Patents by Inventor Russell L. Rigdon

Russell L. Rigdon 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: 4382731
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for machining a flat surface on a workpiece and comprises an annular frame on which an annular wheel is rotatably mounted around a predetermined axis of rotation. A plurality of circumferentially spaced cutting members are secured to one axial surface of the wheel and preferably these cutting members are broaching tools. At least one, and preferably a plurality of circumferentially spaced workpiece holding fixtures are also mounted to the frame so that each fixture is open to, spaced from and axially aligned with said axial surface of said wheel. Each fixture can hold one workpiece with the surface to be machined adjacent the axial surface of the wheel with the cutting members. The wheel is continuously rotatably driven by a suitable motor at a high rotational speed, i.e. in excess of 200 surface feet/minute, while a feed unit associated with each fixture selectively axially moves its fixture with its workpiece towards the wheel, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1983
    Inventor: Russell L. Rigdon