Patents by Inventor Elmer Lee
Elmer Lee 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).
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Patent number: 11858573Abstract: A steerable drive wheel assembly includes two independently motor-driven wheels. The wheels are supported in side-by-side orientation for independent rotation about a common horizontal rolling axis, and equally laterally offset from said vertical steering axis. The wheels and their respective drive motors are carried in a drive module that is mounted like a turret under an intermediate suspension module via a rotary bearing. The intermediate suspension module is mounted on linear bearing assemblies within an outer housing. Biasing members urge the intermediate suspension module together with its drive module downwardly to maintain traction with a floor. A compact configuration is achieved by overlapping the drive motors with the opposite wheels. Position control is achieved by a strategic sensor array. Electrical wire management is achieved by a serpentine energy chain located in the plane of the rotary bearing.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2020Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Conceptual Innovations, L.L.C.Inventors: Elmer Lee, Tyler Bretes, Michael Anthony Aerts, Ryan Joseph Lotsbaich
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Publication number: 20230339183Abstract: A volumetric builder machine for enhanced fabrication of sand-casting molds, cores and/or 3-dimensional shapes in printed layers within a build box. A bi-directional layer builder assembly passes back-and-forth over the build box, and with each pass deposits an even layer of loose sand while printing a water-based binder agent according to a pattern representing the mold and/or core to be formed. Heater banks carried on the traveling layer builder assembly accelerate the binder drying module process. The build box has a build plate that is incrementally lowered by a lift unit to accommodate each new sand layer. A strategic heating system preheats the sand, heats the build plate, and directs heat to the sand layer after it has been printed with binder. A ventilation system removes vapors driven from the binder. A sand filling station periodically refills the layer builder assembly. A cleaning station removes binder residue from the printheads.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Applicant: LightSpeed Concepts Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Powell, Thomas J. Wilson, Jacob Sponsler, Brandon Welker, John P. Biel, Daniel G. Shirkey, John R. Keough, Thomas A. Cobett, Elmer Lee
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Publication number: 20210061352Abstract: A steerable drive wheel assembly includes two independently motor-driven wheels. The wheels are supported in side-by-side orientation for independent rotation about a common horizontal rolling axis, and equally laterally offset from said vertical steering axis. The wheels and their respective drive motors are carried in a drive module that is mounted like a turret under an intermediate suspension module via a rotary bearing. The intermediate suspension module is mounted on linear bearing assemblies within an outer housing. Biasing members urge the intermediate suspension module together with its drive module downwardly to maintain traction with a floor. A compact configuration is achieved by overlapping the drive motors with the opposite wheels. Position control is achieved by a strategic sensor array. Electrical wire management is achieved by a serpentine energy chain located in the plane of the rotary bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2020Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Elmer Lee, Tyler Bretes, Michael Anthony Aerts, Ryan Joseph Lotsbaich
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Patent number: 10703401Abstract: A lift-enabled motorized wheel assembly and material handling cart. A drive wheel is supported on an axel between a fixed leg and a floating leg. The axel passes through the fixed leg without interference, but is captured in the floating leg by a self-aligning bearing. The axle is driven by a drive motor that is bolted to the fixed leg through a right-angle gearbox. A vertical suspension unit provides compliance for drive wheel traction. A lifter sub-assembly alternately raises and lowers the drive wheel into and out of contact with the ground. The lift-enabled motorized wheel assembly is attached to the bottom of a cart frame, along with a plurality of caster wheels. The cart includes a tow-bar that is moveable between raised and lowered positions. When the tow-bar is lowered condition for towing, the drive wheel automatically lifts out of contact with the ground.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Caster Concepts, IncInventors: Elmer Lee, Alex Harden
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Patent number: 10377403Abstract: A lift-enabled motorized wheel assembly and material handling cart. A drive wheel is supported on an axel between a fixed leg and a floating leg. The axel passes through the fixed leg without interference, but is captured in the floating leg by a self-aligning bearing. The axle is driven by a drive motor that is bolted to the fixed leg through a right-angle gearbox. A vertical suspension unit provides compliance for drive wheel traction. A lifter sub-assembly alternately raises and lowers the drive wheel into and out of contact with the ground. The lift-enabled motorized wheel assembly is attached to the bottom of a cart frame, along with a plurality of caster wheels. The cart includes a tow-bar that is moveable between raised and lowered positions. When the tow-bar is lowered condition for towing, the drive wheel automatically lifts out of contact with the ground.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Caster Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Elmer Lee, Alex Harden
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Publication number: 20190092365Abstract: A lift-enabled motorized wheel assembly and material handling cart. A drive wheel is supported on an axel between a fixed leg and a floating leg. The axel passes through the fixed leg without interference, but is captured in the floating leg by a self-aligning bearing. The axle is driven by a drive motor that is bolted to the fixed leg through a right-angle gearbox. A vertical suspension unit provides compliance for drive wheel traction. A lifter sub-assembly alternately raises and lowers the drive wheel into and out of contact with the ground. The lift-enabled motorized wheel assembly is attached to the bottom of a cart frame, along with a plurality of caster wheels. The cart includes a tow-bar that is moveable between raised and lowered positions. When the tow-bar is lowered condition for towing, the drive wheel automatically lifts out of contact with the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: Elmer Lee, Alex Harden
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Publication number: 20170129522Abstract: A lift-enabled motorized wheel assembly and material handling cart. A drive wheel is supported on an axel between a fixed leg and a floating leg. The axel passes through the fixed leg without interference, but is captured in the floating leg by a self-aligning bearing. The axle is driven by a drive motor that is bolted to the fixed leg through a right-angle gearbox. A vertical suspension unit provides compliance for drive wheel traction. A lifter sub-assembly alternately raises and lowers the drive wheel into and out of contact with the ground. The lift-enabled motorized wheel assembly is attached to the bottom of a cart frame, along with a plurality of caster wheels. The cart includes a tow-bar that is moveable between raised and lowered positions. When the tow-bar is lowered condition for towing, the drive wheel automatically lifts out of contact with the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2016Publication date: May 11, 2017Applicant: Caster Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Elmer Lee, Alex Harden
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Patent number: 9056524Abstract: A caster wheel assembly includes at least one hub that has an annularly dished concave region disposed between a pair of cylindrical lips about its outer periphery. An elastomeric tread has a convex inner periphery that seats in the concave region of the hub. The interface between the hub and tread is parabolic in cross-section to manage load-inducted stresses in the tread. The parabolic cross-section is defined by the equation y=A*x2, where A is between 1.5 and 4. A cylindrical lip/pad interface is established between hub and tread on opposite sides of the parabolic interface to accommodate high load situations. A bearing is supported in the hub, and a bushing inside the bearing. An axle shaft passing through the bushing attaches the hub and tread to a support bracket for use in a wide variety of industrial applications.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2014Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Caster Concepts, Inc.Inventor: Elmer Lee
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Publication number: 20140359970Abstract: A caster wheel assembly includes at least one hub that has an annularly dished concave region disposed between a pair of cylindrical lips about its outer periphery. An elastomeric tread has a convex inner periphery that seats in the concave region of the hub. The interface between the hub and tread is parabolic in cross-section to manage load-inducted stresses in the tread. The parabolic cross-section is defined by the equation y=A*x2, where A is between 1.5 and 4. A cylindrical lip/pad interface is established between hub and tread on opposite sides of the parabolic interface to accommodate high load situations. A bearing is supported in the hub, and a bushing inside the bearing. An axle shaft passing through the bushing attaches the hub and tread to a support bracket for use in a wide variety of industrial applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Applicant: CASTER CONCEPTS, INC.Inventor: Elmer Lee
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Patent number: 8863355Abstract: A caster wheel assembly includes at least one hub that has an annularly dished concave region disposed between a pair of cylindrical lips about its outer periphery. An elastomeric tread has a convex inner periphery that seats in the concave region of the hub. The interface between the hub and tread is parabolic in cross-section to manage load-inducted stresses in the tread. The parabolic cross-section is defined by the equation y=A*x2, where A is between 1.5 and 4. A cylindrical lip/pad interface is established between hub and tread on opposite sides of the parabolic interface to accommodate high load situations. A bearing is supported in the hub, and a bushing inside the bearing. An axle shaft passing through the bushing attaches the hub and tread to a support bracket for use in a wide variety of industrial applications.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2013Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Caster Concepts, Inc.Inventor: Elmer Lee
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Publication number: 20140173785Abstract: A new and distinct flowering Petunia plant with a dark red to purple flower color, vigorous growth habit, and continuous blooming.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Inventor: Elmer Lee Archibald, JR.
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Publication number: 20140173797Abstract: A new and distinct flowering Petunia plant with a strong and long-lasting yellow flower color and good tolerance to hot weather conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Inventor: Elmer Lee Archibald, JR.
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Patent number: 7478803Abstract: A compact shock absorption, vibration, isolation, and/or suspension device is provided having long life and increased performance in a compact design. The device of the present disclosure is both less expensive and simpler to manufacture. In addition to being able to be used as a shock absorber in the hub of a wheel of an in-line skate, scooter or other small wheeled vehicle, the device of the present disclosure may be used in locations outside a wheel hub as well as in non-wheel devices where there is a need to isolate, damp, and absorb shock and/or vibrations experienced by a component of the device in order to minimize their effect on the entirety of the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Inventor: Elmer Lee
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Publication number: 20030230866Abstract: A compact shock absorption, vibration, isolation, and/or suspension device is provided having long life and increased performance in a compact design. The device of the present disclosure is both less expensive and simpler to manufacture. In addition to being able to be used as a shock absorber in the hub of a wheel of an in-line skate, scooter or other small wheeled vehicle, the device of the present disclosure may be used in locations outside a wheel hub as well as in non-wheel devices where there is a need to isolate, damp, and absorb shock and/or vibrations experienced by a component of the device in order to minimize their effect on the entirety of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventor: Elmer Lee
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Patent number: 6543791Abstract: This invention relates to a hub mounted shock absorber suitable for use in the wheels of in-line skates or other small wheel transportation devices such as scooters, street skis, etc. and to in-line skates utilizing wheels with such hub mounted shock absorbers. The hub mounted shock absorbers include an outer tube with an elastomer, preferably a low durometer elastomer between the outer tube and the axle of the wheel. The elastomer is prefereably sandwiched between the inner and outer tube with the axle passing through the inner tube. Openings may be selectively provided in the outer tube to further reduce the stiffness of the elastomer and flexure or other appropriate mechanism may be included which result in minimum stiffness for the shock absorber in the vertical direction only.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Inventor: Elmer Lee
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Patent number: 6448589Abstract: A connector block formed in a semiconductor chip to provide all contacts on the same side of the chip. The connector block is preferably formed by driving a slow diffusing dopant deep into the chip from both sides until the diffused dopant overlaps in the middle of the chip. The connector block is metalized with a top contact and connected to circuits. The bottom of the connector block is metallized and connected to other bottom side contacts which, in turn may be connected to circuits. This arrangement effectively allows all contacts to be available from the top side of the semiconductor chip.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Teccor Electronics, L.P.Inventors: Kelly C. Casey, Elmer Lee Turner, Jr.
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Patent number: 3958332Abstract: A plurality of tubular, spaced apart cutting links are coaxially fastened to a continuous cable and are driven around a plurality of sprockets by a motor driven sprocket. Each cutting link includes cutting teeth at the forward end of the link and a chip or sawdust clearing edge at the rear of the link.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1975Date of Patent: May 25, 1976Inventors: Elmer L. Gates, Richard K. Goodell, Elmer Lee Gates, Jr.