Patents by Inventor Robert L. Brown

Robert L. Brown 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: 7559874
    Abstract: A shift mechanism for a transmission in a vehicle includes a housing, a shift lever, a key cylinder and an actuator. The actuator operably connects to the key cylinder and is capable of movement between a first position that prevents the shift lever from changing shift positions, and a second position that allows the shift lever to change shift positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Gregory F. Fischer, Donald J. Stewart, Scott Munro, Robert L. Brown, David P. Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20090101068
    Abstract: A roll coater assembly system for application of a fluid material having a transport system with a part loading system, an application system, and a curing system for curing the material applied. The transport system is a continuous conveyor having a plurality of work stations movably supporting and transporting items to be processed to the application systems and curing systems, with the conveyors of the transport and loading systems having a single drive mechanism which operates both of the conveyors, such that the cylindrical items are provided to circumferentially located stations within and surrounding a cylindrical drum of the part loading system which rotates to engage and move the cylindrical items into and out of the stations of the cylindrical drum about a central axis of the cylindrical drum and into the transport system conveyor by movement of the drive mechanism and respective conveyor synchronized by a control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: VMI EPE HOLLAND BV
    Inventors: Thomas J. Boyd, Robert L. Brown
  • Patent number: 7481209
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a toy projectile launcher for discharging a toy projectile attached thereto that may include a housing, a hollow outer cylinder, and a compression member that may be disposed on the housing, and slidably received within the hollow outer cylinder. The compression member may include a fluid passage therethrough in fluid communication with the interior of the outer cylinder. The interior of the outer cylinder may be moveable between an uncocked position and a cocked position such that movement of the outer cylinder from the cocked position toward the uncocked position compresses air in the interior of the outer cylinder, with the compressed air being delivered to through the fluid passage to a toy projectile attached to the toy projectile launcher. The toy projectile launcher may also include a spring that may bias the outer cylinder from the cocked position toward the uncocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Amanda M. Bligh, Raymond A. Mead, Robert L. Brown
  • Patent number: 7410541
    Abstract: A roll coater assembly system for application of a fluid material having a transport system with a part loading system, an application system, and a curing system for curing the material applied. The transport system is a continuous conveyor having a plurality of work stations movably supporting and transporting items to be processed to the application systems and curing systems, with the conveyors of the transport and loading systems having a single drive mechanism which operates both of the conveyors, such that the cylindrical items are provided to circumferentially located stations within and surrounding a cylindrical wheel of the part loading system which rotates to engage and move the cylindrical items into and out of the stations of the cylindrical wheel about a central axis of the cylindrical wheel and into the transport system conveyor by movement of the drive mechanism and respective conveyor synchronized by a control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: VMI Epe Holland BV
    Inventors: Thomas J. Boyd, Kathleen C. Boyd, Robert L. Brown
  • Publication number: 20080102487
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for identifying and distinguishing fungal species, a hyperspectral imaging scanner is used to acquire hyperspectral image data for radiation obtained from a sample area in which at least one unknown fungal species is present. A computer compares the acquired hyperspectral image data with spectral signature data stored in a digital library, which includes spectral signature data for each one of a group of known fungal species, and identifies the fungal species, based on the result of such comparison. The spectral signature data stored in the digital library take into account, for each fungal species, spectral variations that can occur due to at least one of environmental and temporal influences. The computer comparison includes a pixel-by-pixel analysis of the degree of difference between acquired hyperspectral image data and the spectral signature data, so that a spatial distribution of identified fungal species can be determined for a sample area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicants: Institute for Technology Development, USDA Southern Regional Research Center
    Inventors: Haibo Yao, Zuzana Hruska, Kevin Dicrispino, Robert L. Brown, Thomas E. Cleveland
  • Publication number: 20080026907
    Abstract: A shift mechanism for a transmission in a vehicle includes a housing, a shift lever, a key cylinder and an actuator. The actuator operably connects to the key cylinder and is capable of movement between a first position that prevents the shift lever from changing shift positions, and a second position that allows the shift lever to change shift positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Gregory F. Fischer, Donald J. Stewart, Scott Munro, Robert L. Brown, David P. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7311038
    Abstract: Improved features for a filter system for a deep fat fryer are described. The fryer includes a movable filter pan disposed below the cooking tank which is fed by gravity when the tank is drained through a downspout. The downspout is curved and rotatable from a down position when it is in use/storage to an up position when it is not in use and a stabilizing clip is mounted on the downspout to secure a separate polishing tube when it is in the down or horizontal position to allow one handle to lift two pipes at the same time for removal of the filter pan. An inline removable filter is provided in the oil return line, and the return line is slidably supported on the side of the filter pan so that it can rise and fall with the debris in the filter pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Pitco Frialater, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Savage, Nathaniel A. Lambert, Martin W. Lawrence, Robert L. Brown
  • Patent number: 7287526
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a toy projectile launcher for discharging a toy projectile attached thereto that may include a housing, a hollow outer cylinder, and a compression member that may be disposed on the housing, and slidably received within the hollow outer cylinder. The compression member may include a fluid passage therethrough in fluid communication with the interior of the outer cylinder. The interior of the outer cylinder may be moveable between an uncocked position and a cocked position such that movement of the outer cylinder from the cocked position toward the uncocked position compresses air in the interior of the outer cylinder, with the compressed air being delivered to through the fluid passage to a toy projectile attached to the toy projectile launcher. The toy projectile launcher may also include a spring that may bias the outer cylinder from the cocked position toward the uncocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Amanda M. Bligh, Raymond A. Mead, Robert L. Brown
  • Patent number: 7267118
    Abstract: A toy gun system for launching foam projectiles includes a primary gun having a pneumatic system, a launch station in flow communication with the pneumatic system, and first, second and third triggers, with the primary gun adapted to launch a projectile from the launch station in response to actuation of the first trigger. The primary gun includes first and second receiving areas, each with plungers or actuators responsive to trigger movement, with the first receiving area having an output port and valve in flow communication with the pneumatic system. A first detachable gun is sized for mounting to the first receiving area and has a pneumatic system arranged to receive pressurized air from the primary gun, and a second detachable gun is sized for mounting at the second receiving area. Each of the first and second detachable guns may be operated while attached to the primary gun, and may be selectively removable from the primary gun for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred D. Eddins, Robert L. Brown
  • Patent number: 7185787
    Abstract: A toy water gun system includes a primary water gun having a housing, a pressurizable reservoir, an outlet nozzle in flow communication with the reservoir, and an actuating trigger, with the primary toy water gun adapted to discharge an output stream of water through the outlet nozzle in response to actuation of the trigger. The housing includes a first receiving area and a second receiving area, with each receiving area having an output port in flow communication with the reservoir via a conduit, a pair of valves to control flow through the conduits. A first detachable water toy mounts to the housing at the first receiving area and receives water from the reservoir, and a second detachable water toy mounts to the housing at the second receiving area. The first and second detachable water toys are selectively removable from the primary water toy for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Brown, Fred D. Eddins
  • Patent number: 7163009
    Abstract: A toy gun for launching a foam projectile includes a housing having an outlet, an inlet, and a passage sized to receive the projectile. A launch station disposed in the housing and is arranged to receive the projectile, a crank rotates a resilient actuating paddle. The paddle is shiftable between an undeflected position and an energy storing deflected position, and moves along a path in response to rotation of the crank and extends into the launch station. A post is disposed in the path and is positioned to shift the paddle to the deflected position in response to rotation of the wheel, with the paddle arranged to disengage the post in response to continued rotation of the wheel thereby releasing stored energy as the paddle returns to the undeflected position and travels through the launch station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Brown, William Gajda, Jr., Steven M. Menow
  • Patent number: 7032837
    Abstract: A toy water gun of the type for ejecting fluid therefrom. The toy water gun may include a housing having a longitudinal axis and a reservoir attached to the housing for holding fluid. A holding area may be included which is selectively in fluid communication with the reservoir. A pump may be provided for generating pressure differential across a pair of one-way valves to move fluid from the reservoir to the holding area and from the holding area to at least one nozzle. The at least one nozzle may rotate as the pump is being actuated by a user. A rotating bezel may be provided to vary the angle of the nozzle relative to the longitudinal axis of the toy water gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Hasbro Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Daniel Eddins, Robert L. Brown
  • Patent number: 6959838
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toy gun system that may include a toy gun having a housing with a nozzle, wherein the toy water gun may be adapted to discharge an output stream of liquid through the nozzle. The toy gun system may further include a wheel fabricated from an absorbent material, and a support member mounted on the housing of the toy gun that may have the wheel rotatably mounted thereon. The wheel may be disposed proximate the nozzle of the toy gun and positioned such that at least a portion of the output stream of liquid impacts the at least a portion of the wheel to cause the wheel to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred D. Eddins, Robert L. Brown, Walter Bezaniuk
  • Publication number: 20040164090
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toy gun system that may include a toy gun having a housing with a nozzle, wherein the toy water gun may be adapted to discharge an output stream of liquid through the nozzle. The toy gun system may further include a wheel fabricated from an absorbent material, and a support member mounted on the housing of the toy gun that may have the wheel rotatably mounted thereon. The wheel may be disposed proximate the nozzle of the toy gun and positioned such that at least a portion of the output stream of liquid impacts the at least a portion of the wheel to cause the wheel to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Fred D. Eddins, Robert L. Brown, Walter Bezaniuk
  • Publication number: 20040159719
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toy gun system that may include a toy gun having a housing with a nozzle, wherein the toy water gun may be adapted to discharge an output stream of liquid through the nozzle. The toy gun system may further include a wheel fabricated from an absorbent material, and a support member mounted on the housing of the toy gun that may have the wheel rotatably mounted thereon. The wheel may be disposed proximate the nozzle of the toy gun and positioned such that at least a portion of the output stream of liquid impacts the at least a portion of the wheel to cause the wheel to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Fred D. Eddins, Robert L. Brown, Walter Bezaniuk
  • Publication number: 20040159368
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a quick fill cap for a toy gun capable of discharging an output stream of liquid. The toy gun may have a liquid reservoir for storing a quantity of liquid and fill port for depositing liquid in to the liquid reservoir. The quick fill cap may include a cap portion having a throughbore, wherein the cap portion may be adapted to demountably attach to the fill port of the toy gun and to form a substantially airtight and watertight seal with the fill port. The quick fill cap may further include a hollow funnel having a lower surface connected to an upper surface of the cap portion such that a substantially airtight and watertight seal is formed between the lower surface of the hollow funnel and the upper surface of the cap portion. The hollow funnel may be substantially aligned with the throughbore of the cap, and the hollow funnel may be disposed external to the liquid reservoir when the cap portion is demountably attached to the fill port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Fred D. Eddins, Robert L. Brown
  • Patent number: 6592494
    Abstract: A clutch pedal assembly is provided including a support bracket for pivotally mounting a clutch arm and an actuator arm. The clutch arm includes a clutch pedal for enabling actuation by a vehicle operator and the actuator arm is attached to a linkage for manipulating a master cylinder of a hydraulically actuated clutch release system. The clutch arm and actuator arm are interconnected via a pair of drag links, whereby operator actuation of the clutch arm results in corresponding actuation of the actuator arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: John C St. Pierre, Robert L Brown, Michael J Drews, Michael X Schafer, Brian L Wagoner
  • Publication number: 20030064859
    Abstract: A clutch pedal assembly is provided including a support bracket for pivotally mounting a clutch arm and an actuator arm. The clutch arm includes a clutch pedal for enabling actuation by a vehicle operator and the actuator arm is attached to a linkage for manipulating a master cylinder of a hydraulically actuated clutch release system. The clutch arm and actuator arm are interconnected via a pair of drag links, whereby operator actuation of the clutch arm results in corresponding actuation of the actuator arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: John C. St. Pierre, Robert L. Brown, Michael J. Drews, Michael X. Schafer, Brian L. Wagoner
  • Patent number: 6378420
    Abstract: A filter system for a deep fat fryer is described. The filter system can be used in a single fryer or with two or more sequentially operated fryers. In the later case, a common filter pan is used with a horizontal filter in the pan, disposed below a common drain pipe. A return pipe is mounted in the center of the filter. This pipe is connected to a pump inlet so that oil to be filtered is admitted to the pan above the filter, and filtered oil is removed from the pan through the filter. Filtered oil is then circulated by the pump through a three port valve to return the oil to the appropriate fryer tank. If the valve is closed the oil will be routed through the valve to an adjacent tank valve for admission to that tank so that a single pump may be used for a plurality of tanks. An optional flush system can also be provided so that oil can be used to flush a tank manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Pitco Frialator, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Savage, Nathaniel A. Lambert, Martin W. Lawrence, Robert L. Brown
  • Patent number: 6106362
    Abstract: A toy vehicle having a hinged body that oscillates in response to the operation of a motor drive assembly. The toy vehicle includes a chassis having a plurality of wheels, a motor drive assembly mounted to the chassis and being operatively connected to at least one of the wheels, a body mounted to the chassis by a hinge, and an actuating cam operatively connected to the motor drive assembly and engaging the body. The hinge permits the body to move about the hinge, and the actuating cam thus imparts pivotal movement to the body about the hinge in response to operation of the motor drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan R. Keller, Robert L. Brown