Patents by Inventor Charles R. Lawrence

Charles R. Lawrence 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: 5493086
    Abstract: An engine oil regulating device may monitor and regulate a fluid level for stationary engines or compressors for gravity feed and pressurized oil applications. Oil may be received in a float chamber that may have a safety shutdown float and an oil level regulating float. The engine oil regulating device may also include a safety shutdown mechanism to actuate an alarm and/or a shutdown switch such as an ignition cut-off switch. The safety shutdown mechanism may be configured as a single switch or a plurality of switches. A two switch safety shutdown mechanism may utilize a side-by-side layout or a stacked layout. The safety shutdown mechanism may include a high-low level shutdown, low level shutdown only, or high level shutdown only. A testing mechanism such as a rotatable test knob assembly may be provided to test the safety shutdown mechanism. An engine oil level adjusting mechanism such as an adjustable threaded thumb valve orifice member may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Murphy Management Inc.
    Inventors: Frank W. Murphy, Jr., Eric Miller, David Nunneley, Charles R. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 4975687
    Abstract: A signalling gauge may utilize a non-captivating, magnetically actuated switch element which is mounted in an influence zone of a path of a magnet carried by an indicating pointer of the gauge. The gauge may operate despite the presence of dust, dirt or other pollutants for an extended period of time without inducing sparks or arcing often associated with electromechanical contacts. Hall effect switch elements such as latches or digital switches may be utilized as a switch element for signalling to drive an audio or visual alarm or a digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignees: Frank W. Murphy Mfr., Frank W. Murphy, Jr.
    Inventors: Frank W. Murphy, Jr., James R. Francisco, Charles R. Lawrence, Troy Teague