Patents by Inventor Drew H. Boersma

Drew H. Boersma 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: 8534653
    Abstract: A fixture for machine tools and the like includes a base member and first and second workpiece support units that are movably connected to the base member and define a space therebetween. The fixture includes a drive assembly that is operably connected to the workpiece support units to move the first and second workpiece support units towards and away from one another. The workpiece support units each include a wedge member extending toward the space between the workpiece support units. The wedge members include opposed engagement surfaces that taper towards one another for engaging slots in opposite ends of a workpiece. Each of the workpiece support units also includes a clamp for clamping a workpiece as it engages the wedge members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Tooling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Huisken, Drew H. Boersma
  • Patent number: 7980112
    Abstract: A die having various features such as spring pockets and mounting provisions for a lifter bar that can be utilized to make a variety of dies. The dies may include pockets or other mounting features that provide for mounting replaceable plates that can be machined for mounting of die forming and cutting steels and other die components. The die shoe may include an array of pockets or blind holes for mounting nitrogen springs or the like for operation of forming steels and the like. One or more openings may be drilled in the replaceable plates above the pockets selected to receive nitrogen springs, with the remaining unused pockets being covered by the replaceable plate. The replaceable plate and pre-formed spring pockets thereby permit the die to be readily adapted for a particular die. The replaceable plates may be removed, and a replacement plate may be installed as needed for a new die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Tooling Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Drew H. Boersma
  • Patent number: 7914729
    Abstract: A fixture includes an enlarged plate having slots in an upper surface, and support members are secured to the plate at the slots. The fixture is utilized to machine parts that are initially flame-cut from a large plate/sheet of hot-roll steel. A plurality of notches are flame-cut into the perimeter of the part. The support members engage the flame-cut slots to secure the part to the plate for machining a first side of the part. Precision notches are machined into the part, and precisely-shaped protrusions on the support members are closely received in the precision notches to precisely locate the part for further machining on a second side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Drew H. Boersma
  • Publication number: 20100084801
    Abstract: A fixture includes an enlarged plate having slots in an upper surface, and support members are secured to the plate at the slots. The fixture is utilized to machine parts that are initially flame-cut from a large plate/sheet of hot-roll steel. A plurality of notches are flame-cut into the perimeter of the part. The support members engage the flame-cut slots to secure the part to the plate for machining a first side of the part. Precision notches are machined into the part, and precisely-shaped protrusions on the support members are closely received in the precision notches to precisely locate the part for further machining on a second side thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Drew H. Boersma
  • Patent number: 7641741
    Abstract: A fixture includes an enlarged plate having slots in an upper surface, and support members are secured to the plate at the slots. The fixture is utilized to machine parts that are initially flame-cut from a large plate/sheet of hot-roll steel. A plurality of notches are flame-cut into the perimeter of the part. The support members engage the flame-cut slots to secure the part to the plate for machining a first side of the part. Precision notches are machined into the part, and precisely-shaped protrusions on the support members are closely received in the precision notches to precisely locate the part for further machining on a second side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Drew H. Boersma
  • Publication number: 20090309281
    Abstract: A fixture for machine tools and the like includes a base member and first and second workpiece support units that are movably connected to the base member and define a space therebetween. The fixture includes a drive assembly that is operably connected to the workpiece support units to move the first and second workpiece support units towards and away from one another. The workpiece support units each include a wedge member extending toward the space between the workpiece support units. The wedge members include opposed engagement surfaces that taper towards one another for engaging slots in opposite ends of a workpiece. Each of the workpiece support units also includes a clamp for clamping a workpiece as it engages the wedge members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Advanced Tooling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Huisken, Drew H. Boersma
  • Patent number: 7618028
    Abstract: A fixture for machine tools and the like includes a base member and first and second workpiece support units that are movably connected to the base member and define a space therebetween. The fixture includes a drive assembly that is operably connected to the workpiece support units to move the first and second workpiece support units towards and away from one another. The workpiece support units each include a wedge member extending toward the space between the workpiece support units. The wedge members include opposed engagement surfaces that taper towards one another for engaging slots in opposite ends of a workpiece. Each of the workpiece support units also includes a clamp for clamping a workpiece as it engages the wedge members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Tooling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Huisken, Drew H. Boersma
  • Publication number: 20080203643
    Abstract: A fixture includes an enlarged plate having slots in an upper surface, and support members are secured to the plate at the slots. The fixture is utilized to machine parts that are initially flame-cut from a large plate/sheet of hot-roll steel. A plurality of notches are flame-cut into the perimeter of the part. The support members engage the flame-cut slots to secure the part to the plate for machining a first side of the part. Precision notches are machined into the part, and precisely-shaped protrusions on the support members are closely received in the precision notches to precisely locate the part for further machining on a second side thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Drew H. Boersma
  • Publication number: 20080202190
    Abstract: A die having various features such as spring pockets and mounting provisions for a lifter bar that can be utilized to make a variety of dies. The dies may include pockets or other mounting features that provide for mounting replaceable plates that can be machined for mounting of die forming and cutting steels and other die components. The die shoe may include an array of pockets or blind holes for mounting nitrogen springs or the like for operation of forming steels and the like. One or more openings may be drilled in the replaceable plates above the pockets selected to receive nitrogen springs, with the remaining unused pockets being covered by the replaceable plate. The replaceable plate and pre-formed spring pockets thereby permit the die to be readily adapted for a particular die. The replaceable plates may be removed, and a replacement plate may be installed as needed for a new die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Drew H. Boersma
  • Patent number: 5485938
    Abstract: This relates to a resealable lid and cup assembly and method for using the same. The resealable lid has an opening through which liquid flows and a valve mechanism for selectively closing the opening. The valve mechanism is provided on the underside of the lid and is biased to the open position by inward deflection of the side wall of the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Drew H. Boersma