Patents by Inventor Michael D. Hickman

Michael D. Hickman 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: 7604844
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for scraping a roll surface rotating in a molten metal coating process comprising traversing a support assembly to one side, lifting the arms attached to said the assembly to a fully retracted position to disengage scraper blades from contact with a roll surface; initiating a scrape cycle by means of a trigger signal; lowering the arms and scraper blades in the mid-point of the sink roll; increasing the pressure reference from lifting pressure to approximately zero; energizing one or more directional valves; increasing the pressure value gradually to a preselected pressure; extending the cylinder in a controlled manner to engage the scraper head gently on to the sink roll; moving the engaged scraping head at controlled, predetermined speed from the sink roll mid point to the fully traversed out position; stopping the traversing means upon reaching the fully traversed out portion; and lifting the scraper head from the roll surface by removing pressure from the cylinder; then repeating the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: United States Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Erin G. Sapp, Michael D. Hickman, Scott E. Brooks, James M. Piper
  • Patent number: 7341629
    Abstract: An apparatus for scraping the surface of a sink roll in a molten metal coating process comprises a support member having a pair of linearly movable arms supported thereon. The support member depends from a bridge structure spanning a continuous metal coating line, and a pair or arms, the arms being disposed on opposite sides of said support member. Each arm has a scraper assembly portion attached thereto. Each scraper assembly portion has two blades affixed thereto, a forward scraper blade and a rear scraper blade, with a connecting portion connecting the two blades. The connecting portion also has a first pivot point for attaching the connecting portion to the arm associated with the scraper assembly portion, the first pivot point being disposed between said forward and rear scraper blades for following the radial contours of the roll surface. A second pivot point permits the blades to follow the crown of the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: United States Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Erin G. Sapp, Michael D. Hickman, Scott E. Brooks, James M. Piper
  • Patent number: 5185960
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for buffing a tread is described. The method comprises mounting a tread on an apparatus capable of bufffing the casing engaging surface of said tread, the apparatus buffing the tread such that the grooves are formed on the buffed tread surface. The grooves angularly intercept a tread edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Norbert Majerus, Arthur W. Magee, Michael D. Hickman, Gary C. Parrish, Timothy M. Rooney, Lawrence E. Chlebina
  • Patent number: 4650508
    Abstract: An apparatus for changing bushings in a glass melting furnace is disclosed. A support attached to the furnace holds the bushings beneath an opening in the forehearth. A replacement bushing is placed in the framework, translated next to the operating bushing, brought to operating thermal condition and then both bushings are translated until the replacement bushing is beneath the opening in forehearth. This eliminates the need to freeze the molten glass within the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation
    Inventors: Charles S. Dunn, Stephen Seng, Michael D. Hickman
  • Patent number: 4397028
    Abstract: An electrode support mechanism for use in electric arc melting or smelting furnaces wherein a pair of horizontal, superimposed arms are each provided with clamping devices at their outer end for supporting a vertically disposed electrode depending into an arc furnace. The arms are each supported on a vertical support post; the upper arm is fixed to the post and the lower arm which normally carries the electrode is movable relative to the post to adjust the electrode to maintain a constant arc at the furnace. The movable arm is moved vertically by a jack screw carried by the upper arm and depending into contact with the lower arm. The clamping devices at the ends of the arms are spring-biased toward contact with the electrode, and a linking mechanism is provided to alternately release the arm clamping mechanisms from the electrode under the control of a cam-operated actuating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1983
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation
    Inventors: Charles S. Dunn, Stephen Seng, Michael D. Hickman