Patents by Inventor John D. Pratt
John D. Pratt 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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Publication number: 20110123289Abstract: Disclosed is a blind fastener that includes a body, a bolt and a sleeve that has an internal recess that contains an insert. The body includes a tapered ramp that the sleeve is enlarged over. Compression of the sleeve against the work piece causes the sleeve to fold at the internal recess to form an enlarged blind side head that bears against the work piece.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventor: John D. Pratt
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Publication number: 20110010919Abstract: A threaded blind fastener intended for installation in aerodynamically smooth or aesthetically critical panels, further adapted to minimize discontinuities on paintable surfaces of the head resulting from clearances between male and female threads that may adversely affect the quality of paint coverage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: John D. Pratt, Emory K. Tamashiro
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Publication number: 20100327505Abstract: Disclosed is a clamp that includes a bolt, a spacer, a shank, an expander and a blocking means. The bolt includes a non-threaded undercut that permits the bolt to rotate in an internally threaded portion of the spacer without threaded engagement between the bolt and the spacer. When used as a clamp, the spacer, shank, expander and blocking means cooperate to deform the expander into a blind side flange and to clamp a work piece between the flange and the spacer. To remove the clamp, the bolt is moved away from the spacer while rotating the bolt in the expander to bring the external threads of the expander into threaded engagement with the internal threads of the spacer. This permits the extraction of the bolt from the blind side expander by maintaining rotational restraint of the expander with the spacer. In several embodiments, a compression spring is positioned between the head of the bolt and the spacer to automatically move the bolt when it is rotated in a loosening direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: John D. Pratt
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Patent number: 7857563Abstract: The present invention provides a blind bolt fastener having a core bolt. The core bolt has a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion engaging a deformable sleeve and a body. A protrusion extends from the sleeve or the body to engage a groove in the core bolt to prevent axial movement of the core bolt with respect to the body and the sleeve. An optional drive nut is positioned between a head of the body and wrenching flats of the core bolt. The drive nut has protrusions engaging mating members in the head of the body.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Monogram Aerospace Fasteners, Inc.Inventor: John D. Pratt
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Publication number: 20090226278Abstract: Disclosed is a deformable sleeve that includes a bulbing portion, a first end portion, a second end portion, a transition portion defining a groove on the outer surface of the sleeve and located between the bulbing portion and the first end portion so that upon application of a compressive load to the deformable sleeve the bulbing portion bulbs to form a flange that begins in the transition portion so that the transition between the flange and the first end portion is non-canted. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing such a deformable sleeve that includes applying a mechanical treatment to the a flanged end of a sleeve to deform the flanged end until its outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the rest of the sleeve, thereby forming the first end portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventor: John D. Pratt
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Patent number: 7578475Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including a latching device for displaceably retaining a panel relative to a frame. The latching device includes at least a bolt which is carried on the latching device and is operatively associated with the panel to prevent disengagement of the panel. The latching device includes at least one pressure responsive device operatively coupled to the bolt to retain the bolt in a desired position and release the bolt when a predetermined pressure differential occurs relative to two, generally opposite, sides of the panel or when a pressure decrease occurs on one side of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2004Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Hartwell CorporationInventors: John D. Pratt, Timothy S. Rozema, Frank T. Jackson, Sr., William Bourne, Manuel Andres Hernandez
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Publication number: 20090191020Abstract: Disclosed is a clamp that includes a mechanical fastener, an expander including a bulbing portion and a shank wherein the bulbing portion of the expander forms a flange by movement of the mechanical fastener without applying an initial clamping force. After formation, the flange is then drawn into a clamping position by continued movement of the mechanical fastener. Also disclosed is a method of using the disclosed clamp.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventor: John D. Pratt
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Publication number: 20090092462Abstract: Disclosed are several clamps and a method for installing the clamps through at least two work pieces from one side. The clamps include a shank, a spacer, a core bolt and an expander. The shank and expander are keyed to together with the expander engaged on the core bolt such that rotation of the core bolt can bulb the expander to form a clamp surface on the blind side of the work pieces. The shank and spacer are temporarily held apart until the expander is bulbed wherein the shank is allowed to enter the spacer to clamp the work pieces. Subsequent over torque of the core bolts fractures a weakened portion of the core bolt permitting removal of the clamps when desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventor: John D. Pratt
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Publication number: 20080213063Abstract: A clamp and a method for installing the clamp into at least two work pieces is provided. The clamp has a shank keyed to an expander. The expander engages the core bolt such that rotation of the core bolt bulbs the expander to clamp the work pieces. A spacer engages the shank to prevent rotation of the shank during installation. The shank has a flange fracturing at a predetermined compression load. The core bolt optionally has a first and a second break groove fracturing at predetermined compression loads. A nut is optionally provided to engage the spacer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventor: John D. Pratt
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Patent number: 7255376Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including a latching device for displaceably retaining a panel relative to a frame. The latching device includes at least a bolt which is carried on the latching device and is operatively associated with the panel to prevent disengagement of the panel. The latching device includes at least one pressure responsive device operatively coupled to the bolt to retain the bolt in a desired position and release the bolt when a predetermined pressure differential occurs relative to two, generally opposite, sides of the panel or when a pressure decrease occurs on one side of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Hartwell CorporationInventors: John D Pratt, Timothy S. Rozema
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Patent number: 7252311Abstract: A latch system including a first portion and a second portion which are attached to corresponding pieces. The first portion is engageable with the second portion. A drive device is coupled to at least one of the first portion and the second portion for controllable operation of the device to engage and disengage the first portion and second portion. A controller is provided and coupled to the drive device for controllably operating the drive device to engage and disengage the latch. The first and second portion may be provided in the form of a hook and keeper configuration with one of the hook portion and keeper portion being driven by the drive device. A sensor may be provided on the latch assembly coupled to the controller for detecting at least one condition such as the latch being engaged or the latch being disengaged. Also disclosed is a method of latching using a first portion, second portion, drive device and controller for controllably latching and unlatching a latch assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Hartwell CorporationInventors: John D. Pratt, Timothy S. Rozema
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Patent number: 7131672Abstract: A latch mechanism in combination with a sensor assembly for use in latching a first structure to a second structure such as a panel to an aircraft. Also disclosed is a sensor assembly for use with a latch mechanism and a method of using a sensor assembly in combination with a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism and sensor assembly include a hook mechanism carried on a first structure and a keeper mechanism retained on a second structure. The sensor assembly is connected to the hook mechanism or the keeper mechanism or with both for detecting characteristics thereof. An output device of the sensor assembly is provided for at least indicating the condition of the sensor device. A power interface for providing power to the sensor assembly or recharging a power source of the sensor assembly or both. A display coupled to the controller for displaying information about the sensor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2003Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Hartwell CorporationInventors: John D. Pratt, Timothy S. Rozema
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Patent number: 6866227Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a panel in a closed position and releasing a panel upon application of changes resulting from a pressure change in an area adjoining the panel. The apparatus includes a latch mechanism attached to a structure having a bolt for engaging corresponding panel. The latch mechanism may be retained on the corresponding panel with the bolt engaging the structure. A pressure responsive device is provided to detect a change in pressure on one side of the panel and facilitating release of the bolt in response to a pressure change of a predetermined range or force. The latch mechanism and pressure responsive device vent to or communicate with only one side of the panel. A reservoir on one side of the panel communicates with a pressure responsive chamber of the pressure responsive device. The reservoir is generally on the same side of the panel to provide a pressure volume which is generally isolated from ambient pressure, such as during a decompression event.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Hartwell CorporationInventors: John D. Pratt, Timothy S. Rozema
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Patent number: 6866226Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including a latching device for displaceably retaining a panel relative to a frame. The latching device includes at least a bolt which is carried on the latching device and is operatively associated with the panel to prevent disengagement of the panel. The latching device includes at least one pressure responsive device operatively coupled to the bolt to retain the bolt in a desired position and release the bolt when a predetermined pressure differential occurs relative to two, generally opposite, sides of the panel or when a pressure decrease occurs on one side of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Hartwell CorporationInventors: John D. Pratt, Timothy S. Rozema, Frank T. Jackson, Sr., William Bourne, Manuel Andres Hernandez
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Publication number: 20040094670Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a panel in a closed position and releasing a panel upon application of changes resulting from a pressure change in an area adjoining the panel. The apparatus includes a latch mechanism attached to a structure having a bolt for engaging corresponding panel. The latch mechanism may be retained on the corresponding panel with the bolt engaging the structure. A pressure responsive device is provided to detect a change in pressure on one side of the panel and facilitating release of the bolt in response to a pressure change of a predetermined range or force. The latch mechanism and pressure responsive device vent to or communicate with only one side of the panel. A reservoir on one side of the panel communicates with a pressure responsive chamber of the pressure responsive device. The reservoir is generally on the same side of the panel to provide a pressure volume which is generally isolated from ambient pressure, such as during a decompression event.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: John D. Pratt, Timothy S. Rozema
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Publication number: 20040012212Abstract: A latch mechanism in combination with a sensor assembly for use in latching a first structure to a second structure such as a panel to an aircraft. Also disclosed is a sensor assembly for use with a latch mechanism and a method of using a sensor assembly in combination with a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism and sensor assembly include a hook mechanism carried on a first structure and a keeper mechanism retained on a second structure. The sensor assembly is connected to the hook mechanism or the keeper mechanism or with both for detecting characteristics thereof. An output device of the sensor assembly is provided for at least indicating the condition of the sensor device. A power interface for providing power to the sensor assembly or recharging a power source of the sensor assembly or both. A display coupled to the controller for displaying information about the sensor assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: John D. Pratt, Timothy S. Rozema
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Publication number: 20030066930Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including a latching device for displaceably retaining a panel relative to a frame. The latching device includes at least a bolt which is carried on the latching device and is operatively associated with the panel to prevent disengagement of the panel. The latching device includes at least one pressure responsive device operatively coupled to the bolt to retain the bolt in a desired position and release the bolt when a predetermined pressure differential occurs relative to two, generally opposite, sides of the panel or when a pressure decrease occurs on one side of the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2002Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventors: John D. Pratt, Timothy S. Rozema, Frank T. Jackson, William Bourne, Manuel Andres Hernandez
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Publication number: 20020151371Abstract: An anvil is provided for use in a blind fastening system. The anvil is made using a process of wrapping a piece of wire stock around a mandrel. This process provides significant cost advantages compared to the process of machining the anvil.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2002Publication date: October 17, 2002Applicant: TEXTRON INC.Inventor: John D. Pratt
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Publication number: 20020150440Abstract: A shift washer which is used in a blind fastening system. The shift washer is made using a process of wrapping a piece of wire stock around a mandrel. This process provides significant cost advantages compared to the process of machining the shift washer. A flange can be provided on the shift washer to prevent the shift washers from nesting with one another and results in easier assembly of the blind fasteners.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventor: John D. Pratt
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Publication number: 20020151370Abstract: A shift washer which is used in a blind fastening system. The shift washer is made using a process of wrapping a piece of wire stock around a mandrel. This process provides significant cost advantages compared to the process of machining the shift washer. A flange can be provided on the shift washer to prevent the shift washers from nesting with one another and results in easier assembly of the blind fasteners.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2002Publication date: October 17, 2002Applicant: TEXTRON INC.Inventor: John D. Pratt