Patents by Inventor Ronald J. McLaughlin

Ronald J. McLaughlin 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: 5791679
    Abstract: An improved torque rod assembly is provided for connecting a vehicle axle to a frame comprising a torque rod with forged ends, each forged end having an eyelet and a cylindrical bar pin extending therethrough wherein the torque rod assembly is adaptable to a plurality of mounting angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventor: Ronald J. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 5788265
    Abstract: A torsional bushing system is provided and includes an elongated inner member that has disposed thereon a plurality of elastomer bushings of a generally square configuration. The assembly is inserted into a housing which is connected to a trailer, automobile or other vehicle. The end of the inner member is linked to a wheel assembly for the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventor: Ronald J. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 5676356
    Abstract: A flexible bolster for installation between two load-carrying members in a vehicle suspension. The bolster comprises a block of rubber or rubber-like elastomer sandwiched between two end plates. The block of rubber preferably has molded thereon a plurality of metal washers or plates oriented parallel to each other and the end plates. A bore extends axially through the end plates and block of rubber. A rebound control restraint is disposed in the bore. The restraint comprise a length of cable having retainers swaged to its opposite ends. Each retainer has an enlarged part or assembly which bears against the outer side of one of the end plates. The restraint acts to limit the extent to which the end plates separate when the bolster is under tension and thereby controls rebound. The restraint is free so as not to absorb compression or shear forces applied to the bolster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: The Boler Company
    Inventors: Martin A. Ekonen, Tjong T. Lie, Ronald J. McLaughlin, Charles A. Vanbreemen
  • Patent number: 5657958
    Abstract: A seat post assembly attaching a seat to a bicycle is provided. The assembly includes an elastomeric shock absorbing subassembly bonded to a curved bar which is received in a tube of the bicycle at one end and attaches to a seat at the other. The subassembly is also retained on the inside of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Monroe Clevite Elastomers Division of The Pullman Company
    Inventors: Ronald J. McLaughlin, Kevin J. Jaworski
  • Patent number: 5564521
    Abstract: A torque rod assembly includes two subassemblies. The subassemblies are configured in a V-shape and comprise forged eyelets joined by a solid bar extending through the eyelets at an apex end of the V. Within the eyelets there is an elastomer bushing. The elastomer bushings surround the metal bar joining the subassemblies. The assembly is suitably installed on a vehicle with the apex end connected to the axle assembly and the opposite end attached to the frame of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventors: Ronald J. McLaughlin, Darin J. Hull
  • Patent number: 5328160
    Abstract: A rubber-metal bushing includes a seamless inner metal DOM tube surrounded by an elastomer cylinder. A flanged ferrule is press fit into one or both ends of the tube so that the flange engages an end portion of the cylinder. The bushing is cost reduced by replacing the DOM tube with a seamed tube formed from flat stock. An adhesive at the tube-ferrule interface maintains the two elements together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventor: Ronald J. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 5266210
    Abstract: Wastewater contaminated with heavy metals is treated in a multi-stage process. In a first stage, wastewater is treated with an effective amount of calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide in the form of lime to adjust the pH so that various metals in the water become insoluble. Gypsum formation may also occur if sulfate ions are present in the wastewater. In a second stage, an effective amount of sodium carbonate is added in the form of soda ash to allow formation of calcium carbonate. In a third stage, a coagulant, preferably a polymer, is added to facilitate the formation of a sludge comprising heavy metals, gypsum and calcium carbonate. In a final stage, the pH of the resulting effluent may be adjusted with a suitable acid, such as hydrochloric acid, to attain acceptable discharge requirements. The sludge formed is substantially stable and dewatered and has low toxic metal leaching characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: McLaughlin Water Engineers, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald J. McLaughlin