Patents by Inventor Frank A. Walker, Jr.

Frank A. Walker, Jr. 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: 4576828
    Abstract: Plasma spray coating of parts in a low-pressure chamber utilizes a linear induction motor drive system having gapped tracks for supporting and driving part carriers to flow in a continuous series of discrete steps through the low-pressure chamber where the parts are momentarily stopped for preheating and spray coating. Input and output air locks are sealed and unsealed by valve gates that move through the track gaps to optimize the sealing of the locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Geotel, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank A. Walker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4309910
    Abstract: A simple and inexpensive testing device for checking the tension of the strings of a tennis racquet, a badminton racquet or the like includes a string engaging member for engaging one of the strings of a previously strung racquet. This string engaging member may be bifurcated and be secured to a cylindrical block which is rotatably mounted in the front of a rigid elongated handle. A torsion element is mounted between the block and the rear of the handle, so that when the handle is rotated, and the torsion element is stressed, the handle will rotate relative to the block which is engaging the strings, and the amount of rotation of the handle relative to the block will be an indication of the tension of the strings. In addition, arrangements are provided for indicating that the string engaging member secured to the cylindrical block has been rotated through a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Inventor: Frank A. Walker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 3965399
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical transducer for use in keyboards and the like which incorporates a capacitance change utilization concept. The transducer includes a plunger assembly reciprocably disposed in a housing therefor, in operative disposition over capacitance forming areas on an insulated substrate. The plunger assembly includes a key button disposed on one end of a shaft, an intermediate flange on the shaft and a flange at the other end of the shaft. The intermediate flange is positioned adjacent a frusto-conical elastomeric return spring and also serves as a resilient stop for the shaft. A compressible foam or sponge-like material having a thin, flexible metalized dielectric material on its lower portion, is mounted on the lower surface of the other flange. Actuation of the shaft downwardly toward the substrate causes the dielectric material to bridge the capacitance forming areas related thereto to cause a change in capacitance and transfer of energy therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1976
    Inventors: Frank A. Walker, Jr., John B. Shevlin