Patents by Inventor Thomas N. Bitzer

Thomas N. Bitzer 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).

  • Honeycomb core with controlled crush properties
    Patent number: 6245408
    Abstract: The crush properties of honeycomb are modified and controlled by providing crush control surfaces at the intersections of the honeycomb cell wall. The crush control surfaces form openings through the cell walls at the intersections which provide a reduction in crush strength of the honeycomb cell. A wide variety of crush properties for a given honeycomb may be accurately achieved by varying the size, shape, number and location of the crush control surfaces within the honeycomb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas N. Bitzer
  • Vehicle mounting system for impact absorption apparatus
    Patent number: 4770420
    Abstract: A mounting system for a vehicle-mounted impact absorption box filled with a collapsible open cell network provides a lessened tendency for disintegration when subjected to the vibrations of the vehicle. The system contains a bolt surrounded by a region of transverse cells, with the bolt bonded to the cell walls and passing therethrough in a generally perpendicular direction. A further feature of the system is a pivot bracket constructed in two parts--a rigid portion and a pivot arm, the latter stabilized by springs which absorb torsional impulses on the arm arising from the vehicle vibrations. These two features work in conjunction with each other in reducing shock damage to the interior of the box, and thereby increase the life expectancy of the box as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: United Research and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Gottwald, Michel N. Bandak, Thomas N. Bitzer
  • Vehicle mounting system for impact absorption apparatus
    Patent number: 4658941
    Abstract: A mounting system for a vehicle-mounted impact absorption box filled with a collapsible open cell network provides a lessened tendency for disintegration when subjected to the vibrations of the vehicle. The system contains a bolt surrounded by a region of transverse cells, with the bolt bonded to the cell walls and passing therethrough in a generally perpendicular direction. A further feature of the system is a pivot bracket constructed in two parts--a rigid portion and a pivot arm, the latter stabilized by springs which absorb torsional impulses on the arm arising from the vehicle vibrations. These two features work in conjunction with each other in reducing shock damage to the interior of the box, and thereby increase the life expectancy of the box as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventors: William H. Gottwald, Michel N. Bandak, Thomas N. Bitzer