Leonard S Smith

Title: Leonard S. Smith: Innovator in Practical Solutions

Introduction

Leonard S. Smith is a notable inventor based in Minneapolis, MN (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of innovation, holding a total of 8 patents. His work primarily focuses on practical solutions that enhance everyday products.

Latest Patents

Among his latest inventions is the Shopping Cart Brake Assembly. This invention is directed to a caster wheel foot brake assembly which may be used with casters on items such as shopping carts, strollers, moving carts, furniture, and the like. The brake assembly includes a foot pedal, a pair of connector arms, a brake arm, a U-shaped braking foot, and a hinge spring which form an overcenter locking mechanism. To engage the braking foot with the caster wheel, the user pushes down on the rear portion of the foot pad, thereby moving the braking foot overcenter in toggle fashion into a releasably locked braking position. To disengage the brake, the user may either push down on the front portion of the foot pad or pull back on the shopping cart or other item attached to the caster, thereby moving the braking foot back overcenter into a disengaged nonbraking position.

Another significant invention is the Precision Linear Variable Current Control. This power supply for a consumable electrode arc welding system includes a power transformer adapted to be coupled to an AC source and having a rectified secondary coupled through a series inductor to the electrode. The rectified current is chopped by a MOSFET switch array controlled by a relatively high-frequency pulse width modulator having a selectively variable pulse width to supply a pulsed unidirectional current flow to the welding gun. A bridge rectifier is connected across an auxiliary winding of the transformer to provide a supply voltage to the modulator.

Career Highlights

Leonard has worked with various companies throughout his career, including Century Manufacturing Company. His experience in the industry has allowed him to develop innovative solutions that address practical challenges.

Collaborations

Some of his notable coworkers include Ralph L. Powers and Duane B. Haagensen. Their collaboration has contributed to the successful development of his inventions.

Conclusion

Leonard S. Smith is a distinguished inventor whose work has led to practical innovations that improve everyday products. His contributions to the field of invention continue to inspire future developments.