Patents by Inventor Donald F. Wilkes

Donald F. Wilkes 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: 20200172841
    Abstract: A non-alcoholic wine beverage is disclosed. The non-alcoholic wine beverage may include a wine beverage that may have its alcohol content removed. The alcohol content may then be replaced with other ingredients that may provide effects similar to the desirable effects of alcohol while avoiding those effects that may be undesirable. For example, the non-alcoholic wine beverage may include one or more cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. The beverage may also include caffeine and other ingredients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Donald F. Wilkes, Kelly Chavarrio
  • Patent number: 9445623
    Abstract: A carbonated beverage prepared from dealcoholized wine base and having from about 150 mg to about 700 mgs of polyphenols per six to eight ounce serving. The beverage can contain from about 0.001 to about 0.01 percent resveratrol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventors: Donald F. Wilkes, Kelly Chavarrio
  • Publication number: 20090297681
    Abstract: A carbonated beverage prepared from dealcoholized wine base and having from about 150 mg to about 700 mgs of polyphenols per six to eight ounce serving. The beverage can contain from about 0.001 to about 0.01 percent resveratrol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Donald F. Wilkes, Kelly Chavarrio
  • Patent number: 5632703
    Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission is capable of operating between a maximum speed in one direction and a minimum speed in an opposite direction, including a zero output angular velocity, while being supplied with energy at a constant angular velocity. Input energy is divided between a first power path carrying an orbital set of elements and a second path that includes a variable speed adjustment mechanism. The second power path also connects with the orbital set of elements in such a way as to vary the rate of angular rotation thereof. The combined effects of power from the first and second power paths are combined and delivered to an output element by the orbital element set. The transmission can be designed to operate over a preselected ratio of forward to reverse output speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Donald F. Wilkes, James W. Purvis, A. Keith Miller
  • Patent number: 4964314
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting rotary motion to linear motion includes a centrally located screw member and a concentrically positioned outer member that surrounds the screw member but is spaced therefrom in order to define an annular space between the outer member and the screw member. A plurality of planet assemblies are positioned around the screw member and within the annular space. Each planet assembly is comprised of a roller that has a plurality of annular grooves extending circumferentially around its exterior surface. Each pair of adjacent grooves define a ridge therebetween whereby each roller has a plurality of spaced annular ridges extending circumferentially around its exterior surface. The ridges on the rollers engage the helical thread on the screw member as well as annular grooves on the inner surface of the outer member. The outer diameter of the planet assemblies is at least equal to the outside diameter of the screw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Inventor: Donald F. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 4713976
    Abstract: A differential mechanism can be driven by either or both of two inputs to provide an output rotational speed that is variable and can exceed, be equal to, can be less than, and can even be opposite to the input rotational speed. The differential uses a self-centering spherical element made of a structural thermoplastic material and which engages a pair of friction rings, one connected with an input assembly and one connected with an output assembly. A loading arrangement resiliently biases the spherical element into frictional engagement with the friction rings in a manner which is independent of the orientation of the spherical element with respect to the friction rings. Control of the rotational position of the spherical element is effected by an axially actuatable rod or a centrally disposed linkage so that the output rotational speed can be controlled. Powered control of the position of the spherical element can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: Vern Heinrichs
    Inventor: Donald F. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 4624028
    Abstract: A rolling support system has a pair of wheels mounted for rotation about a first axis with bearings that have a first resistance to rotation of the wheels. A stem assembly includes a portion to which the first axis is attached and further includes a thrust bearing having a second resistance to rotation. The second resistance to rotation being lower than the first resistance to rotation so that during movement of the system, the first resistance to rotation is effective to move the wheels into alignment with the direction of travel. To reduce noise as well as to reduce potential damage to an underlying surface, the periphery of each wheel may include a tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: Vern Heinrichs
    Inventor: Donald F. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 4567789
    Abstract: A transmission using an endless metal band provides an infinitely variable output velocity for an essentially constant input velocity. The transmission can be controlled to give both forward and reverse directions, through zero output speed. A multi-layer band can be used for greater torque transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Inventor: Donald F. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 4568617
    Abstract: A rolling mill for making endless bands, preferably by cold working precipitation hardenable stainless steel, includes a stationary central work roller and a pair of moveable work rollers, each carried by a corresponding carriage. The movable work rollers are backed by intermediate and drive rollers so as to be stiff in response to bending forces. The drive rollers provide rotary motion to all rollers. By elastically distorting a preform and then rolling it in the peripheral direction, the band is cold worked to a desired thickness. The preform may be obtained by parting an annular ring from tubular stock. Subsequent precipitation hardening of the cold worked band produces a stainless steel band having enhanced strength and endurance, and which is free of welds and similar discontinuities while exhibiting stress relieved edges rather than stress concentrated edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Inventor: Donald F. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 4369903
    Abstract: A pack frame for a backpack which includes structure for transferring a substantial portion of the vertical load component to a position at the hip area of a wearer which is well below the load's center of gravity. The pack frame is comprised of a tubular frame structure which is adapted to support a load on the back of a wearer. A pair of crossed, diagonally extending links connect the upper part of the frame structure to a belt-like support means, e.g. hip saddle, which is adapted to be worn about the hips of the wearer. Each of the links is bent into an arch configuration and is rotatably connected to both the frame structure and the hip saddle by means of bearing-supported ball joints so that the frame fits compactly and comfortably on the wearer and does not substantially interfere with most normal body movements of the wearer. Straps are attached to the upper part of the frame structure and are adapted to extend over the shoulders of the wearer before they are attached to the hip saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1983
    Inventor: Donald F. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 4324414
    Abstract: A wheelchair and rolling suspension system are supported by a pair of inclined, nested circular hoops. The hoops may be manually driven by lever arms accessable to the chair occupant. Moreover, the drive system permits the chair to negotiate straight lines, gradual and sharp curves, as well as to rotate about a vertical axis. The wheelchair is a two-wheel system having self-righting characteristics and is collapsible for storage and transportation. A seat assembly is articulatable between a vertically upright position and a fully reclined position. In addition, the wheelchair can function as a rocking chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: Donald F. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 4261589
    Abstract: A self-righting rolling suspension system is disclosed which has two ground contact zones and has self-righting stability in perpendicular planes, one of which includes the contact zones and one of which is perpendicular thereto. The system includes rolling support members that may be discs, annuli, cones or similar bodies of revolution. With the preferred orientation of the rolling supports, an effective radius several times the actual radius of the rolling support results. A self-adjusting differential is also obtained from one application of the principles.Shock absorbing and braking assemblies can also be incorporated in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1981
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: Donald F. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 4247127
    Abstract: A wheelchair and rolling suspension system are supported by a pair of inclined, nested circular hoops. The hoops may be manually driven by lever arms accessable to the chair occupant. Moreover, the drive system permits the chair to negotiate straight lines, gradual and sharp curves, as well as to rotate about a vertical axis. The wheelchair is a two-wheel system having self-righting characteristics and is collapsible for storage and transportation. A seat assembly is articulatable between a vertically upright position and a fully reclined position. In addition, the wheelchair can function as a rocking chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1981
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: Donald F. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 4244348
    Abstract: A process for cleaving boules of single crystal materials such as silicon or germanium into thin wafers. The process comprises creating an inward-directed radial stress concentration completely around a boule which intersects its crystallographic plane of minimum bond strength; and subsequently, triggering the cleavage of a thin wafer from the boule via a shock wave applied normal to its crystallographic plane of minimum bond strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1981
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: Donald F. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 4005496
    Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint having a femoral member and a tibial member each of which is provided with a bearing surface. The bearing surface of the tibial member supports the bearing surface associated with the femoral member such that flexion between the tibial member and the femoral member causes the respective bearing surfaces to roll relative to one another. Rollers, cam surfaces and guide slots are provided to ensure the retention of the proper relationship for this rolling contact between the tibial bearing surface and the femoral bearing surface. The knee joint includes a mechanical brake which produces a brake force that increased with flexure between the tibial member and the femoral member. The brake includes a resilient deformable element which transmits a brake applying force to a brake shoe which is operable along an axis generally perpendicular to the direction in which the force is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1977
    Assignee: Hosmer/Dorrance Corporation
    Inventor: Donald F. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 3960247
    Abstract: A damping apparatus for retarding motion of a movable body is disclosed. The apparatus has a damper unit with at least two rollers having resilient peripheral surfaces. The rollers are free wheeling relative to one another and roll along a guide in contact with opposite guide surfaces. The damper unit further includes a carrier rotatably carrying the rollers. The carrier is operably connectable to the movable body such that a force is applied to the carrier in response to motion of the body to urge the rollers against the guide surfaces at an intensity which progresses in relation to the magnitude of the applied force to resiliently compress the resilient peripheral surfaces against the guide surfaces as the rollers rotationally travel therealong, to retard motion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1976
    Assignee: Hosmer/Dorrance Corporation
    Inventor: Donald F. Wilkes