Patents by Inventor Paul A. Skalak

Paul A. Skalak 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: 6684567
    Abstract: Drive system for moving a load along a curved path. The drive system includes a base for mounting the drive system, the base having a curved track for guiding the load along the curved path. There is a load engaging mechanism mounted on the base for movement relative to the base, the load engaging mechanism being for moving the load. The load engaging mechanism has a curved track engaging roller for engaging the curved track. A linear drive mechanism including a linearly driven member is mounted on the base. The linearly driven member includes a driving pivot. A drive link is attached to the driving pivot at a drive force receiving end of the drive link, the drive link including a driven pivot at a drive force communicating end of the drive link. The driven pivot is attached to the load engaging mechanism, whereby linear motion of the driving pivot causes motion of the load along the curved path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Tecnologies Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Heidrich, Paul A. Skalak, Robert L. Oakley
  • Publication number: 20030110700
    Abstract: Drive system for moving a load along a curved path. The drive system includes a base for mounting the drive system, the base having a curved track for guiding the load along the curved path. There is a load engaging mechanism mounted on the base for movement relative to the base, the load engaging mechanism being for moving the load. The load engaging mechanism has a curved track engaging roller for engaging the curved track. A linear drive mechanism including a linearly driven member is mounted on the base. The linearly driven member includes a driving pivot. A drive link is attached to the driving pivot at a drive force receiving end of the drive link, the drive link including a driven pivot at a drive force communicating end of the drive link. The driven pivot is attached to the load engaging mechanism, whereby linear motion of the driving pivot causes motion of the load along the curved path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Heidrich, Paul A. Skalak, Robert L. Oakley