Patents by Inventor Thomas L. Simmel

Thomas L. Simmel 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: 6220482
    Abstract: By providing an adapter which is mountable to a product retaining container and incorporating seal cutting means, a dispensing system for chemical products retained in sealed containers is achieved which is capable of opening the sealed container and producing the transfer of concentrated chemical products from the storage container to a dilution vessel or tank in a completely closed, spill-free manner. Furthermore, the entire contents of the container can be transferred or, if desired, repeated transfer of measured dosage can be made in order to assure the dispensing of a precise quantity of product from the storage container to the dilution vessel. In the preferred embodiment, a product dispensing valve assembly, constructed for being opened by only mating authorized equipment, is securely affixed to the adapter which is mounted to the sealed container within which the desired chemical product is retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Link Research and Development Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 6170543
    Abstract: By providing a securely locked product dispensing valve assembly mounted to a product bearing container which requires a specially constructed cooperating adapter for opening the valve assembly, a controlled dispensing system is realized which provides complete controlled distribution of any desired chemical product. By employing the present invention, only authorized personnel are able to open the container incorporating the valve assembly, enabling the contents to be transferred into only suitable containers incorporating the required adapter for unlocking the valve assembly. As a result, control over the distribution of the chemical product is attained and a completely closed loop, spill-free system is realized. In addition, a rinsing head is provided for being cooperatively associated with the product bearing container and valve assembly to enable complete cleaning of the container prior to recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Link Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 6092569
    Abstract: By employing a product dispensing head assembly securely mounted to a storage container, within which desired flowable material is retained, with the head assembly being movable into a plurality of alternate positions, the controlled, measured, dispensing and delivery of any desired flowable product is attained. In the preferred embodiment, the product dispensing head assembly incorporates automatic locking means which are automatically engaged when the product dispensing head assembly is in the closed position. Furthermore, a special dispensing coupling is preferably employed to effectively disengage the locking means, thereby providing assurance that no individual can obtain unauthorized access to the flowable material stored within the closed and sealed container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Link Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, David R. Auerbach
  • Patent number: 5960840
    Abstract: By providing a securely locked product dispensing valve assembly mounted to a product bearing container which requires a specially constructed cooperating adapter for opening the valve assembly, a controlled dispensing system is realized which provides complete controlled distribution of any desired chemical product. By employing the present invention, only authorized personnel are able to open the container incorporating the valve assembly, enabling the contents to be transferred into only suitable containers incorporating the required adapter for unlocking the valve assembly. As a result, control over the distribution of the chemical product is attained and a completely closed loop, spill-free system is realized. In addition, a rinsing head is provided for being cooperatively associated with the product bearing container and valve assembly to enable complete cleaning of the container prior to recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Link Research and Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 5937920
    Abstract: By employing a product dispensing head assembly securely mounted to a storage container, within which desired flowable material is retained, with the head assembly being movable into a plurality of alternate positions, the controlled, measured, dispensing and delivery of any desired flowable product is attained. In the preferred embodiment, the product dispensing head assembly incorporates automatic locking means which are automatically engaged when the product dispensing head assembly is in the closed position. Furthermore, a special dispensing coupling is preferably employed to effectively disengage the locking means, thereby providing assurance that no individual can obtain unauthorized access to the flowable material stored within the closed and sealed container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Link Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, David R. Auerbach
  • Patent number: 5637996
    Abstract: A toy speed measuring and voice reporting system is disclosed. The system measures the speed of a toy car and reports the speed contemporaneously in audible speech. The system employs optical detectors and timing circuitry to compute the speed, and a voice synthesizer to sound the speed values and other messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Link Group International
    Inventors: Robert S. McDarren, Thomas L. Simmel
  • Patent number: 5501628
    Abstract: A unique, visually enhancing and exciting entertainment system is obtained by providing an elongated path or track, along which a plurality of objects automatically advance, with the objects constructed to perform independent animated movements in direct synchronization with each other. In addition to the coordinated, synchronized, independent movement of each of the objects as the objects movably advance along the track or pathway, the present invention is also constructed to enable each object to perform a separate and unique activity, completely distinguishable from the normal animated movement being performed by the object as the object moves along the path. In this way, further excitement and visual stimulation is provided and an entertainment system is attained which provides long-term benefits and interest to the viewers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Link Group International
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Deborah J. McDarren
  • Patent number: 5487925
    Abstract: A decorative, action oriented ornament/display system is attained by providing an attention-attracting member which cooperates with a support platform or plate which is removably mounted to any limb or branch of a tree. By employing this construction, an ornament display system is realized which is quickly and easily mounted to a tree, whenever desired, or removed therefrom for display on any other surface. In the preferred embodiment, the ornament/display member incorporates interlock means formed on the support plate for removably affixing the ornament/display member to the support plate whenever desired. Furthermore, the ornament/display member also preferably incorporates a stowable hook or ring member cooperatively associated with the upper portion of the ornament/display member for enabling the ornament/display member to be affixed to a supporting branch or limb independently of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Link Group International
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Robert S. McDarren, Joseph Truchsess
  • Patent number: 5422458
    Abstract: By providing a fully integrated timer controlled actuation and locking system that automatically prevents access to the heating chamber whenever the system is engaged, a unique multi-purpose, automatic toy oven is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, the toy oven incorporates a forced air cooling assembly for substantially reducing the time period required for cooling of the heating chamber and product. In addition, the locking system of the present invention preferably prevents access to the heating chamber until both the desired heating and cooling time have expired and both the heating chamber and the heated product can be safely accessed. In addition, the actuation system automatically engages and sequentially times the heating and cooling cycles, to provide an oven which is easy to use and enjoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas L. Simmel
  • Patent number: 5259423
    Abstract: By employing two independent, separate and distinct flow paths which are controllably sequentially opened during use in a single actuation operation, an error-free, spill-free flame and explosion proof liquid delivery/filling system is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, both flow paths are normally maintained in a closed, sealed configuration, requiring an actuation force to controllably, sequentially open the flow paths. In addition, by providing a cooperating, mating liquid transfer assembly, the container on which the liquid delivery/filling system is mounted can be refilled with safety and ease, completely eliminating spillage of the liquid. In this way, a fully integrated, cooperating, liquid flow controlling system is realized. Furthermore, a process for distributing toxic chemicals is disclosed which provides full control over the chemicals being distributed and prevents unwanted spillages, misuse, and mishandling of the chemicals in an unpressurized, gravity fed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Link Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 5172740
    Abstract: By employing two independent, separate and distinct flow paths which are controllably sequentially opened during use in a single actuation operation, an error-free, spill-free flame and explosion proof liquid delivery/filling system is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, both flow paths are normally maintained in a closed, sealed configuration, requiring an actuation force to controllably, sequentially open the flow paths. In addition, by providing a cooperating, mating liquid transfer assembly, the container on which the liquid delivery/filling system is mounted can be refilled with safety and ease, completely eliminating spillage of the liquid. In this way, a fully integrated, cooperating, liquid flow controlling system is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 5058636
    Abstract: By employing two independent, separate and distinct flow paths which are controllably sequentially opened during use in a single actuation operation, an error-free, spill-free flame and explosion proof liquid delivery/filling system is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, both flow paths are normally maintained in a closed, sealed configuration, requiring an actuation force to controllably, sequentially open the flow paths. In addition, by providing a cooperating, mating liquid transfer assembly, the container on which the liquid delivery/filling system is mounted can be refilled with safety and ease, completely eliminating spillage of the liquid. In this way, a fully integrated, cooperating, liquid flow controlling system is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Link Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 4924921
    Abstract: By employing two independent, separate and distinct flow paths which are controllably sequentially opened during use in a single actuation operation, an error-free, flame and explosion proof liquid delivery/filling system is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, both flow paths are normally maintained in a closed, sealed configuration, requiring an actuation force to controllably, sequentially open the flow paths. Furthermore, the preferred embodiment is compact in design and provides an easy to use system, without sacrificing its inherent benefits. In addition, a flow diverging structure is mounted in the liquid flow path to assure complete removal of all of the air from the chamber being filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Link Racing, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 4695267
    Abstract: A chassis for scaled-down toy vehicles has the battery-powered motor mounted directly over the driven axle at a rearwardly and downwardly extended angle. The battery rests between the stub axles supporting the front, freely rotatable wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignees: Robert S. McDarren, Barry Y. Piels, Thomas L. Simmel
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, David W. Crossley, Mark N. Morehouse
  • Patent number: 4537577
    Abstract: A toy vehicle and track assembly includes a vehicle and a track along which the vehicle travels. The vehicle is formed with a plurality of wheels and a motor adapted to drive the wheels upon actuation. The track is formed with a guide extending along the length of the track. First and second clips are mounted for pivotal movement on the underside of the vehicle. The clips are adapted to engage the guide and to cooperate to move the vehicle towards the track such that at least one of the wheels is always in driving contact with the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Inventors: Terry Sansome, Thomas L. Simmel
  • Patent number: 4245756
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a plurality of rectangular objects and depositing the objects on a surface in uniformly spaced relationship with the objects standing upright on a short edge, more particularly, a device for setting up dominos in a row so that the dominos can be knocked down sequentially. The device includes a wheel supported body which supports an upstanding supply chamber for storing stacked dominos, and an ejecting assembly at the bottom of the supply chamber which ejects the bottom most domino toward the rear of the body as the body rolls across a surface. The ejecting assembly moves each domino into engagement with a top and side guide assembly which cooperates with the ejecting assembly to cause the domino to be deposited on the supporting surface and stabilized thereon in a stationary position before the device moves away from the domino so that the domino remains upright and does not fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Inventors: LeRoy H. Byrne, Arnold Fassman, Thomas L. Simmel
  • Patent number: 4168057
    Abstract: A rotary collator having a rotatable drum with a plurality of radially extending partitions or bins in which sheets to be collated are held by a sheet clamp mounted in each bin. The sheet clamp for each bin has a solenoid-based activating device which releases the sheet clamp during the sheet ejecting portion of the collating cycle. The sheet clamp is released a short time before the rotatable drum brings the associated bin into a sheet ejecting position. A toggle structure and a relatively high compression spring are used to hold the sheets in the bin when in clamping position. The sheet clamp of any empty bin is programmed not to release, thereby greatly reducing noise and extending the life of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1979
    Assignee: Pitney-Bowes, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold Fassman, Lloyd G. Kittredge, Thomas L. Simmel
  • Patent number: D527430
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: Ron C. Bulloch, Richard Ledellaytner, Thomas L. Simmel
  • Patent number: D328704
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker