Patents by Inventor Richard T. Oliver

Richard T. Oliver 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: 10815708
    Abstract: The present invention is a positioning mechanism device to prevent the motion of one surface with respect to a second surface, in one direction. The positioning mechanism uses a linear adjusting lock, an actuator, and an over-ride mechanism. The linear adjusting lock uses a coil spring to hold a rod in place. When firmly coiled, the coil spring is able to grip a smooth rod and prevent axial motion. When the coil spring is uncoiled, slightly, it releases its grip on the smooth rod, allowing axial motion. The positioner mechanism uses an actuator and release blade to release the coil spring. Additionally, the over-ride mechanism can be used to release the release blade in one direction without use of the actuator. When the coil spring is released by either the actuator or over-ride mechanism the two surfaces can be re-positioned relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Porter Systems
    Inventors: Robert Lee Haeske, Steve Lin, Edward Poulos, Richard T. Oliver
  • Patent number: 10647227
    Abstract: The present invention is a linear mechanical lock of the type used in vehicle seating. The linear mechanical lock uses a housing, rod, sleeve, bushings, release lever, clutch springs, and return spring. The present invention is an improved precision linear mechanical lock device using a two-piece clamshell housing. The two-piece clamshell housing has formed projections that locate and align the bushings within the housing. The two-piece clamshell housing has additional design features improving manufacturability, cost and reliability such as lanced tabs to align the internal components, lanced bumps to act as a return spring perch, cable mounts, and an extruded mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Porter Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Poulos, Richard T. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20190010740
    Abstract: The present invention is a positioning mechanism device to prevent the motion of one surface with respect to a second surface, in one direction. The positioning mechanism uses a linear adjusting lock, an actuator, and an over-ride mechanism. The linear adjusting lock uses a coil spring to hold a rod in place. When firmly coiled, the coil spring is able to grip a smooth rod and prevent axial motion. When the coil spring is uncoiled, slightly, it releases its grip on the smooth rod, allowing axial motion. The positioner mechanism uses an actuator and release blade to release the coil spring. Additionally, the over-ride mechanism can be used to release the release blade in one direction without use of the actuator. When the coil spring is released by either the actuator or over-ride mechanism the two surfaces can be re-positioned relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Applicant: Porter Systems Inc.,
    Inventors: Robert Lee Haeske, STEVE LIN, EDWARD POULOS, RICHARD T. OLIVER
  • Publication number: 20180154801
    Abstract: The present invention is a linear mechanical lock of the type used in vehicle seating. The linear mechanical lock uses a housing, rod, sleeve, bushings, release lever, clutch springs, and return spring. The present invention is an improved precision linear mechanical lock device using a two-piece clamshell housing. The two-piece clamshell housing has formed projections that locate and align the bushings within the housing. The two-piece clamshell housing has additional design features improving manufacturability, cost and reliability such as lanced tabs to align the internal components, lanced bumps to act as a return spring perch, cable mounts, and an extruded mounting hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: Porter Systems Inc.
    Inventors: EDWARD POULOS, RICHARD T. OLIVER
  • Patent number: 8196289
    Abstract: Staking apparatus (22) disclosed performs a method for staking one or more fasteners (44) of a part assembly (18) are provided by a conveyor (14), a lower lift and lock assembly (24) including a lower lifter (28) and a lower lock (30), and an upper press (26). Lower and upper staking punches (40, 60) of the lower lifter (28) and the upper press (26), respectively, provide the staking while at least one and preferably a plurality of springs (36) resiliently support a pallet assembly (16) on which the part assembly (18) is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Porter Group, LLC
    Inventor: Richard T. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20110067223
    Abstract: Staking apparatus (22) disclosed performs a method for staking one or more fasteners (44) of a part assembly (18) are provided by a conveyor (14), a lower lift and lock assembly (24) including a lower lifter (28) and a lower lock (30), and an upper press (26). Lower and upper staking punches (40, 60) of the lower lifter (28) and the upper press (26), respectively, provide the staking while at least one and preferably a plurality of springs (36) resiliently support a pallet assembly (16) on which the part assembly (18) is positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: PORTER GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Richard T. Oliver
  • Patent number: 7895738
    Abstract: Staking apparatus (22) and a method for staking one or more fasteners (44) of a part assembly (18) are provided by a conveyor (14), a lower lift and lock assembly (24) including a lower lifter (28) and a lower lock (30), and an upper press (26). Lower and upper staking punches (40, 60) of the lower lifter (28) and the upper press (26), respectively, provide the staking while at least one and preferably a plurality of springs (36) resiliently support a pallet assembly (16) on which the part assembly (18) is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Porter Group, LLC
    Inventor: Richard T. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20080115340
    Abstract: Staking apparatus (22) and a method for staking one or more fasteners (44) of a part assembly (18) are provided by a conveyor (14), a lower lift and lock assembly (24) including a lower lifter (28) and a lower lock (30), and an upper press (26). Lower and upper staking punches (40, 60) of the lower lifter (28) and the upper press (26), respectively, provide the staking while at least one and preferably a plurality of springs (36) resiliently support a pallet assembly (16) on which the part assembly (18) is positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: PORTER GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Richard T. Oliver