Patents by Inventor Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr.

Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr. 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: 11580046
    Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a frame having a cab defining an interior within which a flash memory device is permanently mounted. The flash memory device is isolated so that it is incapable of receiving any onboard operating data pertaining to the operation and status of the firefighting apparatus. Instead, the device primarily stores data regarding a service manual, maintenance manual, electrical diagrams and/or troubleshooting guide related to the firefighting apparatus. The device is able to be selectively coupled to a portable computing device so that a user working on the firefighting apparatus can access the data without risk of loss or misplacement thereof. A related method also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: HME, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr., James F. Symonds
  • Patent number: 11260254
    Abstract: A wildland urban interface (WUI) firefighting apparatus is provided in the form of a four-wheel or all-wheel drive pumper truck that merges the high-clearance and off road capability of a Type 3 wildland pumper truck with the functionality, exceptional handling, mobility and storage capacity of a Type 1 pumper truck. The truck can include a short front overhang chassis yielding a 20+ degree angle of approach and an optional 20+ degree angle of departure. The truck can include a compact water distribution system including a narrow discharge manifold plumbed to an engine PTO driven primary pump and optional portable secondary pump, which can operate during pump and roll firefighting procedures. The discharge manifold can be coupled to electronic valves operated via a control panel, and can be so narrow that it can contribute to shortening the truck's wheelbase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: HME, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr., Kevin J. Longhurst
  • Patent number: 11035558
    Abstract: A pole assembly to support a device at an elevation and including a slidably joined first tube and second tube. A first collar mounts to an end of the first tube and the second tube protrudes from the end. A second collar is adjacent the first collar. A lock-and-key coupling, associated with the collars, prevents them from separating longitudinally along the tubes. The coupling is operable in adjustment and lock modes while a key is in a lock aperture to secure the collars together. In the adjustment mode, the tubes can slidably move relative to one another. In the lock mode, the first tube can be fixed relative to the second tube. The key can slide radially inward and outward, toward and away from a longitudinal axis of the first and second tubes when the lock-and-key coupling transitions from the adjustment mode to the lock mode and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: HME, Incorporated
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10919367
    Abstract: A firefighting apparatus has a positive pressure ventilation system for impairing dust, dirt, and other debris from entering a storage compartment of the apparatus. The system can blow dust, dirt and debris out from the storage compartment if the same enters the compartment. The positive pressure ventilation system includes a blower assembly that supplies a positive flow of air to the storage compartment, such that the pressure within the storage compartments is greater than the environment, and air will egress from the storage compartment into the surrounding environment, rather than entering the storage compartment from the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: HME, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr., Kevin J. Longhurst
  • Publication number: 20210019275
    Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a frame having a cab defining an interior within which a flash memory device is permanently mounted. The flash memory device is isolated so that it is incapable of receiving any onboard operating data pertaining to the operation and status of the firefighting apparatus. Instead, the device primarily stores data regarding a service manual, maintenance manual, electrical diagrams and/or troubleshooting guide related to the firefighting apparatus. The device is able to be selectively coupled to a portable computing device so that a user working on the firefighting apparatus can access the data without risk of loss or misplacement thereof. A related method also is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, JR., James F. Symonds
  • Publication number: 20200408392
    Abstract: A pole assembly to support a device at an elevation and including a slidably joined first tube and second tube. A first collar mounts to an end of the first tube and the second tube protrudes from the end. A second collar is adjacent the first collar. A lock-and-key coupling, associated with the collars, prevents them from separating longitudinally along the tubes. The coupling is operable in adjustment and lock modes while a key is in a lock aperture to secure the collars together. In the adjustment mode, the tubes can slidably move relative to one another. In the lock mode, the first tube can be fixed relative to the second tube. The key can slide radially inward and outward, toward and away from a longitudinal axis of the first and second tubes when the lock-and-key coupling transitions from the adjustment mode to the lock mode and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Lenz, JR.
  • Patent number: 10872052
    Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a frame having a cab defining an interior within which a flash memory device is permanently mounted. The flash memory device is isolated so that it is incapable of receiving any onboard operating data pertaining to the operation and status of the firefighting apparatus. Instead, the device primarily stores data regarding a service manual, maintenance manual, electrical diagrams and/or troubleshooting guide related to the firefighting apparatus. The device is able to be selectively coupled to a portable computing device so that a user working on the firefighting apparatus can access the data without risk of loss or misplacement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: HME, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr., James F. Symonds
  • Publication number: 20200368566
    Abstract: A wildland urban interface (WUI) firefighting apparatus is provided in the form of a four-wheel or all-wheel drive pumper truck that merges the high-clearance and off road capability of a Type 3 wildland pumper truck with the functionality, exceptional handling, mobility and storage capacity of a Type 1 pumper truck. The truck can include a short front overhang chassis yielding a 20+ degree angle of approach and an optional 20+ degree angle of departure. The truck can include a compact water distribution system including a narrow discharge manifold plumbed to an engine PTO driven primary pump and optional portable secondary pump, which can operate during pump and roll firefighting procedures. The discharge manifold can be coupled to electronic valves operated via a control panel, and can be so narrow that it can contribute to shortening the truck's wheelbase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, JR., Kevin J. Longhurst
  • Patent number: 10773112
    Abstract: A wildland urban interface (WUI) firefighting apparatus is provided in the form of a four-wheel or all-wheel drive pumper truck that merges the high-clearance and off road capability of a Type 3 wildland pumper truck with the functionality, exceptional handling, mobility and storage capacity of a Type 1 pumper truck. The truck can include a short front overhang chassis yielding a 20+ degree angle of approach and an optional 20+ degree angle of departure. The truck can include a compact water distribution system including a narrow discharge manifold plumbed to an engine PTO driven primary pump and optional portable secondary pump, which can operate during pump and roll firefighting procedures. The discharge manifold can be coupled to electronic valves operated via a control panel, and can be so narrow that it can contribute to shortening the truck's wheelbase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: HME, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr., Kevin J. Longhurst
  • Publication number: 20200130476
    Abstract: A firefighting apparatus has a positive pressure ventilation system for impairing dust, dirt, and other debris from entering a storage compartment of the apparatus. The system can blow dust, dirt and debris out from the storage compartment if the same enters the compartment. The positive pressure ventilation system includes a blower assembly that supplies a positive flow of air to the storage compartment, such that the pressure within the storage compartments is greater than the environment, and air will egress from the storage compartment into the surrounding environment, rather than entering the storage compartment from the surrounding environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, JR., Kevin J. Longhurst
  • Publication number: 20200114184
    Abstract: A wildland urban interface (WUI) firefighting apparatus is provided in the form of a four-wheel or all-wheel drive pumper truck that merges the high-clearance and off road capability of a Type 3 wildland pumper truck with the functionality, exceptional handling, mobility and storage capacity of a Type 1 pumper truck. The truck can include a short front overhang chassis yielding a 20+ degree angle of approach and an optional 20+ degree angle of departure. The truck can include a compact water distribution system including a narrow discharge manifold plumbed to an engine PTO driven primary pump and optional portable secondary pump, which can operate during pump and roll firefighting procedures. The discharge manifold can be coupled to electronic valves operated via a control panel, and can be so narrow that it can contribute to shortening the truck's wheelbase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, JR., Kevin J. Longhurst
  • Patent number: 10603531
    Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a cab and a body having a storage unit configured to store a self-contained breathing apparatus, contaminated by harmful chemicals at an emergency scene, in the body rather than in the cab where occupants ride, so the occupants are not exposed to the harmful chemicals, which might be hazardous, toxic, carcinogenic or otherwise deleterious to health. The storage unit can include a storage wall mounted on upper and lower telescoping rail systems, and can be selectively movable relative to a compartment opening from a storage mode, where the storage wall is disposed in a compartment to a retrieval mode, where the storage wall extends beyond the opening so a user can access air tank supports to store a self-contained breathing apparatus. Related methods of storing a contaminated apparatus in the storage unit, distal from the cab and occupants thereof, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: HME, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr., Kevin J. Longhurst
  • Publication number: 20190381346
    Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a cab and a body having a storage unit configured to store a self-contained breathing apparatus, contaminated by harmful chemicals at an emergency scene, in the body rather than in the cab where occupants ride, so the occupants are not exposed to the harmful chemicals, which might be hazardous, toxic, carcinogenic or otherwise deleterious to health. The storage unit can include a storage wall mounted on upper and lower telescoping rail systems, and can be selectively movable relative to a compartment opening from a storage mode, where the storage wall is disposed in a compartment to a retrieval mode, where the storage wall extends beyond the opening so a user can access air tank supports to store a self-contained breathing apparatus. Related methods of storing a contaminated apparatus in the storage unit, distal from the cab and occupants thereof, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, JR., Kevin J. Longhurst
  • Publication number: 20190303336
    Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a frame having a cab defining an interior within which a flash memory device is permanently mounted. The flash memory device is isolated so that it is incapable of receiving any onboard operating data pertaining to the operation and status of the firefighting apparatus. Instead, the device primarily stores data regarding a service manual, maintenance manual, electrical diagrams and/or troubleshooting guide related to the firefighting apparatus. The device is able to be selectively coupled to a portable computing device so that a user working on the firefighting apparatus can access the data without risk of loss or misplacement thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, JR., James F. Symonds
  • Patent number: 10353847
    Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a frame having a cab defining an interior within which a flash memory device is permanently mounted. The flash memory device is isolated so that it is incapable of receiving any onboard operating data pertaining to the operation and status of the firefighting apparatus. Instead, the device primarily stores data regarding a service manual, maintenance manual, electrical diagrams and/or troubleshooting guide related to the firefighting apparatus. The device is able to be selectively coupled to a portable computing device so that a user working on the firefighting apparatus can access the data without risk of loss or misplacement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: HME, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr., James F. Symonds
  • Patent number: 9968811
    Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes an extendable crosslay hose bed which facilitates access to the crosslay bed for loading and pulling flexible fire hose. The bed is mounted to a frame, generally behind the cab of the apparatus, which can be a fire truck. The bed includes a moveable tray extending laterally, across a width of the truck. The tray can be oriented generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the truck as well. The tray and/or an optional underlying support frame can be coupled to a power unit adapted to extend and retract the support frame and moveable tray from stored position to a deployed position. A control can be in communication with the power unit and operable by a user to control movement of the tray from the stored position to the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: HME, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr., Kevin J. Longhurst
  • Publication number: 20170340910
    Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a frame having a cab defining an interior within which a flash memory device is permanently mounted. The flash memory device is isolated so that it is incapable of receiving any onboard operating data pertaining to the operation and status of the firefighting apparatus. Instead, the device primarily stores data regarding a service manual, maintenance manual, electrical diagrams and/or troubleshooting guide related to the firefighting apparatus. The device is able to be selectively coupled to a portable computing device so that a user working on the firefighting apparatus can access the data without risk of loss or misplacement thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, JR., James F. Symonds
  • Patent number: D884010
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: HME, Incorporated
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr.
  • Patent number: D885264
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: HME, Incorporated
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr.
  • Patent number: D891330
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: HME, Incorporated
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr.