Patents by Inventor Robert E. Longmire

Robert E. Longmire 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).

  • Faceplate connection assembly and method
    Patent number: 7814778
    Abstract: A faceplate connection assembly and method adapted to promote detection of a missing or defective seal element. The faceplate connection includes a surface member having a pair of opposing face elements. A seal seating depression adapted to accept a compressible seal element disposed at least partially across at least one face. A fluid transport channel of open groove construction is disposed in intersecting relation to the seal seating depression. The fluid transport channel is in fluid communication with a port at an exterior portion of the faceplate connection assembly. According to the method a tracer fluid is introduced at a predefined edge of the seal seating depression and migration of the tracer fluid across the seal seating depression is monitored. Detection of migration across the seal seating depression indicates a missing or defective seal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Thomas G. McConnell, Robert E. Longmire
  • FACEPLATE CONNECTION ASSEMBLY AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20090188301
    Abstract: A faceplate connection assembly and method adapted to promote detection of a missing or defective seal element. The faceplate connection includes a surface member having a pair of opposing face elements. A seal seating depression adapted to accept a compressible seal element disposed at least partially across at least one face. A fluid transport channel of open groove construction is disposed in intersecting relation to the seal seating depression. The fluid transport channel is in fluid communication with a port at an exterior portion of the faceplate connection assembly. According to the method a tracer fluid is introduced at a predefined edge of the seal seating depression and migration of the tracer fluid across the seal seating depression is monitored. Detection of migration across the seal seating depression indicates a missing or defective seal element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Thomas G. McConnell, Robert E. Longmire