Patents by Inventor James C. Helfrich

James C. Helfrich 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: 20080034720
    Abstract: A harvester load control that increases the efficiency of the harvester and its operator by providing a automatic control unit that monitors minute engine RPM's caused by varying crop and transport load effects, automatically adjusting the harvester's ground speed to provide a consistent operational RPM including thrashing, separating and other conditioning services.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: James C. Helfrich, George J. Kuchar
  • Publication number: 20070212973
    Abstract: An illuminated flying disc device that can be used in low-light conditions to play an organized game similar to golf or croquet. The disc is aerodynamically designed with lights around it that can blink or remain on for effect. Poles that act as golf holes or croquet rings come in contact with the flying disc to effect a score. Scores are kept according to the number of throws necessary for the contestant to contact a lighted pole the lowest score being the winner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: David Brockes, James C. Helfrich
  • Patent number: 6824348
    Abstract: A wind rotor comprises a base, a rotor frame rotationally supported on the base for movement about a substantially vertical axis in one of a clockwise or counter clockwise direction, and a plurality of wind receiving vanes pivotally disposed on the rotor frame for movement about a substantially vertical axis in a clockwise and counter clockwise direction between a first closed position and a second open position. The movement of each vane from the first closed position to the second open position further being independent of the other vanes. A variable resistance damping mechanism assembly is disposed between each vane and the rotor frame. The variable resistance damping mechanism is configured to provide damping in both the clockwise and the counterclockwise directions, and to dampen a greater amount in one of the clockwise or counterclockwise directions than in the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventors: Barton D. Alexander, James C. Helfrich
  • Publication number: 20040213670
    Abstract: A wind rotor comprises a base, a rotor frame rotationally supported on the base for movement about a substantially vertical axis in one of a clockwise or counter clockwise direction, and a plurality of wind receiving vanes pivotally disposed on the rotor frame for movement about a substantially vertical axis in a clockwise and counter clockwise direction between a first closed position and a second open position. The movement of each vane from the first closed position to the second open position further being independent of the other vanes. A variable resistance damping mechanism assembly is disposed between each vane and the rotor frame. The variable resistance damping mechanism is configured to provide damping in both the clockwise and the counterclockwise directions, and to dampen a greater amount in one of the clockwise or counterclockwise directions than in the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Barton D. Alexander, James C. Helfrich
  • Patent number: 6237427
    Abstract: A flow rate measuring system for conveyed material includes a conveyor including a frame and a material supporting surface moveably supported by the frame. The flow rate measuring system utilizes height measurement devices which are responsive to the height of the material supported on the material supporting surface of the conveyor for taking material height measurements. A signal generating device provides an output signal in response to the height measurement device. The height of the material on a conveyor of known width and known speed allows the calculation of volume or mass flow rates. The height measurement device typically comprises a deflection impact surface which is a finger or paddle assembly. The flow rate measuring system for conveyed material additionally may include a signal processing device such as computer for taking and recording height measurements as specific intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventors: James C. Helfrich, Jeremy A. Helfrich
  • Patent number: 4486972
    Abstract: An animal trap utilizes a generally X-shaped base to provide a balanced mounting of a pair of U-shaped jaws, a pair of torsion coil springs, and elements of a trigger mechanism. When the trap is set, the jaws are pivoted downwardly relative to the base and lie in a horizontal planesurrounding a trigger pan, whereby the set trap is of minimal height. A means of adjustment is provided to enable the force required to operate the trigger pan to be adjusted through a wide range to accommodate the trap for use with a wide variety of animals. Mounting rods extend through two spaced coiled portions of each of the torsion coil springs to couple the springs securely to the base. The springs have U-shaped leg portions which engage sides of the jaws and bias the jaws toward their closed position. The U-shaped leg portions wedge the jaws together as the jaws approach their closed position, and prevent the jaws from being moved apart by a trapped animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Inventors: Clarence M. Helfrich, James C. Helfrich