Patents by Inventor Floyd B. Fairbanks
Floyd B. Fairbanks 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).
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Patent number: 7025588Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. A release member is cooperatively connected to the housing to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply to the nozzle. An ignitor, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is provided for generating a spark proximate the nozzle. A trigger spaced from the release member is operatively connected to the housing for actuating the ignitor for the generation of a spark igniting the fuel present at the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: Guy Laforest, Paul Adams, Brian Tubby, Richard M. Orazietti, Floyd B. Fairbanks
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Publication number: 20040219467Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. A release member is cooperatively connected to the housing to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply to the nozzle. An ignitor, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is provided for generating a spark proximate the nozzle. A trigger spaced from the release member is operatively connected to the housing for actuating the ignitor for the generation of a spark igniting the fuel present at the nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: BIC CorporationInventors: Guy Laforest, Paul Adams, Brian Tubby, Richard M. Orazietti, Floyd B. Fairbanks
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Patent number: 6746234Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. A release member is cooperatively connected to the housing to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply to the nozzle. An ignitor, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is provided for generating a spark proximate the nozzle. A trigger spaced from the release member is operatively connected to the housing for actuating the ignitor for the generation of a spark igniting the fuel present at the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: Guy Laforest, Paul Adams, Brian Tubby, Richard M. Orazietti, Floyd B. Fairbanks
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Publication number: 20030104329Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. A release member is cooperatively connected to the housing to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply to the nozzle. An ignitor, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is provided for generating a spark proximate the nozzle. A trigger spaced from the release member is operatively connected to the housing for actuating the ignitor for the generation of a spark igniting the fuel present at the nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2003Publication date: June 5, 2003Applicant: BIC CorporationInventors: Guy Laforest, Paul Adams, Brian Tubby, Richard M. Orazietti, Floyd B. Fairbanks
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Patent number: 6527546Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. A release member is cooperatively connected to the housing to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply to the nozzle. An ignitor, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is provided for generating a spark proximate the nozzle. A trigger spaced from the release member is operatively connected to the housing for actuating the ignitor for the generation of a spark igniting the fuel present at the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1999Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: Guy Laforest, Paul Adams, Brian Tubby, Richard M. Orazietti, Floyd B. Fairbanks
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Patent number: 6095799Abstract: An utility lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. An ignitor assembly, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is operatively connected to the housing for generating a spark proximate the nozzle and an actuating assembly is connected to the housing proximate the handle and operates to both dispense fuel from the fuel supply and to activate the ignitor assembly. A latch member is operatively connected with the handle and includes a blocking portion connected for biased movement relative to the actuating assembly. The latch member is normally biased into engagement with the actuating assembly to prevent operative movement except when the user moves the latch member against the bias. When the latch member is moved out of engagement with the actuating assembly by the user, a trigger may be pulled to release fuel and initiate a spark at the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: James M. McDonough, Daniel A. Ferrara, F. Nicolas Garoffolo, Chris A. Barone, Floyd B. Fairbanks
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Patent number: 6086360Abstract: The present invention relates to a utility lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. An ignitor assembly, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is operatively connected to the housing for generating a spark proximate the nozzle and an actuating assembly is connected to the housing proximate the handle and operates to both dispense fuel from the fuel supply and to activate the ignitor assembly. A linking mechanism is provided in order to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply prior to generation of a spark such that a spark is generated when fuel is present at the nozzle. A locating mechanism is provided proximate the valve of the fuel container in order to properly position the fuel container within the housing. In addition, an isolator cap is disposed around the nozzle to assist in directing the spark in the vicinity of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1997Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: James M. McDonough, Floyd B. Fairbanks, F. Nicolas Garoffolo, Chris A. Barone
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Patent number: 6077069Abstract: A selectively actuatable child resistant lighter device is disclosed which includes a body defining reservoir for containing a combustible gaseous medium such as butane, and having a valve arranged to be selectively actuated between a normally closed position and an open position which permits the exit of the gaseous medium. Such child resistant lighter can selectively produce sparks at a location proximate to the gaseous medium exit to ignite the gaseous medium, and a safety mechanism prevents actuation of the valve to the open position when sparks are produced. Such child resistant lighter device embodies a resiliently releasable safety latch which prevents the actuation of the valve actuator to the open position. The safety latch is selectively movable to a position out of interference with the valve actuator, so that the gaseous medium may be released and ignited by the sparks.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1997Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Bic CorporationInventors: Floyd B. Fairbanks, Thomas G. Snell, James M. McDonough
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Patent number: 6065958Abstract: The present invention relates to a utility lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle with an outlet at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. An electric ignitor assembly, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, has first and second electrical contacts operatively connected to a first electrical pathway. The first electrical pathway includes a first gap proximate the outlet. An ignition preventing assembly forming a second electrical pathway is also operatively connected to the electric ignitor assembly and has operative and inoperative configurations. In the inoperative configuration, the resistance of the second electrical pathway is less than the resistance of the first electrical pathway such that electrical current generated by the electric ignitor assembly selectively travels in the second electrical pathway.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1999Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: Paul Adams, Floyd B. Fairbanks, Richard M. Orazietti, Brian Tubby, Thomas G. Vailionis, James M. McDonough
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Patent number: 5934895Abstract: An utility lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. An ignitor assembly, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is operatively connected to the housing for generating a spark proximate the nozzle and an actuating assembly is connected to the housing proximate the handle and operates to both dispense fuel from the fuel supply and to activate the ignitor assembly. A latch member is operatively connected with the handle and includes a blocking portion connected for biased movement relative to the actuating assembly. The latch member is normally biased into engagement with the actuating assembly to prevent operative movement except when the user moves the latch member against the bias. When the latch member is moved out of engagement with the actuating assembly by the user, a trigger may be pulled to release fuel and initiate a spark at the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: James M. McDonough, Daniel A. Ferrara, F. Nicolas Garoffolo, Chris A. Barone, Floyd B. Fairbanks
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Patent number: 5769098Abstract: The lighter of the present invention provides a resiliently deformable guard that covers a portion of the striking wheel assembly. To operate the lighter, a user exerts sufficient pressure to displace the guard before rotating the striking wheel assembly. The configuration of the guard with respect to other elements of the lighter and/or one or more retention means of the guard increases the retention of the guard. Further, the lighter of the present invention may provide a brake member to prevent the rotation of the striking wheel assembly when the user attempts to release fuel or rotate the striking wheel assembly before or without displacement of the guard.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: James M. McDonough, Gerald J. Doiron, Paul H. Adams, Floyd B. Fairbanks, Arthur R. Hamilton, Jr., Guy LaForest
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Patent number: 5735294Abstract: The lighter of the present invention provides a resiliently deformable guard that covers a portion of the striking wheel assembly. To operate the lighter, a user exerts sufficient pressure to depress the guard before rotating the striking wheel assembly. The present invention provides retention mechanisms to make removal of the guard more difficult. Further, the lighter of the present invention provides brake members to prevent the rotation of the striking wheel assembly when the user attempts to release fuel prior to rotating the striking wheel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Bic CorporationInventors: James M. McDonough, Gerald J. Doiron, Paul H. Adams, Chris A. Barone, Floyd B. Fairbanks
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Patent number: 5628627Abstract: A child resistant lighter device is disclosed which includes a body defining reservoir for containing a combustible gaseous medium such as butane, and having a valve arranged to be selectively actuated between a normally closed position and an open position which permits the exit of the gaseous medium. Such child resistant lighter can selectively produce sparks at a location proximate to the gaseous medium exit to ignite the gaseous medium, and a safety mechanism prevents actuation of the valve to the open position when sparks are produced. Such child resistant lighter device embodies a resiliently releasable safety latch which prevents the actuation of the valve actuator to the open position. The safety latch is selectively movable to a position out of interference with the valve actuator, so that the gaseous medium may be released and ignited by the sparks.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: Bic CorporationInventors: Floyd B. Fairbanks, Thomas G. Snell, James M. McDonough
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Patent number: 5520197Abstract: The lighter of the present invention provides a resiliently deformable guard that covers a portion of the striking wheel assembly. To operate the lighter, a user exerts sufficient pressure to depress the guard before rotating the striking wheel assembly. The present invention also provides retention mechanisms to make the removal of the guard more difficult. Further, the lighter of the present invention provides brake members to prevent the rotation of the striking wheel assembly when the user attempts to release fuel prior to rotating the striking wheel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: James M. McDonough, Gerald J. Doiron, Paul H. Adams, Chris A. Barone, Floyd B. Fairbanks
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Patent number: 5487657Abstract: A child resistant lighter device is disclosed which includes a body defining reservoir for containing a combustible gaseous medium such as butane, and having a valve arranged to be selectively actuated between a normally closed position and an open position which permits the exit of the gaseous medium. Such child resistant lighter can selectively produce sparks at a location proximate to the gaseous medium exit to ignite the gaseous medium, and a safety mechanism prevents actuation of the valve to the open position when sparks are produced. Such child resistant lighter device embodies a resiliently releasable safety latch which prevents the actuation of the valve actuator to the open position. The safety latch is selectively movable to a position out of interference with the valve actuator, so that the gaseous medium may be released and ignited by the sparks.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1993Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: Floyd B. Fairbanks, Thomas G. Snell, James M. McDonough
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Patent number: 5431558Abstract: A selectively actuatable lighter device is disclosed which includes a body defining reservoir for containing a combustible gaseous medium such as butane, and having a valve arranged to be selectively actuated between a normally closed position and an open position which permits the exit of the gaseous medium. Such lighter can selectively produce sparks at a location proximate to the gaseous medium exit to ignite the gaseous medium. Such lighter device embodies a resiliently releasable valve actuator which normally prevents actuation of the valve. The valve actuator includes an interfering portion which is selectively movable to a position out of interference with an interfering portion of the lighter body, so that the gaseous medium may be released and ignited by the sparks. Once the valve actuator is depressed and released, it returns to its closed or latched position to prevent actuation of the valve to the open position.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1994Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Assignee: Bic CorporationInventors: James M. McDonough, Floyd B. Fairbanks, Jean-Michel Monnier
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Patent number: 5125829Abstract: A selectively actuatable child resistant lighter device is disclosed which includes a body defining reservoir for containing a combustible gaseous medium such as butane, and having a valve arranged to be selectively actuated between a normally closed position and an open position which permits the exit of the gaseous medium. Such child resistant lighter can selectively produce sparks at a location proximate to the gaseous medium exit to ignite the gaseous medium. A safety mechanism normally prevents actuation of the valve to the open position. Such child resistant lighter device embodies a resiliently releasable safety latch which prevents the actuation of the valve actuator to the open position. The safety latch is selectively movable to a plurality of positions out of interference with the valve actuator, so that the gaseous medium may be released and ignited by the sparks.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1989Date of Patent: June 30, 1992Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: James M. McDonough, Floyd B. Fairbanks
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Patent number: 5002482Abstract: A child resistant lighter device is disclosed which includes a body defining reservoir for containing a combustible gaseous medium such as butane, and having a valve arranged to be selectively actuated between a normally closed position and an open position which permits the exit of the gaseous medium. Such child resistant lighter can selectively produce sparks at a location proximate to the gaseous medium exit to ignite the gaseous medium, and a safety mechanism prevents actuation of the valve to the open position when sparks are produced. Such child resistant lighter device embodies a resiliently releasable safety latch which prevents the actuation of the valve actuator to the open position. The safety latch is selectively movable to a position out of interference with the valve actuator, so that the gaseous medium may be released and ignited by the sparks.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1988Date of Patent: March 26, 1991Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: Floyd B. Fairbanks, Thomas G. Snell, James M. McDonough
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Patent number: D520941Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Paul H. Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Floyd B. Fairbanks
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Patent number: D524242Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Paul H. Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Floyd B. Fairbanks