John J Dean

US Patent:

6581350, Jun 24, 2003

Filed:

Mar 12, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/802555

Inventors:

John J. Dean - Springfield OR

Assignee:

Ride Development Company - Independence OR

International Classification:

B60M 100

US Classification:

52480, 522208, 104 53, 191 13

Abstract:

A floor for a bumper car amusement ride is of modular construction. A base of each module may be of wood and has a multitude of openings for inserted reception of threaded studs welded to the underside of sheet metal panels extending lengthwise thereof. Nut elements, upon removal, permit panel removal and replacement. Dielectric spacers on each base insulate metal panels of different polarity. A metal framework supports the floor modules.

US Patent:

7607500, Oct 27, 2009

Filed:

Mar 8, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/372398

Inventors:

Michael L. Sweringen - Salem OR, US
John J. Dean - Eugene OR, US
Henry Gorgas - Carlton OR, US

International Classification:

B60K 1/00

US Classification:

180 6551, 180 651, 318432, 318139, 388903

Abstract:

“Bumper car” amusement rides are disclosed. An exemplary bumper car comprises a frame, a seat, a portable source of electrical power for propelling the car, multiple drive wheels, a motor controller, and at least one rider control. The seat is configured to hold and position at least one rider of the bumper car. The source is a portable source, mounted to the frame, of electrical power for propelling the bumper car. Each drive wheel comprises a respective hub motor that, when supplied with the electrical power from the source, rotates the respective drive wheel relative to the frame and propels the bumper car. The controller is connected to the source and to the hub motors. The controller is configured: (a) to limit a maximal current supplied by the source to the hub motors during a surge-current situation to a preset maximum, and (b) to ramp down the maximal current over a preset time interval during the surge-current situation. The at least one rider control is interconnected with the source and the hub motors and is configured to be manipulated by a rider for maneuvering the bumper car.

US Patent:

20070251787, Nov 1, 2007

Filed:

Apr 27, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/412242

Inventors:

John Dean - Springfield OR, US

International Classification:

B60L 5/38

US Classification:

191049000

Abstract:

A shoe is yieldably carried by flexible members for contact with conductive floor surfaces. Metal bristles of the shoe are retained in bundled shape in an inverted cup attached to the flexible members with the bristle ends for sliding contact with the floor surfaces. An arbor on the cup is in circuit with the drive system of a vehicle.

US Patent:

20100147609, Jun 17, 2010

Filed:

Sep 17, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/561895

Inventors:

Henry Gorgas - Carlton OR, US
John J. Dean - Eugene OR, US
Michael L. Sweringen - Salem OR, US

International Classification:

B60K 1/00

US Classification:

180 6551

Abstract:

“Bumper car” amusement rides are disclosed. An exemplary bumper car comprises a frame, a seat, multiple drive wheels, a motor controller, and at least one rider control. The seat is configured to hold and position at least one rider of the bumper car. The car is electrically powered from an internal and/or external power source. Each drive wheel comprises a respective hub motor that, when supplied with the electrical power from the source, rotates the respective drive wheel relative to the frame and propels the bumper car. The controller is connected to the source and to the hub motors. The controller is configured: (a) to limit a maximal current supplied by the source to the hub motors during a surge-current situation to a preset maximum, and (b) to ramp down the maximal current over a preset time interval during the surge-current situation. The at least one rider control is interconnected with the source and the hub motors and is configured to be manipulated by a rider for maneuvering the bumper car.

US Patent:

42117402, Jul 8, 1980

Filed:

Feb 22, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/770990

Inventors:

John J. Dean - Springfield OR
Lloyd M. Wetzig - Springfield OR

International Classification:

B29C 1902

US Classification:

264 68

Abstract:

A process for pelletizing tree bark and other botanical material for use as an industrial fuel. A dryer burning fines from the final product is used to heat bark or other botanical material which is typically a waste product from lumbering or agricultural production. Once dried, the material is finely ground, preheated and forced through a pelletizing mill to create a pelletized product having a diameter of approximately 0. 635 cm. The pellets are then cooled and leave the process. Several pelletizing mills are disclosed which are situated to trap the dried material against at least one die such that there will be a continuous, positive feed of material into the die. The resulting product may be substituted for coal as a heating source.

US Patent:

43245617, Apr 13, 1982

Filed:

Jul 24, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/171730

Inventors:

John J. Dean - Springfield OR
Lloyd M. Helzig - Springfield OR

Assignee:

NIPAC, Ltd. - Eugene OR

International Classification:

C10L 508

US Classification:

44 10E

Abstract:

A process and apparatus for pelletizing tree bark and other botanical material for use as an industrial fuel. A dryer burning fines from the final product is used to heat bark or other botanical material which is typically a waste product from lumbering or agricultural production. Once dried, the material is finely ground, preheated and forced through a pelletizing mill to create a pelletized product having a diameter of approximately 0. 635 cm. The pellets are then cooled and leave the process. Several pelletizing mills are disclosed which are situated to trap the dried material against at least one die such that there will be a continuous, positive feed of material into the die. The resulting product may be substituted for coal as a heating source.

US Patent:

53969391, Mar 14, 1995

Filed:

Sep 21, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/125301

Inventors:

John J. Dean - Springfield OR
Lloyd M. Wetzig - Eugene OR

International Classification:

B27H 302

US Classification:

147 19

Abstract:

A machine for making staves includes a first section and a second section with each section including components for cutting one side of a blank in a manner inclined to the blank's lengthwise axis. Conveyors on each section are equipped with lugs for propelling the blanks with each lug having a foot to support a lug engaged end of the blank against laterally applied loads imparted by wheel members. Additionally supporting each of the conveyed blanks on each section is a fence on each section with the lug foot and the fence serving to maintain the blank in a skewed position to present a displaced side edge to a cutter head. The fence on the second section additionally supports the blank against lateral loads applied in an opposite direction by wheels biasing the blank into fence and lug engagement to skew in an opposition direction. A cutter head on the second section of the machine completes shaping of the blank by cutting a second side edge inclined to the stave's lengthwise axis. A method of forming tapered articles from rectangular blanks is also disclosed.