Patents by Inventor Tracy L. Cain
Tracy L. Cain 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).
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Patent number: 10283754Abstract: Battery parts, such as battery terminals, and associated systems and methods for making same. In one embodiment, a battery part has a sealing region or sealing bead located on a lateral face of an acid ring for increasing resistance to leakage therepast as the battery container shrinks. Another embodiment includes a forming assembly for use with, for example, a battery part having a bifurcated acid ring with spaced apart lips. The forming assembly can include movable forming members that can be driven together to peen, crimp, flare or otherwise form the lips on the bifurcated acid ring.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2015Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Water Gremlin CompanyInventors: Robert W. Ratte, Norman E. Peterson, Tracy L. Cain
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Patent number: 10217987Abstract: Systems and methods for producing battery parts, such as battery parts, are described herein. In one embodiment, a battery part machine is configured transform a profile of one or more acid rings on a battery part from a first cross-section to a second cross-section. The machine can include a rotatable spindle configured to receive the battery part, and a first tool and a second tool configured to engage the battery part. The orientation of the first tool and the second tool can be configured to engage the battery part at adjustable to polish, crimp, flare or otherwise transform the profile of the acid rings thereon to produce a finished battery part. An operator can input operating parameters to a machine controller to adjust the finished profile of the acid rings produced by the machine without requiring disassembly thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: Water Gremlin CompanyInventor: Tracy L. Cain
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Patent number: 10181595Abstract: Battery parts, such as battery terminals, and associated systems and methods for making the same are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a battery part has a base portion that includes one or more undercut sealing portions, each having a root and a lip. The lip can flare outwardly from the root to define an undercut between the root and the lip of the sealing portion. In some embodiments, the battery terminal can include adjacent sealing portions having opposing undercuts defined by overlapping lips of the adjacent sealing portions. Another embodiment includes a forming assembly for use with, for example, a battery part having a bifurcated acid ring with spaced apart lips. The forming assembly can include movable forming members that can be driven together to peen, crimp, flare or otherwise form the lips on the bifurcated acid ring.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Water Gremlin CompanyInventors: Tracy L. Cain, Michael Garin
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Publication number: 20180205063Abstract: Systems and methods for producing battery parts, such as battery parts, are described herein. In one embodiment, a battery part machine is configured transform a profile of one or more acid rings on a battery part from a first cross-section to a second cross-section. The machine can include a rotatable spindle configured to receive the battery part, and a first tool and a second tool configured to engage the battery part. The orientation of the first tool and the second tool can be configured to engage the battery part at adjustable to polish, crimp, flare or otherwise transform the profile of the acid rings thereon to produce a finished battery part. An operator can input operating parameters to a machine controller to adjust the finished profile of the acid rings produced by the machine without requiring disassembly thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2018Publication date: July 19, 2018Inventor: Tracy L. Cain
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Patent number: 9954214Abstract: Systems and methods for producing battery parts, such as battery parts, are described herein. In one embodiment, a battery part machine is configured transform a profile of one or more acid rings on a battery part from a first cross-section to a second cross-section. The machine can include a rotatable spindle configured to receive the battery part, and a first tool and a second tool configured to engage the battery part. The orientation of the first tool and the second tool can be configured to engage the battery part at adjustable to polish, crimp, flare or otherwise transform the profile of the acid rings thereon to produce a finished battery part. An operator can input operating parameters to a machine controller to adjust the finished profile of the acid rings produced by the machine without requiring disassembly thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Water Gremlin CompanyInventor: Tracy L. Cain
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Publication number: 20180090740Abstract: Battery parts, such as battery terminals, and associated systems and methods for making the same are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a battery part has a base portion that includes one or more undercut sealing portions, each having a root and a lip. The lip can flare outwardly from the root to define an undercut between the root and the lip of the sealing portion. In some embodiments, the battery terminal can include adjacent sealing portions having opposing undercuts defined by overlapping lips of the adjacent sealing portions. Another embodiment includes a forming assembly for use with, for example, a battery part having a bifurcated acid ring with spaced apart lips. The forming assembly can include movable forming members that can be driven together to peen, crimp, flare or otherwise form the lips on the bifurcated acid ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Tracy L. Cain, Michael Garin
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Patent number: 9748551Abstract: Battery parts, such as battery terminals, and associated systems and methods for making the same are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a battery part has a base portion that includes one or more undercut sealing portions, each having a root and a lip. The lip can flare outwardly from the root to define an undercut between the root and the lip of the sealing portion. In some embodiments, the battery terminal can include adjacent sealing portions having opposing undercuts defined by overlapping lips of the adjacent sealing portions. Another embodiment includes a forming assembly for use with, for example, a battery part having a bifurcated acid ring with spaced apart lips. The forming assembly can include movable forming members that can be driven together to peen, crimp, flare or otherwise form the lips on the bifurcated acid ring.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Water Gremlin CompanyInventors: Tracy L. Cain, Michael Garin
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Publication number: 20160126527Abstract: Battery parts, such as battery terminals, and associated systems and methods for making same. In one embodiment, a battery part has a sealing region or sealing bead located on a lateral face of an acid ring for increasing resistance to leakage therepast as the battery container shrinks. Another embodiment includes a forming assembly for use with, for example, a battery part having a bifurcated acid ring with spaced apart lips. The forming assembly can include movable forming members that can be driven together to peen, crimp, flare or otherwise form the lips on the bifurcated acid ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2015Publication date: May 5, 2016Inventors: Robert W. Ratte, Norman E. Peterson, Tracy L. Cain
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Patent number: 9190654Abstract: Battery parts, such as battery terminals, and associated systems and methods for making same. In one embodiment, a battery part has a sealing region or sealing bead located on a lateral face of an acid ring for increasing resistance to leakage therepast as the battery container shrinks. Another embodiment includes a forming assembly for use with, for example, a battery part having a bifurcated acid ring with spaced apart lips. The forming assembly can include movable forming members that can be driven together to peen, crimp, flare or otherwise form the lips on the bifurcated acid ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Water Gremlin CompanyInventors: Robert W. Ratte, Norman E. Peterson, Tracy L. Cain
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Publication number: 20140259646Abstract: Systems and methods for producing battery parts, such as battery parts, are described herein. In one embodiment, a battery part machine is configured transform a profile of one or more acid rings on a battery part from a first cross-section to a second cross-section. The machine can include a rotatable spindle configured to receive the battery part, and a first tool and a second tool configured to engage the battery part. The orientation of the first tool and the second tool can be configured to engage the battery part at adjustable to polish, crimp, flare or otherwise transform the profile of the acid rings thereon to produce a finished battery part. An operator can input operating parameters to a machine controller to adjust the finished profile of the acid rings produced by the machine without requiring disassembly thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: WATER GREMLIN COMPANYInventor: Tracy L. Cain
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Publication number: 20140201981Abstract: Battery parts, such as battery terminals, and associated systems and methods for making same. In one embodiment, a battery part has a sealing region or sealing bead located on a lateral face of an acid ring for increasing resistance to leakage therepast as the battery container shrinks. Another embodiment includes a forming assembly for use with, for example, a battery part having a bifurcated acid ring with spaced apart lips. The forming assembly can include movable forming members that can be driven together to peen, crimp, flare or otherwise form the lips on the bifurcated acid ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: WATER GREMLIN COMPANYInventors: Robert W. Ratte, Norman E. Peterson, Tracy L. Cain
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Patent number: 8701743Abstract: Battery parts, such as battery terminals, and associated systems and methods for making same. In one embodiment, a battery part has a sealing region or sealing bead located on a lateral face of an acid ring for increasing resistance to leakage therepast as the battery container shrinks. Another embodiment includes a forming assembly for use with, for example, a battery part having a bifurcated acid ring with spaced apart lips. The forming assembly can include movable forming members that can be driven together to peen, crimp, flare or otherwise form the lips on the bifurcated acid ring.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Water Gremlin CompanyInventors: Robert W. Ratte, Norman E. Peterson, Tracy L. Cain
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Publication number: 20130029213Abstract: Battery parts, such as battery terminals, and associated systems and methods for making the same are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a battery part has a base portion that includes one or more undercut sealing portions, each having a root and a lip. The lip can flare outwardly from the root to define an undercut between the root and the lip of the sealing portion. In some embodiments, the battery terminal can include adjacent sealing portions having opposing undercuts defined by overlapping lips of the adjacent sealing portions. Another embodiment includes a forming assembly for use with, for example, a battery part having a bifurcated acid ring with spaced apart lips. The forming assembly can include movable forming members that can be driven together to peen, crimp, flare or otherwise form the lips on the bifurcated acid ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: Water Gremlin CompanyInventors: Tracy L. Cain, Michael Garin
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Publication number: 20110174459Abstract: Mold assemblies and associated methods and components for forming battery grids for lead acid batteries are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a battery grid mold assembly includes a first die block that is movable relative to a second die block between an assembled position and an unassembled position spaced apart from the second die block. The mold assembly also includes a first insert plate having a first side that is removably coupled to the first die block and a second side opposite the first side. The second side of the first insert plate includes a first recess. The mold assembly further includes a second insert plate having a third side removably coupled to the second die block and a fourth side opposite the third side. The fourth side includes a second recess. When the first and second die blocks are in the assembled positions, the first and second recesses at least partially define a grid cavity that is configured to receive a flowable material for forming a battery grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: Water Gremlin CompanyInventors: Michael A. Garin, Tracy L. Cain
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Publication number: 20100116455Abstract: Battery parts, such as battery terminals, and associated systems and methods for making same. In one embodiment, a battery part has a sealing region or sealing bead located on a lateral face of an acid ring for increasing resistance to leakage therepast as the battery container shrinks. Another embodiment includes a forming assembly for use with, for example, a battery part having a bifurcated acid ring with spaced apart lips. The forming assembly can include movable forming members that can be driven together to peen, crimp, flare or otherwise form the lips on the bifurcated acid ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: Water Gremlin CompanyInventors: Robert W. Ratte, Norman E. Peterson, Tracy L. Cain
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Patent number: 6929051Abstract: A mold and a method of casting a part wherein the casting surfaces of the mold including the nooks and crannies of the mold are bounded by pitted mold surfaces with the pitted mold surfaces having surface voids therein that are sufficiently small to prevent the molten metal to enter therein; however, when the molten metal is poured in the mold having the pitted surfaces the molten metal solidifies on top of the pitted surface without entering into the pits in the mold surface, yet at the same time the molten metal flows smoothly over all the mold surfaces including the structural nooks and crannies of the mold to form a cast product that is substantially free of voids and fissures.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2002Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Water Gremlin CompanyInventors: Norman E. Peterson, Tracy L. Cain
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Publication number: 20040035544Abstract: A mold and a method of casting a part wherein the casting surfaces of the mold including the nooks and crannies of the mold are bounded by pitted mold surfaces with the pitted mold surfaces having surface voids therein that are sufficiently small to prevent the molten metal to enter therein; however, when the molten metal is poured in the mold having the pitted surfaces the molten metal solidifies on top of the pitted surface without entering into the pits in the mold surface, yet at the same time the molten metal flows smoothly over all the mold surfaces including the structural nooks and crannies of the mold to form a cast product that is substantially free of voids and fissures.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicant: xcInventors: Norman E. Peterson, Tracy L. Cain