Patents by Inventor William P. Washington

William P. Washington 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).

  • Spring clamp for heater element
    Patent number: 6104010
    Abstract: A high efficiency, direct conduction track switch heater (24) and associated spring clamp (70) are disclosed. The heater (24) includes a generally blade-shaped jacket (30) dimensioned for mounting on the gauge side 26 of a fixed rail (16) at the track switch interface. The jacket dimensions reduce the likelihood of impact damage due to track switching while providing an enlarged heat transfer surface (66). The spring clamp (70) presses the heater (24) tightly against the rail (16) while accommodating normal thermal expansions and providing a narrow profile for the overall heater and clamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Fastrax Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Reichle, William P. Washington
  • Railroad track switch heater
    Patent number: 5824997
    Abstract: A high efficiency, direct conduction track switch heater (24) and associated spring clamp (70) are disclosed. The heater (24) includes a generally blade-shaped jacket (30) dimensioned for mounting on the gauge side 26 of a fixed rail (16) at the track switch interface. The jacket dimensions reduce the likelihood of impact damage due to track switching while providing an enlarged heat transfer surface (66). The spring clamp (70) presses the heater (24) tightly against the rail (16) while accommodating normal thermal expansions and providing a narrow profile for the overall heater and clamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Fastrax Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Reichle, William P. Washington