Patents by Inventor Ronald L. Dirck

Ronald L. Dirck 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: 5823097
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting, storing, and transferring waste cooking oil from commercial fryers. The present device includes a holding tank having a sloped bottom wall, an input conduit for connection to a supply of waste grease or oil, and an output conduit for transferring the oil to a disposal facility. The holding tank includes a pump having an internal grinder for pulverizing solids such as chicken parts or french fries, and the pump is operated by a drive motor having limiting timer which prevents the motor and/or pump from being destroyed if inadvertently left on. A system of float switches mounted within the holding tank monitor the level of waste oil in the chamber, and trigger an internal heating element which prevents the oil form solidifying. The float switches also activate external warning lights which alert the operator when the tank is ar or near capacity, and also interrupt the pump operation to prevent overfill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Ronald L. Dirck
  • Patent number: 5499844
    Abstract: A safety restraint apparatus that includes an upper and lower frame which each have lock mechanisms conveniently located out of the reach of the prisoners and readily accessible to the law enforcement personnel from the entrance way. The upper restraint frame is pivotally connected to the ceiling and is suspended above the prisoners in a released position to prevent interference upon ingress and egress. The upper frame pivots downward into a restraint position to prevent the prisoners from standing or moving about within the vehicle. The lower restraint frame pivots horizontally into a restraint position to secure the prisoner's ankles and legs. Each restraint frame includes a padded cross bar which overlies the prisoners' upper and lower bodies not only to brace the prisoners against impact but also to prevent the prisoner from voluntarily moving about with in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Ronald L. Dirck
  • Patent number: 5454596
    Abstract: A body safety restraint apparatus used in a prisoner transportation vehicle for restraining and bracing prisoners against impact and movement within the transportation vehicle. The restraint apparatus includes a pivotal restraint frame and a locking mechanism. The restraint frame pivots between an entry position for allowing prisoners to enter the vehicle and a restraint position overlying the prisoners while in a seated position. The restraint frame includes a horizontal bar extending across the prisoners' upper bodies and a horizontal restraint extending across the prisoners' laps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Ronald L. Dirck
  • Patent number: 5080416
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated kit for the assembly of a portable prisoner module which is adaptable to use in a conventional van-type vehicle. The kit comprises a series of panels which, when assembled in such a vehicle, forms a box-like container with visual communication between the interior of the container and the van drivers compartment and a rear door unit providing ingress to and egress from the interior of the container. The kit contains two door units, one with a single door and the other with dual side by side doors and a divider for use with the latter. When the divider and the dual-door unit are utilized, the module is divided into two compartments to which access is permitted selectively and individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: Ronald L. Dirck
  • Patent number: 4679847
    Abstract: A removable top for a vehicle such as a pick up truck. The top includes a single of lightweight transparent material which covers a top opening and a rear opening of the vehicle cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Inventor: Ronald L. Dirck
  • Patent number: 4470228
    Abstract: A portable prisoner transport module which is easily adaptable to use in any conventional van-type vehicle. The module is a box-like container with a door connected to its rear wall, permitting access into the module. The module may be easily inserted into and removed from a van by two to four men, and may be temporarily secured in the van by removable bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Inventor: Ronald L. Dirck
  • Patent number: 4159141
    Abstract: A security vehicle, such as for transporting prisoners, having a passenger compartment with a door opening therein. The door opening is secured by first and second pairs of doors which can be locked independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1979
    Inventor: Ronald L. Dirck
  • Patent number: D366645
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: Ronald L. Dirck