Patents by Inventor Kenneth R. Christie

Kenneth R. Christie 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: 6748642
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for installation of a lockbolt to fasten together an assembly of at least two parts having a viscous fluid such as adhesive or sealant in the interface between the two parts, inserts a lockbolt into aligned holes through the two parts and exerts a pulling force of a predetermined intermediate magnitude on the lockbolt while reacting the pulling force against opposite sides of the assembly to exert a compressive force on the assembly to squeeze the fluid out of the interface. The intermediate pulling force is maintained for a precisely timed dwell period based on an optimal period for that fluid and that temperature. After the dwell period, the pulling force is increased in magnitude while simultaneously swaging a collar into threads on the lockbolt to secure the collar on the lockbolt and secure the lockbolt in a state of tension in the hole in the assembly. The pulling force magnitude continues to increase said until the pintail breaks off the lockbolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mekonnen Tsegga, Kenneth R. Christie
  • Publication number: 20030000063
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for installation of a lockbolt to fasten together an assembly of at least two parts having a viscous fluid such as adhesive or sealant in the interface between the two parts, inserts a lockbolt into aligned holes through the two parts and exerts a pulling force of a predetermined intermediate magnitude on the lockbolt while reacting the pulling force against opposite sides of the assembly to exert a compressive force on the assembly to squeeze the fluid out of the interface. The intermediate pulling force is maintained for a precisely timed dwell period based on an optimal period for that fluid and that temperature. After the dwell period, the pulling force is increased in magnitude while simultaneously swaging a collar into threads on the lockbolt to secure the collar on the lockbolt and secure the lockbolt in a state of tension in the hole in the assembly. The pulling force magnitude continues to increase said until the pintail breaks off the lockbolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Mekonnen Tsegga, Kenneth R. Christie
  • Patent number: 5450691
    Abstract: A support for plants, flowers and the like to assist horticulturists create novel is provided and in one embodiment, includes framework surrounding an upstanding central tube. The framework consists of a plurality of vertically spaced, circular rings which decrease in diameter from bottom to top. Vertical supports span adjacent rings and are spaced about the circumference of the framework. A retaining ring surrounds the bottom of the tube adjacent its bottom and has two pair of diametrically extending arms with downturned ends to support the tube in an upright manner. A second retaining ring surrounds the tube adjacent the top of the framework. The downturned ends of this retaining ring snap over the top of the framework to hold the framework and tube in place. Matting lines the interior of the framework to define an within the framework to be filled with soil. Plants, flowers and the like can be planted in the soil through the matting. The framework can be placed in an existing flower pot or can stand alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Vermil Marketing Inc.
    Inventors: Molly C. Christie, Kenneth R. Christie
  • Patent number: 5297409
    Abstract: A hole is formed in a high-strength steel part and a lubricant consisting essentially of one or more metal powders, preferably of nickel or molybdenum; a metal powder which is more reactive than the steel of the workpiece such as zinc; and an organic medium is applied. A forming mandrel having a generally cylindrical shape with a frustoconical portion on either end is centered over the hole. The mandrel is pushed through the hole at a rate such that the steel adjacent the hole is coldworked and its microstructure is transformed from an austenitic to a normal tempered martensitic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventors: Danny L. Beaman, Kenneth R. Christie, Dennis M. Cordy, Craig W. Graham, Steven W. Lightle, Michael L. Watts