Patents by Inventor Frank Andra

Frank Andra 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: 9693397
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for inductively heat treating a circular surface of annular workpieces where at least one inductor pair is used to perform a scan induction heat treatment of the circular surface. Controlled movement of the inductors and application of quenchant is provided particularly at the initial and final heat treatment locations on the circular surface to enhance metallurgical uniformity of the annular workpiece at these locations. In combination with controlled movement of the inductors, a simultaneous power-frequency control scheme can be applied to the inductors during the heat treatment process with the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: INDUCTOHEAT, INC.
    Inventors: Gary A. Doyon, Frank Andrä, Douglas R. Brown, Don L. Loveless, Valery I. Rudnev
  • Publication number: 20150319810
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for inductively heat treating a circular surface of annular workpieces where at least one inductor pair is used to perform a scan induction heat treatment of the circular surface. Controlled movement of the inductors and application of quenchant is provided particularly at the initial and final heat treatment locations on the circular surface to enhance metallurgical uniformity of the annular workpiece at these locations. In combination with controlled movement of the inductors, a simultaneous power-frequency control scheme can be applied to the inductors during the heat treatment process with the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventors: Gary A. DOYON, Frank ANDRÄ, Douglas R. BROWN, Don L. LOVELESS, Valery I. RUDNEV
  • Patent number: 9084297
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for inductively heat treating a circular surface of annular workpieces where at least one inductor pair is used to perform a scan induction heat treatment of the circular surface. Controlled movement of the inductors and application of quenchant is provided particularly at the initial and final heat treatment locations on the circular surface to enhance metallurgical uniformity of the annular workpiece at these locations. In combination with controlled movement of the inductors, a simultaneous power-frequency control scheme can be applied to the inductors during the heat treatment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: INDUCTOHEAT, INC.
    Inventors: Gary A. Doyon, Frank Andrä, Douglas R. Brown, Don L. Loveless, Valery I. Rudnev
  • Publication number: 20110248023
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for inductively heat treating a circular surface of annular workpieces where at least one inductor pair is used to perform a scan induction heat treatment of the circular surface. Controlled movement of the inductors and application of quenchant is provided particularly at the initial and final heat treatment locations on the circular surface to enhance metallurgical uniformity of the annular workpiece at these locations. In combination with controlled movement of the inductors, a simultaneous power-frequency control scheme can be applied to the inductors during the heat treatment process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Gary A. DOYON, Frank ANDRÄ, Douglas R. BROWN, Don L. LOVELESS, Valery I. RUDNEV
  • Patent number: 6840805
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-and-socket connector element (10) comprising a base body (12) in which at least one plug contact (16) is arranged, with the at least one plug contact (16) permitting an insertion of an electric feed line (62) in an axial direction from the rear end of the at least one plug contact (16), and a fitting part (14) which is preferably movable in an axial direction with respect to the base body (12) which at the rear end permits a lateral access to the at least one plug contact (16) in a first latch position and, in a second latch position, laterally covers the at least one plug contact (16) at least partially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Contact GmbH Elektrische Bauelementa
    Inventors: Markus Cech, Frank Andrä
  • Patent number: 6593531
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting housing for example or circular connectors. For a convenient pre-assembly of the mounting housing it includes an access opening which can be closed by a cover. The cover is hooked in a housing body of the mounting housing on one side and is secured at the housing body via a retaining nut, with the cover in conjunction with a seal arranged in the area of the access opening sealing same. In addition, a vibration protection is provided in that the cover includes a contoured area which in the screwed on condition is urged by the retaining nut against a corresponding area of the housing body. The mounting housing also includes a mounting flange which is formed at the housing body in such a manner that an installation and removal of the mounting housing at corresponding mounting surfaces is possible after the pre-assembly of the mounting housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Contact GmbH
    Inventors: Ingrid Hülsmann, Frank Andrä
  • Publication number: 20030037951
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting housing for example for circular connectors. For a convenient pre-assembly of the mounting housing it comprises an access opening which can be closed by means of a cover. The cover is hooked in a housing body of the mounting housing on one side and is secured at the housing body via a retaining nut, with the cover in conjunction with a seal arranged in the area of the access opening sealing same. In addition, a vibration protection is provided in that the cover comprises a contoured area which in the screwed on condition is urged by the retaining nut against a corresponding area of the housing body. The mounting housing also comprises a mounting flange which is formed at the housing body in such a manner that an installation and removal of the mounting housing at corresponding mounting surfaces is possible after the pre-assembly of the mounting housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Ingrid Hulsmann, Frank Andra
  • Patent number: 6518506
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulating body which comprises a lower part with a first engaging element, a second engaging element, and a stop, as well as an upper part with a distance collar and an engaging means arranged at the distance collar. In a first engagement position in which the first engaging element is engaged with the engaging means electrical and/or optical contacts can be arranged in the insulating body. In a second engagement position the second engaging element engages with the engaging means, with the stop of the lower part contacting the distance collar. In this manner it is ensured that the upper and lower part, due to the effective connection of the stop and the distance collar, on the one hand, securely engage with one another and, on the other hand, due to the effective connection of the stop and the distance collar assume a pregiven position relative to one another at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Contact GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Zink, Frank Andrä
  • Publication number: 20020065004
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-and-socket connector element (10) comprising a base body (12) in which at least one plug contact (16) is arranged, with the at least one plug contact (16) permitting an insertion of an electric feed line (62) in an axial direction from the rear end of the at least one plug contact (16), and a fitting part (14) which is preferably movable in an axial direction with respect to the base body (12) which at the rear end permits a lateral access to the at least one plug contact (16) in a first latch position and, in a second latch position, laterally covers the at least one plug contact (16) at least partially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: Contact GmbH Elektrische Bauelemente
    Inventors: Markus Cech, Frank Andra
  • Publication number: 20020029898
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulating body which comprises a lower part with a first engaging element, a second engaging element, and a stop, as well as an upper part with a distance collar and an engaging means arranged at the distance collar. In a first engagement position in which the first engaging element is engaged with the engaging means electrical and/or optical contacts can be arranged in the insulating body. In a second engagement position the second engaging element engages with the engaging means, with the stop of the lower part contacting the distance collar. In this manner it is ensured that the upper and lower part, due to the effective connection of the stop and the distance collar, on the one hand, securely engage with one another and, on the other hand, due to the effective connection of the stop and the distance collar assume a pregiven position relative to one another at any time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Markus Zink, Frank Andra
  • Patent number: 6354888
    Abstract: The invention relates to a securing system for different types of plug connector, with different types of first insulating element, which are secured in each case to a base plate, wherein a single type of base plate is provided and the said base plate comprises a stationary holding element and a displaceable holding element, which is displaceable in such a manner that each of the different types of first insulating element can be secured to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Gerag AG
    Inventors: Markus Cech, Frank Andrä
  • Patent number: 5984709
    Abstract: A connector of an electric connector coupling has a guide sleeve and at least one engagement element that can be moved between a locking position and a releasing position, as well as a gripping sleeve which, in a first position locks the at least one engagement element in its locking position, and in a second position allows the at least one engagement element to be moved into its releasing position. The connector has been further developed in that the gripping sleeve is capable of occupying a third position, wherein the at least one engagement element is urged with a predetermined force into its locking position. Moreover, an electric connector coupling has such a connector and a matching coupler. The connector can be easily pushed onto the coupler and be pulled off therefrom, and is securely held on the coupler in its fitted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Contact GmbH Elektrische Bauelemente
    Inventors: Markus Zink, Markus Cech, Frank Andra
  • Patent number: 5938475
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for a cable having at least one wire and one screening which surrounds the wire, and also a housing in which an insulator with at least one electrical contact and a screening contact which contacts the housing are arranged, the screening contact producing an electrically conductive connection between the housing and the screening of the cable. The screening contact is resilient in the radial and/or axial direction and contacts the inside wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Contact GmbH Elektrische Bauelemente
    Inventors: Jurgen Penner, Markus Cech, Frank Andra
  • Patent number: RE39958
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-and-socket connector element (10) comprising a base body (12) in which at least one plug contact (16) is arranged, with the at least one plug contact (16) permitting an insertion of an electric feed line (62) in an axial direction from the rear end of the at least one plug contact (16), and a fitting part (14) which is preferably movable in an axial direction with respect to the base body (12) which at the rear end permits a lateral access to the at least one plug contact (16) in a first latch position and, in a second latch position, laterally covers the at least one plug contact (16) at least partially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Contact GmbH Elektrische Bauelementa
    Inventors: Markus Cech, Frank Andrä