Patents

L.H. Industries currently holds over 40 U.S. and world patents. For over 20 years, we’ve led the industry in patented technology. Take a look at our many accomplishments.

Patents

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4,619,028 Autolok™ - Apparatus for the Manufacture of Laminated Parts

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
3/25/1983
Date Issued:
10/28/1986
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
10/28/2003
Claims:
Original Interlock Apparatus Claims
Description:
This invention advanced the art by making the interlocking of motor laminations (comprising rotor and/or stator cores) dynamically adjustable and responsive to measured or assumed inconsistencies in steel coil stock. This made the interlocking of motor cores practical for the first time for many motor manufacturers and lamination stampers, because it made interlocking viable in the real world of imperfect steel stock. Now referred to as Autolok™, this new system is able to produce cores with precise skew angles, dynamically adjusted to variable stock thickness, and with programmable stack rotation to correct for gamma (cross grain thickness variation) to produce parallel and perpendicular stacks.

4,738,020 Autolok™ - Method of Manufacturing Laminated Parts

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
4/17/1986
Date Issued:
4/19/1988
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
4/19/2005
Claims:
Original Interlock Method Claims
Description:

5,087,849 Autolok™ - Laminated Parts, and a Method for Manufacture

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
3/22/1988
Date Issued:
2/11/1992
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
4/19/2005
Claims:
Original Product-By-Process Claims
Description:

5,241,138 - Coreweighing System for Closed-Loop Stock Gauging

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
2/13/1992
Date Issued:
8/31/1993
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
2/13/2012
Claims:
Description:
This patent teaches the use of weight measurement of interlocked cores in a feedback loop for the automatic recalibration of the stock gauge.

5,349,740 Autolok™ - Progressive Die Assembly with Separate Blanking and Stacking

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
4/5/1993
Date Issued:
9/27/1994
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
9/27/2011
Claims:
Description:
This is an Autolok apparatus patent, which is specifically directed to the use of blank and push-back techniques in conjunction with an interlocking choke station for skew and rotation of the stacks.

5,349,741 - Interlocked Cores Spaced for Anneal Penetration

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
6/24/1992
Date Issued:
9/27/1994
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
6/24/2012
Claims:
Description:
This patent covers the production of interlocked cores deliberately and automatically kept spaced apart to permit improved flow of gases in the annealing process. After anneal, the cores are subjected to a compression operation to bring the core to its proper height.

5,359,763 Autolok™ - Progressive Die Assembly with Rotation and Interlock

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
3/22/1994
Date Issued:
11/1/1994
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
10/28/2003
Claims:
Description:
This is a continuation patent to 5,123,155.

5,365,021 - Coreweighing System for Closed-Loop Stock Gauging Control

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
6/4/1993
Date Issued:
11/15/1994
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
2/13/2012
Claims:
Description:
This is a continuation patent to 5,241,138 (above).

5,373,622 Autolok™ - Laminated Parts and a Method for Manufacture

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
4/28/1992
Date Issued:
12/20/1994
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
10/28/2003
Claims:
Description:
This is/was a continuation patent.

5,377,115 Autolok™ - Controller for a Progressive Die Assembly

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
4/5/1993
Date Issued:
12/17/1994
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
12/27/2011
Claims:
Description:
Our broadest Autolok controller coverage, includes the use of virtually any type drive system that employs a positional feedback device (such as an encoder or resolver).

5,550,327 - Coreweighing System for Closed-Loop Stock Gauging Control

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
9/9/1994
Date Issued:
8/27/1996
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
8/27/2013
Claims:
Description:
A continuation application of 5,241,138 and 5,365,021.

5,604,678 Autolok™ - Controller for a Progressive Die Assembly

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
6/25/1994
Date Issued:
2/18/1997
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
12/27/2011
Claims:
Description:
Continuation patent to 5,377,115.

5,755,023 Varilok™ - Lamina Stack with at Least One Lamina Having a Plurality of Discrete Segments and an Apparatus and Method for Mfg. Said Stack

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
2/24/1997
Date Issued:
5/26/1998
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
6/5/2016
Claims:
Description:
This continuation to 5,799,387 (app 08/658,595), adds claims concerning discrete lamination segments (multiple laminations on a single layer of the stack), which may be combined also with multiple OD configurations. The segmental laminations permit openings to be made in a stack that can extend from the OD to ID of the stack.

5,799,387 Varilok™ - Lamina Stack Having a Plurality of Outer Perimeter Configurations

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
6/5/1996
Date Issued:
9/1/1998
Issued To:
Abnet, Habegger, and Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
6/5/2016
Claims:
Description:
This patent application teaches a method and apparatus for manufacturing interlocked cores which have more than one outside periphery or O.D. This is accomplished through programmable cammed trim punches and a choke station that applies back pressure via a number of common choke points on the stators' peripheries.

5,809,638 Autolok™ - Round Concentric Interlock / Methods and Apparatus

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
10/26/1992
Date Issued:
9/22/1998
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
10/26/2012
Claims:
Description:
This specification is for a round, partially blanked embossment (concentric with the axis of the stack) which is the interlocking feature. This method offers the advantage of permitting any angle of indexing rotation that is compatible with the number of rotor slots.

5,881,450 - Dual Action Indexing System and Method

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
12/5/1996
Date Issued:
3/16/1999
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
12/5/2016
Claims:
Description:
This application teaches a method of combining a mechanical indexer with a servo-driven phase adjuster to provide skew and rotation of rotor cores at extremely high speed.

5,918,359 - Interlocked Cores Spaced for Anneal Penetration

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
6/20/1994
Date Issued:
7/6/1999
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
6/24/2012
Claims:
Description:
A continuation application to 5,349,741

5,960,533 Autolok™ - Apparatus/Method for Manufacturing Laminated Parts

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
1/30/1998
Date Issued:
10/5/1999
Issued To:
Neuenscwander
Expiration Date:
10/28/2003
Claims:
Description:
This patent contains amendments and enhancements to 4,619,028.

6,000,119 Varilok™ - Lamina Stack Having a Plurality of Outer Perimeter Configurations

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
11/12/1997
Date Issued:
12/14/1999
Issued To:
Abnet, Habegger, Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
6/5/2016
Claims:
Description:
Divisional application of 5,799,387; additional apparatus and method claims

6,131,268 Varilok™ - Lamina Stack with a Plurality of Discrete Segments

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
11/4/1997
Date Issued:
10/17/2000
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
6/5/2016
Claims:
Description:
Divisional of 5,755,023; additional apparatus and method claims.

6,163,949 Varilok™ - Method for Manufacturing Long, Slender Lamina Stacks - Pencil Cores

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
10/12/1999
Date Issued:
12/26/2000
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
11/4/2017
Claims:
Description:
Contains many claims specific to pencil core ignition products.

6,192,575 - Dual Action Indexing System and Method

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
12/24/1998
Date Issued:
2/27/2001
Issued To:
Neuenscwander
Expiration Date:
12/5/2016
Claims:
Description:
This amendment to 5,881,450 teaches the use of the Wedgtrac differential with an indexer to provide skew and rotation of rotor cores at extremely high speed.

6,195,875 Varilok™ - Apparatus for Manufacturing Long, Slender Lamina Stacks (Pencil Cores)

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
10/12/1999
Date Issued:
3/6/2001
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
6/5/2016
Claims:
Description:
This application includes Varilok appparatus claims.

6,237,214 Autolok™ - Laminated Parts with Center Interlock / Round Concentric Interlock

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
2/28/2000
Date Issued:
5/29/2001
Issued To:
Neuenscwander
Expiration Date:
10/26/2012
Claims:
Description:
Divisional application of 5,809,638; additional apparatus and methods claims

6,484,387 Varilok™ - Progressive Stamping Die Having Transversely Moveable Die Station

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
6/7/2000
Date Issued:
11/26/2002
Issued To:
Lee and Schrank
Expiration Date:
5/11/2021
Claims:
Description:
This application teaches the use of programmable, servo-driven transversely moveable die sections to permit the trimming of varying lamination widths, yet allowing for a shorter overall die length. Method claims.

6,530,142 - Dual Action Indexing System and Method

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
1/4/2001
Date Issued:
3/11/2003
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
3/13/2017
Claims:
Description:
This continuation to 5,881,450 adds further claims involving the use of the special Wedgtrac differential with an indexer to provide skew and rotation of rotor cores - higher speed and longer life.

6,636,137 Varilok™ - Long, Slender Lamina Stacks of Non-Uniform Laminae (Pencil Cores)

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
11/9/2000
Date Issued:
10/21/2003
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
2/4/2019
Claims:
Description:
Product claims for pencil cores in an ignition coil assembly.

6,725,756 - Two-Piece Punch Construction and Method for Making

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
10/23/2001
Date Issued:
4/27/2004
Issued To:
Brenneke
Expiration Date:
3/9/2022
Claims:
Description:
Unique, cost-saving punch construction with WEDM head and stick punch.

6,742,239 Varilok™ - Progressive Stamping Die Having Transversely Moveable Die Station

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
10/1/2002
Date Issued:
6/1/2004
Issued To:
Lee and Schrank
Expiration Date:
5/11/2021
Claims:
Description:
Divisional of 6,484,387, this application teaches the use of programmable, servo-driven transversely moveable die sections to permit the trimming of varying lamination widths, yet allowing for a shorter overall die length. Apparatus claims.

6,745,458 Varilok™ - Long, Slender Lamina Stacks of Non-Uniform Laminae (Pencil Cores)

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
12/13/2001
Date Issued:
6/8/2004
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
4/20/2019
Claims:
Description:
Method and apparatus - additional claims

6,877,214 - Method of Manufacturing a Stack of Laminations (Formable)

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
11/5/2002
Date Issued:
4/12/2005
Issued To:
Neuenschwander and Shane
Expiration Date:
1/16/2023
Claims:
Description:
Method and apparatus for stamping a stack of interlocked laminations and subsequently forming the stack into a desired shape by bending the stack’s original axis.

6,984,913 Autolok™ - Laminated Parts with Center Interlock / Round Concentric Interlock

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
12/18/2000
Date Issued:
1/10/2006
Issued To:
Neuenschwander (LHC0024-04)
Expiration Date:
11/29/2012
Claims:
Description:
Divisional application of 5,809,638; additional apparatus and methods claims.

7,062,841 - Formable Stack of Interlocked Laminations

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
10/8/2002
Date Issued:
6/20/2006
Issued To:
Neuenschwander (LHC0129)
Expiration Date:
1/11/2024
Claims:
Description:
Method and apparatus for stamping interlocked stator cores in linear form, allowing the interleaving of rows for material savings. Stacks are annealed (if required), insulated, and wound before the stacks are formed into a final round shape and welded or riveted.

215851 -

Patent Location:
Mexico
Date Filed:
12/4/1997
Date Issued:
8/15/2003
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
12/4/2017
Claims:
Description:
Mexican Varilok pencil core patent stemming from PCT Application

227117 Varilok™ - Long, Slender Lamina Stacks of Non-Uniform Laminae (Pencil Cores)

Patent Location:
Mexico
Date Filed:
6/3/1999
Date Issued:
4/6/2005
Issued To:
Neuenschwander (LHC0091-24)
Expiration Date:
6/3/2019
Claims:
Description:
Mexican Varilok pencil core patent stemming from PCT Application

DE69714849 Varilok™ - Verfahren und vorrichtung zur herstellung eines Blechpakettes

Patent Location:
Germany
Date Filed:
11/12/1998
Date Issued:
8/21/2002
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
11/12/2018
Claims:
Description:
German Varilok patent stemming from EPO 910 487

DE69912143 Varilok™ - Verfahren zur herstellung von langen, schmalen Blechpaketen aus ungleichförmigen Blechen

Patent Location:
Germany
Date Filed:
6/3/1999
Date Issued:
10/15/2003
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
6/3/2019
Claims:
Description:
German Varilok patent stemming from EPO 1121 211

212251 Varilok™ - Discrete Segments and an Apparatus and Method for Mfg. Said Stack

Patent Location:
Europe
Date Filed:
12/4/1998
Date Issued:
12/18/2002
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
6/3/2017
Claims:
Description:
Mexican Varilok patent

EPO1121211 Varilok™ - Long, Slender Lamina Stacks of Non-Uniform Laminae (Pencil Cores)

Patent Location:
Europe
Date Filed:
6/3/1999
Date Issued:
10/15/2003
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
6/3/2019
Claims:
Description:
European Varilok pencil core patent

EPO910 487 Verilok™ - Lamina Stack with at Least One Lamina Having a Plurality of Discrete Segments and an Apparatus and Method for Mfg. Said Stack

Patent Location:
Europe
Date Filed:
11/12/1998
Date Issued:
8/21/2002
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
11/12/2018
Claims:
Description:
European Varilok patent, similar to US 6,131,268, our first foreign patent.

2255921 Varilok™ - Lamina Stack with at Least One Lamina Having a Plurality of Discrete Segments and an Apparatus and Method for Mfg. Said Stack

Patent Location:
Canada
Date Filed:
12/4/1998
Date Issued:
8/17/2004
Issued To:
Neuenschwander
Expiration Date:
6/3/2017
Claims:
Description:
Mexican patent stemming from PCT application

PI9912402-5 Varilok™ - Long, Slender Lamina Stacks of Non-Uniform Laminae (Pencil Cores)

Patent Location:
Brazil
Date Filed:
6/3/1999
Date Issued:
5/9/2006
Issued To:
Neuenschwander (LHC0091-22)
Expiration Date:
6/3/2019
Claims:
Description:
Mexican Varilok pencil core patent stemming from PCT Application
 

Trademarks

Click item title for more information.

Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
9/15/1992
Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
3/9/1993
Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
4/20/1993
Patent Location:
Europe
Date Filed:
Patent Location:
United States
Date Filed:
1/7/2003
 
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