Patents Examined by Patrick J. Tangney
  • Patent number: 6991065
    Abstract: To lubricate a length of track, a plurality of lubricating nozzles are provided. Each nozzle is fed by the output of a single positive displacement pump, and all the pumps are controlled by a computer. Vibration sensors, sound sensors, or L/V ratio sensors detect physical qualities which occur as a train passes a given point, and another detector measures the time between successive wheels on the truck of a car as it passes a given point to measure train speed. The computer compares the output readings measured by the detector to a table of outputs in its memory that are indicative of a lubricated track to determine if lubrication is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventors: Carlton L. Leslie, Kevin Kostelny-Vogts
  • Patent number: 6971479
    Abstract: An applicator (10) for applying a friction modifying material to the top of rails (12). The wayside applicator includes an applicator bar (26) that has a dam for holding friction modifying material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Portec Rail Products, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Thomas Urmson, Jr., John W. Mospan, Frank T. Lenco
  • Patent number: 6962093
    Abstract: A noise reduction structure is provided for use with a meshing gear assembly, such as in a power take-off unit for selectively providing power to one or more rotatably driven accessories. The meshing gear assembly includes meshing input and output gears that are supported within a housing and are rotatably driven during use. A helical coil wrap spring extends about and is frictionally engaged with a portion of the output gear. A first end of the wrap spring extends outwardly therefrom to form a control tang that extends adjacent to an abutment surface provided on the housing of the power take-off unit. As a result, the wrap spring is prevented from rotating relative to the housing as the output gear is rotatably driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Russell K. Warner
  • Patent number: 6959622
    Abstract: A steering column rotary tilt locking mechanism. The mechanism includes a rod pivotally interconnecting upper and lower column members and a sleeve supported about the rod. The rod and sleeve have selectively engageable surfaces. The sleeve has opposed slots with one end of each slot having axis offset from the other slot. Upon rotation of the sleeve, the sleeve moves out of perpendicularity relative to the shaft such that the slots bind against the shaft and the sleeve moves off center relative to the rod and binds thereagainst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Timken US Corporation
    Inventor: Paul M. Masucci