Patents by Inventor Stephen R. Gardner

Stephen R. Gardner 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: 9393671
    Abstract: A programmable coolant nozzle system and method for grinding wheel machines. The system comprises a fluid manifold block that automatically or manually follows the wear of the grinding wheel, to position coolant jets tangential to the wheel surface throughout the life of the grinding wheel. The positioning is by an arcuate motion, through a parallelogram mechanism, to ensure that the coolant jets remain at the same angle to the grinding wheel surface throughout the entire range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignees: Dimensional Control, Inc., Cool-Grind Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Webster, Stephen R. Gardner
  • Patent number: 9238287
    Abstract: Multiple fluid nozzles are mounted in a machine tool such that the cutting tool in the spindle is targeted with liquid or gas cutting fluid from multiple directions, providing better coverage and thereby more effectiveness. This provides more efficient and safer use of a machine tool by automating the aiming of fluids at a desired location. Multiple nozzles at respective multiple physical locations are preferably controlled by a single control unit, so they can be synchronized to maintain a common target point on a cutting tool, even if the nozzles are located asymmetrically or non-uniformly with respect to the spindle axis or target point. Preferably, modular nozzle assemblies can be configured for flexibility in mounting on the machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Dimensional Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Gardner, Gary L. Gardner, Marc R. Warren
  • Publication number: 20140273750
    Abstract: A programmable coolant nozzle system and method for grinding wheel machines. The system comprises a fluid manifold block that automatically or manually follows the wear of the grinding wheel, to position coolant jets tangential to the wheel surface throughout the life of the grinding wheel. The positioning is by an arcuate motion, through a parallelogram mechanism, to ensure that the coolant jets remain at the same angle to the grinding wheel surface throughout the entire range of motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: DIMENSIONAL CONTROL, INC., COOL-GRIND TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Webster, Stephen R. Gardner
  • Publication number: 20120308323
    Abstract: Multiple fluid nozzles are mounted in a machine tool such that the cutting tool in the spindle is targeted with liquid or gas cutting fluid from multiple directions, providing better coverage and thereby more effectiveness. This provides more efficient and safer use of a machine tool by automating the aiming of fluids at a desired location. Multiple nozzles at respective multiple physical locations are preferably controlled by a single control unit, so they can be synchronized to maintain a common target point on a cutting tool, even if the nozzles are located asymmetrically or non-uniformly with respect to the spindle axis or target point. Preferably, modular nozzle assemblies can be configured for flexibility in mounting on the machine tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen R. Gardner, Gary L. Gardner, Marc R. Warren
  • Publication number: 20100012751
    Abstract: A laser assisted aiming system for use in directing the flow of a nozzle discharging a fluid stream includes a laser module adapted to emit a light beam that is substantially concentric with the stream of fluid discharged from the discharge tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Marc R. Warren, Stephen R. Gardner
  • Patent number: 6772042
    Abstract: A programmable coolant nozzle system includes a coolant fluid nozzle fixed to a manifold so that the centerline of the nozzle and the centerline of the manifold block are perpendicular. This feature allows coolant fluid to be rotatably directed from the nozzle at great pressure and/or volume with an actuator that does not have to withstand severe tortional force. The invention includes a method which allows coolant fluid to be rotatably directed from a nozzle assembly and to be commensurate with any change in position of the working tool of a machine tool center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Dimensional Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc R. Warren, Stephen R. Gardner