Patents by Inventor William A. Null, Jr.

William A. Null, Jr. 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: 9624918
    Abstract: A pumping device compresses fluid, provides a vacuum, or both compresses fluid and provides a vacuum. A pumping device may be used to force gas through a sieve bed, draw gas out of a sieve bed, or both force gas through a sieve bed and drawing gas out of a sieve bed. A pumping device may be operated at high speed to provide a high fluid flow rate with a small pumping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9061238
    Abstract: Embodiments of oxygen concentrators having a sieve bed that includes a vessel containing a separation medium are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sieve bed vessel attaches to a chassis component using a press-fit configuration to lock and seal the sieve bed vessel to a chassis component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Null, Jr., Samuel J. Shelnutt
  • Publication number: 20140260991
    Abstract: Embodiments of oxygen concentrators having a sieve bed that includes a vessel containing a separation medium are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sieve bed vessel attaches to a chassis component using a press-fit configuration to lock and seal the sieve bed vessel to a chassis component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Null, JR., Samuel J. Shelnutt
  • Patent number: 8534679
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that movement of the frame relative to the rear castor causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr., Robert L. Cuson
  • Publication number: 20130209297
    Abstract: A pumping device compresses fluid, provides a vacuum, or both compresses fluid and provides a vacuum. A pumping device may be used to force gas through a sieve bed, draw gas out of a sieve bed, or both force gas through a sieve bed and drawing gas out of a sieve bed. A pumping device may be operated at high speed to provide a high fluid flow rate with a small pumping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: INVACARE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120299260
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: INVACARE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, JR., Robert L. Cuson
  • Publication number: 20120217070
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension is provided. The wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a front caster pivot arm, a drive assembly, and a rear caster. The front caster pivot arm is pivotally connected to the frame. The front caster is coupled to a front end of the front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly is pivotally connected to the front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly comprises a drive wheel and a motor that drives the drive wheel. Torquing of the drive wheel by the motor in a forward direction causes the drive assembly to pivot with respect to the front caster pivot arm such that the drive wheel moves forward toward the front caster and a distance between a support surface and the connection between of the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: INVACARE CORP.
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, JR.
  • Patent number: 8172016
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension is provided. The wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a pivot arm, a front caster, a drive assembly, and a rear caster. The pivot arm is pivotally coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. Movement of the drive assembly in a first direction causes the pivot arm to substantially remain in a first position. Movement of the drive assembly in a second direction urges the pivot arm away from the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8062003
    Abstract: A home care oxygen system includes an inline compressor that has all the check valves and gas flow passages between cylinders located in the cylinder head. Only a single check valve is used for each cylinder. The crankshaft is built up from a shaft with eccentrics and spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110038740
    Abstract: A compressor includes a cylinder assembly in a V4 configuration. A crankshaft of the compressor has a main shaft and first and second eccentric bodies. The two eccentric bodies drive four pistons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, Michael R. Nemcek, Bradley A. Kushner, William A. Null, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100013172
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension is provided. The wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a pivot arm, a front caster, a drive assembly, and a rear caster. The pivot arm is pivotally coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. Movement of the drive assembly in a first direction causes the pivot arm to substantially remain in a first position. Movement of the drive assembly in a second direction urges the pivot arm away from the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: INVACARE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, JR.
  • Patent number: 7597163
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension is provided. The wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a pivot arm, a front caster, a drive assembly, and a rear caster. The pivot arm is pivotally coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. Movement of the drive assembly in a first direction causes the pivot arm to substantially remain in a first position. Movement of the drive assembly in a second direction urges the pivot arm away from the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7419182
    Abstract: A wheelchair includes at least one side frame connected to a front caster assembly, and a cross-brace assembly. The cross-brace assembly includes a cross-brace member; at least one rear caster assembly connected to the cross-brace member; at least one main drive wheel axle tube fitting connected to the cross-brace member; and at least one arm connected to the cross-brace member. The at least one arm is pivotally connected to the at least one side frame through a pivot joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr., Bradley Kushner
  • Patent number: 7293801
    Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame and a releasable locking assembly. The releasable locking assembly has, for example, a first assembly movably coupled to the frame, a second assembly movably coupled to the frame, and wherein movement of the frame relative to the first and second assemblies causes the first and second assemblies to engage each other to limit further movement of the frame in at least a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Bertrand, Gerald Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7219755
    Abstract: The present invention provides a curb-climbing wheelchair having pivotal arm assemblies. The pivotal arm assemblies include at least one front caster and have the ability to rotate or pivot. The pivot arms rotate or pivot in response to moments generated by accelerating or decelerating the wheelchair thereby raising or lowering the front caster(s) through the rotational movement of the pivot arms. By raising or lowering the front caster(s) in such a manner, curb-like obstacles can be traversed in a low-impact manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Invacre Corp.
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7083195
    Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame and a releasable locking assembly. The releasable locking assembly has, for example, a first assembly movably coupled to the frame, a second assembly movably coupled to the frame, and wherein movement of the frame relative to the first and second assemblies causes the first and second assemblies to engage each other to limit further movement of the frame in at least a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6935448
    Abstract: The present invention provides a curb-climbing wheelchair having pivotal arm assemblies. The pivotal arm assemblies include at least one front caster and have the ability to rotate or pivot. The pivot arms rotate or pivot in response to moments generated by accelerating or decelerating the wheelchair thereby raising or lowering the front caster(s) through the rotational movement of the pivot arms. By raising or lowering the front caster(s) in such a manner, curb-like obstacles can be traversed in a low-impact manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6923280
    Abstract: The present invention provides a curb-climbing wheelchair having pivotal arm assemblies. The pivotal arm assemblies include at least one front caster and have the ability to rotate or pivot. The pivot arms rotate or pivot in response to moments generated by accelerating or decelerating the wheelchair thereby raising or lowering the front caster(s) through the rotational movement of the pivot arms. By raising or lowering the front caster(s) in such a manner, curb-like obstacles can be traversed in a low-impact manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6851711
    Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame and a releasable locking assembly. The releasable locking assembly has, for example, a first assembly movably coupled to the frame, a second assembly movably coupled to the frame, and wherein movement of the frame relative to the first and second assemblies causes the first and second assemblies to engage each other to limit further movement of the frame in at least a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6554086
    Abstract: A curb-climbing wheelchair having pivotal arm assemblies. The pivotal arm assemblies include at least one front caster and have the ability to rotate or pivot. The pivot arms rotate or pivot in response to moments generated by accelerating or decelerating the wheelchair thereby raising or lowering the front caster(s) through the rotational movement of the pivot arms. By raising or lowering the front caster(s) in such a manner, curb-like obstacles can be traversed in a low-impact manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr.