Patents by Inventor Jeffrey A. Coppola

Jeffrey A. Coppola 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).

  • Self-centering, torque-sensing joint assembly for a pallet truck power steering system
    Patent number: 8504241
    Abstract: A steering mechanism includes a handle with a tiller arm coupled to the handle via a flexible joint allowing relative movement of the handle about the tiller arm. A handle centering mechanism forming part of the steering mechanism includes a first end fixedly secured to the handle and a second end extending into a channel of the tiller arm. The second end compresses bumpers disposed on opposing sides of the second end. The bumpers urge the handle toward a neutral position wherein when a force is applied to move the handle away from a home position relative to the tiller arm, one of the compressed bumpers of the pair of compressed bumpers is further compressed. When the force is removed, the handle is returned to the home position by action of the pair of compressed bumpers. Preferably, the steering mechanism includes a torque sensing arrangement having a sensor and a magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy T. Hanna, Richard M. Day, James M. McDonough, Jeffrey A. Coppola
  • SELF-CENTERING, TORQUE-SENSING JOINT ASSEMBLY FOR A PALLET TRUCK POWER STEERING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20110231059
    Abstract: A steering mechanism includes a handle with a tiller arm coupled to the handle via a flexible joint allowing relative movement of the handle about the tiller arm. A handle centering mechanism forming part of the steering mechanism includes a first end fixedly secured to the handle and a second end extending into a channel of the tiller arm. The second end compresses bumpers disposed on opposing sides of the second end. The bumpers urge the handle toward a neutral position wherein when a force is applied to move the handle away from a home position relative to the tiller arm, one of the compressed bumpers of the pair of compressed bumpers is further compressed. When the force is removed, the handle is returned to the home position by action of the pair of compressed bumpers. Preferably, the steering mechanism includes a torque sensing arrangement having a sensor and a magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy T. Hanna, Richard M. Day, James M. McDonough, Jeffrey A. Coppola