Patents by Inventor Danny R. Williams

Danny R. Williams 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: 5976364
    Abstract: An apparatus provides for dissolving biotic growth inhibitor composition, usually in the form of blocks or tablets, into air conditioner condensate fluid to prevent biotic growth. Condensate fluid from a collector pan or receptacle near the air conditioner enters the apparatus and contacts the inhibitor composition, typically an algicide, and slowly dissolves the inhibitor. The apparatus has an inhibitor housing for holding the biotic growth inhibitor and an inhibitor container, located within the housing, which allows contact between the inhibitor and condensate while retaining undissolved inhibitor in the housing and preventing it from being washed out. The apparatus is connected with the drain pipe by an inlet port and an outlet port which direct the condensate into and out of the inhibitor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Innovation Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5692971
    Abstract: An elongate tube of resilient material is fitted into a golf club shaft to reduce the transfer of impact shock to a golfer's hands, shoulders and arms. The tube is compressively fitted into the club shaft to protect against its slippage or movement within the shaft. The tube when inserted also does not alter or affect club balance. For additional shock absorbency, the club face may be isolated from the remainder of the club head by a layer of resilient, shock-absorbent material. The tube may also be used as an insert in shafts or handles of other types of sporting goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Danny R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5315068
    Abstract: An extender or cover is provided for fitting over partition walls between adjacent sets of terminal points or connectors on an electrical terminal block. When installed, the extender serves as a mechanical barrier against inadvertent connection of terminals of different electrical polarity or potential. The extender also serves as a visible cautionary indicator, alerting the service crew to be aware of the risk of misconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Mary A. Barron, Danny R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5265400
    Abstract: An apparatus for packaging articles having a conveyor; means associated with the conveyor for forming groups of articles and moving the groups independently of other articles on the conveyor; means for moving the groups of articles transversely to the conveyor; an elevator for receiving said groups of articles in stacked groupings; and means for moving the stacked groupings into a carton. Means are also provided for assembling and closing the carton upon receipt of the stacked groupings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Roberts Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Roberts, Philip L. Reid, Philip S. Lachapelle, Danny R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5261507
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for fitting at an upper portion of a ladder. It is adapted for use in situations where an electrical service crew member must work on electrical equipment (such as transformer boxes) which are mounted on upper portions of building walls. The apparatus provides a safe and stable support for the ladder. The apparatus provides this support while keeping the ladder located an adequate distance from the wall. The crew member can thus comfortably stand on the ladder and still have access to the equipment to remove the cover of the box and work on its contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Danny R. Williams, Tobe W. Williams
  • Patent number: 5259173
    Abstract: An apparatus for packaging articles having a conveyor; means associated with the conveyor for forming groups of articles and moving the groups independently of other articles on the conveyor; means for moving the groups of articles transversely to the conveyor; an elevator for receiving said groups of articles in stacked groupings; and means for moving the stacked groupings into a carton. Means are also provided for assembling and closing the carton upon receipt of the stacked groupings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Roberts Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Roberts, Philip L. Reid, Philip S. LaChapelle, Danny R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5244399
    Abstract: A protector formed of a suitable dielectric material is adapted to be inserted into an electrical utility meter box socket. The protector is provided to insulate energized terminals in the meter box from each other and from any ground potential. The protector serves as a temporary insulative barrier greatly reducing the risk of injury to service crew members taking voltage readings or verifying phase rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Danny R. Williams, Tobe W. Williams
  • Patent number: 5148910
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mounting on a circuit breaker to tag or indicate that an electrical line or equipment connected to the breaker is being serviced. Once work has been completed, the apparatus can be removed from the circuit breaker for later use on other breakers. When in place on the circuit breaker, the apparatus keeps the circuit breaker switch or handle in an open or off position, while also enclosing the switch to render it inaccessible from inadvertent contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: Danny R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5097581
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for installing and/or removing an electrical power meter with an electrical power distribution box the apparatus includes a sleeve which slides over the protective cover of the meter. Clips or other engaging members which releasably engage an outer ring bout the meter are formed at one end of the sleeve. An unlocking collar is mounted about the sleeve to unlock the clip when the meter is being removed. A hand grip for a user is mounted at an opposite end of the sleeve. A transparent, shatterproof cover is mounted in the sleeve at the end where the grip is located. Vent ports are provided in the sleeve to permit outlet of any gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Danny R. Williams, Wendell L. Brockett
  • Patent number: 5080194
    Abstract: A gaff guard for a gaff on a line crew member's climbing iron that may be permanently attached to the shank of the climbing iron. When the gaff is in use, the guard is conveniently and safely stowed in a rest position in a cavity in the means attaching the gaff guard to the shank. If a snagging force is encountered by the guard in the rest position, the attaching member has structure which yields so that snagging is overcome. Thus, the guard in not subject to being misplaced. When the gaff is not in use, the guard is pivoted downward and a socket covers the gaff, protecting the gaff point and the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: Danny R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5069310
    Abstract: A support is provided for fitting over one or more insulating disks in electrical power distribution equipment. The support has a collar which fits about the disk or disks and includes structure which fits onto one of the insulator disks for support. Foot support struts extend outwardly from the collar for support of a climbing crew member's feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Danny R. Williams, Mary A. Barron
  • Patent number: 5056673
    Abstract: A gin or lifting mechanism is provided for relatively heavy electrical equipment, such as transformers and the like. The gin is removably mounted on a pole above a cluster rack which is to receive the electrical equipment. The gin transfers the load of the equipment to the pole along a vertical central axis of the pole at an intermediate position between its upper and lower ends. The gin has an adjustable length support arm which is particularly suitable for movement of relatively heavy loads, especially in areas inaccessible to load lifting vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: Danny R. Williams
  • Patent number: 4989693
    Abstract: A gaff guard for a gaff on a line crew member's climbing iron that may be permanently attached to the shank of the climbing iron. When the gaff is in use, the guard is conveniently and safely stowed in a rest position in a cavity in the means attaching the gaff guard to the shank. Thus, the guard is not subject to being misplaced. When the gaff is not in use, the guard is pivoted downward and a socket covers the gaff, protecting the gaff point and the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: Danny R. Williams
  • Patent number: 4911572
    Abstract: A tie back clamp is provided for retaining a severed end of a power cable in a safe, removed position when it is necessary to cut the cable to perform service or otherwise work on the power line. The clamp retains a tail or end portion adjacent the location of the cut at a position transverse the remaining cable from which the stub or end portion extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: Danny R. Williams
  • Patent number: 4867687
    Abstract: An electrical elbow connection between a high voltage cable and a conductive bushing on a piece of electrical power distribution equipment, such as a transformer, is provided with a telescoping, rotating connector. This allows relative movement between the probe and the cable, which facilitates connecting the elbow to the bushing and allows for relative movement between the two over their service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Danny R. Williams, Carl J. Wentzel
  • Patent number: 4854111
    Abstract: An apparatus for packaging articles having a conveyor; means associated with the conveyor for forming groups of articles and moving the groups independently of other articles on the conveyor; means for moving the groups of articles transversely to the conveyor; an elevator for receiving said groups of articles in stacked groupings; and means for moving the stacked groupings into a carton. Means are also provided for assembling and closing the carton upon receipt of the stacked groupings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Roberts Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Roberts, Philip L. Reid, Philip S. LaChappell, Danny R. Williams
  • Patent number: 4846725
    Abstract: A clamp is provided for grounding electrical power lines and the like. The clamp automatically latches itself into a firm gripping relationship with the electrical power line when brought into contact with the power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Danny R. Williams, Ronald J. Finke
  • Patent number: 4817682
    Abstract: A splicing tool system for high voltage transmission lines in which a pair of semi-circular jaw members with an internal configuration to match the lay of the wires of the transmission line is frictionally applied to the end of a cut transmission line and moved longitudinally of the line to replace any misplaced wires to a proper lay configuration on the transmission line. The tool is adapted to be operated by a longitudinal motion of remote control source and rotate about the axis of a transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Houston Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Danny R. Williams
  • Patent number: 4745680
    Abstract: An installation tool for attaching electrical lines to electrical equipment, such as at elbow to bushing terminations. The tool readily allows firm gripping and transfer of force by a servicing worker to the elbow bushing connection to insure firm connection. It is particularly adapted for use in areas too small or confined to permit use of conventional tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Danny R. Williams, Carl J. Wentzel
  • Patent number: 4661662
    Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is provided to permit a live or hot electrical power line to be cut in the field for line service or other purposes. The apparatus is connected at each end to the line at positions spanning the site of the cut. The attached end portions are then moved closer to each other, easing the tension on the portion of the line to be cut. The apparatus is then connected to the live line with jumper cables, forming a parallel electric circuit. The line is then cut and a cut end tied back. Flow of current through the apparatus is broken. An interrupter in the apparatus suppresses any arc which may tend to form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Houston Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald J. Finke, Victor J. Mullen, Danny R. Williams, Robert J. Morris, Charles E. Tucker