Patents by Inventor James L. Whitehurst

James L. Whitehurst 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: 5831357
    Abstract: A heat shield for shielding the solenoid of an engine starter from heat generated by an internal combustion engine. The shield is formed of metal and has a front pair of deflectable spring arms and a rear pair of deflectable spring arms for securing the heat shield to a solenoid of an engine starter. The arms have arcuate portions that are adapted to engage the case of the solenoid and the arms are deflected apart when the shield is assembled to the solenoid. The arms then spring back toward each other to tightly grip the solenoid. The front pair of deflectable spring arms are equipped with ribs extending from the arcuate portions and bending around one end of the solenoid to prevent axial movement of the heat shield relative to the solenoid. The heat shield has a collar to engage another end of the solenoid and prevent axial movement of the heat shield relative to the solenoid. The heat shield has a spring finger that prevents the shield from moving beyond a proper assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Delco Remy America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Stohler, James L. Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 5328009
    Abstract: A lubricator for lubricating the drive shaft of engine starting apparatus. The lubricator has a housing that is comprised of two plastic parts that are secured together by means of locking arms that are integral with one of the parts and which engage the outer part. The housing contains a wick that is saturated with a lubricating oil. The lubricator is assembled to the driving member of an engine starter overrunning clutch by press-fitting it to an internal surface of a tubular portion of the driving member. The inner surface of the wick engages a starter drive shaft and as the overrunning clutch is shifted relative to the drive shaft, the wick deposits a thin film of oil to a length of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Whitehurst, Victor L. Kelley, Brian W. Harris
  • Patent number: 5233953
    Abstract: A heat shield for shielding the solenoid of an engine starter from heat generated by an internal combustion engine. The shield is formed of metal and has a first pair of deflectable spring arms for securing the heat shield to a solenoid of an engine starter. The arms have arcuate portions that are adapted to engage the case of the solenoid and the arms are deflected apart when the shield is assembled to the solenoid. The arms then spring back toward each other to tightly grip the solenoid. The heat shield has another pair of deflectable arms the end portions of which are adapted to engage fasteners that secure the shield to the drive housing of an engine starter. The heat shield has a deflectable spring finger that is adapted to engage the solenoid to prevent vibration of the heat shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Whitehurst, Douglas R. Ogle
  • Patent number: 4707616
    Abstract: An electric starter for cranking an internal combustion engine. The starter has a solenoid which has a motor terminal. The motor terminal is connected to the electric cranking motor of the starter by conductor means which are located entirely internally of the starter. The solenoid has a battery terminal that is provided with a threaded bore that is adapted to receive a connector bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas R. Ogle, Daniel D. Richey, James L. Whitehurst