Patents by Inventor David B. Gerhart

David B. Gerhart has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6935227
    Abstract: A gripper assembly for a strapping head for a strapping machine includes a body having a generally rectangular cross-section and defining a cavity therein having an end wall. The body has a gripping pad on an exterior portion thereof. The body further includes pin openings in opposing walls. A single spring stack is disposed in the cavity. An end of the spring stack abuts the inner end wall of the body. A follower block is positioned in the cavity. The follower block has a base and a roller support portion. The roller support portion has pin openings therein. A roller is positioned in the roller support portion. The roller has a passage therethrough. A retaining pin is disposed through the body pin openings, the follower block pin openings and the roller passage. The retaining pin is disposed to maintain the follower block within the body cavity with the roller secured thereto and to maintain the spring stack captured within the body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Lopez, Timothy B. Pearson, David B. Gerhart
  • Publication number: 20040237808
    Abstract: A gripper assembly for a strapping head for a strapping machine includes a body having a generally rectangular cross-section and defining a cavity therein having an end wall. The body has a gripping pad on an exterior portion thereof. The body further includes pin openings in opposing walls. A single spring stack is disposed in the cavity. An end of the spring stack abuts the inner end wall of the body. A follower block is positioned in the cavity. The follower block has a base and a roller support portion. The roller support portion has pin openings therein. A roller is positioned in the roller support portion. The roller has a passage therethrough. A retaining pin is disposed through the body pin openings, the follower block pin openings and the roller passage. The retaining pin is disposed to maintain the follower block within the body cavity with the roller secured thereto and to maintain the spring stack captured within the body cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Lopez, Timothy B. Pearson, David B. Gerhart
  • Patent number: 6532722
    Abstract: A strapping head for a strapping machine of the type having a feed assembly and a chute that is configured to position, tension and seal strapping material around a load, includes a body and an anvil mounted to and movable relative to the body. A sealing member is disposed in the anvil for oscillating movement. A drive is operably connected to the sealing member and movable relative to the body to provide oscillating movement to the sealing member. First and second courses of strapping material overlie one another adjacent the sealing member, and oscillation of the sealing member effects a seal of the first and second courses of strapping material to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works
    Inventors: David B. Gerhart, Wayne J. Thas, Timothy B. Pearson