Patents by Inventor Jeffrey C. Lewis
Jeffrey C. Lewis 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).
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Patent number: 10500632Abstract: A self-piercing rivet installation apparatus includes a rigid C-frame and a drive spindle translatable along a rivet installation axis through a first jaw of the rigid C-frame. An installation head has an installation head mounting end mountable to a leading end of the drive spindle. A mounting post having a mounting post root end is matingly engaged with a jaw socket defined coaxially with the rivet installation axis in a second jaw of the rigid C-frame. A coupling tube has a coupling tube mounting end. A riveting anvil is removably mounted to the coupling tube to form an anvil mounting assembly. The anvil mounting assembly is alternatively mountable on the drive spindle and the mounting post. The installation head is alternatively mountable on the mounting post and the drive spindle opposite the anvil mounting assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2016Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: PENN Automotive, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey C. Lewis, Srecko Zdravkovic
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Patent number: 10161435Abstract: A self-attaching fastener includes a substantially polyhedral head portion defining a longitudinal axis. The head portion is circumscribable by a first cylinder having a head diameter. The first cylinder is coaxial to the longitudinal axis. A central pilot portion substantially defines a pilot polyhedron extending from the head portion along the longitudinal axis. The central pilot portion is circumscribable by a second cylinder having a pilot diameter smaller than the head diameter. The second cylinder is coaxial to the longitudinal axis. The central pilot portion has a perimetric wall with rectangular faces of the pilot polyhedron. The rectangular faces are defined in respective planes that are parallel to the longitudinal axis. A planar panel support surface is defined on the head portion. The planar panel support surface defines a closed substantially polygonal planar margin at a perimeter of the planar panel support surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Inventors: Jeffrey C. Lewis, Srecko Zdravkovic
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Publication number: 20180126448Abstract: A self-piercing rivet installation apparatus includes a rigid C-frame and a drive spindle translatable along a rivet installation axis through a first jaw of the rigid C-frame. An installation head has an installation head mounting end mountable to a leading end of the drive spindle. A mounting post having a mounting post root end is matingly engaged with a jaw socket defined coaxially with the rivet installation axis in a second jaw of the rigid C-frame. A coupling tube has a coupling tube mounting end. A riveting anvil is removably mounted to the coupling tube to form an anvil mounting assembly. The anvil mounting assembly is alternatively mountable on the drive spindle and the mounting post. The installation head is alternatively mountable on the mounting post and the drive spindle opposite the anvil mounting assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2016Publication date: May 10, 2018Inventors: Jeffrey C. Lewis, Srecko Zdravkovic
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Publication number: 20170282238Abstract: A feed apparatus for feeding fasteners to a fastener installation head includes a chute to support and guide a strip of fasteners from a chute inlet to the fastener installation head. The strip of fasteners includes a plurality of fasteners selectably releasably attached to a carrier ribbon, wherein the feed apparatus is to separate the fasteners from the carrier ribbon and present the fasteners to the fastener installation head for installation. An idler wheel is to peel the carrier ribbon from the fasteners as the fasteners pass through the chute. A tensioner is to advance the carrier ribbon and apply tension to the carrier ribbon to advance the fasteners in the chute. An actuator is to urge the tensioner to advance the carrier ribbon.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2016Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey C. Lewis, Srecko Zdravkovic
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Publication number: 20170234353Abstract: A self-attaching fastener includes a substantially polyhedral head portion defining a longitudinal axis. The head portion is circumscribable by a first cylinder having a head diameter. The first cylinder is coaxial to the longitudinal axis. A central pilot portion substantially defines a pilot polyhedron extending from the head portion along the longitudinal axis. The central pilot portion is circumscribable by a second cylinder having a pilot diameter smaller than the head diameter. The second cylinder is coaxial to the longitudinal axis. The central pilot portion has a perimetric wall with rectangular faces of the pilot polyhedron. The rectangular faces are defined in respective planes that are parallel to the longitudinal axis. A planar panel support surface is defined on the head portion. The planar panel support surface defines a closed substantially polygonal planar margin at a perimeter of the planar panel support surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2016Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey C. Lewis, Srecko Zdravkovic
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Patent number: 8883059Abstract: A single-piece fastener includes a relatively hard clip and a relatively soft seal. The seal can be overmolded onto the clip. A thermal bond is formed between the seal and the clip to inhibit removal of the seal from the clip. The flexible nature of the umbrella of the clip and the seal can accommodate sealing openings in panels of varying thicknesses.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Jeffrey C. Lewis, Roger E. Pilon, Steven M. Benedetti, Charles K. Fischer
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Patent number: 8608420Abstract: A self-attaching nut for attachment to a panel includes a central pilot portion having a bore therethrough, and having a substantially cylindrical outer surface. A flange portion surrounds the outer surface of the pilot portion, and the flange portion includes an annular groove surrounding the pilot portion. The annular groove has a substantially V-shaped axial cross section. The self-attaching nut further includes a plurality of spaced raised buttons formed on a surface of the annular groove. The spaced raised buttons are configured to substantially prevent relative rotation between the nut and the panel, and configured to aid in preventing pull-out of the nut from the panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Whitesell International CorporationInventors: Zdravko Kovac, Jeffrey C. Lewis, John M. Parker
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Patent number: 8109704Abstract: A cage nut assembly for a drain pan includes a nut having a barrel with a barrel end and a distal end opposed thereto. A flange at the distal end has a flange face abutting the drain pan inner surface. A threaded bore is defined along a central axis through the barrel and flange. At least one channel is defined in the flange face and allows substantially complete drainage of a fluid from a sump through a single drain aperture. A cage having a plate with a central aperture receives the barrel with substantial clearance to an edge of the central aperture. Leg(s) extend substantially orthogonally from the plate. An attachment projection on the leg(s) attaches the assembly to the drain pan. The assembly accepts a flange bolt removably installed through the single drain aperture. The flange bolt removably compresses a seal around a periphery of the single drain aperture.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Whitesell International CorporationInventors: Jeffrey C. Lewis, Srecko Zdravkovic
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Publication number: 20110278760Abstract: A single-piece fastener includes a relatively hard clip and a relatively soft seal. The seal can be overmolded onto the clip. A thermal bond is formed between the seal and the clip to inhibit removal of the seal from the clip. The flexible nature of the umbrella of the clip and the seal can accommodate sealing openings in panels of varying thicknesses.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Jeffrey C. Lewis, Roger E. Pilon, Steven M. Benedetti, Charles K. Fischer
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Publication number: 20110194913Abstract: A cage nut assembly for a drain pan includes a nut having a barrel with a barrel end and a distal end opposed thereto. A flange at the distal end has a flange face abutting the drain pan inner surface. A threaded bore is defined along a central axis through the barrel and flange. At least one channel is defined in the flange face and allows substantially complete drainage of a fluid from a sump through a single drain aperture. A cage having a plate with a central aperture receives the barrel with substantial clearance to an edge of the central aperture. Leg(s) extend substantially orthogonally from the plate. An attachment projection on the leg(s) attaches the assembly to the drain pan. The assembly accepts a flange bolt removably installed through the single drain aperture. The flange bolt removably compresses a seal around a periphery of the single drain aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventors: Jeffrey C. Lewis, Srecko Zdravkovic
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Publication number: 20100209210Abstract: A self-attaching nut for attachment to a panel includes a central pilot portion having a bore therethrough, and having a substantially cylindrical outer surface. A flange portion surrounds the outer surface of the pilot portion, and the flange portion includes an annular groove surrounding the pilot portion. The annular groove has a substantially V-shaped axial cross section. The self-attaching nut further includes a plurality of spaced raised buttons formed on a surface of the annular groove. The spaced raised buttons are configured to substantially prevent relative rotation between the nut and the panel, and configured to aid in preventing pull-out of the nut from the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Zdravko Kovac, Jeffrey C. Lewis, John M. Parker
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Publication number: 20080052878Abstract: A single-piece fastener includes a relatively hard clip and a relatively soft seal. The seal can be overmolded onto the clip. A thermal bond is formed between the seal and the clip to inhibit removal of the seal from the clip. The flexible nature of the umbrella of the clip and the seal can accommodate sealing openings in panels of varying thicknesses.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventors: Jeffrey C. Lewis, Roger E. Pilon, Steven M. Benedetti, Charles K. Fischer
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Patent number: 7096872Abstract: A process for forming a foamed thermoplastic earplug, comprising the steps of extruding a foamed body of thermoplastic material; shaping the foamed thermoplastic material; and at least partially separating the resulting shaped material for forming individual earplugs.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Inventors: James T. Ligon, Sr., Jeffrey C. Lewis
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Publication number: 20040060567Abstract: A process for forming a foamed thermoplastic earplug, comprising the steps of extruding a foamed body of thermoplastic material; shaping the foamed thermoplastic material; and at least partially separating the resulting shaped material for forming individual earplugs.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: Ligon Brothers ManufacturingInventors: James T. Ligon, Jeffrey C. Lewis
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Patent number: 6176660Abstract: A fastener assembly is integrated with a motor vehicle component such as an assist strap handle in a manner to allow the assist strap to be releasably mounted to overhead or other structural vehicle body panels. The fastener assembly includes a first set of resilient latch legs that extend from a main body of the fastener and are adapted to engage in a motor vehicle body panel opening. The latch legs are interengaged at their respective termini opposite the fastener body to facilitate insertion into the panel opening by preventing the latch legs from deflecting away from one another during movement through the opening. A second set of semi-rigid lateral support legs carried on the main body permit the fastener construction to be preassembled to another vehicle component, such as a headliner, prior to the time that the assist strap component and the headliner component are joined to the vehicle body panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1998Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey C. Lewis, James F. Fleck, Jordan M. Stevenson
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Patent number: 5904618Abstract: A flap-type pressure relief valve particularly intended for relieving overpressure conditions in a vehicle passenger compartment includes a frame having an integral peripheral sealing gasket that is formed on the frame by being injection molded directly thereto. The frame is molded from a relatively rigid plastic and the gasket is molded from a plastic that is significantly more resilient and flexible but selected to permanently bond to the plastic of the frame when brought into contact therewith under injection molding conditions.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey C. Lewis
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Patent number: 5727999Abstract: A one-way flap-type vehicle ventilation valve comprises a generally planar molded plastic sealing flap for overlying a flow opening formed through a vehicle body panel. The flap is formed in a two shot molding process to have a rigid plastic main body with a resilient plastic seal lip about its periphery. A plastic support shaft is molded integrally with the main body and is spaced therefrom by integral support webs. A plastic support is pivotally joined to the support shaft by connecting portions of the bracket that are molded about the ends of the support shaft. Fasteners extend from the bracket for joining the valve to the vehicle body panel. The fasteners include end portions for passing through holes formed through the vehicle body panel adjacent the flow opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1997Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey C. Lewis
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Patent number: 5601117Abstract: A flap-type pressure relief valve includes a frame defining a flow opening therethrough with a flexible flap valve element positioned adjacent the frame to overlie the opening and allow fluid flow in a first direction through the opening while preventing flow in the opposite direction. A retainer assembly for joining a peripheral edge portion of the flap valve element to the frame comprises an elongated retainer bar integrally joined to the frame at one edge and connected to the frame at the other edge along a side of the flow opening in overlying relationship to a peripheral edge of the flap valve element. The retainer bar has a retainer surface spaced from the frame a distance slightly greater than the thickness of the flap valve element. Retainer pins extend from the frame through openings in the flap valve element. The assembly thus supports the flap valve element in a freely floating manner without forming air leakage openings.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1995Date of Patent: February 11, 1997Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey C. Lewis, James F. Fleck
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Patent number: 5420762Abstract: A headlamp mounting arrangement for an automotive vehicle comprises a mounting support panel which forms a part of the vehicle and a lamp assembly with mounting studs extending outwardly from the rear wall thereof through first openings in the support panel. A lock plate is connected to the mounting support panel on the side opposite the lamp assembly for sliding movement between a first position for preventing withdrawal of the mounting studs from the first openings in the mounting support plate and a second position for permitting withdrawal of the mounting studs from the first openings. A latch type engagement is provided on the lock plate for preventing undesired sliding movement of the lock plate toward the second position.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1993Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey C. Lewis
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Patent number: 5419739Abstract: A flap type pressure relief valve comprises a frame having an opening therethrough controlled by a valve flap in the form of a flexible sheet of material mounted to the frame along a first side of the opening to overlie the opening. The flexible sheet is joined to the frame by a connection comprising slots through the frame adapted to receive and retain tabs on the valve flap that extend through the apertures. The tabs are formed of resilient and compressible elastomeric material and have enlarged first and second retaining ribs extending closely adjacent the respective slot on both side faces of the frame with a necked connecting portion disposed between the first and second ribs. The connecting portion of each tab is seated within the respective aperture and is under compression and completely fills the aperture and compressively engages the frame. The retaining ribs hold the valve flap in its assembled location.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1993Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey C. Lewis