Patents by Inventor Douglas G. Hosterman

Douglas G. Hosterman 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: 6059183
    Abstract: A coin collection apparatus for use with self-service car washing equipment includes a coin meter located in each of one or more car wash bays, a coin collection box located remote therefrom which is inaccessible to the public, and a vacuum providing device remote from both the coin meters and the coin collection box. A conduit extends generally between each of the coin meters and collection box. A vacuum supply intersects each of these conduits along the mid-section of the conduit between the coin meter and the coin collection box. A pump motor is remote from the coin meter, coin collection box, and conduit therebetween, and applies a vacuum to the vacuum supply for conveying coins deposited in the meter toward the collection box. The vacuum supply intersects the conduit at such an acute angle that, although the air is suctioned toward the pump motor, the coins continue along the path of the conduit as the coins cannot make the acute turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Douglas G. Hosterman
  • Patent number: 5941454
    Abstract: A coin collection apparatus for use with self-service car washing equipment includes a coin meter located in each of one or more car wash bays, a coin collection box located remote therefrom which is inaccessible to the public, and a vacuum providing device remote from both the coin meters and the coin collection box. A conduit extends generally between each of the coin meters and collection box. A vacuum supply intersects each of these conduits along the mid-section of the conduit between the coin meter and the coin collection box. A pump motor is remote from the coin meter, coin collection box, and conduit therebetween, and applies a vacuum to the vacuum supply for conveying coins deposited in the meter toward the collection box. The vacuum supply intersects the conduit at such an acute angle that, although the air is suctioned toward the pump motor, the coins continue along the path of the conduit as the coins cannot make the acute turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Douglas G. Hosterman
  • Patent number: 4757941
    Abstract: A coin collection apparatus for use with self-service car washing equipment includes a coin meter located at a car wash bay and a coin collection box located remote therefrom which is inaccessible to the public. A conduit extends generally between the coin meter and collection box. A pump motor applies a vacuum to the conduit for conveying coins deposited in the meter into the collection box. A switch integrated with the coin meter for controlling car washing equipment located at the wash bay has a plurality of discrete equipment actuation positions. A dial rotatably mounted on the coin meter is used to manually actuate the switch. An electrical circuit operatively connects the switch and motor whereby the motor is actuated upon deposit of a predetermined amount of coins into the meter and the switch is moved to the predetermined equipment actuation positions. A vault houses the coin collection box which is pivotally mounted therein to facilitate removal of the coins therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventors: Douglas G. Hosterman, Frank B. Hosterman