Patents by Inventor Fredric J. Wheeler

Fredric J. Wheeler 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).

  • Self-tapping insert, insert assembly, and method for mounting the insert
    Patent number: 6530731
    Abstract: A self-tapping threaded insert (20) for threadedly mounting another component by a threaded central connector (50). An assembly (24) of the insert (20) and a mounting member (22) for threadedly mounting the insert are assembled by a method for mounting the self-tapping threaded insert. The insert (20) has a threaded shank (26) that is threaded into a partially tapped hole and has a shank end with flutes (32) of a construction that provides self-tapping. Upon final torquing, a locking flange (42) of the insert (20) locks against a surface (46) of the member (22) as threads of the insert shank (26) are completely engaged with the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Fredric J. Wheeler
  • Self-tapping insert, insert assembly, and method for mounting the insert
    Publication number: 20020102146
    Abstract: A self-tapping threaded insert (20) for threadedly mounting another component by a threaded central connector (50). An assembly (24) of the insert (20) and a mounting member (22) for threadedly mounting the insert are assembled by a method for mounting the self-tapping threaded insert. The insert (20) has a threaded shank (26) that is threaded into a partially tapped hole and has a shank end with flutes (32) of a construction that provides self-tapping. Upon final torquing, a locking flange (42) of the insert (20) locks against a surface (46) of the member (22) as threads of the insert shank (26) are completely engaged with the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Fredric J. Wheeler