Patents by Inventor Derrick S. Small
Derrick S. Small 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).
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Patent number: 6644079Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the orienting of the ends of a finite length segment of tube following a bend thereof through a predefined angle. At least one straight finite length segment of tube is supplied to the tube bender for bending the tube about a bend axis. The two ends of the tube, following the bend, are measured to determine the distance between the end face of each leg to the bend axis. Appropriate adjustment is made to a pushing member to keep the ends of the tube in a generally coplanar relation. Additional measurement is performed to facilitate adjustment between the tube supply device and the tube bending mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Burr Oak Tool and Gauge Company, Inc.Inventors: Galen B. Harman, Derrick S. Small, James G. Milliman
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Publication number: 20030115925Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the orienting of the ends of a finite length segment of tube following a bend thereof through a predefined angle. At least one straight finite length segment of tube is supplied to the tube bender for bending the tube about a bend axis. The two ends of the tube, following the bend, are measured to determine the distance between the end face of each leg to the bend axis. Appropriate adjustment is made to a pushing member to keep the ends of the tube in a generally coplanar relation. Additional measurement is performed to facilitate adjustment between the tube supply device and the tube bending mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Galen B. Harman, Derrick S. Small, James G. Milliman
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Publication number: 20030079590Abstract: A supply of continuous thin wall tubing which is drawn by a pair of opposed conveyor belts frictionally engaging the outside surfaces of the tubing first through a tube straightening device before the tube walls become engaged with the aforesaid conveyor belts so that straightened tubing is always subjected to engagement with the surfaces on the conveyor belts. The conveyor belts effect a longitudinal driving movement of the tubing into and through a tube cutting device and thence into a tube length control for accurately positioning the tube relative to the tube cutters in the tube cutting device and before the tube is cut. Once the tube length detection circuitry in the tube length control has been satisfied by the positioning of the tubing, the tube cutters in the tube cutting device is activated to sever the tubing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Applicant: Burr Oak Tool and Gauge Company, Inc.Inventors: Derrick S. Small, Eric Nielson, Arthur E. Givens, Sean Peterson, Douglas L. Sagarsee
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Patent number: 6494353Abstract: A supply of continuous thin wall tubing which is drawn by a pair of opposed conveyor belts frictionally engaging the outside surfaces of the tubing first through a tube straightening device before the tube walls become engaged with the aforesaid conveyor belts so that straightened tubing is always subjected to engagement with the surfaces on the conveyor belts. The conveyor belts effect a longitudinal driving movement of the tubing into and through a tube cutting device and thence into a tube length control for accurately positioning the tube relative to the tube cutters in the tube cutting device and before the tube is cut. Once the tube length detection circuitry in the tube length control has been satisfied by the positioning of the tubing, the tube cutters in the tube cutting device is activated to sever the tubing.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Burr Oak Tool and Guage Company, Inc.Inventors: Derrick S. Small, Eric Nielson, Arthur E. Givens, Sean Peterson, Douglas L. Sagarsee
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Publication number: 20020033036Abstract: A supply of continuous thin wall tubing which is drawn by a pair of opposed conveyor belts frictionally engaging the outside surfaces of the tubing first through a tube straightening device before the tube walls become engaged with the aforesaid conveyor belts so that straightened tubing is always subjected to engagement with the surfaces on the conveyor belts. The conveyor belts effect a longitudinal driving movement of the tubing into and through a tube cutting device and thence into a tube length control for accurately positioning the tube relative to the tube cutters in the tube cutting device and before the tube is cut. Once the tube length detection circuitry in the tube length control has been satisfied by the positioning of the tubing, the tube cutters in the tube cutting device is activated to sever the tubing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Applicant: Burr Oak Tool and Gauge Company.Inventors: Derrick S. Small, Eric Nielson, Arthur E. Givens, Sean Peterson, Douglas L. Sagarsee
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Patent number: 6354126Abstract: A supply of continuous thin wall tubing which is drawn by a pair of opposed conveyor belts frictionally engaging the outside surfaces of the tubing first through a tube straightening device before the tube walls become engaged with the aforesaid conveyor belts so that straightened tubing is always subjected to engagement with the surfaces on the conveyor belts. The conveyor belts effect a longitudinal driving movement of the tubing into and through a tube cutting device and thence into a tube length control for accurately positioning the tube relative to the tube cutters in the tube cutting device and before the tube is cut. Once the tube length detection circuitry in the tube length control has been satisfied by the positioning of the tubing, the tube cutters in the tube cutting device is activated to sever the tubing.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Burr Oak Tool and Gauge CompanyInventors: Derrick S. Small, Eric Nielson, Arthur E. Givens, Sean Peterson, Douglas L. Sagarsee
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Patent number: 6176006Abstract: A mechanical tube expander for expanding tubes into interlocked relationship with fins. Structure is provided for in situ storage of the expander rods and facilitating use of selected expander rods during a cycle of operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Burr Oak Tool and Gauge Company, Inc.Inventors: James G. Milliman, Derrick S. Small, Rocky L. Smith
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Patent number: 5752312Abstract: A tube transfer device which includes a tube conveyor for transporting processed tubes from an entry location to an exit location thereon. The tube conveyor includes a plurality of first tube holders thereon which are adapted to hold the processed tubes so that axes thereof will extend parallel to one another and be laterally spaced apart a first distance from one another at the aforesaid entry location. A movable tube shuttle is provided for shifting processed tubes between a first position and a second position located adjacent the aforesaid entry location to the tube conveyor. The tube shuttle includes movable second tube holders adapted to receive the processed tubes when at the aforesaid first position and while maintaining a second distance between the processed tubes.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: Burr Oak Tool & Gauge Company, Inc.Inventors: Galen B. Harman, Derrick S. Small
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Patent number: 5632080Abstract: A tube transfer device which includes a tube conveyor for transporting processed tubes from an entry location to an exit location thereon. The tube conveyor includes a plurality of first tube holders thereon which are adapted to hold the processed tubes so that axes thereof will extend parallel to one another and be laterally spaced apart a first distance from one another at the aforesaid entry location. A movable tube shuttle is provided for shifting processed tubes between a first position and a second position located adjacent the aforesaid entry location to the tube conveyor. The tube shuttle includes movable second tube holders adapted to receive the processed tubes when at the aforesaid first position and while maintaining a second distance between the processed tubes.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1994Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: Burr Oak Tool & Gauge Company, Inc.Inventors: Galen B. Harman, Derrick S. Small
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Patent number: 5353496Abstract: A mechanical tube expander for simultaneously expanding plural hairpin tubes into interlocked relationship with plural fins which includes a frame on which is provided a receiver to support the bent portions of the hairpin tubes in an assembly of fins loosely stacked on the straight leg portions of the hairpin tubes. A support structure is also provided on the frame for engaging and supporting a first endmost fin that is oriented immediately adjacent to but spaced from the receiver. A pressure plate carrying a plurality of expander rods is provided and each of the expander rods is aligned with the hairpin tubes. A stripper plate structure having plural guide openings therethrough is also provided. The expander rods extend through the guide openings. Structure is provided on the stripper plate for engaging a second endmost sheet of the assembly of fins at an end thereof which is remote from the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1993Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: Burr Oak Tool & Gauge CompanyInventors: Galen B. Harman, James G. Milliman, Derrick S. Small