Patents by Inventor Michael A. Ringle

Michael A. Ringle 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: 5272443
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring chatter marks on a metal workpiece. The method includes first removing gross buckle or curvature in the workpiece by clamping the same in the device having an elongated jaws and in a manner that locates a portion of the workpiece outside of the jaws so that an elongated portion of the workpiece is available for inspection by capacitive sensors. The sensors are located adjacent at least one surface of the elongated portion of the workpiece, the sensor and workpiece forming an electrical capacitor when appropriate potentials are applied to the sensor and workpiece. The sensors are now moved along the surface in the elongated direction of the workpiece to detect chatter marks on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Wade A. Winchip, Michael A. Ringle
  • Patent number: 4925390
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for retaining the configuration of an aperture formed through a coil when the coil is supported on a saddle. The saddle has a pair of spaced apart upstanding legs. The apparatus includes a first and a second member, with the second member having a length sufficient to span the legs of the saddle. A pair of arms are pivotably attached to the first member and the arms are joined to the second member by a pair of links. The links enable the arms to move between a first position in which the arms are spaced inward and apart from the perimeter of the aperture when the second member is not in contact with the legs of the saddle and a second position in which the arms cooperate with the first member to support the weight of the coil when the second member is in contact with the legs of the saddle. The apparatus is particularly useful for supporting a coil during a heat treatment operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Thomas J. Roman, Michael A. Ringle
  • Patent number: 4793801
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for retaining the configuration of an aperture formed through a coil when the coil is supported on a saddle. The saddle has a pair of spaced apart upstanding legs. The apparatus includes a first and a second member, with the second member having a length sufficient to span the legs of the saddle. A pair of arms are pivotably attached to the first member and the arms are joined to the second member by a pair of links. The links enable the arms to move between a first position in which the arms are spaced inward and apart from the perimeter of the aperture when the second member is not in contact with the legs of the saddle and a second position in which the arms cooperate with the first member to support the weight of the coil when the second member is in contact with the legs of the saddle. The apparatus is particularly useful for supporting a coil during a heat treatment operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Thomas J. Roman, Michael A. Ringle