Gordon V Sprague, Jr

Title: Gordon V Sprague, Jr: Innovator in Shoe Manufacturing Technology

Introduction

Gordon V Sprague, Jr is a notable inventor based in Danvers, MA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of shoe manufacturing technology, holding a total of three patents. His innovative designs have improved the efficiency and effectiveness of shoe production processes.

Latest Patents

One of Sprague's latest patents is for an Automatic Roughing Machine. This multi-station machine is designed for marginal roughing and toe scouring of shoe bottoms. It features a turret arrangement that carries multiple shoe supports. At the marginal roughing station, two rotary roughing tools operate along opposite marginal portions of the shoe bottom. The tools move lengthwise in both a first and return direction, while the shoe support can move heightwise and widthwise to follow the shoe bottom margin contour. The tools are also capable of pivoting about a horizontal axis to maintain their plane normal to the shoe bottom portion being operated upon. Additionally, in-machine brush grinding is provided, utilizing rotating stones that spin at about twice the speed of the roughing brushes. At the toe scouring station, a single abrasive roll is adjustable lengthwise and heightwise under cam control, which is set according to the shoe bottom contour.

Another significant patent is for an Adhesive Process. This process and apparatus are designed for applying adhesive to surfaces, particularly for attaching tread members to shoes. The adhesive applicator includes a jet that provides a gas stream with a rotational component, allowing it to extrude viscous fluid adhesive into a filament. This filament is laid down as a band of overlapping loops directly on the surface to be adhered. The elements are then pressed together with the adhesive in between, and the adhesive is subsequently hardened.

Career Highlights

Gordon V Sprague, Jr has had a successful career at Usm Corporation, where he has been instrumental in developing innovative manufacturing solutions. His work has significantly advanced the technology used in the shoe industry, making production processes more efficient and effective.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Sprague has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Richard M Elliott and Salvatore R Provanzano. These collaborations have contributed to the development of cutting-edge technologies in shoe manufacturing.

Conclusion

Gordon V Sprague, Jr is a distinguished inventor whose contributions to shoe manufacturing technology have made a lasting impact.