Patents by Inventor James R. Lenz

James R. Lenz 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: 10794459
    Abstract: An example hydrostatic transmission includes (i) a motor section having a motor interface; (ii) a pump section configured to generate fluid flow, where the pump section comprises a pump interface having a first pump port to provide fluid flow therethrough and a second pump port to receive returning fluid flow therethrough; and (iii) an interface block coupled to the motor interface and coupled to the pump interface so as to couple the pump section to the motor section, where the interface block includes internal fluid passage to facilitate fluid communication between the pump section and the motor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas K. Castle, Jason S. Richardson, Kyle L. Merrill, Steve Finkner, Jeremy Tate, Kenneth T. Gilbert, Imam Nabil, Robert Manbert, James R. Lenz, David M. Heathcoat
  • Publication number: 20110076169
    Abstract: The eccentric on the crankshaft of a rotary compressor, as well as the roller that surrounds the crankshaft, is replaced by an elliptical cam that acts as a double eccentric. In this manner, the elliptical cam provides for proper balancing of the crankshaft and other components of the compressor, while eliminating the need to use counterweights. Specifically, the elliptical cam is symmetrical, resulting in equal forces acting on opposing sides of the elliptical cam. This allows the elliptical cam to maintain its balance throughout its rotation, even when operating at a high rate of revolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: TECUMSEH PRODUCTS COMPANY
    Inventors: Donald L. Coffey, James R. Lenz
  • Patent number: 6817223
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing properties of materials under operating conditions of the materials. The apparatus includes a hermetically sealed vessel in which a tribology tester is mounted. The tribology tester includes a pair of lever arms having first and second ends with the first end of each lever being pivotally connected. A spring is located between the second end of each of the lever arms with a test block assembly being mounted between the lever arms in a position between the pivotal connection and the spring. The test block assembly includes a pair of test blocks and a pin with the spring biasing the test blocks into contact with the pin. Drive means, such as a motor, is magnetically coupled to the tribology tester to rotatively drive the pin against the test blocks to test the properties of the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: James R. Lenz
  • Publication number: 20040200262
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing properties of materials under operating conditions of the materials. The apparatus includes a hermetically sealed vessel in which a tribology tester is mounted. The tribology tester includes a pair of lever arms having first and second ends with the first end of each lever arm being pivotally connected. A spring is located between the second end of each of the lever arms with a test block assembly being mounted between the lever arms in a position between the pivotal connection and the spring. The test block assembly includes a pair of test blocks and a pin with the spring biasing the test blocks into contact with the pin. Drive means, such as a motor, is magnetically coupled to the tribology tester to rotatively drive the pin against the test blocks to test the properties of the materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: James R. Lenz