Patents by Inventor Robert DeFrance

Robert DeFrance 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).

  • Publication number: 20060097473
    Abstract: A wheelchair mobility apparatus for use on one or more push wheels of a wheelchair that includes a substantially fork shaped member that straddles the one or more push wheels, the member having a first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion pivotally mounts the member to the wheelchair and the second portion extends above an armrest of the wheelchair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Inventor: Robert DeFrance
  • Patent number: 6390861
    Abstract: A connector for joining two associated electrical conductors which includes first and second J-shaped jaws. The first and second J-shaped jaws respectively include first and second generally cylindrical section shaped concave portions and respective first and second generally planar stem portions. The first and second generally planar stem portions are disposed in generally overlapping relationship with the first and second generally cylindrical section shaped concave portions disposed in opposed relationship. The connector further includes a spring to bias the first and second J-shaped jaws and to position the first and second generally cylindrical section shaped concave portions closer together. The connector also includes a wedge member having opposed first and second generally cylindrical section shaped concave portions. The wedge member is disposed intermediate the first and second generally cylindrical section shaped concave portions of the first and second J-shaped jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Delri LLC
    Inventor: Robert DeFrance
  • Patent number: 6203384
    Abstract: The multi-tap pad connector includes an integral conductive body with a longitudinal axis. A threaded female blind aperture is formed about a portion of the longitudinal axis for receiving the output from a secondary side of a transformer or similar electrical source. The body further includes a plurality of secondary electrical connection channels which are oriented perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis. Oblique flanges are formed over the secondary electrical connection channels and include threaded apertures therethrough. The threaded apertures are directed to the secondary electrical connection channels. Allen set screws pass through the threaded apertures and into the secondary electrical connections channels to secure the secondary connectors both electrically and mechanically to the multi-tap pad connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Maclean Power Systems
    Inventor: Robert DeFrance
  • Patent number: 6173103
    Abstract: The split open dead end cable connector includes two hinged halves with half circular serrated channels which align when the halves are in a closed position to form a serrated aperture for engaging the fiber optical cable. Lateral taper rail segments are likewise formed on the sides of the hinged halves which align when the halves are in a closed position to form tapered rails. Sliding wedges with internal channels complementary to the tapered rails are used to urge the halves together into a closed position. Prongs of a U-bail pass through loops formed on the sides of the halves of the body and the sliding wedges. Nuts threadably attached to the prongs of the U-bail secure the connector together and urge the sliding wedges to a position urging the halve to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Maclean Power Systems
    Inventor: Robert DeFrance
  • Patent number: 6045414
    Abstract: The electrical connector includes a male element traveling within a female element, the male element having a cantilevered C-clamp arm opposing a C-clamp element formed on the female element. A spacer includes a planar surface with a passageway through which at least a portion of the male and female elements pass thereby slidably interlocking the male and female element to each other. The spacer further includes a wire spacer which travels between the clamp arms and separates the conductors to be clamped. Ledges are formed on the male and female elements to limit travel of the male element with respect to the female element and to limit travel of the spacer with respect to the male element. A bolt passing through the female element and threadably engaging the male element secures the male element to the female element so that the clamp arms clamp conductors as separated by the wire spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Maclean Power Systems
    Inventor: Robert DeFrance
  • Patent number: 5172822
    Abstract: A lid protector for a paint can comprise a vertical outer wall and an inner wall and an intermediate price extending at an upward and outward angle direction connected to the outer and inner walls. The protector can be in the shape of a ring and is dimensioned to fit over the rim of a can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: Robert DeFrance