Patents by Inventor Gerald A. Rhoads

Gerald A. Rhoads 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).

  • Draw works traveling block motion control apparatus
    Patent number: 4591131
    Abstract: The upward and/or downward travel of a traveling block in a derrick is controlled to prevent travel beyond normal, safe operating limits. A control line is positioned across the vertical movement axis of the traveling block and upon being moved by the traveling block will actuate sensors to brake and deactivate the draw works, in the event the traveling block traverses beyond safe predetermined limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Inventor: Gerald A. Rhoads
  • Phase reversal protection system
    Patent number: 4045682
    Abstract: A three-phase motor system is described incorporating a small fractional horsepower three-phase control motor that is connected to rotate in a predetermined direction when a three-phase drive motor is rotating in a predetermined direction. A plurality of microswitches having actuating arms with cam follower portions are mounted with the arms contacting a cam plate. When the system is energized, the cam plate is rotated to open the microswitches if the rotation of the fractional horsepower motor is reversed. The microswitches, when opened, de-energize the fractional horsepower motor and concurrently prevent the closure of a solenoid-operated start switch to prevent energization of the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1977
    Inventors: Charles R. Poorbaugh, Gerald A. Rhoads