Patents by Inventor Charles E. Wilks

Charles E. Wilks 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).

  • Publication number: 20020135184
    Abstract: A coupling for joining pipe segments together is disclosed. The coupling is derived from a standard fitting and has a housing with a socket and a first expanded region adjacent to the socket and a second expanded region adjacent to the first expanded region. A sealing member is positioned in the first expanded region and a retainer is positioned in the second expanded region. A flange turned inwardly on the second expanded region captures the sealing member and the retainer. The retainer has a plurality of radial teeth angularly oriented to engage a pipe and prevent its removal from the coupling. Each tooth has a stiffening rib arranged lengthwise along the tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald R. Snyder, Charles E. Wilk, Lawrence W. Thau, Douglas R. Dole
  • Publication number: 20010001935
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for end cutting and cut grooving a cylindrical pipe section, which includes a support frame, and a plurality of rollers adapted for positioning and gripping the pipe section for cutting and grooving portions thereof in fixed predetermined relation with respect to the frame. A chamfer cutting tool is arranged for cutting at least portions of the end of the pipe section to a predetermined shape, the chamfer cutting tool being positioned at a predetermined location with respect to the frame. A groove cutting tool is mounted for cutting a groove in the outer surface portion of the pipe section, the groove cutting tool being positioned at a predetermined location with respect to the frame. Means is included for providing relative rotation between the frame and the pipe section to permit the chamfer cutting tool and the groove cutting tool to cut the pipe section. A method of cut grooving and chamfering the pipe section is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Inventors: CHARLES E. WILK, DOUGLAS R. DOLE
  • Patent number: 6052823
    Abstract: Sunglasses and a sun visor attached to a headband in an opposed configuration, such that only one or the other accessory is used at a given time. The alternate accessory is carried behind the head where it serves to close the circle of the headband. This secures the device on the user's head during vigorous activity and in windy conditions such as encountered in beach sports, cycling, boating, skate-boarding, etc.. The user wears either the sunglasses or visor forward, thus protecting the eyes with the sunglasses, or allowing full ventilation for the eyes on hot days by using the visor. In addition to its practical uses, the unique appearance of the device provides a marketable attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Charles E. Wilks