Patents by Inventor Jack A. Dutcher

Jack A. Dutcher 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: 6516660
    Abstract: A monitoring assembly for a pneumatic tire includes an electronic monitoring device having at least one sensor disposed in a protective body. The monitoring assembly is configured to float on a variety of liquids that are typically disposed within a tire. The protective body is liquid-tight and includes an encapsulation layer that encapsulates the substrate and sensors, a cushion, and a skin on the outside of the cushion. The protective body is substantially spherical allowing the assembly to roll about the inside of a tire without being permanently connected to the tire. The monitoring assembly is simply placed in a tire before the tire is mounted on a vehicle rim and allowed to move about loosely in the tire chamber when the tire is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC
    Inventors: Russell W. Koch, Paul B. Wilson, Jack A. Dutcher, Guy J. Walenga
  • Patent number: 6360594
    Abstract: A monitoring assembly for a pneumatic tire includes an electronic monitoring device having at least one sensor disposed in a protective body. The monitoring assembly is configured to float on a variety of liquids that are typically disposed within a tire. The protective body is liquid-tight and includes an encapsulation layer that encapsulates the substrate and sensors, a cushion, and a skin on the outside of the cushion. The protective body is substantially spherical allowing the assembly to roll about the inside of a tire without being permanently connected to the tire. The monitoring assembly is simply placed in a tire before the tire is mounted on a vehicle rim and allowed to move about loosely in the tire chamber when the tire is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC
    Inventors: Russell W. Koch, Paul B. Wilson, Jack A. Dutcher, Guy J. Walenga
  • Patent number: 6082192
    Abstract: A monitoring assembly for a pneumatic tire includes an electronic monitoring device having at least one sensor disposed in a protective body. The protective body includes an encapsulation layer that encapsulates the substrate and sensors, a cushion, and a skin on the outside of the cushion. The protective body is substantially spherical allowing the assembly to roll about the inside of a tire without being permanently connected to the tire. A breathing tube through the protective body is provided so that a pressure sensor can sense the pressure within the pneumatic tire. The breathing tube may be filled with a transfer gel to prevent the breathing tube from being clogged. The monitoring assembly may further include wings that help position the monitoring assembly within the tire. The antenna of the monitoring device may be disposed within one of the wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell W. Koch, Paul B. Wilson, Jack A. Dutcher, Guy J. Walenga