Patents by Inventor F. Michael Barnes

F. Michael Barnes 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: 6854415
    Abstract: A seat belt tension sensing device adapted for sensing tension in a belt securing a child's car seat in a vehicle, and comprising a housing (52) having a upper housing member (50) hingedly attached (at 54) to a lower housing member 52, and a closure catch (58) to permit the passage of a length of seat belt (36) through the housing to pass over a depressible switch (66). Within the housing is a power source (40) and alarm/indicator (41) responsive to a signal emitted by the switch (66) when actuated by the scar belt (36) passing over the switch. Sufficient belt tension may be shown by a visible indicator, while insufficient tension may be indicated by an audible alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Finecard International Limited
    Inventors: F. Michael Barnes, Benjamin Gregory Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20040011277
    Abstract: A seat belt tension sensing device adapted for sensing tension in a belt securing a child's car seat in a vehicle, and comprising a housing (52) having a upper housing member (50) hingedly attached (at 54) to a lower housing member 52, and a closure catch (58) to permit the passage of a length of seat belt (36) through the housing to pass over a depressible switch (66). Within the housing is a power source (40) and alarm/indicator (41) responsive to a signal emitted by the switch (66) when actuated by the scar belt (36) passing over the switch. Sufficient belt tension may be shown by a visible indicator, while insufficient tension may be indicated by an audible alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: F. Michael Barnes, Benjamin Gregory Shepherd
  • Patent number: 5782486
    Abstract: A rapid gas/fluid deploying apparatus for use in a variety of inflating and dispersing applications includes a superatmospheric pressure compressed gas/fluid storage container which is equipped with an explosively rupturable membrane surface element and an explosively rupturing micro miniature charge assembly. When the explosive charge is detonated a pressure equilibrating force compels the gas or fluid into/onto a receiving volume or target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: New Lenox Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: F. Michael Barnes, Benjamin Gregory Shepherd
  • Patent number: 5720519
    Abstract: A child's seat for use in motor vehicles, including an air bag and activation circuitry. Sensors on the seat emit a first signal confirming that the air bag is armed and that the seat belt is properly connected. A second warning signal is produced when the child's seat air bag is not properly functioning or if the child's seat is not properly held in place by the vehicle's seat belt system. Also disclosed is an air bag inflator including a pressure tank, a frangible membrane for sealing gas under pressure within the tank, and a pyrotechnic squib for rupturing the frangible membrane to deploy the air bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: New Lenox Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: F. Michael Barnes
  • Patent number: 5711574
    Abstract: A child's seat for use in motor vehicles, including an air bag and activation circuitry. Sensors on the seat emit a first signal confirming that the air bag is armed and that the seat belt is properly connected. A second warning signal is produced when the child's seat air bag is not properly functioning or if the child's seat is not properly held in place by the vehicle's seat belt system. Also disclosed is an air bag inflator including a pressure tank, a frangible membrane for sealing gas under pressure within the tank, and a pyrotechnic squib for rupturing the frangible membrane to deploy the air bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: New Lenox Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: F. Michael Barnes