Patents by Inventor Michael R. Linville

Michael R. Linville 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).

  • Assist method and apparatus for fitting close tolerance valves into bores
    Patent number: 6131283
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a part, such as a spool valve, into a bore of a body, such as a transmission valve body. The apparatus includes a gripper tool that holds the part by use of a light vacuum pressure. The gripper tool is attached to a robotic arm that aligns the part with the bore. Once the part is aligned with the bore, a vacuum pressure is created within the bore that is effective to pull the part from the gripper tool and into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventors: Nelson David Bove, Michael R. Linville, James E. Parker
  • Assist method for fitting close tolerance valves into bores
    Patent number: 5901444
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a part, such as a spool valve into a bore of a body, such as a transmission valve body. A gripper tool attached to a robotic arm supports the spool valve with a light vacuum pressure and maneuvers the spool valve, aligning it with the valve bore. The gripper vacuum is perturbated to allow the valve to be properly aligned with the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nelson David Bove, Michael R. Linville, James E. Parker