Patents by Inventor Thomas S. King

Thomas S. King 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: 10828691
    Abstract: A reciprocating die roll forming machine for forming a pattern such as a thread form on the outer surface of a cylindrical blank includes at least one set of reciprocating dies operating upon the blank which rotates in place. The machine includes a slide and bearing combination to support the dies belt driven by a servo-motor controlled by a central processing unit. Mechanism is provided to deliver and position a blank for engagement by the dies. In one form, the machine includes multiple die sets to produce multiple parts during one die reciprocation cycle. In another form, the machine employs separate drive mechanisms to independently drive each die of a set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. LeVey, Thomas S. King, Michael J. Marchese, III, Daniel A. Dechant
  • Patent number: 10610920
    Abstract: A multi-station, reciprocating die pattern forming machine (500), including a pair of parallel reciprocal slide members (502, 503) with spaced pairs of pattern forming dies (504) thereon reciprocal between an insert position and an eject position. Drive mechanism (505, 506, 510) reciprocates the die pairs alternately between the insert position and eject position. Mechanism delivers and positions a pattern receiving blank (600) to a pair of dies when in the insert position. Axial translation of the dies causes the dies to rotate the blank at a center of process and impart a pattern upon the blank. Servo-motors on blank positioning mechanism provide feedback recognition of the position of the blanks during processing. The invention also relates to a method of patterning blanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Levey, Thomas S. King, Michael J. Marchese, III, Daniel A. Dechant
  • Patent number: 10369618
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for roll forming the face pattern onto a pattern forming die having a pattern receiving face, using an initial, and subsequent, pattern forming tool, each with a generally cylindrical pattern defining surface, by relatively and sequentially reciprocating and rotating the pattern defining surfaces and the pattern receiving face while engaging them and urging them to impress the pattern of the pattern defining surfaces into the pattern receiving face of the forming die blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. LeVey, Michael J. Marchese, III, Thomas S. King
  • Patent number: 10328483
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for roll forming the face pattern onto a pattern forming die having a pattern receiving face, using an initial, and subsequent, pattern forming tool, each with a generally cylindrical pattern defining surface, by relatively and sequentially reciprocating and rotating the pattern defining surfaces and the pattern receiving face while engaging them and urging them to impress the pattern of the pattern defining surfaces into the pattern receiving face of the forming die blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. LeVey, Michael J. Marchese, III, Thomas S. King
  • Publication number: 20180333766
    Abstract: A multi-station, reciprocating die pattern forming machine (500), including a pair of parallel reciprocal slide members (502, 503) with spaced pairs of pattern forming dies (504) thereon reciprocal between an insert position and an eject position. Drive mechanism (505, 506, 510) reciprocates the die pairs alternately between the insert position and eject position. Mechanism delivers and positions a pattern receiving blank (600) to a pair of dies when in the insert position. Axial translation of the dies causes the dies to rotate the blank at a center of process and impart a pattern upon the blank. Servo-motors on blank positioning mechanism provide feedback recognition of the position of the blanks during processing. The invention also relates to a method of patterning blanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Levey, Thomas S. King, Michael J. Marchese, III, Daniel A. Dechant
  • Publication number: 20180147620
    Abstract: A reciprocating die roll forming machine for forming a pattern such as a thread form on the outer surface of a cylindrical blank includes at least one set of reciprocating dies operating upon the blank which rotates in place. The machine includes a slide and bearing combination to support the dies belt driven by a servo-motor controlled by a central processing unit. Mechanism is provided to deliver and position a blank for engagement by the dies. In one form, the machine includes multiple die sets to produce multiple parts during one die reciprocation cycle. In another form, the machine employs separate drive mechanisms to independently drive each die of a set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. LeVey, Thomas S. King, Michael J. Marchese, III, Daniel A. Dechant
  • Patent number: 9919355
    Abstract: A reciprocating die roll forming machine for forming a pattern such as a thread form on the outer surface of a cylindrical blank includes at least one set of reciprocating dies operating upon the blank which rotates in place. The machine includes a slide and bearing combination to support the dies belt driven by a servo-motor controlled by a central processing unit. Mechanism is provided to deliver and position a blank for engagement by the dies. In one form, the machine includes multiple die sets to produce multiple parts during one die reciprocation cycle. In another form, the machine employs separate drive mechanisms to independently drive each die of a set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Levey, Thomas S. King, Michael J. Marchese, III, Daniel A. Dechant
  • Publication number: 20160030998
    Abstract: A reciprocating die roll forming machine for forming a pattern such as a thread form on the outer surface of a cylindrical blank includes at least one set of reciprocating dies operating upon the blank which rotates in place. The machine includes a slide and bearing combination to support the dies belt driven by a servo-motor controlled by a central processing unit. Mechanism is provided to deliver and position a blank for engagement by the dies. In one form, the machine includes multiple die sets to produce multiple parts during one die reciprocation cycle. In another form, the machine employs separate drive mechanisms to independently drive each die of a set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Kenneth R. LEVEY, Thomas S. KING, Michael J. MARCHESE, III, Daniel A. DECHANT
  • Publication number: 20150266083
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for roll forming the face pattern onto a pattern forming die having a pattern receiving face, using an initial, and subsequent, pattern forming tool, each with a generally cylindrical pattern defining surface, by relatively and sequentially reciprocating and rotating the pattern defining surfaces and the pattern receiving face while engaging them and urging them to impress the pattern of the pattern defining surfaces into the pattern receiving face of the forming die blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth R. LeVey, Michael J. Marchese, III, Thomas S. King
  • Patent number: 7793995
    Abstract: A push/push latch designed to operate in high and low g-force situations, which may be mounted horizontally or vertically. The latch includes a latch body, a track, a housing surrounding the track and latch body, a follower with a pin that moves in the track to actuate the push/push latch. The invention also includes a hammer that repositions when a g-force is applied to the latch to stop the movement of the track body thus preventing the latch from opening during a g-force situation such as a vehicle crash. The hammer may be connected to the housing or to the latch body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. King, Kenneth R. Levey
  • Publication number: 20100087926
    Abstract: A repair system for a compromised or herniated spine disc is provided. The repair system includes a spine disc patch to cover the herniation, and hooks, fasteners or the like to attach the spine disc patch to the vertebra surrounding the compromised disc. The repair system also includes an application tool to introduce and deploy the spine disc patch and spine disc patch fasteners to and on the disc herniation site. The spine disc patch is composed of a mesh, screen or the like of a biocompatible material with a perimeter, edge or side portion formed of a resilient biocompatible material. The mesh is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of a flexible but non-resilient biocompatible material. The perimeter is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of a flexible, resilient biocompatible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Michael S. Butler, Thomas S. King, Jonathan S. Citow
  • Publication number: 20080061535
    Abstract: An airbag sleeve configured to securely retain an airbag includes a main body, a first latching member, and a second latching member. The main body includes first and second edges and defined an airbag retention area. The first latching member is connected to the first edge, while the second latching member is connected to the second edge. The first and second latching members are configured to interlock together in a closed position in order to securely retain the airbag within the airbag retention area. The first and second latching members are also configured to separate from one another when the airbag deploys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen M. Everard, James T. Kirchen, Brock T. Cooley, Eric G. Parker, Thomas S. King
  • Publication number: 20080023967
    Abstract: A push/push latch designed to operate in high and low g-force situations, which may be mounted horizontally or vertically. The latch includes a latch body, a track, a housing surrounding the track and latch body, a follower with a pin that moves in the track to actuate the push/push latch. The invention also includes a hammer that repositions when a g-force is applied to the latch to stop the movement of the track body thus preventing the latch from opening during a g-force situation such as a vehicle crash. The hammer may be connected to the housing or to the latch body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas S. King, Kenneth R. Levey
  • Publication number: 20070175523
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a pressure relief assembly that may include an inner shell having at least one air passage, and at least one membrane flap sealingly covering the air passage. The membrane flap is configured to move to open the air passage based on an air pressure level. The assembly may also include an outer shell secured to the inner shell, wherein an air channel is defined between the inner shell and the outer shell. The outer shell is configured to protect said inner shell from moisture. The assembly may also include at least one moisture catching ledge surrounding the air passage. The moisture catching ledge is configured to trap moisture that passes by the membrane flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Levey, Eric G. Parker, Thomas S. King
  • Patent number: 6929271
    Abstract: The present technique provides a stabilizer system comprising a plurality of piston cylinder assemblies, which have multiple interconnected chambers to provide cross compensation between suspension members coupled to those piston cylinder assemblies. The piston cylinder assemblies may have two or more chambers separated by pistons, which move in response to a load imposed on the suspension member coupled to that piston cylinder assembly. As the piston moves in response to movement of the corresponding suspension member, a fluid pressure is transmitted to another suspension member to distribute the load between the two suspension members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jason K. Trotter, Robert K. Dutzi, Thomas S. King
  • Publication number: 20030090080
    Abstract: The present technique provides a stabilizer system comprising a plurality of piston cylinder assemblies, which have multiple interconnected chambers to provide cross compensation between suspension members coupled to those piston cylinder assemblies. The piston cylinder assemblies may have two or more chambers separated by pistons, which move in response to a load imposed on the suspension member coupled to that piston cylinder assembly. As the piston moves in response to movement of the corresponding suspension member, a fluid pressure is transmitted to another suspension member to distribute the load between the two suspension members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Jason K. Trotter, Robert K. Dutzi, Thomas S. King
  • Patent number: 5241756
    Abstract: A measuring device (10) and method for duplicating an irregular shape (200) onto a sheet of material (300) by employing the device (10) in combination with a sheet of paper (100) and a conventional marking implement; to form traced lines (101) on the sheet of paper (100) in response to measurements taken from the irregular shape (200); transferring the sheet of paper (100) to the sheet of material (300); using the traced lines (101) and measuring device (10) to make marks (301) on the sheet of material (300); and, then severing the sheet of material (300) in line segments between adjacent marks (301).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Thomas S. King