Patents by Inventor L. Strong

L. Strong 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: 7587897
    Abstract: A pneumatic motor having a piston and a magnetically actuated valve. The magnetically actuated valve may be adjacent the piston and, in some embodiments, include a spool valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Strong
  • Patent number: 7497387
    Abstract: A system for spraying and a method for making same. The system for spraying may comprises a sprayer having a sprayer body comprising a spray fluid passageway extending longitudinally through the sprayer body. The sprayer may also have a spray fluid inlet fitting to enable a hose operable to convey a spray fluid to be coupled to the sprayer body. In addition, the sprayer may also have a first air fitting to enable a first hose operable to convey pressurized air to be coupled to the sprayer body to trigger the sprayer to spray the spray fluid. The sprayer may have a second air fitting to enable a second hose operable to convey pressurized be coupled to the sprayer body to atomize the spray fluid. The spray fluid inlet fitting, the first air fitting, and the second air fitting are angled at an acute angle relative to the spray fluid passageway extending longitudinally through the sprayer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Strong
  • Publication number: 20080250919
    Abstract: A motor including a piston disposed within a cylinder and a valve configured to control a flow of a fluid into the cylinder. In some embodiments, the valve has a housing, a valve member disposed in the housing, and a magnetic detent configured to resist movement of the valve member within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher L. Strong
  • Publication number: 20080250918
    Abstract: A pneumatic motor that includes a cylinder, a piston disposed in the cylinder, and a pneumatically-reset pilot valve. In certain embodiments, the pneumatically-reset pilot valve is configured to move to a first position in response to a change in pressure in the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher L. Strong
  • Publication number: 20080253906
    Abstract: A pneumatic motor having a piston and a magnetically actuated valve. The magnetically actuated valve may be adjacent the piston and, in some embodiments, include a spool valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher L. Strong
  • Publication number: 20080245905
    Abstract: A system and method for repeatably mounting a spray device in a desired spray position. The present technique provides the spray device with an atomizing spray section and a releasable mount. The releasable mount may be mounted releasably to a mounting member, such as a positioning system. In addition, the releasable mount may be mounted releasably to the spray device, such that the releasable mount may remain attached to the mounting member in a desired spray position. Accordingly, the spray device or its substitute may be remounted to the releasable mount in the desired spray position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Strong
  • Patent number: 7410201
    Abstract: An improved lead screw actuator for use in applications including power vehicle windows is provided that significantly reduces the amount of machining that must be performed on the lead screw to enable secure attachment of a gear or pulley. The lead screw has a plurality of threads on its outer annular surface and a first and second axially spaced circumferential groove. A gear or pulley disposed about the lead screw has a female thread formed into an inner annular surface that is configured to engage at least one of the plurality of threads of the lead screw between the first and second grooves. A pair of rings are disposed within the first and second grooves in order to restrict axial movement of the gear or pulley on the lead screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Daryl Wilson, Scott L. Strong
  • Publication number: 20080098936
    Abstract: Blow molded plastic structures are provided for use in various structures such as, but not limited to, tables, chairs, walls, backboards, storage bins, sports equipment and the like. The blow molded plastic structure has a first surface and a second surface extending between a first end and a second end and forming a chamber there between. A plurality of depressions is formed on the second surface and extends into the chamber. The depressions are usually unitary structures formed by a depression wall. Generally, the steeper the depression wall, the more strength is provided to the structure. In addition, where the plurality of depressions has a low profile and a greater density, increased strength is provided to the structure. The depressions may or may not be joined to the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: L. Strong, Barry Mower
  • Publication number: 20080011994
    Abstract: A fence may include one or more sections that are connected to supports, such as fence posts, by attachment members. The attachment members preferably allow the fence sections to be disposed at various angles, elevations and distances from the supports. Advantageously, this may allow the fence to be disposed in a wide variety of configurations and arrangements. This may also allow the fence to be used in a number of different environments, such as on sloped and uneven surfaces. In addition, the fence may be relatively quickly and easily installed because of the readily adjustable connections of the fence sections and supports. The fence may further include other components such as covers, caps, gates and locking assemblies, if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Rich Howe, Carl Stanford, Neil Watson, Clarissa Lindeman, L. Strong, Brent Steed
  • Publication number: 20070290531
    Abstract: A picnic table may include a table and one or more seat members disposed about the table. One end of each seat member is preferably pivotally attached to the table by a support structure so that the seat member may pivot or rotate between various positions relative to the table top. One or more feet may be connected to the support structures and the feet may be sized and configured to facilitate movement of the seat members relative to the table top. The picnic table may also include a frame and the frame may include a plurality of elongated support members with a first end and a second end. The elongated support members may be interconnected to form a generally polygon-shaped structure and an end of each support member may extend beyond the perimeter of the generally polygon-shaped structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Jered Larsen, S. Nye, L. Strong, Robert Astle, Edward VanNimwegen, Donald Waite
  • Patent number: 7296981
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a pump includes a first end section having a fluid inlet and a fluid intake valve, a second end section having a fluid outlet, and a midsection disposed between the first and second end sections, wherein the midsection includes a piston coupled to a drive member. The pump also includes a first set of bolts coupling the first end section to the midsection, and a second set of bolts coupling the second end section to the midsection, wherein the first and second end sections are independently releasable from the midsection via the first and second sets of bolts, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Strong
  • Publication number: 20070209295
    Abstract: A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include sidewalls and a roof. The roof, for example, may include one or more roof panels. The roof may also include a truss that is sized and configured to support the roof panels. The shed may also include one or more support beams that may be connected to the truss and may be connected to one or more panels. The shed may include one or more brackets used to connect a pair of panels that are positioned at an angle to form a corner of the shed. The shed may also include a cover, which may include one or more receiving portions sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the brackets. A plurality of roof panels may be positioned within a shipping container to form storage areas or cavities sized and configured to receive all or at least a portion of one or more floor panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Barry Mower, Brent Steed, Jay Calkin, Neil Watson, Robert Astle, L. Strong, Rich Howe, David Winter, Kent Ashby
  • Publication number: 20070213147
    Abstract: A basketball system may include a basketball goal and a support structure sized and configured to support the basketball goal at a desired height. The basketball goal may include a rim assembly, which may include a ring, one or more rim braces and one or more reinforcing members connected to the ring and the rim braces. The support structure may include a support pole. The basketball system may include a support member connected to a lower end of the support pole, which may form a generally T-shaped configuration. The support member may have a generally rigid construction and may be connected to a support surface to help secure the support pole in a generally fixed position. The basketball system may also include one or more braces that may have a low profile and that may be connected to the support pole and/or the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: S. NYE, Carl Stanford, Gary Phillips, Sharon Jones, David Winter, L. Strong
  • Publication number: 20070191151
    Abstract: A basketball system may include a support structure that is sized and configured to support a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball system may also include a connecting structure that interconnects the basketball goal and the support structure. For example, the connecting structure may include a first pair of arms with one end connected to the basketball goal and another end connected to the support structure. The connecting structure may also include a second pair of arms with one end connected to the basketball goal and a rim assembly, and the other end connected to the support structure. The connecting structure may further include a third pair of arms with a first end connected to the rim assembly and a second end connected to the support structure. The third pair of arms is preferably disposed between the first pair of arms and the second pair of arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: S. Nye, L. Strong
  • Publication number: 20070181866
    Abstract: A fence may include a support member that is sized and configured to support a portion of the fence. The support member may also facilitate attachment of the fence to a fence post. For example, a clip may be used to connect the support member to the fence post. The clip may include an opening with a generally teardrop-shaped configuration and the end of the support member may be disposed within the opening. In particular, the opening in the clip may include a first section that is larger than an end of the support member to allow the support member to freely move relative to the clip, and a second section that is generally equal to or smaller than a portion of the support member to secure the support member and clip in a generally fixed position. This may allow the clip to be attached to the support member by a snap, friction or interference fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventor: L. Strong
  • Patent number: 7233472
    Abstract: A highly efficient line transient protection circuit is provided for high power loads that are designed to operate through a high line transient. The transient protection circuit for high power loads is provided with a primary leg circuit, a load circuit and a secondary circuit. The load circuit may be a switching regulator circuit, a load circuit containing an oscillator, a push-pull circuit, a boost converter circuit, a buck converter circuit or the like. The transient protection circuit is provided with a simple driver circuit to turn on a bypass n-channel MOSFET. It operates at a higher efficiency; I.E., conduction losses are minimized during normal input voltage conditions. Furthermore, the transient protection circuit provides a programmable voltage clamp which is implemented through selecting zener diode VR1. The transient protection may be used to protect medium to large current circuits from line transients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Maurice L. Strong, III, William H. Tang
  • Publication number: 20070125280
    Abstract: Blow molded plastic structures are provided for use in various structures such as, but not limited to, tables, chairs, walls, backboards, storage bins, sports equipment and the like. The blow molded plastic structure has a first surface and a second surface extending between a first end and a second end and forming a chamber there between. A plurality of depressions is formed on the second surface and extends into the chamber. The depressions are usually unitary structures formed by a depression wall. Generally, the steeper the depression wall, the more strength is provided to the structure. In addition, where the plurality of depressions has a low profile and a greater density, increased strength is provided to the structure. The depressions may or may not be joined to the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Martin Neunzert, Ed Vannimwegen, Curtis Cook, L. Strong, Barry Mower
  • Publication number: 20070056484
    Abstract: A table may include a table top, a frame and one or more support members such as legs. Advantageously, the table top may include a generally planar upper surface and a generally planar lower surface. In particular, the lower surface of the table top may be substantially free of any downwardly extending projections such as a lip. Desirably, the table includes a frame and at least a portion of the frame is exposed and visible when the table is being used. In addition, the table may include one or more guard members that are sized and configured to protect portions of the table, such as the corners. Significantly, the guard members may be selectively connected to the table top or the frame, which may allow the guard members to be repaired or replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: DAVID WINTER, Robert Astle, S. Nye, Kent Ashby, L. Strong
  • Publication number: 20070039525
    Abstract: Blow molded plastic structures are provided for use in various structures such as, but not limited to, tables, chairs, walls, backboards, storage bins, sports equipment and the like. The blow molded plastic structure has a first surface and a second surface extending between a first end and a second end and forming a chamber there between. A plurality of depressions is formed on the second surface and extends into the chamber. The depressions are usually unitary structures formed by a depression wall. Generally, the steeper the depression wall, the more strength is provided to the structure. In addition, where the plurality of depressions has a low profile and a greater density, increased strength is provided to the structure. The depressions may or may not be joined to the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: L. Strong, Barry Mower
  • Publication number: 20060288918
    Abstract: A table that includes a table top with a first half which is pivotally connected to a second half. The first and second halves of the table top are movable between a first position in which the halves are generally aligned and a second position in which the halves are generally placed adjacent to each other. The first and second halves of the table top are preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic and each of the halves desirably have a generally hollow interior. The first and second halves of the table top may include interlocking portions that are interconnected when the halves are in the aligned position. Desirably, the interlocking portions have generally hollow interiors that are integrally formed with the generally hollow interiors of the halves of the table top during the blow-molding process. The table top may also include one or more overlapping portions that are interconnected when the halves of the table top are in the aligned position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Inventors: L. Strong, Jacob Kearl, Thayne Haney, Ray Adams, Ed VanNimwegen, David Winter