Patents by Inventor Kennett R. Fuller

Kennett R. Fuller 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: 6943661
    Abstract: A positive temperature coefficient of resistance resistor/overload (PTCR/OL) resistor assembly that can be quickly and easily electrically connected and disconnected from equipment without the need for special tools or equipment. In some arrangements of the present invention, a locking tab on the electrical connector can be secured against an angle on the PTCR/OL to prevent the electrical connection from being broken during shipping or operation equipment movement or vibration. When it is necessary to electrically disconnect the PTCR/OL from the equipment, the locking tab can be disengaged from the angle on the PTCR/OL by bending the tab until it releases from against the angle, and the electrical plug can then be disconnected from the PTCR/OL. The improved assembly provides increased isolation of incoming electrical wires with less material than previous devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alan J. Janicek, Kennett R. Fuller, Mark A. Heflin, Ted P. Struttmann
  • Patent number: 6670881
    Abstract: A method for retaining a terminal of a terminal assembly for a positive temperature coefficient resistor/overload resistor (PCTR/OL) assembly includes providing a body having an inner surface, and disposing at least one retaining member to the inner surface. The retaining member is configured to engage the terminal substantially perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alan J. Janicek, Kennett R. Fuller, Mark A. Heflin
  • Patent number: 5736697
    Abstract: A switch device for controlling at least one electrical circuit comprises a pushbutton movable between a pair of preselected positions for effecting the operation of the switch device, an indicator movable in the switch device toward a viewable position for effecting a visual indication of one of the preselected positions of the pushbutton, and a resilient cantilever associated with the pushbutton and the indicator operable generally for moving the indicator into its viewable position upon the movement of the pushbutton to its one preselected position. The pushbutton includes apparatus for driving the resilient cantilever to effect its operation in response to the movement of the pushbutton to its one preselected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kennett R. Fuller, Lyle J. Bush, Sean A. Hicks
  • Patent number: 5142261
    Abstract: A constant-on variable-stroke refrigeration thermostat is disclosed wherein the toggle spring-biased operating lever has a fixed-position stop when the contacts are open and a variable-position stop when the contacts are closed, and wherein an air gap is provided between the actuator prong of the operating lever and the moveable contact blade of the switch contacts to allow the operating lever to travel downwardly with increased momentum before the switch contacts are opened. The primary advantage provided by the present invention is that the thermostat is of a much simpler construction, which results in a lower cost and a higher reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kennett R. Fuller, Ronald W. Kelly
  • Patent number: 5101188
    Abstract: A condition responsive switching apparatus with an alarm feature for use in refrigeration appliances, such as freezers or the like. The switching apparatus includes a contact operator which moves between first, second, and third positions in response to the pressure changes of a bellows. The bellows pressure increases and decreases in response to changes in temperature sensed at the appliance. The apparatus includes a first set of control contacts to provide energization of a compressor and a second set of alarm contacts to provide energization of an alarm circuit. The contact operator has a first dog which opens and closes the control set of contacts as the operator moves through a snap action increment of travel between the first and second positions. An alarm spring opposes the travel of a second dog of the contact operator beyond the second position with a preload force until the excess of the snap action energy of the operator is dissipated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald W. Kelly, Kennett R. Fuller
  • Patent number: 4937549
    Abstract: A condition responsive switching apparatus with an alarm feature for use in refrigeration appliances, such as freezers or the like. The switching apparatus includes a contact operator which moves between first, second, and third positions in response to the pressure changes of a bellows. The bellows pressure increases and decreases in response to changes in temperature sensed at the appliance. The apparatus includes a first set of control contacts to provide energization of a compressor and a second set of alarm contacts to provide energization of an alarm circuit. The contact operator has a first dog which opens and closes the control set of contacts as the operator moves through a snap action increment of travel between the first and second positions. An alarm spring opposes the travel of a second dog of the contact operator beyond the second position with a preload force until the excess of the snap action energy of the operator is dissipated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald W. Kelly, Kennett R. Fuller
  • Patent number: 4774489
    Abstract: A temperature responsive electrical switch device has means operable generally for switching between a pair of switching means, and temperature responsive means is operable generally at a set-point temperature for effecting the operation of the switching means. Means is linearly movable in response to an applied force exerted thereon and arranged in camming engagement with an associated part of the temperature responsive means for setting the set-point temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald W. Kelly, Kennett R. Fuller