Patents by Inventor Russell G. McMillen

Russell G. McMillen 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: 7077288
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vending machine of the single vend type for dispensing newspapers, magazines, or other items. The machine generally includes a housing having a discharge opening, and a storage area having an inclined surface upon which a plurality of articles are stacked. A movable gate adjacent the storage area retains the articles therewithin. Upon insertion of a proper coin total into the machine, a drive device moves the gate downwardly until an uppermost article in the stack passes through the gate and is dispensed. The dispensed article, upon passing through the gate, actuates a switch to cause the drive device to reverse and move the gate upwardly a distance above the uppermost article in the stack, such that even if the machine is shaken, jostled, or tilted, the uppermost article in the stack is retained by the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Russell G McMillen
  • Publication number: 20040245277
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vending machine of the single vend type for dispensing newspapers, magazines, or other items. The machine generally includes a housing having a discharge opening, and a storage area having an inclined surface upon which a plurality of articles are stacked. A movable gate adjacent the storage area retains the articles therewithin. Upon insertion of a proper coin total into the machine, a drive device moves the gate downwardly until an uppermost article in the stack passes through the gate and is dispensed. The dispensed article, upon passing through the gate, actuates a switch to cause the drive device to reverse and move the gate upwardly a distance above the uppermost article in the stack, such that even if the machine is shaken, jostled, or tilted, the uppermost article in the stack is retained by the gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Russell G. McMillen
  • Patent number: 4712805
    Abstract: A flexible mount for resiliently securing a first member to a second member so that the first member can be deflected relative to the second member in response to an applied force and so that the first member returns to an equilibrium position when the applied force is removed includes an elongate stud having a center axis and a nut threadably engaged on one end of the stud for securing same to the second member and a body of elastomeric material encapsulating and joined to the other end of the elongate stud. The body of elastomeric material includes a body center axis disposed at a small angle with respect to the stud center axis and a tab for securing the first member to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Inventor: Russell G. McMillen
  • Patent number: 4373577
    Abstract: A readily fabricated, compact toroidal or radial heat exchanger assembly (10) including fore and aft ring-like distributor tanks (11,12) and a generally circular core assembly (13) sandwiched therein between. The heat exchanger assembly (10) additionally includes a rotary blower (14), positioned radially inwardly of the core assembly (13) and distributor tanks (11,12), which is adapted to draw air axially and force the same radially outwardly through the core assembly (13) and around the distributor tanks (11,12). The ring-like distributor tanks (11,12) are provided with the interior and exterior fins (44,39) which function as heat transfer surfaces and thus the tanks (11,12), per se, are utilized as heat dissipating means along with the core assembly (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Assignee: International Harvester Co.
    Inventor: Russell G. McMillen
  • Patent number: 4210221
    Abstract: A break-away gear shifting mechanism, for use in a motor truck having a tilt cab, wherein a gear shift lever mounted inside the cab uncouples from a gear shift control shaft and the control shaft uncouples from a support bearing on the underside of the cab upon the tilting of the cab about a forward pivot axis; and reengage upon the pivoting of the cab back to an upright operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1980
    Assignee: International Harvester Company
    Inventors: Russell G. McMillen, Noel E. Leitzman
  • Patent number: 4206826
    Abstract: A break-away gear shifting mechanism, for use in a motor truck having a tilt cab, wherein a gear shift lever mounted inside the cab uncouples from a telescopic gear shift control shaft, which is supported at one end on the underside of the cab and is supported at the opposite end on the gear shifting mechanism, and telescopes outwardly or expands upon the tilting of the cab about a forward pivot axis; and reengages with the control shaft upon the pivoting of the cab back to an upright operating position simultaneously with the control telescoping inwardly or retracting to its original length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1980
    Assignee: International Harvester Company
    Inventors: Russell G. McMillen, Noel E. Leitzman