Patents by Inventor Keith R. Gerhart

Keith R. Gerhart 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).

  • Molded article extractor and method
    Patent number: 12083758
    Abstract: A tread extraction assembly is provided. The tread extraction assembly includes a base frame, a first clamping assembly, and a second clamping assembly. The base frame defines a leading edge. The first clamping assembly includes a first clamp movable relative to the base frame. The second clamping assembly is coupled to the base frame and includes a second clamp positioned proximate to the leading edge. The tread extraction assembly also includes a linear rail and a linear bearing. The first clamping assembly is coupled to the linear bearing and movable along the linear rail by a linear actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Bridgestone Bandag, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Prunchak, John R. White, Keith R. Gerhart
  • MOLDED ARTICLE EXTRACTOR AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20240278517
    Abstract: A system including a rail assembly and a tread extraction assembly coupled to the rail assembly is provided. The tread extraction assembly includes a base frame and a first clamping assembly. The first clamping assembly has a first clamp movable relative to the base frame. The first clamp is configured to clamp a portion of a tire tread in a tread mold. Further, a system for removing a tire tread from a tread mold is provided. The system includes a tread extraction assembly coupled to a rail assembly. The rail assembly is configured to translate along a rail positioned adjacent the tread mold. The rail assembly is pivotably coupled to the base frame by a first linkage arm and a second linkage arm and configured to pivot the tread extractor assembly from a position adjacent the tread mold to a position over the tread mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2024
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE BANDAG, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Prunchak, John R. White, Keith R. Gerhart
  • MOLDED ARTICLE EXTRACTOR AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20220168979
    Abstract: A tread extraction assembly is provided. The tread extraction assembly includes a base frame, a first clamping assembly, and a second clamping assembly. The base frame defines a leading edge. The first clamping assembly includes a first clamp movable relative to the base frame. The second clamping assembly is coupled to the base frame and includes a second clamp positioned proximate to the leading edge. The tread extraction assembly also includes a linear rail and a linear bearing. The first clamping assembly is coupled to the linear bearing and movable along the linear rail by a linear actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE BANDAG, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Prunchak, John R. White, Keith R. Gerhart