Patents by Inventor Robert J. Elshof

Robert J. Elshof 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: 8596688
    Abstract: A latch assembly for connection of conduit, the assembly comprising a female portion and a male portion, wherein each of the female portion and the male portion have a shell and a connection device. The connection device of the female portion includes a connection assembly with a molded-in slot, a release button, and a raised rib or alternatively is a connection opening. The connection device of the male portion includes a cantilevered region with a ramped engagement feature or alternatively is a raised cantilevered release button. When connected the cantilevered region or button deflects to accommodate the female portion until the ramped engagement feature or button engages the molded-in slot or connection opening, thus releasing the deflection. Depressing the release button disengages the latch allowing separation of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Pisula, Jr., Bruce A. Williams, Ravikumar Narayanan, Francis J. Lombardi, III, Robert J. Elshof, Marc Lalouette
  • Patent number: 8448994
    Abstract: A latch assembly for connection of conduit, the assembly comprising a female portion and a male portion, wherein each of the female portion and the male portion have a shell and a connection device. The connection device of the female portion includes a connection assembly with a molded-in slot, a release button, and a raised rib or alternatively is a connection opening. The connection device of the male portion includes a cantilevered region with a ramped engagement feature or alternatively is a raised cantilevered release button. When connected the cantilevered region or button deflects to accommodate the female portion until the ramped engagement feature or button engages the molded-in slot or connection opening, thus releasing the deflection. Depressing the release button disengages the latch allowing separation of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Pisula, Jr., Bruce A. Williams, Ravikumar Narayanan, Francis J. Lombardi, III, Robert J. Elshof, Marc Lalouette
  • Patent number: 8397756
    Abstract: A fluid conduit coupling assembly has a depressible latch mechanism that secures a first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit via a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler connects to the first fluid conduit and the second coupler connects to the second fluid conduit. The depressible latch mechanism is formed by a pair of cantilevered buttons disposed in symmetrically opposed positions on one of the couplers. The cantilevered buttons have engagement lips that extend distally with catches that extend radially outward to engage a ridge formed on an interior wall of the opposing coupler. Fluid ports within the couplers interface when the couplers connect to provide fluid flow between the first and second conduits. Valves may be disposed in each of the couplers to arrest fluid flow when the couplers are detached and automatically open to allow fluid to flow when the couplers are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Trent Turner Packham, Francis J. Lombardi, Leonard L. Hofheins, Gregg D. Niven, Robert J. Elshof, Raymond L. Townsend, Richard W. Cairns
  • Publication number: 20120299290
    Abstract: A latch assembly for connection of conduit, the assembly comprising a female portion and a male portion, wherein each of the female portion and the male portion have a shell and a connection device. The connection device of the female portion includes a connection assembly with a molded-in slot, a release button, and a raised rib or alternatively is a connection opening. The connection device of the male portion includes a cantilevered region with a ramped engagement feature or alternatively is a raised cantilevered release button. When connected the cantilevered region or button deflects to accommodate the female portion until the ramped engagement feature or button engages the molded-in slot or connection opening, thus releasing the deflection. Depressing the release button disengages the latch allowing separation of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Pisula, JR., Bruce A. Williams, Ravikumar Narayanan, Francis J. Lombardi, III, Robert J. Elshof, Marc Lalouette
  • Patent number: 8235426
    Abstract: A latch assembly for connection of conduit, the assembly comprising a female portion and a male portion, wherein each of the female portion and the male portion have a shell and a connection device. The connection device of the female portion includes a connection assembly with a molded-in slot, a release button, and a raised rib or alternatively is a connection opening. The connection device of the male portion includes a cantilevered region with a ramped engagement feature or alternatively is a raised cantilevered release button. When connected the cantilevered region or button deflects to accommodate the female portion until the ramped engagement feature or button engages the molded-in slot or connection opening, thus releasing the deflection. Depressing the release button disengages the latch allowing separation of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Pisula, Jr., Bruce A. Williams, Ravikumar Narayanan, Francis J. Lombardi, III, Robert J. Elshof, Marc Lalouette
  • Publication number: 20120068457
    Abstract: A latch assembly for connection of conduit, the assembly comprising a female portion and a male portion, wherein each of the female portion and the male portion have a shell and a connection device. The connection device of the female portion includes a connection assembly with a molded-in slot, a release button, and a raised rib or alternatively is a connection opening. The connection device of the male portion includes a cantilevered region with a ramped engagement feature or alternatively is a raised cantilevered release button. When connected the cantilevered region or button deflects to accommodate the female portion until the ramped engagement feature or button engages the molded-in slot or connection opening, thus releasing the deflection. Depressing the release button disengages the latch allowing separation of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Value Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Pisula, JR., Bruce A. Williams, Ravikumar Narayanan, Francis J. Lombardi, III, Robert J. Elshof, Marc Lalouette
  • Publication number: 20110012340
    Abstract: A fluid conduit coupling assembly has a depressible latch mechanism that secures a first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit via a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler connects to the first fluid conduit and the second coupler connects to the second fluid conduit. The depressible latch mechanism is formed by a pair of cantilevered buttons disposed in symmetrically opposed positions on one of the couplers. The cantilevered buttons have engagement lips that extend distally with catches that extend radially outward to engage a ridge formed on an interior wall of the opposing coupler. Fluid ports within the couplers interface when the couplers connect to provide fluid flow between the first and second conduits. Valves may be disposed in each of the couplers to arrest fluid flow when the couplers are detached and automatically open to allow fluid to flow when the couplers are connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Value Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Trent Turner Packham, Francis J. Lombardi, Leonard L. Hofheins, Gregg D. Niven, Robert J. Elshof, Raymond L. Townsend, Richard W. Caims
  • Patent number: 7806139
    Abstract: The present invention is a fluid conduit coupling assembly for coupling a first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit. The fluid conduit coupling assembly comprises a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler is for connecting to the first fluid conduit and comprises a first housing and a first valve. The first valve comprises a first lever arm. The second coupler is for connecting to the second fluid conduit and comprises a second housing and a second valve. The second valve comprises a second lever arm. When a force is applied to couple together the couplers, at least a portion of said force is communicated to each lever arm, thereby causing each valve to pivot from a closed position to an open position. The first valve and first lever arm are contained within the first housing, and the second valve and second lever arm are contained within the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Value Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Trent Turner Packham, Francis J. Lombardi, Leonard L. Hofheins, Gregg D. Niven, Robert J. Elshof, Raymond L. Townsend, Richard W. Cairns
  • Publication number: 20100001516
    Abstract: A latch assembly for connection of conduit, the assembly comprising a female portion and a male portion, wherein each of the female portion and the male portion have a shell and a connection device. The connection device of the female portion includes a connection assembly with a molded-in slot, a release button, and a raised rib or alternatively is a connection opening. The connection device of the male portion includes a cantilevered region with a ramped engagement feature or alternatively is a raised cantilevered release button. When connected the cantilevered region or button deflects to accommodate the female portion until the ramped engagement feature or button engages the molded-in slot or connection opening, thus releasing the deflection. Depressing the release button disengages the latch allowing separation of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: Value Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Pisula, JR., Bruce A. Williams, Ravikumar Narayanan, Francis J. Lombardi, III, Robert J. Elshof, Marc Lalouette
  • Patent number: 6065656
    Abstract: A beverage container having elongated side walls is provided. The container side walls are preferably generally cylindrical and having an upper end and a lower end. The container also having a base portion that is connected to the side walls at the lower end of the side walls. The container further includes a stabilizing arm that has a first end and a second end. The stabilizing arm is movably connected to the base portion so as to be movable with relation thereto. The stabilizing arm may thus be moved from a position in which the stabilizing arm first end is proximate to the base portion and lies in substantially the same plane as the base portion to a position in which the stabilizing arm first end is extended away from the base portion and lies in substantially the same plane as the base portion. The first end of the stabilizing arm, when extended away from the base portion, may be inserted within the crease between the seating portion and the back support portion of a vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Image Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Elshof
  • Patent number: 5031346
    Abstract: A title display system for an automatic phonograph in which two sets of large panels, each side of which is adapted to carry three CD jackets, are arranged side by side in a recess in the front of the machine cabinet for concomitant pivotal movement of the panels inwardly or outwardly. A panel moving control system may be set in a first mode in which the panels are moved periodically to attract attention or in a second mode in which the panels are returned to positions at which predetermined pages are in view in the quiescent condition of the phonograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Rowe International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd D. Herring, Robert J. Elshof, Richard Van Dyk, Jeffrey J. Kalis