Patents by Inventor John A. Sharrow

John A. Sharrow 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: 7423551
    Abstract: A temporary or portable traffic signal can be utilized to regulate traffic during power outages. However, when power is restored and the normal operation of the permanently installed traffic signal resumes, then a method of interconnecting the permanent and temporary systems ensures that the operation of the two system are synchronized in predetermined and/or selectable modes of operation. Whenever power is available, an interface detects operation of the permanently installed main system and produces signals that can be used in one mode of operation to direct the portable system to ignore its internal timing sequences and synchronize with the main system, or in another mode of operation to cease its operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: John A. Sharrow
  • Patent number: 7013682
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are herein described which provide a door assembly for the drum door and lid of a top loading horizontal axis laundry machine. The drum door is provided with an automatic latch system that can be automatically latched and unlatched on command. In a presently preferred embodiment, the automatic drum latch employs a floating latch bar which engages or disengages a latch strike attached to the drum door, depending on its orientation at the time the drum door is depressed and released. An actuator is utilized to perform the task of depressing and releasing the drum door at the proper times. When the lid of the machine is closed, the drum is rotated to a selected rotational position that determines whether the automatic drum latch will latch or unlatch after an actuator is extended to depress the drum door and then is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Equator Corportion
    Inventor: John A. Sharrow
  • Publication number: 20040231062
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are herein described which provide a door assembly for the drum door and lid of a top loading horizontal axis laundry machine. The drum door is provided with an automatic latch system that can be automatically latched and unlatched on command. In a presently preferred embodiment, the automatic drum latch employs a floating latch bar which engages or disengages a latch strike attached to the drum door, depending on its orientation at the time the drum door is depressed and released. An actuator is utilized to perform the task of depressing and releasing the drum door at the proper times. When the lid of the machine is closed, the drum is rotated to a selected rotational position that determines whether the automatic drum latch will latch or unlatch after an actuator is extended to depress the drum door and then is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: EQUATOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: John A. Sharrow
  • Patent number: 6739681
    Abstract: Assemblies and methods are provided that address ergonomic problems by providing a support member for adjusting the operating angle of the control panel to optimize the position thereof for personal requirements of individual users. The assembly also provides a robust construction that is even reliable for use on appliances such as laundry appliances that are subject to relatively high vibrations during operation. The assembly provides a recess in the appliance housing that mates to the shape of the control panel to thereby provide a prone setting which minimizes the packaged volume of the machine, with a resulting savings in the cost of packaging and shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Equator Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Sharrow
  • Patent number: 5191662
    Abstract: A device for installation in the tank of a standard toilet, which saves a significant quantity of water by limiting the duration of the flush each time the toilet is flushed by normal operation of the flush handle, yet it allows the operator to select a full flush by simply holding the handle down for approximately 3 seconds before releasing it. Since approximately 75% of all flushes are to eliminate liquid waste, and such flushes typically require 50% to 70% of the water needed to eliminate solid waste, this device can substantially reduce the water usage in a household or business. For new installations, the device is constructed as part of a modified overflow pipe. A second embodiment, intended for retrofit in existing toilets, is constructed in such a way as to allow it to be quickly and easily clamped over the overflow tube in the toilet tank, bringing the benefit of water conservation with convenience and at relatively low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: John A. Sharrow
  • Patent number: 4284946
    Abstract: A comparator has one input terminal connected to a reference voltage terminal and a second input terminal connected to sense the voltage on the resonator structure of a crystal filter. In the event the voltage on the resonator structure changes, such as by failure of the ground connection, the comparator generates an output signal indicating crystal filter failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1981
    Assignee: The Bendix Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Sharrow