Patents by Inventor Brian J. Truesdale

Brian J. Truesdale 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: 8353611
    Abstract: A fastener includes a main body having a front portion and a rear portion, a securing member engageable with the rear portion of the main body, and a light source unit securable between the securing member and the front portion of the main body, for providing light to illuminate the front portion of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian J. Truesdale, David F. Schieleit, Kenneth A. Albrecht, YuJen Lo, YuHsun Wu
  • Patent number: 8085141
    Abstract: A self-diagnostic acoustic wave touch actuated switch assembly includes a substrate having an acoustic wave cavity, a transducer operatively connected to the acoustic wave cavity, a processing unit, and at least one light emitting member operatively connected to the processing unit. The transducer is configured to generate a trapped acoustic wave within the acoustic wave cavity. The processing unit is operatively connected to one or both of the acoustic wave cavity and/or the transducer. The processing unit may be configured to activate the at least one light emitting member when the processing unit detects one or both of a switch malfunction and/or a potential switch malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald W. Hill, Brian J. Truesdale, Slawomir P. Kielian
  • Publication number: 20100220495
    Abstract: A fastener includes a main body having a front portion and a rear portion, a securing member engageable with the rear portion of the main body, and a light source unit securable between the securing member and the front portion of the main body, for providing light to illuminate the front portion of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Brian J. TRUESDALE, David F. SCHIELEIT, Kenneth A. ALBRECHT, YuJen Lo, YuHsun Wu
  • Publication number: 20100024543
    Abstract: A level sensor for determining the presence or absence of a liquid in contact with the sensor includes an elongate probe, a transducer operably connected to the probe and configured to produce compressional waves in the probe, and circuitry for detecting acoustic energy emitted into the liquid when liquid is in contact with the probe. A mount for the releasably holding the sensor includes a base have a receiving region formed in part by a plurality of flexible securing fingers. The fingers have locking projections extending therefrom. A contact is mounted to the base and extends into the receiving region. A cartridge supports the level sensor and is received in the receiving region. The cartridge includes a circumferential recess for receiving the securing fingers. When the level sensor is positioned in the cartridge and the cartridge is inserted into the base, the level sensor is operably connected to the contact and the cartridge is resiliently secured in the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Terrence J. Knowles, Brian J. Truesdale, Kenneth A. Albrecht, Slawomir P. Kielian
  • Patent number: 7564167
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a trapped acoustic wave system and a method of assembling such a system. The system may include a substrate having an acoustic wave cavity and a transducer mounted on the substrate. The transducer is configured to resonate the acoustic wave cavity. An acoustically transmissive adhesive secures a first portion of the transducer to the substrate. An additional adhesive, which is separate and distinct from the acoustically transmissive adhesive, anchors at least a second portion of the transducer to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Truesdale
  • Publication number: 20080315976
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a trapped acoustic wave system and a method of assembling such a system. The system may include a substrate having an acoustic wave cavity and a transducer mounted on the substrate. The transducer is configured to resonate the acoustic wave cavity. An acoustically transmissive adhesive secures a first portion of the transducer to the substrate. An additional adhesive, which is separate and distinct from the acoustically transmissive adhesive, anchors at least a second portion of the transducer to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: BRIAN J. TRUESDALE
  • Publication number: 20080202142
    Abstract: A system for detecting ice of a particular thickness includes a structure from which ice forms, and an ice detection assembly movably secured to the structure. The ice detection assembly includes a transducer operatively connected to a sensing medium. The transducer generates a trapped acoustic wave in the sensing medium, wherein ice of a particular thickness is detected when the ice that forms from the structure contacts the sensing medium and dampens the trapped acoustic wave within the sensing medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Terrence J. Knowles, Brian J. Truesdale
  • Publication number: 20080024314
    Abstract: A self-diagnostic acoustic wave touch actuated switch assembly includes a substrate having an acoustic wave cavity, a transducer operatively connected to the acoustic wave cavity, a processing unit, and at least one light emitting member operatively connected to the processing unit. The transducer is configured to generate a trapped acoustic wave within the acoustic wave cavity. The processing unit is operatively connected to one or both of the acoustic wave cavity and/or the transducer. The processing unit may be configured to activate the at least one light emitting member when the processing unit detects one or both of a switch malfunction and/or a potential switch malfunction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Gerald W. Hill, Brian J. Truesdale, Slawomir P. Kielian
  • Patent number: 7050285
    Abstract: There is provided a surge protector assembly for use with a 66-M type terminal connector block having a plurality of parallel rows of opposed terminals which are laterally spaced apart from each other. The surge protector assembly includes a housing module formed of co-mating front and back halves. A miniature printed circuit board is disposed within the housing module. Surge protector devices, a protector-operational status indicator circuitry, and a ground-connected status indicator circuitry are disposed on the miniature printed circuit board. A plurality of tip/ring terminal contacts are disposed within a lower portion of the housing module for mating with corresponding ones of the opposed terminals of the 66-M type terminal connector block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Sato, Slawomir Kielian, Arif Oguz, Brian J. Truesdale, James Fournier, Richard T. Halliday
  • Patent number: 6965085
    Abstract: A push-button switch includes a universal assembly comprising a single body design, a single plunger design, and a single base design to provide various switch options in an overall single package design. The push-button switch of the invention may be operated by either a mechanical switch assembly or a hall-effect system. The push-button switch may also provide a momentary switch connection, such as a single push system, or a maintained switch connection, such as a push-push system. Further, the push-button switch may include feedback mechanisms, such as LED components and the like that provide a visible feedback of the switch connection, and tactile feedback components that also indicate the switch connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mario M. Orrico, Michael S. Pedersen, Brian J. Truesdale
  • Publication number: 20040246644
    Abstract: There is provided a surge protector assembly for use with a 66-M type terminal connector block having a plurality of parallel rows of opposed terminals which are laterally spaced apart from each other. The surge protector assembly includes a housing module formed of co-mating front and back halves. A miniature printed circuit board is disposed within the housing module. Surge protector devices, a protector-operational status indicator circuitry, and a ground-connected status indicator circuitry are disposed on the miniature printed circuit board. A plurality of tip/ring terminal contacts are disposed within a lower portion of the housing module for mating with corresponding ones of the opposed terminals of the 66-M type terminal connector block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Nicholas Sato, Slawomir Kielian, Arif Oguz, Brian J. Truesdale, James Fournier, Richard T. Halliday
  • Patent number: 6795289
    Abstract: A voltage and/or surge-current protector and grounding bar arrangement is provided for use with a BIX connector block having two rows of terminals which are laterally spaced with respect to each other so as to form a longitudinally extending channel therebetween. The arrangement includes a housing for receiving voltage and/or surge-current protector devices, four tip/ring terminal contacts, a ground contact and a disconnect arrangement. A grounding bar is disposed within the elongated opening of the BIX connector block and extends generally throughout the length thereof. The ground contact includes two prongs which extend vertically and externally of the housing for connection to a corresponding hole in the grounding bar. The disconnect arrangement allows for testing and line-servicing without removal of the voltage and/or surge-current protector devices from the BIX connector block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad Masghati, Brian J. Truesdale, Arif Oguz
  • Publication number: 20030133245
    Abstract: A voltage and/or surge-current protector and grounding bar arrangement is provided for use with a BIX connector block having two rows of terminals which are laterally spaced with respect to each other so as to form a longitudinally extending channel therebetween. The arrangement includes a housing for receiving voltage and/or surge-current protector devices, four tip/ring terminal contacts, a ground contact and a disconnect arrangement. A grounding bar is disposed within the elongated opening of the BIX connector block and extends generally throughout the length thereof. The ground contact includes two prongs which extend vertically and externally of the housing for connection to a corresponding hole in the grounding bar. The disconnect arrangement allows for testing and line-servicing without removal of the voltage and/or surge-current protector devices from the BIX connector block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Mohammad Masghati, Brian J. Truesdale, Arif Oguz
  • Patent number: 6003206
    Abstract: The control knob engages, on its interior, a translucent polycarbonate jewel body collar assembly of a first color, such as white, which, in turn, provides a housing for a translucent polycarbonate jewel LED holder assembly. The LED emits light, possibly modified by the jewel LED holder assembly, of a second color, such as blue or blue-green. This second color can be varied in intensity and hue by varying the polarity and resistance of the LED. The jewel body collar assembly includes a collar to engage the interior cylindrical support section of the control knob and a housing assembly to engage the jewel LED holder assembly. The jewel body collar assembly further includes a ridge which protrudes through a slot in the sidewall and front face of the control knob thereby forming an indicator for the control knob. In ambient illumination, such as during the day, the indicator appears to be the color of the jewel body collar assembly, such as white.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Hall, Brian J. Truesdale, T.M. Narasimhan