Patents by Inventor Wilbur L. Gants

Wilbur L. Gants 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: 4559005
    Abstract: Disclosed is a machine for forming preimpregnated composite material into thin, narrow structural elements or "fillets" (18). The machine includes a cylindrical lower forming roll (26) rotatably mounted at its ends between two side plates (40). A cylindrical upper forming roll (28) is mounted above the lower forming roll and urged into frictional contact therewith. Annular protrusions (30) are formed in the periphery of the lower forming roll and project radially therefrom. Each protrusion comprises a groove (34) formed in its outermost surface that defines a die. The die, with the outer surface of the upper forming roll, combine to form an orifice (35). Each orifice is shaped substantially identical to the cross-sectional shape of the fillet. A strip of composite material (24) is fed through a series of guides and into a selected orifice. A drive mechanism (36) causes rotation of the lower forming roll and hence the frictionally contacting upper forming roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Wilbur L. Gants, William T. Kline, Jonathan T. Sneddon
  • Patent number: 4272215
    Abstract: A surface of a wedge acts as a stop to limit travel of a spindle on an automatic riveting machine. A drive mechanism moves the wedge back and forth to vary the heighth of the wedge, and the same mechanism simultaneously moves a rod back and forth to act on a transducer, and transmit an electrical signal to give a digital readout of the change in heighth of the wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Davert, Wilbur L. Gants