Timothy T Howard

US Patent:

RE37928, Dec 10, 2002

Filed:

Mar 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/521188

Inventors:

Timothy L. Howard - Warrington PA 18976

International Classification:

B60N 212

US Classification:

29736214, 29736211, 297320, 297330

Abstract:

Apparatus for adjusting the spatial relationship between the bottom and the bade of a chair which may be subjected to seven mechanical stress, as in the case of a vehicle crash, the seat and the back being operatively connected respectively to two oppositely threaded portions of a rotatable shaft which is adapted to be routed in one direction or the other to produce the desired change in spatial relationship, the arrangement providing the combination of exceptional strength in the event of a crash and reduced cost. The operative connection between the chair parts and the shaft includes two non-rotatable parts engaged respectively with the oppositely threaded shaft portions so as to move in and out with respect to the shaft as the latter is rotated, and a housing which permits those parts to thus move while preventing their motion.

US Patent:

45807493, Apr 8, 1986

Filed:

Oct 24, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/544594

Inventors:

Timothy L. Howard - Ambler PA

Assignee:

Gas Spring Company Div. of Fichtel & Sachs Industries, Inc. - Colmar PA

International Classification:

F16M 1100

US Classification:

248161

Abstract:

A resilient support column for height-adjustable chairs or the like includes a piston-and-cylinder type pneumatic spring that is installable in and removable from the column by means of a retaining sleeve structure carried by the spring. The retaining sleeve is connected to the column through a threaded connection that permits quick one-step insertion of the combined sleeve-spring unit into the column, while thereafter affording the advantage of threaded adjustment within the column or threaded removal therefrom. A simple mechanical fastener holds the retaining sleeve in place on the pneumatic spring during shipment and/or assembly.

US Patent:

45483892, Oct 22, 1985

Filed:

Sep 16, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/533202

Inventors:

Lawther O. Smith - Doylestown PA
Timothy L. Howard - Ambler PA
Franz A. Kautz - Southampton PA

Assignee:

Fichtel & Sachs Industries, Inc. - Colmar PA

International Classification:

F16F 300
F16F 500
F16F 1300

US Classification:

267 6411

Abstract:

A seal between a piston rod and a housing in which the piston reciprocates for preventing the escape of compressed fluid from the housing. A fixed sealing member engages the piston rod adjacent the housing wall, and a floating sealing member engages the piston rod at a location spaced from the fixed sealing member. A liquid is in the space between the sealing members.

US Patent:

45963835, Jun 24, 1986

Filed:

Feb 21, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/582063

Inventors:

Timothy L. Howard - Ambler PA

Assignee:

Gas Spring Company, Division of Fichtel & Sachs Industries, Inc. - Colmar PA

International Classification:

F16F 932

US Classification:

267 6412

Abstract:

A mechanical locking device for restraining the piston rod of a gas spring n an extended position comprises a lock tube mounted on the piston rod coaxially with the cylinder and adapted to ride telescopingly over the cylinder during normal inward and outward movement of the piston rod. Apparatus is provided on the piston rod whereby the piston rod can be overextended, beyond its normal fully extended position, to permit the lock tube to move out of coaxial alignment with the cylinder; the end of the lock tube thereby abuts the end face of the cylinder and prevents inward movement of the piston rod.

US Patent:

RE316350, Jul 24, 1984

Filed:

Jun 19, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/275445

Inventors:

Lawther O. Smith - Doylestown PA
Timothy L. Howard - Beach Haven NJ
Kalman Broitman - Dresher PA

Assignee:

Gas Spring Corporation - Colmar PA

International Classification:

F16C 1100
F16D 112

US Classification:

403144

Abstract:

A socket assembly for a ball and socket coupling comprises a socket body having a ball-receiving socket which includes a cylindrical portion. A pair of slots extend through the socket body and open into the cylindrical portion at locations diametrically opposite each other and outwardlyfrom the seated position of the ball. Each slot has a flat surface which generally faces the seated position of the ball and converges inwardly toward the axis of the cylindrical portion of the socket, thus to lie obliquely to the axis of the cylindrical portion. A generally C-shaped spring clip wraps around the socket body. The clip has opposed end portions which extend through the slots and part way into the socket far enough to engage the neck of the ball component. The end portions of the clip are oriented generally obliquely to the axis of the socket. The socket body has a pair of external flat surfaces which underlie the clip, and the clip has flat portions which engage the flat faces of the socket body to keep the clip from turning out of proper position to permit the socket assembly to be pressed onto the ball component.

US Patent:

58849700, Mar 23, 1999

Filed:

Jun 9, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/868840

Inventors:

Timothy L. Howard - Blue Bell PA

Assignee:

CounterBalance Corporation - Warminster PA

International Classification:

B60N 212

US Classification:

29736214

Abstract:

Apparatus for adjusting the spatial relationship between the bottom and the back of a chair which may be subjected to severe mechanical stress, as in the case of a vehicle crash, the seat and the back being operatively connected respectively to two oppositely threaded portions of a rotatable shaft which is adapted to be rotated in one direction or the other to produce the desired change in spatial relationship, the arrangement providing the combination of exceptional strength in the event of a crash and reduced cost. The operative connection between the chair parts and the shaft includes two non-rotatable parts engaged respectively with the oppositely threaded shaft portions so as to move in and out with respect to the shaft as the latter is rotated, and a housing which permits those parts to thus move while preventing their rotation.

US Patent:

42368456, Dec 2, 1980

Filed:

Jun 18, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/049316

Inventors:

Lawther O. Smith - Doylestown PA
Timothy L. Howard - Beach Haven NJ
Kalman Broitman - Dresher PA

Assignee:

Gas Spring Corporation - Montgomeryville PA

International Classification:

F16C 1100
F16D 112

US Classification:

403144

Abstract:

A socket assembly for a ball and socket coupling comprises a socket body having a ball-receiving socket which includes a cylindrical portion. A pair of slots extend through the socket body and open into the cylindrical portion at locations diametrically opposite each other and outwardlyfrom the seated position of the ball. Each slot has a flat surface which generally faces the seated position of the ball and converges inwardly toward the axis of the cylindrical portion of the socket, thus to lie obliquely to the axis of the cylindrical portion. A generally C-shaped spring clip wraps around the socket body. The clip has opposed end portions which extend through the slots and part way into the socket far enough to engage the neck of the ball component. The end portions of the clip are oriented generally obliquely to the axis of the socket. The socket body has a pair of external flat surfaces which underlie the clip, and the clip has flat portions which engage the flat faces of the socket body to keep the clip from turning out of proper position to permit the socket assembly to be pressed onto the ball component.