Patents by Inventor E. Allen

E. Allen 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).

  • Windshield wiper having reduced friction characteristics
    Patent number: 7373687
    Abstract: A wiper blade made of a compound having a methyl vinyl silicone polymer, a filler, and a friction-reducing additive is provided. The friction-reducing additive is present in an amount from between about 5 and 42 weight percent, preferably 11 percent. The average particle size of the friction-reducing additive is preferably less than about 25 microns, thereby permitting extrusion of the compound into the shape of a wiper blade. Polytetrafluoroethylene is preferred as a friction-reducing additive, but other substances, such as boron nitride or graphite could be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Jamak Fabrication-Tex, LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Sharabura, Michael E. Allen, Jeannie Holmes, Victor K. Paulsen, Subramaniam Shanmugham
  • Ethylene-Propylene Copolymer Compositions and Methods of Making and Using Same
    Publication number: 20080114142
    Abstract: An ethylene-propylene copolymer having a cold xylene solubles weight percent greater than twice the magnitude of the ethylene content wherein the ethylene content is measured by C13-NMR and having less than about 30% of the cold xylene solubles fraction having a log weight average chain length of less than about 1000 wherein the weight average chain length is measured by gel permeation chromatography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: PHILLIPS SUMIKA POLYPROPYLENE COMPANY
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Hicks, William R. Bridendolph, Donald E. Allen, Kenichiro Yada, Amelia L. Gonzalez
  • Variable engagement centrifugal clutch assembly
    Patent number: 7367440
    Abstract: A centrifugal clutch assembly includes a clutch cover attachable to a rotatable input member. Friction plates are clamped between pressure plates in response to rotation of the clutch assembly. Rotation of the clutch assembly causes at least one centrifugal weight to move radially outward to force the pressure plates against the friction plates. The radial position of the centrifugal weights is modified to tailor clutch actuation. This modification of centrifugal weight position causes a corresponding change to engagement characteristics of the clutch assembly allowing clutch actuation to be tailored to operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Meritor Transmission Corporation
    Inventors: Muneer AbuSamra, Robert Anthony Sayman, Charles E. Allen, Jr., Winfried Sturmer, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, Ludger Ronge, Loren Christopher Dreier, James Henry DeVore, Ronald Peter Muetzel
  • Integrated transfer line for automotive steering system
    Patent number: 7364204
    Abstract: An apparatus according to this invention for carrying hydraulic fluid in a power assisted automotive steering system, includes a tube having a tube wall formed with a first port that extends though a thickness of the tube wall. A housing includes a wall formed with a second port extending though a thickness of the housing wall. A retainer is secured to the housing. A fluid transfer line includes a first surface that contacts an outer surface of the tube, is formed with a passage communicating with the first port, is sealed against fluid flow past the first surface, and is secured to an outer surface of the tube. A second surface contacting the retainer is formed with a passage communicating with the second port, is sealed against fluid flow past the second surface, and is secured to the housing by the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Roline, William E. Allen, Jr., John Leidy, Dennis F. Harer
  • Button assembly with status indicator and programmable backlighting
    Patent number: 7361853
    Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Vantage Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Clegg, Wallace E. Day, Douglas E. Allen
  • ADHESIVES INHIBITING FORMATION OF ARTIFACTS IN POLYMER BASED OPTICAL ELEMENTS
    Publication number: 20080079903
    Abstract: Inhibiting formation of optical artifacts in a multi-layer film polarizer of an optical imaging assembly that includes a polarizing beam splitter. The beam splitter may include a multilayer reflective polarizing film having at least two materials, one of which may exhibit birefringence after uniaxial orientation; an adhesive disposed on the multilayer reflective polarizing film; and at least a first prism disposed on the adhesive. The adhesive may include a plasticizer for inhibiting formation of optical artifacts in the polarizing film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: James P. DiZio, Maureen C. Nelson, Kathleen E. Allen, Beverly J. Blake, Erin L. Coleman, Charles L. Bruzzone
  • Method and apparatus for rapid image capture in an image system
    Patent number: 7341190
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for rapidly capturing images in an automated identification system to effectively extend one dimension of a field of view of an image system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the image system captures and processes multiple images of at least a portion of a surface of a component in the automated identification system in response to a trigger signal communicated from a triggering device configured to sense a location of the component. Various embodiments of the invention include multiple sources for capturing images, and/or multiple user-specified schemas for effectively extending the field of view of the image system along the axis of component travel in the automated identification system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Microscan Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: James W. Moore, Danny S. Barnes, Matthew E. Allen
  • Method for determining absolute density of cement slurry
    Publication number: 20080053220
    Abstract: A method for determining absolute density of a slurry that typically contains entrained air, such as cement slurry, in a continuous mixing operation such those used in cementing a gas or oil well. The method obtains density measurements of a slurry at two different pressures and then uses the two density measurements and the two pressure measurements to compute absolute density of the slurry employing the following formula at isothermal conditions: Dabs=D1/(1?((D1/D2?1)/(P1/P2?1))), where Dabs=absolute density, D1=first density, D2=second density, P1=absolute pressure at which the first density was measured, and P2=absolute pressure at which the second density was measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas E. Allen
  • Method for determining absolute density of cement slurry
    Publication number: 20080053221
    Abstract: A method for determining absolute density of a slurry that typically contains entrained air, such as cement slurry, in a continuous mixing operation such those used in cementing a gas or oil well. The method obtains density measurements of a slurry at two different pressures and then uses the two density measurements and the two pressure measurements to compute absolute density of the slurry employing the following formula at isothermal conditions: Dabs=D1/(1?((D1/D2?1)/(P1/P2?1))), where Dabs=absolute density, D1=first density, D2=second density, P1=absolute pressure at which the first density was measured, and P2=absolute pressure at which the second density was measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas E. Allen
  • Centrifugal clutch assembly with dedicated maneuvering mode
    Patent number: 7338409
    Abstract: A vehicle power train system includes an engine, a transmission, and a centrifugal clutch assembly that selectively couples an engine output shaft to a transmission input shaft in response to an operator input. An operator selects a desired vehicle-operating mode by actuating a shift lever or shift switch from a gear selection device. The gear selection device indicates many different operating modes and includes a low-speed maneuvering mode that is selected for low-speed operations such as coupling a truck to a trailer, or positioning a truck and/or trailer in relation to a loading dock area. Once the low-speed maneuvering mode is selected, a control unit controls at least one of engine speed and engine torque to indirectly effect clutch slippage, which results in improved vehicle speed control at low-speed operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Meritor Transmission Corporation
    Inventors: Ludger Ronge, Charles E. Allen, Jr., Winfried Sturmer, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, James H. DeVore, Loren C. Dreier, Robert A. Sayman, Ronald P. Muetzel, Muneer AbuSamra
  • CRANIAL REMOLDING ORTHOSIS
    Publication number: 20080045871
    Abstract: A cranial orthosis may be used to re-shape a child's cranium. The cranial orthosis includes an inner layer and a resistance piece. The inner layer is made of silicone and grips the patient's head such that the inner layer does not move once it is positioned on the child's head. The resistance piece encircles the inner layer and is made of plastic. The resistance piece may not contact the patient's head. The resistance piece is attached to the inner layer. The resistance piece provides the necessary resistance that shapes the patient's head into the desired shape. An attachment feature may be added to the inner layer. The attachment feature engages openings on the resistance piece to connect the resistance piece to the inner layer. The resistance piece may also include one or more areas of increased width that provide additional support to the patient's head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Scott E. Allen
  • Plastics recovery system
    Patent number: 7325757
    Abstract: A transportable system for separating materials in a waste stream. An arrangement of separation and grinding devices is mounted on a transportable platform. The devices are configured and arranged to produce three or more product streams from a plastic-rich feed mixture. One of the product streams is a coarse heavy stream, one stream is a ground plastic-rich product stream, and one stream is a ground light material stream. The system can be transported to a waste-goods location, operated to separate waste-goods, and relocated a new location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: MBA Polymers, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Allen, Laurence E. Allen, III.
  • Multi-function centrifugal clutch
    Patent number: 7318513
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a reaction surface that provides several disengagement surfaces that cause axial movement of a front plate to reduce torque transmission at rotational speeds above an engagement speed. The disengagement surfaces reduce torque to break torque lock at rotational speeds corresponding to desired gear changes. The clutch assembly is controlled to tailor the relationship between clutch torque and engine speed to current vehicle operating conditions to provide consistent vehicle performance over different operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Meritor Transmission Corporation
    Inventors: Muneer AbuSamra, Ludger Ronge, Charles E. Allen, Jr., Winfried Sturmer, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, Loren Christopher Dreier, Robert Anthony Sayman, James Henry DeVore, Ronald Peter Muetzel
  • HVAC system for truck sleepers
    Patent number: 7316119
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises an interior area including a driver compartment and a sleeper compartment. The vehicle includes a first apparatus adapted to provide occupant comfort air at least in the driver compartment. The vehicle further includes a second apparatus adapted to provide occupant comfort air at least in the sleeper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Dometic Environmental Corporation
    Inventor: Kendall E. Allen
  • Disabling engine speed limiters during centrifugal clutch installation
    Patent number: 7314430
    Abstract: A master clutch includes a pressure plate adjacent to a friction disc. A centrifugal weight forces the pressure plate and friction disc into engagement when in a desired install position. A locking device retains the centrifugal weight in the desired installed position. A controller sends an electronic command to a system component, such as an engine, to disengage the locking device. In one example, the electronic command may be an engine speed command that is above an engine speed limit in a normal vehicle operating mode. Commanding the engine to run at a speed greater than the typical engine speed limit moves the centrifugal weight out of the desired installed position making the master clutch operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: James H. DeVore, Charles E. Allen, Jr., Winfried Sturmer, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, Ludger Ronge, Loren C. Dreier, Robert A. Sayman, Ronald P. Muetzel, Muneer AbuSamra
  • Camera positioning and confirmation feedback system
    Patent number: 7311260
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a base capable of receiving a camera including a lens, and a projector coupled to the base and adapted to project a plurality of beams of light onto a plane positioned at a focus distance from the base, wherein the projections of the beams of light on the plane are geometric shapes, and wherein an intersection of the geometric shapes is at the center of the field of view of the lens when the lens is installed on the base. In addition, an apparatus is disclosed comprising a base capable of receiving a camera including a lens, an image processor capable of being coupled to the camera for processing an image of a target captured by the camera, and a confirmation projector coupled to the image processor, wherein the projector projects a confirmation beam onto the plane of the target when the image processor signals the confirmation projector that it has processed the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Microscan Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Andrew J. Zosel, Danny S. Barnes, Matthew E. Allen
  • Dynamic modification of centrifugal clutch
    Patent number: 7306084
    Abstract: A centrifugal clutch assembly includes movable centrifugal weight reaction surfaces that provide for actuation at varying rotational speeds. A radially movable front plate with a ramped surface changes the radial position at which the centrifugal weight begins moving the front plate axially to compress a clamp spring and begin clutch actuation. An axially movable back plate moves axially to change the magnitude of compression caused by axial movement of the front plate. The changes to clamping force corresponding to movement of the reaction surfaces of the centrifugal weight change the rotational speed required to beginning and maintain actuation of the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Meritor, LLC
    Inventors: Muneer AbuSamra, Ludger Ronge, Charles E. Allen, Jr., Winfried Sturmer, Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, Loren Christopher Dreier, Robert Anthony Sayman, James Henry DeVore, Ronald Peter Muetzel
  • Container
    Patent number: D559544
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Boyt Harness Company, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Richard E. Allen
  • Container
    Patent number: D559545
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Boyt Harness Company, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Richard E. Allen
  • Gel box for an auto sample feed gel system
    Patent number: D563562
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Serenex, Inc.
    Inventors: William Edward Cosselmon, Stephen E. Allen, Robert Patrick Fadden, Jeffrey M. Partridge