Patents by Inventor James R. Cullen

James R. Cullen 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: 5947784
    Abstract: A device that produces toroidal bubbles of gaseous fluid when operated in immersed relation to a body of liquid fluid. A first embodiment is operated by a person who blows into a first end of the device with a short burst of air, and a second embodiment is operated by a pneumatic pump that delivers a short burst of air to the first end. A normally closed valve such as a poppet valve is positioned on a second end of the device. The valve opens and closes very rapidly in response to the burst of air. Air escaping around the peripheral border of the valve creates a toroidal bubble that expands in volume as it approaches the surface of the liquid fluid; the effect is visually pleasing. The valve of the device may also be held in the mouth, eliminating the conduit. In additional embodiments, the source of gaseous fluid is any pneumatically-charged device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: James R. Cullen
  • Patent number: 5861801
    Abstract: A vehicle theft deterrent apparatus and method includes a flashing light emitting diode (LED) placed in a visible position within the passenger compartment of a vehicle to simulate an authenticate, armed security system. The flashing LED is powered by a DC power supply that is hidden behind a dashboard, under a carpet, in a glove compartment, or in some other remote, hidden location. An elongate, flexible conductor interconnects the LED and the power supply and is also hidden from view. The transverse cross section of the conductor enables it to be hidden at the base of a windshield or to extend through a small space between dashboard panels. The conductor is connected directly to the LED so that no housing for the LED is required and no holes need be drilled in the dashboard to accommodate a housing. A potential thief is deterred from a theft attempt because the only visible part of the apparatus is the flashing LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: James R. Cullen
  • Patent number: 5245891
    Abstract: A closure or bottom pan for a transmission provides a reservoir in which excess system fluid is stored. The bottom pan has a waffle pattern bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Randall M. Marich, James R. Cullen