Patents by Inventor Duane C. Richards

Duane C. Richards 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: 8893845
    Abstract: A brake assembly includes an operator brake pedal configured to be depressed at a brake pedal angle, and brake pedal linkage operatively connected to the operator brake pedal. The brake pedal linkage is configured to apply a braking force in response to the depression of the operator brake pedal. A brake pedal effort input is associated with the brake pedal angle, and a first rate of change of the brake pedal effort input with respect to the brake pedal angle may be associated with an initial range of motion of the operator brake pedal. A second rate of change of the brake pedal effort input with respect to the brake pedal angle may be associated with a subsequent range of motion of the operator brake pedal. The second rate of change may be greater than the first rate of change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: NMHG Oregon, LLC
    Inventors: Edmund Stilwell, Duane C. Richards
  • Patent number: 8028788
    Abstract: A brake assembly includes a piston housing, a piston moveably arranged within the piston housing, and a bearing cover mounted to the piston housing. A spring assembly is located between the piston and the bearing cover, wherein mounting the bearing cover to the piston housing compresses the spring assembly to achieve an initial spring force. The initial spring force of the spring assembly causes the piston to act against a vehicle brake when the brake assembly is mounted to a vehicle axle that passes through the spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: NMHG Oregon, LLC
    Inventors: Edmund Stilwell, Duane C. Richards