Patents by Inventor David R. Sawyer

David R. Sawyer 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: 6437279
    Abstract: Apparatus and process for safely welding a stud into an overhead workpiece that includes a ferrule having an interrupted perimeter surrounding the stud for contact with the overhead workpiece and a support assembly for connection to a stud gun including a shield surrounding the support assembly and having a continuous perimeter defining a free space by being spaced from the stud and wherein the free space is in communication with the interrupted perimeter of the ferrule. The free space has a width and depth sufficient to receive and contain all molten substances produced during the welding. A fire resistant material is positioned within the free space to hold all these molten substances to thereby safely protect the operator of the stud gun from the gravity induced falling molten substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company
    Inventors: David R. Sawyer, Johnnie N. Burchett, John B. Williams, III
  • Patent number: 5832859
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for containment of a space adjacent the hull of a ship to protect the environment from polluting materials resulting from the abrasive blasting, spray painting and the like comprising, welding studs having integral connectors to the hull along a direction substantially fore and aft of the ship. Lines are supported and run relative to the studs. Sections of a shroud are connected to the lines and the lines are drawn to pull one end of the shroud sections proximal to the hull and the other end is fixed remote from the hull. Adjacent sections are secured along their sides. The entire space beneath the shroud and adjacent the hull containing the polluting materials is therefore separated from the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company
    Inventors: David R. Sawyer, Bennie C. Steele
  • Patent number: 5586801
    Abstract: A stud mounted hoist assembly for lifting, moving, suspending, or loading material and equipment during construction comprises a ring assembly, a welding stud anchor, and a bushing having a chamfered inner cylindrical surface to accommodate weld flash when mounting the assembly to a load or overhead structure. The bushing and ring assembly provide pivot and swivel capability to the mount. One operator can quickly and securely install a temporary lifting point where and when needed without the assistance of support personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company
    Inventors: David R. Sawyer, Douglas M. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 5526766
    Abstract: A method of making a marine indicia marking on the surface of a steel hull, and the product produced thereby. The method comprises establishing a preconceived pattern for the marking and welding a plurality of nipples to the outside of the hull conforming to the pattern. Preferably, stud arc welding is used to weld the nipples to the hull. The stud used in the stud arc weld gun is of the knock-off variety and includes an upper knock-off portion and a lower permanent stud. After installation, the surface of the stud may be made smooth by grinding or other suitable methods. Finally, the studs and adjacent portions of the hull surface are painted with contrasting color paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company
    Inventors: Jerry S. Armstrong, Jerome E. Blair, III, Jean S. Pugh, Allan G. Roy, David R. Sawyer, Steven D. Tassias, Rex A. Wallen