Van Thomas Walworth

US Patent:

7350259, Apr 1, 2008

Filed:

Jul 27, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/494272

Inventors:

Van T. Walworth - Lebanon TN, US
David B. Hook - Franklin TN, US
Craig Whitaker - Fairfield OH, US
Joseph C. Bacarella - LaSalle MI, US
George Moser - Brighton MI, US

Assignee:

Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc. - Lake Forest IL

International Classification:

B60S 1/38
B60S 1/40

US Classification:

15250201, 1525032, 1525043

Abstract:

A windshield wiper blade assembly is disclosed which comprises a resilient wiper blade having an axial passage through which a flexible support beam is positioned to provide structure. A universal connector element for connecting the blade assembly to a plurality of different wiper arms crimps onto the blade and support beam assembly approximately midway along the wiper blade in a manner which does not puncture nor interfere with the resilient windshield wiper material, while at the same time preventing the relative axial translation of the support beam within the windshield wiper blade as well as translation between the blade and the connector itself.

US Patent:

7550048, Jun 23, 2009

Filed:

Dec 13, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/955835

Inventors:

Van T. Walworth - Lebanon TN, US
Joseph C. Bacarella - LaSalle MI, US
David B. Hook - Franklin TN, US
William McGinn - Paragould AR, US

Assignee:

Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc. - Lake Forest IL

International Classification:

C23C 8/00
C23C 16/32
C23C 16/36

US Classification:

148206, 148219, 75392

Abstract:

A method of forming metal parts or components from strip stock or roll stock without yielding is accomplished by first placing the part/components into fixtures that hold the stock in a non-yielding position therein. The fixture and metal stock parts are placed in a liquid, gas, or pack carburizing heat treatment process. Once the carburization process is complete, the part is released from the fixture with little or no spring back, maintaining the shape it was held in while in the fixture, resisting returning to its original shape, and optionally imparting spring-like qualities not associated with the stock before treatment.

US Patent:

7784798, Aug 31, 2010

Filed:

Apr 2, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/817674

Inventors:

Van T. Walworth - Lebanon TN, US
David B. Hook - Franklin TN, US

Assignee:

Star Pipe Products, Ltd. - Houston TX

International Classification:

F16L 21/02
F16L 17/03

US Classification:

277615, 277616, 277625, 282104, 282105, 282232

Abstract:

A novel gasket includes at least one gripping element embedded in an annular member for forming a seal between two tubulars. For tubulars having socket and spigot ends, the gripping element includes teeth for gripping an outer surface of the spigot end and a blunt tooth for contacting a front wall of the socket end. The blunt tooth rolls along the front wall during relative movement between the tubulars and can include a contacting face of a specialized geometry to adjust contact dynamics and/or roughened surfaces to increase the frictional contact between the blunt tooth and the front wall. The embedded element can also include at least four teeth arranged such that no more than two teeth normally grip the outer surface of the spigot end. One or more teeth can also include a transverse groove to enhance penetration into the outer surface of the spigot end.

US Patent:

7959029, Jun 14, 2011

Filed:

Jan 10, 2008

Appl. No.:

11/972309

Inventors:

Craig Whitaker - Fairfield OH, US
Van T. Walworth - Lebanon TN, US
David B. Hook - Franklin TN, US
Robert L. Edwards - Mesa AZ, US
Clifford W. Bagwell - Springville AL, US

Assignee:

Aslan Guild, LLC - Brentwood TN

International Classification:

A47G 19/22

US Classification:

220719, 220717, 220713, 220711, 2202541, 215387

Abstract:

A splash and spill resistant insulating lid for beverage containers comprising an insulated splash and spill barrier integrated into a cup lid combination. This is achieved by creating a barrier and/or labyrinth flow path, which buffers and deflects sloshing liquid. Accidental/incidental release of liquid is minimized and/or prevented while allowing the normal flow of liquid for drinking. These features of the SSRIL further create an insulating barrier to keep a cup's fluid hotter or cooler for a longer period of time, enhanced by using an appropriate insulating material combined with finite number of transfer holes that are of a specific shape and/or specific location and/or specific orientation to promote the formation of a surface tension film of fluid across the transfer holes, creating additional barriers against the escape and exchange of both fluid and vapor outside the cup.

US Patent:

8448608, May 28, 2013

Filed:

Jun 29, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/825694

Inventors:

Laura Mucerino - Dickson TN, US
Van T. Walworth - Lebanon TN, US
David B. Hook - Franklin TN, US

Assignee:

Dreamcatcher Patent and Product Development, LLC - Dickson TN

International Classification:

A01K 27/00

US Classification:

119797

Abstract:

A tether device includes a tether assembly disposed between two entities maintaining connection between the entities. A resilient element is integrated with the tether assembly. A geometry of the tether assembly and the resilient element create first and second resilient element and tether force-displacement responses when the resilient element and tether assembly are together subjected to at least first and second axial displacement forces. The second axial displacement force is greater than the first axial displacement force. The first force-displacement response, when subjected to the first axial displacement force, is greater than the second force-displacement response when subjected to the second axial displacement force. The geometry can include a tether configured in a serpentine formation in a relaxed position. The serpentine formation straightens taut when the tether is fully extended by the second axial displacement force.

US Patent:

8482147, Jul 9, 2013

Filed:

Jul 21, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/840882

Inventors:

George Moser - Brighton MI, US
Randy W. Linn - Charlotte MI, US
Van Walworth - Lebanon TN, US

International Classification:

F03D 11/00

US Classification:

290 55

Abstract:

A wind turbine system is provided to generate electricity from wind energy. The system locates generator at a bottom portion of the tower. The system rotates either the entire tower, or the nacelle and the generator simultaneously. A flexible power transfer member inside the tower connects a top rotation transfer member and the bottom rotation transfer member to transfer wind energy captured by the turbine rotor from the top rotation transfer member to the bottom rotation transfer member. A pitch mechanism to rotate the rotor blades in a desired angular position about the rotor blades longitudinal axis is also provided.

US Patent:

7992325, Aug 9, 2011

Filed:

Nov 5, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/935122

Inventors:

Van T. Walworth - Lebanon TN, US
David B. Hook - Franklin TN, US
Thomas Leonard - Geneva OH, US
Craig Whitaker - Fairfield OH, US
James F. Walworth - Manhattan KS, US
Brian Church - Franklin TN, US
Dave Goldman - Towaco NJ, US
Mark Howell - Lebanon TN, US

Assignee:

Shew, Inc. - Brentwood TN

International Classification:

A43B 13/14
A43B 23/00

US Classification:

36 72R, 36 77 R, 36 73, 36 54

Abstract:

The subject invention improves traditional safety equipment intended to protect the lower leg, ankle, foot, and toes applicable in industrial and commercial as well as casual and athletic uses. The personal protective equipment (PPE) of the subject invention comprises a soleplate, a metatarsal component, a toe cap, and a tibia-fibula component; these components can be implemented alone or in combination within a shoe or boot providing for various levels of protection depending on the desired application. Further embodiments provide for both the implementation of the protective components within the footwear as well as components that can be worn in conjunction with pre-existing shoes or boots.

US Patent:

20040062596, Apr 1, 2004

Filed:

Sep 27, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/259337

Inventors:

Van Walworth - Lebanon TN, US
David Hook - Franklin TN, US
Mark Bowsher - Richmond TX, US
Ashish Jain - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

Star Pipe Products, Inc.

International Classification:

B25G003/20

US Classification:

403/373000

Abstract:

A preferred joint restraint includes a dampening force and a restraining force to control relative movement between a pad and gland and between the gland and bolt, respectively. The preferred restraint includes a gland, pads, and bolts. Preferably, a flexible member disposed in the pad selectively provides the dampening and retaining force. A preferred joint restraint also includes a pad and a bolt that coact to provide a controlled wedging action. The wedging action supplies supplemental tooth penetration and/or enhanced clamping force that stabilizes a shifting tubular member (pipe). A preferred tooth arrangement for a restraint pad produces an intermittent penetration pattern in the pipe. A preferred spacing member for a restraint tunes a clamping force generated by the restraint to accommodate variations in pipe geometry and/or materials. A preferred restraint is arranged according to a method that uses pipe expansion to provide an enhanced gripping action.