Patents by Inventor Richard W. Fitzgerald

Richard W. Fitzgerald 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: 11926089
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device. The apparatus includes a base including a platform configured to support the electronic device. The apparatus includes a lid configured to cover at least a portion of the base and the supported electronic device. The lid includes an aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Vinson, Zachariah J. Pickett, John P. Fitzgerald, Douglas A. Kempel, Jamie L. Johnson, Ross V. Bulkley, Adam J. Havens, Grady E. Barfoot
  • Patent number: 8899636
    Abstract: A flip cover latch assembly includes a base component, and a flip cover pivotally connected to the base component and configured to pivot between an opened position and a closed position. A first magnet is disposed on the base component at the closed position. The first magnet has a polarity that attracts the flip cover. A second magnet is disposed on the base component at an intermediate position between the closed position and the opened position. The second magnet has a polarity that repels the flip cover. A third magnet is disposed on the base component at the opened position. The third magnet having a polarity that attracts the flip cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Fitzgerald, Dana K. Leland
  • Patent number: 8558140
    Abstract: Heated hand grips for motorcycles or other applications, such as snowmobiles, are disclosed. The hand grips enable better control and comfort for the user. The hand grips described herein have a better design for mounting on the handle bars, allowing for a better seal against ingress of moisture and for sturdier mounting of the control circuitry. The control circuitry itself is simplified, and the control knob has built-in detents for more tactile feedback to the user. The heated elements themselves include a temperature sensor for simplified wiring and immediate feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: James C. Hazlett, Richard W. Fitzgerald, Manuel Anaya Perea
  • Publication number: 20130161962
    Abstract: A flip cover latch assembly includes a base component, and a flip cover pivotally connected to the base component and configured to pivot between an opened position and a closed position. A first magnet is disposed on the base component at the closed position. The first magnet has a polarity that attracts the flip cover. A second magnet is disposed on the base component at an intermediate position between the closed position and the opened position. The second magnet has a polarity that repels the flip cover. A third magnet is disposed on the base component at the opened position. The third magnet having a polarity that attracts the flip cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard W. FITZGERALD, Dana K. LELAND
  • Publication number: 20090235519
    Abstract: Angled spring contacts and switches made with contactors containing angled spring contacts are disclosed. The housing for the angled spring contacts has a generally cylindrical shape. The contacts are contained within the housing with their ends extending from the housing on either side. The contacts are formed by making bullet-shaped internal contacts that are joined by a spring. The spring is mounted to the two contacts to urge the two contacts away from each other at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the housing. This angle forces contact between each contact and the housing in at least two places, thus creating redundant paths between the contacts. Switches, such as plunger switches having a normal or OFF position, and an actuated or ON position, may be made with one or more angled spring contacts. The contacts have separate surfaces for electrical conduction and for arcing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: CHERRY CORP.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Albrecht, Richard W. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7560652
    Abstract: Angled spring contacts and switches made with contactors containing angled spring contacts are disclosed. The housing for the angled spring contacts has a generally cylindrical shape. The contacts are contained within the housing with their ends extending from the housing on either side. The contacts are formed by making bullet-shaped internal contacts that are joined by a spring. The spring is mounted to the two contacts to urge the two contacts away from each other at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the housing. This angle forces contact between each contact and the housing in at least two places, thus creating redundant paths between the contacts. Switches, such as plunger switches having a normal or OFF position, and an actuated or ON position, may be made with one or more angled spring contacts. The contacts have separate surfaces for electrical conduction and for arcing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Albrecht, Richard W. Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20090065491
    Abstract: Heated hand grips for motorcycles or other applications, such as snowmobiles, are disclosed. The hand grips enable better control and comfort for the user. The hand grips described herein have a better design for mounting on the handle bars, allowing for a better seal against ingress of moisture and for sturdier mounting of the control circuitry. The control circuitry itself is simplified, and the control knob has built-in detents for more tactile feedback to the user. The heated elements themselves include a temperature sensor for simplified wiring and immediate feedback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Cherry Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Fitzgerald, James C. Hazlett, Manuel Anaya Perea
  • Publication number: 20080217146
    Abstract: Angled spring contacts and switches made with contactors containing angled spring contacts are disclosed. The housing for the angled spring contacts has a generally cylindrical shape. The contacts are contained within the housing with their ends extending from the housing on either side. The contacts are formed by making bullet-shaped internal contacts that are joined by a spring. The spring is mounted to the two contacts to urge the two contacts away from each other at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the housing. This angle forces contact between each contact and the housing in at least two places, thus creating redundant paths between the contacts. Switches, such as plunger switches having a normal or OFF position, and an actuated or ON position, may be made with one or more angled spring contacts. The contacts have separate surfaces for electrical conduction and for arcing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Cherry Corp.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Albrecht, Richard W. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 6266485
    Abstract: A hot water dispensing system comprises a one-piece plastic tank having a main heating chamber, an expansion chamber, and an air collection chamber. The air collection chamber is disposed generally below the expansion chamber and alongside the main heating chamber. The main heating chamber is in fluid communication with the expansion chamber and the air collection chamber. The hot water dispensing system also includes a temperature control system having a heating element, a metal temperature sensing bracket, and a thermostat. The heating element is disposed within the plastic tank and connected to a metal temperature sensing bracket disposed outside the tank. The excellent conductive properties of a metal sheath that connects the metal temperature sensing bracket to the heating element allow the metal temperature sensing bracket to simulate changes in the temperature of water in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Paul M. DeSantis, Terrence W. Snyder, Wayne C. Riley, Will J. Preischel, Dale L. Garrison, Henry A. Jones, Jr., Richard W. Fitzgerald