Patents Represented by Attorney Wm. T. Wofford
  • Patent number: 4450687
    Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature responsive control assembly which uses the volumetric expansion of a substance having a high coefficient of expansion, to expel a piston from a cylinder, such movements of the piston relative to the cylinder being used to control relative movements between first and second load elements, such as for example a window and a window frame, with the cylinder being connected to the first load element and the piston being connected by way of a high leverage operating linkage with the second load element, and wherein the thermally expansive substance is located in the cylinder between end plugs and the piston passes through one of the end plugs there being shaft seal means carried by the end plug and sealing around the piston passing through it, the piston having its inboard end immersed in the thermally expansive substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Assignee: Thermoforce Limited
    Inventor: Albert Cole
  • Patent number: 4440984
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of testing conductor pairs in a telephone cable to determine presence or absence of a customer phone, its location relative to a cable throw or test location and the type of service. Certain types of trouble shooting tests can also be made. The improved method involves utilization of a Wheatstone bridge type connection wherein first and second legs have a common connection at one end to the central office direct current voltage source and consist respectively of a conductor of a pair in a first cable and its corresponding half tap conductor in a second cable; wherein a meter is connected between the first and second legs at the cable throw or test location; wherein a third leg comprises a customer telephone or a test pair; and wherein the fourth leg comprises either an open, or selectably either a variable resistance or a variable reactance, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Inventor: James M. Buzbee
  • Patent number: 4435743
    Abstract: A lighted exit sign comprising a light transmitting plate having a viewing side and upper and lower edges onto which light can be projected for transmission into the plate for viewing from the viewing side. Upper and lower printed circuit boards are supported close to the upper and lower edges of the plate. A plurality of small incandescent light bulbs are secured to the upper and lower circuit boards for producing light when energized for projection onto the upper and lower edges for transmission into the plate for viewing from the viewing side. A white, light reflecting layer is formed on the side of the plate opposite the viewing side. The letters EXIT are formed on the viewing side in two layers. The first layer is white in color and is secured directly to the viewing side. The second layer is preferably red in color and is secured to the first layer. A transformer is employed for converting an A C voltage to a level below the rated voltage of the bulbs and to a level above the rated voltage of the bulbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Inventor: George W. Plumly
  • Patent number: 4397330
    Abstract: The invention pertains to improved single handle mixing valves suitable for use in back to back installations, as for example tub/shower valves in an apartment building or hotel. In such installations it is important to provide for proper orientation of valve water mix control parts so as to prevent the water mix from being uncomfortably or dangerously hot in the initial phase of valve opening. The invention provides structure and arrangement such that proper orientation can be achieved by a simple re-orientation or reversal of a part or parts exteriorly of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: United States Brass Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis J. Hayman
  • Patent number: 4384824
    Abstract: A fan for attachment to fan clutch housing members having supporting shoulders at two different radial distances from their axis, respectively. The fan comprises a plurality of fan blade supporting arms extending radially outward from a hub and a central opening formed through the hub. The central opening is defined by a plurality of angularly spaced apart inner arcuate edges located at a first radial distance from the axis of the hub and a plurality of angularly spaced apart outer arcuate edges located at a second radial distance from the axis of the hub, wherein the second radial distance is greater than the first radial distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Assignee: Eagle-Motive Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Woods
  • Patent number: 4385343
    Abstract: Improved edge lighted devices incorporate one or more light transmitting body assemblies of unique design, resulting in superior performance from both brightness and energy efficiency standpoints. Techniques for obtaining advantageous light transmitting body surface treatment are disclosed. Also disclosed are arrangements for reducing the amount of material utilized for the light transmitting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Inventor: George W. Plumly
  • Patent number: 4363624
    Abstract: A method for affixing a dental appliance to teeth characterized by effecting a layer of bonding resin and catalyst on the teeth, effecting a layer of a substantially uniform admixture of only two reactants of a three-reactant system, the two reactants including the bonding resin and one of the other reactants, on the teeth; effecting a second layer of a substantially uniform admixture of a second two reactants of said three reactant system, said second two reactants including the bonding resin and the other of the reactants, on the dental appliance to be affixed to the teeth; positioning the portion of the dental appliance adjacent the teeth with the bonding resin, catalyst, and initiator in situ to effect polymerization and bonding on the surface of each of the teeth. After a predetermined cure time, the remainder of the dental appliance is affixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1982
    Assignee: Advance Dental Corporation
    Inventor: Reece W. Johnston
  • Patent number: 4354433
    Abstract: The invention pertains to an improved annular shaped charge of a type to be used in the shaped charge carrier of pipe cutting or severing apparatus. The improved annular shaped charge is made up of eight or more shaped charge segments disposed in side to side abutting relation. Each shaped charge segment has a die formed metal band and charge load. The invention also pertains to methods of making said annular shaped charge and the shaped charge segments, which methods are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1982
    Assignee: Pengo Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Harrold D. Owen
  • Patent number: 4334227
    Abstract: Passive type electronic marker device is hoop shaped, with the hoop thickness in the radial direction being substantially less than the hoop width in the axial direction and with a tuned circuit disposed within the hoop. Improved structure and the method involves a mandrel portion on which the tuned circuit coil is wound, a mating cover band, and special peripheral hermetic seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1982
    Assignee: A.P.C. Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry M. Marks
  • Patent number: 4307632
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench of the socket drive type with a socket ejector has a control knob recessed within and reciprocable within a ratchet plug body for independently actuating both the ratchet reversing device and socket ejector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1981
    Inventor: John Penner
  • Patent number: 4306414
    Abstract: Method of and apparatus for doing work characterized by the steps of establishing respective hot and cold zones within a constant volume chamber; providing a flow path intermediate the zones and encompassing a caloric energy storage means for extracting heat from gases that are hotter and for delivering heat to gases that are colder as the respective gases are flowed therepast; separating the respective hot and cold zones by reciprocally movable member that is movable longitudinally of its cylinder and periodically reciprocally moving the member whereby to effect the following steps; (a) taking in the relatively cool ambient air into the cold zone; (b) moving the cool ambient air past the caloric energy storage means to pick up heat and become relatively hotter to tend to expand and increase pressure; (c) passing the hotter air from the chamber to an engine means for producing work; (d) passing a high temperature fluid in heat exchange relationship with the caloric energy storage means to again heat the calor
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Inventor: John P. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 4303100
    Abstract: An improved kelly valve of a type wherein a flexible inner valve body closes the valve passageway responsive to the pressure of a gaseous control fluid contained within a sealed chamber and opens the passageway responsive to exterior pressure of drilling fluid or of tools being passed through the valve. The improvements enhance the operating life of the flexible member and simplify the valve structure and assembly and disassembly procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1981
    Assignee: Geosource Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald F. Kalb
  • Patent number: 4270351
    Abstract: Method of and apparatus primarily for converting source heat to work characterized by a gas phase working fluid thermodynamic prime mover cycle of isentropic temperature rise followed by heat acquisition followed by isentropic temperature drop followed by heat rejection to a heat sink accomplished by a variety of embodiments. Although deemphasized herein, it is further characteristic that these same embodiments going through the same motions in the same directions will to a limited extent pump heat to the heat source at the expenditure of work should the temperature difference of the sink/source become smaller than required for prime mover operation. In this invention, heat is exchanged between the compressed working fluid and the hot body only and the expanded working fluid and the cold body only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Inventor: John P. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 4261233
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench of the socket drive type has an improved ratchet pawl configuration which significantly reduces excessive wear and various attendant problems and also obviates the problem of accidental wrench disassembly. Improved structure also provides certain further advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1981
    Assignee: Thorsen Tool Company
    Inventor: James W. Konecny
  • Patent number: 4257501
    Abstract: A temperature responsive clutch which engages the radiator cooling fan of a motor vehicle engine when the engine temperature is sufficiently high. The clutch comprises a housing rotatably mounted on a shaft which is adapted to be attached to the fan mounting of the engine. The housing has means for mounting a fan and comprises front and rear housing plates attached together to form an enclosed chamber for holding a viscous fluid. A rear inner plate is fixedly attached to the shaft within the chamber. A front inner plate located within the chamber is slideably mounted on pins extending from the front housing plate to allow the front inner plate and the housing to rotate together and to allow the front inner plate to move axially. The legs of a U-shaped member extend through apertures formed through the front inner plate and are attached to the front housing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: Eaglemotive Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Woods
  • Patent number: 4249843
    Abstract: Apparatus for loading, unloading and stacking hay bales utilizing a load carrying vehicle with an elevatable and tiltable bed and a powdered headboard or pusher means mounted on the bed capable of traversing the length of the bed; and an independently powdered tine structure generally coextensive with but longer than the bed and extendable to protrude beyond the end of the bed an extent generally equal to the bed length and being supported cantilever fashion by the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1981
    Inventor: Robert J. Kerr
  • Patent number: 4249864
    Abstract: A centrifugal pump for producing a vacuum, the pump recirculating fluid through a vacuum chamber into which a vacuum line opens, the flow of water across the chamber carrying air or gas therewith to produce the required vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1981
    Assignee: Auscoteng Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Norman L. Foley
  • Patent number: 4223760
    Abstract: An improved loudspeaker assembly wherein one or more speakers are mounted in a closed cylindrical housing of air impervious material. When a plurality of speakers are utilized in an assembly, they are vertically spaced, with the central axis of each speaker contained in a respective radial plane and with adjacent radial planes having an included angle typically within the range of 15.degree. to 25.degree.. A preferred material for the cylindrical housing is laminated fibreboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Inventor: Ted L. LeTourneau
  • Lid
    Patent number: D257133
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Inventor: Robert M. McKinnon
  • Patent number: D269664
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Assignee: A.P.C. Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry M. Marks