Patents by Inventor Robert B. Wheeler

Robert B. Wheeler 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: 11906002
    Abstract: A coupling assembly adapted for use on an item of equipment having a first component and a second component and including an eccentric axis plate having a first surface that is operatively connected to the first component and a second surface having a drive tang extending therefrom, a slider plate having a first surface that is in operational contact with the drive tang and having a first groove therein and a second surface having a second groove therein, and an adapter plate having a first surface that is in operational contact with the slider plate second surface and having an adapter plate tang extending therefrom and a second surface that is operatively connected to the second component. The longitudinal axis of the first component and the longitudinal axis of the second component are non-parallel, and the assembly is adapted to couple the first component and the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Telsmith, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20210396275
    Abstract: A coupling assembly adapted for use on an item of equipment having a first component and a second component and including an eccentric axis plate having a first surface that is operatively connected to the first component and a second surface having a drive tang extending therefrom, a slider plate having a first surface that is in operational contact with the drive tang and having a first groove therein and a second surface having a second groove therein, and an adapter plate having a first surface that is in operational contact with the slider plate second surface and having an adapter plate tang extending therefrom and a second surface that is operatively connected to the second component. The longitudinal axis of the first component and the longitudinal axis of the second component are non-parallel, and the assembly is adapted to couple the first component and the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Applicant: Telsmith, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8657268
    Abstract: Wastewater is treated by providing a distribution conduit and providing a diffuser assembly. An aperture is created in the distribution conduit having an initial minimum diameter. The diffuser assembly, in turn, comprises a diffuser membrane in fluidic communication with a mating tube. The mating tube has an initial outside diameter at a location along its length greater than the initial minimum inside diameter of the aperture. The mating tube is inserted into the aperture until the location on the mating tube that, before insertion, had the initial outside diameter is encircled by the aperture where the aperture, before insertion, had the initial minimum inside diameter. This forms an airtight interference fit between the distribution conduit and diffuser assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventors: Gregory P. Smiltneek, Martin M. Smiltneek, Robert B. Wheeler, David T. Redmon, Thomas E. Frankel, Arthur W. Phenicie, Mark T. Raether
  • Patent number: 8020839
    Abstract: Modular systems and methods for fluid dispersion are provided. A base module includes a modular frame structure and fluid distribution conduits secured within the frame structure. Diffuser assemblies or other equipment may be coupled to the fluid distribution conduits via a mating tube. The mating tube is inserted into an aperture in the wall of the fluid distribution conduit, and provides a fluid tight joining method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Prototype Advancement LLC
    Inventors: Gregory P Smiltneek, Robert B Wheeler, Martin M Smiltneek
  • Publication number: 20110132847
    Abstract: Wastewater is treated by providing a distribution conduit and providing a diffuser assembly. An aperture is created in the distribution conduit having an initial minimum diameter. The diffuser assembly, in turn, comprises a diffuser membrane in fluidic communication with a mating tube. The mating tube has an initial outside diameter at a location along its length greater than the initial minimum inside diameter of the aperture. The mating tube is inserted into the aperture until the location on the mating tube that, before insertion, had the initial outside diameter is encircled by the aperture where the aperture, before insertion, had the initial minimum inside diameter. This forms an airtight interference fit between the distribution conduit and diffuser assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory P. Smiltneek, Martin M. Smiltneek, Robert B. Wheeler, David T. Redmon, Thomas E. Frankel, Arthur W. Phenicie, Mark T. Raether
  • Publication number: 20080135648
    Abstract: Modular systems and methods for fluid dispersion are provided. A base module includes a modular frame structure and fluid distribution conduits secured within the frame structure. Diffuser assemblies or other equipment may be coupled to the fluid distribution conduits via a mating tube. The mating tube is inserted into an aperture in the wall of the fluid distribution conduit, and provides a fluid tight joining method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Gregory P. Smiltneek, Robert B. Wheeler, Martin M. Smiltneek
  • Patent number: 4378847
    Abstract: A method for protecting a well formation during gravel packing in which a back pressure valve is held off of its seat while gravel is being placed in the well, is automatically closed as the wash pipe is removed from the screen and in which the valve is returned to open position by a force exerted from above, either hydraulic or mechanical.A valve is held open by a prop-out which is removable to permit the valve to swing to closed position and thereafter the valve is again opened in response to mechanical or hydraulic force from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1983
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Dhirajlal C. Patel, Robert B. Wheeler