Patents by Inventor William R. Higgins

William R. Higgins 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: 5572888
    Abstract: A circular knit one-piece garment blank, lower torso garment, and method of making same having a welt portion and a tubular knit body with front, back and side portions. The front portion contains a spot control area wherein bulkier yarns are included to impart an elastic character throughout the area and to impart the characteristics of a foundation garment to the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Browder, Jr., William R. Higgins
  • Patent number: 5201831
    Abstract: An aircraft interior skeleton spaced apart from the aircraft frame is formed from multiple spaced apart upright U-shaped ribs attached to horizontal intercostal U-shaped members conforming to the aircraft frame members, but not contacting such frame members. Multiple interior honeycomb side panels and overhead panels are hinged from the interior skeleton and interlocked with adjacent panels. An overhead connecting member is attached to a top end of each rib and a dampening device connects the bottom end of each rib to an aircraft frame member. Adjustable cable connectors position the interior skeleton within the aircraft by connecting the horizontal intercostal members to the aircraft frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: ATR International, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Higgins, Otto C. Pobanz
  • Patent number: 4800643
    Abstract: A method for mounting an insert fastener to accommodate a bolt in lightweight panels is described. A hole is bored in a panel to penetrate the core and upper facial sheet and then is filled with a quick setting resin. A fastener having a flat circular head and central threaded bore is inserted into the hole. Integral with and depending from the head is a cylindrical body with a pair of radial flanges parallel to each other and to the head. The flanges are spaced apart from each other and the head. The edges of the flanges are serrated. Two holes, one on each side of the central bore, are present in the head to allow excess resin potting material to leave the hole in the lightweight panel. A bolt for holding auxiliary structures to the panel is screwed into the central bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: ATR International, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Higgins
  • Patent number: 4799631
    Abstract: Two arcuate panel sections having a dampening layer between two honeycomb layers form a module which is mounted in multiple elastomeric isolators located within channel members. Support brackets attached to the interior of the aircraft skin support the channels in the overhead area and along the port and starboard deck edge. The module is thereby spaced apart from the aircraft frame. There is a resulting diminution of acoustic transmission from the aircraft frame to its interior passenger area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: ATR International, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Humphries, Donald C. Fetterhoff, William R. Higgins
  • Patent number: 4729705
    Abstract: An improved insert fastener for use in lightweight panels is described. The fastener has a flat circular head overlapping a hole in the panel. Integral with and depending from the head is a cylindrical body with a pair of radial flanges parallel to each other and to the head. The flanges are spaced apart from each other and the head. The edges of the flanges are serrated. A central threaded bore through the head and cylindrical body receives a bolt for holding auxiliary structures to the panel. Two holes, one on each side of the central bore, are present in the head to allow excess epoxy resin potting material to leave the hole in the lightweight panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: ATR International, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Higgins
  • Patent number: 4729601
    Abstract: A seat adjustment and locking mechanism employs a pedestal permanently affixed to the deck and having a bore on its top frame member to engage a through bolt. The bolt supports a pin pad with a multiplicity of small pins on its top surface. A seat frame bottom wall containing a slot moves around the bolt and pin pad. A panel containing small holes is located within the seat frame. In a relaxed position the panel rests on the pin pad and causes engagement of the pins with the holes on the bottom surface of the panel to secure the seat in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: ATR International, Inc.
    Inventors: Irwin Walle, Donald C. Fetterhoff, William R. Higgins