Patents by Inventor John F. Jacobs, Jr.

John F. Jacobs, Jr. 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: 5689986
    Abstract: A plurality of successively spaced notches are formed in a side edge of a metal strip by first and second adjustably positionable dies prior to roll forming of the strip to a formed configuration. After roll forming, fingers engage selected edges of the notches to detect a notch length dimension and a full part length dimension. Sensors detect the position of the fingers and generate output signals to a controller which generates an adjustment signal based on the switch conditions to adjustably position the first and second dies to accommodate any elongation of the metal strip during roll forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: John F. Jacobs, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5553562
    Abstract: An iceboat includes a hull and a perpendicular extending plank attached to the rear end of the hull. Side struts extend from outer ends of the plank to the forward portion of the hull. A mast is mounted on each side strut at a position rearward of the occupant cockpit in the hull and supports a sail. Skates are attached to the front end of the hull and to the outer ends of the plank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: John F. Jacobs, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5188054
    Abstract: An apparatus for towing a multi-hull watercraft includes a pair of spaced, rigid, tubular members extending between the rear of a towing craft to a location between the two hulls of the towed watercraft. Swivel connectors having mating members mounted on the towed watercraft and the multi-hull watercraft and on the ends of the first and second tubular members connect the two craft together at a fixed longitudinal distance; but allow vertical, independent movement of the two watercraft relative to each other. A plurality of flexible cables are movably coupled between diagonally opposed ends of the tubular members and a centrally located ring connector to enable each of the watercraft to roll about their respective yaw axis independent of each other and to maintain the spacing between the tubular members constant along their length from the first ends to the second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Inventor: John F. Jacobs, Jr.