Patents by Inventor Robert J. Dodds

Robert J. Dodds 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: 10794108
    Abstract: A bi-fold door pin brace braces the exposed shafts of bi-fold door pins against the force exerted on the pin assemblies by door movement out of alignment with the track. The bi-fold door pin brace has a header mounting plate generally defines a generally planar surface and is configured to mount into a door header, ceiling, or the like. A coupling plate extends from the header mounting plate in a plane angularly offset therefrom. A bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate defines a third generally planar surface that extends from the coupling plate in a plane generally parallel to the header mounting plate. The bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate is configured to engage with and provide support to a bi-fold pin shaft, and can be used in conjunction with or as part of an assembly with a bi-fold door stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Robert J. Dodds
  • Patent number: 10604982
    Abstract: A bi-fold door stop controls movement and travel of lead and pivot doors in a set of vertically hung bi-fold doors. The bi-fold door stop has at least two non-parallel surfaces that each may act upon one or both of the lead and pivot door stiles to limit movement in two directions. Movement transverse to the track longitudinal axis is limited when the bi-fold door is either fully open or fully closed, while parallel movement is controlled by limiting the extent that the bi-fold door may be opened. At least two non-parallel surfaces are provided that each may act upon one or more of the lead and pivot door stiles, while an additional surface may act upon the face of the pivot door. The bi-fold door stop may be fabricated as a single part using common molding operations, and acts directly on the door panels, thereby preserving bi-fold door hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventor: Robert J. Dodds
  • Publication number: 20170328110
    Abstract: A bi-fold door stop controls movement and travel of lead and pivot doors in a set of vertically hung bi-fold doors. The bi-fold door stop has at least two non-parallel surfaces that each may act upon one or both of the lead and pivot door stiles to limit movement in two directions. Movement transverse to the track longitudinal axis is limited when the bi-fold door is either fully open or fully closed, while parallel movement is controlled by limiting the extent that the bi-fold door may be opened. At least two non-parallel surfaces are provided that each may act upon one or more of the lead and pivot door stiles, while an additional surface may act upon the face of the pivot door. The bi-fold door stop may be fabricated as a single part using common molding operations, and acts directly on the door panels, thereby preserving bi-fold door hardware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventor: Robert J. Dodds
  • Patent number: 4295695
    Abstract: An edge connector assembly (1) for interconnecting two printed circuit boards (2) in such manner as to maintain a one-to-one correspondence with the opposite sides of the boards, the assembly (1) including a flexible substrate (10) carrying a conductor pattern (10A) which connects with contact areas (12) and the substrate (10). The substrate (10) is folded or flexed about two support strips (11) such that the parts of the substrate (10) wrapped around the strips (11) provide the edge connector (5) and other parts of the substrate (10) maintain the edge connections (5) in spaced relationship. The various contacts (12) are so positioned on the substrate (10) that they are located on opposite faces of the edge connectors (5). Plated through holes (27,28) are formed in the substrate to provide any required electrical connection through the substrate (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1981
    Assignee: International Computers Limited
    Inventor: Robert J. Dodds