Patents by Inventor Thomas G. Fulbright

Thomas G. Fulbright 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: 11654534
    Abstract: In a multi-bit screwdriver, a locking mechanism is formed from a tubular shaft having a passageway for facilitating travel of a selected bit through the passageway. A locking finger is formed longitudinally in the shaft and cantilevered from the shaft at a rearward end of the locking finger for facilitating radial spring action at a forward end of the locking finger. A locked detent and an unlocked detent are formed in the locking finger and are longitudinally spaced from each other, the locked detent being rearward of the unlocked detent. A track extends from the locked detent to the unlocked detent. A locking sleeve is slidably positioned on the shaft proximate the locking finger. A roller ball is mounted in the locking sleeve portion for engaging the locked detent or the unlocked detent, the roller ball being rollable along the track between the locked detent and the unlocked detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Wheelfloat, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Snook, Thomas G. Fulbright
  • Patent number: 11148276
    Abstract: A screwdriver stores in a storage device multiple bits readily selectable for retrieval and use. The storage device includes at least one cartridge defining a cavity for receiving at least one bit. A receiver defines at least one cell for receiving the at least one cartridge, and a passageway extends longitudinally along the center of the receiver to an opening defined in an external surface of the receiver. Springs are employed for biasing the at least one cartridge in a first position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is not aligned with the passageway, or in a second position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is aligned with the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Wheelfloat, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Snook, Thomas G. Fulbright
  • Publication number: 20210170555
    Abstract: In a multi-bit screwdriver, a locking mechanism is formed from a tubular shaft having a passageway for facilitating travel of a selected bit through the passageway. A locking finger is formed longitudinally in the shaft and cantilevered from the shaft at a rearward end of the locking finger for facilitating radial spring action at a forward end of the locking finger. A locked detent and an unlocked detent are formed in the locking finger and are longitudinally spaced from each other, the locked detent being rearward of the unlocked detent. A track extends from the locked detent to the unlocked detent. A locking sleeve is slidably positioned on the shaft proximate the locking finger. A roller ball is mounted in the locking sleeve portion for engaging the locked detent or the unlocked detent, the roller ball being rollable along the track between the locked detent and the unlocked detent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: Wheelfloat, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Snook, Thomas G. Fulbright
  • Patent number: 10442074
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing for use an item selected and retrieved from an opening in a storage device configured for storing one or more items, includes a tubular shaft extending from the opening in the storage device for receiving the selected item from the storage device. A passageway is defined within the tubular shaft for facilitating travel of the selected item from the opening in the storage device to an end of the shaft opposing the opening. At least one locking block and stop is configured for securing the selected item at the end of the tubular shaft opposing the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Wheelfloat, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Fulbright, Jonathan D. Snook
  • Publication number: 20190047134
    Abstract: A storage device includes at least one cartridge defining a cavity for receiving at least one storage item. A receiver defines at least one cell for receiving the at least one cartridge, and a passageway extends longitudinally along the center of the receiver to an opening defined in an external surface of the receiver. Springs are employed for biasing the at least one cartridge in a first position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is not aligned with the passageway, or in a second position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is aligned with the passageway. In one application, the storage device is adapted for storing bits in a multi-bit screwdriver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Applicant: Wheelfloat, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Snook, Thomas G. Fulbright
  • Patent number: 10076835
    Abstract: A storage device includes at least one cartridge defining a cavity for receiving at least one storage item. A receiver defines at least one cell for receiving the at least one cartridge, and a passageway extends longitudinally along the center of the receiver to an opening defined in an external surface of the receiver. Magnets are secured to the receiver and at least one cartridge for magnetically biasing the at least one cartridge in a first position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is not aligned with the passageway, and in a second position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is aligned with the passageway. In one application, the storage device is adapted for storing bits in a multi-bit screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Wheelfloat, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Snook, Thomas G. Fulbright
  • Publication number: 20170100832
    Abstract: A storage device includes at least one cartridge defining a cavity for receiving at least one storage item. A receiver defines at least one cell for receiving the at least one cartridge, and a passageway extends longitudinally along the center of the receiver to an opening defined in an external surface of the receiver. Magnets are secured to the receiver and at least one cartridge for magnetically biasing the at least one cartridge in a first position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is not aligned with the passageway, and in a second position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is aligned with the passageway. In one application, the storage device is adapted for storing bits in a multi-bit screwdriver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Applicant: Wheelfloat, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Snook, Thomas G. Fulbright
  • Publication number: 20160311092
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing for use an item selected and retrieved from an opening in a storage device configured for storing one or more items, includes a tubular shaft extending from the opening in the storage device for receiving the selected item from the storage device. A passageway is defined within the tubular shaft for facilitating travel of the selected item from the opening in the storage device to an end of the shaft opposing the opening. At least one locking block and stop is configured for securing the selected item at the end of the tubular shaft opposing the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: Wheelfloat, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Fulbright, Jonathan D. Snook
  • Publication number: 20160288302
    Abstract: A ratchet mechanism includes a base and a shaft having gear teeth rotatably mounted on the base. A bearing is mounted on the base and is rotatable to clockwise and counterclockwise positions, and includes first and second bearing magnets. First and second pawls are slidably positioned on the base, and are slidable between engaged and disengaged positions in which the pawls engage and disengage, respectively, the gear teeth. First and second pawl magnets are embedded in the first and second pawls in magnetic relation to the first and second bearing magnets such that when the bearing is rotated to the clockwise or counterclockwise positions, the first and second bearing magnets bias the first and second pawl magnets to cause the first and second pawls to slide to respective engaged and disengaged positions, or disengaged and engaged positions, thereby enabling the shaft to rotate one of clockwise or counterclockwise directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Wheelfloat, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Snook, Thomas G. Fulbright
  • Patent number: 9162855
    Abstract: A wheel lift system for efficiently lifting and positioning a wheel and tire onto a wheel hub includes a support structure configured having three legs, and a wheel mounted at the end of each leg. A base block is mounted on the support structure, and a gas actuator is mounted on the base block. A wheel carriage is mounted on the air actuator, the air actuator being configured for facilitating vertical lift of the wheel carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Wheelfloat, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Snook, Thomas G. Fulbright
  • Patent number: 8029471
    Abstract: An access device is disclosed that comprises two main assemblies. The first assembly is the cylindrical cannulation assembly. This is the needle-point-bearing assembly which facilitates cannulation (i.e., insertion of the assembly into the arm of the patient). The cylindrical cannulation assembly comprises a cannulation cylinder which has an insertion point (i.e., the needle puncture point) at a first end. The second main assembly of the invention is the cylindrical conduit assembly. This is the assembly that facilitates fluid flow during treatment free of the worry that the very needle which facilitated access will internally lacerate the blood vessel. The cylindrical conduit assembly comprises a cylindrical conduit which is telescopically positioned within the cannulation cylinder. The cannulation cylinder and cylindrical conduit longitudinally move relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventors: Abdul N. Khan-Sahibzada, Donald H. Sheffield, Thomas G. Fulbright
  • Patent number: 7980804
    Abstract: A wheel lift system for efficiently lifting and positioning a wheel and tire onto a wheel hub. The wheel lift system includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally attached to one another, a plurality of caster wheels attached to the lower portion of the arms, and a first support and a second support extending from the arms respectively for supporting a wheel and tire. A bias member is preferably attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in elevating the wheel and tire. Alternatively, a bias unit may be attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in maintaining elevation of a wheel and tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Wheelfloat, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Snook, Thomas G. Fulbright
  • Publication number: 20080193264
    Abstract: A wheel lift system for efficiently lifting and positioning a wheel and tire onto a wheel hub. The wheel lift system includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally attached to one another, a plurality of caster wheels attached to the lower portion of the arms, and a first support and a second support extending from the arms respectively for supporting a wheel and tire. A bias member is preferably attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in elevating the wheel and tire. Alternatively, a bias unit may be attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in maintaining elevation of a wheel and tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Snook, Thomas G. Fulbright
  • Patent number: 4576495
    Abstract: A depository/printer mechanism is provided for use with an automated teller machine (ATM). The mechanism includes an envelope tray for receiving a customer envelope to be deposited in a depository bin, a support assembly for supporting the envelope tray for movement between horizontal and vertical positions, and a printer frame secured to the support assembly. A printer carriage is also provided including a motor for reciprocating the printer carriage in the printer frame between a first position and a second position, and from the second position back to the first position. The printer carriage includes a printer module for printing indicia on the customer envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Docutel/Olivetti Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Fulbright, G. Houson Payne, III