Patents by Inventor Robin Christopher

Robin Christopher 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: 5924435
    Abstract: A method of energizing an electromagnetically operable valve which comprises a valve member movable into engagement with a seating when a winding is energized comprising connecting the winding to a DC supply to achieve a rapid rate of rise of current. The current is controlled at the peak value and is then reduced to a low value after an initial movement of the valve member. The valve member continues its movement towards the seating and the current is restored prior to engagement of the valve member with the seating to substantially eliminate bouncing of the valve member away from the seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Lucas Industries public limited company
    Inventors: Robin Christopher Wall, Brian William Tumber
  • Patent number: 5899035
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition includes a panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof. The upper and lower beams interconnect the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock wedges positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Mark T. Slager, Brian Joseph Kane, Marcus K. Pressnell, Michael Robert Shields, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Charles A. Seiber, Peter N. Skillman, Joseph Chang
  • Patent number: 5669356
    Abstract: A two part pressure unloading delivery valve for a fuel injection pump comprises an annular valve member within which is slidable a plunger. The valve member is biased into engagement with a valve seat by means of a spring and is lifted from the seat by fuel under pressure supplied by the pump. The spring biases the plunger in the direction away from the seat and following closure of the valve member the plunger is moved in the direction towards the seat to allow relief of fuel under pressure from the pipeline connecting the valve with a fuel injection nozzle. After a predetermined movement of the plunger against the spring, damping means in part defined by a piston on the plunger, acts to damp the further movement of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Lucas Industries
    Inventors: Robin Christopher Wall, Trevor Alan Fuller
  • Patent number: 5651348
    Abstract: A fuel pumping apparatus of the rotary distributor type has an annular cam ring (12) which is coupled to a tangentially disposed piston (15) slidable in a cylinder (16) formed in a body part (10). The body is formed from light alloy and the piston from steel. The piston is provided with a blind recess (28) at one end and a steel spigot (19) is slidable within the recess. The blind end of the recess communicates with the adjacent end of the cylinder (16) through a restricted passage (23) and a non-return valve (26). Fuel at a varying pressure is applied to the one end of the cylinder to vary the setting of the cam ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Lucas Industries Public Limited Company
    Inventor: Robin Christopher Wall