Patents by Inventor Robert J. Hensel

Robert J. Hensel 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: 11598059
    Abstract: A gate safety barrier system is provided for use at a loading dock to prevent accidental or inadvertent movement of a loading dock vehicle and/or personnel through an access passageway provided on the loading dock. The gate safety barrier includes a pair of bollards positioned on opposite sides of the passageway and a horizontal center member pivotally mounted on pivot bollard. The horizontal center member includes two sections connected together by means of a center hinge. The horizontal center member moves to close and block the passageway. When in the closed position the horizontal center member spans the distance between the bollards. The system provides safety, ease of use, and improved functionality which protect personnel while the assembly is being moved between closed blocked passageway to open unblocked passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: MULTI-FAB PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Palus, Todd Mervin, Sunil Kalavathi, Robert J. Hensel
  • Patent number: 11485591
    Abstract: The present invention is a dock seal system for mounting on a structure wall. The system includes at least one side seal made up of a backer board having a hollow configuration and a foam seal attached to the backer board. A first side of at least one wear pleat is removably connected to the foam seal by at least one pleat fastener. This allows rapid, easy replacement of worn-out wear pleats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: NOVA TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Sunil Kalavathi, Todd A. Mervin, Robert J. Hensel
  • Publication number: 20220127088
    Abstract: The present invention is a dock seal system for mounting on a structure wall. The system includes at least one side seal made up of a backer board having a hollow configuration and a foam seal attached to the backer board. A first side of at least one wear pleat is removably connected to the foam seal by at least one pleat fastener. This allows rapid, easy replacement of worn-out wear pleats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Applicant: Nova Technology International, LLC
    Inventors: Sunil Kalavathi, Todd A. Mervin, Robert J. Hensel
  • Publication number: 20220074149
    Abstract: A gate safety barrier system is provided for use at a loading dock to prevent accidental or inadvertent movement of a loading dock vehicle and/or personnel through an access passageway provided on the loading dock. The gate safety barrier includes a pair of bollards positioned on opposite sides of the passageway and a horizontal center member pivotally mounted on pivot bollard. The horizontal center member includes two sections connected together by means of a center hinge. The horizontal center member moves to close and block the passageway. When in the closed position the horizontal center member spans the distance between the bollards. The system provides safety, ease of use, and improved functionality which protect personnel while the assembly is being moved between closed blocked passageway to open unblocked passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: MULTI-FAB PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Palus, Todd Mervin, Sunil Kalavathi, Robert J. Hensel
  • Publication number: 20190177099
    Abstract: A system and method for gathering information from a loading dock seal, the system including a loading dock having a loading dock seal and at least one sensor located proximate to the loading dock seal. The system further includes a counter reader which may be either an externally located dedicated counter or an Internet of Things Platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Applicant: NOVA TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventor: Robert J. Hensel
  • Publication number: 20160369876
    Abstract: Systems and methods and methods relating to the control and operation of an impactable vehicle restraint. The impactable vehicle restraint has a vertically movable barrier. The impactable vehicle restraint has a control system having three switch signal inputs that is compatible with two switch input systems. The impactable vehicle restraint has a control system to stop the motion of its drive system for the based on either sensing that the restraining device is at its limits of motion or that the drive system has been activated for a predetermined amount of time, whichever occurs first.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Applicant: MULTI-FAB PRODUCTS,LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. MUHL, Robert J. HENSEL
  • Patent number: 9428349
    Abstract: Systems and methods and methods relating to the control and operation of an impactable vehicle restraint. The impactable vehicle restraint has a vertically movable barrier. The impactable vehicle restraint has a control system having three switch signal inputs that is compatible with two switch input systems. The impactable vehicle restraint has a control system to stop the motion of its drive system for the based on either sensing that the restraining device is at its limits of motion or that the drive system has been activated for a predetermined amount of time, whichever occurs first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: MULTI-FAB PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Muhl, Robert J. Hensel
  • Patent number: 9206721
    Abstract: An air cleaner device for filtering intake air including a housing defining a chamber, a filter element disposed within the chamber, and a duct element having a passageway in fluid communication with the chamber. Further, the duct element extends along and downwardly from about a portion of the housing and further includes an inlet for drawing intake air into the chamber. The air cleaner having a base member in fluid communication with the chamber and an outlet, where the air drawn into the chamber is filtered by first and second filtering operations to obtain filtered air, with the first and the second filtering operations accomplished at least in part due to a cyclonic motion of the air and passage of the air through the filter element, respectively; and where the filtered air from the chamber of the housing is released through the outlet in the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Terrence M. Rotter, Jeffrey S. Sayler, Robert J. Hensel
  • Publication number: 20150191319
    Abstract: Systems and methods and methods relating to the control and operation of an impactable vehicle restraint. The impactable vehicle restraint has a vertically movable barrier. The impactable vehicle restraint has a control system having three switch signal inputs that is compatible with two switch input systems. The impactable vehicle restraint has a control system to stop the motion of its drive system for the based on either sensing that the restraining device is at its limits of motion or that the drive system has been activated for a predetermined amount of time, whichever occurs first.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Applicant: MULTI-FAB PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: TIMOTHY J. MUHL, ROBERT J. HENSEL
  • Patent number: 8808432
    Abstract: An air cleaner device for filtering intake air including a housing defining a chamber, a filter element disposed within the chamber, and a duct element having a passageway in fluid communication with the chamber. Further, the duct element extends along and downwardly from about a portion of the housing and further includes an inlet for drawing intake air into the chamber. The air cleaner having a base member in fluid communication with the chamber and an outlet, where the air drawn into the chamber is filtered by first and second filtering operations to obtain filtered air, with the first and the second filtering operations accomplished at least in part due to a cyclonic motion of the air and passage of the air through the filter element, respectively; and where the filtered air from the chamber of the housing is released through the outlet in the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Terrence M. Rotter, Jeffrey S. Sayler, Robert J. Hensel
  • Publication number: 20140053796
    Abstract: An air cleaner device for filtering intake air including a housing defining a chamber, a filter element disposed within the chamber, and a duct element having a passageway in fluid communication with the chamber. Further, the duct element extends along and downwardly from about a portion of the housing and further includes an inlet for drawing intake air into the chamber. The air cleaner having a base member in fluid communication with the chamber and an outlet, where the air drawn into the chamber is filtered by first and second filtering operations to obtain filtered air, with the first and the second filtering operations accomplished at least in part due to a cyclonic motion of the air and passage of the air through the filter element, respectively; and where the filtered air from the chamber of the housing is released through the outlet in the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Terrence M. Rotter, Jeffrey S. Sayler, Robert J. Hensel
  • Patent number: 8585805
    Abstract: An air cleaner device for filtering intake air including a housing defining a chamber, a filter element disposed within the chamber, and a duct element having a passageway in fluid communication with the chamber. Further, the duct element extends along and downwardly from about a portion of the housing and further includes an inlet for drawing intake air into the chamber. The air cleaner having a base member in fluid communication with the chamber and an outlet, where the air drawn into the chamber is filtered by first and second filtering operations to obtain filtered air, with the first and the second filtering operations accomplished at least in part due to a cyclonic motion of the air and passage of the air through the filter element, respectively; and where the filtered air from the chamber of the housing is released through the outlet in the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Terrence M. Rotter, Jeffrey S. Sayler, Robert J. Hensel
  • Publication number: 20090308250
    Abstract: An air cleaner device for filtering intake air including a housing defining a chamber, a filter element disposed within the chamber, and a duct element having a passageway in fluid communication with the chamber. Further, the duct element extends along-and downwardly from about a portion of the housing and further includes an inlet for drawing intake air into the chamber. The air cleaner having a base member in fluid communication with the chamber and an outlet, where the air drawn into the chamber is filtered by first and second filtering operations to obtain filtered air, with the first and the second filtering operations accomplished at least in part due to a cyclonic motion of the air and passage of the air through the filter element, respectively; and where the filtered air from the chamber of the housing is released through the outlet in the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Terrence M. Rotter, Jeffrey S. Sayler, Robert J. Hensel
  • Patent number: 6390871
    Abstract: A fuel system for a marine propulsion system includes a reservoir that defines a cavity in which first and second fuel pumps are disposed. The reservoir is mounted on the marine propulsion system at a location which causes the reservoir to be at least partially submerged within, and in thermal communication with, water in which the marine propulsion system is operated when a propulsor of the marine propulsion system is inactive. The first fuel pump is a lift pump which draws fuel from a fuel tank and pumps the fuel into the cavity of the reservoir. The second fuel pump is a high pressure pump which draws fuel from the cavity and pumps the fuel at a higher pressure to a fuel rail of an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy P. Wickman, David C. Entringer, Ervin H. Voss, Jr., Robert J. Hensel
  • Patent number: 5433529
    Abstract: A construction for a fluid bearing in a rotary spindle apparatus includes a spindle having first and second ends, and at least one thrust plate coupled to a shaft which is surrounded by a hub having an enclosing sleeve. The sleeve surrounding the thrust plate and shaft defines several gap regions where bearing fluid resides. A first radial gap region is defined between the shaft and sleeve and a second radial gap region is defined between the outer diameter of the thrust plate and the sleeve. A first axial gap region is defined by an upper surface of the thrust plate and the sleeve, and a second axial gap region exists between the lower surface of the thrust plate and the sleeve. A bearing fluid is disposed within these gap regions and forms capillary seals at first and second ends of the spindle. The thrust plate includes holes or pressure compensation ports which connect the first and second axial gap regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Synektron Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Hensel
  • Patent number: 5427456
    Abstract: An electric motor construction includes a rotor housing and sleeve which surrounds a shaft/thrust plate. The thrust plate is enclosed in a dead end cavity and is surrounded by a fluid which forms a fluid bearing. The shaft has asymmetrical grooves which create a net pressure gradient from a capillary seal formed near the bottom of the shaft toward the dead end cavity. This helps maintain the capillary seal and reduce the risk of cavitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Synektron Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Hensel
  • Patent number: 4986776
    Abstract: A shift speed equalizer is provided in a marine transmission in a marine drive subject to a decrease in engine speed upon shifting from neutral to a forward or reverse gear due to a high propeller pitch or the like, such as in bass boat applications, and subject to an increase in engine speed upon shifting back to neutral. The shift from neutral to forward or reverse is sensed, and engine speed is increased in response thereto, to compensate the decrease in engine speed due to shifting. The return shift back to neutral is sensed, and engine speed is decreased in response thereto, to compensate the increase in engine speed due to shifting. Engine speed is increased by advancing engine spark ignition timing, and engine speed is decreased by retarding or returning engine ignition timing to its initial setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Burnswick Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Hensel, Richard E. Staerzl
  • Patent number: 4955943
    Abstract: An oil injection system is provided for a two cycle crankcase compression internal combustion engine. A metering pump (74) draws oil from an oil tank (52) and controls the amount of oil supplied to the fuel supply system upstream of the fuel delivery device (24). The fuel supply system and the metering pump are both variably controlled by the fuel supply control (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Hensel, William G. Fenrich
  • Patent number: 4887559
    Abstract: An oil injection system is provided for a two cycle crankcase compression internal combustion engine. A crankcase pressure driven oil pump (70) draws oil from an oil source (52, 54) and delivers pumped oil through an oil output line (64) to the fuel supply system. A solenoid valve (72) in the oil output line controls the flow of pumped oil to the fuel supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Hensel, William G. Fenrich
  • Patent number: D632770
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Terrence M. Rotter, Jeffrey S. Sayler, Richard R. Koehl, Robert J. Hensel, Herbert V. Kohler, Jr.