Patrick E Mcdaniel

US Patent:

6746033, Jun 8, 2004

Filed:

Oct 31, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/287233

Inventors:

Patrick K. McDaniel - Pasco WA 99301

International Classification:

B60R 300

US Classification:

280166, 280163, 182 88

Abstract:

An step assembly ( ) is described having a step ( ) that moves between down and up positions by pivoting about a longitudinal axis connected to a vehicle chassis ( ). One or more link assemblies ( ) move the step between these positions. A support bracket ( ) connects to the chassis and pivotally supports the step. The link assembly includes a first link ( ) having one end fixedly attached to a drive shaft ( ) in a radial manner and another end rotatably connected to a second link ( ). The connection between the first and second links is located outward of the pivotal connection between the step and the support bracket. In one embodiment, in the up position, the point of rotation between the first and second links is located outward of the drive shaft axis of rotation. A stop is available to limit further rotational travel by the first link.

US Patent:

20100213687, Aug 26, 2010

Filed:

Feb 24, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/392027

Inventors:

PATRICK KERMIT MCDANIEL - Kennewick WA, US

International Classification:

B60D 1/155

US Classification:

2804912

Abstract:

A Telescoping and Articulated Trailer Hitch Assembly has a telescope extension tube () which slidably receives a trailer hitch extension (). The trailer hitch extension () is rotatably affixed to a trailer hitch ball assembly () by a pivot pin (). The pivot pin () has a diameter and is pivotally received by at least one outwardly extending upper pivot pin receiver having a pivot pin aperture () and by at least one outwardly extending lower counterbore receiver having a counterbore (). The at least one upper pivot pin aperture () and the at least one lower counterbore () have an inside diameter greater than the pivot pin (). The at least one lower counterbore () is penetrated, at the bottom, by an access aperture () which allows upward force to be applied to the pivot pin () for ease of removal and replacement of the trailer hitch ball assembly () with a different hitch style. The trailer hitch ball assembly () has at least one outwardly extending hitch pivot pin aperture () which has a diameter greater than the pivot pin () diameter. The alignment of the pivot pin aperture (), the hitch pivot pin aperture () and the lower counterbore () allows the insertion of the pivot pin (). The trailer hitch extension () is extended by a drive interconnection with a Gearhead and Motor Drive Subassembly (), which drives an Acme Screw (), via an actuated Acme Screw Drive (), to extend or retract the trailer hitch extension (). When the Acme Screw Drive Assembly is driven in one direction, the trailer hitch extension () is telescoped outwardly allowing a Ball Mount () to swing to either the left or right via the Pivot Pin () thus allowing a generous amount of misalignment between a Tow Vehicle and a Trailer.

US Patent:

56976267, Dec 16, 1997

Filed:

May 16, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/442576

Inventors:

Patrick K. McDaniel - Richland WA
Gale E. McDaniel - Richland WA

Assignee:

McDaniel Manufacturing, Inc. - Richland WA

International Classification:

B60R 302

US Classification:

280166

Abstract:

A running board for an overland vehicle including first and second bell cranks with swing arms which move relative to the vehicle in opposing arcuate displacements. An elongated central running board member is flexibly connected to the swing arms to form a linkage which is extended and retracted. An extension compensator is included to compensate for changes in the overall length of the linkage. A motor-powered drive pivots the swing arms and preferably provides a control mechanism which coordinates the swing arm motions to keep the running board level. The drive can be automatically controlled by a door switch or other sensor.

US Patent:

47472987, May 31, 1988

Filed:

Dec 4, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/938027

Inventors:

Patrick K. McDaniel - Richland WA

International Classification:

G01M 332

US Classification:

73 493

Abstract:

Container testing apparatuses and methods for detecting leaks in containers such as at the rims of the container. Preferred apparatus have opposing testing heads with receptacles for receiving ends of a container. Each testing head has two seals. A first or end seal is preferably adapted to seal at the end wall of the container. The second or perimetric seal is expandable against the sidewall of the container. The perimetric seal has an internal expansion chamber which is pressurized to expand the seal into sealing engagement with the container. A differentially pressurized testing fluid is transmitting to a chamber formed between the seals and the container. A detector selectively senses changes in the container associated with the existence of a leak through which the differential pressure of the testing fluid is communicated.

US Patent:

54980127, Mar 12, 1996

Filed:

Jun 21, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/263926

Inventors:

Patrick K. McDaniel - Richland WA
Gale E. McDaniel - Richland WA

Assignee:

McDaniel Manufacturing, Inc. - Richland WA

International Classification:

B60R 302

US Classification:

280166

Abstract:

An extendible and retractable step assembly for mounting on vehicles. The assembly includes a mount which is fixed to either side of the vehicle. An extendible subassembly includes a step mounted on a movable swing arm in a preferred parallelogram linkage. The pivot axes of the arms are inclined causing the step to be moved downward and outward into an extended position. Cable and motor operators are shown to provide automatic operation when the vehicle door is operated. A safety release is used on the cable operator to allow vehicle door operation even if the step assembly becomes jammed.

US Patent:

51903377, Mar 2, 1993

Filed:

Sep 24, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/765153

Inventors:

Patrick K. McDaniel - Pasco WA

Assignee:

Columbia Mfg., Inc. - Richland WA

International Classification:

B60P 300

US Classification:

296 3

Abstract:

A pickup truck rack includes upper rails of "H" shape cross section, a lower channel of which receives folding legs and braces within in a collapsed condition. An upper channel telescopically receives an over cab rack extension. In an alternative embodiment, the rack extension moves to a vertically stored position.

US Patent:

52856780, Feb 15, 1994

Filed:

Dec 21, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/289591

Inventors:

Gale E. McDaniel - Kennewick WA
Patrick K. McDaniel - Richland WA

Assignee:

Seal Integrity Systems, Inc. - Richland WA

International Classification:

G01M 302

US Classification:

73 493

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for nondestructively testing sealed containers to proof test for seal leaks present in one or more container seals formed between mating parts of a container. The apparatus preferably includes a container rest or support assembly which holds a container being tested. The container support can advantageously include two corresponding testing head members which are movably mounted on a frame to clamp peripheral portions of the container to form a secondary seal outward of the primary seal which is being tested for leakage. The secondary seal creates a test chamber defined within marginal edge portions of the container which is adjacent the primary seal for applying a testing pressure thereto. Some of the preferred embodiments include a passage forming device for forming a testing fluid supply passage into the test chamber. The passage forming device can be an injection probe which forms an opening and injects a pressurized testing fluid into the test chamber.

US Patent:

52051579, Apr 27, 1993

Filed:

Apr 19, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/512752

Inventors:

Patrick K. McDaniel - Pasco WA

Assignee:

Seal Integrity Systems, Inc. - Richland WA

International Classification:

G01M 302

US Classification:

73 492

Abstract:

Testing apparatus and processes are described for testing containers or selected portions thereof for leaks. The device includes container receivers for receiving a container. A support engages a surface of the container. The support includes a network of rigid support surfaces, preferably a screen shaped by a rigid base to conform to and engage the container surface. Open fluid passageways are interspersed within the network of rigid support surfaces which hold the container against deformation in response to applied pressure differential. A pressure differential across the surface being tested will result in passage of fluid through a leak in the test area. The fluid passageways facilitate free flow of the fluid from one side to the other. Flow of fluid will produce a detectable pressure differential between the two sides, quickly identifiable as a container leak. The support surfaces expand and contract to facilitate placement and removal of the container.