Patents Examined by Carl F. Pietruszka
  • Patent number: 4261189
    Abstract: A retainer plate is pivotally mounted on a panelboard cabinet door lock housing, which carries a latch for locking the door. A detent on the plate engages in a rabbet opening to enable limited opening movement of the door in response to the pressure developed by arc gases generated by fault currents passing through a tripped circuit breaker in the panelboard cabinet. For ordinary opening movement, the lock latch is manually operated to pivot the retainer plate and disengage the detent from the rabbet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1981
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Walter T. Brumfield, Jr., Norman M. Newsome, Harris I. Stanback
  • Patent number: 4260181
    Abstract: A pipe coupling useful in plumbing systems formed of unthreaded pipes for repairing damaged portions of said systems, particularly those portions occurring immediately adjacent emplaced couplings, such as an L or T coupling. A coupling in accordance with the invention is comprised of a pair of substantially semi-cylindrical pipe sections having longitudinal edges formed so as to mate with one another to hold the sections together. The sections are sized so a first end has an internal diameter substantially equal to the external diameter of the emplaced pipe so as to fit closely therearound, whereby an adhesive applied therebetween forms a water-tight seal. A second end of the sections is enlarged so as to fit around and engage and thereby be adapted to form a water-tight seal with the external diameter of the emplaced coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Inventor: Hoyt S. Curtin
  • Patent number: 4257248
    Abstract: A lock bracket is adapted to receive the shackle of a padlock to lock a pedal crank assembly and a rear wheel of a bicycle against rotation relative to the bicycle's frame. The bracket is formed as a welded assembly of a rod, a pair of reinforcing plates, and a pair of lock-receiving plates. The rod has a pair of arms which extend in parallel planes and are interconnected by a 180 degree bend. Each of the arms is L-shaped. The arms are spaced such that they can be threaded (1) through a conventional bicycle pedal, (2) among the spokes of the bicycle's rear wheel, and (3) about a pair of bicycle frame members, whereafter the bracket can be locked in place using a conventional padlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Inventor: Earl Williams
  • Patent number: 4254647
    Abstract: Force-resistant locking devices for electric meter boxes with hinged cove or the like, comprise a stud member mounted to a wall of the box and a flange member received on the stud member, the flange member including a flange overlying a marginal portion of the cover to keep it closed. The flange and stud members together define an opening receiving and fully enclosing a utility lock for securing the flange and stud members together. In one embodiment, the flange member is an angle iron with rectangular metal stock welded to one leg, and the stud is cylindrical and received in an opening through the flange member. The lock-receiving opening intersects the stud-receiving opening and the shear strength of the utility lock holds the locking device together. In another embodiment, the flange member is a section of channel iron and receives a rectangular stud, the lock-receiving opening deployed to utilize the shear strength of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Assignee: Highfield Mfg. Company, a Division of Clarkson Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick P. Finck, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4253698
    Abstract: For automotive use, an inexpensive gasoline tank theft guard adjustably attached so that owner may integrate the guard or not by choice of a quick manual setting. The guard utilizes a gasoline fill-tube cover, a lockable body-entry panel, and the owner's key and perhaps his license plate for intercepting access to the gasoline tank when cover and panel are proximate and closed, and for protection against gasoline theft when entry panel is locked. By way of example, a pin (10, FIGS. 3-6), pivotally anchored inside gasoline fill-tube cover (6) engages a receptacle (9) in the trunk lid (2) when the lid closes (FIG. 5). Owner's key (1) unlocks lid to free pin. Anchor heads (4, FIG. 3) are concealed behind mounted license plate (7, FIG. 4) and are designed to frustrate tampering. Stability and rattle of the adjustable pin are controlled manually (FIG. 7) and automatically (FIG. 8). Pin (10) pivots manually aside to disconnect the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1981
    Inventor: Hollis C. Hodson
  • Patent number: 4253319
    Abstract: A pneumatic central locking mechanism for doors and/or hinged covers of automotive vehicles wherein one pneumatic operating member is provided at the doors or hinged covers to be locked by the central locking operation for locking and unlocking locking devices associated with such doors and covers. A pump, drivable by an electric motor, produces excess pressure and vacuum with a reversing valve being provided for selectively delivering the excess pressure and vacuum to the pneumatic operating members. The reversing valve is operated by a pneumatic operating member which is pneumatically connected in parallel, by way of a throttle, to the operating members associated with the doors and hinged covers. Two double throw switch arrangements are provided with one of the double throw switch arrangements being actuated by the further operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1981
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dieter Feichtiger, Ru/diger Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 4252348
    Abstract: The pipe joint has a central bore at one end to receive one of the pipes to be connected via an elastic packing, another central bore at the other end to receive the other pipe and a flange to be secured to the building portion via an elastic packing in an air-tight manner to seal the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1981
    Inventor: Noriatsu Kojima
  • Patent number: 4250725
    Abstract: The plug of a cylindrical lock includes at each side of its key channel a blind boring communicating with a conical recess in an arresting plate secured to the housing of the lock. The blind boring intersects cylindrical rotary control members arranged for rotation in the plug and each having a diametrical passage coinciding in one angular position thereof with the blind boring. A series of arresting balls is arranged in the blind boring and in respective passages in such a manner as to resume in the aligned position of the members a blocking position in which the terminal ball is in engagement with the conical recess. During the rotation of the plug by a correct key the arresting balls are shifted by the inclined surfaces of the conical recess into the blind boring and the plug is free to rotate. By the insertion of a wrong key at least one passage is misaligned and consequently the terminal arresting ball cannot be removed from its arresting recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1981
    Assignee: Evva Werk Spezialerzeugung von Zylinder- und Sicherheitsschlossern Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co.
    Inventor: Kurt Prunbauer
  • Patent number: 4248070
    Abstract: A coincidental lock for a motor vehicle comprises a key controlled lock cylinder mounted in the axial bore of a housing for rotation into selected operating positions. A lock bolt is mounted in a cross bore of the housing for displacement between a retracted and a locking position for the steering column of the vehicle. A spring biases the lock bolt into the locking position and a latch on the lock bolt maintains the lock bolt in the retracted position until the key has been withdrawn from the lock cylinder. An axially extending driver element is keyed to the lock cylinder for rotation therewith and is axially displaceable with respect to the lock cylinder into operative association with an electrical ignition circuit for starting the motor of the vehicle and is arranged to operate the circuit on rotation of the lock cylinder into a selected operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1981
    Inventor: Rudolf Eichenauer
  • Patent number: 4240650
    Abstract: A clamp assembly for sealing a leaking pipe weld or pipe flange joints. The clamp comprises a collar having hinged-together arcuate segments. The collar is further provided with flanges adapted to be bolted together to connect the hinged segments which may be hinged together to form a pair of semi-circular sections. Each of the segments is provided with a main annular groove on the interior circumference with means on the exterior for filling the groove with a fluid sealant under pressure. A pair of annular border grooves spaced from the main groove are provided on the opposite sides of the main groove. Additional groove means are provided in the end walls of each of the segments which connect the main groove and the border grooves to provide a sealing means between the opposed end walls when butted together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1980
    Inventor: Harold R. Adams
  • Patent number: 4236396
    Abstract: A lockset having a rim mounted latch bolt and a dead bolt arranged in side-by-side relation on a door for engagement within side-by-side openings in a common strike. The dead bolt projects from an edge of the door and is operated from the inside by a turnpiece assembly and from the outside by a key operated lock cylinder mounted in fixed position relative to the door. Inside and outside lever handles journalled for limited angular movement on the turnpiece assembly and on the lock cylinder, respectively, operate the latch bolt from the inner and outer side of the door. The turnpiece assembly is connected to the lock cylinder and the inside lever handle is connected to the outside lever handle through a single transverse bore formed in the door. The present lockset may be installed on a door to replace a cylindrical lockset of key-in-knob type having a single latch bolt without boring an additional hole in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1980
    Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter E. Surko, Jr., LeRoy Hart
  • Patent number: 4232537
    Abstract: A permanently attached lock for wheeled vehicles, such as bicycles or the like, wherein the bolt of the lock extends interiorally of the tubular head and fork stem and is locked therein to prevent rotation of said fork stem. Means are provided for anchoring a wire rope or restraint on said housing to effectively prevent theft of the vehicle when the rope is wound around a metal post or rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Inventor: Charles E. Plaiss
  • Patent number: 4232889
    Abstract: A well pipe hanger assembly for suspending an inner pipe from an outer pipe. A hanger body with an annular recess in its outer peripheral surface in which a resiliently expandable and contractible locking ring is positioned in the recess between two stop shoulders for engagement with a matching profile on the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe. The locking ring includes first and second telescoping portions with a re-engageable releasing means betweeen the first and second portions, initially holding the portions together but allowing longitudinal disengagement and re-engagement of the telescoping portions. Preferably, the re-engagable releasing means includes beveled cam surfaces on each portion thereby providing a recockable expanding hanger which automatically allows recocking of the locking means upon upward movement of the hanger body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Assignee: Norman A. Nelson
    Inventor: Samuel W. Putch
  • Patent number: 4232538
    Abstract: A mechanical structure for controlling the available linear movement of a vehicle ignition lock mechanism has a tube member coaxial with the vehicle steering column. The tube member has an opening in which is disposed a pin which moves linearly when the ignition lock mechanism is manually operated. The tube is rotated when the vehicle transmission selector is moved whereby the pin has more or less linear travel available in the opening so that the ignition lock mechanism can be moved to the "Start" position when the transmission selector is in "Park" or "Neutral" and to the "Lock" position only when the transmission selector is in "Park".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: John C. Detloff, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4231240
    Abstract: The invention consists of a screw cap assembly including a manually operable handle piece rotatable in both directions, a cylindrical case mechanically coupled with the handle piece for unitary rotation therewith, a key-operable cylinder lock mounted in the cylindrical case and capable of rotating only partially and independently therefrom when key-operated from outside, and a screw plug proper operably connected with the handle piece through the cylindrical case. The plug can be rotated in both screw-advancing and screw-retracting directions when the cylinder lock is key-operated to its unlocked position but only in the screw-advancing direction when the lock is in its locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Assignees: Nissan Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha, Kokusan Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masao Fujita, Kiyoshi Kitaori
  • Patent number: 4231597
    Abstract: A flush mountable door lock includes a recessed body member, a lock bolt slidably mounted on the body member, and a paddle-shaped operating handle for moving the bolt. The handle is movable between nested and projected positions. A bolt actuator extends from the handle into a receiving formation provided on the bolt for drivingly interconnecting the handle and the bolt to effect retracting and extending movements of the bolt when the handle is moved toward its projected and retracted positions. A torsion coil spring is interposed between the body member and the handle, and serves the several functions of biasing the handle toward its nested position, maintaining play-free engagement between the handle and the body member when the handle is nested, and maintaining a play-free driving connection between the handle and the bolt when the handle is projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventor: Albert L. Pelcin
  • Patent number: 4231241
    Abstract: A locking device for preventing the theft of certain vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The device is designed to mount on the shift lever of certain types of automatic transmissions and prevent shifting out of the PARK position, thus preventing theft of the automobile, even though the engine may be started by unauthorized means. The device is readily attachable to automatic transmission shift levers of the type for which it is designed, cannot be removed without a key, is positive in operation so as to prevent shifting of the transmission when locked, is simple and economical to manufacture, and is reliable and effective in preventing unauthorized operation of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Assignee: Marshall A. Lerner
    Inventor: Frank F. Lipski
  • Patent number: 4229956
    Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided having a frame for mounting on a door or other closure. A movable bolt is supported on the frame for movements between extended and withdrawn positions. An additional member is mounted on the frame for slidable movements generally parallel to the bolt. At least two locking means are incorporated into the locking mechanism, the first of which releasably connects the bolt to the member, and the second of which releasably positions the member with respect to the frame. With the first locking means engaged, the bolt is movable together with the member. With both the first and second locking means engaged, the bolt is locked in the extended position. A securing means engagable with the first locking means prevents release of the first locking means. The locking mechanism is particularly adapted for use on storage compartments wherein a renter of the compartment will gain access by way of the first locking means and the owner will gain access by way of the second locking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Inventor: Maxwell Thorburn
  • Patent number: 4229024
    Abstract: A swivel connector between a hose reel and a source of product has a first body secured to the source of product and a second body secured to the hose reel. The first body has a plurality of stepped bores cooperating with various outer surfaces of the second body. A pair of non-metallic, non-corrosive bearings is disposed between two different stepped bores and two different outer surfaces with a seal ring disposed therebetween. A plastic thrust ring is disposed between a shoulder of the first body and a first surface of a thrust flange of the second body to absorb the thrust due to relative movement of the second body into the first body. The thrust flange has a second surface, which is parallel to the first surface, against which a first wear ring bears. The first wear ring has a plurality of balls bearing thereagainst on its side remote from the thrust flange. A retainer is supported on the first body and has a flange providing a surface against which a second wear ring abuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Assignee: Dover Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Oberrecht, Fred A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4227386
    Abstract: A safety or "dead-bolt" lock includes a lockably releasable sliding bolt assembly of a first magnetic polarity. The keeper element, which is adapted to be mounted on to a jamb is of a second or opposite magnetic polarity to magnetically attract the bolt. A key lock assembly is used to release the sliding bar from movement. A cover is slidably movable over the entire lock assembly to prevent unauthorized dislodgement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Inventor: Mattie Crockett