Patents by Inventor Steve P. Plager

Steve P. Plager 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: 5280808
    Abstract: An air control valve for directing air flow in a double-acting reciprocable motor, where the valve has a first link which is pivotally connected at one end to the motor and mechanically coupled along its length to a reciprocable motor member; a second link pivotally connected to the same point as the first link, and having an over-center spring detent mechanism to position it in either of two pivot positions; both of the links having alignable transverse slots, with a compression coil spring engaged in both slots; and a slide valve member attached to the second link and pivotally movable therewith, to direct the air flow into either of the double-acting motor drive members, the air valve toggling to its second position near the end of the motor drive stroke to cause the motor to reciprocate in the other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Graco Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Kvinge, Marlin R. Melquist, Steve P. Plager
  • Patent number: 5240390
    Abstract: An air control valve for directing air flow in a double-acting reciprocable motor, where the valve has a first link which is pivotally connected at one end to the motor and mechanically coupled along its length to a reciprocable motor member; a second link pivotally connected to the same point as the first link, and having an over-center spring detent mechanism to position it in either of two pivot positions; both of the links having alignable transverse slots, with a compression coil spring engaged in both slots; and a slide valve member attached to the second link and pivotally movable therewith, to direct the air flow into either of the double-acting motor drive members, the air valve toggling to its second position near the end of the motor drive stroke to cause the motor to reciprocate in the other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Graco Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Kvinge, Marlin R. Melquist, Steve P. Plager