Patents by Inventor Duane A. Lee

Duane A. Lee 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: 20110259713
    Abstract: A spur section for connecting a primary conveyor to a secondary conveyor is provided. The spur section includes a frame configured for attachment to a selected segment of a primary conveyor, a driving element and a driven element associated with the frame, and a driver that powers the driving element. A sensor is arranged on the selected segment of the primary conveyor that detects a conveyed article and selectively generates a divert signal or a merge signal. A controller receives the divert signal or merge signal from the sensor and controls the driving element in accordance with the divert signal or merge signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: CARTER CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Duane Lee Glass, Bryan Todd Humbertson
  • Publication number: 20110042191
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a base holding an ampoule assembly, a mechanical cover that fits on the base, and a trim cover which fits on the mechanical cover. The circuit breaker can include cover supports positioned between the ampoule assembly and the base. The cover support includes a coupling member that fits within receiving apertures of the mechanical cover and has a threaded through-channel which aligns with apertures of the trim cover. Screws inserted through the trim cover are received in the through-channel to secure the trim cover, the mechanical cover and the base together. The mechanical cover and the base can have interlocking mechanisms which snap-fit together to further support coupling of the cover and base. The circuit breaker can incorporate a retainer clip which engages an ampoule pin, wherein the clip mounts to the mechanical cover to further support holding of the cover and base together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Lee Turner, Randy William Blake
  • Publication number: 20100154724
    Abstract: A burner tube and door assembly for a water heater includes a burner tube and a fuel supply line in telescoping relationship to define a tube junction. The tube junction extends through the door of a water heater. One of the tube and line includes an enlarged portion. A lock ring applies a radially-directed force around a portion of the tube junction. The enlarged portion and lock ring are on opposite sides of the door to secure the door to the burner tube and fuel supply line. The enlarged portion and lock ring apply a compressive load to the door to resist rotation of the door with respect to the tube junction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Marcus E. McAnally, Duane A. Lee, Rodney R. Syler, Emadeddin Y. Tanbour, Mark A. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7725997
    Abstract: The present invention is a pressure release tool for a button head lubrication fitting. The tool comprises a handle assembly securely engaged with the body portion of the tool. The bottom section of the tool is adapted to securely engage with the top of the button head lubrication fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Duane Lee Whitney Reed, Brian Kingsley Reed
  • Publication number: 20100022175
    Abstract: A carcass processing system is provided. The carcass processing system includes housing, a splitting arrangement for splitting a carcass, elongate members attached to the housing for loosening unpalatable materials from the carcass, and vacuum suction ports coupled to the housing for collecting the loosened unpalatable materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: CARGILL, INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Duane Lee Clark
  • Publication number: 20090314581
    Abstract: The present invention is an air/hydraulic injection lubrication unit. The present invention is embodied in a handheld lubrication system conveniently transported in a carrying case. A frame provides a base on which the system components are mounted. The system components include a lubricant barrel assembly in conjunction with a cradle assembly and an air/hydraulic pressure pump removably-mounted upon the frame. A hose assembly at one end is releaseably fastened to the discharge end of the lubricant barrel assembly. When the air/hydraulic pressure pump is activated, the lubricant or other material in the lubricant barrel is forced out of the hose assembly through a lubricant discharge unit located at the opposing end of the hose assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Duane Lee Whitney Reed, Brian Kingsley Reed
  • Publication number: 20090273157
    Abstract: A sub-trailer is provided having an attachment frame removably connected to a vehicle or trailer, an intermediate frame pivotally connected about a horizontal axis to the attachment frame to, and a subframe with two axles to support the subframe. The subframe is pivotally connected to the intermediate frame about another horizontal axis located between the first and second axles, and provides adequate load distribution from a load carried by the vehicle or trailer to the axles of the sub-trailer. Another sub-trailer is provided and is similar to the first sub-trailer, with the attachment frame removably and pivotally connected to the vehicle ro trailer about a vertical axis. Yet another sub-trailer is provided having a frame extending rearwards and being a vehicle, trailer, or attachment thereof; and a subframe pivotally connected to the frame about a horizontal axis, the subframe having two axles, each with a suspension system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey Brian Scheuren, Duane Lee Scheuren
  • Publication number: 20090205185
    Abstract: The present invention is a pressure release tool for a button head lubrication fitting. The tool comprises a handle assembly securely engaged with the body portion of the tool. The bottom section of the tool is adapted to securely engage with the top of the button head lubrication fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Duane Lee Whitney Reed, Brian Kingsley Reed
  • Publication number: 20040022670
    Abstract: A method and apparatus or system for de-contaminating and/or sanitizing mail in which a quantity of mail is placed into a confined chamber and the atmosphere in the chamber is evacuated to provide a sub-atmospheric pressure. The chamber is filled with an active gas that deactivates or degrades targeted bio-hazardous materials, and, after a pre-selected perio of time, the gas is evacuated from the confined chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicants: Lockheed Martin Corp., a Maryland corporation, Sandia National Laboratories
    Inventors: Clifford A. Megerle, Duane Lee Lindner
  • Patent number: 6250039
    Abstract: A channel bar assembly is provided for use with a modular display system. The modular display system can have a display frame that is made up of a plurality of legs that are coupled to a plurality of hubs. The channel bar assembly includes a first channel bar and a second channel bar, each channel bar having a first end and a second end, and a hub connector having a first end hingedly coupled to the second end of the first channel bar, and a second end hingedly coupled to the first end of the second channel bar. The hub connector is connected to one of the plurality of hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Abex Display Systems
    Inventors: Stuart Karten, Robert Blumenfeld, Dennis Schroeder, Duane Lee
  • Patent number: 6066008
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a molded plastic connector body that is equipped with a moveable terminal lock member. The lock member includes flexible terminal latches and rigid terminal locks. The lock member is attached to the connector body in a pre-stage position where the flexible terminal latches are positioned to hold terminals in terminal cavities as the terminals are loaded into the plastic connector body. After the terminals are loaded, the lock member is moved to a lock position where the terminals are held by the rigid terminal locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Duane Lee Brantingham, Marco Rollero
  • Patent number: 5983884
    Abstract: The invention provides a modular gas cooktop system comprising a gas cooktop including compartments and standardized connections for a plurality of modular gas cooking units and an adapter. The standardized connections provide the maximum gas flow rates expected for use with the modular gas cooking units and the adapter provides gas flow rates compatible with the individual gas cooking units. The adaptor automatically reduces the gas flow rate provided to a modular cooking cartridge to match the gas flow requirement of the particular cartridge. The adapter can be added to the cartridge during the manufacturing process, thereby eliminating the requirement of removing an existing orifice from the gas appliance and replacing it with a second orifice when installing the cartridge in the gas appliance. The invention further includes a method for adapting the gas flow rate available to a modular cooking cartridge in a gas appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Duane A. Lee
  • Patent number: 5861784
    Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker device for interrupting current in a circuit path between a source and a load includes local and remote monitoring capabilities and a gear mechanism for reliable remote control of the interruption mechanism. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts is disposed on a contact carrier which is movable for interrupting the current provided to the load. The gear mechanism includes a motor with a rotatable shaft which responds to open and closed control signals generated from a remote location, and a gear, rotatably responsive to the rotatable shaft, for controlling the contact carrier so that the circuit path is interrupted and established, respectively. The gear mechanism controls the contact carrier using a coupling arrangement, which has a first part coupled to the contact carrier and a second part coupled to the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: James Arthur Heise, Duane Lee Turner, Dennis William Fleege
  • Patent number: 5834997
    Abstract: A coupling member for securing a spring to a rotatable motor shaft so that the spring rotates with the motor shaft. The coupler has a cylindrical hollow middle which fits snugly onto the motor shaft and includes a main body portion having a smaller cylindrically shaped nose portion extending therefrom for receiving one end of the spring therearound. The main body portion includes a ramp portion, extending upwardly therefrom, a wall behind the ramp portion and a slot therein for receiving a hook portion extending from the spring. The hook portion is snugly secured in the slot and behind the wall so that as the motor shaft rotates, the coupler member causes the spring to rotate with the motor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Dennis William Fleege, James Arthur Heise, Duane Lee Turner
  • Patent number: 5831500
    Abstract: A circuit breaker device for interrupting current in a circuit path between a source and a load. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts is disposed on a contact carrier which is movable for interrupting the current provided to the load. A contact status indication arrangement is provided for indicating the status of the contacts. The contact status indication arrangement includes a trip flag, a status insert, a clear plastic lens, a flag guide, and a status flag. The trip flag, status insert and status flag are viewable through the lens, which is disposed in an aperture in the circuit breaker housing. Only one status indicator is viewable through the lens at any one time, each indicating a different circuit breaker status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Duane Lee Turner, James Arthur Heise
  • Patent number: 5821839
    Abstract: A circuit breaker device for interrupting current in a circuit path between a source and a load includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from a source to a load. A trip mechanism assembly, which includes an armature, a bimetal and a yoke, is provided for interrupting the current. The armature includes an aperture in which a latch point is provided to engage a latching surface of a trip lever for latching the trip lever thereon. The amount of current that is required to cause the trip mechanism to interrupt the circuit path is determined by the amount of overlap between the latching surface and the latch point. This overlap is adjusted by bending a calibration plate by tightening a calibration screw which extends through an aperture in a circuit breaker housing and a slotted aperture in the calibration plate. A substantially square shaped nut secures the calibration screw tightly against the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: James Arthur Heise, Duane Lee Turner, Dennis William Fleege, Eugene Walter Wehr
  • Patent number: 5241463
    Abstract: A top gas burner control employs touch keypads to provide operator input signals to a microcomputer. The microcomputer controls reversible gear motor to operate gas burner valves, and the positions of the shafts of the valves are fed back to the microcomputer via decoders. The initial operation of a burner requires the operator to touch and ON keypad, in response to which the microcomputer rotates the shaft of the valve to a maximum open position and energizes an igniter at this position. The operator must the touch a further keypad within a predetermined time in order to prevent the microprocessor from closing the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Duane A. Lee
  • Patent number: 5158065
    Abstract: A domestic cooking range provides an upswept cook top which promotes ease of cleaning in combination with a vent stack which exhausts flue gases from the oven through an elongated opening between the upswept portion and a control panel on the backguard. A deflector is provided to prevent the flue gases from impinging upon either the control panel or the cook top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane A. Lee, Robert McFarland
  • Patent number: 5111028
    Abstract: A cooking appliance is disclosed which has a cooking control system responsive to selection of a given food to be cooked, for indicating the optimum cooking position of the food in the appliance. The appliance may be an oven, with the indicator indicating the optimum position of a shelf in the oven, or the optimum position of the food on the shelf.In a further disclosed feature, a cooking appliance may have an air circulation system, such as a blower, for circulating air about food to be cooked. A cooking control system is responsive to selection of a given food to be cooked for controlling the air flow about the food for optimum cooking thereof.In another disclosed feature, a cooking appliance which has a control system responsive to the selection of given food and the number of rack positions required, will control the rate of energy released from the oven heat sources for optimum cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Duane A. Lee
  • Patent number: D562257
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Randy William Blake, George Edmund Burke, Jr., Chad R. Mittelstadt, Duane Lee Turner