Patents by Inventor Vincent G. Meillet
Vincent G. Meillet 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).
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Patent number: 10688323Abstract: A safety device with fall arrest and descending modes includes a housing, a drum, a lifeline, first and second brake assemblies, and a control. The drum is rotatably operatively connected to the housing. The lifeline has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The first end is operatively connected to the drum. The first and second assemblies are operatively connected to the drum. The control is operatively connected to the first and second brake assemblies and has a first position and a second position. The first position selectively engages the first brake assembly in a descending mode and the second position selectively engages the second brake assembly in a fall arrest mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: D B INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Gabriel Grant Gamache, Matthew J. Blackford, Vincent G. Meillet, Joseph Robert Kaiser
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Patent number: 9080383Abstract: A motorized climb assist assembly is provided. The motorized climb assist assembly includes a looped belt, an attaching member, a motor assembly and a fall arrest system. The attaching member is coupled to the looped belt. A safety harness is in turn coupled to attaching member. The motor assembly includes a motor and a drive sheave. The motor has a drive shaft. The drive sheave is coupled to the drive shaft. In addition, the drive sheave is in contact with the looped belt. The fall arrest system is integrated with the drive sheave and is configured to limit the looped belt movement as the result of a fall event.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2010Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: D B Industries, LLCInventor: Vincent G. Meillet
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Patent number: 8925687Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline is provided. In one embodiment, the self-retracting lifeline includes a housing, a drum, an activation assembly, a lifeline and a connector, the drum is received in the housing. The activation assembly is received in the housing. Moreover, the activation assembly is operationally coupled to the drum to selectively rotate the drum. The connector is coupled proximate an end of the lifeline. The connector has a connector passage. The connector passage is configured and arranged to selectively couple the lifeline to the drum.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: D B Industries, LLCInventors: Vincent G. Meillet, Scott C. Casebolt
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Patent number: 8739929Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline windable about and paid out from a rotatable drum and a housing. The housing includes a first connector and is configured and arranged to house the drum and the lifeline wound about a base of the drum. The first connector is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure, the lifeline is pulled outward from proximate the housing thereby paying out at least a portion of the lifeline from the drum, a second connector operatively connected to the lifeline is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure, and the lifeline is tensioned using a crank that rotates the drum to increase the tension in the lifeline and provides indication when the tension in the lifeline reaches a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: D B Industries, LLCInventors: Vincent G. Meillet, J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Damien de Lapeyriere, Charles C. Bryant
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Patent number: 8567562Abstract: A braking system for a self-retracting lifeline assembly is provided. The braking system includes a housing, a ratchet cam and a clutch assembly. The housing includes sidewalls that form, at least in part, a cavity. The sidewalls of the housing terminate in a connecting surface that extends around the cavity. The sidewalls have a plurality of notches spaced along interior surfaces of the sidewalls. Each notch extends from the connecting surface a select distance in the interior surfaces of the sidewalls of the housing. The ratchet cam includes an inner edge that defines a central cam opening. The inner edge of the ratchet cam has a plurality of inward extending teeth. The ratchet cam further has an outer edge. The outer edge has a plurality of outward extending fingers. Each finger terminates in a finger tip. Each finger tip is received in an associated notch in the interior surface of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: B D Industries, LLCInventors: Vincent G. Meillet, Joseph R. Kaiser
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Publication number: 20130256441Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline is provided. In one embodiment, the self-retracting lifeline includes a housing, a drum, an activation assembly, a lifeline and a connector, the drum is received in the housing. The activation assembly is received in the housing. Moreover, the activation assembly is operationally coupled to the drum to selectively rotate the drum. The connector is coupled proximate an end of the lifeline. The connector has a connector passage. The connector passage is configured and arranged to selectively couple the lifeline to the drum.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: D B INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Vincent G. Meillet, Scott C. Casebolt
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Patent number: 8528694Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline, a drum, and a crank. The lifeline has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The drum has a base and is rotatable. The first end of the lifeline is operatively connected to the drum and the intermediate portion of the lifeline is windable about and paid out from the base. The drum is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure. The second end is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure. The crank is configured and arranged to be releasably connectable to the drum and is rotatable to rotate the drum and tension the lifeline. The crank includes a tension indicator to provide indication when the tension in the lifeline has reached a predetermined level. The crank is capable of tensioning the lifeline to a level greater than the predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: D B Industries, LLCInventors: Vincent G. Meillet, J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Damien de Lapeyriere, Charles C. Bryant
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Patent number: 8469149Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline is provided. In one embodiment, the self-retracting lifeline includes a housing, a drum, an activation assembly, a lifeline and a connector, the drum is received in the housing. The activation assembly is received in the housing. Moreover, the activation assembly is operationally coupled to the drum to selectively rotate the drum. The connector is coupled proximate an end of the lifeline. The connector has a connector passage. The connector passage is configured and arranged to selectively couple the lifeline to the drum.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: D B Industries, LLCInventors: Vincent G. Meillet, Scott C. Casebolt
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Publication number: 20120298445Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline, a drum, and a crank. The lifeline has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The drum has a base and is rotatable. The first end of the lifeline is operatively connected to the drum and the intermediate portion of the lifeline is windable about and paid out from the base. The drum is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure. The second end is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure. The crank is configured and arranged to be releasably connectable to the drum and is rotatable to rotate the drum and tension the lifeline. The crank includes a tension indicator to provide indication when the tension in the lifeline has reached a predetermined level. The crank is capable of tensioning the lifeline to a level greater than the predetermined level.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Damien de Lapeyriere, Charles C. Bryant
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Publication number: 20120298446Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline windable about and paid out from a rotatable drum and a housing. The housing includes a first connector and is configured and arranged to house the drum and the lifeline wound about a base of the drum. The first connector is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure, the lifeline is pulled outward from proximate the housing thereby paying out at least a portion of the lifeline from the drum, a second connector operatively connected to the lifeline is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure, and the lifeline is tensioned using a crank that rotates the drum to increase the tension in the lifeline and provides indication when the tension in the lifeline reaches a predetermined level.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Damien de Lapeyriere, Charles C. Bryant
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Patent number: 8251176Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline includes a replaceable lifeline and comprises a housing, a drum rotatably operatively connected to the housing, a lifeline, and a locking member operatively connected to the drum and moveable from an unlocked position to a locked position for locking the drum relative to the housing to assist in replacing the lifeline.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, J. Thomas Wolner
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Patent number: 8226024Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline includes a reserve lifeline portion and comprises a housing, a drum rotatably operatively connected to the housing, and a lifeline. A stop member is operatively connected to an intermediate portion a distance from a first end of the lifeline. A bumper portion is operatively connected to the housing and includes a bore through which the lifeline extends, the bore being smaller than the stop member to prevent passage of the stop member through the bore and out of the housing. At least a portion of the bumper portion disconnects from the housing when a predetermined force is exerted on the bumper portion to allow the stop member to exit the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.Inventor: Vincent G. Meillet
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Publication number: 20110297778Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline is provided. In one embodiment, the self-retracting lifeline includes a housing, a drum, an activation assembly, a lifeline and a connector, the drum is received in the housing. The activation assembly is received in the housing. Moreover, the activation assembly is operationally coupled to the drum to selectively rotate the drum. The connector is coupled proximate an end of the lifeline. The connector has a connector passage. The connector passage is configured and arranged to selectively couple the lifeline to the drum.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, Scott C. Casebolt
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Publication number: 20110240403Abstract: A lifeline connector assembly for releasably interconnecting a first portion and a second portion of a lifeline, the first portion including a first distal end to which a first stop is operatively connected, the second portion including a second distal end to which a second stop is operatively connected, comprises a first stop operatively connected to the first distal end, a second stop operatively connected to the second distal end, and a receiving member operatively connected to the second stop and configured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the first stop thereby interconnecting the first portion and the second portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventor: Vincent G. Meillet
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Publication number: 20110100755Abstract: A braking system for a self-retracting lifeline assembly is provided. The braking system includes a housing, a ratchet cam and a clutch assembly. The housing includes sidewalls that form, at least in part, a cavity. The sidewalls of the housing terminate in a connecting surface that extends around the cavity. The sidewalls have a plurality of notches spaced along interior surfaces of the sidewalls. Each notch extends from the connecting surface a select distance in the interior surfaces of the sidewalls of the housing. The ratchet cam includes an inner edge that defines a central cam opening. The inner edge of the ratchet cam has a plurality of inward extending teeth. The ratchet cam further has an outer edge. The outer edge has a plurality of outward extending fingers. Each finger terminates in a finger tip. Each finger tip is received in an associated notch in the interior surface of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, Joseph R. Kaiser
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Publication number: 20110084158Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline includes a replaceable lifeline and comprises a housing, a drum rotatably operatively connected to the housing, a lifeline, and a locking member operatively connected to the drum and moveable from an unlocked position to a locked position for locking the drum relative to the housing to assist in replacing the lifeline.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, J. Thomas Wolner
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Publication number: 20110084157Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline includes a reserve lifeline portion and comprises a housing, a drum rotatably operatively connected to the housing, and a lifeline. A stop member is operatively connected to an intermediate portion a distance from a first end of the lifeline. A bumper portion is operatively connected to the housing and includes a bore through which the lifeline extends, the bore being smaller than the stop member to prevent passage of the stop member through the bore and out of the housing. At least a portion of the bumper portion disconnects from the housing when a predetermined force is exerted on the bumper portion to allow the stop member to exit the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventor: Vincent G. Meillet
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Publication number: 20100224448Abstract: A safety device with fall arrest and descending modes includes a housing, a drum, a lifeline, first and second brake assemblies, and a control. The drum is rotatably operatively connected to the housing. The lifeline has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The first end is operatively connected to the drum. The first and second assemblies are operatively connected to the drum. The control is operatively connected to the first and second brake assemblies and has a first position and a second position. The first position selectively engages the first brake assembly in a descending mode and the second position selectively engages the second brake assembly in a fall arrest mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2009Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Gabriel Grant Gamache, Matthew J. Blackford, Vincent G. Meillet, Joseph Robert Kaiser
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Publication number: 20100219016Abstract: A fall arrest assembly that includes a rotational drum, at least one pawl and a catch is provided. The rotational drum is configured to rotate in response to a movement of a lifeline. The least one pawl is in rotational communication with the rotational drum. The at least one pawl is further configured to pivot about a pivot connection in response to select rotational velocities of the rotational drum. The at least one pawl is also configured to engage the catch when the at least one pawl pivots in response to the select rotational velocities of the rotational drum to stop the rotation of the rotational drum and movement of the lifeline. An elastic bushing for each pivot connection is also used. Each elastic bushing is positioned about an associated pivot connection of an associated pawl. The elastic bushings deform in shape as an associated pawl engages the at least one portion of the catch.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventor: Vincent G. Meillet
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Publication number: 20100219015Abstract: A motorized climb assist assembly is provided. The motorized climb assist assembly includes a looped belt, an attaching member, a motor assembly and a fall arrest system. The attaching member is coupled to the looped belt. A safety harness is in turn coupled to attaching member. The motor assembly includes a motor and a drive sheave. The motor has a drive shaft. The drive sheave is coupled to the drive shaft. In addition, the drive sheave is in contact with the looped belt. The fall arrest system is integrated with the drive sheave and is configured to limit the looped belt movement as the result of a fall event.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventor: Vincent G. Meillet