Patents by Inventor Donald E. Roberts

Donald E. Roberts 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: 9969574
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow carrier provides transportation and dumping from a connection to a standard trailer hitch or tractor three-point mount. A pivoting ramp is used to load the wheelbarrow and a locking mechanism locks the wheelbarrow foot in place and the ramp in an upward position, once the wheelbarrow has been rolled onto the ramp and the ramp has pivoted from a downward position to an upward level position. The ramp pivots once the wheel of the wheelbarrow has rolled past the pivot point sufficiently to tip the ramp. Once the wheelbarrow is locked in the upward (level) position, a motor is activated to rotate a boom to which the ramp is attached with respect to a frame that is connected to the vehicle mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Donald E. Robert
  • Publication number: 20180072518
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow carrier provides transportation and dumping from a connection to a standard trailer hitch or tractor three-point mount. A pivoting ramp is used to load the wheelbarrow and a locking mechanism locks the wheelbarrow foot in place and the ramp in an upward position, once the wheelbarrow has been rolled onto the ramp and the ramp has pivoted from a downward position to an upward level position. The ramp pivots once the wheel of the wheelbarrow has rolled past the pivot point sufficiently to tip the ramp. Once the wheelbarrow is locked in the upward (level) position, a motor is activated to rotate a boom to which the ramp is attached with respect to a frame that is connected to the vehicle mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventor: Donald E. Robert
  • Patent number: 5131419
    Abstract: A multi-function warewashing machine which automatically functions in a plurality of operating modes, including a conventional dishwashing mode and specialized washing modes for flatware and pots and pans, the operating mode being indicated by ware racks each of which bears an indicator in the form of an anomaly or signalling device which uniquely predetermines the optimum spray patterns and timing cycles for a particular type of ware contained in the rack, the warewashing machine including a sensor for detecting the indicator and a control circuit which responds to the sensor to actuate various controllable devices in combination to produce specific spray patterns and wash and rinse cycle times which are best suited for cleansing a particular ware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Donald E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4456022
    Abstract: Flatware apparatus comprises a support platform, mechanical arrangements for mounting the platform, and respective washing and rinsing sprays. The platform is adapted to receive a cylindrical cup or holder for grouping a plurality of flatware pieces in a shock; and a drive arrangement is provided for causing rotation of the platform, or the cup or holder, so that the flatware pieces experience agitated movement. The wash spray is positioned to direct jets of washing and sanitizing fluid into the path of the churning flatware pieces. Mechanical arrangements are also provided for selectively lifting the flatware pieces in the cup in order to fully expose the food-contact surfaces thereof to the washing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Inventor: Donald E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4233083
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for containing, washing, rinsing and drying presorted flatware by category, after which the flatware is automatically discharged from the apparatus by category into separate receiving receptacles. Alternate types of conveyors, containers and methods of discharging flatware from containers are included, and certain embodiments provide simultaneous washing of other tableware within the same apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Assignee: Hillside Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Roberts