Patents by Inventor Ralph Fuhrmeister

Ralph Fuhrmeister 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: 10099273
    Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Henrob Limited
    Inventors: Rupert Andrew Craythorn, Ralph Fuhrmeister, Shane Peter Matthews, Wojciech Gostylla, Stuart Edmund Blacket, Nicholas Richard Clew, Michael Butler
  • Publication number: 20170348762
    Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: HENROB LIMITED
    Inventors: Rupert Andrew CRAYTHORN, Ralph FUHRMEISTER, Shane Peter MATTHEWS, Wojciech GOSTYLLA, Stuart Edmund BLACKET, Nicholas Richard CLEW, Michael BUTLER
  • Patent number: 9776239
    Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: HENROB LIMITED
    Inventors: Rupert Andrew Craythorn, Ralph Fuhrmeister, Shane Peter Matthews, Wojciech Gostylla, Stuart Edmund Blacket, Nicholas Richard Clew, Michael Butler
  • Publication number: 20160311011
    Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Rupert Andrew CRAYTHORN, Ralph FUHRMEISTER, Shane Peter MATTHEWS, Wojciech GOSTYLLA, Stuart Edmund BLACKET, Nicholas Richard CLEW, Michael BUTLER
  • Patent number: 9352383
    Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: HENROB LIMITED
    Inventors: Rupert Andrew Craythorn, Ralph Fuhrmeister, Shane Peter Matthews, Wojciech Gostylla, Stuart Edmund Blacket, Nicholas Richard Clew, Michael Butler
  • Publication number: 20150052732
    Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Rupert Andrew CRAYTHORN, Ralph FUHRMEISTER, Shane Peter MATTHEWS, Wojciech GOSTYLLA, Stuart Edmund BLACKET, Nicholas Richard CLEW, Michael BUTLER
  • Patent number: 8850685
    Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Henrob Limited
    Inventors: Rupert Andrew Craythorn, Ralph Fuhrmeister, Shane Peter Matthews, Wojciech Gostylla, Stuart Edmund Blacket, Nicholas Richard Clew, Michael Butler
  • Publication number: 20110049176
    Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Rupert Andrew Craythorn, Ralph Fuhrmeister, Shane Peter Matthews, Wojciech Gostylla, Stuart Edmund Blacket, Nicholas Richard Clew, Michael Butler
  • Patent number: 7849579
    Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Henrob Limited
    Inventors: Rupert Andrew Craythorn, Ralph Fuhrmeister, Shane Peter Matthews, Wojciech Gostylla, Stuart Edmund Blacket, Nicholas Richard Clew, Michael Butler
  • Publication number: 20090212062
    Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: RUPERT ANDREW CRAYTHORN, Ralph Fuhrmeister, Shane Peter Matthews, Wojciech Gostylla, Stuart Edmund Blacket, Nicholas Richard Clew, Michael Butler
  • Patent number: 7487583
    Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool, the transfer station being moveable between a first position in which an exit of the transfer station is adjacent to the tool so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a loaded fastener. The delivery tube has wear resistant elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Henrob Limited
    Inventors: Rupert Andrew Craythorn, Ralph Fuhrmeister, Shane Peter Matthews, Wojciech Gostylla, Stuart Edmund Blacket, Nicholas Richard Clew, Michael Butler
  • Publication number: 20050284910
    Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool, the transfer station being moveable between a first position in which an exit of the transfer station is adjacent to the tool so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a loaded fastener. The delivery tube has wear resistant elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Rupert Craythorn, Ralph Fuhrmeister, Shane Matthews, Wojciech Gostylla, Stuart Blacket, Nicholas Clew, Michael Butler
  • Patent number: 6944944
    Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool, the transfer station being moveable between a first position in which an exit of the transfer station is adjacent to the tool so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a loaded fastener. The delivery tube has wear resistant elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Henrob Limited
    Inventors: Rupert Andrew Craythorn, Ralph Fuhrmeister, Shane Peter Matthews, Wojciech Gostylla, Stuart Edmund Blacket, Nicholas Richard Clew, Michael Butler
  • Patent number: 6796454
    Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool (1). The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package (4) and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube (6) that interconnects the setting tool (1) to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package (4) into the delivery tube (6). The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube (6) from the feeder device to the tool (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Henrob Limited
    Inventors: Shane Peter Matthews, Ralph Fuhrmeister, Stuart Edmund Blacket
  • Patent number: 6116835
    Abstract: A carrier tape for fasteners includes a substantially planar web, a plurality of substantially equally spaced holes formed in the web to receive the stems of the fasteners, and a plurality of spaced, discrete formations integrally joined to the web. Each of the formations is designed to releasably engage the head of a fastener with the stem of the fastener received in a respective hole. The formations are upstanding from a top surface of the web and have an inwardly directed engagement portion spaced from the web which, in use, engages the heads of the fasteners so that the heads are received between the engagement portion and the web. The formations are deformable to allow a fastener driving means to pass downwardly to permit the fasteners to be driven through the web and thereby released from the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Henrob Ltd.
    Inventors: Stuart Edmund Blacket, Ralph Fuhrmeister
  • Patent number: 6089437
    Abstract: A fastening machine (e.g. for rivets) has a fastening head where the fasteners are brought into alignment with the punch and die in a carrier tape. The carrier tape has a web with slits or teeth engageable by a sprocket wheel which sequentially advances the fasteners until the stems engage a retractable stop. When the punch is advanced, the fasteners are pushed through the carrier tape to be deformed by an upsetting die aligned with the punch. In modified embodiments, the fasteners are urged transversely from the web of the carrier tape, the carrier tape being advanced by a gear which engages teeth on a side flange on the carrier tape. The sprocket wheel may be remotely driven e.g. by a flexible cable drive to accommodate the movement as the fastening head is advanced towards, or retracted from, the upsetting die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Henrob Ltd.
    Inventors: Stuart Edmund Blacket, Ralph Fuhrmeister
  • Patent number: 5884386
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming a clinched joint between at least two panels with a rivet or slug by driving the rivet or slug into the at least two panels thereby outwardly deforming at least the inner end of the slug or rivet. Rings or components forming parts of the joint can be secured to the panels wherein the rings or components are acting as the dies for forming the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Henrob Ltd.
    Inventors: Stuart Edmund Blacket, Ralph Fuhrmeister
  • Patent number: 5813114
    Abstract: A fastening machine (1) includes a guide block (11) with a rivet delivery passage (12). Rivets (17) are supplied from a source via a tube (22) and are delivered through a rivet supply passage (20) to the rivet delivery passage. The rivet delivery passage includes a plurality of spring-loaded balls (60) on the inside thereof to maintain the heads of the rivets in alignment with a punch (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Henrob Ltd.
    Inventors: Stuart Edmund Blacket, Ralph Fuhrmeister
  • Patent number: 4615475
    Abstract: A feeder for headed fasteners, such as rivets (43), driven at equal intervals through a tape (44), is applicable to a riveting machine (10) and includes a plunger (25) advanced and retracted through a guide bush (29) and with a punch (37) at its leading end. When the plunger (25) advances the punch (37) is driven through a delivery passage in the guide bush head (39). A guide tube (45) leads the tape (44) to bring fasteners (43) in sequence into the rivet delivery passage (52). An actuator (56), oscillatable in the guide bush (39), is moved to retracted position by the advancing plunger (25), and is automatically returned to advanced position when the plunger (25) retracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Assignee: Neitek Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ralph Fuhrmeister
  • Patent number: 4410103
    Abstract: Apparatus for sequentially feeding headed fasteners such as rivets includes a carrier band of resilientily stretchable material with the fasteners driven through undersize holes equally spaced along the band, the band being advanced intermittently by a reciprocating actuator, toothed for simultaneous engagement with several of the fastener heads, to bring the fasteners in sequence between a striker and the entry to a delivery conduit, the striker being reciprocated to drive each fastener brought into alignment therewith into the delivery conduit, the fastener head being forced through the stretchable band, a jet of air through the striker impelling the fastener through the delivery conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1983
    Assignee: Furma Manufacturing Co. Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ralph Fuhrmeister