Patents by Inventor Brian R. Meldahl
Brian R. Meldahl 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).
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Publication number: 20240025695Abstract: A vehicle supported system having a support frame, a support surface, a number of a coil handlers and a coil leveler, all supported upon the support surface. The coil handlers are configured to rotatably support a coil of reinforcing bar material in a manner which allows the reinforcing bar materials to be unwound and fed from the coil. The coil leveler may be configured to receive the reinforcing bar materials and to perform a straightening operation which will provide a straightened rebar material at an output of the mobile outfeed device. The system may also include a mobile cutter positioned adjacent outfeed device to cut reinforcing bar materials to a desired length when that length has been provided through the output.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Inventor: Brian R Meldahl
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Patent number: 10974895Abstract: A fully automated container handling system for a refuse vehicle is provided that utilizes a vehicle-includes an extending, pivoting arm with a base equipped with a converging grabber to seize and empty the container. The base that grabs the container includes a sonar transducer that functions with a hydraulic system that operates the arm and grabber using a programmable mounted video camera which feeds video to a cab-mounted monitor to inform a driver of the location of a container of interest enabling accurate alignment of the vehicle. The system is operated by a single button in the cab and logic controller (PLC) computer program to run the hydraulic controls.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Con-Tech Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Grant McNeilus, James R. Cunningham, Brian R. Meldahl
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Publication number: 20190344963Abstract: A fully automated container handling system for a refuse vehicle is provided that utilizes a vehicle-includes an extending, pivoting arm with a base equipped with a converging grabber to seize and empty the container. The base that grabs the container includes a sonar transducer that functions with a hydraulic system that operates the arm and grabber using a programmable mounted video camera which feeds video to a cab-mounted monitor to inform a driver of the location of a container of interest enabling accurate alignment of the vehicle. The system is operated by a single button in the cab and logic controller (PLC) computer program to run the hydraulic controls.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2019Publication date: November 14, 2019Inventors: Grant McNeilus, James R. Cunningham, Brian R. Meldahl
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Patent number: 10358287Abstract: A fully automated container handling system for a refuse vehicle is provided that utilizes a vehicle-mounted video camera which feeds video to a cab-mounted monitor to inform a driver of the location of a container of interest enabling accurate alignment of the vehicle. The system is operated by a single button in the cab and includes an extending, pivoting arm with a base equipped with a converging grabber to seize and empty the container. The base that grabs the container includes a sonar transducer that functions with a hydraulic system that operates the arm and grabber using a programmable logic controller (PLC) computer program to run the hydraulic controls.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2016Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: Con-Tech Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Grant McNeilus, James R. Cunningham, Brian R. Meldahl
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Patent number: 10308429Abstract: A simplified lift and lowering system is provided that includes a base carriage arrangement that operates along a stationary belt attached to a pivoting arm. The arm has a lower end that is capable of linear lateral extensions and the upper end that returns to the same position when the arm is retracted. The arm has a curved upper portion and is mounted to discharge or dump containers into the charging hopper section of a side-loading refuse vehicle. The stationary belt is carried in a recessed central area of the arm and is anchored at the upper end of the curved section of the arm and attached to a spring-loaded belt tensioner at the lower end of the arms.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Con-Tech Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Grant McNeilus, Brian R. Meldahl
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Patent number: 10201913Abstract: A vehicle mountable, self-contained independent transit concrete mixer operating system is provided in two pre-assembled modular parts for mounting on a truck chassis. The system needs only power take-off, electrical and control system connections to be operable.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Con-Tech Manufacturing Inc.Inventors: Garwin B. McNeilus, Grant McNeilus, Brian R. Meldahl, Tracy L. Schrafel
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Publication number: 20180134487Abstract: A simplified lift and lowering system is provided that includes a base carriage arrangement that operates along a stationary belt attached to a pivoting arm. The arm has a lower end that is capable of linear lateral extensions and the upper end that returns to the same position when the arm is retracted. The arm has a curved upper portion and is mounted to discharge or dump containers into the charging hopper section of a side-loading refuse vehicle. The stationary belt is carried in a recessed central area of the arm and is anchored at the upper end of the curved section of the arm and attached to a spring-loaded belt tensioner at the lower end of the arms.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2016Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Grant McNeilus, Brian R. Meldahl
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Publication number: 20170369242Abstract: A fully automated container handling system for a refuse vehicle is provided that utilizes a vehicle-mounted video camera which feeds video to a cab-mounted monitor to inform a driver of the location of a container of interest enabling accurate alignment of the vehicle. The system is operated by a single button in the cab and includes an extending, pivoting arm with a base equipped with a converging grabber to seize and empty the container. The base that grabs the container includes a sonar transducer that functions with a hydraulic system that operates the arm and grabber using a programmable logic controller (PLC) computer program to run the hydraulic controls.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2016Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Grant McNeilus, James R. Cunningham, Brian R. Meldahl
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Patent number: 9840220Abstract: A wireless airbag control system includes a central master electronic control module having an RF transceiver. One or more slave nodes are provided, each slave node being associated with an airbag that is mounted to perform an operating function with respect to a mechanical device. Each slave node further includes an RF transceiver, a central processing unit and a CAN controller. Two-way communication is shared between the slave nodes and the master electronic control module on a prioritized message basis.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: L & B Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Loyd C. Van Buskirk, Brian R. Meldahl, Dylan C. Van Buskirk, Steven L. Van Buskirk
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Patent number: 9611740Abstract: A bi-directional pneumatic actuating unit includes a unitary structure having a central base member, a pair of opposed inflatable pneumatic chambers for applying force in different directions, one mounted on either side of the central base member, and air supply and exhaust access ports connected to each of the pneumatic chambers for selectively supplying air to and exhausting air from each of the pneumatic chambers.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2013Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: L & B Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Loyd C. Van Buskirk, Brian R. Meldahl, Dylan C. Van Buskirk
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Publication number: 20170066029Abstract: A shaping tool die for shaping components from sheet material includes two matching shaping tool die halves, each shaping tool die half having a plurality of spaced plate die shapes, each die shape having a rotatable curved surface mated with a curved recess in the free end of a base mounting plate such that each plate die shape is separately adjustable relative to a mated mounting plate. A position fixing plate is associated with each plate die shape and base mounting plate combination to adjustably fix the position of the plate die shape relative to the base mounting plate in a desired position. A base member is provided for receiving the base mounting plates for each tool die half, and at least one clamp plate member threaded through corresponding base mounting plates of each die half and removably fixed to a corresponding base member is provided to fix the base mounting plates in place.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2015Publication date: March 9, 2017Inventors: Brian R. Meldahl, Garwin B. McNeilus
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Patent number: 9566632Abstract: A shaping tool die for shaping components from sheet material includes two matching shaping tool die halves, each shaping tool die half having a plurality of spaced plate die shapes, each die shape having a rotatable curved surface mated with a curved recess in the free end of a base mounting plate such that each plate die shape is separately adjustable relative to a mated mounting plate. A position fixing plate is associated with each plate die shape and base mounting plate combination to adjustably fix the position of the plate die shape relative to the base mounting plate in a desired position. A base member is provided for receiving the base mounting plates for each tool die half, and at least one clamp plate member threaded through corresponding base mounting plates of each die half and removably fixed to a corresponding base member is provided to fix the base mounting plates in place.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2015Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: CON-TECH MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Brian R. Meldahl, Garwin B. McNeilus
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Patent number: 9527367Abstract: A pneumatic actuator unit concept is disclosed which includes a unitary structure that has single or dual inflatable pneumatic air chambers mounted on and fixed to a common central base member or plate member that provides a base for the air chambers. Dual air chambers can apply force in different directions with respect to the base member. The operating air is supplied by way of access ports located in the central base member which also includes an integral internal control valve system. The air chambers are preferably airbag devices which may be sleeve-type airbags, single or multiple convoluted airbags or other inflatable apparatuses.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2014Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: L & B MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Loyd C. Van Buskirk, Brian R. Meldahl, Dylan C. Van Buskirk
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Patent number: 9481107Abstract: A dual spiral mixing fin assembly adapted to mix and guide material contained in a rotatable mixing drum of a type used in a transit concrete vehicle mixing system, the assembly includes dual spiral mixing fins extending transversely along a drum mixing space attachable to the inner surface of a mixing drum. The fins are provided with a plurality of spaced large openings for allowing mixed concrete and charged ingredient materials to migrate along a drum mixing space through the openings in both a forward and rearward direction. The fins also have a plurality of spaced small openings that accommodate the passage of cleanout materials along a drum mixing space. A plurality of strut members are attached to forward portions of the mixing fins and adapted to be fixed to the front interior surface of a mixing drum.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Con-Tech Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Brian R. Meldahl, Jay Attleson, Garwin B. McNeilus
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Publication number: 20160311387Abstract: A wireless airbag control system includes a central master electronic control module having an RF transceiver. One or more slave nodes are provided, each slave node being associated with an airbag that is mounted to perform an operating function with respect to a mechanical device. Each slave node further includes an RF transceiver, a central processing unit and a CAN controller. Two-way communication is shared between the slave nodes and the master electronic control module on a prioritized message basis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2015Publication date: October 27, 2016Inventors: Loyd C. Van Buskirk, Brian R. Meldahl, Dylan C. Van Buskirk, Steven L. Van Buskirk
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Publication number: 20160221219Abstract: A dual spiral mixing fin assembly adapted to mix and guide material contained in a rotatable mixing drum of a type used in a transit concrete vehicle mixing system, the assembly includes dual spiral mixing fins extending transversely along a drum mixing space attachable to the inner surface of a mixing drum. The fins are provided with a plurality of spaced large openings for allowing mixed concrete and charged ingredient materials to migrate along a drum mixing space through the openings in both a forward and rearward direction. The fins also have a plurality of spaced small openings that accommodate the passage of cleanout materials along a drum mixing space. A plurality of strut members are attached to forward portions of the mixing fins and adapted to be fixed to the front interior surface of a mixing drum.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2015Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Brian R. Meldahl, Jay Attleson, Garwin B. McNeilus
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Patent number: 9282689Abstract: The combination of a rolling basket tillage implement and a seed distribution implement is disclosed. A height-adjustable mounting system for a rolling basket soil tillage implement is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables such an implement to be raised above the soil as needed to avoid wet conditions.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: L & B Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Loyd C. Van Buskirk, Brian R. Meldahl
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Publication number: 20150367300Abstract: A vehicle mountable, self-contained independent transit concrete mixer operating system is provided in two pre-assembled modular parts for mounting on a truck chassis. The system needs only power take-off, electrical and control system connections to be operable.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2014Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: Garwin B. McNeilus, Grant McNeilus, Brian R. Meldahl, Tracy L. Schrafel
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Publication number: 20150292635Abstract: A pneumatic actuator unit concept is disclosed which includes a unitary structure that has single or dual inflatable pneumatic air chambers mounted on and fixed to a common central base member or plate member that provides a base for the air chambers. Dual air chambers can apply force in different directions with respect to the base member. The operating air is supplied by way of access ports located in the central base member which also includes an integral internal control valve system. The air chambers are preferably airbag devices which may be sleeve-type airbags, single or multiple convoluted airbags or other inflatable apparatuses.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2014Publication date: October 15, 2015Applicant: L & B MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Loyd C. Van Buskirk, Brian R. Meldahl, Dylan C. Van Buskirk
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Patent number: 9155237Abstract: A mount for a trash whipping implement for connection to a planter is disclosed. A height and force adjustable mounting system is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables the force of such an implement on the soil to be modulated as desired.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: L & B MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Loyd C. Van Buskirk, Brian R. Meldahl