Patents by Inventor Edith M. Small

Edith M. Small 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: 5462622
    Abstract: A method of molding an electrical element within an associated plastic housing so as to provide a one-piece finished component where the electrical element, joints between the electrical element and the housing, and seams between a premold portion and an overmold portion of the plastic housing are designed and positioned for shielding from ambient atmosphere so that the electrical element is protected from contamination and degradation from the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Edith M. Small, Michael V. Prisby, Terry D. Thomason
  • Patent number: 5246129
    Abstract: A packaging means for shipping electronic components includes a tray in the form of an open latticework within a frame. The open latticework includes internal pockets, where electronic components may be seated. The internal pockets are arranged in rows and columns within the frame, the columns being joined to one another and to the frame by severable joining members. By clipping the appropriate joining members, a strip of internal pockets may be removed from the tray in order to ship less than a complete tray-load of electronic components to a customer. A cover strip, designed for attachment to a strip on which electronic components are seated, is provided to hold the components firmly within the internal pockets of the strip for shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Edith M. Small, Kenneth R. Steinhart
  • Patent number: 5203452
    Abstract: A one-piece injection-molded shipping tray has a number of internal pockets for seating electronic components to be shipped. The tray is an open latticework within a peripheral frame, and may be stacked with others of its kind as the peripheral frame has a rim within which another tray may be seated. The tray includes a locking mechanism, enabling it to be locked to another in a stacked relationship. As such, the tray may also serve as a covering lid for another tray. The internal pockets are joined to one another, and to the frame, by joining members which have narrowed portions. These may be readily severed with an appropriate cutting tool to detach an internal pocket from the tray. In this event, a single internal pocket, holding an electronic component, may be attached to another single internal pocket, sandwiching the electronic component therebetween, by using clamps which engage the bottom of one internal pocket and the notch on top of the other internal pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Edith M, Small, Kenneth R. Steinhart
  • Patent number: 4467987
    Abstract: An integral quarter turn plastic fastener is provided for insertion beneath the floor of an automobile. Retainers are provided on the fastener for receipt and retention of fluid lines, such as fuel lines and brake lines, of different sizes. The fastener can be installed in only one position to insure proper orientation of the retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Edith M. Small