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For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Kalamazoo, MI, United States of America

Elmer A Richards

This inventor holds 17 USPTO granted patents, primarily in Transmission Technology. Top assignee: Eaton Corporation. Active years: 1976-1988.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Elmer A Richards. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/elmer-a-richards

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 17

% Patents Active = 100.0

Average Co-Inventor Count = 1.3

ph-index = 11

Forward Citations = 339(Granted Patents)


Company Filing History:

goldMedal17 out of 5,989 
 
Eaton Corporation
 patents

Years Active: 1976-1988

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Areas of Expertise:
Blocked Jaw Clutch
Transmission System
Powershift Transmission
Resilient Shifting
Change Gear
Herringbone Gear
Decelerating Mechanism
Sensor Ramps
Load Sharing
Multiple Countershaft
Shiftable Transmission
Gear Retainer
17 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 4736643 - Blocked jaw clutch assembly (1988-04-12),
2. 4735109 - Semi-blocked transmission (1988-04-05),
3. 4709590 - Herringbone geared multiple load sharing countershaft transmission (1987-12-01),
4. 4703667 - Blocked jaw clutch assembly (1987-11-03),
5. 4527447 - Automatic mechanical transmission system (1985-07-09),
6. 4481836 - Multiple identical countershaft powershift transmission (1984-11-13),
7. 4388838 - Multiple countershaft simple transmission (1983-06-21),
8. 4375172 - Blocked change gear transmission utilizing resilient shifting mechanisms (1983-03-01),
9. 4290515 - Transmission with resilient shifting mechanism (1981-09-22),
10. 4194410 - Blocked transmission (1980-03-25),
11. 4186618 - Transmission input decelerating and reversing mechanism (1980-02-05),
12. 4176736 - Blocked change gear transmission and improved blocker and jaw clutch (1979-12-04),
13. 4141440 - Blocker and jaw clutch assembly (1979-02-27),
14. 4132122 - Shiftable change speed transmission utilizing improved blocker and jaw (1979-01-02),
15. 4046032 - Start control (1977-09-06),

Title: Elmer A. Richards: Innovator in Clutch Assembly Technology

Introduction

Elmer A. Richards is a notable inventor based in Kalamazoo, MI (US), recognized for his contributions to clutch assembly technology. With a remarkable portfolio of 17 patents, Richards has made significant advancements in mechanical engineering.

Latest Patents

Among his latest innovations is the "Blocked Jaw Clutch Assembly," which features a second positive stop member designed to limit axial movement of the second jaw clutch member. This invention ensures that during shifting operations, if the jaw clutch members are not in synchronous rotation, the second stop member will restrict axial movement to a preselected position. Another significant patent is the "Semi-Blocked Transmission," a compound change gear transmission of the splitter type. This transmission integrates a multi-speed main section with a multi-speed auxiliary section, utilizing both manually engaged and resiliently shifted blocked jaw clutch assemblies.

Career Highlights

Richards has spent a significant portion of his career at Eaton Corporation, where he has been instrumental in developing innovative clutch systems. His work has contributed to the advancement of transmission technology, enhancing the efficiency and performance of various mechanical systems.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Richards has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Edward J. Bogema and Russell C. Holmes, further enriching the innovation landscape in clutch technology.

Conclusion

Elmer A. Richards stands out as a key figure in the field of clutch assembly technology, with a strong patent portfolio and impactful collaborations. His inventions continue to influence the mechanical engineering industry, showcasing his dedication to innovation.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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