Patents by Inventor Matthew S. McConnell

Matthew S. McConnell 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).

  • Steerable/retractable cargo power drive unit
    Patent number: 7673738
    Abstract: A steerable, retractable power drive unit (SRPDU) is provided for installation into a transport vehicle for moving cargo in mutually perpendicular directions, such as a doorway area where containers need to move both laterally and longitudinally in a cargo vehicle. The SRPDU rotates upon application of an external command, to orient the drive unit in the required direction and to drive the cargo containers. Embodiments include an SRPDU comprising a stationary support for fixedly attaching to a vehicle structure, and a rotating support rotatably mounted to the stationary support. A drive assembly is movably mounted to the rotating support, the drive assembly comprising a roller and a first electronically controlled electric motor for rotating the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ancra International LLC
    Inventor: Matthew S. McConnell
  • Cargo power drive unit
    Patent number: 7014038
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for conveying cargo is provided, comprising a support base (105) and drive assembly (110) pivotably mounted to the support base (105) for vertical movement. The drive assembly (110) comprises a roller (120) and a first electronically controlled motor (125) for rotation the roller (120). A life assembly has a second electronically controlled motor (155) for moving the drive assembly (110) relative to the support base (105) from a retracted position to an extended position with the roller (120) in driving abutment against the cargo. An electronic controller (195) controls the first (125) and second (155) motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Ancra International, LLC
    Inventors: Alan F. Leingang, Matthew S. McConnell, Robert M. Wolfe
  • Cargo power drive unit
    Publication number: 20040144622
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for conveying cargo is provided, comprising a support base (105) and a drive assembly (110) pivotably mounted to the support base (105) for vertical movement. The drive assembly (110) comprises a roller (120) and a first electronically controlled electric motor (125) for rotating the roller (120). A lift assembly has a second electronically controlled motor (155) for moving the drive assembly (110) relative to the support base (105) from a retracted position to an extended position with the roller (120) in driving abutment against the cargo. An electronic controller (195) controls the first (125) and second (155) motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Alan F Leingang, Matthew S McConnell, Robert M Wolfe