Patents by Inventor Randy C. Foster

Randy C. Foster 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).

  • Publication number: 20160334032
    Abstract: A hose-shaping apparatus is disclosed that includes a plurality of ribs spaced apart from each neighboring rib along a flexible spine. Each of the ribs define a first opening for receiving a section of hose and two or more ribs define second openings for receiving a shaping member. The shaping member is inserted through the second openings and tightened to form the hose-shaping apparatus into an assembled state to affect a bend in the section of hose. Unassembled, the spine defines a preselected distance between the ribs, and in the assembled state, the ribs, at a position generally opposite the spine, are spaced apart a distance less than the preselected distance. A method for shaping a hose using the hose-shaping apparatus is also disclosed. The hose-shaping apparatus may be used to reproduce custom-shaped hoses for aftermarket replacement of vehicle engine hoses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Randy C. Foster, James Wakeem
  • Patent number: 9021701
    Abstract: A lower cost method of manufacturing a ferrule. The method includes cold heading a transition sleeve that includes an annular indented seat therein, providing a penetration sleeve comprising a plurality of inwardly directed and axially spaced apart attachment means for penetrating into a hose when said ferrule is radially inwardly deformed; and brazing the penetration sleeve to the annular indented seat in the transition sleeve. The resulting assembly is visually and functionally blended to become one-piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: John D. Sanders, Randy C. Foster
  • Patent number: 9017197
    Abstract: A hydraulic damper for providing fluid damping to a tensioner in a drive system that includes a damper cup, which is mounted to the tensioner and configured to rotate about a central axle in tandem with the tensioner, an end plate having an outer face and an inner face, which is attached to the damper cup forming a fluid chamber, a peg attached to the end plate and extending away from the inner face and toward the damping cup, a damping fluid, which is contained within the fluid chamber, a plurality of shear plates housed within the fluid chamber comprising alternating fixed plates engaged with a fixed component of the tensioner and rotatable plates engaged with a rotatable component of the tensioner where the peg extends through openings in each of the shear plates allowing for rotation of the rotatable plate with the rotation of the peg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Randy C. Foster, Randy Diefenderfer, Jeffrey Allen Pendergrass
  • Publication number: 20130310207
    Abstract: A hydraulic damper for providing fluid damping to a tensioner in a drive system that includes a damper cup, which is mounted to the tensioner and configured to rotate about a central axle in tandem with the tensioner, an end plate having an outer face and an inner face, which is attached to the damper cup forming a fluid chamber, a pin attached to the end plate and extending away from the inner face and toward the damping cup, a damping fluid, which is contained within the fluid chamber, a rotatable plate having an opening configured to accept the pin through the rotatable plate and rotate about the central axle, and a fixed plate having an opening configured to accept the pin through the fixed plate, which is fixed to and does not rotate about the central axle. During wind-up and tensioning of the tensioner, a shear force is applied to the rotatable plate moving through the damping fluid to provide damping to the tensioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy C. Foster, Randy Diefenderfer, Jeffrey Allen Pendergrass
  • Patent number: 8512614
    Abstract: A molding system including a component formed in a generally closed loop shape and having a plurality of radially extending teeth. The component includes a plurality of discrete segments coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Randall R. Diefenderfer, Randy C. Foster, Enayat O. Karimian
  • Publication number: 20130146745
    Abstract: A mandrel for a molding system includes a support structure formed in a generally closed loop shape. The support structure is formed of a plurality of discrete segments coupled together. The number of discrete segments is increasable or reducible to change the overall geometry of the closed loop shape. The mandrel may be part of a molding system that includes a mandrel surface that closely fits about the outer surface of the mandrel body. The mandrel surface is formed of a plurality of discrete toothed segments that form a generally closed loop shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Randy C. Foster, Randall R. Diefenderfer, Michael M. Kamsickas
  • Patent number: 8460140
    Abstract: A belt tensioner includes a support housing at least in part defining a spring cavity and an arm pivotally attached to the support housing. A spring is located in the spring cavity and is operatively connected to the arm and the support housing to bias the arm about a pivot axis toward an unloaded position relative to the support housing. A damping member includes a hub and deflectable, force-applying elements that are connected to and spaced apart about a periphery of the hub. The force-applying elements are biased toward a contact surface of the arm to apply a frictional force between the contact surface and the force-applying elements to impede rotation of the arm relative to the support housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Joslyn, James G. Quintus, Randy C. Foster
  • Publication number: 20120319324
    Abstract: A molding system including a component formed in a generally closed loop shape and having a plurality of radially extending teeth. The component includes a plurality of discrete segments coupled together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: DAYCO PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Randall R. Diefenderfer, Randy C. Foster, Enayat O. Karimian
  • Patent number: 7487856
    Abstract: An electrically actuated, hydraulic power steering system is provided. The steering system includes a hydraulic pump for generating hydraulic pressure, a hydraulic fluid reservoir, a hydraulic cylinder, and a control valve arrangement that selectively connects the hydraulic cylinder to the pump and the hydraulic fluid reservoir. The control valve arrangement is characterized during the on-center position by a first and a second chamber of the hydraulic cylinder being in fluid communication with each other but not with the fluid reservoir. In one embodiment, the steering system has a steering sensor, a control box, and two pressure accumulators for providing at least two levels of steering assist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Fluid Routing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Joey D. Edson, Randy C Foster, Richard J. Meckstroth, Billy L. Speer
  • Publication number: 20080308072
    Abstract: A tubular separation system for separating a mixture of hydrocarbons and air at a fuel tank in an automotive vehicle, comprises; a fuel tank containing hydrocarbon fuel and a mixture of hydrocarbon fuel vapor and air; a fuel filler pipe connected to the fuel tank for conveying hydrocarbon fuel from a source of hydrocarbon fuel into the fuel tank; a separation module comprising a membrane for separating the hydrocarbon vapor from air; a first tubular member between the fuel tank and the separation module for conveying the mixture of air and hydrocarbon fuel vapor from the fuel tank to the separation module; a second tubular member between the separation module and the fuel tank for conveying hydrocarbon fuel vapor, separated from the mixture of air and hydrocarbon fuel vapor, from the separation module to the fuel tank; and a third tubular member between the separation module and the fuel filler pipe for conveying air, separated from the mixture of air and hydrocarbon fuel vapor, from the separation module to
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Raja Banerjee, James T. Dumas, Randy C. Foster, Donald L. Gepper
  • Publication number: 20080308073
    Abstract: An evaporative emissions canister for use in an automotive evaporative emission system to control emission of fuel vapors to the atmosphere. The canister includes an integrally molded housing having a circumferential side member, a top member and a bottom member; a hydrocarbon-adsorbing material disposed therein so as to provide a vapor adsorbent chamber for adsorbing hydrocarbon fuel vapor flowing therethrough; and an internal membrane located above the vapor adsorbent chamber in the fresh air side of the adsorbent chamber for preventing the fuel vapor molecules from passing through the internal membrane while allowing the air molecules to pass therethrough. The internal membrane is characterized as a cellular fibular material having physical properties sufficient to effectively cause any fuel vapor component molecules and associated pollutants to be sufficiently filtered or separated on the membrane while allowing fresh air molecules to pass freely therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher D. Allen, James T. Dumas, Randy C. Foster, Donald L. Gepper
  • Publication number: 20080308074
    Abstract: An evaporative emissions system is used in an automotive evaporative emission system including a fuel tank coupled to an automotive engine to control emission of fuel vapors to the atmosphere. The system includes (1) an evaporative emissions canister comprising a unitary molded housing having a circumferential side member, a top member and a bottom member; a hydrocarbon-adsorbing material disposed therein so as to provide a vapor adsorbent chamber for adsorbing hydrocarbon fuel vapor flowing therethrough; and (2) a second housing containing a membrane, the second housing located adjacent the fresh air line of the evaporative emissions canister for preventing fuel vapor molecules and pollutants associated therewith, from passing through the membrane while allowing the air molecules to pass therethrough. A method is provided for preventing or substantially reducing hydrocarbon emissions to the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher D. Allen, James T. Dumas, Randy C. Foster, Donald L. Gepper
  • Patent number: 7426977
    Abstract: A first vehicle power steering system includes a twistable steering torsion bar, a magnet, a Hall sensor, and a valve. The steering torsion bar has a first end fixedly connected to a vehicle steering wheel. The magnet is movable in a first and an opposite second longitudinal direction with respect to the steering torsion bar and is constrained to move in the first longitudinal direction when the steering wheel is turned to the right by a driver and is constrained to move in the second longitudinal direction when the steering wheel is turned to the left by the driver. The Hall sensor has an output and is positioned proximate the magnet. The valve is operatively connected to the output. A second vehicle power steering system includes a twistable steering torsion bar, a ring-magnet support cylinder, a ring-magnet assembly, a ball-and-ramp assembly, a spring, a Hall sensor, and a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Fluid Routing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Joey D. Edson, Klaus G. Engel, Randy C. Foster, Richard J. Meckstroth
  • Patent number: 7354363
    Abstract: A tensioner for a power transmitting belt is provided having a base, an arm pivotably attached to the base, a pulley rotatably attached to the arm and a spring operatively connected to the arm and the base for urging the arm in direction to tension the belt. A hydraulic strut is pivotably attached to the base and the arm to restrict the movement of the arm through asymmetric fluid damping. The hydraulic strut includes a hydraulic cylinder filled with magnetorheological fluid, a piston rod axially mounted through the cylinder and a piston mounted on the piston rod to divide the cylinder into first and second fluid chambers. The strut further includes a fluid flow path between the first and second fluid chambers, a check valve in the fluid flow path to provide asymmetric fluid flow and a coil that is operable to generate a magnetic field across the fluid flow path when energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventors: Randy C. Foster, Richard J. Meckstroth
  • Publication number: 20080066989
    Abstract: An electrically actuated, hydraulic power steering system is provided. The steering system includes a hydraulic pump for generating hydraulic pressure, a hydraulic fluid reservoir, a hydraulic cylinder, and a control valve arrangement that selectively connects the hydraulic cylinder to the pump and the hydraulic fluid reservoir. The control valve arrangement is characterized during the on-center position by a first and a second chamber of the hydraulic cylinder being in fluid communication with each other but not with the fluid reservoir. In one embodiment, the steering system has a steering sensor, a control box, and two pressure accumulators for providing at least two levels of steering assist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Joey D. Edson, Randy C. Foster, Richard J. Meckstroth, Billy L. Speer
  • Patent number: 7117836
    Abstract: An automotive starting system includes an accumulator, a hydraulic motor, and an engine controller. The accumulator is adapted for holding a charge of pressurized fluid. The hydraulic motor has a fluid input operatively connected to the accumulator and has an output shaft operatively connected to an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle. The engine controller shuts off the engine if an idle engine condition exists and restarts the engine using the hydraulic motor following an idle engine shut-off if a predetermined engine-start condition exists. A method for starting an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle includes having the engine controller shut off the engine if an idle engine condition exists and thereafter having the engine controller restart the engine using the hydraulic motor if a predetermined engine-start condition exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventor: Randy C. Foster
  • Patent number: 5904189
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing system, parts therefor and methods for making the same are provided, the system having a venturi section for removing liquid from a normal drape area of a hose assembly of the system, the venturi section having an inlet unit that is positioned in a vapor recovery fluid passage of the hose assembly generally at the actual drape area of the hose assembly even when the actual drape area is disposed intermediate the normal drape area and a dispensing nozzle or is disposed intermediate the normal drape area and the source of liquid fuel as well as when the actual drape area is disposed generally at the normal drape area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Berger, Randy C. Foster, Timothy J. Hampton, Jack S. Hargus, Richard L. Marsh, David A. Masseth
  • Patent number: 5725030
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing system, parts therefor and methods for making the same are provided, the system having a venturi section for removing liquid from a normal drape area of a hose assembly of the system, the venturi section having an inlet unit that is positioned in a vapor recovery fluid passage of the hose assembly generally at the actual drape area of the hose assembly even when the actual drape area is disposed intermediate the normal drape area and a dispensing nozzle or is disposed intermediate the normal drape area and the source of liquid fuel as well as when the actual drape area is disposed generally at the normal drape area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Berger, Randy C. Foster, Timothy J. Hampton, Jack S. Hargus, Richard L. Marsh, David A. Masseth
  • Patent number: 5622212
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing system, parts therefor and methods for making the same are provided, the system having a venturi section for removing liquid from a normal drape area of a hose assembly of the system, the venturi section having an inlet unit that is positioned in a vapor recovery fluid passage of the hose assembly generally at the actual drape area of the hose assembly even when the actual drape area is disposed intermediate the normal drape area and a dispensing nozzle or is disposed intermediate the normal drape area and the source of liquid fuel as well as when the actual drape area is disposed generally at the normal drape area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Berger, Randy C. Foster, Timothy J. Hampton, Jack S. Hargus, Richard L. Marsh, David A. Masseth
  • Patent number: 5513681
    Abstract: A system for dispensing fuel, a hose assembly therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the hose assembly having a spider to maintain the inner hose thereof concentric within the outer hose thereof, the spider being secured to the inner hose and to the dispensing nozzle so that the nozzle, the spider and the inner hose are adapted to rotate in unison relative to the liquid fuel source unit of the system whereby a tubular unit interconnected to a venturi unit in the nozzle and leading to a drape area within the hose assembly for evacuating any liquid collecting in the vapor recovery passage thereof will also rotate in unison with the nozzle, the spider and the inner hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Sanders, Randy C. Foster