Patents by Inventor Gary L. Johnston
Gary L. Johnston 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: 6896472Abstract: A material handling apparatus is provided which enables an operator to load, transport, and unload material, while the apparatus may be moving in the forward and backward directions. The apparatus includes a frame structure means, a material handling means, and a power transfer means, with the material handling means and the power transfer means being mounted on the frame structure means. The material handling means is a conventional type of load bucket, commonly found on construction equipment. It is pivotally mounted to the rear of the frame structure means, and is capable of pivoting in both the forward and backward directions via the power transfer means. An optional item may include an attachment component for attaching the apparatus to a piece of construction equipment or farm equipment, such as a tractor. The apparatus may also be part of a motorized vehicle, in which case the attachment component is not required.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Inventor: Gary L. Johnston
-
Patent number: 6652509Abstract: A housing that can be used to form and maintain a fluid-tight connection between a container and a medical device. The housing comprises an internal receiving surface circumscribing a cavity into which a fitting of the medical device can be inserted. The internal receiving surface comprises a first wall portion having a first contact annulus and a second wall portion having a second contact annulus. Upon insertion of the fitting into an opening in the cavity of the housing, the fitting forms a primary seal with the first contact annulus and a secondary seal with the second contact annulus. The primary seal is formed as the surface of the fitting contacts the first contact annulus of the internal receiving surface of the housing. The secondary seal is formed as the surface of the fitting contacts the second contact annulus of the internal receiving surface of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2000Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: R. Hayes Helgren, Kenneth A. Hsu, Gary L. Johnston, Ray A. Winfield
-
Patent number: 6651435Abstract: A water evaporation apparatus is provided which uses the heat from the sun to evaporate water from a water collection means. The water collection means has a water container member partially submerged in a water reservoir. The water container member has a water transport member connected to it, through which water from the water reservoir may move into the water container member. The water from the reservoir will move into the water container member as the sun evaporates water from the water container member since the water levels will naturally try and reach equilibrium. An electricity generation means may be operatively connected to the water collection means in such a manner that the movement of the water through said water transport member may be used to generate electricity.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Inventor: Gary L. Johnston
-
Publication number: 20030007857Abstract: A material handling apparatus is provided which enables an operator to load, transport, and unload material, while the apparatus may be moving in the forward and backward directions. The apparatus includes a frame structure means, a material handling means, and a power transfer means, with the material handling means and the power transfer means being mounted on the frame structure means. The material handling means is a conventional type of load bucket, commonly found on construction equipment. It is pivotally mounted to the rear of the frame structure means, and is capable of pivoting in both the forward and backward directions via the power transfer means. An optional item may include an attachment component for attaching the apparatus to a piece of construction equipment or farm equipment, such as a tractor. The apparatus may also be part of a motorized vehicle, in which case the attachment component is not required.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventor: Gary L. Johnston
-
Patent number: 6436010Abstract: An adjustable exercise apparatus is provided which a user operates while in a standing position. The apparatus includes a rotation assembly mounted on a frame structure. This rotation assembly includes a plurality of rotational members connected together by either a closed loop or intermediate rotatable members. Cranks are attached to and extend from each side of each rotational member. A pedal is located on each side which bridges the cranks on that side. The cranks are arranged such that the pedals are opposingly positioned and travel their path of rotation while remaining in a substantially horizontal position. The pedals and cranks may have adjusting features which enable the apparatus to be configured such that the foot pedals follow more of a circular path and also configured to follow more of an elliptical path. Optional handles and variable resistance provide adjustable support and multiple work levels for the user. Another option is a motor for producing automatic movement of the pedals.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Inventor: Gary L. Johnston
-
Publication number: 20010051090Abstract: A material transport apparatus is provided which enables an operator to load, transport, and unload material while moving the apparatus in the forward and backward directions. The apparatus includes a frame structure means, a material handling means, and a power transfer means, with the material handling means and the power transfer means being mounted on the frame structure means. The material handling means is pivotally mounted to the frame structure means, and its open end may thus be pivoted in the forward and backward directions via the power transfer means. An optional item may include an attachment component for attaching the apparatus to a piece of construction or farm equipment. The apparatus may also be part of a motorized vehicle, whose primary purpose is to load, transport, and unload material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2000Publication date: December 13, 2001Inventor: Gary L. Johnston
-
Patent number: 6273841Abstract: A twisting exercise apparatus is provided which enables the user to exercise both upper and lower body muscle groups. The apparatus includes a frame means, with a hand engagement means, a seat support means, and a power transfer means are all pivotally mounted to the frame means. The user may alternately push and pull backward and forward upon two handle members of the hand engagement means. This motion is transferred by a power transfer means into twisting or pivoting motion of a seat of the seat support means. Also, pivoting movement of the seat will produce alternating backward and forward movement of the handle members. Optional items include a back support means, inner and outer thigh engagement means, and a resistance means.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Inventor: Gary L. Johnston
-
Patent number: 6270159Abstract: A manual uplift apparatus comprising a structural frame unit, a mechanical uplift assembly unit, and a power translating mechanism connecting the two units to allow the user to more easily obtain a standing position from a previously seated position. A second use for the apparatus may be as an exercise product for exercising upper body muscle groups. The structural frame unit is used to support and guide the mechanical uplift assembly unit. The mechanical uplift assembly unit has two sections that can independently move vertically with respect to the structural frame unit. One section has a seat, the other has rails or hand engagement handles. When downward force is applied to the hand engagement handles, the section having the handles move vertically downward and produces an upward force in the section having the seat through the power translating mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1998Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Inventor: Gary L. Johnston
-
Patent number: 6251050Abstract: A standup exercise apparatus is provided which a user operates while in a standing position. The apparatus includes a rotation assembly mounted on a frame structure. This rotation assembly includes a plurality of rotational members connected together by either a closed loop or intermediate rotatable members. Cranks are attached to and extend from each side of each rotational member. A pedal is located on each side which bridges the cranks on that side. The cranks are arranged such that the pedals are opposingly positioned and travel their path of rotation while remaining in a substantially horizontal position. The pedals and cranks may have adjusting features which enable the apparatus to be configured such that the foot pedals follow more of a circular path and also configured to follow more of an elliptical path. Optional handles and variable resistance provide adjustable support and multiple work levels for the user. Another option is a motor for producing automatic movement of the pedals.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Inventor: Gary L. Johnston
-
Patent number: 6120417Abstract: A rotary exercise apparatus is provided which a user operates while in a standing position. The apparatus includes a rotation assembly mounted on a frame structure. This rotation assembly includes a plurality of rotational members connected together by either a closed loop or intermediate rotatable members. Cranks are attached to and extend from each side of each rotational member. A pedal is located on each side which bridges the cranks on that side. The cranks are arranged such that the pedals are opposingly positioned and travel their path of rotation while remaining in a substantially horizontal position. The pedals and cranks may have adjusting features which enable the apparatus to be configured such that the foot pedals follow more of a circular path and also configured to follow more of an elliptical path. Optional handles and variable resistance provide adjustable support and multiple work levels for the user. Another option is a motor for producing automatic movement of the pedals.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Inventor: Gary L. Johnston
-
Patent number: 6004107Abstract: A water removal apparatus is provided which enables the user to remove water from a wet surface, such as a back yard lawn or sports field. The apparatus includes a frame structure, a press member, and a water removal system. The press member is rotatably mounted to the frame structure. The press member has openings through which water passes. The water is temporarily collected within the press member as the press member is rolled across the wet surface. The water removal system removes the water from the press cylinder and places it in a storage member. The water may then be transported to a different area, and the storage member drained.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1997Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Inventor: Gary L. Johnston
-
Patent number: 5971893Abstract: An adjustable cycling apparatus including a pedal mechanism assembly unit which is pivotally mounted to a structural frame unit. The structural frame unit includes a substantially horizontal seat support means and a back support means. The back support means is positionable along the structural frame unit in a substantially horizontal direction. The pedal mechanism assembly unit includes a pedal assembly operatively connected to a flywheel through a chain and sprocket system, with the pedal assembly and flywheel having different axes of rotation. The pedal mechanism assembly unit may be pivoted in the upward and downward directions such that the axis of rotation of the pedal assembly may be positioned above and below the elevation of the seat support means. The user may engage the pedal assembly with their feet while the axis of rotation of the pedal assembly is above and below the elevation of the seat support means.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventor: Gary L. Johnston
-
Patent number: 5944636Abstract: A stationary exercise apparatus is provided which a user operates while in a standing position. The apparatus includes a rotation assembly mounted on a frame structure. The rotation assembly includes a plurality of rotational members connected together by either a closed loop or intermediate rotatable members. Cranks are attached to and extend from each side of each rotational member. A pedal is located on each side which bridges the cranks on that side. The cranks are arranged such that the pedals are opposingly positioned and travel their path of rotation while remaining in a horizontal position. Handles and optional variable resistance provide adjustable support and multiple work levels for the user. Another option is a motor for producing automatic movement of the pedals.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Inventor: Gary L. Johnston
-
Patent number: 5876095Abstract: A mechanical uplift apparatus comprising a structural frame unit, a mechanical uplift assembly unit, and a power translating mechanism connecting the two units to allow the user to more easily obtain a standing position from a previously seated position. A second use for the apparatus may be as an exercise product for exercising upper body muscle groups. The structural frame unit is used to support and guide the mechanical uplift assembly unit. The mechanical uplift assembly unit has two sections that can independently move vertically with respect to the structural frame unit. One section has a seat, the other has rails or hand engagement handles. When downward force is applied to the hand engagement handles, the section having the handles move vertically downward and produces an upward force in the section having the seat through the power translating mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Inventor: Gary L. Johnston
-
Patent number: 5620028Abstract: A brake module including an integrally formed manifold and accumulator provides a way of simplifying assembly, increasing packaging flexibility and reducing the total number of individual components.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1995Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Gary L. Johnston, James W. Zehnder, II, Richard E. Longhouse, William C. Kruckemeyer, Michael L. Oliver
-
Patent number: 5609401Abstract: A brake system with a direct connection between the master cylinder and wheel brake through an isolation valve and dual normally closed poppet style control valves provides efficient, proportional and independent wheel control suitable for use in achieving anti-lock braking and traction control braking intervention functions.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1995Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Gary L. Johnston, James W. Zehnder, II, William C. Kruckemeyer, Michael L. Oliver, Richard E. Longhouse
-
Patent number: 5605384Abstract: A braking system is provided with the addition of a normally closed access valve that is held in the open position during assembly of the braking system providing a path for the evacuation and fluid filling process of the braking system. Through the additional access valve, all areas, including otherwise inaccessible areas of the hydraulic circuit of the braking system are filled from one access point such as at the master cylinder assembly. After completion of the evacuation and fill process, the valve is closed and remains closed during all braking operation of the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1996Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Gary L. Johnston, William C. Kruckemeyer, James W. Zehnder, II, Michael L. Oliver
-
Patent number: 5605525Abstract: A turning exercise apparatus comprising a structural frame means, a user engagement means, and optional resistance means and motor means, whereby the user may engage the user engagement means with their legs and/or feet, and perform lower body exercise routines while in a relatively reclined position. The user engagement means is turnably coupled to the structural frame means to turn in the forward, backward, and side directions. The user may manually produce motion in the user engagement means, with an optional resistance means included to provide a resistance force against the turning motion. An optional motor means may also be used to provide automatic turning motion of the user engagement means.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1995Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Inventor: Gary L. Johnston
-
Patent number: 5569127Abstract: A side stepping exercise apparatus is provided which a user operates while in a standing position. The apparatus includes a foot engagement assembly mounted on a frame structure. The foot engagement assembly comprises two foot engaging members which are coupled to the frame structure to move in a substantially vertical direction. Two force transmitting components operatively connect the frame structure and the foot engagement assembly. One force transmitting components operatively connects the front of the frame structure and the front of the foot engaging members. A second force transmitting component operatively connects the rear of the frame structure with the rear of the foot engaging members. The two connections are such that a downward force applied to one portion of the foot engaging members produces an upward force on the corresponding portion of the other foot engaging member. This causes the foot engaging members to move in opposite direction from one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1994Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Inventor: Gary L. Johnston
-
Patent number: 5520596Abstract: A stepping exercise apparatus having two foot engaging members coupled to a structural frame to move in a substantially vertical direction. A power translating mechanism operatively connects the foot engaging members for moving them in opposite directions. The power translating mechanism includes at least one lever pivotally mounted at its proximate center and having adjustable end segments pivotally connected to the foot engaging members.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1995Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Inventor: Gary L. Johnston