Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1993
Title: Innovator Spotlight: Norman L. Fernau
Introduction
Norman L. Fernau, an inventive mind hailing from Waterloo, IA, has made a significant impact in the realm of engineering with his innovative approach to solving common challenges in manufacturing. With one patent to his name, he has contributed to the improvement of lathe operations, showcasing the importance of precision in the engineering field.
Latest Patents
Fernau's notable patent is for a unique design of chuck jaws, specifically engineered for holding irregularly-shaped objects, such as differential housings, on lathes. This patent presents a chuck jaw body that is pivotally mounted to each chuck mounting block, allowing the jaw to pivot around an axis that is tangential to the cylinder formed by the turning radius of the lathe. The design features a first end of the chuck jaw body that extends radially further in than the second end, enabling the first end to engage smaller portions of irregular objects while the second end accommodates larger parts. Additionally, the inclusion of springs and adjustment screws allows for the fine-tuning of the initial angles of the chuck jaws, further enhancing their functionality.
Career Highlights
Fernau's career journey has led him to become a valued team member at Deere & Company, a renowned organization in the field of agricultural machinery and equipment. His innovative contributions at Deere have been vital in refining machinery operations and improving productivity.
Collaborations
During his tenure at Deere & Company, Fernau has collaborated with fellow innovator Randy R. Welch. Their teamwork underscores the importance of collaboration in the inventive process, where sharing ideas and expertise can lead to groundbreaking advancements in engineering.
Conclusion
In summary, Norman L. Fernau's innovative contributions, particularly his patent for chuck jaws, exemplify the spirit of invention that drives progress in manufacturing technologies. His work at Deere & Company, coupled with meaningful collaborations, highlights the significance of teamwork in fostering an environment of innovation. As the industry continues to evolve, inventors like Fernau play a crucial role in shaping the future of engineering and manufacturing.