Patents by Inventor Kenneth S. Hastings

Kenneth S. Hastings 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).

  • Mail sorting machine with improved diverter panel
    Patent number: 7942415
    Abstract: A diverter panel comprises an elongated rectangular panel made of a substantially flat plate made of clear plastic. The plate has fasteners mounted at its front corners for mounting the panel to a frame of the sorting machine, a rear upright flange extending from the plate along the length thereof, the flange having a bottom edge which can be supported on a horizontal beam of the sorting machine. The panel is rigid enough such that vibration of the sorting machine does not cause significant movement of the panel when secured at its corners and with the rear flange supported by the beam of the sorting machine. An opening in the rear flange and an adjacent portion of the plate allows a drive shaft to pass therethrough, and a contact pad formed by an outwardly projecting portion of the rear flange is configured for engagement with a plunger of a switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Hastings, John W. Sheffield, John W. Ivey, Jr.
  • Mail Sorting Machine with Improved Diverter Panel
    Publication number: 20100007085
    Abstract: A diverter panel comprises an elongated rectangular panel made of a substantially flat plate made of clear plastic. The plate has fasteners mounted at its front corners for mounting the panel to a frame of the sorting machine, a rear upright flange extending from the plate along the length thereof, the flange having a bottom edge which can be supported on a horizontal beam of the sorting machine. The panel is rigid enough such that vibration of the sorting machine does not cause significant movement of the panel when secured at its corners and with the rear flange supported by the beam of the sorting machine. An opening in the rear flange and an adjacent portion of the plate allows a drive shaft to pass therethrough, and a contact pad formed by an outwardly projecting portion of the rear flange is configured for engagement with a plunger of a switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: SIEMENS ENERGY & AUTOMATION, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Hastings, John W. Sheffield, John W. Ivey, JR.
  • Double door for a postal sorting machine
    Patent number: D603629
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Hastings, John Wesley Sheffield, John Ivey