Patents by Inventor James R. Tirrell

James R. Tirrell 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: 8223476
    Abstract: A field rephaseable metering device is provided including at least three distribution buses including two side buses and a center bus, the center bus having a vertical center line. At least one meter socket is provided having a vertical center line offset from the vertical center line of said center bus, each meter socket including a first line terminal and a second line terminal. At least two line straps are provided, each having a first end configured for connecting with one of the first or second line terminals, and a second elongate end configured to be selectively connectable to one of the side buses associated with its line terminal or the center bus. When each line strap is positioned to connect one of the line terminals with one of the distribution buses, a longitudinal axis of each line strap is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of each distribution bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Fan Zhang, Brian J. Rusch, Arthur Kevin Shumate, James R. Tirrell, Carey D. Harnois, Robert E. Henry, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8016529
    Abstract: A spring-loaded captive fastener retainer provides a user-friendly system to mechanically fasten units (e.g. panels, cabinets, etc.) to other units. Generally, the retainer is spring-loaded to force a fastener to extend beyond the unit. The retainer has a housing that provides guidance to the fastener so that it is secured within the unit and travels in a predictable path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher Scott Robinson, Carey D. Harnois, James R. Tirrell
  • Patent number: 7766704
    Abstract: A lay-in lug has two spaced apart and substantially parallel lug walls. A nut plate is supported between the first lug wall and the second lug wall. A plate retainer exerts force on a lug wall and restricts the plate from moving in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second lug walls. The plate retainer has a flexible retaining base and a pair of retaining legs extending from the retaining base. Snap protrusions extend from each of the retaining legs and are formed to interlock with a portion of the wall of the lay-in lug and restrict movement the nut plate. The plate retainer either snaps around the edge of the lug wall or along the wall's length. It may also clip around the nut plate and prevents its movement in a direction along the inner surfaces of the lug walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher Scott Robinson, James R. Tirrell, Brian J. Rusch
  • Publication number: 20100014911
    Abstract: A spring-loaded captive fastener retainer provides a user-friendly system to mechanically fasten units (e.g. panels, cabinets, etc.) to other units. Generally, the retainer is spring-loaded to force a fastener to extend beyond the unit. The retainer has a housing that provides guidance to the fastener so that it is secured within the unit and travels in a predictable path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Kristopher Scott Robinson, Carey D. Harnois, James R. Tirrell
  • Publication number: 20090251852
    Abstract: A field rephaseable metering device is provided including at least three distribution buses including two side buses and a center bus, the center bus having a vertical center line. At least one meter socket is provided having a vertical center line offset from the vertical center line of said center bus, each meter socket including a first line terminal and a second line terminal. At least two line straps are provided, each having a first end configured for connecting with one of the first or second line terminals, and a second elongate end configured to be selectively connectable to one of the side buses associated with its line terminal or the center bus. When each line strap is positioned to connect one of the line terminals with one of the distribution buses, a longitudinal axis of each line strap is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of each distribution bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Fan Zhang, Brian J. Rusch, Arthur Kevin Shumate, James R. Tirrell, Carey D. Harnois, Robert E. Henry, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090047845
    Abstract: A lay-in lug has two spaced apart and substantially parallel lug walls. A nut plate is supported between the first lug wall and the second lug wall. A plate retainer exerts force on a lug wall and restricts the plate from moving in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second lug walls. The plate retainer has a flexible retaining base and a pair of retaining legs extending from the retaining base. Snap protrusions extend from each of the retaining legs and are formed to interlock with a portion of the wall of the lay-in lug and restrict movement the nut plate. The plate retainer either snaps around the edge of the lug wall or along the wall's length. It may also clip around the nut plate and prevents its movement in a direction along the inner surfaces of the lug walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Kristopher Scott Robinson, James R. Tirrell, Brian J. Rusch