Patents by Inventor Steven C. Dupay
Steven C. Dupay 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).
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Patent number: 9956608Abstract: A metal matrix composite article is described that includes a metal component, a ceramic component, and a lubricious component. The metal matrix composite article has a first surface and a second surface. The lubricious component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The ceramic component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The metal component is present in an amount that is highest at the second surface and is lowest at the first surface. In some cases, the metal matrix composite article is a wear plate for a fifth wheel hitch.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: REL, INC.Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus, Steven C. Dupay
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Publication number: 20160221076Abstract: A metal matrix composite article is described that includes a metal component, a ceramic component, and a lubricious component. The metal matrix composite article has a first surface and a second surface. The lubricious component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The ceramic component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The metal component is present in an amount that is highest at the second surface and is lowest at the first surface. In some cases, the metal matrix composite article is a wear plate for a fifth wheel hitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2016Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus, Steven C. Dupay
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Patent number: 9238390Abstract: A metal matrix composite article is described that includes a metal component, a ceramic component, and a lubricious component. The metal matrix composite article has a first surface and a second surface. The lubricious component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The ceramic component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The metal component is present in an amount that is highest at the second surface and is lowest at the first surface. In some cases, the metal matrix composite article is a wear plate for a fifth wheel hitch.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: REL, Inc.Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus, Steven C. Dupay
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Publication number: 20100244406Abstract: A semi-tractor including a pair of C-shaped frame rails and having a rail distance therebetween, a fifth wheel hitch having mounting areas therein, mounting brackets located within the mounting areas, and a support assembly supporting the mounting brackets. An outside distance between the mounting areas is shorter than the rail distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventors: William J. Hicks, Roger L. Elkins, Steven C. Dupay, Mark M. Audo, Samuel A. Martin
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Patent number: 7766361Abstract: A kingpin assembly comprises a housing having a recess located therein, a collar member operably coupled to the housing, and an integral single-piece kingpin having at least a portion located within the recess of the housing, wherein the housing and collar cooperate to rotationally secure the kingpin within the recess of the housing, and wherein the kingpin provides a sole rotational support for the kingpin with respect to the housing and the collar.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.Inventors: Gerald W. Hungerink, Steven C. Dupay, Richard T. Polanic, Eric M. Terpsma, Jason D. C. Howe, Justin D. Keatley, Daniel R. Dykstra, Randy L. Schutt
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Publication number: 20090108556Abstract: A kingpin assembly comprises a housing having a recess located therein, a collar member operably coupled to the housing, and an integral single-piece kingpin having at least a portion located within the recess of the housing, wherein the housing and collar cooperate to rotationally secure the kingpin within the recess of the housing, and wherein the kingpin provides a sole rotational support for the kingpin with respect to the housing and the collar.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Gerald W. Hungerink, Steven C. Dupay, Richard T. Polanic, Eric M. Terpsma, Jason D.C. Howe, Justin D. Keatley, Daniel R. Dykstra, Randy L. Schutt
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Publication number: 20080265545Abstract: A short span fifth wheel hitch comprising a hitch plate, at least one back rib, a peripheral flange connected to ends of the back rib, and a main rib extending between the back rib and a portion of the peripheral flange, with the main rib being connected to ends of the peripheral flange. The fifth wheel hitch also includes skirts extending from the hitch plate adjacent the back rib. At least two pairs of mounting ribs are located interior of the peripheral flange and the back rib, each pair of mounting ribs including aligned apertures for accepting a mounting pin therein, whereby a mounting bracket can be inserted into a space between the mounting ribs of each pair of mounting ribs and the mounting pin can be placed through the aligned apertures and the mounting bracket to connect the fifth wheel hitch to a tractor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: William J. Hicks, Roger L. Elkins, Steven C. Dupay, Mark M. Audo, Samuel A. Martin
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Patent number: 7416204Abstract: A short span fifth wheel hitch comprising a hitch plate, at least one back rib, a peripheral flange connected to ends of the back rib, and a main rib extending between the back rib and a portion of the peripheral flange, with the main rib being connected to ends of the peripheral flange. The fifth wheel hitch also includes skirts extending from the hitch plate adjacent the back rib. At least two pairs of mounting ribs are located interior of the peripheral flange and the back rib, each pair of mounting ribs including aligned apertures for accepting a mounting pin therein, whereby a mounting bracket can be inserted into a space between the mounting ribs of each pair of mounting ribs and the mounting pin can be placed through the aligned apertures and the mounting bracket to connect the fifth wheel hitch to a tractor.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.Inventors: William J. Hicks, Roger L. Elkins, Steven C. Dupay, Mark M. Audo, Samuel A. Martin
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Patent number: 7152869Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a hitch plate and a locking mechanism. The hitch plate includes a throat for receiving a kingpin of a trailer. The locking mechanism locks the kingpin in the throat and includes a pair of lock jaws whose lock jaw contact surface, which contacts the kingpin, is treated with an alloy obviating the need for a lubricant while maintaining the wear life of the pair of lock jaws.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: The Holland Group, Inc.Inventors: Steven C. Dupay, Randy L. Schutt
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Patent number: 7140633Abstract: A fifth wheel mounting assembly for mounting a fifth wheel hitch plate to a frame of a tractor that includes a pair of first support members adapted to be fixedly coupled to a pair of rails of a tractor, and each having a plurality of first apertures, and a pair of first mounting brackets each including a plurality of apertures that receive mounting hardware therein, wherein the mounting hardware extends through the plurality of apertures of the first mounting bracket and through the plurality of first apertures of the support members, thereby fixedly coupling the mounting brackets with the support members. Each mounting bracket further includes an inwardly exposed aperture adapted to receive a mounting pin therein for pivotally coupling a fifth wheel hitch plate to the mounting brackets, and a recess.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: The Holland Group, Inc.Inventors: Mark M. Audo, David R. Pernesky, Steven C. Dupay, Michael H. Ginocchio, Gerald W. Hungerink
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Patent number: 6739611Abstract: A sensing system employs multiple sensors utilizing mounting structure integrated into a fifth wheel hitch and which is protected from the environment, is capable of accurately measuring forces along longitudinal and vertical axes for providing information as to roll, pitch, yaw, and drawbar load and which utilizes sensors which provide output signals for display and control. In one embodiment, a fifth wheel includes mounting boxes formed on an undersurface thereof on opposite sides of the kingpin receiving slot and a force-sensing unit mounted within each of said mounting boxes. Each force-sensing unit includes a vertical sensor positioned fore and aft of the vertical hitch axis and forward and aft horizontal force sensors.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: The Holland Group, Inc.Inventors: Jack L. Gisinger, Gerald W. Hungerink, Steven C. Dupay, Randy L. Schutt
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Publication number: 20040021290Abstract: An integrated fifth-wheel hitch and axle suspension assembly for mounting on a truck with a pair of spaced apart frame rails comprises a fifth-wheel hitch carriage adapted for mounting a fifth-wheel hitch, a pair of suspension brackets for mounting an axle suspension component and an integrating connector rigidly connecting the fifth-wheel hitch carriage to the suspension brackets at opposite sides of the hitch carriage. The integrating connector, the hitch carriage and the suspension brackets define an elongated opening for slidably receiving the truck frame rails so that the integrated fifth-wheel hitch and axle suspension assembly can slide as a unit onto the truck frame rails. An integrated connection interface includes a plurality of electronic and pneumatic connectors in a connector harness for selectively connecting electronic and pneumatic systems on a truck with electronic and pneumatic components of an integrated fifth-wheel hitch and axle suspension assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventors: William J. Hicks, Roger L. Elkins, Steven C. Dupay, Mark M. Audo
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Patent number: 6592230Abstract: The truck rearview mirror assembly of the present invention is used on a truck having a coupling status system for sensing trailer coupling status. The rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror housing adapted for mounting to a truck, a mirror disposed within the mirror housing, and a display carried by the housing. The display is coupled to the coupling status system for displaying trailer coupling status information to a driver of the truck.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Holland Hitch CompanyInventor: Steven C Dupay
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Publication number: 20030047906Abstract: A short span fifth wheel hitch comprising a hitch plate, at least one back rib, a peripheral flange connected to ends of the back rib, and a main rib extending between the back rib and a portion of the peripheral flange, with the main rib being connected to ends of the peripheral flange. The fifth wheel hitch also includes skirts extending from the hitch plate adjacent the back rib. At least two pairs of mounting ribs are located interior of the peripheral flange and the back rib, each pair of mounting ribs including aligned apertures for accepting a mounting pin therein, whereby a mounting bracket can be inserted into a space between the mounting ribs of each pair of mounting ribs and the mounting pin can be placed through the aligned apertures and the mounting bracket to connect the fifth wheel hitch to a tractor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventors: William J. Hicks, Roger L. Elkins, Steven C. Dupay, Mark M. Audo, Samuel A. Martin
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Publication number: 20030047907Abstract: An integrated fifth-wheel hitch and axle suspension assembly for mounting on a truck with a pair of spaced apart frame rails comprises a fifth-wheel hitch carriage adapted for mounting a fifth-wheel hitch, a pair of suspension brackets for mounting an axle suspension component and an integrating connector rigidly connecting the fifth-wheel hitch carriage to the suspension brackets at opposite sides of the hitch carriage. The integrating connector, the hitch carriage and the suspension brackets define an elongated opening for slidably receiving the truck frame rails so that the integrated fifth-wheel hitch and axle suspension assembly can slide as a unit onto the truck frame rails. An integrated connection interface includes a plurality of electronic and pneumatic connectors in a connector harness for selectively connecting electronic and pneumatic systems on a truck with electronic and pneumatic components of an integrated fifth-wheel hitch and axle suspension assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventors: William J. Hicks, Roger L. Elkins, Steven C. Dupay, Mark M. Audo, Samuel A. Martin
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Patent number: 6452485Abstract: An electronic system that includes a trailer sensor, a lock sensor and a control circuit determine whether a trailer hitch assembly is properly coupled to a trailer. The trailer sensor senses the position of the trailer relative to the trailer hitch assembly and the lock sensor senses the position of the locking mechanism. The control circuit is coupled to the trailer sensor and the lock sensor and masks an output of the lock sensor for a first predetermined stabilization period after the control circuit initially determines that the trailer hitch assembly is properly coupled to the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: The Holland Group, Inc.Inventors: Randy L. Schutt, Steven C. Dupay, Michael H. Ginocchio, Kurt A. Dykema
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Publication number: 20020067025Abstract: A sensing system employs multiple sensors utilizing mounting structure integrated into a fifth wheel hitch and which is protected from the environment, is capable of accurately measuring forces along longitudinal and vertical axes for providing information as to roll, pitch, yaw, and drawbar load and which utilizes sensors which provide output signals for display and control. In one embodiment, a fifth wheel includes mounting boxes formed on an undersurface thereof on opposite sides of the kingpin receiving slot and a force-sensing unit mounted within each of said mounting boxes. Each force-sensing unit includes a vertical sensor positioned fore and aft of the vertical hitch axis and forward and aft horizontal force sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: Jack L. Gisinger, Gerald W. Hungerink, Steven C. Dupay, Randy L. Schutt
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Publication number: 20020024430Abstract: An electronic system that includes a trailer sensor, a lock sensor and a control circuit determines whether a trailer hitch assembly is properly coupled to a trailer. The trailer sensor senses the position of the trailer relative to the trailer hitch assembly and the lock sensor senses the position of the locking mechanism. The control circuit is coupled to the trailer sensor and the lock sensor and masks an output of the lock sensor for a first predetermined stabilization period after the control circuit initially determines that the trailer hitch assembly is properly coupled to the trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Inventors: Randy L. Schutt, Steven C. Dupay, Michael H. Ginocchio, Kurt A. Dykema
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Publication number: 20010022731Abstract: The truck rearview mirror assembly of the present invention is used on a truck having a coupling status system for sensing trailer coupling status. The rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror housing adapted for mounting to a truck, a mirror disposed within the mirror housing, and a display carried by the housing. The display is coupled to the coupling status system for displaying trailer coupling status information to a driver of the truck.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2001Publication date: September 20, 2001Inventor: Steven C. Dupay
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Patent number: 6285278Abstract: An electronic system monitors a trailer hitch assembly that has a hitch plate with a throat for receiving a kingpin of a trailer and a locking mechanism for locking the kingpin in throat. The system determines whether the trailer hitch assembly is properly coupled to the trailer and includes a trailer sensor, a lock sensor, and a control circuit. The trailer sensor senses the position of the trailer relative to the trailer hitch assembly and the lock sensor senses the position of the locking mechanism. The control circuit is coupled to the trailer sensor and the lock sensor. The control circuit determines whether the trailer hitch assembly is properly coupled to the trailer by taking into account the sequence in which the trailer sensor and the lock sensor sense the respective positions of the trailer and the locking mechanism, as well as, the time periods elapsing between the sensing at such positions.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Holland Hitch CompanyInventors: Randy L. Schutt, Steven C. Dupay, Michael H. Ginocchio