Patents by Inventor Jack A. Colvin

Jack A. Colvin 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: 4860794
    Abstract: A dual solenoid valve assembly is provided. The assembly includes a casing joined to a housing having a pressure inlet and outlet, an exhaust port, a first fluid path connecting the inlet and the outlet, and a second fluid path intersecting the first fluid path and connected with the exhaust port. A first valve seat is in the first fluid path and a second valve seat is in the second fluid path. A first solenoid coil is mounted within the casing and a first magnetic solenoid stop is mounted within the first coil. A first solenoid plunger is slidably mounted within the first coil biased away from the first valve seat. A first tubular valve stem is fixably connected with the first plunger for sealably contacting the first valve seat. A second solenoid coil is mounted within the casing on a side of the first coil opposite the housing. A second magnetic stop is mounted within the second coil and a second solenoid plunger is biased away from the stop and is slidably mounted within the second coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Richard M. Parrott, Jack A. Colvin, Lyle W. Shuey
  • Patent number: 4579010
    Abstract: A shift lever mechanism for engine starting apparatus. The mechanism includes a pivotally mounted lever for translating axial movement of the plunger of a starter solenoid into axial movement of a pinion that is adapted to mesh with the ring gear of an engine. The part of the shift lever that is moved by the solenoid plunger has two opposed actuating surfaces that are located at different radial distances from the pivot point of the shift lever. These actuating surfaces are engaged by corresponding surfaces provided on a part movable with the plunger. When the plunger is pulled-in corresponding surfaces separate by an amount sufficient to permit a solenoid switch to open when the solenoid coil is deenergized and the plunger moved to a position to cause reengagement of the separated surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jack A. Colvin, Ronald G. Colvill, Alan L. Smock
  • Patent number: 4412457
    Abstract: A compact in-line cranking motor drive having a planetary reduction gear set. The cranking motor has a hollow armature shaft for driving the sun gear of the gear set and the planet carrier of the gear set is connected to drive a central shaft, which is disposed within the hollow armature shaft and supported at both ends by the drive housing. A one-way overrunning clutch shiftably disposed on the central shaft drives a pinion gear and is adapted to be shifted axially on the central shaft for selectively engaging the pinion gear with the flywheel of an engine to be cranked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1983
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jack A. Colvin, John M. McClellan
  • Patent number: 4382242
    Abstract: A solenoid operated switch that has a cover formed of insulating material secured to the end of a metallic solenoid housing. A pair of internally threaded mounting studs fixed to the solenoid housing extend through openings in the cover and receive threaded screws. The screws have heads engaging the cover and are tightened against the ends of the mounting studs. A rubber coated spring steel gasket is located between the cover and solenoid housing which is flexed from a straight configuration to a bowed configuration when the screws are fully tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1983
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jack A. Colvin, John V. Hellmann, Alan L. Smock