Patents by Inventor Christopher V. Ragland

Christopher V. Ragland 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: 7024736
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing multi-layer metal feedstock material for stamping shaped parts eliminates the need for rolls of metal at the stamping site. Multilayer metal feedstock material is assembled from multiple rolls of metal stock, then folded in a zig zag fashion, or “Z-fold” configuration, whereby the multilayer metal assembly is stacked vertically, usually on conventional pallets, for ease of moving with a forklift or otherwise. The multilayer metal z-fold stack of material is then transported to a parts stamping operation where the material is used as it unfolds as a continuous feed to machines to produce shaped multilayer metal parts. This invention is most useful in making multilayer metal foil z-fold feedstock material and using the z-fold material as continuous feed to processes for making shaped multilayer metal foil parts. The layers may have non-metal layers of material, such as fiber, between the metal layers or on the outside of the metal layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: ATD Corporation
    Inventors: G. William Ragland, J. Bradley Pearce, Christopher V. Ragland
  • Patent number: 6823571
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing multi-layer metal feedstock material for stamping shaped parts eliminates the need for rolls of metal at the stamping site. Multilayer metal feedstock material is assembled from multiple rolls of metal stock, then folded in a zig zag fashion, or “Z-fold” configuration, whereby the multilayer metal assembly is stacked vertically, usually on conventional pallets, for ease of moving with a forklift or otherwise. The multilayer metal z-fold stack of material is then transported to a parts stamping operation where the material is used as it unfolds as a continuous feed to machines to produce shaped multilayer metal parts. This invention is most useful in making multilayer metal foil z-fold feedstock material and using the z-fold material as continuous feed to processes for making shaped multilayer metal foil parts. The layers may have non-metal layers of material, such as fiber, between the metal layers or on the outside of the metal layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: ATD Corporation
    Inventors: G. William Ragland, J. Bradley Pearce, Christopher V. Ragland
  • Publication number: 20040166296
    Abstract: A flexible multilayer metal structure includes using multiple layers interlocked to form folds holding the layers together. These folds can extend into non-edge portions of the multilayer structure so that the multilayer structure defines air gaps that aid in producing a heat-shielding effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: ATD Corporation
    Inventors: G. William Ragland, Raymond E. Ragland, Christopher V. Ragland
  • Patent number: 6660403
    Abstract: A rigid structural foil and a method for forming a rigid structural foil is provided. The structural foil includes at least two layers of metal sheets, valley areas and spacers. The metal sheet layers include metal foil having a thickness of 0.006 in. The valley areas are disposed between compressed and uncompressed portions of the structural foil formed during compression of portions of the structural foil. In addition to the valley areas, the structural foil includes spacers. The spacers within the metal sheet layers provide spacing between portions of the metal layers such that the structural foil functions as both a heat shield and an acoustic shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: ATD Corporation
    Inventors: G. William Ragland, Raymond E. Ragland, Christopher V. Ragland
  • Patent number: 6586111
    Abstract: Multilayer metal foil pads or panels for heat or sound insulation or shielding comprising two or more corrugated metal foil or metal sheet layers wherein a flat metal foil or metal sheet layer is positioned between each pair of corrugated layers. The corrugated layers and/or the flat layers may be embossed, patterned or textured to enhance performance of the pad or panel. A preferred pad or panel comprises an embossed, patterned or textured flat exterior layer adapted for contacting the surface to be insulated or shielded to provide air space between the pad or panel and the surface and to separate the first corrugated layer from the surface. Methods are provided for making the pads and panels, which are useful in automotive applications, food cooking devices and other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: ATD Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher V. Ragland, Raymond E. Ragland, Matthew S. Remke, J. Bradley Pearce
  • Publication number: 20020150742
    Abstract: A flexible multilayer metal structure includes using multiple layers interlocked to form folds holding the layers together. These folds can extend into non-edge portions of the multilayer structure so that the multilayer structure defines air gaps that aid in producing a heat-shielding effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: G. William Ragland, Raymond E. Ragland, Christopher V. Ragland
  • Patent number: 6451447
    Abstract: A forge/swage formed three dimensional multilayer metal foil shield having areas therein where the layers are in a spaced apart relationship, areas therein where the layers are tensioned or stretched, and areas therein where the layers are compressed and interlocked together by folding, rolling, wrinkling, curling, coiling, crimping and the like. The multilayer metal foil shield is formed by forge/swage shaping in an appropriate mold apparatus a preform of a stack of metal foil layers having gaps between the layers. The gaps are provided by embossments in the layers or by spacers between the layers. The forge formed multilayer metal foil shields have utility as heat shields and acoustic shields, particularly on vehicles. The forge formed multilayer metal foil shields are mounted on automobile underbody areas, such as the bottom of the floor pan of the passenger compartment, to provide heat and sound insulation. Other automotive uses include fire wall, exhaust tunnel, motor mount and exhaust down pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: ATD Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond E. Ragland, Robert S. Timmerberg, Christopher V. Ragland, Matthew S. Remke, Stephen J. Fairchild, G. William Ragland
  • Publication number: 20020119339
    Abstract: Multilayer metal foil pads or panels for heat or sound insulation or shielding comprising two or more corrugated metal foil or metal sheet layers wherein a flat metal foil or metal sheet layer is positioned between each pair of corrugated layers. The corrugated layers and/or the flat layers may be embossed, patterned or textured to enhance performance of the pad or panel. A preferred pad or panel comprises an embossed, patterned or textured flat exterior layer adapted for contacting the surface to be insulated or shielded to provide air space between the pad or panel and the surface and to separate the first corrugated layer from the surface. Methods are provided for making the pads and panels, which are useful in automotive applications, food cooking devices and other uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher V. Ragland, Raymond E. Ragland, Matthew S. Remke, J. Bradley Pearce
  • Patent number: 6391469
    Abstract: Multilayer metal foil pads or panels for heat or sound insulation or shielding comprising two or more corrugated metal foil or metal sheet layers wherein a flat metal foil or metal sheet layer is positioned between each pair of corrugated layers. The corrugated layers and/or the flat layers may be embossed, patterned or textured to enhance performance of the pad or panel. A preferred pad or panel comprises an embossed, patterned or textured flat exterior layer adapted for contacting the surface to be insulated or shielded to provide air space between the pad or panel and the surface and to separate the first corrugated layer from the surface. Methods are provided for making the pads and panels, which are useful in automotive applications, food cooking devices and other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: ATD Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher V. Ragland, Raymond E. Ragland, Matthew S. Remke, J. Bradley Pearce
  • Patent number: 6276044
    Abstract: A forge/swage formed three dimensional multilayer metal foil shield having areas therein where the layers are in a spaced apart relationship, areas therein where the layers are tensioned or stretched, and areas therein where the layers are compressed and interlocked together by folding, rolling, wrinkling, curling, coiling, crimping and the like. The multilayer metal foil shield is formed by forge/swage shaping in an appropriate mold apparatus a preform of a stack of metal foil layers having gaps between the layers. The gaps are provided by embossments in the layers or by spacers between the layers. The forge formed multilayer metal foil shields have utility as heat shields and acoustic shields, particularly on vehicles. The forge formed multilayer metal foil shields are mounted on automobile underbody areas, such as the bottom of the floor pan of the passenger compartment, to provide heat and sound insulation. Other automotive uses include fire wall, exhaust tunnel, motor mount and exhaust down pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: ATD Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond E. Ragland, Robert S. Timmerberg, Christopher V. Ragland, Matthew S. Remke, Stephen J. Fairchild, G. William Ragland
  • Publication number: 20010010865
    Abstract: A flexible multilayer metal structure includes using multiple layers interlocked to form folds holding the layers together. These folds can extend into non-edge portions of the multilayer structure so that the multilayer structure defines air gaps that aid in producing a heat-shielding effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Inventors: G. William Ragland, Raymond E. Ragland, Christopher V. Ragland
  • Patent number: 6207293
    Abstract: A flexible multilayer metal structure includes using multiple layers interlocked to form folds holding the layers together. These folds can extend into non-edge portions of the multilayer structure so that the multilayer structure defines air gaps that aid in producing a heat-shielding effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: ATD Corporation
    Inventors: G. William Ragland, Raymond E. Ragland, Christopher V. Ragland
  • Patent number: 5958603
    Abstract: A forge/swage formed three dimensional multilayer metal foil shield having areas therein where the layers are in a spaced apart relationship, areas therein where the layers are tensioned or stretched, and areas therein where the layers are compressed and interlocked together by folding, rolling, wrinkling, curling, coiling, crimping and the like. The multilayer metal foil shield is formed by forge/swage shaping in an appropriate mold apparatus a preform of a stack of metal foil layers having gaps between the layers. The gaps are provided by embossments in the layers or may be provided by spacers between the layers. The forge formed multilayer metal foil shields have utility as heat shields and acoustic shields, particularly on vehicles. The forge formed multilayer metal foil shields are mounted on automobile underbody areas, such as the bottom of the floor pan of the passenger compartment, to provide heat and sound insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: ATD Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond E. Ragland, Robert S. Timmerberg, Christopher V. Ragland, Matthew S. Remke
  • Patent number: 5939212
    Abstract: A flexible corrugated multilayer metal foil structure comprising a stack of metal foil layers which are formed in corrugations extending across a stack of the metal foil layers, wherein all of the layers have the same corrugated pattern and shape as a result of the stack being shaped in corrugations or the layers being separately shaped in corrugations then nested into a stack. A portion of the corrugations of the stack of metal foil layers can be compressed to fold the layers together whereby the layers are interlocked together in overlapping relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: ATD Corporation
    Inventors: G. William Ragland, Raymond E. Ragland, Christopher V. Ragland
  • Patent number: 5406930
    Abstract: An outdoor cooking device which reduces heat transfer between the inner and outer surfaces of the device. The base includes a food cooking surface and a grate for supporting a heat source such as charcoal briquettes. The cover is supported on the base and encloses an open space facing the cooking surface. A multilayer heat insulating composite is provided on an inside surface of the cover and/or the base. The composite includes at least two layers of metal foil and at least one of the layers has a plurality of projections in point contact with an adjacent layer of the metal foil so as to provide a plurality of air spaces therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: ATD Corporation
    Inventors: G. William Ragland, Christopher V. Ragland, Ralph E. Parker