Patents by Inventor Robert J. Ferguson

Robert J. Ferguson 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: 4849047
    Abstract: A bonding system for assembling internal combustion engine crankshaft vibration dampers having an annular inertia ring mounted upon a hub by an elastomeric ring interposed between the inertia ring and hub. After assembly of the components, a thermosetting adhesive located between the elastomeric ring and the inertia ring and hub is heated to a bonding temperature by low frequency electrical induction. The damper components are mechanically clamped during heating and the elastomer is permitted to thermally expand. Heat is concentrated adjacent the adhesive to minimize thermal aging and degrading of the elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Simpson Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 4848183
    Abstract: A camshaft damper system for damping torsional vibrations within a camshaft for an internal combustion engine. The drive sprocket attached to the end of a camshaft includes radial projections and recesses meshing with the flexible camshaft drive belt or chain and the sprocket includes torsional vibration damping means in the form of an annular inertia ring and elastomeric member attaching the inertia ring to the sprocket wherein torsional vibrations are absorbed by the elastomeric material reducing wear on the camshaft and the camshaft-related components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Simpson Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 4580666
    Abstract: A dynamic linear vibration damper consisting of a support member and an inertia member assembled by an elastomer for vibration damping purposes. An extension defined on the support member is received within an opening in the inertia member, and an elastomer interposed between the extension and the opening surfaces is installed under tension whereby the resiliency of the elastomer places the elastomer under compression as confined by the opening to frictionally maintain the assembly of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: Simpson Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 4551115
    Abstract: A driveshaft coupling particularly suitable for vehicles characterized by its vibration damping ability. Drive and driven members in concentric relationship about an axis of rotation include spaced non-concentric surfaces between which elastomer elements are located. Relative rotation between the members compresses the elastomers to transfer torque. The members also include engageable abutment surfaces directly transferring torque metal-to-metal upon the occurrence of predetermined elastomer deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Simpson Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 3985157
    Abstract: A vent cover for gas pressure regulators exposed to adverse weather conditions wherein the vent cover is mounted upon the vented neck of a gas regulator and is rotatably adjustable relative to the neck such that a vent opening defined in the cover may always be oriented downwardly regardless of the horizontal orientation of the regulator neck during installation. The downward orientation of the vent cover opening removes the possiblity of the regulator venting being rendered inoperable due to adverse weather conditions, such as icing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1976
    Assignee: Progressive Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Ferguson