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Research help - patent numbers

coldplugs

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I'm not sure where this topic fits best (humor?) so I'll try the Pub. I'm working on an article that focuses on using patent numbers in automotive history research and am hoping to get some help.

I need patent numbers (US and/or UK).

I'd appreciate it if you notice a patent number when you're working on your cars you'd jot it down and PM it to me with a 1 line note indicating where you found it (e.g. "1963 MG exhaust manifold"). These numbers are often cast into parts. I'm interested in anything prior to about 1970.

Patent numbers on tools that are strictly car related (like a jack) would be great, also.

I'd be happy to post any results that seem interesting.

Thanks!
 
If you own a Spridget, check the plate on the valve cover, its got a whole bunch of them on it!!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
 
bugimike said:
If you own a Spridget, check the plate on the valve cover, its got a whole bunch of them on it!!!...

I'm not that fortunate. My daughter was one, but it's a late one with the Triumph engine so I don't think it has anything in common.

Would some kind soul write down a couple of 'em and send them? I'd be in your debt forever.
 
I have a ton of parts off the TD. Do you want any of those?
 
John:

Do you want me to get them off of a pre war?
There are a bunch readily available on the valve cover

Patrick
 
I'd like to thank Barry (User "Baz") for the numbers he sent. I think these were from a '74 Midget. The interesting thing is that all the patents referenced Mini related things.

One was a drive train mechanism for a transversely mounted engine - the patent was applied for in 1949(!) by Alec Issigonis (sp?) and amended to include Morris Motors. It does not describe the system eventually used in the Mini.

Others were for that engine steadying strut that Minis have and for more drive train stuff.
 
I just had an eerie thought John, what if the Valve Cover Decal I got from one of our favourite catalog suppliers is incorrect?
 
Baz said:
I just had an eerie thought John, what if the Valve Cover Decal I got from one of our favourite catalog suppliers is incorrect?

I doubt it'll affect how the car runs.

It may not be incorrect, though. Isn't it possible that all A-series engines used the same valve covers that year?
 
Barry, you may be right, I mean who really reads them (other than John C)? They must have been different on each of the incarnations of the A-series you would think, even though they would all LOOK the same!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/eek.gif

I was going to send John a pic of my valve-cover plate (aftermarket - probably same source!) but when I went out to take the pic, I noticed the printing on the plate was very deteriorated! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/mad.gif
 
I think what Alec may have patented was the Transverse Drivetrain, not necessarily the A-Series, although the same valve cover was used, I think that 90* and FWD may make the difference.
Anyone have an original pressed patent plate on their cover?
 
The patent #s should be a list of all the patents held by BMC and used in any of their products, I should think! Am I correct in that assumption? /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/confused.gif I.e.: patent plate would cover and protect any and all patented items found on "this" vehicle?
 
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