Patents by Inventor Gary L. Schafer
Gary L. Schafer 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: 7126458Abstract: An alarm system that indicates to an operator the status of locking pins of a vehicle sliding axle assembly. The alarm system includes an alarm valve coupled to the locking pins and in fluid communication with an alarm. When the pins are unlocked from a vehicle component, the alarm valve is configured in an alarm mode to indicate the unsecured condition of the assembly. In this mode, air is diverted from the vehicle brakes to sound the alarm, thereby informing an operator that the pins are improperly engaged. In one embodiment, the alarm valve is in communication with or includes a pressure relief valve, which diverts a sufficient amount of air from the vehicle brakes so that the brakes cannot be released. When the pins are properly locked to secure the slider axle assembly, the alarm valve does not divert air from the brakes to sound the alarm.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Hadley ProductsInventors: Curtis A. Trudeau, Gary L. Schafer, Loralye Sorum, legal representative, Dick E. Winter, Robert D. Sorum, deceased
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Patent number: 6857646Abstract: A suspension system that restricts side-to-side airflow between air springs on opposite sides of a vehicle or trailer. In one embodiment, active airflow discs in suspension ports of a valve operate in two modes; restrictive and non-restrictive. A disc attains a non-restrictive mode when air is exhausted from an air spring. A disc attains a restrictive mode when air is injected into the suspension port from the valve toward an air spring. Airflow discs in opposing suspension ports both attain a non-restrictive state to rapidly dump air from the springs and lower vehicle ride height. In another embodiment, a pneumatic circuit includes one-way check valves, in fluid communication with opposing air springs, aligned to restrict airflow between the opposing springs under uneven loading conditions. A pair of electronic solenoids acts in concert with the check valves to selectively inflate or deflate the air springs.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Hadley ProductsInventors: Robert D. Sorum, Gary L. Schafer, Curtis A. Trudeau, Dick E. Winter
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Patent number: 6669217Abstract: A suspension system that restricts side-to-side airflow between air springs on opposite sides of a vehicle or trailer. In one embodiment, active airflow discs in suspension ports of a valve operate in two modes; restrictive and non-restrictive. A disc attains a non-restrictive mode when air is exhausted from an air spring. A disc attains a restrictive mode when air is injected into the suspension port from the valve toward an air spring. Airflow discs in opposing suspension ports both attain a non-restrictive state to rapidly dump air from the springs and lower vehicle ride height. In another embodiment, a pneumatic circuit includes one-way check valves, in fluid communication with opposing air springs, aligned to restrict airflow between the opposing springs under uneven loading conditions. A pair of electronic solenoids acts in concert with the check valves to selectively inflate or deflate the air springs.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Hadley ProductsInventors: Robert D. Sorum, Curtis A. Trudeau, Gary L. Schafer, Dick E. Winter
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Publication number: 20030173750Abstract: A suspension system that restricts side-to-side airflow between air springs on opposite sides of a vehicle or trailer. In one embodiment, active airflow discs in suspension ports of a valve operate in two modes; restrictive and non-restrictive. A disc attains a non-restrictive mode when air is exhausted from an air spring. A disc attains a restrictive mode when air is injected into the suspension port from the valve toward an air spring. Airflow discs in opposing suspension ports both attain a non-restrictive state to rapidly dump air from the springs and lower vehicle ride height. In another embodiment, a pneumatic circuit includes one-way check valves, in fluid communication with opposing air springs, aligned to restrict airflow between the opposing springs under uneven loading conditions. A pair of electronic solenoids acts in concert with the check valves to selectively inflate or deflate the air springs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Applicant: Hadley ProductsInventors: Robert D. Sorum, Gary L. Schafer, Curtis A. Trudeau, Dick E. Winter
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Patent number: 6516741Abstract: A leak-proof assembly for mounting an air horn on a truck cab roof. The mounting includes a threaded portion extending through the roof, a flange extending circumferentially around the fitting, and a horn stud portion. Concentric seals, adjacent the threaded portion provide a redundant water-tight compression seal against the roof. A nut is mounted on the threaded portion and also includes an o-ring. Upon tightening, the two concentric seals provide leak proof seals around the hole defined by the body panel. The mounting defines an internal air passage so that the horn can be operated by a source of compressed air attached to the threaded portion from the vehicle interior.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Hadley ProductsInventors: Robert D. Sorum, Curtis A. Trudeau, Gary L. Schafer
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Publication number: 20020171219Abstract: A suspension system that restricts side-to-side airflow between air springs on opposite sides of a vehicle or trailer. In one embodiment, active airflow discs in suspension ports of a valve operate in two modes; restrictive and non-restrictive. A disc attains a non-restrictive mode when air is exhausted from an air spring. A disc attains a restrictive mode when air is injected into the suspension port from the valve toward an air spring. Airflow discs in opposing suspension ports both attain a non-restrictive state to rapidly dump air from the springs and lower vehicle ride height. In another embodiment, a pneumatic circuit includes one-way check valves, in fluid communication with opposing air springs, aligned to restrict airflow between the opposing springs under uneven loading conditions. A pair of electronic solenoids acts in concert with the check valves to selectively inflate or deflate the air springs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventors: Robert D. Sorum, Curtis A. Trudeau, Gary L. Schafer, Dick E. Winter
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Patent number: 6290247Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch employs an adjustably positioned universal hitch ball. The bicycle trailer hitch attaches to a hitch receiver mounted on the bicycle frame and encompasses the rear tire of the bicycle. The trailer hitch slides into the hitch brackets and is secured by clevis pins. Height adjustments between the hitch and the trailer are made with two “L” shaped brackets. The lower bracket has the ball joint attached. The trailer tongue is attached to the ball joint.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventors: Gary L. Schafer, Diane Schafer
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Patent number: 5860450Abstract: A height control valve for a suspension leveling system having a valve assembly cartridge that is assembled prior to insertion into the valve body. The cartridge is threadedly received within the valve body to permit accurate setting of the valve center. In a second aspect, the height control valve includes a locking key which interlocks the drive bearing and valve body to discourage unauthorized tampering with the internal components of the valve. The locking key is resiliently secured beneath a seal that is inaccessible once the valve is assembled. In a third aspect, the height control valve includes a cap diaphragm extending between the cartridge plunger and the valve body to seal the cartridge bore and ensure that exhaust air is vented out of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1997Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: Hadley Products CorporationInventors: Curtis A. Trudeau, Gary L. Schafer
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Patent number: 5560591Abstract: A leveling valve for controlling the amount of air within an air spring for maintaining a constant level of a vehicle chassis or frame relative to its axles. The valve includes several features including a novel actuating mechanism for actuating the valve. The mechanism includes a sleeve assembly slideable on an actuating plunger and constructed of three parts so designed as to compensate for any wear between the sleeve assembly and the actuator for the sleeve. Another feature is the construction of the elongated actuator extending between one end of the valve body wherein the actuating mechanism is located and the other end wherein a valve is located. Still another feature is the construction of the valve for metering the exhaust of air through the exhaust outlet, such metering being determined by the position of the actuator arm as the air spring adjusts to find the proper height. The fourth feature resides in a one-piece, molded dampening cylinder, dump cylinder, and guide for the valve actuator.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1995Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Assignee: Hadley ProductsInventors: Curtis A. Trudeau, Gary L. Schafer, Dick E. Winter, Dennis S. Shimmell, Sean P. Seaver