Thomas J Suelflow

Title: Inventor Thomas J. Suelflow: Innovator in Vibratory Mechanisms and Wheel Assembly Design

Introduction

Thomas J. Suelflow, an accomplished inventor based in Maplewood, MN, is recognized for his significant contributions to engineering, particularly in the fields of compacting machinery and wheel assembly design. With a total of three patents to his name, Suelflow's innovations have made a lasting impact on the machinery industry.

Latest Patents

Suelflow's latest patents include groundbreaking developments such as a vibratory mechanism designed for compacting work machines. This innovative mechanism features both a first outer eccentric weight and a second inner eccentric weight. Remarkably, the second weight incorporates a cavity with a movable mass that can be rotated in either direction. When rotated in the first direction, it opposes the first eccentric weight, while rotating in the second direction allows the movable mass to combine with the first eccentric weight. This design is further enhanced by enabling the second eccentric weight to be manually indexed into a variety of positions, creating distinct vibratory impact forces, which can be adjusted for various applications.

In addition, Suelflow has developed a method for assembling a wheel assembly intended for ground-driven work machines, such as mining dump trucks. The design consists of a rotatable wheel featuring inboard and outboard rims. The outboard rim is attached to a segmented rim-mounting flange, secured to a flange that projects from the wheel. This innovative design allows for the employment of a larger final drive ring gear compared to traditional wheel assemblies. Notably, the segmented mounting flange permits servicing of the final drive assembly without the need to remove the outboard rim, showcasing Suelflow's forward-thinking approach to engineering challenges.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Thomas J. Suelflow has notably worked with prestigious companies such as Caterpillar Inc. and Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. His rich experience within these organizations has contributed significantly to his expertise in the field, allowing him to develop advanced machinery solutions that enhance operational efficiency.

Collaborations

While working at these esteemed companies, Suelflow has collaborated with talented individuals, including David Randal Hinton and Eric A. Morr. These partnerships have likely fostered a creative environment, promoting the exchange of innovative ideas in machine design and functionality.

Conclusion

Thomas J. Suelflow's inventive spirit and dedication to engineering have led to impactful advancements in machinery design, specifically through his patents on vibratory mechanisms and wheel assemblies. His collaborations within the industry highlight the importance of teamwork in driving innovation, further emphasizing his role as an influential inventor in the field.