Patents by Inventor Robert L. Waits

Robert L. Waits 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: 6298633
    Abstract: A method of installing an insert in a sandwich panel for mounting a fastener includes making a hole in the panel and inserting a spacer having a height greater than the thickness of the panel. An entrance rim of the spacer extends above an upper surface of the panel and a setting tool exerts a force on the entrance rim to force it into the hole and to position an upper edge of the entrance rim flush with the panel surface. The spacer can include an annular groove on an interior wall of the entrance rim to facilitate the cold working deformation during an installation in the panel. An outer exterior surface of the entrance rim can be indented and coated with a first sealing compound to ensure a water-tight seal with the panel. A second sealant material can be provided within the entrance rim for sealing with a head of any fastener extending through the spacer. An improved floor panel with spacer is accordingly provided for aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Shur-Lok Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. McCorkle, Robert L. Waits, Paul M. Secrets, Faustino Riveron, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5738477
    Abstract: A snap fastener assembly includes a cylindrical C-shaped spring retainer member having a hollow open core with an exterior longitudinal slit aperture extending into the core. The spring retainer member is mounted on a stud member having an enlarged head at one end, a retaining head at the other end, and a longitudinal shaft that is dimensioned to be substantially enclosed by the spring retainer member. The stud member can be used for both the insertion and retraction of the cylindrical spring retainer member. The retainer member can be actively fastened to a hole, for example, to hold panels on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Shur-Lok Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. McCorkle, Robert L. Waits, Heinrich Rehburg
  • Patent number: 5613818
    Abstract: A snap fastener assembly includes a cylindrical C-shaped spring retainer member having a hollow open core with an exterior longitudinal slit aperture extending into the core. The spring retainer member is mounted on a stud member having an enlarged head at one end, a retaining head at the other end, and a longitudinal shaft that is dimensioned to be substantially enclosed by the spring retainer member. The stud member can be used for both the insertion and retraction of the cylindrical spring retainer member. The retainer member can be actively fastened to a hole, for example, to hold panels on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Sur-Lok Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. McCorkle, Robert L. Waits, Heinrich Rehburg