Patents Examined by Glenn T. Barrett
  • Patent number: 5207360
    Abstract: The invention is a ball bag for attachment to the handlebars of a bicycle for carrying sport balls in a convenient and safe manner. The bag is made of fastened webbing with a centerpiece, three cross pieces, two angled end pieces, and four adjustable attachment straps. The relative length of the centerpiece to the end pieces, and the angles in the end pieces and between the end pieces and the attachment straps cooperate to create a tenacious, spherical interior cavity for the sport ball when the adjustable attachment straps are secured to the handlebars of a bicycle and around the sport ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: Chod Stine
  • Patent number: 5207315
    Abstract: A one-piece integral molded plastic article, includes a pair of main parts hinged together, which enclose the actuating element of the circuit breaker and holds it against movement. One form is for push-pull type circuit breakers. Another form includes soft inserts which grip the actuating element and hold it. Another form includes a separate cap which is applied semi-permanently to the actuating members. Latching means latches the main parts together, which hold them in normally latched position, and a padlock locks them together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: Steven J. Benda
  • Patent number: 5207318
    Abstract: A switch is described that includes a plunger (20, FIG. 1 ) moveable between up and down position and having upper contacts (22, 24) and lower contacts (26, 28). When the plunger is moved to a down position, opposite ends of the upper contact (22) move down against first and second terminals (12, 14) to interconnect them. When the plunger is moved to an up position, opposite ends of the lower contact (26) move up against the first terminal (12) and a third terminal (16) to interconnect them. The plunger can move within a hole in a circuit board and carry two upper and two lower contacts to connect four terminals in two different ways. Each terminal can include upper and lower terminal pads (120, 122, FIG. 5 ) lying respectively on upper and lower surfaces of the circuit board and interconnected through plated-through holes (124) in the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Dynatech Microwave Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard A. Roland, David T. Ko, Michael T. Long
  • Patent number: 5205451
    Abstract: An infant carrier is disclosed which provides for the forward facing carriage of an infant or small child at the front of an adult. The carrier provides several improvements in security for the infant over the prior art, such as positive latching buckles for securing the various straps around both the adult and infant in order to preclude slippage of the straps. The carrier in its assembled state also provides a five way restraint system for the infant, comprised of two infant restraining straps, two lateral restraints, and a forward restraint extending from the front of the seat. Padding is also included for the seat portion of the device and also for the various straps in order to provide greater comfort for the adult carrying the infant in the carrier and also to preclude chafing or other injury to an infant carried in the carrier due to the edges of restraining straps or other portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Donna S. Manzer
  • Patent number: 5199556
    Abstract: A key switch actuator includes a switching member supported on a resilient member and connected to a key cap and driven by it to slide in a locating member. The switching member has two opposite, curved side plates caused to slide in the locating member along two opposite sliding ways. The elastic member has a plurality of small raised portions supported on the PC board and a plurality of notches between the raised portions for exhaust of squeezed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Silitek Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Lee
  • Patent number: 5199553
    Abstract: A movable electrical contactor having a surface thereof in slidable contact with a mating conductor, the surface being coated with a composite material in which particles of graphite (C) are dispersed in a matrix of silver (Ag). The coating film is formed by electric plating using a plating liquid of metal silver in the range of 2-100 g/l in concentration, potassium cyanide in the range of 2-250 g/l, potassium hydroxide in the range of 0.5-15 g/l, graphite powder in the range of 1-55 g/l, and a dispersant for dispersing graphite powder into plating liquid in the range of 10-2000 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisaji Shinohara, Naoshi Uchida, Kiyoshi Kandatsu, Soujun Matsumura, Tadashi Chiba, Shigeharu Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 5199554
    Abstract: A spring contact device consists of an insulative case (6) having at least one pair of slots extending upwardly from a bottom thereof and a contact spring (1) which includes a contact portion (3) made by bending upwardly a thick portion of a profile spring sheet such that the contact portion projects through a top of the case; a terminal portion (4) made from a thinner portion of the profile spring sheet so as to project downwardly from a bottom of the case; a U-shaped leaf spring portion between the contact and terminal portions; and at least one pair of lugs (5) extending upwardly from a lower section (2) of the U-shaped leaf spring portion and press fitted into the slots for securing the spring contact to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiji Kano, Kenji Katayose
  • Patent number: 5199557
    Abstract: In a process of producing an electric or electronic component, particularly a key, a continuous track of a metal foil is machined into two metallic terminal components constituting links between two carrier strips. A base housing component is cast from a high temperature resistant material around the terminals and is connected to the carrier strips through two tags protruding outwards from opposite, outer side surfaces of the base housing component. In an inner recess of the base housing component a domed metal disc having an acoustically damping coating on the convex side surface thereof, an elastically compressible rubber component and a push button are arranged. On top of the base housing component, a top housing component preferably made from the same high temperature resistant plastics material is arranged. Within the recess of the base housing component, the terminals define electric contacts with which the domed metal disc cooperates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: MEC A/S
    Inventors: Gert Brandt, Soren R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5197641
    Abstract: A carrier apparatus for use on a motor vehicle to store a spare tire mounted on a rim beneath the undercarriage of the vehicle. The apparatus including a spring rod having an upper end and a lower end with the upper end being connected to the vehicle via a mounting assembly. A cradle bar having a forward end attached to the lower end of the spring rod is received in a cradle receiver member to form a telescoping cradle. A rear end of the cradle receiver member is connected to a bracket assembly which is adapted to be secured to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: L & M Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike E. Montgomery, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5193724
    Abstract: A bag like main cover has side wall panels closed at the rear but open at the bottom and front. The top is closed from the rear to a point short of the front, leaving open top edges adjacent the front to fit around the upright gooseneck of the bicycle handlebars. Matching Velcro strips are attached to the side walls in the areas of the open portions thereof for releasably securing edges of the cover to lower portions of the bicycle and also to hold weather tight folds of the cover around the gooseneck. A hood-like auxiliary cover is shaped to releasably fit on and protect the handlebars and also receives the main cover therein for storing it when not in use. The auxiliary cover also has Velcro sealing strips that hold it on handlebars when in use and also strap it and the enclosed main cover to a bicycle portion when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: Donald M. Robbins
  • Patent number: 5193664
    Abstract: The key-operated switch enables realization of a switch construction which is extensively independent of the dimensions of standard cylinder locks and mounting thereof independent of the surroundings. A switch housing open at one side comprises side walls, a floor, a lower portion and an upper portion. Longitudinal slots provided at the side walls extend parallel to wide side edges of the side walls and serve for guiding first fastening screws. A housing cover member which fits in the housing opening and having bevelled corners and flaps is displaceable throughout a predetermined distance along the longitudinal slots. At the operator side of the key-operated switch the housing cover member carries a collar connected by second fastening screws with such housing cover member. A throughpass opening is provided at the housing cover member through which piercingly extends a standard cylinder lock attached at the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Fredrick C. Ives
  • Patent number: 5193666
    Abstract: A remote actuator for an enclosed molded case circuit breaker or disconnect switch utilizes an actuator cable connection with the circuit breaker operating handle in a "pull-pull" arrangement. The cable is arranged in an endless loop between the actuator handle and the circuit breaker operating handle. Moving the actuator handle in a first direction pulls the circuit breaker operating handle to its ON position while moving the actuator handle in an opposite direction pulls the circuit breaker operating handle to its OFF positoin. A retractable handle extender on the actuator handle increases the torquing force applied to the actuator handle and the circuit breaker operating handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert G. Markowski, Dean A. Robarge, Jerome B. Tankersley, III
  • Patent number: 5193669
    Abstract: A switch assembly comprising a housing, a rigid operating member mounted for movement relative to the housing and accessible to an operator, an electrical contact operable by movement of the operating member from a rest position to an operative position relative to the housing, a flexible seal between the operating member and the electrical contact and capable of transmitting operative movement of the operating member to the contact while preventing passage of moisture and other contaminants from the region of the operating member to the contact, and, a limit preventing movement of the operating member relative to the contact beyond the position at which the contact is operated. The switch can include further operating members and associated contacts and limits carried by the housing and if desired the assembly can incorporate a heater for heating the operating member region of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Lucas Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory B. Demeo, Henry E. Molvar, David R. Bergerson
  • Patent number: 5193665
    Abstract: An electric plug including a disabling mechanism to preclude unauthorized use of the plug. The disabling mechanism includes a key cylinder lock assembly including a cam member rotated in response to rotation of the key cylinder, a pair of conductive track strips extending from a cord inlet to a location proximate the prongs of the plug, an insulative block mounted for linear sliding movement within the hollow of the housing of the plug between open and closed positions, and a pair of conductive contact strips carried by the insulative block and each including a portion slidably engaging a respective track strip and a portion movable into electric contact with a contact portion of a respective prong in response to movement of the insulative block to a closed position in response to rotation of the key cylinder lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: Robert A. Jankow
  • Patent number: 5192841
    Abstract: A circuit breaker having a chassis, an electrical contact structure, and a shock absorber mechanism. The contact structure includes a movable first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The first contact has a first movement range. The shock absorbing mechanism, which absorbs energy from the movement of the first contact, includes a metallic bar pivotally mounted on the chassis, and first and second limit members fixed to the chassis. The first and second limit members define a second movement range which overlaps the first movement range. A spring weakly biases the metallic bar towards the second limit member. The first contact, during movement thereof to an open position, strikes the metallic bar. Kinetic energy is removed from the first electrical contact by the metallic bar without bounce of the electrical contact, and the metallic bar pivots against the first limit member, transferring the shock of stopping the first contact to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Stanislaw A. Milianowicz, Edward J. Klimek, Robert N. Krevokuch
  • Patent number: 5191969
    Abstract: A device for orienting one or more electric switches has one or more plate-like members which can be interlinked at the rear side of a mounting plate in a distributor board. Each member has an opening which can non-rotatably receive the housing of a switch, a recess at one side of the opening and a complementary tongue-like projection at the other side of the opening. The projection of each member can be fully or partially received in the recess of the adjacent member; this renders it possible to alter the mutual spacing of neighboring switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Elektro-Apparatebau Olten AG
    Inventor: Fritz Berger
  • Patent number: 5191971
    Abstract: A multiple position wall mountable linear slide switch has a wheel disposed between a linearly moveable actuator and a stationary bearing surface for rolling the actuator in a linear path over the bearing surface upon application of an external sliding force to the actuator. The wheel carries a conductive axle for establishing an electrical connection between switch contacts defining each switch setting. The bearing surface has a plurality of detents, one associated with each switch setting, so that, as the actuator is moved from one position to another, the wheel rolls out of one detent then into another. This motion of the wheel automatically raises the axle away from the contacts at one setting then lowers the axle onto the contacts at an immediately subsequent setting as the actuator is moved between corresponding positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Susan S. Hakkarainen, Robert S. Hanna, Elliot G. Jacoby, Robert F. Taylor, III
  • Patent number: 5190194
    Abstract: A device for attachment to an inflated recreational inner tube has two spaced apart resilient arms that substantially encircle the tube. A horizontal mounting panel, arcuately shaped to conform to the circular outer perimeter of the tube, extends between the two arms. An umbrella-holding receptacle is vertically affixed to the mounting panel. Also affixed to the mounting panel are a beverage-holding receptacle and a waterproof utility container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventors: Paul Rosner, Barry Canter
  • Patent number: 5190148
    Abstract: A switch for controlling the operation of a motor boat comprises a cylinder and a key. The key includes a grippable knob and a detachable key actuator which engages a key-receiving member in the cylinder. The knob is turned from a first stable angular orientation (that is, an off-position) to a second stable angular orientation (that is, an on-position) to operate the motor. The knob is also coupled by means of a lanyard to the operator. If the operator falls overboard, the knob will separate from the key actuator and springs located inside the cylinder return the switch to the off-position. The switch also permits the a choke signal to be sent to the motor by pressing inwardly on the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Williams
  • Patent number: 5188267
    Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) on a firefighter's turnout coat includes a vest-type garment composed of a back panel and shoulder and waist straps attached to respective upper and lower portions of the back panel. Releasable coupling devices are connected to the ends of the shoulder and waist straps for detachably connecting the respective ends together to tightly secure the vest-type garment on the wearer. The back panel of the garment can be secured to either the inside or the outside of the back of an outer protective shell of the coat. The shoulder and waist straps of the vest-type garment are located internally of an inner liner of the coat by extending from the back panel of the vest-type garment through slots in the inner liner. The SCBA supporting arrangement also includes an elongated flexible pouch mounted in the center of the exterior of the back of the outer shell of the coat for holding an air bottle of the SCBA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Lion Apparel, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Sargent, Donald Aldridge, Bill McKenney