Patents Assigned to Columbus
  • Patent number: 7543626
    Abstract: This invention teaches an improved method and apparatus to make metal alloy castings, such as railroad car connector knuckles. One embodiment of the invention comprises a plurality of core mold assembly units contained within a single molding flask, wherein the mold units are filled with molten metal by way of a common runner and riser system. The said core mold assembly elements may be further comprised of a mold and core assembly formed of the same material, such as phenolic urethane impregnated sand, which is used to accurately replicate the desired shape of a final desired product. This invention eliminates the need to carefully gauge a plurality of part patterns within a single mold flask and reduces the potential for loss of parts, for example by cold shunting, by segregating each part to its own mold isolated mold unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Columbus Steel Castings Company
    Inventors: Steven R. Pinkstock, Craig A. Holman, John C. Concitis, Ronald A. Poe
  • Patent number: 7523535
    Abstract: A railcar truck bolster side bearing mounting pad milling machine and method. A milling machine of the present invention includes a pair of milling heads and associated cutters suspended from an overhead frame member. A sliding saddle unit is provided for transporting the bolster into and out of a work envelope of the milling machine. At least one fixturing assembly is attached to the sliding saddle unit to support and fix the position of the bolster in three directions. The bolster is rigidly supported from its underside, thereby eliminating the risk that the bolster may move downward during machining. Since the vertical position of the bolster when presented to the cutters is fixed, thereby the need to raise the bolster into a working position is also eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Columbus Steel Castings Company
    Inventors: Ronald Coleman, Bruce Milligan
  • Patent number: 7389634
    Abstract: A chain comprising at least two links (15) having a generally oval or rounded shaped side profile, each of the links having a longitudinal axis (x-x) and linked together such that a force (16) is applied to each of the links when the chain is in tension, the force generally orientated along the longitudinal axis, each of the links having a cross-sectional profile (18) at the longitudinal axis and the cross-sectional profile having an outer width (19) generally along the longitudinal axis and an outer thickness (20) substantial transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the outer width is greater than the outer thickness. The cross-sectional profile may further comprise an inner thickness (30) substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis that is less than the outer thickness (29). The cross-sectional profile (26) may be substantially uniform around the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Columbus McKinnon Corporation
    Inventor: Johannes P. Van Niekerk
  • Patent number: 7337837
    Abstract: A self-contained, fully-integrated, energy efficient heating and cooling system or apparatus for conditioning the air on the interior of a building which includes a means for creating airflow through the apparatus, a section for cooling the airflow, a section for heating the airflow, a means for directing the airflow into the cooling section or into the heating section, a reheat device for tempering (i.e., reheating) the airflow exiting the cooling section, a return air section for receiving air returned to the apparatus from the building interior, and a means for pulling the returned air out of the return air section and venting the returned air to the environment outside of the building. The heating section of the present invention also provides a “four-pass” heat exchanger which may be assembled from sections of cast iron or other suitable materials, and a high efficiency combustion burner which may be integrated into the four-pass heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Columbus Heating & Ventilating Company
    Inventor: Roger Gene Edwards
  • Patent number: 7309331
    Abstract: An evaporative pad comprising a plurality of layers of highly absorbent slit and expanded wicking papers and at least one layer of slit and expanded non-absorbent material carrying a coating of adsorbent particles bonded to exposed surfaces of the layer of non-absorbent material disposed between a pair of adjacent wicking layers in the pad. The wicking layers and non-absorbent layer coated with adsorbent particles are disposed in parallel overlying relationship to one another and bonded together to form the evaporative pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Columbus Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan G. Hanson, Frances Lampi
  • Patent number: 7284743
    Abstract: A hoist limiting system (15) comprising a frame (16), a hoist drum (17) supported by the frame and rotatable about a hoist axis (x-x), a hoist driver (19) supported by the frame and configured to rotate the hoist drum in opposite upward (30) and downward (31) directions about the hoist axis, a hoist line (18) in engagement with the hoist drum such that the hoist line winds in the upward or downward direction in response to rotation of the hoist drum, at least one gear (20) mechanically coupling the hoist driver and hoist drum and configured to rotate about a gear axis (x-x), the gear having a face (21) that rotates about the gear axis in a upward or downward direction in response to rotation of the hoist drum, a first proximity limit switch (26) supported by the frame adjacent the rotating face such that the rotating face moves relative to the proximity switch and a second proximity limit switch (28) supported by the frame adjacent the rotating face such that the rotating face moves relative to the second pro
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Columbus McKinnon Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Brighton, Samuel J. Darling, Phillip W. Kary
  • Publication number: 20070237361
    Abstract: A system and a method for automatic facility management, including automatic analysis of at least one facility system according to at least one facility plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Columbus Application Provider Ltd.
    Inventors: Ilan Sandor, Amir Kaldor
  • Patent number: 7213778
    Abstract: A tire size reduction/wire separation system comprising a drive shaft; a plurality of rotors mounted on the drive shaft, each rotor having axial slots with a rotor mounted knife removably secured within each slot; and an independent housing supporting the drive shaft and rotors. The independent housing has a central region with stationary knives. The roots and crests of the stationary knives are matingly oriented and respect to the roots and crests of the rotor mounted knives The independent housing also has lateral regions including an annual wear ring vertically secured to the axial ends of the rotors. Each lateral region also includes a wear liner with a circular opening with a diameter greater than the exterior diameter of the wear rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Columbus McKinnon Corporation
    Inventors: Charles G. Astafan, David A. Stuhlmiller, Peter M. Moore
  • Patent number: 7146844
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing hydraulic pressure relief valves has a fixture body with an internal cavity sized to receive the valve completely within the fixture body. A closure may be secured to the body to seal the valve within the cavity. The apparatus further includes inlet and outlet ports for providing a flow of high-pressure hydraulic fluid though the cavity, and a pressure port for coupling pressure monitoring instrumentation to the cavity. When a valve is installed within the apparatus and the inlet is coupled to a source of high-pressure hydraulic fluid, the actuation pressure of the valve may be determined by monitoring the instrumentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Columbus Equipment Company
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Hyme
  • Publication number: 20060033374
    Abstract: Child seat for motor vehicles with a seat shell and backrest, at the upper end of which a head support (10) with lateral wings (11) projecting towards the front is disposed. The inclination of the head support (10), at least of a headrest (12) disposed between the two lateral wings (11) of the same, can be adjusted relative to the backrest (arrows 13, 14), in particular, between an upright, waking position “W” extending approximately parallel to the backrest and a resting or sleeping position “S” inclined towards the rear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Publication date: February 16, 2006
    Applicant: Columbus Trading-Partners GbR
    Inventor: Martin Pos
  • Patent number: 6908555
    Abstract: A method of treating wastewater sludge includes pumping, continuously, raw sludge into a first digester and treating the raw sludge at a specific temperature of between about 51° C. to 60° C.; transferring the treated wastewater sludge to a batch tank; treating the wastewater sludge in the batch tank, anaerobically, at a thermophilic temperature which is not more than 2° C. warmer than the specific temperature in the first digester; and disposing of the treated wastewater sludge as a Class A biosolid. A wastewater sludge treatment system includes a first thermophilic digester for treating raw wastewater sludge at a specific temperature in a range of between about 51° C. to 60° C., and discharging a treated wastewater sludge; a batch tank for receiving the treated wastewater sludge discharged from the first digester and for thermophilically treating sludge at a temperature in a range of between about 51° C. to 60° C. and not more than 2° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Columbus Water Works
    Inventors: Clifford J. Arnett, Joseph B. Farrell, Daniel T. Hull, III, Steven J. Krugel, Perry L. Schafer, Billy G. Turner, Warren R. Uhte, John L. Willis
  • Patent number: 6857375
    Abstract: A one-piece, cast traction pin for use with railway cars. The traction pin is used to connect the railcar cab with the railcar truck assembly. The traction pin includes a mounting plate cast integral with the pin, thereby eliminating the use of multiple welded plates. The one-piece cast traction pin is also solid to reduce the potential for stress related failure of the traction pin during normal operation of the railway car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Columbus Steel Castings Co.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Milligan, Patrick M. Murphy, Steven R. Pinkstock
  • Publication number: 20040129054
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing hydraulic pressure relief valves has a fixture body with an internal cavity sized to receive the valve completely within the fixture body. A closure may be secured to the body to seal the valve within the cavity. The apparatus further includes inlet and outlet ports for providing a flow of high-pressure hydraulic fluid though the cavity, and a pressure port for coupling pressure monitoring instrumentation to the cavity. When a valve is installed within the apparatus and the inlet is coupled to a source of high-pressure hydraulic fluid, the actuation pressure of the valve may be determined by monitoring the instrumentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Columbus Equipment Co.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Hyme
  • Patent number: 6758919
    Abstract: A high strength steel alloy for use in manufacturing railway car components. The alloy has a chemical composition that meets the industry required specifications for B grade steel and exhibits better mechanical properties, such as higher yield and tensile strengths. Secondary benefits of the inventive steel alloy include enhanced weldability and improved fatigue resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Columbus Steel Castings Co.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Milligan
  • Patent number: 6749709
    Abstract: A thermoplastic composite lumber product having at least one layer of a reinforcing laminate containing unidirectional fibers of glass, carbon or ceramics. The thermoplastic composite lumber of the present invention exhibits superior stiffness and strength compared to typical, non-reinforced plastic lumber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Engineering Mechanics Corporation of Columbus
    Inventors: Prabhat Krishnawswamy, Duryodhan Mangaraj
  • Publication number: 20040011718
    Abstract: A method of treating wastewater sludge includes pumping, continuously, raw sludge into a first digester and treating the raw sludge at a specific temperature of between about 51° C. to 60° C.; transferring the treated wastewater sludge to a batch tank; treating the wastewater sludge in the batch tank, anaerobically, at a thermophilic temperature which is not more than 2° C. warmer than the specific temperature in the first digester; and disposing of the treated wastewater sludge as a Class A biosolid. A wastewater sludge treatment system includes a first thermophilic digester for treating raw wastewater sludge at a specific temperature in a range of between about 51° C. to 60° C., and discharging a treated wastewater sludge; a batch tank for receiving the treated wastewater sludge discharged from the first digester and for thermophilically treating sludge at a temperature in a range of between about 51° C. to 60° C. and not more than 2° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: Columbus Water Works
    Inventors: Clifford J. Arnett, Joseph B. Farrell, Daniel T. Hull, Steven J. Krugel, Perry L. Schafer, Billy G. Turner, Warren R. Uhte, John L. Willis
  • Patent number: 6675950
    Abstract: A conveying device includes a mount frame, a first guide mounted on the mount frame along a conveying circuit, several transport trolleys distributed along the conveying circuit, and a system for driving each of the transport trolleys comprising a second guide mounted on each of said transport trolleys and designed to co-operate with the first guide, a transmission connected to the transport trolleys. Advantageously, each of the transport trolleys includes a support having at least one useful face, advantageously intended for supporting at least a dish, and maintained in a substantially horizontal position. The invention is useful for fast catering service in a restaurant hall or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Columbus
    Inventor: Manoel Collon
  • Patent number: 6391456
    Abstract: A thermoplastic composite lumber product having at least one layer of a reinforcing laminate containing unidirectional fibers of glass, carbon or ceramics. The thermoplastic composite lumber of the present invention exhibits superior stiffness and strength compared to typical, non-reinforced plastic lumber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Engineering Mechanics Corporation of Columbus
    Inventors: Prabhat Krishnaswamy, Duryodhan Mangaraj
  • Patent number: 6375380
    Abstract: A connector assembly suitable for use with a leveraging system is disclosed. The assembly includes two connector components, each having an attachment component receiving portion and a pin-coupling portion. The pin-coupling portions cooperate, in an assembled connector assembly, to define a closed pin-receiving orifice passing through the connector assembly. The assembly can be quickly coupled to and from a fixed pin structure, thereby facilitating changing of an attachment component such as a knob hook. Additional features include a releasable securing device that secures the connector components into a connector assembly. Also, inclusion of a rounded transitional surface on each connector component permits use, and quick attachment, of the assembly in environments wherein space is otherwise unduly restricted around the pin to be coupled. A method for using the connector assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Columbus McKinnon Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Snyder, David E. Wilson, Gerald L. Rammelsberg, Richard H. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6357995
    Abstract: A device (20) is adapted to move an elongated object (21), such as rebar, from a first location (22) to a second location (23). The device includes an object-supporting surface (24), such as a conveyor; a plurality of stops (25) extending in a direction away from the surface; at least one hold-down (26) spaced from the surface and the stop. The first (22) location is arranged between the surface, stop and hold-down. A mechanism (28) is adapted to pick up an object positioned at the first location and to move the object along an orbital path (46) to a second location (23). Before arriving at the second location, the object may be counted and/or separated from other objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Columbus McKinnon Corporation
    Inventor: Peter K. O'Hagan