Patents by Inventor Lawrence F. Fratzke

Lawrence F. Fratzke 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: 4267890
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing system including a pressure vessel (10) adapted to contain under pressure a fire extinguishing material, an outlet (12, 14, 16) connected to the vessel and selectively operable to release extinguishing material therefrom, and a pressure sensing device (18) in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel. The invention contemplates the improvement wherein a temperature sensing device (26) is in proximity to the vessel for determining the temperature in the environment of the vessel and that the scale (24) of the pressure sensing device is scaled in temperature units. The temperature sensing device and the scale (24) are so correlated that a visual comparison of the two will indicate whether the vessel is properly charged at any of a set of widely fluctuating ambient temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Jimmy D. Myers, Lawrence F. Fratzke
  • Patent number: 4184146
    Abstract: A system for giving warning of the existence of an undesirable state of one or more of a plurality of monitored operating conditions of an engine-powered vehicle. Three degrees of warning are given, depending upon the criticality of the monitored condition. Individually energizable low-intensity warning indicators are provided for each of the monitored conditions, and a multiplexing circuit is provided for staggered pulsing of these indicators. The existence of any critical fault will cause an intermittent operation of a more intense warning device, while the existence of a highly critical fault will give an additional intermittent warning of a still greater degree of intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1980
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Lawrence F. Fratzke, Joe E. Fuzzell
  • Patent number: 4057502
    Abstract: A filter assembly comprises a base having a cartridge-type filter and an impervious case mounted thereon. An open end of the case is disposed in an annular recess defined in the base. An annular sealing means is disposed within the recess and is compressed in sealing relationship therein by the case. The sealing means comprises an annular metallic insert having a U-shaped cross section and an annular elastomeric member molded as an integral part thereof. Outer sealing portions of the elastomeric member are compressed into sealing contact with top and sidewalls defining the recess and the case is automatically self-centered within sidewalls of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1977
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Albert W. Crumrine, Lawrence F. Fratzke
  • Patent number: 4053868
    Abstract: A monitor system for indicating the existence of one or more undesirable operating conditions of an engine-powered vehicle, and including three separate indicator panels. The first panel is energized prior to starting the engine and indicates individual prestart-condition faults, the indicators being disabled after the engine is in operation. The second panel indicates individual operating-condition faults and gives warnings of a different magnitude depending on the criticality of the faults. The third panel is for sevice faults and latches service-fault indications for general presentation to the vehicle operator and individual presentation to service personnel after the vehicle has been shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1977
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Harrison F. Cox, Thomas E. Cochran, Lawrence F. Fratzke, Joe E. Fuzzell
  • Patent number: 4006083
    Abstract: Apparatus for indicating a clogged condition of a fluid filter or the like. The apparatus includes an electrical switch structure and a pressure-responsive element carried within the chamber to be responsive to the fluid pressure differential existing across the filter. The switch includes a threaded screw element adapted to adjustably engage the fluid pressure-responsive element in the chamber which may comprise a snap action element providing a positive instantaneous indication of the pressure across the filter reaching the preselected elevated value indicative of undesirable clogging of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1977
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Ralph Westervelt, Lawrence F. Fratzke