Patents by Inventor Steven W. Hockema

Steven W. Hockema 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: 20250188699
    Abstract: A modular pit frame is provided. The modular pit frame is configured to receive a lid which fits over a tile and has one of a plurality of lid types. This modular pit frame also includes a riser having an opening bordered by a modular rim that includes a plurality of rim sections. Each of the plurality of rim sections is configured to accommodate a lid type of the plurality of lid types. The plurality of rim sections also includes a first rim section, a second rim section, and a third rim section. The first rim section includes a first rim wall that depends into the opening and forms a first portion of a periphery of the opening. The second rim section includes a second rim wall that depends into the opening and forms a second portion of the periphery of the opening. The second rim wall depends further into the opening than the first rim wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2024
    Publication date: June 12, 2025
    Inventor: Steven W. Hockema
  • Patent number: 8350719
    Abstract: A meter pit lid plug and bracket assembly configured to suspend a transmitter plug inside a meter pit is provide. The meter pit lid plug and bracket assembly includes a plug and a bracket. The plug includes a head and a stem that extends from the head. The stem is also configured to extend through a hole in a meter pit having a top surface. The head is sized to rest on the top surface of the meter pit lid and is configured to hold the stem in the hole. The bracket is configured to hold the transmitter plug inside the meter pit. The stem is selectively engageable with the base so that when the stem is connected with the base, both the plug and bracket are configured to hold and suspend the transmitter plug inside the meter box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: The Ford Meter Box Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Hockema, Mark E. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20110006182
    Abstract: A meter pit lid plug and bracket assembly configured to suspend a transmitter plug inside a meter pit is provide. The meter pit lid plug and bracket assembly includes a plug and a bracket. The plug includes a head and a stem that extends from the head. The stem is also configured to extend through a hole in a meter pit having a top surface. The head is sized to rest on the top surface of the meter pit lid and is configured to hold the stem in the hole. The bracket is configured to hold the transmitter plug inside the meter pit. The stem is selectively engageable with the base so that when the stem is connected with the base, both the plug and bracket are configured to hold and suspend the transmitter plug inside the meter box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: THE FORD METER BOX COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Steven W. Hockema, Mark E. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20070283818
    Abstract: A pit cover assembly having a base and a plurality of surfaces is provided. The base includes a hole disposed therethrough and has first and second surfaces. The plurality of surfaces extend from the first surface of the base, are spaced apart from each other, and are configured to engage a pit wall. Each of these surfaces is located on the first surface of the base a radial distance from the hole. At least one of the surfaces is radially adjustable with respect to the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: THE FORD METER BOX COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven W. Hockema, Claude Brane, Rex G. Forbes, Robert W. Huddleston