Patents by Inventor Timothy H. Wentzell

Timothy H. Wentzell 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: 4969916
    Abstract: Flush mountable latches and locks for industrial cabinets, tool carts, electrical equipment enclosures and the like utilize versatile housings of novel configuration together with push-to-operate handles that are pivotally movable relative to the housings to effect unlatching movements of spring-biased, pivotally mounted latch bolts. The lock-type embodiment has a locking mechanism that is mounted on the housing to selectively permit and prevent unlatching movements of its pivotal latch bolt. The resulting arrangement provides sturdy latch and lock assemblies that employ a small number of relatively movable parts that can be assembled, installed and serviced with ease. Improved features include the provision of a plural part handle assembly having portions that are configured to cooperate with a resilient, weather resistant boot that optionally may be interposed between housing and handle assembly components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Steven A. Mayo, Joel T. Vargus, Thomas V. McLinden, Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4934018
    Abstract: Control of a contactless cleaning element (18) in the cleaning line of a vehicle washing system, is accomplished by transmitting at least two energy beams (96, 98) transversely across the vehicle path. When the first beam (96) is interrupted by the passing vehicle, a motor device (64, 66) operates at a normal speed to move the cleaning element away from the vehicle. When the second beam (98) is interrupted, the motor device operates at a higher speed to move the cleaning element away at a faster rate. The cleaning element is pivotally connected by parallel arms (42, 72) to a gantry (12) so that actuation of the motor (64, 66) maintains substantially constant discharge angles relative to the vertical for two spaced apart discharge slots (102, 124) in the cleaning element. The motor (64) is mounted to the gantry 12 by a failsafe slidable carriage assembly (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Fabrication Specialists, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana R. Fortier, Timothy H. Wentzell, Zbigniew M. Janikowski
  • Patent number: 4850208
    Abstract: Flush mountable latches and locks for industrial cabinets, tool carts, electrical equipment enclosures and the like utilize versatile housings of novel configuration together with push-to-operate handles that are pivotally movable relative to the housings to effect unlatching movements of spring-biased, pivotally mounted latch bolts. The lock-type embodiment has a locking mechanism that is mounted on the housing to selectively permit and prevent unlatching movements of its pivotal latch bolt. The resulting arrangement provides sturdy latch and lock assemblies that employ a small number of relatively movable parts that can be assembled, installed and serviced with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Steven A. Mayo, Thomas V. McLinden, Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4850209
    Abstract: Flush mountable pulls, latches and locks for industrial cabinets, tool carts, electrical equipment enclosures and the like utilize a versatile housing together with other components of novel form mounted on the housing to provide a variety of desired features. Pull handles as well as latch and lock operating handles of a wide variety of types can be connected to the housing, as can a wide variety of latch bolt mechanisms that are configured to engage various types of strikers or keeper formations. The resulting arrangement provides sturdy pull, latch and lock assemblies that employ a small number of parts that can be assembled, installed and serviced with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Steven A. Mayo, Joel T. Vargus, Frank R. Albris, Richard H. Russell, Thomas V. McLinden, Richard M. O'Grady, Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4841755
    Abstract: Flush mountable latches and locks for industrial cabinets, tool carts, electrical equipment enclosures and the like utilize versatile housings of novel configuration together with a variety of types of handles that are movable relative to the housing to effect unlatching movements of spring-projected slide bolts. Locking mechanisms are mountable on the housings to selectively permit and prevent unlatching movements of the latch bolts. The resulting arrangement provides sturdy latch and lock assemblies that employs a small number of relatively movable parts that can be assembled and serviced with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Steven A. Mayo, Joel T. Vargus, Frank R. Albris, Richard H. Russell, Thomas V. McLinden, Richard M. O'Grady, Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4838054
    Abstract: Flush mountable latches and locks for industrial cabinets, tool carts, electrical equipment enclosures and the like utilize versatile housings of novel configuration together with pivotally nestable and extensible handles that are movable relative to the housing to effect latching and unlatching movements of a resilient foot that is movable by the handle between clamped and released engagement with a keeper, and that is movable with a latch arm between latched and unlatched positions. The lock-type embodiment has a locking mechanism that is mounted on the housing to selectively permit and prevent unlatching movements of the resilient latch member. The resulting arrangement provides sturdy latch and lock assemblies that employ a small number of relatively movable parts that can be assembled and serviced with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Frank R. Albris, Thomas V. McClinden, Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4838056
    Abstract: Flush mountable latches and locks for industrial cabinets, tool carts, electrical equipment enclosures and the like utilize versatile housings of novel configuration together with pivotally nestable and extensible handles that are movable relative to their housings to effect latching and unlatching movements of a resilient, expansible latch member. Locking mechanisms are mountable on the housings to selectively permit and prevent unlatching movements of the latch member. The resulting arrangement provides sturdy latch and lock assemblies that employ a small number of relatively movable parts that can be assembled and serviced with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Steven A. Mayo, Thomas V. McLinden, Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4797613
    Abstract: A probe (8) for inspecting the walls of a tubular conduit (40, 42) or the like is provided with a pair of movable arms (20a, 20b) urged outward from a central rod 4 into contact with the tube interior. Eddy current coils (16, 18) carried in the tube engaging ends (32a, 32b) of the arms (20a, 20b) are maintained in a constant, spaced apart relationship with the tube wall interior for increasing inspection accuracy and sensitivity. The movable arms (20a, 20b) can accommodate varying internal tube diameters, expanding and contracting relative to the central rod (4). A sloping nose (2) and tapered arm portions (32a, 32b) assist the probe in traversing the conduit interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4646800
    Abstract: A log splitting apparatus and method for use in conjunction with a substantially horizontally mounted source of rotational power, such as the take off (20) and hitch lift unit (16) of a farm type tractor (10). The apparatus is disclosed in the form of a rigid frame (30) attached to the unit (16), and includes strut members (26,28) for maintaining the frame in a horizontal orientation. A drive shaft (60) is horizontally supported through the frame with one end connected as a universal joint (40) to the take off, and the other end extending behind the frame. A drive transfer gear arrangement (42) is connected to the extending end of the drive shaft, and an auger (44,46) is perpendicularly connected to the transfer gear arrangement. Preferably, the tractor is maneuvered to straddle a series of end-to-end logs (12) so that the auger (46), while pointing downward and rotated by the power take off and drive shaft, is lowered onto and lifted from each log in succession, by means of the lift unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Inventor: Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4592391
    Abstract: A repair sleeve assembly (12) secured entirely within a tube (16). A hollow tension member (18) has an enlarged head (26), a lower externally threaded stem (28) and a generally cylindrical body portion (30) intermediate the head and stem. A segmented sheath surrounds the tension member and includes a generally cylindrical nut member (24), a ring member (22) and a sleeve member (20), which are operatively arranged such that when the tension member is drawn downward, the enlarged head and lower ring member compress the sleeve to form seals against the tube wall. A tool for effecting the seal is also disclosed, including an inner rod (38) having an upper end (40) adapted to engage the lower end of the tension member, for aligning the tool relative to the repair assembly, and lugs (42) carried circumferentially on the rod to engage the tension member. A chuck member (44) is adapted to move longitudinally and rotationally with respect to the inner rod, and carries tangs (46) for engaging the nut member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4581938
    Abstract: A tool (100) for scanning the inner surface (110) of a pipe (106), comprising a scanning section (112) interacting with a centering section (114). The scanning section includes an axle member (128) having strut members (130) rigidly connected thereto and projecting diametrically outwardly for urging inspection probe sleds (126) against the pipe surface. The centering section (114) includes a slide cylinder (124) coaxially disposed about the axle member (128), and having rigidly connected actuating members (120) projecting diametrically outward for contacting the pipe inner wall with sufficient force to center and support the tool within the pipe. Locking means (146) are provided within the actuating member (120) for selectively engaging the axle member (128) to lock the longitudinal position of the strut member (130) relative to the actuating member (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4581955
    Abstract: A device (10) particularly suited for use for purposes of effecting the rotation of a reactor coolant pump motor (12) and flywheel (18) when the latter is required to be rotated, as for instance, in order to accomplish an ultrasonic and eddy current examination of the flywheel (18). The subject device includes housing means (20) of a multipartite construction capable of being secured in surrounding relation to the shaft (16) of the pump (12). Within the housing means (20) there is provided ball bearing means (26) and driven gear means (28). In addition, the subject device (10) also includes drive motor means (30) that is operatively associated with a drive gear means (36). The latter drive gear means (36) of the drive motor means (30) is supported in cooperative relation with the driven gear means (36) of the housing means (20) such that rotation of the drive motor means (30) is imparted to the drive gear means (36) and therefrom to the drive gear means (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4575185
    Abstract: The sealed shell of a nuclear steam generator is penetrated through a fluid lock by an elongated assembly including an axial fiber optic cable. Fluid pressure chambers within the assembly are selectively pressured to control the movement of the fiber optic head in visual inspection within the shell. Liquid is selectively introduced into the chambers to control buoyancy of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy H. Wentzell, John P. Lareau, Charles B. Innes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4532808
    Abstract: A method and device for ultrasonically inspecting the corner region formed by the joining of a pair of cylindrical conduits is disclosed. Ultrasonic sound beams (62) are transmitted beneath inner surface (12) of the first conduit at an oblique angle resulting in a shallow refracted sound path (74) through the solid corner region (84). Sound energy (76) reflected by the presence of a radially oriented crack (67) within the desired zone of interest (66) passes (80) out of the solid (84) for detection. A device having an ultrasonic transmitter (44) and a directional receiver (60) is disclosed carrying out the inspection method according to the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy H. Wentzell, Mark V. Brook
  • Patent number: 4526037
    Abstract: The lip of the inner radius of a nozzle mounted through the wall of a nuclear reactor vessel is sandwiched between a transmitter and receiver of ultrasonic sound. The transmitter scans the internal surface of the nozzle lip while maintained a constant average distance from a receiver scanning the nozzle surface on the reactor vessel side of the lip. The two surfaces intersecting to form the inner radius vary in angle as the surfaces are scanned by the transmitter and receiver. Linkage is shown between the transmitter/receiver and the boom with which they are caused to sweep the lip to simultaneously accommodate the saddle shape of the inner radius and the varying angle between the lip surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy H. Wentzell, Zoran Kuljis
  • Patent number: 4505874
    Abstract: Reactor pressure vessel inspection apparatus which permits the non-destructive testing of the vessel lower head, shell and top flange taper areas without equipment modification. The inspection apparatus includes an articulated joint assembly which permits a transducer support arm to be rotated about three intersecting axes, the three axes defining two pair of transverse axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas H. Warren, Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4485847
    Abstract: A generally cylindrical tube repair assembly (26,80) having an outer diameter approximately equal to the tube inner diameter. The assembly includes three main components, one of which is compressed and expanded by the other two into sealing engagement with the tube wall. The components include an elongated tension member (28) having an enlarged head portion (30) at its upper or lead end, and a stem portion (34) at the other end. A generally cylindrical expander ring member (40) is disposed about the lower portion of the tension member, and a ferrule-type, radially expandable compression member or sleeve (44) is interposed between the enlarged head and the ring. Means (42) are included for immobilizing the ring member against the tube sheet (12) while drawing down the tension member head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4482076
    Abstract: A plug means for effecting a temporary blockage of a passage through which liquid is designed to flow. The subject plug means includes a frame means capable of being readily disassembled and embodying in the assembled state dimensions corresponding to the cross-sectional dimensions of the passage in which the plug means is to be employed, and inflatable means mountable on the frame means and co-operable therewith for providing a liquid tight seal in the passage. The frame means comprises a frame member including a plurality of readily interconnectable sections of plate, the latter each possessing a high strength-to-weight ratio; interconnecting means for effecting the interconnection of the plurality of plate sections; and securing means cooperable with means provided in the side walls of the passage for securing the frame means and thereby the plug means in the passage in blocking relation thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4481814
    Abstract: An elongated stud has an axial bore down which an inspection probe is rotated and translated on the end of a shaft which is moved through gearing with a pair of motors. Encoders on the motors coordinate the signal from the probe at a single station which manifests the sensed conditions of the stud at positions within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4452753
    Abstract: A support framework has casters which enable it to be moved into position for receiving the studs of nuclear reactor vessels so the studs may be cleaned and inspected. A housing on the framework isolates the stud while it is cleaned to control the radioactive debris removed from the stud surfaces. Brushes for the internal bore and external surface of the stud are mounted for simultaneously moving over the stud surfaces. Eddy current and ultrasonic inspection devices are substituted for the brushes and the internal and external surfaces simultaneously inspected while an encoder connected to both the inspection devices and stud manifest the location of any detected flaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1984
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy H. Wentzell, Lawrence J. Edwards