Patents by Inventor Lester F. Richardson

Lester F. Richardson 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: 6152455
    Abstract: The expandable band is used to secure a sealing element within a generally cylindrical structure, such as a pipe or manhole, or other round hole. The expandable band includes a band body having a first band end portion and a second band end portion. A plurality of slots are disposed in the first band end portion, and a locking member extends from the second band end portion. The locking member includes a tab for extending through the second band end portion and into one of the plurality of slots to lock the expandable band at the desired diameter. An end section of the second band end portion extends beyond the tab of the locking member to ease the transition between the overlapping first and second band end portions. When the band is expanded, the tab is disengaged from the slots and slides over the slots, allowing the first and second band end portions to move relative to one another. At the desired diameter, the tab engages one of the slots to lock the band at the desired diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: NPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Brockway, Lester F. Richardson