Patents by Inventor Ralph E. McConnell

Ralph E. 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).

  • Patent number: 6092975
    Abstract: A rear hydraulic outrigger assembly for a rotator or similar mobile wrecker wherein the rear outriggers are constructed and arranged to diverge rearwardly from the outrigger and are capable of outward lateral extension for increased stability. The rear outrigger includes a vertically extending portion and horizontally extending position which can be telescopically extended away from the rotator thereby increasing stability during loaded operation. This allows a large vehicle which requires rear stabilization room in the center part thereof for an underlift or similar structure while maintaining down and out stabilization advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Miller Industries Towing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Fleming V. Cannon, Jr., John L. Hawkins, III, Ralph E. McConnell
  • Patent number: 5006033
    Abstract: A carrier vehicle, for carrying at least one vehicle on a carrier bed which is slidable and tiltable relative to the carrier vehicle's frame, includes a tilt lock-out arrangement for preventing actuation of the carrier vehicle's tilt cylinders whenever the moveable carrier bed is locked in a stowed, or vehicle carrying position. The lock-out arrangement features a contactless sensor element which determines the slidable position of the movable carrier bed and inhibits hydraulic activation of the tilt cylinders to raise or lower the carrier bed unless the carrier bed has first been slid rearwardly to clear a mechanical hold-down element. Similarly, the contactless sensor element inhibits hydraulic actuation of the tilt cylinder to lower the carrier bed unless the bed has cleared the hold-down element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Century Wrecker Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph E. McConnell