Patents by Inventor James M. Cummins

James M. Cummins 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: 6233743
    Abstract: A mitten for securing a handicapped user's hand to a grip of a ski pole with the thumb of the user extending along one side of the grip, and the fingers of the user extending along the opposite side of the grip. The mitten having a mitt with an arm-receiving portion, a thumb pocket and a separate finger pocket. An arm-securing band is attached to the mitt with the band being provided with connecting portions at opposite ends of the band for connecting the ends of the band together with the band encircling the mitt and the user's arm. The mitten further includes a thumb holding strap having one end sewn to an end of the thumb pocket of the mitt. A quick release buckle is provided for adjusting the length of the thumb holding strap and for releasably connecting the thumb holding strap to the arm-securing band. The mitten further includes a first finger holding strap having an end sewn adjacent an end of the finger pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: James M. Cummins
  • Patent number: 5632917
    Abstract: A windshield heating system includes a heating element installed in the defroster ductwork of a motor vehicle. An electrical driver provides electrical power to heat the heating element, thereby immediately providing heated air to the windshield of the vehicle when the vehicle is started in cold weather. The electrical power provided to the heating element can be modulated based on (1) temperature of the air before the heating element, (2) temperature of the heating element, and (3) system voltage of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: James M. Cummins, Gene R. Burnham, William A. Oestreich, James D. Boka
  • Patent number: 5307644
    Abstract: An electronic engine fan control device is disclosed. The control device includes means for detecting engine coolant temperature, operation of the vehicle air conditioning load, and vehicle road speed. The control device also includes means for generating first and second temperature signals in response to engine coolant temperature. The control device further includes override signal generating means for generating first and second override signal under certain temperature, or certain load and speed conditions. The control device finally includes means for comparing the first and second temperature signals and the first and second override signals for generating a control signal to operate the vehicle fan. A method for controlling an engine fan is also disclosed including the steps of detecting engine coolant temperature, air conditioning load and road speed and generating corresponding signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: James M. Cummins, John I. Snoke, Gene R. Burnham
  • Patent number: 4793343
    Abstract: A face mask for use in cold weather to supply warm air for inhalation by normal breathing to persons having respiratory and heart ailments to avoid the discomfort, pain and limited mobility caused by breathing cold air and to healthy people engaged in strenuous cold weather activities. The face mask has inlet and outlet check valves and a cold air intake chamber with an electric heater element therein which heats the cold air to supply warm air for inhalation. The heater element is preferably powered by a portable battery pack and controlled by electronic circuitry to maintain the heated air in a predetermined temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Inventors: James M. Cummins, Jr., George Morrison, Jr., Robert E. Pierfelice
  • Patent number: 4776231
    Abstract: In an adjustable automobile mirror system of either the manual type or a three-cable operated type including a mirror anchored to a mirror retainer whose position is adjustable relative to a mirror housing, the improved mounting of the mirror retainer upon the mirror housing which comprises a part-spherical head upon the housing and a pivot block having a socket movably mounted upon the head. Resilient detents on the mirror retainer receive and retainingly engage the pivot block for movements therewith. One detent is manually yieldable to facilitate selective assembly of the mirror retainer on and disassembly from the pivot block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: NI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cummins, James M. Cummins, Raymond A. Theys
  • Patent number: 4756291
    Abstract: A fuel system for an internal combustion engine wherein the fuel pressure is maintained within a desired predetermined range. An electric fuel pump supplies fuel at a pressure proportional to the electric power applied to the pump. Control circuitry compares a voltage signal corresponding to the fuel pressure within a predetermined voltage range corresponding to a predetermined fuel pressure range. When the voltage signal is below the predetermined voltage range, the electric power applied to the electric pump is increased; when the voltage signal is above the predetermined voltage range, the electric power applied to the electric pump is decreased. The control circuit may further increase or decrease the electric power at a predetermined rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: James M. Cummins, John G. Wilson, John J. Lubinski
  • Patent number: 4640142
    Abstract: In an adjustable automobile mirror system of either the manual type or a three-cable operated type including a mirror anchored to a mirror retainer whose position is adjustable relative to a mirror housing, the improved mounting of the mirror retainer upon the mirror housing which comprises a part-spherical head upon the housing and a pivot block having a socket movably mounted upon the head. Resilient detents on the mirror retainer receive and retainingly engage the pivot block for movements therewith. One detent is manually yieldable to facilitate selective assembly of the mirror retainer on and disassembly from the pivot block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: NI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cummins, James M. Cummins, Raymond A. Theys
  • Patent number: 4220143
    Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus for the prevention of ischemic ulcers and treatment for the soreness and stiffness of joints of patients suffering from arthritis, Parkinson's disease and the like. In the apparatus a patient rests on a surface such as that provided by a conventional mattress and bed which surface is oscillated through an included angle in the range of about 2 to 6 degrees in a generally vertical plane extending generally parallel to the longitude of the patient at a rate of about 15 to 150 seconds per each sweep through the included angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1980
    Inventors: James M. Cummins, Gilbert E. Pierfelice
  • Patent number: 4027548
    Abstract: A remotely controlled mirror system employs a cable control system interconnecting a control unit with the mirror backing plate, the backing plate being pivotally mounted relative to the mirror housing by means of cooperating semi-spherical head and socket portions thereon, which permit pivotal adjustment of the mirror about the two axes which are mutually perpendicular to the cable control system at its point of attachment to the mirror backing plate. Pivotal movement of the mirror about another axis parallel to the cable control system is prevented or restricted by interference between a pin secured to the socketed member and the side walls or surfaces of a slot in the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1977
    Assignee: Mirrex, Incorporated
    Inventor: James M. Cummins