Patents by Inventor Michael S. Osvatic

Michael S. Osvatic 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).

  • Low power consumption lock for appliance latch
    Patent number: 7900979
    Abstract: A transportation-robust bi-stable latch mechanism preserves low actuation forces by means of an auxiliary mechanism blocking the effects of shock forces during transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel C. Bragg, Kenyon A. Hapke, Michael K. Hintz, Randy S. McDonald, Michael S. Osvatic, Jarod M. Sulik
  • Appliance lock using a motor driven linear actuator with helical spring drive
    Patent number: 7705253
    Abstract: An electrical linear actuator employs a reversible motor driving a helical wire spring. The coils of the spring engage a follower that moves along the axis of the spring with rotation of the motor to provide linear motion. This actuator may be used as a linear drive in an appliance lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Krieger, Joel C. Bragg, James D. Spors, Michael K. Hintz, Michael S. Osvatic, Kenyon A. Hapke
  • GASKET-COMPENSATING LATCH MECHANISM
    Publication number: 20100052338
    Abstract: A latch for an appliance or the like provides a floating bolt assembly spring biasing a door against a sealing gasket in different positions depending on gasket compliance. A lock provides a stop that may adjustably bridge a distance between the latch frame and the floating bolt assembly as the gasket ages thereby providing positive locking of the door over the life of the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Michael S. Osvatic, Kenyon A. Hapke
  • Washing machine lid lock with memory wire actuator
    Patent number: 7617703
    Abstract: An actuator suitable for a washing machine lid lock employs a shape memory alloy wire indirectly heated by a temperature regulating heater that provides a sliding coupling to the wire and that may be driven, for example, directly by line voltage without the need for temperature regulation circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Osvatic
  • APPLIANCE LATCH WITH POWER FAILURE UNLOCK
    Publication number: 20080256999
    Abstract: A lock for a washing machine or the like provides fast actuation through a solenoid driven bolt that remains stably in the locked position after power is no longer applied to the solenoid. The possibility of power failure preventing subsequent access to the washing machine is avoided through the use of a slower actuation time, thermal actuator storing sufficient energy to unlock the bolt after a time delay when power is lost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Kenyon A. Hapke, Michael S. Osvatic
  • Dishwasher vent assembly
    Patent number: 7367134
    Abstract: A mechanized vent for a dishwasher employs a vent plate moving about a hinge axis as driven by a cam mechanism at a surface of the vent plate removed from the hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Osvatic, Michael K. Hintz, Joel C. Bragg, Jeffrey J. Krieger, Mark D. Rodaer
  • APPLIANCE LOCK USING A MOTOR DRIVEN LINEAR ACTUATOR WITH HELICAL SPRING DRIVE
    Publication number: 20080099314
    Abstract: An electrical linear actuator employs a reversible motor driving a helical wire spring. The coils of the spring engage a follower that moves along the axis of the spring with rotation of the motor to provide linear motion. This actuator may be used as a linear drive in an appliance lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Krieger, Joel C. Bragg, James D. Spors, Michael K. Hintz, Michael S. Osvatic, Kenyon A. Hapke
  • Fast engage, slow release electrical actuator
    Patent number: 6940373
    Abstract: A fast engage, slow release electrical actuator combines an electromagnetic actuator with a thermal actuator, the latter which retains the electromagnetic actuator after the former has been actuated to delay the release thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ark-Les Corporation
    Inventors: Michael K. Hintz, Michael S. Osvatic, Kenyon A. Hapke