Patents by Inventor David J. Bernard

David J. Bernard 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).

  • Publication number: 20090139798
    Abstract: An audible position indicating system for stairs or ladders includes a switch located on each step which is activated by a person's foot to produce a signal for the step. A sound recording means has one or more sound recording devices having a recorded message thereon and operatively connected to an audio speaker positioned adjacent the plurality of steps. A person is audibly advised of his position on the ladder or stairs as he ascends or descends the ladder or stairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: David J. Bernard
  • Patent number: 6764083
    Abstract: A method of converting a vehicle into a utility structure includes the steps of selecting a used vehicle having a vehicle body having seats therein and at least one door and a plurality of wheels. A support stand is selected for attachment to at least one of the wheel studs of the vehicle for supporting the vehicle on a surface and replacing each of the plurality of wheels with a support stand. The process includes attaching the support stands to the vehicle wheel studs and removing one or more seats from the vehicle. The process may also include the step of removing the engine and fuel tank from the vehicle and placing the vehicle wheels in storage in the vehicle body for later use in moving the utility structure by replacing the support stands with the wheels. The support stand has an elongated post having openings therein for fitting over the axle hub and onto the lugs and a flat base for supporting the post on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: David J. Bernard
  • Patent number: 6661628
    Abstract: A method for interrupting current is provided wherein substantially all current is conveyed through a first current carrying path in a circuit interrupter. A movable element is displaced for interruption of the current, and current is directed through both the first current carrying path and a second current carrying path in parallel with the first path The second current carrying path includes at least one variable or controllable resistance element. Both current carrying paths conduct current during interruption, with resistance of the paths driving the current to a null level. Current through the first current carrying path may be terminated prior to current through the second path. The variable resistance element draws current into the second current carrying path once an arc in the first path reaches a resistance sufficient to transition a portion of the current to both paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Bernard, Paul T. Nolden, Edward A. Mallonen, Mark A. Clayton
  • Publication number: 20030201633
    Abstract: A method of converting a vehicle into a utility structure includes the steps of selecting a used vehicle having a vehicle body having seats therein and at least one door and a plurality of wheels. A support stand is selected for attachment to at least one of the wheel studs of the vehicle for supporting the vehicle on a surface and replacing each of the plurality of wheels with a support stand. The process includes attaching the support stands to the vehicle wheel studs and removing one or more seats from the vehicle. The process may also include the step of removing the engine and fuel tank from the vehicle and placing the vehicle wheels in storage in the vehicle body for later use in moving the utility structure by replacing the support stands with the wheels. The support stand has an elongated post having openings therein for fitting over the axle hub and onto the lugs and a flat base for supporting the post on a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: David J. Bernard
  • Patent number: 5260088
    Abstract: Tomatoes are washed, sliced, sun dried on drying screens to a moisture content of 7% to 12% and mechanically chopped to 1/4" to 1/2" nodules which increases the moisture content from 18.5% to 21.8% and then packaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: David J. Bernard