Patents by Inventor Ralph L. Barnett

Ralph L. Barnett 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: 9228368
    Abstract: Missing covers on pipes of a pool circulation system can create a hair and limb entrapment hazard for swimmers. The present invention provides pipe insert with a cylindrical body having a plurality of fins that extend into the cylindrical body to prevent the entrapment of limbs in the pipes of the pool circulation system. The fins further comprise a geometry that easily sheds hair strands to prevent hair from getting trapped in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Triodyne Safety Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ralph L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 9181720
    Abstract: Missing and broken drain covers for swimming pools, spas and/or other applications expose swimmers to dangers including entrapment and evisceration. An anti-evisceration ring of this invention is attached to an opening of a sump or frame and provides a non-planar edge that prevents the formation of a vacuum by a body part and thereby preventing injuries to swimmers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Triodyne Safety Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ralph L. Barnett
  • Publication number: 20130125302
    Abstract: Missing and broken drain covers for swimming pools, spas and/or other applications expose swimmers to dangers including entrapment and evisceration. An anti-evisceration ring of this invention is attached to an opening of a sump or frame and provides a non-planar edge that prevents the formation of a vacuum by a body part and thereby preventing injuries to swimmers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Ralph L. Barnett
  • Publication number: 20130117924
    Abstract: Missing covers on pipes of a pool circulation system can create a hair and limb entrapment hazard for swimmers. The present invention provides pipe insert with a cylindrical body having a plurality of fins that extend into the cylindrical body to prevent the entrapment of limbs in the pipes of the pool circulation system. The fins further comprise a geometry that easily sheds hair strands to prevent hair from getting trapped in the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Ralph L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 8396630
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring driver fatigue and inattention. A device introduces a controlled disturbance requiring driver compensation into a steering system of a vehicle and monitors for an expected driver compensation in response to the disturbance. When the actual compensation does not sufficiently match the expected compensation the driver is alerted and vehicle functions can automatically be activated or reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Triodyne Safety Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ralph L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 7988604
    Abstract: A safety cable system for a fitness device including a resistance load and a user interface device. A redundant cable apparatus connects the resistance load to the user interface device for lifting the resistance load by a force applied to the user interface device. The redundant cable apparatus comprises two cables extending in redundant cable paths between the resistance load and the user interface device. The two cables can share the resistance load or one of the cables can be dormant until failure of the other cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Triodyne Safety Systems LLC
    Inventor: Ralph L. Barnett
  • Publication number: 20100285935
    Abstract: A safety cable system for a fitness device including a resistance load and a user interface device. A redundant cable apparatus connects the resistance load to the user interface device for lifting the resistance load by a force applied to the user interface device. The redundant cable apparatus comprises two cables extending in redundant cable paths between the resistance load and the user interface device. The two cables can share the resistance load or one of the cables can be dormant until failure of the other cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Ralph L. Barnett
  • Publication number: 20100152974
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring driver fatigue and inattention. A device introduces a controlled disturbance requiring driver compensation into a steering system of a vehicle and monitors for an expected driver compensation in response to the disturbance. When the actual compensation does not sufficiently match the expected compensation the driver is alerted and vehicle functions can automatically be activated or reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Ralph L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 7013743
    Abstract: The subject invention is directed to methods, processes and decisions on test outcomes for testing for faulty, therefor dangerous, performance of zero speed indicators that are used to control the opening of barriers guarding moving machine components. The indicators may be tested by removing them from the components during operation without shutting down production or in certain situations the indicators may be tested during the run down phase of the components caused by machine stop initiations. The tests allow to anticipate and hence prevent hazardous opening of barriers due to a faulty zero speed indication. Additionally, the invention is directed to testing of the insertion of motion interference devices in conjunction with zero speed indicators, both of which must perform correctly in order to permit the unlocking and opening of the protective barrier. There are included various exemplary devices for effecting the testing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Triodyne Safety Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph L. Barnett, Theordore Liber
  • Patent number: 6928855
    Abstract: The subject invention is directed to methods, processes and decisions on test outcomes for testing for faulty, therefor dangerous, performance of zero speed indicators that are used to control the opening of barriers guarding moving machine components. The indicators may be tested by removing them from the components during operation without shutting down production or in certain situations the indicators may be tested during the run down phase of the components caused by machine stop initiations. The tests allow to anticipate and hence prevent hazardous opening of barriers due to a faulty zero speed indication. Additionally, the invention is directed to testing of the insertion of motion interference devices in conjunction with zero speed indicators, both of which must perform correctly in order to permit the unlocking and opening of the protective barrier. There are included various exemplary devices for effecting the testing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Triodyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph L. Barnett, Theordore Liber
  • Patent number: 6877355
    Abstract: The subject invention is directed to methods, processes and decisions on test outcomes for testing for faulty, therefor dangerous, performance of zero speed indicators that are used to control the opening of barriers guarding moving machine components. The indicators may be tested by removing them from the components during operation without shutting down production or in certain situations the indicators may be tested during the run down phase of the components caused by machine stop initiations. The tests allow to anticipate and hence prevent hazardous opening of barriers due to a faulty zero speed indication. Additionally, the invention is directed to testing of the insertion of motion interference devices in conjunction with zero speed indicators, both of which must perform correctly in order to permit the unlocking and opening of the protective barrier. There are included various exemplary devices for effecting the testing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Ralph L. Barnett, Theordore Liber
  • Patent number: 6604014
    Abstract: This invention relates to novel systems for testing guards closures or barriers used on hazardous machinery for personnel protection. The guards are tested separately or in conjunction with safety devices which may include interlocks, locking mechanisms and latching devices. The testing process proceeds without having to shut down the machine on which the guarding system is mounted. Testers are incorporated in the process for establishing the integrity of the safety devices and for executing self-testing. Also included are various novel devices that are unable in such systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Triodyne Safety Systems L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ralph L. Barnett, Theordore Liber
  • Publication number: 20020073762
    Abstract: The subject invention is directed to methods, processes and decisions on test outcomes for testing for faulty, therefor dangerous, performance of zero speed indicators that are used to control the opening of barriers guarding moving machine components. The indicators may be tested by removing them from the components during operation without shutting down production or in certain situations the indicators may be tested during the run down phase of the components caused by machine stop initiations. The tests allow to anticipate and hence prevent hazardous opening of barriers due to a faulty zero speed indication. Additionally, the invention is directed to testing of the insertion of motion interference devices in conjunction with zero speed indicators, both of which must perform correctly in order to permit the unlocking and opening of the protective barrier. There are included various exemplary devices for effecting the testing function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Ralph L. Barnett, Theodore Liber
  • Patent number: 6389875
    Abstract: The subject invention is directed to methods, processes and decisions on test outcomes for testing for faulty, therefor dangerous, performance of zero speed indicators that are used to control the opening of barriers guarding moving machine components. The indicators may be tested by removing them from the components during operation without shutting down production or in certain situations the indicators may be tested during the run down phase of the components caused by machine stop initiations. The tests allow to anticipate and hence prevent hazardous opening of barriers due to a faulty zero speed indication. Additionally, the invention is directed to testing of the insertion of motion interference devices in conjunction with zero speed indicators, both of which must perform correctly in order to permit the unlocking and opening of the protective barrier. There are included various exemplary devices for effecting the testing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: Ralph L. Barnett, Theodore Liber
  • Patent number: 6230337
    Abstract: An anti-vacuum drain cover is defined by a centrally supported grating together with at least one outwardly extending tributary tube. When the grating is obstructed, the fluid may still be suctioned through at least one tributary tube preventing the formation of vacuum conditions within the main drain. The outboard end of the tributary tube may be fashioned in an irregular pattern to preclude deliberate blockage with one's hand. The grating may further incorporate an anti-hair entanglement design, such as self shedding cantilever elements, which provide anti-hair snare properties. The tributary tubes may be straight or curved with sufficient length to minimize hair entanglement through the tributary tubes. The outboard ends of the tributary tubes may also be located sufficiently far from the grating to eliminate the possibility of simultaneously blocking all suction sites with a single body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Ralph L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 6139074
    Abstract: A window locking system which prevents unintended opening of a window. The window locking system includes a base element which is attachable to a window and which forms a slot. Disposed within the slot is a latching member pivotally connected to the base element. The latching member includes a handle element and an oppositely disposed latching finger extending from opposite faces of the base element. A locking key which is rotatable between a locking position and an unlocking position is connected to the base element. The locking key prevents the latching member from pivoting from a closed position to an open position when oriented in its locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Triodyne Wangler Construction Specialties, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph L. Barnett, William Anthony Wangler
  • Patent number: 6088842
    Abstract: A drain structure for disposal with a pool or hot tub where suction or vacuum forces are normally present. The drain has interiorly a plurality of grating members having lower surfaces adapted to facilitate release of entangled hair. In certain embodiments, the grating elements are cantilevered from the inner wall of the drain and having tapered lower release surfaces. In another embodiment, the lower surfaces comprise share lower edges for severing entangled hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Ralph L. Barnett
  • Patent number: D439957
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventors: Ralph L. Barnett, Peter J. Poczynok
  • Patent number: D421295
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Ralph L. Barnett
  • Patent number: D435429
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Triodyne-Wangler Construction
    Inventors: Ralph L. Barnett, William Anthony Wangler