Patents by Inventor Mark A. Heflin

Mark A. Heflin 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).

  • Quick-connect positive temperature coefficient of resistance resistor/overload assembly and method
    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
  • Positive temperature coefficient resistor/overload resistor method and assemblies
    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
  • Quick-connect positive temperature coefficient of resistance resistor/oberload assembly and method
    Publication number: 20030071713
    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: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Alan J. Janicek, Kenneth R. Fuller, Mark A. Heflin, Ted P. Struttmann