Patents by Inventor Steven L. Thompson

Steven L. Thompson 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).

  • Publication number: 20240117580
    Abstract: Guardrail, guardrail terminal, and support post designs that improve control of a vehicle during collisions are described. The disclosed designs also reduce the likelihood of intrusion into vehicle systems and the occupant compartment(s). Embodiments include folding and/or flattening of the guardrail and controlling the folded and flattened guardrail to avoid intrusion into the vehicle. Other embodiments include containing the guardrail in an impact head of a guardrail terminal, which also avoids vehicle intrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicant: Sicking Safety Systems LLC
    Inventors: Dean L. SICKING, Dakotah SICKING, Steven D. THOMPSON, Kenneth WALLS, Kevin D. SCHRUM, Joseph SCHWERTZ, David LITTLEFIELD, Andrew DAMERON
  • Patent number: 9610679
    Abstract: A tool apparatus comprises an operative member and a handle connected to the operative member. The handle comprises a core element having an elongated body, an outer surface and first and second ends opposite to each other. At least the second end is connected to the operative member. The tool handle also comprises at least one cavity extending inwardly from the outer surface of the core element and a plurality of insert blocks selectively receivable in the cavity. The tool handle further comprises an overlay disposed on the core element, wherein a height of the projection on exterior surface of the insert block is no less than a thickness of the overlay, thereby exposing the upper surface to an external environment so as to be visible to a viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: WARNER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: David R. Henke, Steven L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9422968
    Abstract: An encapsulated fastener includes a nut having a face with a concave gap adapted to receive a bolt. The nut is encapsulated by an encapsulation including an extension, which includes a tube adapted for receiving a portion of the bolt and a flange adapted for engaging a face of the nut. The encapsulation extension is placed on the nut in an overmolding tool, wherein an encapsulation base is injection molded over a portion of the encapsulation extension. The encapsulation base encapsulates the nut and extends into the nut concave gap forming a base foot and washer protrusion. The nut is encapsulated except for its bore which is sealed off during the overmolding process by a spring-mounted mandrel. Alternative embodiments of the invention include tubes with different configurations for contacting the bolt whereby the tube or cylinder is reinforced. A method and tooling for manufacturing the encapsulated fastener are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Steven L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20140366320
    Abstract: A tool apparatus comprises an operative member and a handle connected to the operative member. The handle comprises a core element having an elongated body, an outer surface and first and second ends opposite to each other. At least the second end is connected to the operative member. The tool handle also comprises at least one cavity extending inwardly from the outer surface of the core element and a plurality of insert blocks selectively receivable in the cavity. The tool handle further comprises an overlay disposed on the core element, wherein a height of the projection on exterior surface of the insert block is no less than a thickness of the overlay, thereby exposing the upper surface to an external environment so as to be visible to a viewer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: David R. HENKE, Steven L. THOMPSON
  • Patent number: 8844410
    Abstract: A tool apparatus comprises an operative member and a handle connected to the operative member. The handle comprises a core element having an elongated body, an outer surface and first and second ends opposite to each other. At least the second end is connected to the operative member. The tool handle also comprises at least one cavity extending inwardly from the outer surface of the core element and a plurality of insert blocks selectively receivable in the cavity. The tool handle further comprises an overlay disposed on the core element, wherein a height of the projection on exterior surface of the insert block is no less than a thickness of the overlay, thereby exposing the upper surface to an external environment so as to be visible to a viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Warner Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David R Henke, Steven L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20140265322
    Abstract: A conduit coupler system that employs a collar to prevent deformation of the coupler when compressed air is used to feed cable through the conduit ducts. The coupler includes a number of separate ducts and an end-seal which allows two sections of conduit to be joined together. The coupler utilizes a number of ribs to join adjacent conduit sections together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Steven L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20140265305
    Abstract: A conduit coupling construction including a coupling body threadably mounting a pair of lock nuts on its ends. Conduit ends are passed through the lock nuts and into the coupling body. Each lock nut receives a respective lock ring adapted for compression onto a respective conduit. The lock ring transforms an axial force on the conduit to a shear force to enhance gripping for pull-out resistance. The central body portion is transparent and allows an end of a conduit to pass completely through the body for more convenient installation onto two separated pieces of conduit, thereby joining them. This construction allows the coupler to be slipped over a first conduit section, aligned with a second conduit section, and the two sections joined without the need to bend either conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Steven L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20130223953
    Abstract: An encapsulated fastener includes a nut having a face with a concave gap adapted to receive a bolt. The nut is encapsulated by an encapsulation including an extension, which includes a tube adapted for receiving a portion of the bolt and a flange adapted for engaging a face of the nut. The encapsulation extension is placed on the nut in an overmolding tool, wherein an encapsulation base is injection molded over a portion of the encapsulation extension. The encapsulation base encapsulates the nut and extends into the nut concave gap forming a base foot and washer protrusion. The nut is encapsulated except for its bore which is sealed off during the overmolding process by a spring-mounted mandrel. Alternative embodiments of the invention include tubes with different configurations for contacting the bolt whereby the tube or cylinder is reinforced. A method and tooling for manufacturing the encapsulated fastener are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Steven L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8357854
    Abstract: A push plug designed to interact with and seal an open end of a length of conduit containing a cable. The plug is comprised of a cap, a neck, and a body. The body contains a number of saw-toothed annular ridges. The plug is manufactured from an elastomeric material which allows the plug to be inserted into a conduit opening of a diameter smaller than the diameter of the saw toothed ridges which creates a frictional seal which resists removal of the plug. The plug body further contains passages running longitudinally through the center of the plug. These passages allow cable run through the conduit to be drawn through the plug and inserted through a thin, flexible membrane covering the plug cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Steven L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120227552
    Abstract: A tool apparatus comprises an operative member and a handle connected to the operative member. The handle comprises a core element having an elongated body, an outer surface and first and second ends opposite to each other. At least the second end is connected to the operative member. The tool handle also comprises at least one cavity extending inwardly from the outer surface of the core element and a plurality of insert blocks selectively receivable in the cavity. The tool handle further comprises an overlay disposed on the core element, wherein a height of the projection on exterior surface of the insert block is no less than a thickness of the overlay, thereby exposing the upper surface to an external environment so as to be visible to a viewer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: WARNER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: David HENKE, Steven L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20110150603
    Abstract: An encapsulated fastener includes a nut having a face with a concave gap adapted to receive a bolt. The nut is encapsulated by an encapsulation including an extension, which includes a tube adapted for receiving a portion of the bolt and a flange adapted for engaging a face of the nut. The encapsulation extension is placed on the nut in an overmolding tool, wherein an encapsulation base is injection molded over a portion of the encapsulation extension. The encapsulation base encapsulates the nut and extends into the nut concave gap forming a base foot and washer protrusion. The nut is encapsulated except for its bore which is sealed off during the overmolding process by a spring-mounted mandrel. Alternative embodiments of the invention include tubes with different configurations for contacting the bolt whereby the tube or cylinder is reinforced. A method and tooling for manufacturing the encapsulated fastener are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Steven L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7896751
    Abstract: An encapsulated fastener includes a nut having a face with a concave gap adapted to receive a bolt. The nut is encapsulated by an encapsulation including an extension, which includes a tube adapted for receiving a portion of the bolt and a flange adapted for engaging a face of the nut. The encapsulation extension is placed on the nut in an overmolding tool, wherein an encapsulation base is injection molded over a portion of the encapsulation extension. The encapsulation base encapsulates the nut and extends into the nut concave gap forming a base foot and washer protrusion. The nut is encapsulated except for its bore which is sealed off during the overmolding process by a spring-mounted mandrel. Alternative embodiments of the invention include tubes with different configurations for contacting the bolt whereby the tube or cylinder is reinforced. A method and tooling for manufacturing the encapsulated fastener are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Steven L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20100184522
    Abstract: An encapsulated fastener includes a nut having a face with a concave gap adapted to receive a bolt. The nut is encapsulated by an encapsulation including an extension, which includes a tube adapted for receiving a portion of the bolt and a flange adapted for engaging a face of the nut. The encapsulation extension is placed on the nut in an overmolding tool, wherein an encapsulation base is injection molded over a portion of the encapsulation extension. The encapsulation base encapsulates the nut and extends into the nut concave gap forming a base foot and washer protrusion. The nut is encapsulated except for its bore which is sealed off during the overmolding process by a spring-mounted mandrel. Alternative embodiments of the invention include tubes with different configurations for contacting the bolt whereby the tube or cylinder is reinforced. A method and tooling for manufacturing the encapsulated fastener are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Steven L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20100181728
    Abstract: A push plug designed to interact with and seal an open end of a length of conduit containing a cable. The plug is comprised of a cap, a neck, and a body. The body contains a number of saw-toothed annular ridges. The plug is manufactured from an elastomeric material which allows the plug to be inserted into a conduit opening of a diameter smaller than the diameter of the saw toothed ridges which creates a frictional seal which resists removal of the plug. The plug body further contains passages running longitudinally through the center of the plug. These passages allow cable run through the conduit to be drawn through the plug and inserted through a thin, flexible membrane covering the plug cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Steven L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20080206016
    Abstract: An encapsulated fastener includes a nut adapted to receive a bolt. The nut is encapsulated by an encapsulation including an extension, which includes a tube adapted for receiving a portion of the bolt and a flange adapted for engaging a face of the nut. The encapsulation extension is placed on the nut in an overmolding tool, wherein an encapsulation base is injection molded over a portion of the encapsulation extension. The encapsulation base encapsulates the nut, except for its bore, which is sealed off during the overmolding process by a spring-mounted mandrel. Alternative embodiments of the invention include tubes with different configurations for contacting the bolt whereby the tube or cylinder is reinforced. A method and tooling for manufacturing the encapsulated fastener are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Steven L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7250003
    Abstract: An encapsulated fastener includes a nut adapted to receive a bolt. The nut is encapsulated by an encapsulation including an extension, which includes a tube adapted for receiving a portion of the bolt and a flange adapted for engaging a face of the nut. The encapsulation extension is placed on the nut in an overmolding tool, wherein an encapsulation base is injection molded over a portion of the encapsulation extension. The encapsulation base encapsulates the nut, except for its bore, which is sealed off during the overmolding process by a spring-mounted mandrel. Alternative embodiments of the invention include tubes with different configurations for contacting the bolt whereby the tube or cylinder is reinforced. A method and tooling for manufacturing the encapsulated fastener are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Steven L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5433004
    Abstract: A blade scraper including a housing having a top cover case and a bottom containing case, a resilient trigger assembly generally disposing in the housing and a finger-actuating portion of the trigger assembly projecting from the housing through an elongated slot on the top cover case, and a scraping blade secured at a front end of the trigger assembly. The trigger assembly includes projections biasedly inserted into slots on the top cover case of the housing. The blade scraper is operated among a blade loading position, a blade scraping position and a blade storing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Warner Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Steven L. Thompson, David R. Henke
  • Patent number: D430476
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Warner Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Steven L. Thompson, Arlan D. Lothe
  • Patent number: D693077
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Warner Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Steven L. Thompson
  • Patent number: D981196
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Warner Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Steven L. Thompson