Patents by Inventor Bruce A. Buhler

Bruce A. Buhler 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).

  • Torch operable to position a flow control lever at a plurality of locations on the torch
    Patent number: 7300277
    Abstract: A torch operable to pivotally secure a lever on opposite sides of the torch. The torch may comprise a torch butt, a valve assembly, and a lever. The valve assembly may be operable to control a flow of a fluid through the torch butt. The lever may be selectively securable to a first portion of the torch butt and a second portion of the torch butt. The second portion of the torch butt may be disposed opposite the first portion of the torch butt. The valve assembly may be selectively securable within the torch butt to enable the lever to operate the valve assembly with the lever selected to pivot about the first portion of the torch butt and the second portion of the torch butt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Foos, Robert W. Wakeman, Bruce A. Buhler
  • Emergency cutting torch system
    Patent number: 7122147
    Abstract: An emergency cutting torch system adapted to be stored within a compartment of a rescue vehicle. The emergency cutting torch system may comprise a wheeled cart adapted to maintain a first gas storage tank and a second gas storage tank to the wheeled cart in all orientations of the wheeled cart. The emergency cutting torch system may comprise a rotateable lifting member adapted to be rotate outward to extend from the wheeled cart to facilitate engagement with a hook, or other lifting member, for lifting the emergency cutting torch system. The lifting member may rotate to a stowed position to reduce the outer dimensions of the emergency cutting torch system. The emergency cutting torch system may comprise a quick-release system to enable a hose assembly wound on a cart be removed quickly without having to unwind the hose assembly from the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Ilinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Wakeman, Bruce A. Buhler
  • Torch operable to position a flow control lever at a plurality of locations on the torch and method of assembling same
    Publication number: 20050074715
    Abstract: A torch operable to pivotally secure a lever on opposite sides of the torch. The torch may comprise a torch butt, a valve assembly, and a lever. The valve assembly may be operable to control a flow of a fluid through the torch butt. The lever may be selectively securable to a first portion of the torch butt and a second portion of the torch butt. The second portion of the torch butt may be disposed opposite the first portion of the torch butt. The valve assembly may be selectively securable within the torch butt to enable the lever to operate the valve assembly with the lever selected to pivot about the first portion of the torch butt and the second portion of the torch butt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventors: Gary Foos, Robert Wakeman, Bruce Buhler
  • Emergency cutting torch system
    Publication number: 20040245680
    Abstract: An emergency cutting torch system adapted to be stored within a compartment of a rescue vehicle. The emergency cutting torch system may comprise a wheeled cart adapted to maintain a first gas storage tank and a second gas storage tank to the wheeled cart in all orientations of the wheeled cart. The emergency cutting torch system may comprise a rotateable lifting member adapted to be rotate outward to extend from the wheeled cart to facilitate engagement with a hook, or other lifting member, for lifting the emergency cutting torch system. The lifting member may rotate to a stowed position to reduce the outer dimensions of the emergency cutting torch system. The emergency cutting torch system may comprise a quick-release system to enable a hose assembly wound on a cart be removed quickly without having to unwind the hose assembly from the cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Robert W. Wakeman, Bruce A. Buhler
  • Multiple flame torch apparatus
    Patent number: 5755568
    Abstract: The oxygen-fuel torch includes a torch body having fuel gas and oxygen conduits for conducting the respective gas to the torch head and therethrough to a torch tip. The torch tip is connected through an adaptor to the torch head and includes an elongated tip stem that is joined to an arcuately curved tip head. The tip head extends angularly through an angle of at least about 245 degrees and has three outlet orifices opening toward a common point to direct three flames to substantially surround tubing for soldering or otherwise heating. If three orifices are provided, the orifices are angularly spaced about 120 degrees from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Smith Equipment Manufacturing Company, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce A. Buhler