Patents by Inventor Reinald D. Liegel

Reinald D. Liegel 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: 5931043
    Abstract: The present invention provides a single system to accommodate the various types of vehicle repair situations. The present invention provides a multi-modular vehicle repair system comprising a vehicle repair frame, a vehicle restraint removably mounted on the vehicle repair frame and a force device associated with the vehicle repair frame. Additionally, the present invention provides vehicle repair modules that can be attached to or associated with the vehicle repair frame. Such vehicle repair modules includes a frame support module, a lift module and a ramp module. Each of those modules can be of different types to accommodate the varying conditions of vehicle repair encountered by the vehicle repair facility operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Reinald D. Liegel, Jeffrey V. Russell, James G. Ballard
  • Patent number: 5634778
    Abstract: A wireless remote control apparatus mounted on a fluid pump for controlling the pump and release functions of such fluid pump. The wireless remote control apparatus includes valves in fluid communication with a fluid supply, actuators for controlling the pump and release valves of the pump, a signal transmitting and signal receiving device operatively associated with the fluid pump. The wireless remote control apparatus can operate on a frequency selected from radio, ultraviolet and infra red frequencies and is further provided with a manual operating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Reinald D. Liegel, James G. Ballard
  • Patent number: 5493925
    Abstract: A mounting assembly is provided for use with a vehicle measuring system where the point to be measured is transferred, within the measurement system, to an accessible location measurable by the system. The mounting assembly couples a measurement device to a vehicle to be measured and maintains the precise alignment of a coupler at its attachment point to the vehicle during the measurement procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Reinald D. Liegel, James C. Graham
  • Patent number: 5338015
    Abstract: A multiple-axis motion module for holding a tool and providing an apparatus for moving such a tool about multiple-axis. The multiple-axis motion module is used in combination with a vehicle transportation system for moving, positioning and manipulating vehicles and vehicle parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Reinald D. Liegel, James Ballard, James C. Graham, Craig A. Wisner, Jeffrey V. Russell
  • Patent number: 5269501
    Abstract: A vehicle and vehicle parts transportation system used for moving, positioning and manipulating a vehicle and vehicle parts primarily when a vehicle is damaged or in the need of repairs. The system consists of a power module having interchangeable legs and parts that allow the power module to be reconfigured as to its height, width and length and various tool modules. The power module becomes a different tool as required or desired by the operator by simply adding or removing a tool module. Each specific tool module provides the necessary lifting and motive force apparatus and means for maneuvering the tool module for performing the necessary operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Reinald D. Liegel, James Ballard, James C. Graham, Craig A. Wisner, Jeffrey V. Russell
  • Patent number: 5246085
    Abstract: A portable work station suitable for use in a vehicle spray paint booth, the station includes a platform member supported on each end by an open frame end support member. The end members pivot about the end of the platform and can be adjusted so as to change the height of the platform above the work surface. A leg of each end support member is wedged between pin, a stop stud fixed to the end of the platform and a locking pin is pivoted into engagement with the leg to prevent walking motion of the work station while in use. The work station can be provided with a railing along the platform edge, a tool hanger, and can be provided with an air supply stanchion to facilitate the spray paint operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Reinald D. Liegel, James Ballard, Charles E. Naber, James C. Graham, Craig A. Wisner
  • Patent number: 5156375
    Abstract: An adaptor for transmission jack of the type having an adjustable platform on the upper end of the jack, the adaptor including a centering block mounted on the platform, an inner and outer plate assembly mounted on the platform on each side of the centering block, the plate assemblies being simultaneously movable toward and away from the centering block, a fixture support bar mounted on each of the plate assemblies and a pair of fixture assemblies movably mounted on each of the support bars, fixture assemblies being separately movable to support and align the longitudinal axis of a transmission on the platform and the inner and outer plate assemblies being longitudinally movable to increase or decrease the distance between the fixture assemblies to accommodate the different length transmissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Reinald D. Liegel, James G. Ballard
  • Patent number: 5029814
    Abstract: An adjustable support device comprising a first elongated member having an upper end, a second elongated member having an upper end, a mechanism for connecting the first member to the second member such that the upper ends of the first and second members are vertically, adjustably movable in response to movement of the first elongated member with respect to the second elongated member, and a ratch connected between a first point located on the first member and a second point located on the second member for releasably securing the first and second points in spaced relationship and for selectively varying the spacing between the first and second points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Reinald D. Liegel, Garry J. Sabel
  • Patent number: 5014442
    Abstract: A universal measuring bridge for determining the amount of misalignment of the datum points on a damaged vehicle, the bridge including a main beam formed from two extruded box beams, each box beam including a reference surface and an upper and lower track, the box beams being connected with the reference surfaces in a precise parallel spaced relation and the tracks also in a precise parallel spaced relation to each other and to the corresponding tracks on the other side, a slide arm having an upper and lower track and an upper and lower rail on each side and a fixed guide and a movable guide on the bottom for aligning the slide arm on the main beam and a cross slide mounted on each end of the slide arm, the cross slide including a pair of rollers positioned to ride on the lower track on each side of the slide arm and a compensating roller positioned to ride on the upper track, the rollers on the lower track being adjustable with respect to the lower track and movable into engagement with the inside of the rai
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Pierre N. LeGrand, James G. Ballard, Reinald D. Liegel, Craig A. Wisner
  • Patent number: 4950392
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing contaminates from caustic washing solution used in jet washers and the like such that the washing solution can be used for extended periods without replacement or disposal. The apparatus includes a filtration tank adapted to be connected to a tank of a jet washer for receiving caustic washing solution. The filteration tank houses a filter bag, and a pump is disposed in the filtration tank. The pump forces caustic washing solution through the filtration bag, to provide for removal of oil and grease from the washing solution, and also pumps washing solution into the tank of the jet washer to thereby cause flow of washing solution between the tank of the jet washer and the filtration tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Tiegs, Reinald D. Liegel
  • Patent number: 4886242
    Abstract: A side lifting jack having a pneumatically and hydraulically actuated lifting cylinder for raising a lift arm of the side lifting jack. The jack includes a hydraulic fluid reservoir and air pressure is supplied to the hydraulic fluid reservoir to cause hydraulic fluid to be delivered to the lift cylinder. A flow restricting device controls the rate of flow of hydraulic fluid into or out of the hydraulic cylinder and prevents sudden movement of the jack or sudden extension of the lift cylinder assembly in the event that the load on the lift jack is suddenly reduced or removed from the lift jack. The jack also includes a ratch and pawl arrangement to selectively prevent retraction of the piston of the hydraulic cylinder and lowering of the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard Eck, Reinald D. Liegel, Charles Naber, Garry J. Sabel
  • Patent number: 4739854
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid pump apparatus for use in supplying hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic lift cylinder used tilting the cab of a truck, the hydraulic fluid pump apparatus including a control cartridge for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid between the fluid reservoir, pump chamber and hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Garry J. Sabel, Reinald D. Liegel, Charles Naber
  • Patent number: 4715573
    Abstract: A tool tray for supporting tools for use by a mechanic working beneath a vehicle. The tool tray includes a plurality of casters and a vertically adjustable stand for selectively supporting the tool tray in an elevated position wherein the height of the tool tray is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventor: Reinald D. Liegel
  • Patent number: 4715789
    Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling discharge of hydraulic fluid from a high pressure hydraulic fluid container to a hydraulic fluid reservoir and including a valve body having a valve bore, a fluid inlet port communicating with the valve bore on one side of a valve seat, and a fluid outlet port communicating with the valve bore on an opposite side of the valve seat. A valve spool is housed in the valve bore and includes a valve member selectively engageable with the valve seat to prevent hydraulic fluid flow through the valve bore. The valve member is selectively biased against the valve seat by a valve piston housed in a valve cylinder, the valve piston being operably connected to the valve member such that hydraulic fluid pressure in the valve cylinder biases the valve member toward the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Hein-Werner, Inc.
    Inventors: Reinald D. Liegel, James G. Ballard
  • Patent number: 4024973
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a forklift truck including a wheel-supported frame, a mast, pins for selectively mounting the mast to the ground supported frame in either a lower position or an upper position, a grill connected to the mast having a lowered position relative to the mast and being vertically adjustable relative to the mast, a fork structure, and a horizontal rod for selectively mounting the fork structure to the grill so that the fork structure is located adjacent to the ground when the grill is in the lowered position relative to the mast and the mast is mounted in either the lower position or upper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1977
    Assignee: TCI Power Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Siderits, Reinald D. Liegel
  • Patent number: 3985248
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a forklift truck including a wheel supported frame, a boom assembly including an elongated outer boom pivotally connected to the frame and being of rectangular box construction including a hollow interior, an elongated inner boom telescopically located in and movable relative to the outer boom and being of downwardly open channel construction defining a downwardly open cavity, a work element carried at one end of the inner boom, hydraulic means for tilting the outer boom relative to the frame, and hydraulic means for telescopically moving the inner boom relative to the outer boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1974
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1976
    Assignee: Badger Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Reinald D. Liegel, Richard J. Hummel
  • Patent number: 3937339
    Abstract: An end loader or forklift vehicles adapted to traverse uneven terrain and work surfaces and to vertically position a load, the vehicle including an automatic leveling device for maintaining the load and vehicle body transversely level regardless of uneven terrain. The leveling device includes means for operation in two separate angular sensitivity ranges, one adapted to automatically level the load and vehicle body during travel of the vehicle over uneven terrain, and the other range adapted to likewise level during stationary operation of the vehicle. To achieve this function the vehicle is provided with motor means for vertically positioning the vehicle axle and wheel assemblies relative to the vehicle body. The motor means is responsive to signals from the automatic leveling device including mercury switch means to accomplish vehicle body leveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1973
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1976
    Assignee: Koehring Company
    Inventors: Warren P. Geis, Reinald D. Liegel