Patents by Inventor David T. Stearns

David T. Stearns 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: 6059640
    Abstract: A cryogenic deflashing apparatus removes residual flash from molded articles. A cryogenic chamber establishes and maintains cryogenic temperatures from an injected cryogenic fluid. A parts basket is removably disposed within the cryogenic chamber for imparting a tumbling action to the molded articles. The basket has an external perforated shell and an open end and a closed end, where the closed end has a conical surface disposed within the perforated shell effective to enhance the tumbling action for the molded articles for exposure to the cryogenic temperature for embrittling the residual flash. A throw wheel directs shot media toward the articles tumbling within the parts basket for impacting and removing the residual flash from the articles that is embrittled by the cryogenic temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: David T. Stearns
  • Patent number: 4979338
    Abstract: A cryogenic deflashing apparatus is disclosed specifically adapted to rapidly remove residual flash from molded articles. The cryogenic deflashing apparatus incorporates a novel throw wheel assembly formed as a pump to create a vacuum utilized to continuously recirculate blasting media within the deflashing chamber. The throw wheel is powered by a pneumatic motor the exhaust of which is supplied to the intake port of the throw wheel to pre-accelerate the blasting media onto the throw wheel as well as supplement the magnitude of vacuum lift of the blasting media into the throw wheel. An article basket and basket drive mechanism is disposed within the deflashing chamber and includes biasing seal means for eliminating article spillover during the deflashing operation as well as facilitating ease in removal and insertion of the article basket within the deflashing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Airmac Cryogenic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Schmitz, II, David T. Stearns
  • Patent number: 4355488
    Abstract: A cryogenic deflashing apparatus is provided specifically adapted to remove residual flash from relatively large molded articles in a continuous high production deflashing operation. The apparatus incorporates a modular deflashing housing wherein entry, pre-freezing, blasting, and exit of multiple articles is accomplished simultaneously in discrete serially aligned operational compartments. A novel article conveyor transport mechanism is additionally provided which permits the transport speed of the articles through the various compartments to be independently varied during operation to maximize production efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1982
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Schmitz, David T. Stearns, Erwin Stegmann, Thomas E. McWhorter, Warren F. Geiger, Thomas J. Abrahamsen