Patents by Inventor Gordon R. Ripma

Gordon R. Ripma 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: 7036546
    Abstract: A stamp/label dispenser generally kidney shaped that includes a circular pocket for holding a roll of stamps/labels and an interconnecting passage so that one end of the roll can be withdrawn through the mouth or end. The roll is of the type that includes a surface coated with a pressure adhesive and a removable backing sheet. Means are provide for loading the roll into the pocket and includes means for holding it therein. A wall opposite the loading side of the pocket lends itself to include visible indicia or a logo and the like. A guide is formed on the surface of the dispenser for the backing sheet where it is translated so as to allow the backing sheet to be removed from the coated surface and allow the user to place the stamp/label on the intended surface. A window formed on top end of the dispenser allows one to view the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Gordon R. Ripma
  • Patent number: 6363898
    Abstract: A two-piece igniter includes an outer housing that includes a cylindrical member having an outer wall and an inner wall that defines a passage through the outer housing. The igniter further includes a plug member adapted to fit within the passage of the outer housing and that includes an axial electrode and an axially insulating insulator element encircling the axial electrode, the axial electrode having a first end for connection to an electric source and a second end for engagement within a combustion area. The igniter also includes a longitudinally extending biasing member positioned about the plug member. The plug member may be releasably coupled within the outer housing by inserting the plug member within the passage of the outer housing and by manipulating the plug member once inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Quik-Change International, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon R. Ripma, William P. Strait, Brian E. Ainsworth
  • Patent number: 6152095
    Abstract: A two-piece spark plug includes an electrically conductive outer housing including a cylindrical member having an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall defining a passage through the outer housing, and a plug member releasably coupled within the outer housing and including an axial electrode and an electrically insulating insulator element encircling the axial electrode, the axial electrode having a first end for connection to an electrical source and a second end for connection within a combustion chamber, and the insulator element having a circumferential first groove and adapted to be positioned within the passage of the outer housing such that a gas-tight seal is formed between the insulator element and the inner wall of the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Quik-Change Int'l., L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Ripma, William P. Strait
  • Patent number: 5979387
    Abstract: An arrangement for easily and rapidly replacing a spark plug in a bore of a cylinder head includes a conductive cylindrical body that screws into the bore. It has a tapered internal passage that receives a replaceable plug with a tapered metal outer surface. A resilient sealing ring retained by the plug seals gas tight against the inner passage. An annular groove on the outer surface of the plug receives groove engaging elements or balls mounted in the body to lock the plug securely in position. A sliding locking sleeve surrounds the groove engaging elements and prevents the elements from moving out of the groove in a locked position. The sleeve may be manually reciprocated to an unlocked position in which the elements are free to move out of the groove so that the plug may be easily replaced. A spring biases the sleeve to the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: William P. Strait, Gordon R Ripma