Patents by Inventor David M. Tatum

David M. Tatum 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: 5251914
    Abstract: A sealing assembly for relatively movable, e.g., rotating or reciprocating, members with a plurality of surfaces defining an annular space having a longitudinal axis, at temperatures up to about 1000.degree. F., comprises first and second annular rings of a hard, material having low frictional properties. Each of the annular rings has a radially extending wall and an axially extending wall defining an annular seal gland when fitted together and has external surfaces facing longitudinally outward relative to the longitudinal axis and external surfaces facing outward and inward radially of the longitudinal axis adapted to fit the surfaces of the annular space and of the relatively movable members. The annular rings have surfaces facing inwardly toward each other when assembled shaped to form an annular cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: David M. Tatum
  • Patent number: 5009519
    Abstract: A sealing member for relatively movable, e.g., rotating or reciprocating, members comprises a pair of annular rings each with a radially extending wall and an axially extending wall defining an annular seal gland. An elastic spring member compression-loaded in the seal biases the exterior surfaces against the bearing surfaces. The ring members are preferably of TEFLON, or like polytetrafluoroethylene plastic, RYTON, polyphenylene sulfide, or a soft elastic metal capable of being compressed by the spring member against the walls of the surface being sealed. The spring is a rubber or elastomeric O-ring or the like. Other spring members, such as a Belleville spring assembly or the like, may be used. This seal is characterized by its operation at elevated temperatures, i.e., up, to 1000.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Inventor: David M. Tatum
  • Patent number: 4762189
    Abstract: A seal and seal shield assembly for rotary drill bits having a journal member comprising a first bearing member, and a rolling cutter with a bore having an open end rotatably mounted thereon comprising a second bearing member. The rolling cutter has a counterbore at the open end defining an annular cavity. The seal and seal shield assembly is compression-loaded in the cavity to retain lubricant in the bit. The seal assembly has a pair of annular rings each with a radially extending wall and an axially extending wall defining an annular seal gland. An elastic spring member compression-loaded in the seal biases the exterior surfaces against the bearing surfaces. A flat malleable annular disc with lubricating properties is positioned at the outer face of the seal assembly and a rigid annular disc is positioned in supporting relation thereto. A second flat malleable annular disc is positioned at the outer face of the rigid disc adjacent to the journal member seal thrust face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Inventor: David M. Tatum