Patents by Inventor Michael D. Trost

Michael D. Trost 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: 6142434
    Abstract: A multi-purpose utility pole clamp capable of supporting overhead lines or cables and adhering any of a variety of fixtures to a utility pole without the need for a traditional through-bolt fastening mechanism. The utility pole clamp of the present invention includes an electrically conductive band member for placement about the circumference of the utility pole, a locking mechanism for resiliently biasing the band member against the utility pole to thereby fixedly yet flexibly secure the band member to the utility pole, and a mounting block having at least one receiving aperture for rigidly coupling any of a variety of utility pole fixtures to the band member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventors: Michael D. Trost, Scot M. Brinkman
  • Patent number: 6122770
    Abstract: A retractable/extensible spike normally mounted in retractable disposition for slidable advance motion from within a protective sleeve-like retainer and held within a glove or other hand-engaging arrangement so that the tip of the spike may be extended outwardly to enable the user to obtain a grip on a slippery surface. The device is particularly useful as protection for individuals who may be engaging in wintertime activities on a frozen lake surface or frozen slope, particularly when there is a risk or danger of either falling through the ice into the frigid water, or falling from a slippery slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventors: Matthew B. Mathison, Michael D. Trost
  • Patent number: 5671690
    Abstract: A variable camber inflatable airfoil for primary use with sailing vessels. The airfoil consists of a port and a starboard airfoil panel connected to a mast to partially or entirely enclose the mast. The airfoil is further provided with various air-inlet ports to inflate the airfoil in either a dynamic fashion, with the airfoil being inflated via the air pressure from the ingress of air into the air-inlet ports during sailing, or alternatively, the airfoil may be inflated in a static fashion, with the air pressure within the airfoil remaining constant by being inflated and sealed off. Upon inflation, the shape of the airfoil may be adjusted by applying and removing tension from tension points on the port and starboard panels of the airfoil to obtain the optimal airfoil shape for the particular angle of attack and desired lift-to-drag ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Michael D. Trost