Patents by Inventor Paul R. Ruppel

Paul R. Ruppel 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: 5234038
    Abstract: A pour spout for pouring a fluid, such as fuel, by gravity from a container to a tank. The spout includes a conduit having one end connected to the fuel container and having a second end to be positioned within the neck of the tank. A sleeve is mounted for sliding movement within the conduit and the outer end of the sleeve carries a closure which closes off the discharge end of the conduit. A vent tube is disposed within the conduit and has an inlet end which is adapted to communicate with the fuel tank when the closure is in the open position. A check valve is mounted within the vent tube and permits the flow of fuel vapor and air from the tank through the tube to the container, but prevents flow of fuel in the opposite direction. An annular collar is mounted on the conduit and with the collar engaged with the neck of the fuel tank, a downward force applied through the container on the sleeve will open the closure to admit fuel through the conduit to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert K. Mitchell, John H. Thiermann, Paul R. Ruppel, Daniel E. Braun
  • Patent number: 5228487
    Abstract: A pour spout for pouring a fluid, such as fuel, by gravity from a container to a tank. The spout includes a conduit having one end connected to the fuel container and having a second end to be positioned within the neck of the tank. A sleeve is mounted for sliding movement within the conduit and the outer end of the sleeve carries a closure which closes off the discharge end of the conduit. A seal is incorporated to prevent the entry of foreign particulate material into the sliding interface formed between the conduit and sleeve. The seal is provided by an annular skirt which overlaps with an annular flange together with an annular jacket of resilient foam material surrounding the sleeve and conduit at the location of the sliding interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Thiermann, Paul R. Ruppel