Richard Tad Webster

US Patent:

6352397, Mar 5, 2002

Filed:

May 31, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/495629

Inventors:

Jerry E. OQuinn - Fullerton CA
Richard G. Webster - Long Beach CA

Assignee:

Hi-Shear Technology Corporation - Torrance CA

International Classification:

F16B 3708

US Classification:

411434, 411270

Abstract:

A separable threaded fastener tightened to hold two objects together with an axial preload on the fastener. Fastener structure minimizes mechanical shock loads on contiguous structures when elements of the fastener are abruptly separated from one another to release the objects. A stator and a rotor having ramp surfaces provide for relief of the axial preload at the time of separation thereby reducing mechanical shock on contiguous structures.

US Patent:

7383962, Jun 10, 2008

Filed:

May 27, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/139277

Inventors:

Richard F. Webster - Carson CA, US
Steven R. Greening - Grosse Pointe Woods MI, US

Assignee:

Lionel L.L.C. - Chesterfield MI

International Classification:

B61G 1/00

US Classification:

213 75TC, 105 15, 105 3

Abstract:

A model train car uses an improved coupling mechanism that permits close coupling of adjacent cars in a model train, while also providing a rotational operating range that permits operation of the train with tighter model track curves. The coupling mechanism operates to extend a coupling bar from the model car when the train turns to the right or left, providing clearance for further rotation of the bar. The mechanism further provides for elastic portions of the model car housing, which give way to the rotating coupling bar as the bar rotates towards its outer limits.

US Patent:

7404362, Jul 29, 2008

Filed:

May 27, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/139310

Inventors:

Richard F. Webster - Carson CA, US
Steven R. Greening - Grosse Pointe Woods MI, US

Assignee:

Lionel L.L.C. - Chesterfield MI

International Classification:

B61D 17/00

US Classification:

105 15, 1052382

Abstract:

A model vehicle, such as a model electric train, includes a motorized tilt mechanism for tilting train cars when traversing curved sections of track. The operation of the tilt mechanism is automated using a motor, drive train, and control circuit. A motorized tilt mechanism moves a train car body between left, right, and upright positions, depending on the direction and speed of movement of the model train. The control circuit permits automatic operation of the tilt mechanism in response to position and velocity input.

US Patent:

7520226, Apr 21, 2009

Filed:

May 27, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/139314

Inventors:

Richard F. Webster - Carson CA, US
Steven R. Greening - Grosse Pointe Woods MI, US

Assignee:

Lionel L.L.C. - Chesterfield MI

International Classification:

B61D 17/00

US Classification:

105 15

Abstract:

A model vehicle, such as a model electric train, includes a force-isolating drive mechanism. The drive mechanism provides a mechanical linkage and speed reduction between an output shaft of a motor for a model locomotive and its drive wheels, via a gear train. The gear train includes a floating mechanism that permits the model locomotive drive wheels vertical freedom of movement, while still remaining mechanically linked to the gear train. The floating mechanism isolates the model locomotive from forces transmitted from the track bed through the drive wheels, thereby providing a more stable and vibration-free model performance.

US Patent:

7703433, Apr 27, 2010

Filed:

Feb 26, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/072366

Inventors:

Richard Colman Webster - Corona CA, US

International Classification:

F02B 53/04
F01C 1/08
F01C 1/24
F04C 18/00
F04C 2/00

US Classification:

123221, 418196, 418207

Abstract:

The rotary internal combustion engine is a rotary internal combustion engine that uses the unique combination of multiple rotors on a vertical axis with piston vanes, which are intersected by horizontally oriented valve rings so that rotating rotors intersect gaps on the rotating valve rings, thus creating the intake compression and power and exhaust cycles on this internal combustion engine. The unique design allows the motor to operation as either a motor or pump. High volume of compressed air virtually eliminates the need for a storage tank. These engines are an elegant solution that fulfills the century long quest for quiet, clean, highly efficient rotary power. When available, the demand for the benefits of rotary piston power in air, surface, and marine applications, will be immediate and rewarding.

US Patent:

8001905, Aug 23, 2011

Filed:

May 24, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/136838

Inventors:

Richard F. Webster - Carson CA, US
Steven R. Greening - Grosse Pointe Woods MI, US

Assignee:

Lionel L.L.C. - Chesterfield MI

International Classification:

B60L 5/00

US Classification:

105 15, 105 2605, 105 49, 191 66, 191 85

Abstract:

A model vehicle, such as a model electric train, includes a model pantograph. The operation of the pantograph is automated using a motor, drive train, and control circuit. An upper articulating portion of the pantograph is mounting to the model vehicle using a breakaway assembly. The upper articulating portion may also be coupled to a drive motor via an elastic coupling permitting elastic movement of the upper portion independently of the drive motor.

US Patent:

8001908, Aug 23, 2011

Filed:

May 27, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/139177

Inventors:

Richard F. Webster - Carson CA, US
Steven R. Greening - Grosse Pointe Woods MI, US

Assignee:

Lionel L.L.C. - Chesterfield MI

International Classification:

B61D 3/00

US Classification:

1052821, 105280, 105339

Abstract:

A model vehicle, such as a model electric train, includes a model automatic door. The operation of the door is automated using a motor, drive train, and control circuit. A drive mechanism moves the door between open and closed positions. In the open position, the door is displaced laterally along and displaced outwardly of the body of the train car to expose a door opening. In the closed position, the door is substantially flush with the body of the car and covers the door opening. The control circuit permits automatic operation of the door and provides various features for enhancing realism of the operating model.

US Patent:

20060266254, Nov 30, 2006

Filed:

May 27, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/139073

Inventors:

Richard Webster - Carson CA, US

International Classification:

B61D 17/00

US Classification:

105001500

Abstract:

A system and method for providing power to a model vehicle trackside accessory includes an electrically-powered trackside accessory for a model vehicle layout, such as a model train track. The model layout includes a power rail and an a neutral rail connected to a transformer or other power supply. The layout further includes a third rail parallel to the power and neutral rails. An accessory, such as a model crossing gate or the like, is connected to either of the power or neutral rails, and to an electrically isolated section of the third rail. A model vehicle includes conductive wheel pairs connected by an conductive axle. When the model vehicle is present on the isolated rail section, at least one wheel pair completes an electric power circuit, activating the accessory. When the model vehicle departs from isolated rail section, power is cut off and the accessory is inactivated.