Patents by Inventor Lewis J. Sprague

Lewis J. Sprague 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: 7707735
    Abstract: An embodiment of a hole angularity gage includes a gage body and a contact disc positioned within the gage body. The contact disc includes a central opening defined by an inner edge. The gage also includes a center pin that extends through the central opening, and a hole probe adapted to rotate the center pin from a primary gage axis toward the contact disc's inner edge. The gage also includes an indicator adapted to activate when the center pin makes contact with the contact disc. Another embodiment of a hole angularity gage includes a hole probe and a circuit. The circuit includes an indicator and a switch, which is adapted to close when the hole probe is rotated by an angle greater than a gage setting angle. The indicator is adapted to activate when the switch is closed. Other embodiments include methods for using and manufacturing hole angularity gages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kin Y. Wong, Lewis J. Sprague
  • Publication number: 20080307664
    Abstract: An embodiment of a hole angularity gage includes a gage body and a contact disc positioned within the gage body. The contact disc includes a central opening defined by an inner edge. The gage also includes a center pin that extends through the central opening, and a hole probe adapted to rotate the center pin from a primary gage axis toward the contact disc's inner edge. The gage also includes an indicator adapted to activate when the center pin makes contact with the contact disc. Another embodiment of a hole angularity gage includes a hole probe and a circuit. The circuit includes an indicator and a switch, which is adapted to close when the hole probe is rotated by an angle greater than a gage setting angle. The indicator is adapted to activate when the switch is closed. Other embodiments include methods for using and manufacturing hole angularity gages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Kin Y. Wong, Lewis J. Sprague
  • Patent number: 5392526
    Abstract: An angularity gauging apparatus for determining if an angle formed between two longitudinally joined cylindrical surfaces is within expected straightness tolerances without requiring a direct measurement. The apparatus includes a fixed locating member and pivotable locating member which respectively interface with the two surfaces being examined. The members are pivotally connected so that angular displacement of their longitudinal axes about the connecting point is possible. A signaling device activates to inform a user when the two surfaces under examination form an angle to each other which equals or exceeds a maximum allowable angle preset into the apparatus. A device is also incorporated for adjusting the apparatus to allow a user to change the angle at which the signaling device activates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Lewis J. Sprague, Jerome A. Fulton