, blocking it and preventing fuel fill while the engine is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Donald T. MacKinnon, Jr.
  • Fuel tank overfill prevention
    Patent number: 4903672
    Abstract: Tank overfill is prevented by a series of three switches, responsive to the condition of the vehicle running or not, to tank pressure, and to elapsed time, which block the canister vent line at the end of fill to prevent contamination, and then reopen it when a short time has elapsed, or when the vehicle is restarted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Donald T. MacKinnon