Patents by Inventor Richard B. Stoffels

Richard B. Stoffels 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: 11976468
    Abstract: The top surface of an insert abuts with a form, with a tube extending into an aperture and sliding on a form post in the form. A rod inserted through the form, form post and tube holds the insert in place while castable material is poured in. The form is inverted with the guard rail base inside, the rod can be slid out of the form, and the form is removed. The handle is gripped by a claw on the obtuse angled chassis of a transporter. A handle on the chassis can be pushed to raise the guard rail base and to move the guard rail base on the surface by wheels. The guard rail base can be placed upon a pad having notches in its border.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: GARLOCK SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert James Olson, Brian Thomas Simmons, Richard B. Stoffels
  • Patent number: 10456608
    Abstract: A safety apparatus (10) includes a weight pan (18) removably receiving a plurality of weights (W) pivotably mounted about a pan axis (A) between frame sides (12). Wheels are rotatably mounted to the first ends of the frame sides (12). An I-shaped main frame (40) is pivotably mounted to the frame about a first frame axis (J) generally perpendicular to the pan axis (A) and also a second frame axis (E) generally parallel to the pan axis (A). By pivoting the main frame (40) about the first frame axis (J), a steering function is provided to the frame. By pivoting the main frame (40) about the second frame axis (E), the frame is pivoted between an actuated position with the weight pan (18) resting upon a surface and a transport position with the weight pan (18) spaced from the surface and with the frame moveable on the surface (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Garlock Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Johanneck, Richard B. Stoffels, Robert James Olson
  • Publication number: 20170225017
    Abstract: A safety apparatus (10) includes a weight pan (18) removably receiving a plurality of weights (W) pivotably mounted about a pan axis (A) between frame sides (12). Wheels are rotatably mounted to the first ends of the frame sides (12). An I-shaped main frame (40) is pivotably mounted to the frame about a first frame axis (J) generally perpendicular to the pan axis (A) and also a second frame axis (E) generally parallel to the pan axis (A). By pivoting the main frame (40) about the first frame axis (J), a steering function is provided to the frame. By pivoting the main frame (40) about the second frame axis (E), the frame is pivoted between an actuated position with the weight pan (18) resting upon a surface and a transport position with the weight pan (18) spaced from the surface and with the frame moveable on the surface (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen C. Johanneck, Richard B. Stoffels, Robert James Olson
  • Publication number: 20140217345
    Abstract: A dual post receptor (30) of a safety rail system (10) has horizontal cross sections of an elongated shape with a width generally equal to and for slideable receipt of vertical posts (18) of conventional railings (12) and a length larger than double the diameters of the vertical posts (18). Elongated horizontal slots (38) are located in sides (34a, 34b) of the receptor (30) for receiving locking pins (22) also inserted through holes (20) in the vertical posts (18). Mounting the receptor (30) can be accomplished in a variety of manners including secured to a planar, horizontal mounting plate (46) secured to the bottom edges of the enclosure, secured to a vertical mounting plate (50) having a horizontal securement plate (56), secured to a protrusion (64) for slideable receipt in sockets such as in a truck bed, secured to a C-shaped clamp system of a variety of constructions, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Garlock Equipment Company
    Inventors: Richard B. Stoffels, James G. Sidla
  • Publication number: 20140084569
    Abstract: A safety apparatus (10) includes a frame unit (12) placed on a surface (102). A cable (62) is mounted around a pulley (60) rotatably mounted to the frame unit (12) about a rotation axis (58). A slide (90) is slideably mounted to the frame unit (12) along a slide axis (92) at a non-parallel angle to the rotation axis (58) and movable between upper and lower positions. The cable (62) is attached between the slide (90) and a worker (100) on the surface (102). A biasing member (110) is mounted between the slide (90) and the frame unit (12) and biases the slide (90) from the lower position to the upper position. An engaging member (120) is mounted to the slide (90) to move therewith. The engaging member (120) is above the surface (102) when the slide (90) is in the upper position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Garlock Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Stoffels, James G. Sidla
  • Patent number: 8584798
    Abstract: A safety apparatus (10) includes a frame unit (12) placed on a surface (102). A cable (62) is mounted around a pulley (60) rotatably mounted to the frame unit (12) about a rotation axis (58). A slide (90) is slideably mounted to the frame unit (12) along a slide axis (92) at a non-parallel angle to the rotation axis (58) and movable between upper and lower positions. The cable (62) is attached between the slide (90) and a worker (100) on the surface (102). A biasing member (110) is mounted between the slide (90) and the frame unit (12) and biases the slide (90) from the lower position to the upper position. An engaging member (120) is mounted to the slide (90) to move therewith. The engaging member (120) is above the surface (102) when the slide (90) is in the upper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Garlock Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Stoffels, James G. Sidla
  • Patent number: 8366079
    Abstract: A dual post receptor (30) of a safety rail system (10) has horizontal cross sections of an elongated shape with a width generally equal to and for slideable receipt of vertical posts (18) of conventional railings (12) and a length larger than double the diameters of the vertical posts (18). Elongated horizontal slots (38) are located in sides (34a, 34b) of the receptor (30) for receiving locking pins (22) also inserted through holes (20) in the vertical posts (18). Mounting the receptor (30) can be accomplished in a variety of manners including secured to a planar, horizontal mounting plate (46) secured to the bottom edges of the enclosure, secured to a vertical mounting plate (50) having a horizontal securement plate (56), secured to a protrusion (64) for slideable receipt in sockets such as in a truck bed, secured to a C-shaped clamp system of a variety of constructions, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Garlock Equipment Company
    Inventors: Richard B. Stoffels, James G. Sidla
  • Publication number: 20110303484
    Abstract: A safety apparatus (10) includes a frame unit (12) placed on a surface (102). A cable (62) is mounted around a pulley (60) rotatably mounted to the frame unit (12) about a rotation axis (58). A slide (90) is slideably mounted to the frame unit (12) along a slide axis (92) at a non-parallel angle to the rotation axis (58) and movable between upper and lower positions. The cable (62) is attached between the slide (90) and a worker (100) on the surface (102). A biasing member (110) is mounted between the slide (90) and the frame unit (12) and biases the slide (90) from the lower position to the upper position. An engaging member (120) is mounted to the slide (90) to move therewith. The engaging member (120) is above the surface (102) when the slide (90) is in the upper position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Richard B. Stoffels, James G. Sidla
  • Patent number: 7854092
    Abstract: A gate system (10) includes two spaced sides (12, 14) defining a work area (16) between the sides (12, 14). A first opening (18) is defined between first ends of the sides (12, 14), and a second opening (38) opposite to the first opening (18) is defined between second ends of the sides (12, 14). Two gates (82, 92) for opening/closing the first and second openings (18, 38) are respectively coupled with two shafts (40, 50) rotatably supported by one of the sides (12, 14). The shafts (40, 50) are rotatably interconnected wherein pivoting of one of the gates (82, 92) in a direction causes pivoting of the other gate (82, 92) in an opposite direction. Each gate (82, 92) includes a groove (85, 95) that receives a vertical beam (60, 62) of the other side (14) when the gate (82, 92) is in a closed position. Biasing elements in the form of gas cylinders (110, 120) between the side (12) and the gates (82, 92) prevent the gates (82, 92) from slamming into their closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Garlock Equipment Company
    Inventor: Richard B. Stoffels
  • Patent number: 7832148
    Abstract: A gate (106) includes a panel (112) movable relative to a fixed member (110) between an open position and a closed position. A linkage (140) is pivotally mounted to the panel (112) about a latch pivot axis. A catch (130) is pivotally mounted to the linkage (140) about a catch pivot axis spaced from and parallel to the latch pivot axis. The catch (130) is movable between a latched position engaged with the fixed member (110) and an unlatched position disengaged from the fixed member (110). The catch (130) defines a groove for slideable receipt on the fixed member (110). When the catch (130) is in the latched position and the panel (112) is in the closed position, the catch (130) abuts against opposite sides of the fixed member (110) along an extended length such that forces are applied on each side at spaced locations to resist twisting forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Garlock Equipment Company
    Inventor: Richard B. Stoffels
  • Publication number: 20100264674
    Abstract: A gate (106) includes a panel (112) movable relative to a fixed member (110) between an open position and a closed position. A linkage (140) is pivotally mounted to the panel (112) about a latch pivot axis. A catch (130) is pivotally mounted to the linkage (140) about a catch pivot axis spaced from and parallel to the latch pivot axis. The catch (130) is movable between a latched position engaged with the fixed member (110) and an unlatched position disengaged from the fixed member (110). The catch (130) defines a groove for slideable receipt on the fixed member (110). When the catch (130) is in the latched position and the panel (112) is in the closed position, the catch (130) abuts against opposite sides of the fixed member (110) along an extended length such that forces are applied on each side at spaced locations to resist twisting forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Richard B. Stoffels
  • Publication number: 20100263281
    Abstract: Cantilever gates (10) in the form of parallelograms include first and second bars (40) and a toe board (140) extending between and pivotally mounted to first and second posts (20, 30) and moveable between closed and open positions. Gas struts (46) assist in moving the gate (10). A lock (60) in the form of a pivotal latch (62) holds the gate (10) in its open position. A slide receptor (80) slideably receives the second post (30) as the gate (10) moves from the open to the closed position and can be removably secured to a support surface mounting plate (82). A pair of cantilever gates (10) can have their respective second posts (30) slideably related.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Richard B. Stoffels, James G. Sidla
  • Patent number: 7743556
    Abstract: A gate (106) includes a panel (112) movable relative to a fixed member (110) between an open position and a closed position. A linkage (140) is pivotally mounted to the panel (112) about a latch pivot axis. A catch (130) is pivotally mounted to the linkage (140) about a catch pivot axis spaced from and parallel to the latch pivot axis. The catch (130) is movable between a latched position engaged with the fixed member (110) and an unlatched position disengaged from the fixed member (110). The catch (130) defines a groove for slideable receipt on the fixed member (110). When the catch (130) is in the latched position and the panel (112) is in the closed position, the catch (130) abuts against opposite sides of the fixed member (110) along an extended length such that forces are applied on each side at spaced locations to resist twisting forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Garlock Equipment Company
    Inventor: Richard B. Stoffels
  • Patent number: 7739834
    Abstract: Cantilever gates (10) in the form of parallelograms include first and second bars (40) and a toe board (140) extending between and pivotally mounted to first and second posts (20, 30) and moveable between closed and open positions. Gas struts (46) assist in moving the gate (10). A lock (60) in the form of a pivotal latch (62) holds the gate (10) in its open position. A slide receptor (80) slideably receives the second post (30) as the gate (10) moves from the open to the closed position and can be removably secured to the support surface mounting plate (82). A pair of cantilever gates (10) can have their respective second posts (30) slideably related.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Garlock Equipment Company
    Inventors: Richard B. Stoffels, James G. Sidla
  • Publication number: 20090229185
    Abstract: A gate system (10) includes two spaced sides (12, 14) defining a work area (16) between the sides (12, 14). A first opening (18) is defined between first ends of the sides (12, 14), and a second opening (38) opposite to the first opening (18) is defined between second ends of the sides (12, 14). Two gates (82, 92) for opening/closing the first and second openings (18, 38) are respectively coupled with two shafts (40, 50) rotatably supported by one of the sides (12, 14). The shafts (40, 50) are rotatably interconnected wherein pivoting of one of the gates (82, 92) in a direction causes pivoting of the other gate (82, 92) in an opposite direction. Each gate (82, 92) includes a groove (85, 95) that receives a vertical beam (60, 62) of the other side (14) when the gate (82, 92) is in a closed position. Biasing elements in the form of gas cylinders (110, 120) between the side (12) and the gates (82, 92) prevent the gates (82, 92) from slamming into their closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Richard B. Stoffels
  • Publication number: 20080256864
    Abstract: A protector (10) includes first and second frames (30a and 30b) spaced from each other and mounted at two opposite sides of a structure (80). Bach of the first and second frames (30a and 30b) includes two columns (34) and a cross bar (32) interconnected between the columns (34). Each column (34) includes a base (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) mounted to a bottom thereof. Connecting rods (40) are mounted between the first and second frames (30a and 30b) and each include first and second ends (41) removably interconnected to the cross bars (32). The connecting rods (40) are spaced from each other and located above and extend across the structure (80). A brace (50) includes a first end (52) pivotably mounted to one of the columns (34) and a second, end engaged with the structure (80). The level of the connecting rods (40) is adjustable to suit the height of the structure. Weights (18) may be mounted to the bases (12a-12d) to increase the resistance of the protector (10) to wind lift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Richard B. Stoffels, James G. Sidla
  • Publication number: 20080000163
    Abstract: A gate (106) includes a panel (112) movable relative to a fixed member (110) between an open position and a closed position. A linkage (140) is pivotally mounted to the panel (112) about a latch pivot axis. A catch (130) is pivotally mounted to the linkage (140) about a catch pivot axis spaced from and parallel to the latch pivot axis. The catch (130) is movable between a latched position engaged with the fixed member (110) and an unlatched position disengaged from the fixed member (110). The catch (130) defines a groove for slideable receipt on the fixed member (110). When the catch (130) is in the latched position and the panel (112) is in the closed position, the catch (130) abuts against opposite sides of the fixed member (110) along an extended length such that forces are applied on each side at spaced locations to resist twisting forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: GARLOCK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Richard B. Stoffels
  • Patent number: 7040636
    Abstract: A cart (10) facilitates collection, storage and distribution of folding warning lines (200). The cart (10) includes a framework (12) with a rolling support (100) to allow mobility and a stabilizer (120) to engage a work surface. The framework (12) has a handlebar (110), which enables the framework (12) to be tilted rotationally about the rolling support (100) and pushed. The framework (12) has a storage area (18) located between first and second sides (14, 16) and for receiving rigid members (201) of the folding warning lines (200). A plurality of notches (70) defined in a top member (32) and a plurality of slots (72) defined in a bottom member (48) of the framework (12) are adapted to receive and constrain the rigid members (201) in the storage area (18). The framework (12) has a holder (78) adapted to hold a flaccid member (202) of the folding warning lines (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Garlock Equipment Company
    Inventor: Richard B. Stoffels
  • Patent number: 6932163
    Abstract: A saw (10) facilitates cutting of roofing and includes a frame (12) that is mobile on a work surface. A locking mechanism (40) locks the frame (12) into a transport position. Actuating a release lever (60) allows the frame (12) to be adjusted into a working position. A shaft (14) rotatably mounted by first, second and third bearings (74, 75, 76) has saw blades (16, 18) and a pulley (77) for connection with a drive belt (80). The drive belt (80) passes through a hole (79) in the frame (12) to connect to a drive (81) to rotate the shaft (14) and the saw blades (16, 18). The third bearing (76) is mounted to a bearing support (85). The frame (12) has a gap (84) communicating the hole (79) with an exterior edge (78) of the frame (12) proximate the third bearing (76), with the bearing support (85) removably and replaceably mounted to the frame (12) and spanning the gap (84).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Garlock Equipment Company
    Inventors: Richard B. Stoffels, John Munoz