Patents by Inventor Christopher D. Whaley

Christopher D. Whaley 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: 11780715
    Abstract: A hoist brake system is disclosed. The brake system incorporates an electro-mechanical device that acts as a fail-safe stopping mechanism for a hoist and has a default engaged. This allows the brake system to quickly and safely stop a device when power is lost, an emergency signal is provided or any other fault condition and be completely self-contained within the hoist itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher D. Whaley, Alvah B. Aldrich, Maximilian J. Sauer, Peter V. Svitavsky
  • Patent number: 11312598
    Abstract: Described herein is a hoist fleet system including a head block and a guide fleet assembly. The head block includes a plurality sheaves having more than one diameter. The guide fleet assembly can be arranged proximate the head block such that an array of lift lines can be routed through the plurality of sheaves of the head block into the guide fleet assembly. The guide fleet assembly further includes a plurality of guide sheaves and a plurality of plates. The plurality of plates is configured to house the plurality of guide sheaves. The plurality of guide sheaves is positioned substantially orthogonal to the head block. The plurality of plates is further arranged such that the plurality of guide sheaves is arranged on more than one plane. The plurality of guide sheaves is configured to reduce the spacing of the lift lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher D. Whaley, Peter V. Svitavsky, Maximilian J. Sauer, Alvah Benjamin Aldrich
  • Publication number: 20210284510
    Abstract: A hoist brake system is disclosed. The brake system incorporates an electro-mechanical device that acts as a fail-safe stopping mechanism for a hoist and has a default engaged. This allows the brake system to quickly and safely stop a device when power is lost, an emergency signal is provided or any other fault condition and be completely self-contained within the hoist itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher D. Whaley, Alvah B. Aldrich, Maximilian J. Sauer, Peter V. Svitavsky
  • Publication number: 20210284509
    Abstract: An innovative drive system for a hoist assembly is disclosed. The hoist drive system is designed to lift at fixed speeds or at variable speeds. The hoist drive system operates with little noise and provides for minimal maintenance during the life of the hoist that requires no lubrication, has superior environmental resistance, and a compact design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher D. Whaley, Alvah B. Aldrich, Maximilian J. Sauer
  • Publication number: 20200299113
    Abstract: Described herein is a hoist fleet system including a head block and a guide fleet assembly. The head block includes a plurality sheaves having more than one diameter. The guide fleet assembly can be arranged proximate the head block such that an array of lift lines can be routed through the plurality of sheaves of the head block into the guide fleet assembly. The guide fleet assembly further includes a plurality of guide sheaves and a plurality of plates. The plurality of plates is configured to house the plurality of guide sheaves. The plurality of guide sheaves is positioned substantially orthogonal to the head block. The plurality of plates is further arranged such that the plurality of guide sheaves is arranged on more than one plane. The plurality of guide sheaves is configured to reduce the spacing of the lift lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher D. Whaley, Peter V. Svitavsky, Maximilian J. Sauer, Alvah Benjamin Aldrich
  • Publication number: 20190134525
    Abstract: A frontloading arbor apparatus for use in counterweight rigging operations configured to enable individual counterweight load adjustment within at least one of a plurality of discrete compartments while the remaining compartments are secured by one or more gate mechanisms, thereby limiting a potential inadvertent separation of the entire counterweight load during use. The frontloading arbor apparatus including a rigid support frame having a plurality of laterally oriented shelf members extending between a pair of sidewalls, a corresponding plurality of gate mechanisms for each of the plurality of discrete compartments, the plurality of gate mechanisms pivotably coupled to one of the sidewalls and configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position, and a corresponding plurality of latches for each of the plurality of gates, each of the plurality of latches configured to independently secure each of the corresponding plurality of gates in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Patrick J. Finn, Christopher D. Whaley, Paul W. Zagajeski
  • Publication number: 20190135593
    Abstract: An innovative drum for use with a hoist assembly is disclosed. The drum incorporates a layered rope design wherein each layer utilizes the support of the subsequent layer for accurate positioning of individual wraps. Multiple lines are achieved by combining any number of individual drums together along a support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: John E. Titus, Edwin W. Bolz, Christopher D. Whaley, Paul W. Zagajeski
  • Publication number: 20190135596
    Abstract: An innovative brake for use with a hoist assembly is disclosed. The brake incorporates a fixed jaw attached to a support frame and a moving jaw which is allowed to traverse along angular features to permit sufficient spacing between jaws allowing the rope, cable, or wire to pass through safely without premature engagement of the brake devices system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher D. Whaley, Paul W. Zagajeski, Patrick J. Finn
  • Patent number: D883603
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Finn, Christopher D. Whaley, Paul W. Zagajeski