Patents by Inventor James A. Downing

James A. Downing 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).

  • Publication number: 20260070520
    Abstract: An outrigger assembly for a utility vehicle configured to provide stability to a utility vehicle. The outrigger assembly comprising: a first leg assembly, a second leg assembly, and a plurality of actuators for transitioning the outrigger between a plurality of configurations. The plurality of configurations configured to facilitate any of providing stability to a utility vehicle, reducing obstruction during deployment, stowing inside of a maximum width and a maximum height of the utility vehicle, and increasing ground penetration of deployed outrigger leg assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2025
    Publication date: March 12, 2026
    Inventors: Nicholas Belluccia, James A. Downing, Bryan Plunkett, Matt Tolley, Harold Davidson
  • Patent number: 12491844
    Abstract: An outrigger assembly for a utility vehicle configured to provide stability to a utility vehicle. The outrigger assembly comprising: a first leg assembly, a second leg assembly, and a plurality of actuators for transitioning the outrigger between a plurality of configurations. The plurality of configurations configured to facilitate any of providing stability to a utility vehicle, reducing obstruction during deployment, stowing inside of a maximum width and a maximum height of the utility vehicle, and increasing ground penetration of deployed outrigger leg assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2024
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2025
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Belluccia, James A. Downing, Bryan Plunkett, Matt Tolley, Harold Davidson
  • Publication number: 20250249869
    Abstract: An outrigger assembly for a utility vehicle configured to provide stability to a utility vehicle. The outrigger assembly comprising: a first leg assembly, a second leg assembly, and a plurality of actuators for transitioning the outrigger between a plurality of configurations. The plurality of configurations configured to facilitate any of providing stability to a utility vehicle, reducing obstruction during deployment, stowing inside of a maximum width and a maximum height of the utility vehicle, and increasing ground penetration of deployed outrigger leg assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2024
    Publication date: August 7, 2025
    Inventors: Nicholas Belluccia, James A. Downing, Bryan Plunkett, Matt Tolley, Harold Davidson
  • Patent number: 10793400
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method of using a grapple assembly comprising grapple arms, mecanum wheels, and drive motors. The grapple assembly may use the grapple arms to grasp a pole and support the pole using the mecanum wheels. The drive motors may be configured to drive the mecanum wheels to rotate the mecanum wheels to provide translation and rotation of the pole. The method may be used for positioning and setting a pole, such as a utility pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Downing, Joshua J. Hickman, McNeil Andrew Garton
  • Patent number: 10112542
    Abstract: A deploying ladder assembly configured to be associated with a vehicle and configured to be selectively placed into a deployed position and a stowed position, the deploying ladder assembly comprising an outrigger, an actuator, a ladder support, and a ladder. The actuator is associated with the outrigger, and is configured to selectively move the outrigger between the deployed position and the stowed position. The ladder support apparatus configured to be secured to the utility vehicle. The ladder is secured to the outrigger and moveably secured to the ladder support apparatus. The actuator imparts a force on the ladder through the outrigger, such that the ladder is in the deployed position while the outrigger is in the deployed position and the ladder is in the stowed position while the outrigger is in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Downing
  • Patent number: 10081288
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is configured for use in emergency situations. The utility vehicle includes a base, a set of tracks, and a set of outriggers. The set of tracks is secured to the base configured to move the base through rough terrain. The set of outrigger is configured to be disposed in a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The outrigger is disposed above the deck level in the stowed configuration. The outrigger also remains outside the set of tracks in both the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. The outrigger comprises an upper leg, a lower leg, and an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Downing
  • Patent number: 10065841
    Abstract: A stowable luffing jib provides easy installation to add luffing capabilities to a crane. The stowable luffing jib comprises a base trunnion, a jib assembly, and a cable strut. The base trunnion is secured to the boom assembly and can be selectively placed into a stowed position and a deployed position. While the base trunnion is in the stowed position, the base trunnion is secured along the boom assembly substantially parallel with and adjacent to the boom assembly. While the base trunnion is in the deployed position, the base trunnion is secured to a distal end of the boom assembly and oriented substantially in line with the boom assembly. The jib assembly is secured to the base trunnion and configured to pivot in a substantially vertical plane. The cable strut receives a luffing guy line so as to set an inclined angle of the cable strut relative to the base trunnion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Downing
  • Publication number: 20180201195
    Abstract: A deploying ladder assembly configured to be associated with a vehicle and configured to be selectively placed into a deployed position and a stowed position, the deploying ladder assembly comprising an outrigger, an actuator, a ladder support, and a ladder. The actuator is associated with the outrigger, and is configured to selectively move the outrigger between the deployed position and the stowed position. The ladder support apparatus configured to be secured to the utility vehicle. The ladder is secured to the outrigger and moveably secured to the ladder support apparatus. The actuator imparts a force on the ladder through the outrigger, such that the ladder is in the deployed position while the outrigger is in the deployed position and the ladder is in the stowed position while the outrigger is in the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventor: James A. Downing
  • Publication number: 20170210604
    Abstract: A stowable luffing jib provides easy installation to add luffing capabilities to a crane. The stowable luffing jib comprises a base trunnion, a jib assembly, and a cable strut. The base trunnion is secured to the boom assembly and can be selectively placed into a stowed position and a deployed position. While the base trunnion is in the stowed position, the base trunnion is secured along the boom assembly substantially parallel with and adjacent to the boom assembly. While the base trunnion is in the deployed position, the base trunnion is secured to a distal end of the boom assembly and oriented substantially in line with the boom assembly. The jib assembly is secured to the base trunnion and configured to pivot in a substantially vertical plane. The cable strut receives a luffing guy line so as to set an inclined angle of the cable strut relative to the base trunnion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventor: JAMES A. DOWNING
  • Patent number: 9296595
    Abstract: An operator cab for an operator of heavy equipment, the cab including a first opening and a second opening through which an operator can enter or exit the cab. The cab is mounted on the heavy equipment next to an implement for performing work. The first opening and the second opening of the cab are not generally parallel to each other. The cab is operable to rotate to a first position with respect to the deck of the heavy equipment, such that the operator can exit through the first opening and onto the deck. The cab is also operable to rotate to a second position with respect to the deck of the heavy equipment, such that the operator can exit through the second opening and onto the deck. The multiple openings in the cab assist the operator in safe ingress and egress to and from the deck and cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Downing
  • Publication number: 20150239714
    Abstract: An operator cab for an operator of heavy equipment, the cab including a first opening and a second opening through which an operator can enter or exit the cab. The cab is mounted on the heavy equipment next to an implement for performing work. The first opening and the second opening of the cab are not generally parallel to each other. The cab is operable to rotate to a first position with respect to the deck of the heavy equipment, such that the operator can exit through the first opening and onto the deck. The cab is also operable to rotate to a second position with respect to the deck of the heavy equipment, such that the operator can exit through the second opening and onto the deck. The multiple openings in the cab assist the operator in safe ingress and egress to and from the deck and cab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Downing
  • Patent number: 8439165
    Abstract: A saw horse combination includes two saw horses. Each saw horse has a beam, first and second brackets disposed respectively at the ends of the beam, and legs pivotably attached to the brackets for supporting the beam. A locking mechanism is also provided for connecting the first and second horses. The locking mechanism includes a first latch movably connected to a bracket of the first saw horse, and a second latch movably connected to a bracket of the second saw horse. These latches are movable between a first position where the latches do not engage and a second position where the latches engage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Jason F. Busschaert, James A. Downing, Torrey R. Lambert
  • Publication number: 20120111667
    Abstract: A saw horse combination includes two saw horses. Each saw horse has a beam, first and second brackets disposed respectively at the ends of the beam, and legs pivotably attached to the brackets for supporting the beam. A locking mechanism is also provided for connecting the first and second horses. The locking mechanism includes a first latch movably connected to a bracket of the first saw horse, and a second latch movably connected to a bracket of the second saw horse. These latches are movable between a first position where the latches do not engage and a second position where the latches engage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Jason F. Busschaert, James A. Downing, Torrey R. Lambert
  • Patent number: D638140
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Jason F. Busschaert, James A. Downing, Torrey R. Lambert
  • Patent number: D638141
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Jason F. Busschaert, James A. Downing, Torrey R. Lambert
  • Patent number: D641893
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Jason F. Busschaert, James A. Downing, Torrey R. Lambert
  • Patent number: D648443
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Jason F. Busschaert, James A. Downing, Torrey R. Lambert