Patents Assigned to TMC Enterprises
  • Patent number: 7452230
    Abstract: An electrical cord plug assembly for inhibiting the removal of an inserted male electrical cord plug having at least one exposed electrical contact is disclosed. The device comprises a housing, a retention member, a biasing member, and a user actuation member. The retention member is movable between an engaged position, where the retention member engages an opening in the electrical contact of the male plug, and a disengaged position where the retention member disengages from the opening. The biasing member biases the retention member towards the engaged position. In the engaged position, the male plug is substantially inhibited from removal from the plug assembly. The actuation member engages the biasing member so as to allow a user to move the retention member to the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: TMC Enterprises, a division of Tasco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Miller, Zhou Dong Yue
  • Patent number: 7274153
    Abstract: A hand-held fluorescent lamp assembly powered by typical line supply of 120 VAC, 60 Hz via an attached power cord and employing multiple commonly available fluorescent lamps. The assembly includes switches to independently control the multiple fluorescent lamps. The assembly includes lightweight solid state power regulation components. The power regulation circuit employs a self-oscillating circuit that is approximately matched in frequency of oscillation to the natural frequency of the fluorescent lamp load to automatically ignite the fluorescent lamps. The power regulation circuit includes circuit elements to automatically protect the ballast circuit and lamps from overdrawing in the run state and from abnormal load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: TMC Enterprises
    Inventors: Thomas J. Miller, Zhou Dong Yue
  • Patent number: 7186130
    Abstract: A plug retention apparatus for use in securing two plug members together to prevent undesired disengagement. The plug retention apparatus is affixed to a first plug member using a retention ring which provides a means for adjustable positioning via a threaded coupling to facilitate securing a second plug member to the first plug member. A plug clamp may be rotatably positioned about the second plug member retaining the plug members in a desired position. The clamp used for retaining the second plug may include a cord support, a latch to secure the cord on the support and a locking mechanism to selectively retain the latch in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: TMC Enterprises
    Inventor: Thomas J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7182624
    Abstract: A plug retention apparatus for use in securing two plug members together to prevent undesired disengagement. The plug retention apparatus is affixed to a first plug member using a retention ring which provides a means for adjustable positioning via a threaded coupling to facilitate securing a second plug member to the first plug member. A plug clamp may be rotatably positioned about the second plug member retaining the plug members in a desired position. The plug retention apparatus may include a sleeve removably disposed about the cord of the first plug. The clamp used for retaining the second plug may include a cord support, a latch to secure the cord on the support and a locking mechanism to selectively retain the latch in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: TMC Enterprises
    Inventor: Thomas J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7101214
    Abstract: A plug retention apparatus for use in securing two plug members together to prevent undesired disengagement. The plug retention apparatus is affixed to a first plug member using a retention ring which provides a means for adjustable positioning via a threaded coupling to facilitate securing a second plug member to the first plug member. A plug clamp may be rotatably positioned about the second plug member retaining the plug members in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: TMC Enterprises
    Inventor: Thomas J. Miller
  • Patent number: 6957977
    Abstract: A plug retention apparatus for use in securing two plug members together to prevent undesired disengagement. The plug retention apparatus is affixed to a first plug member using a retention ring which provides a means for adjustable positioning via a threaded coupling to facilitate securing a second plug member to the first plug member. A plug clamp may be rotatably positioned about the second plug member retaining the plug members in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: TMC Enterprises, a division of TASCO Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Miller
  • Patent number: 6727664
    Abstract: A hand-held fluorescent lamp assembly powered by typical line supply of 120 VAC, 60 Hz via an attached power cord and employing multiple commonly available fluorescent lamps. The assembly includes switches to independently control the multiple fluorescent lamps. The assembly includes lightweight solid state power regulation components. The power regulation circuit employs a self-oscillating circuit that is approximately matched in frequency of oscillation to the natural frequency of the fluorescent lamp load to automatically ignite the fluorescent lamps. The power regulation circuit includes circuit elements to automatically protect the ballast circuit and lamps from overdrawing in the run state and from abnormal load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: TMC Enterprises, a division of Tasco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Miller, Zhou Dong Yue
  • Patent number: 6534926
    Abstract: A hand-held fluorescent lamp assembly powered by typical line supply of 120 VAC, 60 Hz via an attached power cord and employing multiple commonly available fluorescent lamps. The assembly includes switches to independently control the multiple fluorescent lamps. The assembly includes lightweight solid state power regulation components. The power regulation circuit employs a self-oscillating circuit that is approximately matched in frequency of oscillation to the natural frequency of the fluorescent lamp load to automatically ignite the fluorescent lamps. The power regulation circuit includes circuit elements to automatically protect the ballast circuit and lamps from overdrawing in the run state and from abnormal load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: TMC Enterprises, a division of Tasco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Miller, Zhou Dong Yue
  • Patent number: 6439360
    Abstract: An extension cord reel assembly having a housing which has a spool portion and a mounting portion is provided. A spool member having at least one flange member that is continuously welded to a surface upon which the extension cord is to be stored is positioned within the spool portion of the housing. The mounting portion of the housing of the reel assembly is positioned adjacent an outer perimeter of the spool member and is adapted to attach to a suspension member from which the reel assembly can be suspended above the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: TMC Enterprises, a divison of Tasco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Miller
  • Patent number: D510067
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: TMC Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Miller
  • Patent number: D432084
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: TMC Enterprise, a division of Tasco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Miller
  • Patent number: D434000
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: TMC Enterprises, a division of Tasco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Miller