Patents by Inventor William C. Murphy

William C. Murphy 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: 5356346
    Abstract: A masking unit for bowling lanes equipped with automatic pinsetters, comprising a vertically moving masking panel and a series of stepped panels in front of the moving panel and extending from the top thereof to the ceiling of the bowling establishment. Stanchions at each end of a panel hold wheeled carriages which engage tracks on the back of the moving panel so that the panel may be vertically raised and lowered. Chain driven control means assures that one end of the panel does not get ahead of the other when the panel is being moved, and spring biasing means aid in raising the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Katje, William C. Murphy, Michael F. Stirling
  • Patent number: 5084318
    Abstract: An overlay structure is provided for resurfacing a bowling lane. The structure includes a relatively thick homogeneous laminate sheet having a print layer to simulate the appearance of a wood bowling lane. A plurality of mechanical fasteners are positioned in respective recesses in the upper surface of the sheet and extending through the sheet for securement to the lane. Plugs are force fit into the recesses to hide the mechanical fasteners. The plugs are fabricated similarly to and have the same appearance as the print layer of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Stirling, Michael G. Gautraud, William C. Murphy
  • Patent number: 4844203
    Abstract: A conveyor lubrication apparatus, for a conveyor having a plurality of interconnected and moveable elements arranged in a continuous closed loop and moveable in successive cycles about the loop, applies lubrication once for each pre-determined number of cycles of the conveyor past the lubrication apparatus. The apparatus includes a lubricant supply reservoir, fluid flow conduit connected to the lubricant supply reservoir for conducting lubricant to a position in proximity with the conveyor, valves disposed in the conduit and in proximity with the conveyor for controlling the application of lubricant to the conveyor, a conveyor driven pump for pressurizing and storing a quantity of lubricant under pressure in fluid communication with the valves, and a control circuit for controlling activation of the valves, which when activated release a portion of the lubricant under pressure onto the moveable elements of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Patco Sales & Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Brown, William C. Murphy
  • Patent number: 4580780
    Abstract: A bowling lane construction adapted for placement on a foundation including an elongated bowling lane and a plurality of supports for the lane, each adapted to be disposed on a foundation for functional engagement with the lower surface of the lane. The supports are generally parallel, spaced along the length of the lane and generally transverse to the direction of elongation thereof. Each such support is formed of a truss having spaced upper and lower chords and at least two vertical braces extending between the chords and at least two elongated tie braces extending diagonally between the chords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Gautraud, William C. Murphy, Michael F. Stirling
  • Patent number: 4537285
    Abstract: A conveyor lubrication apparatus includes a counter for energizing lubrication devices once for each predetermined number of cycles of the conveyor past a lubrication station. Timers energized by the counter activate control valves for a predetermined period of time to supply lubricant to parts of the conveyor as each part reaches the lubrication station. A current sense circuit detects current flow to the control valves and energizes the central lubricant supply pump to pressurize the lubricant flow lines for a predetermined period of time, at the end of which the pump is de-energized until the next control valve is energized. A pressure sensor is disposed in the lubricant flow lines to detect a low pressure level and causes the pump to be de-energized and an alarm to be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Inventors: Patrick A. Brown, William C. Murphy
  • Patent number: 4212372
    Abstract: An apparatus and system or process for lubrication of conveyor trolleys and similar moving bearing points as found in conveyor chain and associated conveyor equipment. The apparatus includes a wheel positioning locator in the form of a trolley track section having openings through the web and movement controlling cam blocks which engage and orient trolley wheels and chain assuring proper positional location of the bearings adjacent the emission point of lubricant capillaries and in avoidance of damaging contact between capillaries and moving trolleys or chain equipment. One track flange provides support for electrical equipment and limit switches. The other track flange supports the trolley wheels. The lubricating circuit is a constant pressure circulating system from a central storage tank and running to valves, and the valves located at the capillary tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1980
    Assignee: Molychem, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Murphy, Lyle G. Myers
  • Patent number: 3934600
    Abstract: Liquid lubricant dispensing apparatus employing a solenoid plunger valve in a recirculated lubricant conduit, the valve being operable to temporarily uncover a valve seat leading to a capillary discharge having insignificant volume. A controlled quantity of dynamically circulating lubricant is discharged from the capillary with momentary shifting of the valve resulting in a shock pulse being applied on the liquid to the capillary discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1976
    Assignee: Shock V Automatic Lubrication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Murphy
  • Patent number: D352084
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Corp.
    Inventors: Michael J. Katje, William C. Murphy, Michael F. Stirling
  • Patent number: RE35778
    Abstract: An overlay structure is provided for resurfacing a bowling lane. The structure includes a relatively thick homogeneous laminate sheet having a print layer to simulate the appearance of a wood bowling lane. A plurality of mechanical fasteners are positioned in respective recesses in the upper surface of the sheet and extending through the sheet for securement to the lane. Plugs are force fit into the recesses to hide the mechanical fasteners. The plugs are fabricated similarly to and have the same appearance as the print layer of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Brunswick Bowling & Billiards
    Inventors: Michael F. Stirling, Michael G. Gautraud, William C. Murphy