Patents by Inventor Gary N. Heitzman

Gary N. Heitzman 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: 4297742
    Abstract: A solenoid-operated fuel valve opens automatically when the engine is started to allow fuel to flow from a fuel tank to the engine and closes automatically when the engine throttle is moved to fuel-off position to shut down flow of fuel through the governor for the engine. In the event of an emergency, operation of a manual shutdown control will de-energize the fuel valve solenoid to shut off flow of fuel to the engine compartment and will also shut down the engine by energizing a solenoid to move the fuel rack for the governor to fuel-off position. Actuation of a fire-extenguisher system for the engine will automatically de-energize the fuel-valve solenoid and energize the fuel-rack solenoid. The fuel-rack solenoid remains energized for a timed period sufficient to ensure engine shutdown in emergency situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Gary N. Heitzman, Clay L. Hutchings, Gary L. Knepp, Robert G. Miller
  • Patent number: 4150654
    Abstract: A solenoid-operated fuel valve opens automatically when the engine is started to allow fuel to flow from a fuel tank to the engine and closes automatically when the engine throttle is moved to fuel-off position to shut down flow of fuel through the governor for the engine. In the event of an emergency, operation of a manual shutdown control will de-energize the fuel valve solenoid to shut off flow of fuel to the engine compartment and will also shut down the engine by energizing a solenoid to move the fuel rack for the governor to fuel-off position. Actuation of a fire-extinguisher system for the engine will automatically de-energize the fuel-valve solenoid and energize the fuel-rack solenoid. The fuel-rack solenoid remains energized for a timed period sufficient to ensure engine shutdown in emergency situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1979
    Inventors: Gary N. Heitzman, Clay L. Hutchings, Gary L. Knepp, Robert G. Miller, Caterpillar Tractor Co.
  • Patent number: 4073591
    Abstract: A composite "U" joint guard-step has a first member and a second member. A first assembly is provided for releaseably maintaining the first member in substantial mating alignment to the second member. A second assembly is provided for maintaining the second member at a preselected position relative to a "U" joint.The first member has first and second flanges and a middle portion and is of an elongated channel and inverted "U" configuration. The middle portion is generally planar and generally horizontal to provide a step for an operator. The first member is of a configuration sufficient for extending over and being spaced from the "U" joint.The second member has first and second flanges and is of elongated channel configuration. The second member is of a size sufficient for mating with the first member at the first and second flanges, while being spaced from the "U" joint. In combination with the first member, the first and second members encompass the "U" joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Gary N. Heitzman, Norma G. Shook