Patents by Inventor John E. Muniak

John E. Muniak 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).

  • Patent number: 6220641
    Abstract: A gripper that is designed to incorporate the functions of gripping, supporting and pressure tongs into one device. The gripper has two opposing finger sections with interlocking fingers that incline and taper to form a wedge. The interlocking fingers are vertically off-set so that the opposing finger sections may close together allowing the inclined, tapered tips of the fingers to extend beyond the plane defined by the opposing finger section's engagement surface. The range of motion defined by the interlocking relationship of the finger sections allows the gripper to grab, lift and support objects of varying size and shape. The gripper has one stationary and one moveable finger section. Power is provided to the moveable finger section by an actuating device enabling the gripper to close around an object to be lifted. A lifting bail is attached to the gripper and is supported by a crane that provides vertical lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: John E. Muniak
  • Patent number: 4480149
    Abstract: A damping spacer having substantially all metallic components thereof made from wrought materials is disclosed. The spacer has a stamped wrought metal frame and a plurality of extruded metal conductor clamp arms which are secured to the frame in a manner that dampens conductor vibrations. Each clamp arm extends outwardly from the frame and is secured to the frame by an extruded metal pivot pin which is affixed to the frame. Each pivot pin has a noncircular cross-sectional shank which extends through a noncircular opening provided in each clamp arm. An elastomer damping collar is inserted on each pivot pin shank so as to also extend through the respective clamp arm opening. The internal and external surfaces of each collar are sized and configured to intimately mate with the noncircular cross-sectional shank of the respective pivot pin and noncircular opening of the respective clamp arm. As such, rotational movement between the pins and the arms caused by conductor vibration is effectively dampened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Ronald G. Hawkins, John E. Muniak
  • Patent number: 4402122
    Abstract: A device for placing spring metal clips in locking engagement with the ends of spacing members. One embodiment of the device comprises a center member and two right angle members disposed adjacent the respective ends of the center member and in a manner that places one leg or extension of the right angle members in a generally perpendicular relationship to the longitudinal axis of the center member. Mechanical linking means connect the two right angle members to the center member in a manner that permits relative longitudinal and parallel movement between them. The linking means includes two pivotal handles spaced apart along the length of the center member for effecting relative longitudinal movement of the center and right angle members. A third member is disposed at the end of the leg or extension of each right angle member that is perpendicular to the center member, and configured to engage the base of a clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1983
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Ronald G. Hawkins, Edward J. Davoy, Robert M. Hooker, John E. Muniak