Patents by Inventor Stephen C. Shear

Stephen C. Shear 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: 7213694
    Abstract: A drive device includes a first member including a first shoulder, and a second member positioned in close proximity to the first member and including a second shoulder. The device also includes a coupling arrangement including a strut having a first edge for direct engagement with the first shoulder, a second edge for engagement with the second shoulder and supported for pivotal movement between engaged and overrun positions, based on relative rotation of the first and second members such that the first member drives the second member in a drive mode with the strut in the engaged position and the first and second members can overrun with respect to one another with the strut in the overrun position. The coupling arrangement also includes a cushioning member disposed between the second edge and the second shoulder for cushioning each initial engagement of the strut in the drive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: EXP, L.P.
    Inventors: Frank A. Fitz, Wayne K. Higashi, Paul B Pires, Stephen C. Shear
  • Patent number: 6896111
    Abstract: A one-way drive device includes a first, drive member rotatable about an axis in both a drive direction and an opposite, overrun direction. The one-way drive device also includes a second, driven member rotatable about the axis in at least a driven direction. The one-way drive device further includes a coupling arrangement including at least one strut cooperating with the first and second members such that the first member is able to drive the second member in the driven direction by causing the strut to initially engage and remain engaged between the first and second members during the time the first member drives the second member. In addition, the coupling arrangement includes a cushioning arrangement for cushioning the initial engagement of the strut between the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: EXP, L.P.
    Inventors: Frank A. Fitz, Wayne K. Higashi, Paul B Pires, Stephen C. Shear
  • Patent number: 6760080
    Abstract: The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment, provides for a light modulating cell assembly especially suitable as eyewear including a detector and a light blocking arrangement at least partially surrounding a detector for allowing only light from a limited range of ambient directions to directly reaching said detector. In accordance with another embodiment there is a light transmissivity control arrangement including auxiliary means for controlling the state of said light modulating medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventors: Garret R. Moddel, Stephen C. Shear
  • Publication number: 20030188947
    Abstract: A one-way drive device includes a first, drive member rotatable about an axis in both a drive direction and an opposite, overrun direction. The one-way drive device also includes a second, driven member rotatable about the axis in at least a driven direction. The one-way drive device further includes a coupling arrangement including at least one strut cooperating with the first and second members such that the first member is able to drive the second member in the driven direction by causing the strut to initially engage and remain engaged between the first and second members during the time the first member drives the second member. In addition, the coupling arrangement includes a cushioning arrangement for cushioning the initial engagement of the strut between the first and second members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Frank A. Fitz, Wayne K. Higashi, Paul B. Pires, Stephen C. Shear
  • Patent number: 4466217
    Abstract: A technique for aiding in placing a planter pot into and removing it from a plant hanger is disclosed herein. The plant hanger is of the type having a plurality of cords extending from a common top to a bottom base section and the technique disclosed serves to spread these cords apart to allow passage of the plant pot into and out of the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Inventor: Stephen C. Shear