Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Cunningham

Thomas M. Cunningham 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: 9249773
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for testing a spark plug after the spark plug is assembled in an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a high voltage test probe to mechanically probe the spark plug. The high voltage test probe includes a non-electrically conductive part, an electrically conductive ring substantially shielded by the non-electrically conductive part, and a high voltage contactor for electrically connecting to a terminal end of the spark plug. The apparatus also includes a high voltage control box having a high voltage source and an electrical ground, and including at least one of an insulator crack detection circuit and a spark plug firing circuit. The method includes using the apparatus to test assembled spark plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Bauer Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Cunningham, Harold M. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20140111213
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for testing a spark plug after the spark plug is assembled in an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a high voltage test probe to mechanically probe the spark plug. The high voltage test probe includes a non-electrically conductive part, an electrically conductive ring substantially shielded by the non-electrically conductive part, and a high voltage contactor for electrically connecting to a terminal end of the spark plug. The apparatus also includes a high voltage control box having a high voltage source and an electrical ground, and including at least one of an insulator crack detection circuit and a spark plug firing circuit. The method includes using the apparatus to test assembled spark plugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicants: Bauer Associates, Inc., d/b/a Bauer Controls, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Cunningham, Harold M. Ryan
  • Patent number: 7281404
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a test gas to a gas monitoring instrument having a window for admitting gas to a gas sensor therein, is formed from a mechanical adaptor open at a portion thereof and having walls constructed and arranged such that the mechanical adaptor removably fits over the window to form a substantially gas tight chamber of predefined volume defined by the walls of the mechanical adaptor and the instrument, means disposed in the mechanical adaptor for receiving a vial of test gas and breaking a seal in the vial to admit the test gas to the chamber. The invention is also directed to a kit including the vial of test gas, and a method for testing a gas detection instrument utilizing the apparatus and a vial of test gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Industrial Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Wenfeng Peng, Thomas M. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 5419582
    Abstract: A rotary cutter is disclosed for repeatedly cutting web printed sheet material with a printed repeat portion of finite length thereon which includes a cutting cylinder adapted for rotation in a manner such that the web printed sheet material passes thereby. A cutting knife extends generally along the length of the cylinder on the outer surface for periodic engagement with a backup support cylinder for cutting the sheet material when positioned therebetween. The cutting knife is generally continuous along a major portion of the length thereof and has a minor arcuate portion which is discontinuous with the major portion so as to cut the sheet material whereby the sheet material on one side of the cutting line is provided with a straight cut portion having an arcuate projection extending therefrom and the sheet material on the other side of the cutting line is provided with a void portion corresponding in configuration and dimension to the arcuate projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Newsday, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Norris, Thomas M. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 5309804
    Abstract: A rotary cutter is disclosed for repeatedly cutting web printed sheet material with a printed repeat portion of finite length thereon which includes a cutting cylinder adapted for rotation in a manner such that the web printed sheet material passes thereby A cutting knife extends generally along the length of the cylinder on the outer surface for periodic engagement with a backup support cylinder for cutting the sheet material when positioned therebetween. The cutting knife is generally continuous along a major portion of the length thereof and has a minor arcuate portion which is discontinuous with the major portion so as to cut the sheet material whereby the sheet material on one side of the cutting line is provided with a straight cut portion having an arcuate projection extending therefrom and the sheet material on the other side of the cutting line is provided with a void portion corresponding in configuration and dimension to the arcuate projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Newsday, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Norris, Thomas M. Cunningham