Patents Represented by Attorney Robert E. Ross
  • Patent number: 4475365
    Abstract: A housing for receiving a lock of the so-called "barrel-lock" type for locking the hinged cover of an electric meter box or the like. The housing comprises a support block for attachment to the meter box, and a housing hinged to the block. The housing carries a meter box cover retainer which, when the housing is in the closed condition, extends in front of the cover to prevent it from being opened. Also when the housing is in the closed condition, the housing and the support block have aligned apertures to receive a lock of the "barrel-lock" type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Inventor: James A. Swisher
  • Patent number: 4460203
    Abstract: A seal of the padlock type comprising a plastic body having a pair of spaced apertures for receiving straight ends of a wire shackle. A metal fastener is assembled in the housing, said fastener having flexible tongues for so engaging the shackle ends that they can be easily pushed into the housing but cannot thereafter be retracted. In one embodiment of the invention the tongues have substantially different lengths, so that they engage the wire at longitudinally spaced positions which increases the holding power of the fastener. Means is provided for retaining the shackle in a closed position prior to use to prevent tangling of the seals with each other during shipment and handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: E. J. Brooks Company
    Inventors: Sigurd M. Moberg, Allan W. Swift
  • Patent number: 4446603
    Abstract: A meter clamping ring for securing an electric meter housing of the type haing a peripheral mounting flange to a meter socket, comprising a clamping ring having ends with portions adapted to overlap to align lock receiving openings. One end is provided with a housing for enclosing the lock. In one embodiment of the invention, the end portions have cooperating means allowing them to be snapped together into the bolt-receiving position to facilitate assembly of the bolt. Resilient means is provided on the inside of the ring which is dimensioned to be flexed against the meter mounting flange when the ring is assembled to prevent any looseness between the ring and the mounting flange resulting from manufacturing tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Assignee: E. J. Brooks Company
    Inventor: Richard S. Guiler
  • Patent number: 4441233
    Abstract: A security seal formed of a single piece of molded plastic and comprising an elongated strap having a socket at one end a stud at a medial portion, and a free end having an aperture to be received on the stud before the stud and socket are engaged. The seal configuration provides a secure non-removable assembly and allows assembly with closure members having an aperture too small to allow the stud or socket to pass therethrough. In one embodiment of the invention, the stud has a weakened portion at the base in a position such that if the weakened portion is cut or broken, it cannot be re-attached by fusing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignee: E. J. Brooks Company
    Inventor: Allan W. Swift
  • Patent number: 4432409
    Abstract: This invention provides a rotary heat regenerator which includes a regenerator wheel in which the regenerator matrix is formed of at least one strip of synthetic organic plastic wound onto a central hub, with suitable spacing means being formed in the strip to form gas passages. Inexpensive means is provided to stiffen the wheel to impart lateral strength and rotational stability. In one embodiment of the invention, radial portions of the face of the matrix are fastened together by fusing, by an adhesive, or both. In another embodiment of the invention, radial apertures are formed in the wheel by forcing a heated tool, radially into the wheel periphery so that the surfaces of the strip layers of the matrix are fused together, forming a hollow cylinder bounded by a continuous layer of plastic. To impart further rigidity to the wheel, the hollow cylinder may be filled with a reinforcing rod of plastic or metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Assignee: Northern Solar Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald F. Steele
  • Patent number: 4426860
    Abstract: A lock and key combination in which the lock is of the plunger operated type and the key has elongated resilient fingers with a mandrel for expanding the ends of the fingers in an engagable portion of the lock plunger. The head of the lock is provided with a central recess, and the head of the key is provided with a forwardly extending spacer at the base of the fingers for entering the recess and axially positioning the ends of the fingers in relation to the engagable portion of the plunger. The structure of the interface between the lock and key allows the manufacture of locks and keys of various combinations, determined by the cross-sectional shape of the spacer and recess, and of various "levels" determined by the length of the spacer and the depth of the recess. In a lock and key of a higher "level" the spacer is longer, the recess is deeper, the resilient fingers are longer, and the engagable portion of the lock plunger is deeper in the lock housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Inventor: James Swisher
  • Patent number: 4424995
    Abstract: A security seal of the type having a housing with an opening to receive a flat strap type of shackle, in which the shackle has an aperture near the end, and said housing has internal means for engaging the shackle to prevent removal after the shackle is properly inserted. The internal means comprises deformable legs which are so deformed by the insertion of the strap end that a free end of one locking leg is caused to move through the aperture of the inserted strap to lock it against removal. In one embodiment of the invention the locking leg has hook means on the free end engaging a stationary portion of the internal structure after it has passed through the strap opening. In another embodiment of the invention two sets of deformable legs are provided so that both ends of a shackle may be engaged in the housing, thereby allowing the user of the seal to provide his own shackles with his own numbering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Assignee: E. J. Brooks Company
    Inventors: Richard S. Guiler, Jacob E. Mautner, Sigurd M. Moberg
  • Patent number: 4424454
    Abstract: An electrical timer switch for determining the times of day at which electricity is to be supplied to a load has different seasonal timing schedules and includes a selector circuit which selects the correct schedule in accordance with the season of the year. The timer switch may be mounted between the contact elements of an adapter which is arranged to be located between a supply of mains electricity and an electricity meter. Initial time and calendar information are supplied to the time switch by a separate monitor unit comprising a battery-fed set-up box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1984
    Assignee: Horstman Gear Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Malcolm W. T. Palmer, Grahame A. Pickford
  • Patent number: 4394820
    Abstract: A lock of the type having an elongated housing open at the rear end with internal operating mechanism to release locking means, in which the mechanism comprises a collar which is spring biased forwardly and a locking stem mounted in the collar and spring biased rearwardly in relation thereto. The insertion of an operating tool causes movement of the stem forwardly a predetermined amount, allowing the tool to engage the collar. However, the insertion of a picking tool into the collar forces the stem forwardly in relation to the collar, a greater distance increasing the overall length of the mechanism to an extent that even when the collar is moved rearwardly as far as possible, the forward end of the stem does not move rearwardly far enough to release the locking means. In one embodiment of the invention, the end of the stem protrudes far enough that operating tools normally used for this type of lock cannot be used to open the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1983
    Inventor: James A. Swisher
  • Patent number: 4353583
    Abstract: A seal of the padlock type which has a plastic body with a pair of spaced cavities, and a U-shaped shackle having ends non-removably engaged in the cavities in which the ends in the cavities each have reversely bent portions, forming a bight, and the plastic body is deformed inwardly into the cavity between each of the end portions and the cavity entrance to prevent extraction of the end portions from the openings and to provide a visual indication that the seal has been properly closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Assignee: E. J. Brooks Company
    Inventor: Sigurd M. Moberg
  • Patent number: 4341099
    Abstract: A code changing mechanism for padlocks of the type comprising code wheels and lock operating bushings releasably connected to the code wheels in which axial movement of the shaft disengages the bushings from the code wheels to permit changing of the code, and in which the long leg of the shackle has means for engaging the end of the shaft to move it axially to the disengaging position when the shackle is depressed into the body in an orientation other than the locking orientation. In one embodiment of the invention the shackle can be locked in the open position to prevent code changing without knowledge of the existing code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Assignee: Talleres de Escoriaza S.A.
    Inventor: Jose P. Garro
  • Patent number: 4331012
    Abstract: Lockable meter retention rings for securing electric meters in meter boxes comprise an inner ring of multiple arcuate parts wherein the inner ring has spaced-apart inwardly extending flanges for holding the electric meter in the meter box and a steel outer ring which fits over and engages with the inner ring wherein the outer ring keeps the inner ring assembled. The outer ring has a lock enclosure which, together with a portion of the inner ring, defines an opening for receiving and retaining a barrel lock, the barrel lock securing the rings together. Bayonet and screw type engagements between the inner and outer rings are disclosed, with the barrel lock preventing relative rotation of the rings necessary to disengage them. Another form of engagement has a flange of the outer ring received by the inner ring, with the barrel lock securing the outer ring to the inner ring diametrically opposite the flanged engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Inventor: James A. Swisher
  • Patent number: 4329860
    Abstract: A locking cover assembly for the ends of an electric meter retaining ring. The assembly comprises a U-shaped bracket for positioning between the downwardly turned ends of the retaining ring and over the bolt that retains the ends of the ring together. A housing is provided for assembly over the ends of the ring and the depending ends of the U-shaped member, and an opening is provided in the housing and the depending ends of the U-shaped bracket for receiving a bolt type locking member, so that the locking member extends generally perpendicular to the plane of the ring so that the lock may be assembled and dis-assembled from the front of the meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1982
    Assignee: E. J. Brooks Company
    Inventor: Sigurd M. Moberg
  • Patent number: 4328424
    Abstract: This invention is a smoke detector for giving a warning that a fire is imminent. The detector has an ionization chamber with a central electrode which is covered by insulation except at a restricted area closely spaced from a measuring electrode, a second electrode being constituted by a perforated wall of the ionization chamber. The detector is very sensitive to the presence of smoke, because of the concentration of the electric field in the area between the measuring electrode and the exposed part of the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Assignee: Chloride, Incorporated
    Inventor: Dennis R. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 4326704
    Abstract: A tipping machine of the type in which articles, such as credit cards, identification cards or the like, are secured by adhesive to a continuous sheet at predetermined spaced intervals on the sheet. A feeder initially positions the articles on the moving sheet at or slightly behind the desired position, and a pusher mechanism is provided behind the card to accelerate to a speed greater than the speed of the moving web, contact the rear edge of the card, and align it to a desired orientation, and, if necessary, push it forwardly on the sheet to the desired position.The pusher operates in timed relation to the feeding mechanism and in relation to position of the spaced areas thereon intended to receive the articles, so that the pusher speed reaches the speed of the moving web simultaneously with the arrival of the forward end of the pusher at the position on the sheet at which the trailing edge of the article is to be positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1982
    Assignee: Universal Tipping Company Incorporated
    Inventor: William H. Barr
  • Patent number: 4326740
    Abstract: A seal for a pipe coupling such as is used to connect a gas meter to a gas supply line. The seal is made in two portions, which may be connected by a flexible web, and the portions have integral means for locking together around the nut of a coupling. Each portion has an outer shell with internal protrusions formed on the inner surface thereof. The portions are made of pigmented plastic of a type, such as polypropylene, that forms a white blush on the surface when permanently deformed. Hence when an attempt is made to remove the seal by a wrench or the like, the internal protrusions are forced against the nut, forming white blushes on the outer surface opposite the position of the ribs, giving visual evidence of tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1982
    Assignee: E. J. Brooks Company
    Inventor: Richard S. Guiler
  • Patent number: 4323294
    Abstract: A meter socket jumper assembly comprising a plastic disc having a diameter and an edge thickness substantially the same dimensions as a meter of the type designed for assembly in said socket. Said disc is provided with a series of integrally molded pockets shaped and dimensioned to receive a fastener such as a self tapping screw from the rear side to retain a jumper bar on said rear side. Said pockets are so designed that the self tapping screw assembled therein is not exposed on the front face of the disc. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the pockets protrude from the front of the disc and intersect stiffening ribs molded into the face of the cover, to strengthen the pocket walls against the expansive force of the fasteners inserted therein from the rear side.A plurality of pockets are provided, suitably spaced to allow the assembly of jumpers in several different predetermined positions to accomodate different types of meter sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1982
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell Robinson
  • Patent number: 4319776
    Abstract: A security seal formed of a single piece of molded plastic in which a socket member and a stud member intended for locking engagement are disposed on the ends of legs so mounted on a base that the seal may be closed by squeezing the legs together with the fingers of one hand so that the socket and stud lock together.An additional bowed member extends between the legs, which flexes when the legs are squeezed together, providing additional spring back force to cause the stud and socket to separate if not completely locked together. The additional bowed member also provides additional aligning force to insure that the stud and socket are properly aligned for engagement when squeezed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1982
    Assignee: E. J. Brooks Company
    Inventor: Sigurd M. Moberg
  • Patent number: 4311354
    Abstract: A meter disconnect adaptor for assembly into a residential electric meter socket. The adaptor has a base with a peripheral configuration which allows it to be used with either a ringless type of meter box, or in a ring type of mounting, and has blade simulating members extending from one side of the base and resilient fingers extending from the other side of the base for receiving contact blades of the electric meter. In one embodiment of the invention the adaptor has a group of resilient fingers arranged to allow assembly of the meter therein in any one of a number of orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, John C. Bell
  • Patent number: 4296616
    Abstract: An adaptor for attachment to a plunger lock unlocking tool of a type which grasps the external surface of the unlocking pin of a plunger-type lock and pulls the pin to the unlocking position, said adaptor enabling the tool to be used to unlock a plunger lock of the type in which the unlocking member is a hollow pin which is grasped internally for pulling to the unlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: E. J. Brooks Company
    Inventor: Richard S. Guiler