Patents by Inventor Jeff L. Summers

Jeff L. Summers 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).

  • Method of clamping a workpiece
    Patent number: 6241231
    Abstract: A clamping device for frictional clamping of a workpiece which includes a clamp element adapted to frictionally clamp a workpiece and a mechanism for moving the clamp element which includes a shape memory alloy adapted to move the clamp element when the shape memory alloy is heated. The shape memory alloy moves the clamp element into a clamped state and/or unclamped state upon heating the shape memory alloy. The clamped element is preferably a super elastic alloy which is naturally oriented in a clamped position for a positive clamp and in an unclamped position for a non-positive clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Jergens, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Schron, Jr., Jeff L. Summers
  • Clamping device
    Patent number: 6109602
    Abstract: A clamping device for frictional clamping of a workpiece which includes a clamp element adapted to frictionally clamp a workpiece and a mechanism for moving the clamp element which includes a shape memory alloy adapted to move the clamp element when the shape memory alloy is heated. The shape memory alloy moves the clamp element into a clamped state and/or unclamped state upon heating the shape memory alloy. The clamped element is preferably a super elastic alloy which is naturally oriented in a clamped position for a positive clamp and in an unclamped position for a non-positive clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Jergens, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Schron, Jr., Jeff L. Summers