Patents by Inventor Burr E. Stephens

Burr E. Stephens 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).

  • Self oscillating vacuum actuator
    Patent number: 4470338
    Abstract: A vacuum actuator, suitable for use in an automatic belt tensioning system, oscillates automatically when connected to a source of constant vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Clayton, Melvin H. Hallmann, Gerald O. Huntzinger, Burr E. Stephens
  • Automatic tension control mechanism for a drive belt
    Patent number: 4300890
    Abstract: A belt tension controlling mechanism has a spring member which operates on a pulley support bracket to establish a tension in a belt trained on the pulley. The spring member surrounds a threaded sleeve which is rotated by a pair of selectively operable one-way ratcheting clutches which are simultaneously driven in opposite directions by a vacuum motor. The rotation of the sleeve results in linear meovement of a shaft connected to the pulley support bracket to thereby increase or decrease the belt tension, depending upon which clutch is operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1981
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin H. Hallmann, Burr E. Stephens