Patents by Inventor Lin Ping Lin

Lin Ping Lin 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: 7555845
    Abstract: An automatic locking mechanism for use in a power return tape measure includes a user-accessible actuator, a brake element, and a biasing member normally urging the brake element into contact with the tape drum. In a locked position, the brake element wedges against the drum. The actuator displaces inwardly to move the brake element out of contact with the drum. A rotatable coupler/member may convert pivoting motion of the actuator into brake member translation. The coupler may include first and second arms that respectively contact the actuator and the brake element. The coupler may further include a cammed outer surface that contacts the drum in the locked position. The cammed surface rotates out of contact with the drum in the release position. The cammed surface of the rotatable member may be used independently of, or in conjunction with, the brake element. Related methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Critelli, Lin Ping Lin
  • Publication number: 20080034604
    Abstract: An automatic locking mechanism for use in a power return tape measure includes a user-accessible actuator, a brake element, and a biasing member normally urging the brake element into contact with the tape drum. In a locked position, the brake element wedges against the drum. The actuator displaces inwardly to move the brake element out of contact with the drum. A rotatable coupler/member may convert pivoting motion of the actuator into brake member translation. The coupler may include first and second arms that respectively contact the actuator and the brake element. The coupler may further include a cammed outer surface that contacts the drum in the locked position. The cammed surface rotates out of contact with the drum in the release position. The cammed surface of the rotatable member may be used independently of, or in conjunction with, the brake element. Related methods are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: COOPER BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: James M. Critelli, Lin Ping Lin
  • Patent number: 7240439
    Abstract: A magnetic end hook for a tape measure has a hook member having a mounting section extending in a first direction and a hooking section extending away from the mounting section in a second direction generally transverse to the first direction. A distinct bezel affixes to the hooking section so as to capture a magnet between the bezel and the hooking section. A magnet is disposed at least partially in a hole in the hooking section and a hole in the bezel so as to be visible from both front and rear views of the end hook. The magnet may include flanges and a fastener, such as a rivet, may secure the bezel in place. There may be a second magnet similarly situated. A tape measure and methods of assembly are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Cooper Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Critelli, Lin Ping Lin
  • Patent number: 5829154
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tape measure provided with flexible braking strips for conveniently controlling rewinding of the tape, about the reel of the tape measure. The braking strips have arcuate middle portions which are provided at concave surfaces with two rows of discontinued pressing blocks corresponding to circumferential edges of two side plates of the reel, such that when the arcuate middle portions of the braking strips projecting from the case of the tape measure are depressed, the pressing blocks frictionally contact with the circumferential edges of the reel and stop the reel from rotating backward, and therefore, the tape is prevented from rewinding after it has been pulled outward for measuring purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Lin Ping Lin
  • Patent number: D504628
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Cooper Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam L. Weeks, Lin Ping Lin