Patents by Inventor Patrick John Laughlin

Patrick John Laughlin 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: 9604738
    Abstract: A non-explosive tension release actuation device includes an initiator system and a housing base attached to the initiator system. The device also includes a carriage assembly positioned at least partially within the housing base. The carriage assembly includes a carriage unit, a first jaw, a second jaw, a first rocker arm, and a second rocker arm. The first rocker arm and the second rocker arm are attached to the carriage unit and to the initiator system. The device further includes a load attachment unit positioned at least partially within the carriage unit and between the first jaw and the second jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw are configured to swing away from the load attachment unit in response to a downward motion of the carriage unit relative to the housing base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Patrick John Laughlin
  • Patent number: 9481461
    Abstract: A dual release lanyard connector includes first and second lanyard rings coupleable to first and second lanyard cables, a coupling sleeve coupled to the first lanyard ring and movable between a first position and a second position, and a locking ring configured to engage the coupling sleeve and movable between the first position and the second position, the locking ring having a first ring groove. A two-piece housing of the lanyard connector includes a plug housing with first and second plug housing grooves and a secondary housing coupled to the second lanyard ring and having a secondary housing groove, the secondary housing movable between a third position and a fourth position. The secondary housing is configured to engage the coupling sleeve such that movement of the secondary housing to the fourth position causes a corresponding movement of the coupling sleeve and locking ring to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Patrick John Laughlin
  • Patent number: 9362666
    Abstract: A connector spring includes a ring and a plurality of protruding segments protruding radially out from the ring. Each protruding segment of the plurality of protruding segments includes a first spring finger extending out from the protruding segment and a second spring finger extending out from the protruding segment. The first spring finger and the second spring finger angularly extend away from each other on a first side of the ring. The connector spring further includes a plurality of dimples protruding out on a second side of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Patrick John Laughlin
  • Publication number: 20160079702
    Abstract: A connector spring includes a ring and a plurality of protruding segments protruding radially out from the ring. Each protruding segment of the plurality of protruding segments includes a first spring finger extending out from the protruding segment and a second spring finger extending out from the protruding segment. The first spring finger and the second spring finger angularly extend away from each other on a first side of the ring. The connector spring further includes a plurality of dimples protruding out on a second side of the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Patrick John Laughlin
  • Publication number: 20150050078
    Abstract: A non-explosive tension release actuation device includes an initiator system and a housing base attached to the initiator system. The device also includes a carriage assembly positioned at least partially within the housing base. The carriage assembly includes a carriage unit, a first jaw, a second jaw, a first rocker arm, and a second rocker arm. The first rocker arm and the second rocker arm are attached to the carriage unit and to the initiator system. The device further includes a load attachment unit positioned at least partially within the carriage unit and between the first jaw and the second jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw are configured to swing away from the load attachment unit in response to a downward motion of the carriage unit relative to the housing base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Patrick John Laughlin
  • Patent number: 8333357
    Abstract: An adjustment assembly to quickly and efficiently adjust the length of a lanyard used in conjunction with aircraft umbilical connector release mechanisms. The lanyard cable includes at least two retaining mechanisms spaced apart thereon. The adjustment assembly includes a cam portion that retains one of the retaining mechanisms when in the locked position, and allows movement of the retaining mechanisms through the adjustment assembly when in the released position. The cable length can be adjusted when in the released position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Patrick John Laughlin
  • Patent number: 8187014
    Abstract: Lanyard connectors for release of an ordinance are provided. The lanyard connectors include a coupling sleeve and locking ring movable between a first position and a second position. The lanyard connectors also include a latching spring and a reset spring. The latching spring is partially disposed within a groove in the locking ring in the first position, and removed from the groove in the second position. The reset spring is held in place by a connector cover and interfaces with a second groove in the locking ring. The reset spring is compressed in the second position. The lanyard connectors allow for release of an ordinance receptacle when in the second position. Methods of using the connectors are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Patrick John Laughlin
  • Publication number: 20100294117
    Abstract: Lanyard connectors for release of an ordinance are provided. The lanyard connectors include a coupling sleeve and locking ring movable between a first position and a second position. The lanyard connectors also include a latching spring and a reset spring. The latching spring is partially disposed within a groove in the locking ring in the first position, and removed from the groove in the second position. The reset spring is held in place by a connector cover and interfaces with a second groove in the locking ring. The reset spring is compressed in the second position. The lanyard connectors allow for release of an ordinance receptacle when in the second position. Methods of using the connectors are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Patrick John Laughlin
  • Publication number: 20100230572
    Abstract: An adjustment assembly to quickly and efficiently adjust the length of a lanyard used in conjunction with aircraft umbilical connector release mechanisms. The lanyard cable includes at least two retaining mechanisms spaced apart thereon. The adjustment assembly includes a cam portion that retains one of the retaining mechanisms when in the locked position, and allows movement of the retaining mechanisms through the adjustment assembly when in the released position. The cable length can be adjusted when in the released position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Patrick John Laughlin
  • Publication number: 20100015833
    Abstract: A densely populated micro miniature connector includes a plug and a receptacle configured to securely mate with each other. Connector plugs include an insert assembly having at least one double-ended pin, a housing, and a coupling ring. Connector receptacles include an insert assembly having at least one spring probe and a housing. The double-ended pin contacts the spring probe when the plug and the receptacle are connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Patrick John Laughlin, Michael Craig MacBrair, JR.