Patents by Inventor Ralph E. Jaffke

Ralph E. Jaffke 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: 7377980
    Abstract: A self-adjusting masking plug is provided which is adapted to be received in a region of a complex part intended to be masked. The plug has a body adapted to be received within a region of the part intended to be masked. The body includes a first body half having at least one first perimeter wall conforming to a first portion of the intended region to be masked; a second body half having at least one second perimeter wall conforming to a second portion of the intended region to be masked; and a wishbone spring formed internally within the body such that it interconnects the first and second body halves. The wishbone spring includes a first half inner wall transversely spanning and interconnecting portions of the at least one first perimeter wall; a second half inner wall transversely spanning and interconnecting portions of the at least one second perimeter wall; and a common rib interconnecting the first and second inner walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher H. Husmann, Ralph E. Jaffke
  • Patent number: 6749356
    Abstract: The invention is a coating applicator assembly for coating a structure. In detail the invention is a spring-loaded a syringe having an outlet port. A semi-flexible tube having first and second ends is coupled by its first end to the outlet port of the syringe. A coating applicator for applying the coating material to the structure in the form of brush or contoured foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Mead, Jorge A. Millan, Ralph E. Jaffke, Glen Abad
  • Patent number: 5823236
    Abstract: An aerosol can puncturing machine comprising a lower housing section which is adapted to receive at least a portion of an aerosol can, and an upper housing section which is removably attachable to the lower housing section. The upper and lower housing sections fully encase the aerosol can when attached to each other. Connected to the lower housing section is a locking mechanism which is movable between an unlocked position wherein the upper housing section is detachable from the lower housing section, and a locked position wherein the upper housing section is maintained in locked engagement to the lower housing section. Also connected to the lower housing section is a puncturing mechanism which is operable to selectively puncture the aerosol can encased within the attached upper and lower housing sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Kirby, Glen Silva Abad, Ralph E. Jaffke