Patents by Inventor Robert L. Donahue

Robert L. Donahue 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: 4691443
    Abstract: A vehicle alignment system uses transverse, longitudinal and vertical bars mounted on a vehicle and equating to X, Y and Z axes for establishing the dimensions of the vehicle, which dimensions are then compared to the vehicle engineering specifications. The transverse bars are connected to the underside of the vehicle and, to enable quickness and ease of transferring the alignment system between vehicles, quick connect fittings extend between the transverse and longitudinal bars. Additional supports extend between the longitudinal bars and a base surface. The system is arranged so that transverse bars in a path of entry and exit of the vehicle can be readily removed and the vehicle removed and replaced, while maintaining the alignment system substantially set up and ready for use. The process improves the speed of use of the system by substantially alleviating the dismantling previously required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Harold F. Hamilton, Robert L. Donahue
  • Patent number: 4663855
    Abstract: A vehicle alignment system uses transverse, longitudinal and vertical bars mounted on a vehicle and equating to X, Y and Z axes for establishing the dimensions of the vehicle, which dimensions are then compared to the vehicle engineering specifications. The transverse bars are connected to the underside of the vehicle and, to enable quickness and ease of transferring the alignment system between vehicles, quick connect fittings extend between the transverse and longitudinal bars. Additional supports extend between the longitudinal bars and a base surface. The system is arranged so that transverse bars in a path of entry and exit of the vehicle can be readily removed and the vehicle removed and replaced, while maintaining the alignment system substantially set up and ready for use. The process improves the speed of use of the system by substantially alleviating the dismantling previously required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Harold F. Hamilton, Robert L. Donahue
  • Patent number: 4630380
    Abstract: A hole gauge arrangement is used for determining the distance of a vehicle fixture hole from a datum plane established with respect to the vehicle. The hole gauge arrangement includes a set rod with a die wheel having bores corresponding to the various sizes of fixture holes and also includes a measurement rod. By reference to a table, the desired distance from the datum plane to the fixture hole is established on the set rod and the measurement rod matched to the distance of the set rod and the hole diameter. The measurement rod is then transferred to support structure mounted in the datum plane and the distance difference, if any, between the measurement rod tip and the fixture hole is noted as an indication of dislocation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Donahue
  • Patent number: 4598481
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the proper position of misaligned vehicle parts utilizes an X, Y and Z coordinate system to provide a proper point of position, or alignment, of vehicle parts which are identified in tables by such coordinates. The apparatus includes a framework which is established about the vehicle by transverse bars, datum plane bars, cross bars and a vertical standard, all with scale indicia, and forming a point of origin as on a graph. Lasers emitting planes of visible light are mounted on the datum plane bars and cross bar and project mutually perpendicular, intersecting planes of light. A laser is also mounted on the standard to project a horizontal plane of light that intersects the other two light planes and establishes a point capable of definition by X, Y and Z coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Donahue
  • Patent number: 4232997
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a compressor is disclosed wherein both the compressed air output and the speed of the compressor are simultaneously adjusted in relation to compressed air demand over a wide range of air demands and in a way so as to use less input energy during below-peak demand and automatically return the compressor to an operating condition of minimum speed and minimum power input when there is no demand on the compressor. A reciprocating piston compressor with at least two, and typically more than two, compression chambers driven by a prime mover has a separate unloader device for each compression chamber. A control assembly is responsive to tank pressures indicating demand on the compressor with the movement of one movable control member simultaneously operating both a control valve adapted for successively operating each of the unloader devices one at a time and a speed regulating member for the prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Assignee: Grimmer Schmidt Corp.
    Inventors: John E. Grimmer, Robert L. Donahue