Patents by Inventor Ralph Westervelt

Ralph Westervelt 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: 5249870
    Abstract: A non-reversible thrust washer is provided. One corner of the thrust washer is curved to abut against a shoulder in the element to which the thrust is being transferred. The other portions of the thrust washers are held in a groove in the part from which thrust is being transferred. The groove is asymmetrical and the thrust washer is provided with a corresponding asymmetry so that the thrust washer cannot be inserted into the groove backwards. The thrust washer preferably is manufactured out of sintered powdered metal in a die having the curved portion formed in the die, with the punch having the asymmetrical portion formed in the punch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ralph Westervelt, Corwin L. Klages
  • Patent number: 4006083
    Abstract: Apparatus for indicating a clogged condition of a fluid filter or the like. The apparatus includes an electrical switch structure and a pressure-responsive element carried within the chamber to be responsive to the fluid pressure differential existing across the filter. The switch includes a threaded screw element adapted to adjustably engage the fluid pressure-responsive element in the chamber which may comprise a snap action element providing a positive instantaneous indication of the pressure across the filter reaching the preselected elevated value indicative of undesirable clogging of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1977
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Ralph Westervelt, Lawrence F. Fratzke
  • Patent number: 3960415
    Abstract: An improved seal arrangement for a drive mechanism of the type having a rotating member and a radially spaced stationary member with a bearing mounting the rotating member on the stationary member, as in a clutch assembly for an air conditioning compressor, is disclosed. The seal arrangement includes a first seal support member carried by the rotating member on one side of the bearing, a second seal support member carried by the stationary member on the other side of the bearing, and an annular fluoroplastic-coated felt seal member. The first and second seal support members are located and dimensioned to overlap each other to provide an annular volume therebetween and the annular felt seal member is dimensioned and located to fill at least a portion of such annular volume, one side of the felt seal member being secured to one of the support members and the other side of the felt seal member being in rotary sealing engagement with the other seal support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1976
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Ralph Westervelt