Patents by Inventor James R. Preston

James R. Preston 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: 10578171
    Abstract: A valve system (44) for reducing morning sickness effects in a viscous clutch (20) having a reservoir (38) with a bore (46-1) includes a valve element (44-1), a counterweight portion (44-2), a pivot (44-3), and a biasing member (44-4). The pivot is located in between the valve element and the counterweight portion, and the valve element and the counterweight portion are configured to commonly move about the pivot between open and closed positions. The biasing member is configured to bias the valve element to cover the bore in the closed position by default. The counterweight portion is configured to counteract the biasing member under centrifugal loading such that the valve element at least partially uncovers the bore in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: HORTON, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Stevens, James R. Preston
  • Publication number: 20180252275
    Abstract: A valve system (44) for reducing morning sickness effects in a viscous clutch (20) having a reservoir (38) with a bore (46-1) includes a valve element (44-1), a counterweight portion (44-2), a pivot (44-3), and a biasing member (44-4). The pivot is located in between the valve element and the counterweight portion, and the valve element and the counterweight portion are configured to commonly move about the pivot between open and closed positions. The biasing member is configured to bias the valve element to cover the bore in the closed position by default. The counterweight portion is configured to counteract the biasing member under centrifugal loading such that the valve element at least partially uncovers the bore in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Michael STEVENS, James R. PRESTON
  • Patent number: 8316981
    Abstract: A vehicle drive arrangement is controlled with an actuator arrangement. According to an example embodiment, an actuator arrangement includes a rotatable gear having pins thereon that are applied to a latch and rocker arm to selectively engage and lock a vehicle drive system. In some applications, gear is rotated to apply a first pin to move the latch for selective engagement of the vehicle drive system, and to apply the second pin for selective locking of the engagement, during which selective locking the rotation of the first pin does not cause movement of the latch. Other embodiments are directed to vehicle drive systems and vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, employing drive systems and an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: American Gear Products, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Nyberg, James R. Preston
  • Publication number: 20100038165
    Abstract: A vehicle drive arrangement is controlled with an actuator arrangement. According to an example embodiment, an actuator arrangement includes a rotatable gear having pins thereon that are applied to a latch and rocker arm to selectively engage and lock a vehicle drive system. In some applications, gear is rotated to apply a first pin to move the latch for selective engagement of the vehicle drive system, and to apply the second pin for selective locking of the engagement, during which selective locking the rotation of the first pin does not cause movement of the latch. Other embodiments are directed to vehicle drive systems and vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, employing drive systems and an actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Richard Nyberg, James R. Preston
  • Patent number: 6455810
    Abstract: Apparatus for processing heat processable media comprising: a rotatable heated drum for processing heat processable media having width and depth dimensions, and a plurality of rollers spaced around a portion of the periphery of said drum and in contact therewith, said rollers holding said media to said drum; wherein at least one of said drum and/or at least some of said plurality of rollers have a channel in a central region thereof, said channel having a width greater than said width dimension of said media and a depth less than said thickness dimension of said media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James R. Preston, John C. Boutet
  • Patent number: D371380
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Nelson, James A. Wilson, Curtis D. Ronnander, Larry D. Humlicek, James R. Preston, Robert M. Biegler, Steven W. Sorensen