Patents by Inventor Richard J. Tracy
Richard J. Tracy 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).
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Patent number: 7617574Abstract: A telescoping fastener includes a debris clearance and drain port in a housing of the fastener, and a plunger operable in the housing to move contaminants toward the port for removal. A force concentrating tip breaks up snow, ice or accumulated debris. Relief channels in the plunger facilitate movement of contaminants around the plunger and movement of the plunger through contaminants within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Richard J. Tracy
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Patent number: 7340809Abstract: A multi-part closure provides remote indication of a secured or unsecured state of the closure. The closure includes first and second mating members that when engaged define a secured state and when disengaged define an unsecured state. A self-contained transmitter is disposed in the first member. A switch is disposed in the first member in electrical communication with the transmitter. The switch is positioned within the first member for engagement by the second member when the first and second members are mated with and secured to one another. A remote receiver provides indication of the engage or disengaged state of the first and second members.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Tracy, Joseph Fabin
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Patent number: 7013535Abstract: A one-piece clip or web end to join the cord ends of a lanyard is disclosed. The clip folds together and snap fits onto the cord ends to secure the ends together. The clip includes numerous pins extending outwardly from the clip body that mate with numerous pin pockets formed in the clip body to secure the cord ends together. The clip further includes mating locking tabs, and stabilizing ribs and recesses to facilitate the easy snap fit of the clip onto the cord ends of the lanyard without the use of special tools.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Richard J. Tracy
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Patent number: 6954315Abstract: A surface configuration obscures an object from detection by night vision devices, ultraviolet devices and infrared devices. The surface configuration is three dimensional, having spaced inner and outer surfaces. A wall defines a plurality of enclosed cells, and projections extend from the inner surface within the cells. The cells can be hexagonal, round or otherwise shaped. The projections can be flat sided or curved. The shapes of the cells and materials used provide sound muffling.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Richard J. Tracy
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Patent number: 6826806Abstract: A breakaway closure device that includes the use of a pair of hermaphroditic clips that attach to the ends of a strap, such as a lanyard cord, and also engage with each other. Each hermaphroditic clip includes both a projection and an aperture that permit the hermaphroditic clips to snap together and form a releasable pair of clips. Each hermaphroditic clip further includes a plurality of interlocking pins and receptacles for securing the clip onto the end of the lanyard cord. Each hermaphroditic clip also includes a guidance lug and a plurality of interlocking lugs and openings to facilitate the easy attachment of the clip to the cord ends by hand without the use of special tools.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Edward Eaton, Richard J. Tracy
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Patent number: 6778336Abstract: A surface configuration obscures an object from detection by night vision devices, ultraviolet devices and infrared devices. The surface configuration is three dimensional, having spaced inner and outer surfaces. A wall defines a plurality of enclosed cells, and projections extend from the inner surface within the cells. The cells can be hexagonal, round or otherwise shaped. The projections can be flat sided or curved.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Richard J. Tracy
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Publication number: 20040134039Abstract: A one-piece clip or web end to join the cord ends of a lanyard is disclosed. The clip folds together and snap fits onto the cord ends to secure the ends together. The clip includes numerous pins extending outwardly from the clip body that mate with numerous pin pockets formed in the clip body to secure the cord ends together. The clip further includes mating locking tabs, and stabilizing ribs and recesses to facilitate the easy snap fit of the clip onto the cord ends of the lanyard without the use of special tools.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventor: Richard J. Tracy
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Publication number: 20040095650Abstract: A surface configuration obscures an object from detection by night vision devices, ultraviolet devices and infrared devices. The surface configuration is three dimensional, having spaced inner and outer surfaces. A wall defines a plurality of enclosed cells, and projections extend from the inner surface within the cells. The cells can be hexagonal, round or otherwise shaped. The projections can be flat sided or curved.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventor: Richard J. Tracy
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Publication number: 20040066291Abstract: A multi-part closure provides remote indication of a secured or unsecured state of the closure. The closure includes first and second mating members that when engaged define a secured state and when disengaged define an unsecured state. A self-contained transmitter is disposed in the first member. A switch is disposed in the first member in electrical communication with the transmitter. The switch is positioned within the first member for engagement by the second member when the first and second members are mated with and secured to one another. A remote receiver provides indication of the engage or disengaged state of the first and second members.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Richard J. Tracy
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Publication number: 20030217441Abstract: A breakaway closure device that includes the use of a pair of hermaphroditic clips that attach to the ends of a strap, such as a lanyard cord, and also engage with each other. Each hermaphroditic clip includes both a projection and an aperture that permit the hermaphroditic clips to snap together and form a releasable pair of clips. Each hermaphroditic clip further includes a plurality of interlocking pins and receptacles for securing the clip onto the end of the lanyard cord. Each hermaphroditic clip also includes a guidance lug and a plurality of interlocking lugs and openings to facilitate the easy attachment of the clip to the cord ends by hand without the use of special tools.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2003Publication date: November 27, 2003Inventors: Edward Eaton, Richard J. Tracy
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Publication number: 20030146230Abstract: A lid (10) for covering at least a portion of a top opening (90) of a refuse bin (81) generally comprises a rectangular panel (20) including an upper side (30); a lower side (40); a mid-section (77); a hinge end (50) including hinge bearings (54); and an opening end (60). Panel (20) is defined by a plurality of upwardly arched longitudinal corrugations (21), sinusoidal in lateral section, spanning substantially between opening end (60) and hinge end (50). An exemplary embodiment includes a bend section (13) at a predetermined lateral cross-section such that a longitudinal compressive force on opening end (60) at failure buckles panel (20) convex upward at bend section (13). The mid-section of panel (20) is upwardly laterally arched. Lid (10) includes a plurality of protrusions (45) such that a plurality of lids (10) may be stacked in a parallel relationship. The area of bearings (54) is large and preferably exceeds 10% of the area of hinge rod (94).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: Edward Eaton, E. Grant Swick, Richard J. Tracy
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Patent number: 6550874Abstract: An adjustable hanging file system for a drawer having side panels utilizes frame members comprised of spaced skirts with a connecting crown to thereby define a u-shaped cross section and bracket members inserted between the skirts to support the frame members. Additional hanging bracket members incorporated with cross rail frame members support the cross rail frame members on frame members attached to a file drawer.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: CompX International Inc.Inventors: Gregg W. Walla, Richard J. Tracy, E. Grant Swick, William E. Ruehl
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Publication number: 20030038565Abstract: An adjustable hanging file system for a drawer having side panels utilizes frame members comprised of spaced skirts with a connecting crown to thereby define a u-shaped cross section and bracket members inserted between the skirts to support the frame members. Additional hanging bracket members incorporated with cross rail frame members support the cross rail frame members on frame members attached to a file drawer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2001Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventors: Gregg W. Walla, Richard J. Tracy, E. Grant Swick, William E. Ruehl
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Patent number: 6216641Abstract: An adjustable length leash (10) includes a handle portion (11) having a grip (13) and a neck (20) extending from the grip (13) for taking up undesired length in the lead (12). The lead (12) attaches to the neck (20) by being knotted through an aperture (22). A minor flange (32) provided at the top of the neck (20) helps retain the loops of the lead (12) on the neck (20) to achieve a desired lead length. A catch flange (30) is capable of catching the lead (12) at the bottom of the neck (20) such that one who utilizes the leash (10) may adjust the length of the lead (12) by winding the lead (12) around the neck (20) until the desired length extends from catch flange (30). The catch flange (30) includes a lead lock (36) which allows for a more secure fixing of the lead (12) length.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Coastal Pet Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Tracy, Edward T. Eaton, Robert C. Holt, Jr.
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Patent number: 5974637Abstract: A composite buckle comprising a metal male portion that is attachable to a strap and an insertion plate having two flat surfaces, and a female portion for receiving the male portion. The female portion comprises a metal locking body that is attachable to a strap and at least two locking legs adapted to releasably lock with the insertion plate of the male portion. The male portion is inserted between the two locking legs which engage the plate on opposite surfaces of the plate. There is a plastic housing surrounding at least a portion of the metal locking body. The housing has a flexible arm adapted to separate the locking legs and release the metal locking body from the male portion. The buckle according to the invention combines the strength of a metal buckle with the light weight and attractiveness of a plastic buckle, to form a composite buckle that is suitable for a variety of uses.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: National Molding CorporationInventors: Richard J. Tracy, E. Grant Swick, Roger A. Erber
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Patent number: D537327Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2005Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works IncInventors: Richard J. Tracy, David A. Walsh
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Patent number: D543445Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works IncInventors: James F. Latal, Richard J. Tracy, Michael B. Grimm, Bradley J. Haymond, David A. Walsh
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Patent number: D558454Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Richard J. Tracy
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Patent number: D485209Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Tracy, Edward Eaton
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Patent number: D421322Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1999Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Coastal Pet Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Tracy, Edward T. Eaton, Robert C. Holt, Jr.