Patents by Inventor Matthew Z. Neal

Matthew Z. Neal 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: 7481440
    Abstract: The device of this invention includes a frame assembly, a support bracket with an opening connected to the frame assembly, a first spring pivotably connected to the frame assembly, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism can be positioned into a first condition where an end of the spring is engaged to the opening in the support bracket and a second condition where the end of the spring is disengaged from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventors: Dennis R. Weber, Matthew Z. Neal
  • Patent number: 6899347
    Abstract: An ergonomic inventory merchandizing device that includes a frame assembly having a first and second segment, a guide rod having a first and second end connected to the first and second segments respectively. A platform assembly having a deck and a support guide wherein the deck is construed to hold items thereon and is connected to the support guide. A linear bearing is located inside the support guide and receives the guide rod. A first end of a spring is connected to the first segment and a second end of the spring is connected to the platform assembly. The spring facilitates movement of the platform assembly along the guide rod during the loading and unloading of items on to the deck. The device may include gas filled shocks or another type of damping means for use in damping (slowing) the spring force as it is applied to the platform assembly. The device may also include wheels to allow easy transport of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventors: Matthew Z. Neal, Dennis R. Weber
  • Publication number: 20020109319
    Abstract: An ergonomic inventory merchandizing device that includes a frame assembly having a first and second segment, a guide rod having a first and second end connected to the first and second segments respectively. A platform assembly having a deck and a support guide wherein the deck is construed to hold items thereon and is connected to the support guide. A linear bearing is located inside the support guide and receives the guide rod. A first end of a spring is connected to the first segment and a second end of the spring is connected to the platform assembly. The spring facilitates movement of the platform assembly along the guide rod during the loading and unloading of items on to the deck. The device may include gas filled shocks or another type of damping means for use in damping (slowing) the spring force as it is applied to the platform assembly. The device may also include wheels to allow easy transport of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Matthew Z. Neal, Dennis R. Weber
  • Patent number: 6364330
    Abstract: A dual ergonomic platform truck includes a frame assembly having a pair of first and second segments, a pair of guide rods each having a first end connected to one of the first segments and a second end connected to one of the second segments. A pair of platform assemblies are moveable along the pair of guide rods respectively. Each platform assembly includes a deck guide that receives the guide rod and a platform that is connected to the deck guide and is constructed to hold items. Each platform assembly also includes a first linear bearing that is received within the deck guide and a spring support bracket connected to the deck guide. A pair of springs are used to lift the pair of platform assemblies respectively. Each spring is connected to the first and second segments of the frame assembly. The platform truck may also include a self-aligning platform assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Problem Solvers Co.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Weber, Matthew Z. Neal
  • Patent number: 5626206
    Abstract: A device for and method of ergonomically removing parts from a parts bin, so that an operator does not have to unnecessarily bend to remove parts, using an open-ended container, a platform removably contained within the container, and a mechanism for lifting the platform which is, also, removably contained within the container. The mechanism for lifting the platform may be a manually operated or automatically operated scissor-type jack, hydraulic cylinder, or pneumatic cylinder. Also, the platform may be vertically adjusted by a spring whose spring constant is chosen to correspond to the weight of the parts within the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventors: Dennis R. Weber, Matthew Z. Neal