Patents by Inventor Larry A. Franks

Larry A. Franks 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: 11801567
    Abstract: A collet assembly including an actuator and a collet connected to the actuator. The collet assembly is adapted to be installed on a welding electrode holder having an electrode. The collet is moveable by the actuator from an advanced position, in which the collet is adapted to grip a fastener such as a welding rivet, and a retracted position, in which at least a portion of the collet is retracted into the actuator to enable the electrode to engage the fastener for welding to a work piece, and the collet is adapted to release the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: HOWMET AEROSPACE INC.
    Inventors: Robert Wilcox, Thomas Kingsbury, Dan Peter Vanderzwet, Simon Maurice Britton, Donald J. Spinella, Daniel Bergstrom, Eric Jean Michaud, Larry Frank Koscielski, Gino Norman Iasella
  • Publication number: 20230330738
    Abstract: Rivet dispenser systems and methods of use thereof are provided. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rivet dispenser system comprises a rivet receiving member defining a channel therein, and a seat member. The channel includes a curved region. The rivet receiving member comprises a first port and a second port. The first port communicates with the channel and is configured to receive rivets. The second port communicates with the channel and is configured to dispense rivets. The channel extends between the first port and the second port and is configured to transport rivets from the first port to the second port in a series arrangement and in a preselected orientation. The seat member communicates with the second port and is configured to selectively engage with a rivet holder of a resistance spot rivet welding apparatus and introduce a single rivet to the rivet holder at one time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel Peter VANDERZWET, Simon Maurice BRITTON, Larry Frank KOSCIELSKI, Eric Jean MICHAUD, David Mario SIMONE, Donald J. SPINELLA, Gino N. IASELLA, Daniel BERGSTROM, Robert B. WILCOX, Thomas R. KINGSBURY, Graham Scott MUSGROVE
  • Patent number: 11684992
    Abstract: Resistance spot rivet welding systems, subsystems, and methods of use thereof are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignees: HOWMET AEROSPACE INC., CENTERLINE (WINDSOR) LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel Peter Vanderzwet, Simon Maurice Britton, Larry Frank Koscielski, Eric Jean Michaud, David Mario Simone, Stuart Cameron Cosgrave, Kyle Alexander Wasyliniuk, Donald J. Spinella, Gino N. Iasella, Daniel Bergstrom, Robert B. Wilcox, Thomas R. Kingsbury, Graham Scott Musgrove
  • Patent number: 11471932
    Abstract: Rivet dispenser systems and methods of use thereof are provided. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rivet dispenser system comprises a rivet receiving member defining a channel therein, and a seat member. The channel includes a curved region. The rivet receiving member comprises a first port and a second port. The first port communicates with the channel and is configured to receive rivets. The second port communicates with the channel and is configured to dispense rivets. The channel extends between the first port and the second port and is configured to transport rivets from the first port to the second port in a series arrangement and in a preselected orientation. The seat member communicates with the second port and is configured to selectively engage with a rivet holder of a resistance spot rivet welding apparatus and introduce a single rivet to the rivet holder at one time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignees: HOWMET AEROSPACE INC., CenterLine (Windsor) Limited
    Inventors: Daniel Peter Vanderzwet, Simon Maurice Britton, Larry Frank Koscielski, Eric Jean Michaud, David Mario Simone, Donald J. Spinella, Gino N. Iasella, Daniel Bergstrom, Robert B. Wilcox, Thomas R. Kingsbury, Graham Scott Musgrove
  • Publication number: 20210394252
    Abstract: Rivet dispenser systems and methods of use thereof are provided. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rivet dispenser system comprises a rivet receiving member defining a channel therein, and a seat member. The channel includes a curved region. The rivet receiving member comprises a first port and a second port. The first port communicates with the channel and is configured to receive rivets. The second port communicates with the channel and is configured to dispense rivets. The channel extends between the first port and the second port and is configured to transport rivets from the first port to the second port in a series arrangement and in a preselected orientation. The seat member communicates with the second port and is configured to selectively engage with a rivet holder of a resistance spot rivet welding apparatus and introduce a single rivet to the rivet holder at one time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel Peter VANDERZWET, Simon Maurice BRITTON, Larry Frank KOSCIELSKI, Eric Jean MICHAUD, David Mario SIMONE, Donald J. SPINELLA, Gino N. IASELLA, Daniel BERGSTROM, Robert B. WILCOX, Thomas R. KINGSBURY, Graham Scott MUSGROVE
  • Publication number: 20200361020
    Abstract: Resistance spot rivet welding systems, subsystems, and methods of use thereof are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel Peter VANDERZWET, Simon Maurice BRITTON, Larry Frank KOSCIELSKI, Eric Jean MICHAUD, David Mario SIMONE, Stuart Cameron COSGRAVE, Kyle Alexander WASYLINIUK, Donald J. SPINELLA, Gino N. IASELLA, Daniel BERGSTROM, Robert B. WILCOX, Thomas R. KINGSBURY, Graham Scott MUSGROVE
  • Publication number: 20200180063
    Abstract: A collet assembly including an actuator and a collet connected to the actuator. The collet assembly is adapted to be installed on a welding electrode holder having an electrode. The collet is moveable by the actuator from an advanced position, in which the collet is adapted to grip a fastener such as a welding rivet, and a retracted position, in which at least a portion of the collet is retracted into the actuator to enable the electrode to engage the fastener for welding to a work piece, and the collet is adapted to release the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Wilcox, Thomas Kingsbury, Dan Peter Vanderzwet, Simon Maurice Britton, Donald J. Spinella, Daniel Bergstrom, Eric Jean Michaud, Larry Frank Koscielski, Gino Norman Iasella
  • Patent number: 7938436
    Abstract: An inflator assembly is disclosed for use in an automobile. The inflator assembly features a slide-on housing around an inflator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Frank Lunt, Louis Mueller
  • Publication number: 20090189375
    Abstract: An inflator assembly is disclosed for use in an automobile. The inflator assembly features a slide-on housing around an inflator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Frank Lunt, Louis Mueller
  • Patent number: 7098291
    Abstract: A moisture-reactive hot-melt adhesive composition is provided. Particularly, a composition that includes a polyisocyanate and at least two polyols, one of which is a fatty polyol. Also provided is a method for bonding substrates using the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventor: Larry Frank Brinkman
  • Patent number: 7060759
    Abstract: A moisture-reactive hot-melt adhesive composition is provided. Particularly, a composition that includes a polyol, an anhydride-functional polymer, and a polyisocyanate. Also provided are a method for forming the adhesive composition and a method for bonding substrates using the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventor: Larry Frank Brinkman
  • Patent number: 6911491
    Abstract: A moisture reactive hot melt adhesive composition formed by admixing components including a polyisocyanate, an amorphous polyol, tri-C1-C6-alkyl citrate in the amount of 1.3 to 6% by weight based on the weight of said adhesive composition, and styrene/allyl alcohol copolymer having a hydroxyl number of 100-300 and Mn of 1,000-4,000 in the amount of 0.1 to 10% by weight based on the weight of said adhesive composition, wherein the ratio of NCO/OH groups of the components on an equivalents basis is from 1.05 to 2.5, the components being free from crystalline polyesters and polyethers and the components containing less than 1%, by weight based on the total weight of the components, of water is provided. Also a method for forming the adhesive composition and a method for bonding two substrates using the adhesive are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventor: Larry Frank Brinkman
  • Patent number: 6730738
    Abstract: A moisture-reactive hot-melt adhesive composition is provided. Particularly, a composition that includes a polyether polyol, a polyester polyol, a styrene/allyl alcohol copolymer, and a polyisocyanate. More particularly, the components are chosen so that the ratio of NCO/OH groups on an equivalents basis is from 1.8/1 to 3.0/1; the components contain less than 1% by weight of water; the weight ratio of polyether polyol to polyester polyol is at least 0.42; and the free NCO content is at least 5.5% by weight. Also provided are a method for forming the adhesive composition and a method for bonding substrates using the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventor: Larry Frank Brinkman
  • Publication number: 20030232956
    Abstract: A moisture-reactive hot-melt adhesive composition is provided. Particularly, a composition that includes a polyisocyanate and at least two polyols, one of which is a fatty polyol. Also provided is a method for bonding substrates using the adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Larry Frank Brinkman
  • Publication number: 20030181589
    Abstract: A moisture-reactive hot-melt adhesive composition is provided. Particularly, a composition that includes a polyol, an anhydride-functional polymer, and a polyisocyanate. Also provided are a method for forming the adhesive composition and a method for bonding substrates using the adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Larry Frank Brinkman
  • Patent number: 6579406
    Abstract: A moisture reactive hot melt adhesive composition formed by admixing components including a polyisocyanate, an amorphous polyol and 0.1 to 10%, by weight based on the weight of the adhesive composition, of certain styrene/allyl alcohol copolymers, wherein the ratio of NCO/OH groups of the components on an equivalents basis is from 1.05 to 2.5, the components being free from crystalline polyesters and polyethers and the components containing less than 1%, by weight based on the total weight of the components, of water is provided. Also a method for forming the adhesive composition and a method for bonding two substrates using the adhesive are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventor: Larry Frank Brinkman
  • Publication number: 20030106640
    Abstract: A moisture-reactive hot-melt adhesive composition is provided. Particularly, a composition that includes a polyether polyol, a polyester polyol, a styrene/allyl alcohol copolymer, and a polyisocyanate. More particularly, the components are chosen so that the ratio of NCO/OH groups on an equivalents basis is from 1.8/1 to 3.0/1; the components contain less than 1% by weight of water; the weight ratio of polyether polyol to polyester polyol is at least 0.42; and the free NCO content is at least 5.5% by weight. Also provided are a method for forming the adhesive composition and a method for bonding substrates using the adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Larry Frank Brinkman
  • Publication number: 20020174948
    Abstract: A moisture reactive hot melt adhesive composition formed by admixing components including a polyisocyanate, an amorphous polyol, 1.3 to 6%, by weight based on the weight of the adhesive composition, tri-C1-C6-alkyl citrate, and 0.1 to 10%, by weight based on the weight of the adhesive composition, of certain styrene/allyl alcohol copolymers, wherein the ratio of NCO/OH groups of the components on an equivalents basis is from 1.05 to 2.5, the components being free from crystalline polyesters and polyethers and the components containing less than 1%, by weight based on the total weight of the components, of water is provided. Also a method for forming the adhesive composition and a method for bonding two substrates using the adhesive are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Larry Frank Brinkman
  • Publication number: 20020033228
    Abstract: A moisture reactive hot melt adhesive composition formed by admixing components including a polyisocyanate, an amorphous polyol and 0.1 to 10%, by weight based on the weight of the adhesive composition, of certain styrene/allyl alcohol copolymers, wherein the ratio of NCO/OH groups of the components on an equivalents basis is from 1.05 to 2.5, the components being free from crystalline polyesters and polyethers and the components containing less than 1%, by weight based on the total weight of the components, of water is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventor: Larry Frank Brinkman
  • Patent number: 5268577
    Abstract: A radiation detector (10) is provided, wherein a bulk high T.sub.c superconducting sample (11) is placed in a magnetic field and maintained at a superconducting temperature. Photons of incident radiation will cause localized heating in superconducting loops of the sample destroying trapped flux and redistributing the fluxons, and reducing the critical current of the loops. Subsequent cooling of the sample in the magnetic field will cause trapped flux redistributed Abrikosov fluxons and trapped Josephson fluxons. The destruction and trapping of the fluxons causes changes in the magnetization of the sample inducing currents in opposite directions in a pickup coil (12) which is coupled by an input coil (15) to an rf SQUID (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Joseph F. Artuso, Larry A. Franks, Kenneth L. Hull, Orest G. Symko