Patents by Inventor James C. Dean

James C. Dean 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).

  • Switch mechanism for operating a plasma arc torch, other tools or weapons
    Patent number: 5597497
    Abstract: A switch mechanism with a safety member for operating a tool or a weapon which reduces the probability of inadvertent operation. The switch mechanism comprises a trigger and a safety member disposed adjacent to the trigger for preventing the trigger from contacting an actuation switch. The safety member is shaped such that when it is positioned in a first position, it prevents the trigger from contacting the switch. In addition, the safety member is shaped such that when the safety member is positioned in a second position, it allows the trigger to contact the actuation switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Dean, Robert C. Dean, Jr., E. Hubbard Yonkers
  • Fastening means
    Patent number: 4426816
    Abstract: A fastening means utilizing, in combination, Velcro stripping and a sealing strip, thus providing that in releasably interconnecting a first panel member to a second panel member, the sealing strip carried between the panel members adjacent the Velcro strip and the co-operating Velcro strip is operative to cause an effective seal between the panel members, and is preferably resiliently deformed by the fastening interconnection of the Velcro stripping components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Inventors: James C. Dean, Eugene R. Barnett