Derrick R Small

US Patent:

6354126, Mar 12, 2002

Filed:

Apr 25, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/558404

Inventors:

Derrick S. Small - Sturgis MI
Eric Nielson - Sturgis MI
Arthur E. Givens - LaGrange IN
Sean Peterson - Sturgis MI
Douglas L. Sagarsee - Constantine MI

Assignee:

Burr Oak Tool and Gauge Company - Sturgis MI

International Classification:

B21D 304

US Classification:

72162, 72164

Abstract:

A supply of continuous thin wall tubing which is drawn by a pair of opposed conveyor belts frictionally engaging the outside surfaces of the tubing first through a tube straightening device before the tube walls become engaged with the aforesaid conveyor belts so that straightened tubing is always subjected to engagement with the surfaces on the conveyor belts. The conveyor belts effect a longitudinal driving movement of the tubing into and through a tube cutting device and thence into a tube length control for accurately positioning the tube relative to the tube cutters in the tube cutting device and before the tube is cut. Once the tube length detection circuitry in the tube length control has been satisfied by the positioning of the tubing, the tube cutters in the tube cutting device is activated to sever the tubing.

US Patent:

6494353, Dec 17, 2002

Filed:

Nov 16, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/991086

Inventors:

Derrick S. Small - Sturgis MI
Eric Nielson - Sturgis MI
Arthur E. Givens - LaGrange IN
Sean Peterson - Sturgis MI
Douglas L. Sagarsee - Constantine MI

Assignee:

Burr Oak Tool and Guage Company, Inc. - Sturgis MI

International Classification:

B65H 2024

US Classification:

226110, 72134, 72162, 226172

Abstract:

A supply of continuous thin wall tubing which is drawn by a pair of opposed conveyor belts frictionally engaging the outside surfaces of the tubing first through a tube straightening device before the tube walls become engaged with the aforesaid conveyor belts so that straightened tubing is always subjected to engagement with the surfaces on the conveyor belts. The conveyor belts effect a longitudinal driving movement of the tubing into and through a tube cutting device and thence into a tube length control for accurately positioning the tube relative to the tube cutters in the tube cutting device and before the tube is cut. Once the tube length detection circuitry in the tube length control has been satisfied by the positioning of the tubing, the tube cutters in the tube cutting device is activated to sever the tubing.

US Patent:

6644079, Nov 11, 2003

Filed:

Dec 21, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/028207

Inventors:

Galen B. Harman - La Grange IN
Derrick S. Small - Sturgis MI
James G. Milliman - Sturgis MI

Assignee:

Burr Oak Tool and Gauge Company, Inc. - Sturgis MI

International Classification:

B21D 7025

US Classification:

72 154, 72 167, 72149, 72307

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for controlling the orienting of the ends of a finite length segment of tube following a bend thereof through a predefined angle. At least one straight finite length segment of tube is supplied to the tube bender for bending the tube about a bend axis. The two ends of the tube, following the bend, are measured to determine the distance between the end face of each leg to the bend axis. Appropriate adjustment is made to a pushing member to keep the ends of the tube in a generally coplanar relation. Additional measurement is performed to facilitate adjustment between the tube supply device and the tube bending mechanism.

US Patent:

20030079590, May 1, 2003

Filed:

Dec 10, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/315359

Inventors:

Derrick Small - Sturgis MI, US
Eric Nielson - Sturgis MI, US
Arthur Givens - LaGrange IN, US
Sean Peterson - Sturgis MI, US
Douglas Sagarsee - Constantine MI, US

Assignee:

Burr Oak Tool and Gauge Company, Inc.

International Classification:

B26D005/00
B23Q015/00

US Classification:

083/073000, 083/155000

Abstract:

A supply of continuous thin wall tubing which is drawn by a pair of opposed conveyor belts frictionally engaging the outside surfaces of the tubing first through a tube straightening device before the tube walls become engaged with the aforesaid conveyor belts so that straightened tubing is always subjected to engagement with the surfaces on the conveyor belts. The conveyor belts effect a longitudinal driving movement of the tubing into and through a tube cutting device and thence into a tube length control for accurately positioning the tube relative to the tube cutters in the tube cutting device and before the tube is cut. Once the tube length detection circuitry in the tube length control has been satisfied by the positioning of the tubing, the tube cutters in the tube cutting device is activated to sever the tubing.

US Patent:

56320809, May 27, 1997

Filed:

Jul 26, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/280877

Inventors:

Galen B. Harman - La Grange IN
Derrick S. Small - Sturgis MI

Assignee:

Burr Oak Tool & Gauge Company, Inc. - Sturgis MI

International Classification:

B23P 1526

US Classification:

297265

Abstract:

A tube transfer device which includes a tube conveyor for transporting processed tubes from an entry location to an exit location thereon. The tube conveyor includes a plurality of first tube holders thereon which are adapted to hold the processed tubes so that axes thereof will extend parallel to one another and be laterally spaced apart a first distance from one another at the aforesaid entry location. A movable tube shuttle is provided for shifting processed tubes between a first position and a second position located adjacent the aforesaid entry location to the tube conveyor. The tube shuttle includes movable second tube holders adapted to receive the processed tubes when at the aforesaid first position and while maintaining a second distance between the processed tubes. The tube shuttle also includes structure for varying the lateral spacing between the processed tubes on the second tube holders from the second distance to the first distance and in response to a movement of the tube shuttle between the first position and the second position so that the processed tubes will be spaced at the first distance from one another when the tube shuttle is at the entry location to the tube conveyor. A device for transferring the tubes on the tube shuttle to the tube conveyor is provided.

US Patent:

61760064, Jan 23, 2001

Filed:

Sep 21, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/401017

Inventors:

James G. Milliman - Sturgis MI
Derrick S. Small - Sturgis MI
Rocky L. Smith - Sturgis MI

Assignee:

Burr Oak Tool and Gauge Company, Inc. - Sturgis MI

International Classification:

B23P 1526

US Classification:

29727

Abstract:

A mechanical tube expander for expanding tubes into interlocked relationship with fins. Structure is provided for in situ storage of the expander rods and facilitating use of selected expander rods during a cycle of operation.

US Patent:

53534964, Oct 11, 1994

Filed:

Aug 6, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/103731

Inventors:

Galen B. Harman - La Grange IN
James G. Milliman - Fawn River Township, St. Joseph County MI
Derrick S. Small - Sturgis MI

Assignee:

Burr Oak Tool & Gauge Company - Sturgis MI

International Classification:

B23P 1526

US Classification:

29727

Abstract:

A mechanical tube expander for simultaneously expanding plural hairpin tubes into interlocked relationship with plural fins which includes a frame on which is provided a receiver to support the bent portions of the hairpin tubes in an assembly of fins loosely stacked on the straight leg portions of the hairpin tubes. A support structure is also provided on the frame for engaging and supporting a first endmost fin that is oriented immediately adjacent to but spaced from the receiver. A pressure plate carrying a plurality of expander rods is provided and each of the expander rods is aligned with the hairpin tubes. A stripper plate structure having plural guide openings therethrough is also provided. The expander rods extend through the guide openings. Structure is provided on the stripper plate for engaging a second endmost sheet of the assembly of fins at an end thereof which is remote from the receiver.

US Patent:

57523126, May 19, 1998

Filed:

Sep 30, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/723017

Inventors:

Galen B. Harman - La Grange IN
Derrick S. Small - Sturgis MI

Assignee:

Burr Oak Tool & Gauge Company, Inc. - Sturgis MI

International Classification:

B23P 1526

US Classification:

297265

Abstract:

A tube transfer device which includes a tube conveyor for transporting processed tubes from an entry location to an exit location thereon. The tube conveyor includes a plurality of first tube holders thereon which are adapted to hold the processed tubes so that axes thereof will extend parallel to one another and be laterally spaced apart a first distance from one another at the aforesaid entry location. A movable tube shuttle is provided for shifting processed tubes between a first position and a second position located adjacent the aforesaid entry location to the tube conveyor. The tube shuttle includes movable second tube holders adapted to receive the processed tubes when at the aforesaid first position and while maintaining a second distance between the processed tubes. The tube shuttle also includes structure for varying the lateral spacing between the processed tubes on the second tube holders from the second distance to the first distance and in response to a movement of the tube shuttle between the first position and the second position so that the processed tubes will be spaced at the first distance from one another when the tube shuttle is at the entry location to the tube conveyor. A device for transferring the tubes on the tube shuttle to the tube conveyor is provided.