Patents by Inventor James N. Sproatt

James N. Sproatt 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).

  • Publication number: 20100170032
    Abstract: A pool blanket reel assembly is provided that includes a motor base, an idler base, a roller bar, a motor bracket, a motor, an idler bracket, an idler hub, a power supply, a switch, a remote control, and a remote control timer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: DAYS CORPORATION
    Inventors: JAMES N. SPROATT, MARK M. EICHHORN
  • Patent number: 7226057
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically leveling a vehicle is provided, employing air springs, a sensor and a controller. The air springs are each mounted to the vehicle, and each can be at least partially inflated to provide suspension for the vehicle. Each of the air springs can also level the vehicle when the vehicle is parked. The sensor is mounted to the vehicle to sense pitch and roll of the vehicle relative to a reference level plane. The sensor also produces an orientation signal representing the vehicle pitch and roll. In response to the signal, the controller may cause at least one of the air springs to either inflate to move the vehicle upwardly, or deflate to move the vehicle downwardly relative to a ground surface, until the orientation of the vehicle reaches the reference level plane within a tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Days Corporation
    Inventors: Mark M. Eichhorn, James E. Rouch, Alice E. Poseley, James N. Sproatt
  • Publication number: 20040256815
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically leveling a vehicle is provided, employing air springs, a sensor and a controller. The air springs are each mounted to the vehicle, and each can be at least partially inflated to provide suspension for the vehicle. Each of the air springs can also level the vehicle when the vehicle is parked. The sensor is mounted to the vehicle to sense pitch and roll of the vehicle relative to a reference level plane. The sensor also produces an orientation signal representing the vehicle pitch and roll. In response to the signal, the controller may cause at least one of the air springs to either inflate to move the vehicle upwardly, or deflate to move the vehicle downwardly relative to a ground surface, until the orientation of the vehicle reaches the reference level plane within a tolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Mark M. Eichhorn, James E. Rouch, Alice E. Poseley, James N. Sproatt
  • Publication number: 20030051966
    Abstract: A clutch assembly is provided. The assembly has a rotatable member having a pathway disposed thereon which has at least one rise adjacent at least one vale. A retainer is provided which receives at least a portion of the at least one bearing. The bearing moves along the pathway and the retainer maintains receipt of at least a portion of the at least one bearing. The bias member is located adjacent at least a portion of the at least on bearing such that bias from the bias member is directed against the at least one bearing to maintain the at least one bearing substantially on the pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: James N. Sproatt, Mark M. Eichhorn, Clark W. Clark, Todd A. Stahly