Patents by Inventor Robert M. Carpenter

Robert M. Carpenter 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: 4940348
    Abstract: Sensor arm (5) detects paper (1) at the printing stations of a printer (13). The sensor arm is linked through shaft (37) to position ledge (43) where it encounters and extension (47) of spring clutch (31) to decouple the spring clutch. Sheetfeed (11) is both driven and controlled from the platen (3) of the printer. With the spring clutch deactivated by the presence of paper, pawl (39) continues to hold the sheetfeed in an inactive status. In the absence of paper, the sensor arm (5) moves past the printing region, moving the ledge (43) away from contact with the spring clutch. Backward movement of the platen then initiates a sheetfeed cycle by movement of gear (35) being transmitted through the spring clutch (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Albert L. Akers, Robert M. Carpenter, William D. Freeman, John E. Passafiume
  • Patent number: 4596317
    Abstract: A planar body spring attaches the inboard shoe and lining assembly to the piston of a disc brake caliper. The spring also serves as a shield for the piston boot seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1986
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Steve S. Nagai, Robert M. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 4458790
    Abstract: Resilient rings are fitted between the caliper and the mounting bolts to provide free caliper movement and permanent corrosion protection. One resilient ring has internal lands contracting the mounting bolt and positioned within the caliper. The lands act as a rubber spring with memory which retracts the caliper, reducing brake drag. Reduced rubber contact area with the mounting bolt reduces adhesion of the rubber to the bolt. The resilient ring may alternatively have external lands which grip or slip on the caliper housing instead of the mounting bolt. A seal may be provided as an extension of the one resilient ring to protect the mounting bolt surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Charles T. Hoffman, Jr., Robert M. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 4121695
    Abstract: Wheelchair lift for a van-type vehicle having a pivotable frame which may be swung from within to without the vehicle, a slide frame telescopically movable relative to the swing frame and a wheelchair supporting platform carried at the lower end of the slide frame. The platform is pivotable to and from a horizontal position in an upright folded position, generally coplanar with the swing frame so that the entire assembly is disposed within the vehicle. A hydraulic ram having a power stroke in one direction and a return stroke in the opposite direction provides means for taking up cables disposed on opposite sides of the swing frame and is operatively connected to both the side frame and the platform. The power stroke of the ram causes the slide and the platform carried thereby to be raised from the ground level to the floor level of the vehicle for transfer of a wheelchair to and from the platform of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1978
    Assignee: Target Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Carpenter