Patents by Inventor William D. Shields

William D. Shields 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: 8833703
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a crossing equipment controller. In one embodiment, a method comprises prior to a vehicle entering a diverging zone, calculating a travel time until the vehicle at a determined position would reach a crossing based on one or more vehicle conditions, and in response to the vehicle entering the diverging zone, updating the travel time with a time-based countdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael W. Steffen, II, Steven Murphy, Brian Wesley Isaacson, William D. Shields, James B. Strecker
  • Publication number: 20130015297
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a crossing equipment controller. In one embodiment, a method comprises prior to a vehicle entering a diverging zone, calculating a travel time until the vehicle at a determined position would reach a crossing based on one or more vehicle conditions, and in response to the vehicle entering the diverging zone, updating the travel time with a time-based countdown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Michael W. Steffen, II, Steven Murphy, Brian Wesley Isaacson, William D. Shields, James B. Strecker
  • Patent number: 5284463
    Abstract: The apparatus is configured as a dumbbell having an elongated hollow lifting bar with a pivotable handle for activating a wedge-shaped cam element mounted to the bar. The cam element longitudinally forces two rods carried in a passageway of the bar to move pin operator elements of each weight. Opposed sides of a weight respectively include a depression or cavity and a laterally extending boss with a boss of one weight fitting within a depression of an adjacent weight. Each boss carries a pair of diametrically opposed inwardly biased pins that are moved outwardly by the element to engage a grooved surface in the depression on an adjacent weight to secure the weights together. Oversized bar alignment rings with essentially identical grooved surfaces are engaged by the pins of a first weight in a series. A support base having a pair of convergent channels to accommodate the alignment rings guides the dumbbell into its resting place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventor: William D. Shields
  • Patent number: 5123885
    Abstract: An improved freeweight locking mechanism employs a spring-biased lever having a locking end which blocks movement of the freeweight securing member from a first position whereby a weight is secured to a lifting bar and an operating end, which when contacted by the support frame for the weights, will cause the locking end to move a sufficient distance to allow movement of the weight-securing member to the release position. The member has a rib which defines two surfaces or shoulders to allow the member to be locked in either the weight-securing or weight-releasing positions. The movement of a weight away from the support frame allows spring bias to force the locking end of the lever into the locked position and this blocks accidental movement of the member from its weight-securing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Selex Sport/Health Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Shields
  • Patent number: 4982957
    Abstract: Apparatus for improved alignment of the components of a freeweight barbell system include a weight tray employing spacing members for lateral support of the weights when stored upright thereon. The bar includes sleeves having shoulders to further align the weights when mounted on the bar. Guide channels include rearward downwardly disposed ramps to minimize contact of the weights with the tray surface until the bar has been moved to the rearward position. Interior weight support channels minimize bending of a weighted bar to ease movement and prevent lateral misalignment of the weights. Two alternate retaining clips are provided to improve the securing of the weights which themselves have been reformed to also improve support, guidance and alignment of the weights whether stored or secured to the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: William D. Shields
  • Patent number: 4953855
    Abstract: A split phase cam-controlled weight lifting exercise machine employs two independently selectable weight stacks connected by cable and pulley assemblies to a respective phase of the cam. Exercise arms are pivotally mounted for pivotal movement of the cams to which are connected the cables in a manner to provide for a different moment arm for one loaded weight than for the other during a part of the exercise. The weight loading is selected by a pin that fits through the weights and a guide rod mounted so as to not contact the weights and cause friction that degrades the benefits of the split cam operation. The guide rod is mounted on bearings that limit movement to the vertical direction. The weights include integral interlocks to align them vertically in a stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: William D. Shields
  • Patent number: 4822034
    Abstract: A barbell weight lifting apparatus comprising a plurality of spaced weights stored on spaced apart support trays and arranged in two horizontal rows on a frame, the weights each having an identically positioned horizontal slot therein and a vertically disposed pin mounted in therein for securing the weights to a lifting bar. The lifting bar has a rotatable collar on each end with spaced circumferential grooves cut therein in positions to be in line with the pins in the weights when the lifting bar is positioned in the slots. The lifting bar has round wheels attached to the ends thereof which rest in a guide channel on each end of the frame and cooperate with a pair of spaced alignment bar mounted on the frame for control of the motion of the lifting bar to maintain the lifting bar in proper alignment with the frame and the weights during weight loading and unloading procedures. Weights not selected for attachment to the lifting bar are prevented from movement off the frame by a horizontal safety bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Inventor: William D. Shields
  • Patent number: 4130315
    Abstract: A motorcycle fairing is disclosed herein which comprises a one-piece, formed or molded sheet of plastic, such as acrylic or fiberglass, having portions which extend in front of and above the motorcycle handlebars, and further including leg portions which extend downwardly along the opposite sides of the front fork of the motorcycle. The leg portions include panels pivotally attached thereto and positionable to direct air onto the engine or the rider in warm weather and to seal off the air in cooler weather. The motorcycle fairing is attached to the handlebars with brackets, and also with a gasket which extends along the inside edge of the fairing and engages the front fork and lights of the motorcycle. The gasket aids in securing the fairing to the motorcycle, absorbing vibrations due to the road and motorcycle, and permits the fairing to fit different size motorcycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1978
    Inventor: William D. Shields
  • Patent number: 4010976
    Abstract: A motorcycle fairing is disclosed herein which comprises a one-piece, formed sheet of acrylic plastic having portions which extend in front of and above the motorcycle handlebars, and further including leg portions which extend downwardly along the opposite sides of the front fork of the motorcycle. The bottoms of the leg portions are shaped to direct air which confronts a moving motorcycle downwardly and toward the intake manifold of the motorcycle engine. The top of the fairing includes a lip which directs air upwardly and over the head of the motorcycle rider. The motorcycle fairing is attached to the handlebars with brackets. The fairing further includes a gasket which extends along the edge of the fairing and engages the front fork and lights of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1977
    Inventor: William D. Shields