Patents by Inventor Glenn A. Forthofer

Glenn A. Forthofer 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).

  • Node for a space frame
    Patent number: 9719242
    Abstract: A space frame includes a plurality of support structures and a node member configured to couple with the plurality of support structures. The node member includes a base portion, a plurality of coupling members extending from the base portion, each of the plurality of coupling members configured to couple with each of the support structures, and a plurality of clamping members configured to couple each of the plurality of coupling members with each of the plurality of support structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob W. Bell, Glenn A. Forthofer
  • NODE FOR A SPACE FRAME
    Publication number: 20170081837
    Abstract: A space frame includes a plurality of support structures and a node member configured to couple with the plurality of support structures. The node member includes a base portion, a plurality of coupling members extending from the base portion, each of the plurality of coupling members configured to couple with each of the support structures, and a plurality of clamping members configured to couple each of the plurality of coupling members with each of the plurality of support structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob W. Bell, Glenn A. Forthofer
  • WELDING METHOD
    Publication number: 20130240490
    Abstract: A tack welding method for use with a hybrid laser arc welding process. The method provides a recess on an edge of a first piece. The edge of the first piece is configured to cooperate with a second piece. The method positions the first piece relative to the second piece so as to provide a gap between the first piece and the second piece. Subsequently, the method provides a tack weld within the recess of the first piece. The recess is configured to accommodate placing the tack weld at a root of the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Huijun Wang, Howard W. Ludewig, Keith M. Egland, Glenn A. Forthofer