Patents by Inventor James L. Townsend

James L. Townsend 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: 7687729
    Abstract: A turn signal switch assembly is constructed having a switch stalk and junction box rotatably coupled using a shoulder bolt. The shoulder bolt has a shoulder area useful for allowing the switch stalk to rotate freely relative to the junction box. The threaded end of the shoulder bolt is turned and tightened into at least one corresponding threaded aperture in the junction box, thereby mechanically coupling the switch stalk to the junction box. The threaded end of the shoulder bolt also extends past a surface of the junction box so that the threaded end is exposed. The threaded end is mechanically transformed by an orbital riveting device so as to act as a positive locking feature. The shoulder bolt thereafter secures the switch stalk to the junction box using the mechanical advantages of a threaded connection in combination with the positive locking feature of a riveted connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Grote Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter F. Bronson, Karan Dua, James L. Townsend
  • Publication number: 20090072165
    Abstract: A rope light is provided comprising a plurality of infrared lamps that enable a user to stealthily operate the light under cover of darkness. The method of using the rope light comprises either signaling to an observer or operating on a workpiece. The rope light can be positioned to signal information such as the outlines of a runway or supply drop point. The observer, using appropriate goggles or other visualization devices, can then detect such signals. The rope light provided can also be used to operate on such things as an automobile engine under cover of darkness. The rope light can be flexibly positioned in such things as engine compartments to flood the compartment with infrared light, enabling a person to repair a workpiece such as an engine. Other embodiments use a rope light that radiates light visible to the human eye for both signaling and operating on a workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: James L. Townsend
  • Publication number: 20090014293
    Abstract: A turn signal switch assembly is constructed having a switch stalk and junction box rotatably coupled using a shoulder bolt. The shoulder bolt has a shoulder area useful for allowing the switch stalk to rotate freely relative to the junction box. The threaded end of the shoulder bolt is turned and tightened into at least one corresponding threaded aperture in the junction box, thereby mechanically coupling the switch stalk to the junction box. The threaded end of the shoulder bolt also extends past a surface of the junction box so that the threaded end is exposed. The threaded end is mechanically transformed by an orbital riveting device so as to act as a positive locking feature. The shoulder bolt thereafter secures the switch stalk to the junction box using the mechanical advantages of a threaded connection in combination with the positive locking feature of a riveted connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Walter F. Bronson, Karan Dua, James L. Townsend