Batavia, IL, United States of America

Donald E Wilt

This inventor holds 15 USPTO granted patents and 1 published patent application, plus 8 CIPO patents, primarily in Railcar Technology. Top assignees: Miner Enterprises, Inc., Trinity North American Freight Car, Inc.. Active years: 2004-2026.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Donald E Wilt. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/donald-e-wilt

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

Calculating rank
USPTO Granted Patents = 15 

% Patents Active = 93.3

 

Average Co-Inventor Count = 3.1

ph-index = 8

Forward Citations = 143(Granted Patents)


Company Filing History:


Years Active: 2004-2026

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Areas of Expertise:
Railcar Coupler
Draft Gear Assembly
Energy Absorption
Friction Modifying Insert
Railroad Freight Car
Railcar Housing
Coupling System
Elastomeric Draft Gear
Railcar Key Retainer
Draft Gear Friction
Railcar Technology
Railroad Car
15 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents

Title: The Innovations of Donald E. Wilt

Introduction

Donald E. Wilt is a notable inventor based in Batavia, Illinois, with a remarkable portfolio of 14 patents. His work primarily focuses on advancements in railroad technology, particularly in enhancing the efficiency and functionality of freight car draft gear systems.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is the Railroad Freight Car Draft Gear Friction Modifying Insert. This innovative design includes a friction clutch assembly with friction members that operate in combination with an actuator. Each friction member features an outer friction surface that slides along a mating friction surface. A spring assembly is integrated to absorb, dissipate, and return energy imparted to the draft gear. The design incorporates recesses on the mating friction surfaces, allowing for a uniquely designed preformed friction modifying insert to be pressed into each recess. Each insert is characterized by an elongated leg with projections extending radially outward, and a convex inner contact surface that facilitates insertion and active contact, along with flared inner edges to improve the fit between the insert and related draft gear components.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Donald E. Wilt has made significant contributions to the field of railroad technology. He has worked with prominent companies such as Miner Enterprises, Inc. and Trinity North American Freight Car, Inc., where he has applied his expertise to develop innovative solutions for freight car systems.

Collaborations

Donald has collaborated with notable individuals in the industry, including Keith A. Salis and William P. O'Donnell. Their combined efforts have contributed to the advancement of technology in freight car design and functionality.

Conclusion

Donald E. Wilt's contributions to the field of railroad technology through his patents and collaborations highlight his innovative spirit and dedication to improving freight car systems. His work continues to influence the industry and pave the way for future advancements.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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