Patents by Inventor Donald L. Minges

Donald L. Minges 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: 7101604
    Abstract: The invention is footwear having an outer sole(s) with an ergonomic gripping or traction surface. More particularly, the ergonomic gripping or traction surface is a gripping and traction pattern, formed as an integral part of a shoe sole, that is based on a natural footprint or hand print of a human. A footprint or hand print is not a flat surface, but a combination of various anatomical elements of differing size, shape, and contour. The present invention is molded as an integral part of an elastically deformable and compressible outer sole, and incorporates the elements and characteristics of the footprint or hand print, or combinations thereof. The sole has multiple projections which stand away from the base of the sole, thereby creating adjacent raised and recessed areas. The projections correspond to the actual anatomy of the human foot or hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Donald L. Minges
  • Patent number: 6719616
    Abstract: A rail grinding apparatus for use in grinding rails. The rail grinding apparatus includes a transport vehicle and a rail grinding unit. The transport vehicle is capable of moving along the rails or a conventional road. The rail grinding unit is capable of grinding at least one of the rails. The rail grinding unit is movable between a stored position on the transport vehicle and a deployed position on the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Mathison, Donald L. Minge
  • Patent number: 6544626
    Abstract: A gripping and traction pattern for use on the outer gripping surfaces of footwear, handwear, tools, and the like that provides increased traction and a more natural feel. The pattern has a tread pattern of multiple projections extending from the base of the gripping surface, the projections being of a shape, contour, and arrangement corresponding to the anatomical characteristics of a human or animal foot, hand, or paw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Donald L. Minges
  • Publication number: 20020094762
    Abstract: A rail grinding apparatus for use in grinding rails. The rail grinding apparatus includes a transport vehicle and a rail grinding unit. The transport vehicle is capable of moving along the rails or a conventional road. The rail grinding unit is capable of grinding at least one of the rails. The rail grinding unit is movable between a stored position on the transport vehicle and a deployed position on the rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Dennis R. Mathison, Donald L. Minge