Patents by Inventor Robert E. Dalton

Robert E. Dalton 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: 20240054828
    Abstract: Locking systems and devices and methods for using the systems and devices are provided. A locking system may include a receptacle having a lock and an electronic credential. If the electronic credential is brought into proximity of the receptacle, then a key can be used to open the lock. The electronic credential can be incorporated into a vehicle or into a handheld device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: William Albert Tartal, Gabriel Michael Yessin, Robert E. Dalton, JR.
  • Patent number: 11804085
    Abstract: Locking systems and devices and methods for using the systems and devices are provided. A locking system may include a receptacle having a lock and an electronic credential. If the electronic credential is brought into proximity of the receptacle, then a key can be used to open the lock. The electronic credential can be incorporated into a vehicle or into a handheld device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: William Albert Tartal, Gabriel Michael Yessin, Robert E. Dalton, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20220005297
    Abstract: Locking systems and devices and methods for using the systems and devices are provided. A locking system may include a receptacle having a lock and an electronic credential. If the electronic credential is brought into proximity of the receptacle, then a key can be used to open the lock. The electronic credential can be incorporated into a vehicle or into a handheld device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: William Albert Tartal, Gabriel Michael Yessin, Robert E. Dalton, JR.
  • Patent number: 11127233
    Abstract: Locking systems and devices and methods for using the systems and devices are provided. A locking system may include a receptacle having a lock and an electronic credential. If the electronic credential is brought into proximity of the receptacle, then a key can be used to open the lock. The electronic credential can be incorporated into a vehicle or into a handheld device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: William Albert Tartal, Gabriel Michael Yessin, Robert E. Dalton, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200098213
    Abstract: Locking systems and devices and methods for using the systems and devices are provided. A locking system may include a receptacle having a lock and an electronic credential. If the electronic credential is brought into proximity of the receptacle, then a key can be used to open the lock. The electronic credential can be incorporated into a vehicle or into a handheld device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: William Albert Tartal, Gabriel Michael Yessin, Robert E. Dalton, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180266144
    Abstract: A lock having a plug installed within a housing. The plug can be securely retained within the housing using an attachment device disposed within the lockable volume. The attachment device can have a set screw and/or a pin to secure the attachment device to the plug and to prevent rotation of the attachment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Robert E. Dalton, JR., William Albert Tartal, Donald E. Irwin, Michael L. Spears
  • Patent number: 9605455
    Abstract: A self-contained combination latch and cam lock adapter module affixes to the rear of any lock (keyed or non-keyed) that has a requisite mating feature. The module is alignable in any of four positions (up, down, left, and right) on the back of the lock for latching in any installed position. The module allows a user to slam closed an associated door or drawer without having to rotate the lock into a locked position. The module retrofits in the field by removing and replacing an existing fixed cam. In one embodiment, a mating part is rotationally spring-loaded so that when the key or knob is turned and then released, the module automatically returns to its locked position, ready to be shut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventors: John Y. Kamin, Robert E. Dalton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9512653
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for fine tuning the fit and function of a cam lock used to secure an enclosure or similar. A cam lock is provided with a cam and a set of variously sized adjustment pads that may be individually secured at one end of the cam. The adjustment pads each differ in thickness, and are installable on the cam without the need of tools. The variously sized adjustment pads allow field installation and adjustment of the position of cam contact surfaces to easily and quickly adjust positioning for spacing variations due to manufacturing tolerances. Such customized installation provides improved security, reduced noise and rattle of the enclosure door, and a more professional aspect to the installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dalton, Jr., Matthew Greiner
  • Publication number: 20150225149
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for securing access to an underground device through use of a locking mechanism to secure the fill cap on underground liquid storage tanks for refined petroleum products such as situated at typical end user fueling stations. A protective shell with integral vapor sealing cap is provided with a three point toggle mechanism, to prevent theft, willful contamination, or other unauthorized access to the underground storage tank fill cap for any purpose while maintaining a vapor seal to prevent the release of the vapor from the tank contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: CompX International Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Greiner, Robert E. Dalton, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140319849
    Abstract: A self-contained combination latch and cam lock adapter module affixes to the rear of any lock (keyed or non-keyed) that has a requisite mating feature. The module is alignable in any of four positions (up, down, left, and right) on the back of the lock for latching in any installed position. The module allows a user to slam closed an associated door or drawer without having to rotate the lock into a locked position. The module retrofits in the field by removing and replacing an existing fixed cam. In one embodiment, a mating part is rotationally spring-loaded so that when the key or knob is turned and then released, the module automatically returns to its locked position, ready to be shut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: COMPX INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: John Y. Kamin, Robert E. Dalton, JR.
  • Patent number: 8336348
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methodology are provided for key operated pin tumbler locks, some of which may incorporate a removable core pin tumbler lock. A selected tumbler of a type commonly used in pin tumbler locks is configured along with a driver pin to control operation of a retainer that, when rotated by use of a control key inserted in the lock, allows alternate selective removal and replacement of the core assembly in the lock. Also, or separate therefrom, one or more tumbler holes may be formed or drilled in a manner so as to prevent engagement of a tumbler with the bite of a key. Presently disclosed structures and associated methodology help to reduce any susceptibility to unauthorized techniques practiced against the lock, such as unintentional activation of the tumblers by unauthorized persons through use of a key with so-called “bumping” techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dalton, Jr., Glyn A. Finch, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120248794
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for fine tuning the fit and function of a cam lock used to secure an enclosure or similar. A cam lock is provided with a cam and a set of variously sized adjustment pads that may be individually secured at one end of the cam. The adjustment pads each differ in thickness, and are installable on the cam without the need of tools. The variously sized adjustment pads allow field installation and adjustment of the position of cam contact surfaces to easily and quickly adjust positioning for spacing variations due to manufacturing tolerances. Such customized installation provides improved security, reduced noise and rattle of the enclosure door, and a more professional aspect to the installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: COMPX INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dalton, JR., Matthew Greiner
  • Patent number: 8240500
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for securing access to an underground device such as a storage tank. A lockable blocking plate is secured to a filler cap for an underground storage tank in a manner to inhibit access to the filler cap. The locking mechanism is configured such that the lock and blocking plate may freely rotate with respect to the filler cap. The blocking plate may include a side skirt extending to cover portions of the filler cap and, optionally, portions of a standpipe and coupling for the filler cap. Free rotation is enabled by way of an annular groove in a portion of the locking mechanism, and into which groove one or more locking portions may be inserted, or by way of a freely moving swivel boss attached to the filler cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dalton, Jr., Matthew R. Greiner
  • Patent number: 8235475
    Abstract: An anti-tip linkage mechanism for vertical file cabinets of the type having drawers and/or pivotal front panels includes molded polymeric cam follower housings that snap-fit onto each of the slide channels for the drawers or panels and non-circular connecting rods attached to cam actuators that enable interaction of the anti-tip mechanisms incorporated with each slide channel. Lock actuated auxiliary cam mechanisms and panel locking assemblies controllable by a single cabinet lock are connected with a cabinet lock by linkage bars or cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Ludwig, Jamie L. Payne, Todd T. Andres, Robert E. Dalton, Glyn A. Finch, Jr., Nicholas L. Blackburn
  • Patent number: 8234891
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing a resettable manual entry combination and key operated cam lock. Methodologies are provided for enabling changing of the manual entry resettable combination given knowledge of the previous combination and possession of an operable key. In alternative embodiments, provisions are made to prohibit forced opening of the lock by way of the use of foreign objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dalton, Jr., David Banks
  • Patent number: 7857401
    Abstract: An anti-tip linkage mechanism for vertical file cabinets of the type having drawers and/or pivotal front panels includes molded polymeric cam follower housings that snap-fit onto each of the slide channels for the drawers or panels and non-circular connecting rods attached to cam actuators that enable interaction of the anti-tip mechanisms incorporated with each slide channel. Lock actuated auxiliary cam mechanisms and panel locking assemblies controllable by a single cabinet lock are connected with a cabinet lock by linkage bars or cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Ludwig, Jamie L. Payne, Todd T. Andres, Robert E. Dalton, Jr., Glyn A. Finch, Nicholas L. Blackburn
  • Publication number: 20100000999
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for securing access to an underground device such as a storage tank. A lockable blocking plate is secured to a filler cap for an underground storage tank in a manner to inhibit access to the filler cap. The locking mechanism is configured such that the lock and blocking plate may freely rotate with respect to the filler cap. The blocking plate may include a side skirt extending to cover portions of the filler cap and, optionally, portions of a standpipe and coupling for the filler cap. Free rotation is enabled by way of an annular groove in a portion of the locking mechanism, and into which groove one or more locking portions may be inserted, or by way of a freely moving swivel boss attached to the filler cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: CompX International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dalton, JR., Matthew R. Greiner
  • Publication number: 20090315342
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for fine tuning the fit and function of a cam lock used to secure an enclosure or similar. A cam lock is provided with a cam and a set of variously sized adjustment pads that may be individually secured at one end of the cam. The adjustment pads each differ in thickness, and are installable on the cam without the need of tools. The variously sized adjustment pads allow field installation and adjustment of the position of cam contact surfaces to easily and quickly adjust positioning for spacing variations due to manufacturing tolerances. Such customized installation provides improved security, reduced noise and rattle of the enclosure door, and a more professional aspect to the installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: CompX International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dalton, JR., Matthew Greiner
  • Patent number: 7380426
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lock assembly such as for use with enclosures and access panels. The lock assembly includes a keyhole shaped aperture in a slide portion of the locking assembly that cooperates with double-D shaped protrusions associated with a locking plug. In a locked position, the double-D shaped protrusions inhibit movement of the slide portion. In an unlocked position, the double-D shaped elements may enter a more narrow portion of the keyhole shaped aperture and permit movement of the slide. The slide is associated with additional features so that movement of the slide selectively inhibits or provides consequential movement of other elements that in turn respectively deny or create access to an enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dalton, Jr., Donald N. Hesprich
  • Publication number: 20080110216
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing a resettable manual entry combination and key operated cam lock. Methodologies are provided for enabling changing of the manual entry resettable combination given knowledge of the previous combination and possession of an operable key. In alternative embodiments, provisions are made to prohibit forced opening of the lock by way of the use of foreign objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: COMPX INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dalton, David Banks