Patents by Inventor Robert L. Hickey

Robert L. Hickey 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).

  • Publication number: 20140113683
    Abstract: A key recognition method and apparatus for use on a smartphone or similar. The viewfinder display for the phone's image sensor is provided with a registration mark or icon adapted to help align and register the image of a flat key being viewed through the image sensor. An image-recognition process running on the phone is used to capture and convert the key's image to an image file stored on the phone, and the user is prompted to enter identifying information for association with the image file. When an unknown key is found, it can be viewed through the image sensor, displayed on the viewfinder screen, registered in the registration icon, and compared by the image-recognition process to previously-stored key images to try and find a match.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Robert L. Hickey
  • Publication number: 20140068908
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing stripped female thread holes in workpieces that form a support for a direct screw connection. A female thread connector is formed from a pop rivet modified with a rotation-preventing outer surface or layer, and installed in the stripped hole with its inner end protruding from the inner side of the support and enlarged into a secondary head in conventional fashion. The rotation-preventing outer surface engages the hole so that a self-tapping screw can be threaded through the connector rivet to make a solid, durable, blind screw connection between an outer workpiece and the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Robert L. Hickey
  • Publication number: 20030011234
    Abstract: The frameless end dump fifth wheel trailer includes a cargo container. A rear axle and wheels support the rear portion of the cargo container. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally attached to the front portion of the container. A piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally attached to a kingpin plate assembly. A kingpin is secured to the plate assembly. A tension frame assembly is pivotally attached to the plate assembly and to the center portion of the container. Two mast members are secured to the plate assembly. A pair of kingpin plate control arms have forward ends each of which is pivotally attached to one of the masts and rear ends pivotally attached to the center portion of the cargo container. A flat bottom surface of the kingpin plate is held in a substantially horizontal position by the plate control arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Robert L. Hickey, Jeffery Blair Shoopman
  • Patent number: 6505891
    Abstract: The frameless end dump fifth wheel trailer includes a cargo container. A rear axle and wheels support the rear portion of the cargo container. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally attached to the front portion of the container. A piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally attached to a kingpin plate assembly. A kingpin is secured to the plate assembly. A tension frame assembly is pivotally attached to the plate assembly and to the center portion of the container. Two mast members are secured to the plate assembly. A pair of kingpin plate control arms have forward ends each of which is pivotally attached to one of the masts and rear ends pivotally attached to the center portion of the cargo container. A flat bottom surface of the kingpin plate is held in a substantially horizontal position by the plate control arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventors: Robert L. Hickey, Jeffery Blair Shoopman