Patents by Inventor Roger L. Bell

Roger L. Bell 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: 7334818
    Abstract: A swing down tank bracket for supporting a fuel tank mounted onto a vehicle includes a frame immovably mounted onto a vehicle, a cradle operatively connected to the frame and arranged to support a fuel tank, a hinge that pivotally connects a first end of the cradle to a first end of the frame, and a latch having a first portion disposed on a second end of the frame and a second portion disposed on a second end of the cradle. The first portion of the latch is releasably engaged with the second portion of the latch so that after the latch is disengaged, the cradle is rotationally maneuverable between a retracted position and an extended position in a single stage. The cradle may be maneuvered between the retracted position and the extended position by simultaneously rotating outwardly and downwardly in relation to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc.
    Inventors: Noel Mascarenhas, Kevin Krakora, Roger L. Bell
  • Patent number: 7249786
    Abstract: A method for maneuvering a cradle of a tank bracket supporting a fuel tank from a retracted position to an extended position in a single stage includes disengaging a latch, rotating the cradle about a hinge that is attached to a first end of the cradle such that a second end of the cradle moves along a trajectory downward and outward from a frame of the tank bracket to the extended position, wherein the rotating the cradle laterally extends a gas spring operatively connecting the cradle and the frame, and wherein the gas spring generates a force that at least partially balances a force generated by a combined weight of the fuel tank and the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel Mascarenhas, Kevin Krakora, Roger L. Bell
  • Patent number: 7060919
    Abstract: A horn circuit for a vehicle includes a steering wheel, a prong extending from a base, and a carbon-based contact disposed on the prong and in electrical contact with the steering wheel. A method of manufacturing a vehicular horn system includes connecting a prong to a base, connecting a steering wheel to a steering column that extends through the base, and positioning a carbon-based contact at an end of the prong to be in electrical contact with the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Fussell, Randall L. Wingenroth, Roger L. Bell, Jay B. Stotts