Patents by Inventor Fred J. Stehling

Fred J. Stehling 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: 9587763
    Abstract: A magnetic valve security device prevents unauthorized opening of fire hydrant valves. The magnetic valve security device includes an inner cylindrical member having a lower end with a recess to receive the valve nut in a non-rotational relationship and an upper end with a first coupling element. The magnetic valve security device also includes an outer rotational member mounted over the inner cylindrical member for rotation with respect to the inner cylindrical member. The outer rotational member includes a second coupling element. The magnetic valve security device also includes a movable element having a non-magnetic body configured to receive a fitted magnetizable piece. The movable element is urged to a first position to decouple the first and second coupling elements. The movable element is movable to a second position to couple the first and second elements in a non-rotational relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: HYDRA-SHIELD MFG. INC.
    Inventors: Fred J. Stehling, Terry McWilliams, Roy Istre
  • Publication number: 20160265683
    Abstract: A magnetic valve security device prevents unauthorized opening of fire hydrant valves. The magnetic valve security device includes an inner cylindrical member having a lower end with a recess to receive the valve nut in a non-rotational relationship and an upper end with a first coupling element. The magnetic valve security device also includes an outer rotational member mounted over the inner cylindrical member for rotation with respect to the inner cylindrical member. The outer rotational member includes a second coupling element. The magnetic valve security device also includes a movable element having a non-magnetic body configured to receive a fitted magnetizable piece. The movable element is urged to a first position to decouple the first and second coupling elements. The movable element is movable to a second position to couple the first and second elements in a non-rotational relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: HYDRA-SHIELD MFG. INC.
    Inventors: Fred J. STEHLING, Terry MCWILLIAMS, Roy ISTRE
  • Patent number: 7322563
    Abstract: Underground water valves having square operating nuts, such as but not limited to critical water valves which control different pressure zones or different demand areas, are secured by a shielding cap, each of which have a recess that receives a valve operating nut and a cylindrical projection which frustrates attempts to rotate the operating nut. When an authorized person decides to open or close one of the valves, the shielding cap is retrieved from the operating nut by a retrieving head which has the socket defined by a frustoconical recess. Within the recess are a pair of opposed pins which seat in J-shaped slots in the frustoconical projection. Upon rotating the retrieving head, the pins move into alignment with open ends of the J-shaped slots, down shank portions of the slots and abut closed ends of the slots so that the shielding cap may be pulled from the valve operating nut and withdrawn through the valve operating box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Custodian Patent, LLC
    Inventors: Fred J. Stehling, Terry R. McWilliams, Roy Istre, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7040342
    Abstract: A fire hydrant security arrangement includes a center post which is retained on the operating nut of the fire hydrant by a central bolt which is threaded into the operating nut. The center post has a pentagonal recess therein which receives an insert, the insert having an inner recess which corresponds in shape to the operating nut. A domed housing is slid over the operating nut and can rotate with respect thereto. A circular groove in the center post receives a projection from a security plug which has been threaded through a threaded bore in the domed housing. The security plug has a socket therein which includes a recess which is off-set slightly from the axis of the plug and is only operable by a security tool having an off-set projection that is receivable in the recess. Without possession of the security tool, it is very difficult to achieve sufficient purchase on the plug to rotate the plug and withdraw the plug sufficiently away from the circular groove in the center post to remove the domed housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Custodian Patent, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Fred J. Stehling, Terry R. McWilliams, Roy Istre, Jr.