Patents by Inventor Arthur W. Mears

Arthur W. Mears has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6484656
    Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition is provided. The flotation device comprises an elongated housing mounted to the watercraft. A carrier is slidably received within the housing with the carrier having a first and second cover channel and a bladder retaining slot. A first collapsible tubing is receivable within the first cover channel. An elongated cover is releasably secured within the first cover channel and the second cover channel. A space is defined between the carrier and the cover. A flotation bladder is receivable within the space with the flotation bladder having a bladder edge receivable in the bladder retaining slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Float Rail, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur W. Mears, Richard S. Coate
  • Patent number: 6470818
    Abstract: A flotation device is provided comprising a carrier mounted to the watercraft with the carrier having a first cover channel, a second cover channel, a first bladder retaining slot, and a second bladder retaining slot. A space is defined between the carrier and an elongated cover having a first edge and a second edge with the first edge releasably receivable in the first cover channel and the second edge releasably receivable in the second cover channel. A cover-removing bladder is receivable within the space and secured to the carrier. A flotation bladder is receivable within the space and secured to the carrier. An inflation mechanism connected to the cover-removing bladder and the flotation bladder inflates both bladders wherein the first edge of the cover is released from the first cover channel of the carrier allowing the flotation bladder to substantially completely inflate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Float Rail, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur W. Mears, Nicolae Toderica, Valerica Grigore
  • Publication number: 20020144638
    Abstract: A flotation device is provided comprising a carrier mounted to the watercraft with the carrier having a first cover channel, a second cover channel, a first bladder retaining slot, and a second bladder retaining slot. A space is defined between the carrier and an elongated cover having a first edge and a second edge with the first edge releasably receivable in the first cover channel and the second edge releasably receivable in the second cover channel. A cover-removing bladder is receivable within the space and secured to the carrier. A flotation bladder is receivable within the space and secured to the carrier. An inflation mechanism connected to the cover-removing bladder and the flotation bladder inflates both bladders wherein the first edge of the cover is released from the first cover channel of the carrier allowing the flotation bladder to substantially completely inflate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Arthur W. Mears, Nicolae Toderica, Valerica Grigore
  • Patent number: 6435125
    Abstract: A switch system for automatically activating a mechanism such as a gas or fluid supply, an electrical switch, or chemical process is provided. The switch system comprises a float housing and a float slidable within the float housing with the float slidable from a first position to a second position. An activation trigger extends through the float housing with the activation trigger having a first trigger end and a second trigger end, the first trigger end contacting the float. A valve activates the mechanism with the valve connected to the second trigger end wherein upon movement of the float from the first position to the second position, the second trigger end activating the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Float Rail, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur W. Mears
  • Publication number: 20020026888
    Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition is provided. The flotation device comprises an elongated housing mounted to the watercraft. A carrier is slidably received within the housing with the carrier having a first and second cover channel and a bladder retaining slot. A first collapsible tubing is receivable within the first cover channel. An elongated cover is releasably secured within the first cover channel and the second cover channel. A space is defined between the carrier and the cover. A flotation bladder is receivable within the space with the flotation bladder having a bladder edge receivable in the bladder retaining slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Arthur W. Mears, Richard S. Coate
  • Publication number: 20020011200
    Abstract: A switch system for automatically activating a mechanism such as a gas or fluid supply, an electrical switch, or chemical process is provided. The switch system comprises a float housing and a float slidable within the float housing with the float slidable from a first position to a second position. An activation trigger extends through the float housing with the activation trigger having a first trigger end and a second trigger end, the first trigger end contacting the float. A valve activates the mechanism with the valve connected to the second trigger end wherein upon movement of the float from the first position to the second position, the second trigger end activating the mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Arthur W. Mears
  • Patent number: 5065163
    Abstract: A reusable portable device for providing location data by a lost individual as well as a signal enhancer for radios or other signal emitting devices. The device is in the form of a briefcase size unit containing a deflated airfoil with air brake and a gas cylinder containing ligher-than-air gas such as helium. The helium is released into the airfoil and is temporarily sealed with a clip. A signal emitting tether line attaches to the airfoil at one end and a reel at the other end. The reel contains a trim capacitor to adjust frequency of the antenna to different signal emitting devices which may be attached to the reel. Incorporated into the reel is a lightning arrestor which can be attached to an anchor permitting use in adverse weather. The reel may adjust the height of the airfoil and bring it back to the ground to be deflated and reused another time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Radarfind, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur W. Mears
  • Patent number: 4919365
    Abstract: An airfoil which is capable of being inflated either by using a lighter-than-air or other gas from a gas cylinder or by oral inflation comprising an aerodynamically shaped inflatable portion, a flexible keel and two flexible winglets, one spaced on each side of the keel equipped with a tether system for providing the airfoil aerodynamic stability and maneuverability in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Inventor: Arthur W. Mears
  • Patent number: 4800835
    Abstract: A device for providing location data for use by a lost child or adult or an individual in need of assistance. The device is in the form of a small compact unit including a container having a top case and a bottom case containing a deflated airfoil and a gas cylinder containing lighter-than-air gas such as helium. A release key which when pulled allows the top case to separate from the bottom case and automatic inflation of the airfoil commences. The plunger strikes a lever driving a puncture pin into the gas cylinder filling the airfoil through a one way valve. The airfoil is tethered at one end by a line and is attached to the bottom case and maintains flight even in adverse weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Radarfind, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur W. Mears