Patents by Inventor Walter E. Benz

Walter E. Benz 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: 6027170
    Abstract: A seat assembly (11) is described including a seat (12), a support base (14), and an orbital guide assembly (16). The orbital guide assembly includes a first plate (30) connected to the support base, a second plate (32) connected to the seat, and an intermediate low-friction member (34) positioned between the first and second plates. The first plate includes at least two male elements (40), (42), such as guide pins. The second plate includes at least two arcuate female elements (50), (52), such as slots, adapted to engage their respective male elements. During use, the first pin acts as a first pivot point while the second pin translates along its corresponding second arcuate slot. Once the second pin completes its translation, the second pin then acts as a second pivot point while the first pin translates along its corresponding first arcuate slot. Various additional male and female elements may be used, either as stabilizing components or as additional pivot points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Paccar Inc
    Inventors: Walter E. Benz, Daniel J. Farmer
  • Patent number: 5617929
    Abstract: A movable gear shift console assembly positioned in the driving compartment of a vehicle and movably coupled to a seat portion of a driver seat in the vehicle driving compartment. The movable gear shift console assembly includes a pair of pivot arms that are pivotally connected at outer ends to the seat portion, such that the outer ends of the pivot arms pivot about vertical pivot axes. The inner ends of the pivot arms are connected to a shift console. The shift console includes a gear shifter operatively connected to a vehicle's transmission, and a housing structure partially surrounding and protecting the gear shifter. The shift console is movable relative to the driver seat between a forward, operating position for use while driving the vehicle, and a rear, stored position for storing the shift console rearwardly adjacent to the driver seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Donald A. Richardson, Walter E. Benz