Patents by Inventor Tom F. Trautman

Tom F. Trautman 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).

  • Universal quick release safety sprocket and driving assembly
    Patent number: 5581939
    Abstract: A safety coupling device for manual disengagement of a drive mechanism to the counterbalance shaft on an overhead garage door mounted in a garage structure. The device includes a first annular hub mountable on the counterbalance shaft in a fixed position with relation to the counterbalance shaft. A second annular hub with a drive sprocket connected to a motor drive is rotatably and slideably mounted on the counterbalance shaft. At least one pin or protrusion is provided on one of the hubs so that the protrusion mates with at least one hole for accepting the pin or protrusion on the other hub. When the second hub is in a first position the pin or protrusion on one hub resides within the hole of the other hub and thus engages the two hubs and permits power from the motor drive to be transmitted to the counterbalance shaft in order to raise or lower the door by the motor drive. When the second hub is in a second position the pin or protrusion is withdrawn from the hole and the hubs are disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventors: William D. Regan, Tom F. Trautman