Patents by Inventor Robert B. Wilcox

Robert B. Wilcox 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: 12644483
    Abstract: A fastener comprising a pin and a collar. The pin comprising a shank comprising a tapered lock groove thread profile; and a head portion configured to receive a torque. The collar configured to be deformed onto and secured to the shank, wherein the collar comprises an external surface configured to receive a torque such that the collar can be removed from the shank after deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: HOWMET AEROSPACE INC.
    Inventors: Justin S. Branch, Robert B. Wilcox
  • Publication number: 20250314265
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of a fastener includes a pin having a head and a tail opposite the head. The tail includes a first crest, a second crest and a groove between the first and second crests. The first crest includes a surface on at least one side of the first crest having a first profile. The second crest includes a surface on at least one side of the second crest having a second profile. The second profile is different than the first profile. A pitch between a peak of the first crest and a peak of the second crest is different than a pitch between a root of the first crest and a root of the second crest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Publication date: October 9, 2025
    Inventors: Robert B. Wilcox, James Thomas Smith, Troy Don Pierce
  • Publication number: 20250223991
    Abstract: Multi-piece fasteners, fastening collar installation apparatus, and methods of fastening are provided. The multi-piece fastener comprises a fastening collar and a pin. The fastening collar comprises a first collar end, a second collar end, and a collar cavity. The collar cavity extends from the first collar end to the second collar end. The pin is configured to be at least partially received by the collar cavity. The pin comprises a first pin end comprising a head portion, a second pin end comprising a pull region, and a shank. The pull region is generally cylindrical and smooth and is configured to form at least one of an annular shoulder, a groove, a thread, and other feature responsive to forcible contact from a fastening collar installation apparatus. The shank extends intermediate the first pin end and the second pin end. The fastening collar is configured to be deformed onto the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2025
    Publication date: July 10, 2025
    Inventors: Robert B. Wilcox, Thomas R. Kingsbury
  • Patent number: 12276294
    Abstract: Blind fasteners and methods of fastening are provided. A blind fastener comprises a sleeve and a mandrel. The sleeve is adapted for installation into a threaded bore in a structure. The sleeve comprises a head portion configured to receive a torque, a first sleeve end, a second sleeve end, an elongate portion extending intermediate the first sleeve end and the second sleeve end, and a cavity extending from the first sleeve end to the second sleeve end. The mandrel is at least partially disposed through the cavity of the sleeve. The mandrel comprises a first mandrel end disposed adjacent to the first sleeve end. The first mandrel end comprises an enlarged portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the cavity. The elongate portion is configured to at least partially deform into threads of the threaded bore responsive to forcible contact between the enlarged portion and the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: HOWMET AEROSPACE INC.
    Inventors: Troy Don Pierce, Robert B. Wilcox, Justin Branch
  • Publication number: 20250083214
    Abstract: Fastening systems, fastening system installation apparatus, and methods for fastening are provided. The fastening system installation apparatus comprises a sleeve and an anvil. The sleeve comprises a first sleeve end and a second sleeve end. A sleeve cavity extends into the sleeve from the first sleeve end. The anvil is slidably received by the sleeve cavity. The anvil comprises a first anvil end, a second anvil end, and at least two portions formed by at least two channels extending from the first anvil end. The at least two portions define an anvil cavity configured to receive a fastening collar and inner surfaces of the at least two portions are configured to deform the fastening collar. The sleeve is configured to radially displace the at least two portions inward relative to the longitudinal axis responsive to forcible contact between the first anvil end and the first sleeve end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2024
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Inventor: Robert B. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 12078196
    Abstract: Anti-shingle rivets are provided. The anti-shingle rivets comprise a head portion comprising an outer edge configured to inhibit shingling in a rivet delivery system and a shank extending from the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: HOWMET AEROSPACE INC.
    Inventors: Robert B. Wilcox, Stanley E. Wojciechowski
  • Publication number: 20240133409
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a blind fastener and a method of installation thereof. The blind fastener comprises a sleeve and a mandrel. The sleeve comprises a first sleeve end, a second sleeve end, and a cavity extending from the first sleeve end to the second sleeve end. The mandrel is configured to be at least partially received by the cavity of the sleeve. The mandrel comprises a first mandrel end disposed adjacent to the first sleeve end and comprising an enlarged portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the cavity, a second mandrel end comprising a pull region, and a shank region extending intermediate the first mandrel end and the second mandrel end. The pull region comprises an axial length no greater than four times a diameter of the shank region and is configured to be engaged by an installation tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2024
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Robert B. Wilcox, James Thomas Smith, Troy Don Pierce
  • Patent number: 11885358
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a blind fastener and a method of installation thereof. The blind fastener comprises a sleeve and a mandrel. The sleeve comprises a first sleeve end, a second sleeve end, and a cavity extending from the first sleeve end to the second sleeve end. The mandrel is configured to be at least partially received by the cavity of the sleeve. The mandrel comprises a first mandrel end disposed adjacent to the first sleeve end and comprising an enlarged portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the cavity, a second mandrel end comprising a pull region, and a shank region extending intermediate the first mandrel end and the second mandrel end. The pull region comprises an axial length no greater than four times a diameter of the shank region and is configured to be engaged by an installation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: HOWMET AEROSPACE INC.
    Inventors: Robert B. Wilcox, James Thomas Smith, Troy Don Pierce
  • Patent number: 11841041
    Abstract: Fastening collars, multi-piece fastening systems, and methods of fastening are provided. The fastening collar comprises a first end, a second end, and an elongate portion intermediate the first end and the second end and defining a longitudinal axis of the fastening collar. The elongate portion comprises a first region adjacent the first end, a second region intermediate the first region and the second end, and a cavity. The first region comprises a first diameter and is configured to be received by a bore of a structure. The second region comprises a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The cavity extends through the elongate portion and is configured to receive at least a portion of a shank of the multi-piece fastening system. The elongate portion is configured to at least partially deform onto the shank responsive to forcible contact between the second region and an installation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: HOWMET AEROSPACE INC.
    Inventors: Robert B. Wilcox, Justin Branch, Ryan J. White
  • Publication number: 20230330738
    Abstract: Rivet dispenser systems and methods of use thereof are provided. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rivet dispenser system comprises a rivet receiving member defining a channel therein, and a seat member. The channel includes a curved region. The rivet receiving member comprises a first port and a second port. The first port communicates with the channel and is configured to receive rivets. The second port communicates with the channel and is configured to dispense rivets. The channel extends between the first port and the second port and is configured to transport rivets from the first port to the second port in a series arrangement and in a preselected orientation. The seat member communicates with the second port and is configured to selectively engage with a rivet holder of a resistance spot rivet welding apparatus and introduce a single rivet to the rivet holder at one time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel Peter VANDERZWET, Simon Maurice BRITTON, Larry Frank KOSCIELSKI, Eric Jean MICHAUD, David Mario SIMONE, Donald J. SPINELLA, Gino N. IASELLA, Daniel BERGSTROM, Robert B. WILCOX, Thomas R. KINGSBURY, Graham Scott MUSGROVE
  • Patent number: 11684992
    Abstract: Resistance spot rivet welding systems, subsystems, and methods of use thereof are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignees: HOWMET AEROSPACE INC., CENTERLINE (WINDSOR) LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel Peter Vanderzwet, Simon Maurice Britton, Larry Frank Koscielski, Eric Jean Michaud, David Mario Simone, Stuart Cameron Cosgrave, Kyle Alexander Wasyliniuk, Donald J. Spinella, Gino N. Iasella, Daniel Bergstrom, Robert B. Wilcox, Thomas R. Kingsbury, Graham Scott Musgrove
  • Publication number: 20230145607
    Abstract: Fastening systems, fastening system installation apparatus, and methods for fastening are provided. The fastening system installation apparatus comprises a sleeve and an anvil. The sleeve comprises a first sleeve end and a second sleeve end. A sleeve cavity extends into the sleeve from the first sleeve end. The anvil is slidably received by the sleeve cavity. The anvil comprises a first anvil end, a second anvil end, and at least two portions formed by at least two channels extending from the first anvil end. The at least two portions define an anvil cavity configured to receive a fastening collar and inner surfaces of the at least two portions are configured to deform the fastening collar. The sleeve is configured to radially displace the at least two portions inward relative to the longitudinal axis responsive to forcible contact between the first anvil end and the first sleeve end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventor: Robert B. Wilcox
  • Publication number: 20230112581
    Abstract: A fastener comprising a pin and a collar. The pin comprising a shank comprising a tapered lock groove thread profile; and a head portion configured to receive a torque. The collar configured to be deformed onto and secured to the shank, wherein the collar comprises an external surface configured to receive a torque such that the collar can be removed from the shank after deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Justin S. Branch, Robert B. Wilcox
  • Publication number: 20230114567
    Abstract: Non-limiting embodiments of a multi-piece fastener and a fastening method are disclosed. The multi-piece fastener comprises a fastening collar and a pin. The fastening collar comprises a first collar end, a second collar end, and an inner collar surface extending from the first collar end to the second collar end. The inner collar surface comprises a first lock region and defines a collar cavity. The pin is configured to be at least partially received by the collar cavity. The pin comprises a first pin end, a second pin end, and a shank extending intermediate the first pin end and the second pin end. The shank comprises a second lock region configured to engage the first lock region to form an interference fit between the fastening collar and the pin when the pin is received in the collar cavity. The fastening collar is configured to be deformed onto the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventor: Robert B. Wilcox
  • Publication number: 20230073533
    Abstract: Anti-shingle rivets are provided. The anti-shingle rivets comprise a head portion comprising an outer edge configured to inhibit shingling in a rivet delivery system and a shank extending from the head portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Robert B. Wilcox, Stanley E. Wojciechowski
  • Publication number: 20220397145
    Abstract: Multi-piece fasteners, fastening collar installation apparatus, and methods of fastening are provided. The multi-piece fastener comprises a fastening collar and a pin. The fastening collar comprises a first collar end, a second collar end, and a collar cavity. The collar cavity extends from the first collar end to the second collar end. The pin is configured to be at least partially received by the collar cavity. The pin comprises a first pin end comprising a head portion, a second pin end comprising a pull region, and a shank. The pull region is generally cylindrical and smooth and is configured to form at least one of an annular shoulder, a groove, a thread, and other feature responsive to forcible contact from a fastening collar installation apparatus. The shank extends intermediate the first pin end and the second pin end. The fastening collar is configured to be deformed onto the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Robert B. Wilcox, Thomas R. Kingsbury
  • Patent number: 11471932
    Abstract: Rivet dispenser systems and methods of use thereof are provided. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rivet dispenser system comprises a rivet receiving member defining a channel therein, and a seat member. The channel includes a curved region. The rivet receiving member comprises a first port and a second port. The first port communicates with the channel and is configured to receive rivets. The second port communicates with the channel and is configured to dispense rivets. The channel extends between the first port and the second port and is configured to transport rivets from the first port to the second port in a series arrangement and in a preselected orientation. The seat member communicates with the second port and is configured to selectively engage with a rivet holder of a resistance spot rivet welding apparatus and introduce a single rivet to the rivet holder at one time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignees: HOWMET AEROSPACE INC., CenterLine (Windsor) Limited
    Inventors: Daniel Peter Vanderzwet, Simon Maurice Britton, Larry Frank Koscielski, Eric Jean Michaud, David Mario Simone, Donald J. Spinella, Gino N. Iasella, Daniel Bergstrom, Robert B. Wilcox, Thomas R. Kingsbury, Graham Scott Musgrove
  • Publication number: 20220128077
    Abstract: Blind fasteners and methods of fastening are provided. A blind fastener comprises a sleeve and a mandrel. The sleeve is adapted for installation into a threaded bore in a structure. The sleeve comprises a head portion configured to receive a torque, a first sleeve end, a second sleeve end, an elongate portion extending intermediate the first sleeve end and the second sleeve end, and a cavity extending from the first sleeve end to the second sleeve end. The mandrel is at least partially disposed through the cavity of the sleeve. The mandrel comprises a first mandrel end disposed adjacent to the first sleeve end. The first mandrel end comprises an enlarged portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the cavity. The elongate portion is configured to at least partially deform into threads of the threaded bore responsive to forcible contact between the enlarged portion and the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Troy Don PIERCE, Robert B. WILCOX, Justin Branch
  • Publication number: 20220120306
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a blind fastener and a method of installation thereof. The blind fastener comprises a sleeve and a mandrel. The sleeve comprises a first sleeve end, a second sleeve end, and a cavity extending from the first sleeve end to the second sleeve end. The mandrel is configured to be at least partially received by the cavity of the sleeve. The mandrel comprises a first mandrel end disposed adjacent to the first sleeve end and comprising an enlarged portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the cavity, a second mandrel end comprising a pull region, and a shank region extending intermediate the first mandrel end and the second mandrel end. The pull region comprises an axial length no greater than four times a diameter of the shank region and is configured to be engaged by an installation tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Robert B. Wilcox, James Thomas Smith, Troy Don Pierce
  • Publication number: 20210394252
    Abstract: Rivet dispenser systems and methods of use thereof are provided. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rivet dispenser system comprises a rivet receiving member defining a channel therein, and a seat member. The channel includes a curved region. The rivet receiving member comprises a first port and a second port. The first port communicates with the channel and is configured to receive rivets. The second port communicates with the channel and is configured to dispense rivets. The channel extends between the first port and the second port and is configured to transport rivets from the first port to the second port in a series arrangement and in a preselected orientation. The seat member communicates with the second port and is configured to selectively engage with a rivet holder of a resistance spot rivet welding apparatus and introduce a single rivet to the rivet holder at one time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel Peter VANDERZWET, Simon Maurice BRITTON, Larry Frank KOSCIELSKI, Eric Jean MICHAUD, David Mario SIMONE, Donald J. SPINELLA, Gino N. IASELLA, Daniel BERGSTROM, Robert B. WILCOX, Thomas R. KINGSBURY, Graham Scott MUSGROVE