Patents by Inventor James Allen Hill

James Allen Hill 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).

  • Tapping assist fastening element and method
    Patent number: 6817816
    Abstract: A fastening element and method that utilizes a fastener or stamping which is capable of forming a fastening assembly by engagement with a self-tapping fastener is disclosed. The fastening element includes one or more indentations formed within a portion of the circumference of an unthreaded bore located within the fastening element. Each indentation has an edge that can have the same helix angle or pitch as the self-tapping fastener that it is to engage to serve as a guide to properly align the fastener within the bore. The indentations also assist formation of mating threads within the element by significantly reducing the required end load to start the tapping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: ND Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James Allen Hill
  • Tapping assist fastening element and method
    Publication number: 20040033122
    Abstract: A fastening element and method that utilizes a fastener or stamping which is capable of forming a fastening assembly by engagement with a self-tapping fastener is disclosed. The fastening element includes one or more indentations formed within a portion of the circumference of an unthreaded bore located within the fastening element. Each indentation has an edge that can have the same helix angle or pitch as the self-tapping fastener that it is to engage to serve as a guide to properly align the fastener within the bore. The indentations also assist formation of mating threads within the element by significantly reducing the required end load to start the tapping process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: James Allen Hill