Patents by Inventor Ronald J. Johnston

Ronald J. Johnston 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: 10400913
    Abstract: A rapid-connect coupler includes: an end fitting for conveying a fluid stream; a probe for conveying the fluid stream; a valve configured to occupy a closed position blocking fluid communication between the probe and the end fitting and an open position enabling fluid communication between the probe and the end fitting; a handle configured to actuate the valve between the closed and open positions; a sleeve moveable between a first sleeve position and a second sleeve position. The sleeve, in the first sleeve position, is configured to prevent the handle from actuating the valve from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Howard M. Konishi, Ronald J. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20160312915
    Abstract: A rapid-connect coupler includes: an end fitting for conveying a fluid stream; a probe for conveying the fluid stream; a valve configured to occupy a closed position blocking fluid communication between the probe and the end fitting and an open position enabling fluid communication between the probe and the end fitting; a handle configured to actuate the valve between the closed and open positions; a sleeve moveable between a first sleeve position and a second sleeve position. The sleeve, in the first sleeve position, is configured to prevent the handle from actuating the valve from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Howard M. Konishi, Ronald J. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8272393
    Abstract: A valve provides automatic switchover from a plurality of fluid pressure sources to a common outlet. The valve includes first and second spools respectively in first and second spool chambers, and each spool includes at least one sealing member carried thereon for selective sealing engagement with said first and second spool chambers. Fluid passageways transfer spool controlled fluid pressures between the first and second spool chambers. Each of said first and second spools are resiliently biased towards an open position, and fluid-biased towards a closed position. In an open position, the first and second spools are adapted to deliver pressurized fluid from an associated inlet port to an end chamber of the opposite spool chamber. In a closed position, the first and second spools are adapted via the at least one sealing member to inhibit delivery of pressurized fluid. A manifold assembly provides fluid communication to the common outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Superior Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20090107560
    Abstract: A valve provides automatic switchover from a plurality of fluid pressure sources to a common outlet. The valve includes first and second spools respectively in first and second spool chambers, and each spool includes at least one sealing member carried thereon for selective sealing engagement with said first and second spool chambers. Fluid passageways transfer spool controlled fluid pressures between the first and second spool chambers. Each of said first and second spools are resiliently biased towards an open position, and fluid-biased towards a closed position. In an open position, the first and second spools are adapted to deliver pressurized fluid from an associated inlet port to an end chamber of the opposite spool chamber. In a closed position, the first and second spools are adapted via the at least one sealing member to inhibit delivery of pressurized fluid. A manifold assembly provides fluid communication to the common outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: SUPERIOR PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Johnston
  • Patent number: 5520214
    Abstract: A regulator and fill valve assembly for filling a fluid pressure tank and for regulating the flow of pressurized fluid from the tank includes a regulator portion having a valve body with a piston chamber. A pressure flow passageway extends from an inlet end to a first end of the piston chamber and an outlet port communicates with the piston chamber. A piston is movable in the piston chamber. A first spring at a second opposite end of the piston chamber urges the piston toward the first end of the piston chamber. A handle is provided for manually controlling the force of the first spring acting on the piston. A check valve assembly is located in the passageway and includes a seat, a valve member, a valve guide and a second spring biasing the valve member and guide towards the seat. The valve member is movable in a direction towards a closed position against the seat by fluid pressure in the passageway and the biasing force of the second spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Western/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Brian A. Mack, Ronald J. Johnston, Joe P. Quest
  • Patent number: 4926593
    Abstract: A structural member for use in concrete forming structures and the like is disclosed. The member comprises a pair of spaced parallel tubular members interconnected by means of opposed webs. The combination defines an enclosure extending the length of the tubular members. Each of the webs attaches to a side of the tubular member opposite the enclosure. The outer surface of each web includes opposed flanges, which in combination with the web, define an open bolt slot that extends the length of the structural member. This structural member is particularly useful as an upright in concrete shoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Aluma Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Johnston
  • Patent number: 4841708
    Abstract: A frame for supporting vertical loads and an aluminum tubular leg for such frame is disclosed. The legs are joined by a brace arrangement and connectors are used for mechanically connecting the brace arrangement to the legs for stabilizing the legs when under load. Each of the legs has spaced portions which are substantially symmetrical about a plane containing the longitudinal axes of the frame legs and which provide areas for mechanical connection of the brace arrangement to the leg. Such mechanical connection of the frame provides a versatile frame which may be used in concrete forming work and which may be readily repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Aluma Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Ronald J. Johnston
  • Patent number: 4787183
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a new concrete forming system and components therefor, particularly adapted for forming of vaulted ceilings and for use in buildings wherein the floors at the edges thereof have upwardly extending sills and/or wherein the ceilings have been dropped by a similar ledge or sill thereby significantly reducing the clear area through which a truss can be removed. The truss comprises a top chord and a bottom chord interconnected by upright members and diagonal bracing members. A number of adjustable extension legs are associated with the upright members and are telescopically received within an upright member such that a leg extending to the upper side of the truss can overlap with a leg extending to the lower side of the truss, whereby the legs extending above the truss can be adjusted and maintained independent of the legs extending below the truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Aluma Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Johnston
  • Patent number: 4566819
    Abstract: A clamp arrangement for use in interconnecting structural members such as those used in scaffolding and shoring framework comprises two clamps which can be interconnected for either rotation between the clamps or fixed positioning of the clamps in at least one predetermined position. The clamps in the area of interconnection have portions which are adapted to be secured to position the clamps in the corresponding predetermined fixed relative position. A securing device cooperates with the clamp portions for securing them to fix the clamps in the corresponding predetermined relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: Aluma Systems, Incorporated
    Inventor: Ronald J. Johnston
  • Patent number: 4195873
    Abstract: A lifting device for use in association with concrete forming structures is provided. The lifting device has a pair of jaws, mounted on an axle, with a lifting lug associated with one of the jaws and a handle associated with the other of the jaws so that the other jaw may be hingedly moved relative to the first jaw. A spring loaded locking pin is provided to lock the second jaw in either an open or closed position, relative to the first position. The locking pin and the handle are each operable from above the lifting device. The inner ends of each of the hook-like jaws are rounded so as to specifically match the root configuration between the web and top flange of an upper chord of a truss, or other component of a concrete forming structure intended to be lifted using the lifting device of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1980
    Assignee: Aluma Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Ronald J. Johnston
  • Patent number: 4077172
    Abstract: In "flying forms" having a plurality of trusses -- usually two -- with a plurality of beams placed across the trusses and a deck placed on the beams, an extension leg for the truss is provided so that the working height of the truss may be nearly twice its flying height. The extension leg replaces a truss upright, and mounts using the same bolting arrangement therefor. The leg comprises inner and outer legs, where the outer leg is secured to the top and bottom chords of the truss, and the inner leg is telescopically engaged within the outer leg. The shape of the inner leg is such as to accommodate the bolts which secure the outer leg to the truss chords. Holes are formed in the inner and outer legs with predetermined spacings, and pairs of pins are used to lock the inner leg in any desired position with respect to the outer leg at substantially the desired height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1978
    Inventor: Ronald J. Johnston
  • Patent number: 4033544
    Abstract: A wall forming structure is disclosed, where very large panels may be formed having sheathing placed against a plurality of studs which are, in turn, secured to at least a pair of strongbacks where the strongbacks comprise a pair of channel-shaped members in spaced back-to-back relationship. The panels are placed in opposed relationship to form a cavity into which concrete is placed to form a wall, and the panels may each be moved as a single unit -- depending upon their overall size. Indeed, using suitable spacers, the entire wall form may be constructed away from the place where a wall is to be formed, and be lifted or moved into place using suitable handling equipment such as cranes. Each strongback comprises a pair of channel-shaped members where there is an outwardly facing T-shaped slot formed in each side wall of each channel, and a pluraity of plates each having an opening through its thickness is secured to each pair of channel-shaped members at each place where a tie will extend between the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1977
    Assignee: Aluma Building Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Ronald J. Johnston