Patents by Inventor Robert G. Oetker

Robert G. Oetker 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: 8429818
    Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure provides an expansion rod holder for the assembly of fin and tube heat exchangers. The expansion rod holder includes a first plate having a first aperture therethrough and a ring located in the first aperture and that has a second aperture therethrough. The first and second apertures are configured to receive a tapered end of an expansion rod having an annular groove proximate the tapered end. A biasing member is located in the first aperture between the ring and a wall of the first aperture. The biasing member is configured to bias the ring in a first direction toward an opposite wall of the first aperture and into the annular groove. A method of manufacturing the expansion rod holder is also disclosed, as well as a tube expander system used to manufacture heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. McDaniel, Robert G. Oetker
  • Publication number: 20110005067
    Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure provides an expansion rod holder for the assembly of fin and tube heat exchangers. The expansion rod holder includes a first plate having a first aperture therethrough and a ring located in the first aperture and that has a second aperture therethrough. The first and second apertures are configured to receive a tapered end of an expansion rod having an annular groove proximate the tapered end. A biasing member is located in the first aperture between the ring and a wall of the first aperture. The biasing member is configured to bias the ring in a first direction toward an opposite wall of the first aperture and into the annular groove. A method of manufacturing the expansion rod holder is also disclosed, as well as a tube expander system used to manufacture heat exchangers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. McDaniel, Robert G. Oetker