Patents by Inventor Dale R. Foster

Dale R. Foster 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: 20220214074
    Abstract: A vertical Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatus having a base supporting surface, a track mechanism for moving a carriage assembly which holds seam forming members used to close a Pittsburgh Seam, a pair of upper and lower guide members for guiding the duct section into a proper vertical position, and upper and lower clamping members positioned inside the duct section and adjacent the inside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed, the upper guide members and clamping member being selectively movable and adjustable for accommodating different duct section lengths. In one embodiment, the seam forming assembly includes three roller members mounted in vertical arrangement to each other, one roller member being V-shaped in configuration and the other two roller members being substantially cylindrical in shape. The V-shaped roller member may also include one or more projecting members for forming dimples in the closing process to prevent shifting and/or slipping of the closed seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Dale R. Foster, Bert Michael Fischer
  • Patent number: 11313578
    Abstract: A vertical Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatus having a base supporting surface, a track mechanism for moving a carriage assembly which holds seam forming members used to close a Pittsburgh Seam, a pair of upper and lower guide members for guiding the duct section into a proper vertical position, and upper and lower clamping members positioned inside the duct section and adjacent the inside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed, the upper guide members and clamping member being selectively movable and adjustable for accommodating different duct section lengths. In one embodiment, the seam forming assembly includes three roller members mounted in vertical arrangement to each other, one roller member being V-shaped in configuration and the other two roller members being substantially cylindrical in shape. The V-shaped roller member may also include one or more projecting members for forming dimples in the closing process to prevent shifting and/or slipping of the closed seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Vicon Machinery LLC
    Inventors: Dale R. Foster, Bert Michael Fischer
  • Patent number: 10976071
    Abstract: A vertical Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatus having a base supporting surface, a track mechanism for moving a carriage assembly which holds seam forming members used to close a Pittsburgh Seam, a pair of upper and lower guide members for guiding the duct section into a proper vertical position, and upper and lower clamping members positioned inside the duct section and adjacent the inside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed, the upper guide members and clamping member being selectively movable and adjustable for accommodating different duct section lengths. In one embodiment, the seam forming assembly includes three roller members mounted in vertical arrangement to each other, one roller member being V-shaped in configuration and the other two roller members being substantially cylindrical in shape. The V-shaped roller member may also include one or more projecting members for forming dimples in the closing process to prevent shifting and/or slipping of the closed seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Vicon Machinery LLC
    Inventors: Dale R. Foster, Bert Michael Fischer
  • Publication number: 20200393161
    Abstract: A vertical Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatus having a base supporting surface, a track mechanism for moving a carriage assembly which holds seam forming members used to close a Pittsburgh Seam, a pair of upper and lower guide members for guiding the duct section into a proper vertical position, and upper and lower clamping members positioned inside the duct section and adjacent the inside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed, the upper guide members and clamping member being selectively movable and adjustable for accommodating different duct section lengths. In one embodiment, the seam forming assembly includes three roller members mounted in vertical arrangement to each other, one roller member being V-shaped in configuration and the other two roller members being substantially cylindrical in shape. The V-shaped roller member may also include one or more projecting members for forming dimples in the closing process to prevent shifting and/or slipping of the closed seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: Dale R. Foster, Bert Michael Fischer
  • Publication number: 20200182507
    Abstract: A vertical Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatus having a base supporting surface, a track mechanism for moving a carriage assembly which holds seam forming members used to close a Pittsburgh Seam, a pair of upper and lower guide members for guiding the duct section into a proper vertical position, and upper and lower clamping members positioned inside the duct section and adjacent the inside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed, the upper guide members and clamping member being selectively movable and adjustable for accommodating different duct section lengths. In one embodiment, the seam forming assembly includes three roller members mounted in vertical arrangement to each other, one roller member being V-shaped in configuration and the other two roller members being substantially cylindrical in shape. The V-shaped roller member may also include one or more projecting members for forming dimples in the closing process to prevent shifting and/or slipping of the closed seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Dale R. Foster, Bert Michael Fischer
  • Patent number: 10612812
    Abstract: A vertical Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatus having a base supporting surface, a track mechanism for moving a carriage assembly which holds seam forming members used to close a Pittsburgh Seam, a pair of upper and lower guide members for guiding the duct section into a proper vertical position, and upper and lower clamping members positioned inside the duct section and adjacent the inside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed, the upper guide members and clamping member being selectively movable and adjustable for accommodating different duct section lengths. In one embodiment, the seam forming assembly includes three roller members mounted in vertical arrangement to each other, one roller member being V-shaped in configuration and the other two roller members being substantially cylindrical in shape. The V-shaped roller member may also include one or more projecting members for forming dimples in the closing process to prevent shifting and/or slipping of the closed seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Vicon Machinery LLC
    Inventors: Dale R. Foster, Bert Michael Fischer
  • Patent number: 9889489
    Abstract: A vertical Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatus having a base supporting surface, a track mechanism for moving a carriage assembly which holds seam forming members used to close a Pittsburgh Seam, a pair of upper and lower guide members for guiding the duct section into a proper vertical position, and upper and lower clamping members positioned inside the duct section and adjacent the inside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed, the upper guide members and clamping member being selectively movable and adjustable for accommodating different duct section lengths. In one embodiment, the seam forming assembly includes three roller members mounted in vertical arrangement to each other, one roller member being V-shaped in configuration and the other two roller members being substantially cylindrical in shape. The V-shaped roller member may also include one or more projecting members for forming dimples in the closing process to prevent shifting and/or slipping of the closed seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Vicon Machinery LLC
    Inventors: Dale R. Foster, Bert Michael Fischer
  • Publication number: 20170219242
    Abstract: A vertical Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatus having a base supporting surface, a track mechanism for moving a carriage assembly which holds seam forming members used to close a Pittsburgh Seam, a pair of upper and lower guide members for guiding the duct section into a proper vertical position, and upper and lower clamping members positioned inside the duct section and adjacent the inside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed, the upper guide members and clamping member being selectively movable and adjustable for accommodating different duct section lengths. In one embodiment, the seam forming assembly includes three roller members mounted in vertical arrangement to each other, one roller member being V-shaped in configuration and the other two roller members being substantially cylindrical in shape. The V-shaped roller member may also include one or more projecting members for forming dimples in the closing process to prevent shifting and/or slipping of the closed seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Dale R. Foster, Bert Michael Fischer
  • Publication number: 20170216902
    Abstract: A vertical Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatus having a base supporting surface, a track mechanism for moving a carriage assembly which holds seam forming members used to close a Pittsburgh Seam, a pair of upper and lower guide members for guiding the duct section into a proper vertical position, and upper and lower clamping members positioned inside the duct section and adjacent the inside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed, the upper guide members and clamping member being selectively movable and adjustable for accommodating different duct section lengths. In one embodiment, the seam forming assembly includes three roller members mounted in vertical arrangement to each other, one roller member being V-shaped in configuration and the other two roller members being substantially cylindrical in shape. The V-shaped roller member may also include one or more projecting members for forming dimples in the closing process to prevent shifting and/or slipping of the closed seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Dale R. Foster, Bert Michael Fischer
  • Patent number: 9623472
    Abstract: A vertical Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatus having a base supporting surface, a track mechanism for moving a carriage assembly which holds seam forming members used to close a Pittsburgh Seam, a pair of upper and lower guide members for guiding the duct section into a proper vertical position, and upper and lower clamping members positioned inside the duct section adjacent the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed, the upper guide members and clamping member being selectively movable and adjustable for accommodating different duct section lengths. In one embodiment, the seam forming assembly includes three roller members mounted in vertical arrangement, one roller member being V-shaped in configuration and the other two roller members being substantially cylindrical in shape. The V-shaped roller member may also include one or more projecting members for forming dimples in the closing process to prevent shifting and/or slipping of the closed seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Vicon Machinery LLC
    Inventors: Dale R. Foster, Bert Michael Fischer
  • Patent number: 7926757
    Abstract: The present insulation spool apparatus is adapted for lining ductwork with insulation material and includes a pair of spaced apart first and second spool plates for holding and mounting a plurality of rolls of insulation material at one time, each individual roll of insulation material being rotatable into operative position for use. Each spool plate includes a plurality of receptacles for engaging and holding one end portion of an insulation roll support shaft. The spool apparatus may further include a plurality of hook plates for guiding the support shafts into locking engagement with the spool plates, locking mechanisms for holding the support shafts in a locked position with the spool plates, one or more paddle assemblies for providing sufficient tension force to each respective roll of insulation material for preventing premature unwinding during use, and a feeder mechanism for feeding and loading such rolled material onto the spool apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Vicon Machinery, LLC
    Inventors: Bert Michael Fischer, Dale R. Foster
  • Publication number: 20090184193
    Abstract: The present insulation spool apparatus is adapted for lining ductwork with insulation material and includes a pair of spaced apart first and second spool plates for holding and mounting a plurality of rolls of insulation material at one time, each individual roll of insulation material being rotatable into operative position for use. Each spool plate includes a plurality of receptacles for engaging and holding one end portion of an insulation roll support shaft. The spool apparatus may further include a plurality of hook plates for guiding the support shafts into locking engagement with the spool plates, locking mechanisms for holding the support shafts in a locked position with the spool plates, one or more paddle assemblies for providing sufficient tension force to each respective roll of insulation material for preventing premature unwinding during use, and a feeder mechanism for feeding and loading such rolled material onto the spool apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: VICON MACHINERY, LLC
    Inventors: Bert Michael Fischer, Dale R. Foster
  • Patent number: 6810570
    Abstract: A duct assembly for transporting pressurized fluid therethrough. The assembly includes first and second duct sections. Each of the duct sections has sides extending between opposite ends. Each of the sides join an adjacent side and has a flange extending laterally outward from each end. The first and second sections are positioned in end-to-end relation so that the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the first section face the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the second section to define flange pairs. The assembly also includes a plurality of connector pairs. Each of the connector pairs are positioned at one of the ends of the duct sections. Each of the connector pairs includes a first connector spanning adjacent flanges of the first duct section and a second connector spanning adjacent flanges of the second duct section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Engel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Fischer, Dale R. Foster, Herbert J. Fischer
  • Publication number: 20020170613
    Abstract: A duct assembly for transporting pressurized fluid therethrough. The assembly includes first and second duct sections. Each of the duct sections has sides extending between opposite ends. Each of the sides join an adjacent side and has a flange extending laterally outward from each end. The first and second sections are positioned in end-to-end relation so that the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the first section face the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the second section to define flange pairs. The assembly also includes a plurality of connector pairs. Each of the connector pairs are positioned at one of the ends of the duct sections. Each of the connector pairs includes a first connector spanning adjacent flanges of the first duct section and a second connector spanning adjacent flanges of the second duct section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Joshua D. Fischer, Dale R. Foster, Herbert J. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6460573
    Abstract: A duct assembly for transporting pressurized fluid therethrough. The assembly includes first and second duct sections. Each of the duct sections has sides extending between opposite ends. Each of the sides join an adjacent side and has a flange extending laterally outward from each end. The first and second sections are positioned in end-to-end relation so that the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the first section face the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the second section to define flange pairs. The assembly also includes a plurality of connector pairs. Each of the connector pairs are positioned at one of the ends of the duct sections. Each of the connector pairs includes a first connector spanning adjacent flanges of the first duct section and a second connector spanning adjacent flanges of the second duct section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Engel Industries
    Inventors: Joshua D. Fischer, Dale R. Foster, Herbert J. Fischer
  • Patent number: 5353616
    Abstract: For closing Pittsburgh-type rectilinear seams, as in conventional sheet metal heating and air conditioning ducts. The present machine, with only a single seaming roll, closes seams through 45.degree. to 90.degree. on an advancing stroke, and burnishes them on the return stroke. The machine functions without adjustment throughout substantially the entire range of sheet metal thicknesses normally utilized. Of particular advantage in manufacturing duct sections having integral end flanges, only an initial short length of seam need be peened manually before the duct elements to be seemed are clamped in place for completion. Workplace noise is greatly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Engel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert J. Fischer, Dale R. Foster, John A. Fahland