Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Buckshaw

Thomas M. Buckshaw 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: 5477030
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus, a latching construction therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the latching construction comprising a frame carrying a movable latch member and a drive unit operatively interconnected to the latch member to move the latch member between the latching and unlatching positions thereof, the drive unit comprising a cylinder having opposite ends and a movable piston extending from one of the opposite ends and being operatively interconnected to the latch member, the drive unit having an actuator to extend the piston so as to be adapted to move the latch member to its latching position thereof and to retract the piston so as to be adapted to move the latch member to the non-latching position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Buckshaw, David D. Martin, Eric V. Russ
  • Patent number: 5310970
    Abstract: A pressure operated switch construction and method of making the same are provided, the pressure operated switch construction comprising a housing having an external surface and carrying an electrical switch unit and a diaphragm assembly therein, the housing having an opening passing through the external surface thereof, the switch unit having opposed sides and an opening passing therethrough in alignment with the opening of the housing, and a compression spring unit carried by the housing and being operatively associated with the switch unit and the diaphragm assembly to control the operation thereof in relation to the compression setting of the spring unit, the spring unit comprising a spring retainer operatively interconnected to the switch unit, an actuator carried by the housing and a compression spring having opposed ends respectively bearing against the actuator and the retainer, the retainer having an intermediate part disposed in the opening of the housing and having a surface and a projection extend
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: William J. Kaigler, Thomas M. Buckshaw, David T. Llewellyn
  • Patent number: 5257002
    Abstract: A temperature operated switch construction, terminal block therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the switch construction comprising a housing, a movable switch arm carried in the housing, a temperature actuated unit disposed in the housing and being operatively interconnected to the switch arm to cause movement of the arm between operating positions thereof in relation to the temperature being sensed by the temperature actuated unit, the housing comprising a main part and a removable terminal block carried by the main part, the terminal block carrying a switch unit that is operatively associated with the switch arm so that the switch unit is in a first condition thereof when the switch arm is in a first operating position thereof and the switch unit is in a second condition thereof when the switch arm is in a second operating position thereof, the switch unit comprising a reed switch and the switch arm carrying a magnet for operating the reed switch to the conditions thereof as the switch arm
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Buckshaw, David D. Martin
  • Patent number: 5247275
    Abstract: A temperature operated switch construction, terminal block therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the switch construction comprising a housing, a movable switch arm carried in the housing, a temperature actuated unit disposed in the housing and being operatively interconnected to the switch arm to cause movement of the arm between operating positions thereof in relation to the temperature being sensed by the temperature actuated unit, the housing comprising a main part and a removable terminal block carried by the main part, the terminal block carrying a switch unit that is operatively associated with the switch arm so that the switch unit is in a first condition thereof when the switch arm is in a first operating position thereof and the switch unit is in a second condition thereof when the switch arm is in a second operating position thereof, the switch unit comprising a reed switch and the switch arm carrying a magnet for operating the reed switch to the conditions thereof as the switch arm
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Buckshaw, Joseph J. Erdelsky
  • Patent number: 5243875
    Abstract: A control device, parts therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a housing having an external peripheral surface, a control unit disposed in the housing, a bulb disposed external to the housing and remote therefrom, a capillary tube interconnecting the bulb to the control unit, fastening structure securing a part of the capillary tube to the external peripheral surface of the housing, and a sleeve of material telescoped on the capillary tube and having opposed ends one of which is disposed adjacent the fastening structure and the other of which is located between the bulb and the one of the ends thereof, one of the capillary tube and the fastening structure comprising expanding structure that outwardly expanded the one of the ends of the sleeve after the one of the ends of the sleeve had been forced onto at least part of the expanding structure so that the one of the ends of the sleeve is held on the expanding structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Buckshaw, David D. Martin
  • Patent number: 5231368
    Abstract: A temperature operated switch construction, terminal block therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the switch construction comprising a housing, a movable switch arm carried in the housing, a temperature actuated unit disposed in the housing and being operatively interconnected to the switch arm to cause movement of the arm between operating positions thereof in relation to the temperature being sensed by the temperature actuated unit, the housing comprising a main part and a removable terminal block carried by the main part, the terminal block carrying a switch unit that is operatively associated with the switch arm so that the switch unit is in a first condition thereof when the switch arm is in a first operating position thereof and the switch unit is in a second condition thereof when the switch arm is in a second operating position thereof, the switch unit comprising a reed switch and the switch arm carrying a magnet for operating the reed switch to the conditions thereof as the switch arm
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Buckshaw, Joseph J. Erdelsky, David M. Martin
  • Patent number: 5200732
    Abstract: A temperature operated switch construction, terminal block therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the switch construction comprising a housing, a movable switch arm carried in the housing, a temperature actuated unit disposed in the housing and being operatively interconnected to the switch arm to cause movement of the arm between operating positions thereof in relation to the temperature being sensed by the temperature actuated unit, the housing comprising a main part and a removable terminal block carried by the main part, the terminal block carrying a switch unit that is operatively associated with the switch arm so that the switch unit is in a first condition thereof when the switch arm is in a first operating position thereof and the switch unit is in a second condition thereof when the switch arm is in a second operating position thereof, the switch unit comprising a reed switch and the switch arm carrying a magnet for operating the reed switch to the conditions thereof as the switch arm
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Buckshaw, Joseph J. Erdelsky
  • Patent number: 5198632
    Abstract: A pressure operated switch construction and method of making the same are provided, the pressure operated switch construction comprising a housing having an external surface and carrying an electrical switch unit and a diaphragm assembly therein, the housing having an opening passing through the external surface thereof, the switch unit having opposed sides and an opening passing therethrough in alignment with the opening of the housing, and a compression spring unit carried by the housing and being operatively associated with the switch unit and the diaphragm assembly to control the operation thereof in relation to the compression setting of the spring unit, the spring unit comprising a spring retainer operatively interconnected to the switch unit, an actuator carried by the housing and a compression spring having opposed ends respectively bearing against the actuator and the retainer, the retainer having an intermediate part disposed in the opening of the housing and having a surface and a projection extend
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: William J. Kaigler, Thomas M. Buckshaw, David T. Llewellyn
  • Patent number: 5193411
    Abstract: A control device, parts therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a housing having an external peripheral surface, a control unit disposed in the housing, a bulb disposed external to the housing and remote therefrom a capillary tube interconnecting the bulb to the control unit, fastening structure securing a part of the capillary tube to the external peripheral surface of the housing, and a sleeve of material telescoped on the capillary tube and having opposed ends one of which is disposed adjacent the fastening structure and the other of which is located between the bulb and the one of the ends thereof, one of the capillary tube and the fastening structure comprising expanding structure that outwardly expanded the one of the ends of the sleeve after the one of the ends of the sleeve had been forced onto at least part of the expanding structure so that the one of the ends of the sleeve is held on the expanding structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Buckshaw, David D. Martin
  • Patent number: 5182539
    Abstract: A temperature operated switch construction, terminal block therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the switch construction comprising a housing, a movable switch arm carried in the housing, a temperature actuated unit disposed in the housing and being operatively interconnected to the switch arm to cause movement of the arm between operating positions thereof in relation to the temperature being sensed by the temperature actuated unit, the housing comprising a main part and a removable terminal block carried by the main part, the terminal block carrying a switch unit that is operatively associated with the switch arm so that the switch unit is in a first condition thereof when the switch arm is in a first operating position thereof and the switch unit is in a second condition thereof when the switch arm is in a second operating position thereof, the switch unit comprising a reed switch and the switch arm carrying a magnet for operating the reed switch to the conditions thereof as the switch arm
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Buckshaw, Joseph J. Erdelsky, David M. Martin
  • Patent number: 5166657
    Abstract: A temperature operated switch construction, terminal block therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the switch construction comprising a housing, a movable switch arm carried in the housing, a temperature actuated unit disposed in the housing and being operatively interconnected to the switch arm to cause movement of the arm between operating positions thereof in relation to the temperature being sensed by the temperature actuated unit, the housing comprising a main part and a removable terminal block carried by the main part, the terminal block carrying a switch unit that is operatively associated with the switch arm so that the switch unit is in a first condition thereof when the switch arm is in a first operating position thereof and the switch unit is in a second condition thereof when the switch arm is in a second operating position thereof, the switch unit comprising a reed switch and the switch arm carrying a magnet for operating the reed switch to the conditions thereof as the switch arm
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Buckshaw, David D. Martin
  • Patent number: 5148142
    Abstract: A temperature operated switch construction, terminal block therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the switch construction comprising a housing, a movable switch arm carried in the housing, a temperature actuated unit disposed in the housing and being operatively interconnected to the switch arm to cause movement of the arm beneath operating positions thereof in relation to the temperature being sensed by the temperature actuated unit, the housing comprising a main part and a removable terminal block carried by the main part, the terminal block carrying a switch unit that is operatively associated with the switch arm so that the switch unit is in a first condition thereof when the switch arm is in a first operating position thereof and the switch unit is in a second condition thereof when the switch arm is in a second operating position thereof, the switch unit comprising a reed switch and the switch arm carrying a magnet for operating the reed switch to the conditions thereof as the switch arm
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Buckshaw, Joseph J. Erdelsky
  • Patent number: 5140742
    Abstract: A pressure operated switch construction and method of making the same are provided, the pressure operated switch construction comprising a housing having an external surface and carrying an electrical switch unit and a diaphragm assembly therein, the housing having an opening passing through the external surface thereof, the electrical switch unit having opposed sides and an opening passing therethrough in alignment with the opening of the housing, and a compression spring unit carried by the housing and being operatively associated with the electrical switch unit and the diaphragm assembly to control the operation thereof in relation to the compression setting of the compression spring unit, the compression spring unit comprising a retainer operatively interconnected to the electrical switch unit, an actuator carried by the housing and a first compression spring having opposed ends respectively bearing against the actuator and the retainer, the retainer having an intermediate part disposed in the opening of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: William J. Kaigler, Thomas M. Buckshaw, David T. Llewellyn
  • Patent number: 5136129
    Abstract: A pressure operated switch construction and method of making the same are provided, the pressure operated switch construction comprising a housing having an external surface and carrying an electrical switch unit and a diaphragm assembly therein, the housing having an opening passing through the external surface thereof, the electrical switch unit having opposed sides and an opening passing therethrough in alignment with the opening of the housing, and a compression spring unit carried by the housing and being operatively associated with the electrical switch unit and the diaphragm assembly to control the operation thereof in relation to the compression setting of the compression spring unit, the compression spring unit comprising a retainer operatively interconnected to the electrical switch unit, an actuator carried by the housing and a compression spring having opposed ends respectively bearing against the actuator and the retainer, the retainer having an intermediate part disposed in the opening of the ho
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: William J. Kaigler, Thomas M. Buckshaw, David T. Llewellyn
  • Patent number: 4800633
    Abstract: A method of making a water level control device comprising the steps of forming a frame to have a substantially flat frame plate with opposite sides and with an elongated slot passing therethrough and having a first portion, forming a movable cam follower to be carried by the frame for setting the desired water levels to be provided by the device, forming a slide cam member to have a projection extending through the slot to guide sliding movement thereof relative to the frame, forming the projection means to have an interlocking unit interlocking with the frame while the projection is disposed in the first portion of the slot, forming the cam member to have a cam surface engaging the cam follower to set the same in desired water level setting positions thereof when the projection is in the first portion of the slot, forming the slot to have a second portion thereof for unlocking with the interlocking unit when the projection of the cam member is disposed in the second portion whereby the cam member can be eas
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Buckshaw, David T. Llewellyn
  • Patent number: 4696204
    Abstract: A water level control device and method of making the same are provided, the device comprising a frame provided with an elongated slot having a first portion, a movable cam follower carried by the frame for setting the desired water levels to be provided by the device, and a slide cam member having a projection extending through the slot to guide sliding movement thereof relative to the frame, the projection having an interlocking part interlocking with the frame while the projection is disposed in the first portion of the slot. The cam member has a cam surface engaging the cam follower to set the same in desired water level setting positions thereof when the projection is in the first portion of the slot. The slot has a second portion thereof for unlocking with the interlocking part when the projection of the cam member is disposed in the second portion whereby the cam member can be easily detached from or attached to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Buckshaw, David T. Llewellyn
  • Patent number: 4399606
    Abstract: A pressure responsive control device having a housing carrying a flexible diaphragm therein that cooperates with the housing to define a pressure chamber therein that is adapted to receive a variable pressure that acts against the diaphragm to position the diaphragm relative to the housing in relation to the value of the pressure, the diaphragm being operatively interconnected to a plunger that follows movement of the diaphragm. The control device has a transducer operatively associated with the plunger to produce an electrical signal in relation to the position of the plunger, the transducer comprising a core carried by the plunger in axially aligned relation therewith and an induction coil carried by the control device and receiving the core therein. A range spring is carried by the housing and is operatively interconnected to the diaphragm to tend to oppose movement of the diaphragm in one direction of movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1983
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Buckshaw
  • Patent number: 4300396
    Abstract: A pressure responsive control device having a housing carrying a flexible diaphragm therein that cooperates with the housing to define a pressure chamber therein that is adapted to receive a variable pressure that acts against the diaphragm to position the diaphragm relative to the housing in relation to the value of the pressure, the diaphragm being operatively interconnected to a plunger that follows movement of the diaphragm. The control device has a transducer operatively associated with the plunger to produce an electrical signal in relation to the position of the plunger, the transducer comprising a core carried by the plunger in axially aligned relation therewith and an induction coil carried by the control device and receiving the core therein. A range spring is carried by the housing and is operatively interconnected to the diaphragm to tend to oppose movement of the diaphragm in one direction of movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1981
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Buckshaw
  • Patent number: 4296603
    Abstract: A temperature responsive piston and cylinder unit wherein the piston thereof is extended relative to the cylinder thereof when the unit is heated and the piston is adapted to be retracted into the cylinder when the unit is cooled. An annular electrical heater is carried in substantially a concentric manner on the cylinder of the unit for heating the unit to extend the piston thereof when the heater is activated. The heater comprises a pair of telescoping annular electrical insulating members telescoped on the cylinder of the unit and an electrical heater member disposed between the insulating members to be energized by having an electrical current passed therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Siegfried E. Manecke, Thomas M. Buckshaw
  • Patent number: 4295019
    Abstract: A water level control device having a cam follower for setting the desired water level setting for the control device and a movable cam member having a cam surface engaging the cam follower to set the same in desired positions, the cam surface having a reset portion for resetting the control device when the reset portion is disposed against the cam follower. The cam member has an integral spring that cooperates with the control device to tend to move the cam member from its resetting position when the reset portion is disposed against the cam follower, the cam member and spring being homogeneous and thereby comprising a one-piece homogeneous structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1981
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Buckshaw