Patents by Inventor Brent Merritt
Brent Merritt has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9928502Abstract: Use of a mobile device for facilitating cashless wagering in a gaming system. An electronic gaming machine (EGM) receives account information of a user from the mobile device associated with the user. The mobile device wirelessly communicates the account information to the EGM. One or more financial transactions may be initialized between the mobile device and the EGM such that the initializing enables the mobile device to perform cashless wagering in the EGM for funding a bet associated with the account information.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: IGTInventors: John L. Curtin, Kelsy Grace, Leisa Glantz, Paul Heenan, Benjamin R. Holsclaw, Jami Horner, Brent Merritt, Marcus J. Schwendener, Anthony Sofran, Shenea Strader, Brittany York
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Publication number: 20170262834Abstract: Use of a mobile device for facilitating cashless wagering in a gaming system. An electronic gaming machine (EGM) receives account information of a user from the mobile device associated with the user. The mobile device wirelessly communicates the account information to the EGM. One or more financial transactions may be initialized between the mobile device and the EGM such that the initializing enables the mobile device to perform cashless wagering in the EGM for funding a bet associated with the account information.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicant: IGTInventors: John L. CURTIN, Kelsy GRACE, Leisa GLANTZ, Paul HEENAN, Benjamin R. HOLSCLAW, Jami HORNER, Brent MERRITT, Marcus J. SCHWENDENER, Anthony SOFRAN, Shenea STRADER, Brittany YORK
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Patent number: 9666027Abstract: Use of a financial transaction device of a cashless wagering system is facilitated in a gaming system. An electronic gaming machine (EGM) accepts a financial transaction device, having at least an account identifier linking the financial transaction card to at least one financial account of at least one financial institution, for depositing the financial amount into at least one financial account, performing a cashless wagering operation in the EGM, and/or using the financial transaction device for payment of goods and services by gaming and non-gaming venues.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2016Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: IGTInventors: John L. Curtin, Kelsy Grace, Leisa Glantz, Paul Heenan, Benjamin R. Holsclaw, Jami Horner, Brent Merritt, Marcus J. Schwendener, Anthony Sofran, Shenea Strader, Brittany York
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Publication number: 20160171830Abstract: Use of a financial transaction device of a cashless wagering system is facilitated in a gaming system. An electronic gaming machine (EGM) accepts a financial transaction device, having at least an account identifier linking the financial transaction card to at least one financial account of at least one financial institution, for depositing the financial amount into at least one financial account, performing a cashless wagering operation in the EGM, and/or using the financial transaction device for payment of goods and services by gaming and non-gaming venues.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2016Publication date: June 16, 2016Applicant: IGTInventors: John L. CURTIN, Kelsy GRACE, Leisa GLANTZ, Paul HEENAN, Benjamin R. HOLSCLAW, Jami HORNER, Brent MERRITT, Marcus J. SCHWENDENER, Anthony SOFRAN, Shenea STRADER, Brittany YORK
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Patent number: 9269231Abstract: Use of a financial transaction device of a cashless wagering system is facilitated in a gaming system. The financial transaction device, having at least an account identifier linking the financial transaction card to at least one financial account of at least one financial institution associated with the gaming network, is provided by an electronic gaming machine (EGM), a financial institution, and/or a gaming network, for depositing the financial amount into at least one financial account, performing a cashless wagering operation in the EGM, and/or using the financial transaction device for payment of goods and services by gaming and non-gaming venues. The financial transaction device is used for depositing the financial amount into at least one financial account of the at least one financial institution associated with the gaming network by one of the EGM and the ATM, cashless wagering in the EGM, and/or purchasing the goods and services.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: John L. Curtin, Kelsy Grace, Leisa Glantz, Paul Heenan, Benjamin R. Holsclaw, Jami Horner, Brent Merritt, Marcus J. Schwendener, Anthony Sofran, Shenea Strader, Brittany York
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Publication number: 20150072762Abstract: Use of a financial transaction device of a cashless wagering system is facilitated in a gaming system. The financial transaction device, having at least an account identifier linking the financial transaction card to at least one financial account of at least one financial institution associated with the gaming network, is provided by an electronic gaming machine (EGM), a financial institution, and/or a gaming network, for depositing the financial amount into at least one financial account, performing a cashless wagering operation in the EGM, and/or using the financial transaction device for payment of goods and services by gaming and non-gaming venues. The financial transaction device is used for depositing the financial amount into at least one financial account of the at least one financial institution associated with the gaming network by one of the EGM and the ATM, cashless wagering in the EGM, and/or purchasing the goods and services.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: IGTInventors: John L. CURTIN, Kelsy GRACE, Leisa GLANTZ, Paul HEENAN, Benjamin R. HOLSCLAW, Jami HORNER, Brent MERRITT, Marcus J. SCHWENDENER, Anthony SOFRAN, Shenea STRADER, Brittany YORK
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Patent number: 8967866Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing is provided that includes an annular main foil having axially spaced inner and outer surfaces. Bump foils are supported circumferentially on the outer surface. Top foils are supported circumferentially on the inner surface opposite the bump foils. In one example, spacers are arranged between the top foils and the main foils. The spacers can be provided by chemically etching the main foil, in one example. The bump foils include first and second corrugated portions respectively providing first and second axially heights. The first axial height is less than the second axial height and is arranged at a leading edge of the bump foil relative to the direction of airflow across the hydrodynamic bearing.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Ronald Struziak, Christopher McAuliffe, Brent Merritt, Seth Rosen
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Patent number: 8147143Abstract: A thrust bearing for a rotary machine includes first, second and third layers. The second layer includes a corrugated foil arranged between the first and third layers. The corrugated foil includes a wall having peaks engaging the first layer and valleys engaging the third layer. A depression is arranged in the wall between first and second peaks. The depression is spaced from the first and third layers. The first layer includes multiple arcuate top foils that are arranged adjacent to a thrust runner of a rotatable shaft. A corresponding number of arcuate corrugated foils may be used to support the top foils. The third layer, which is provided by an annular main plate, includes multiple arcuate spacers arranged circumferentially on the main plate. The spacers are generally aligned with a trailing edge of the top foils. The depressions decrease the stiffness of the bump foils. The spacers direct the axial load through the thrust bearing in a desired manner.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Ronald Struziak, Christopher McAuliffe, Brent Merritt, Seth Rosen
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Patent number: 7757502Abstract: An environmental control system includes a RAM air fan system downstream of a respective heat exchanger in the relatively high temperature RAM exhaust. The RAM air fan includes a RAM air fan electric motor such that the RAM air fan is driven at a speed independent of an air cycle machine. A fan rotor is completely supported by hydrodynamic foil journal and thrust bearings. As the RAM air fan is driven by the RAM air fan electric motor the RAM air fan is installed in the environmental control system as a self-contained system.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Brent Merritt, Christopher McAuliffe
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Publication number: 20080260308Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing is provided that includes an annular main foil having axially spaced inner and outer surfaces. Bump foils are supported circumferentially on the outer surface. Top foils are supported circumferentially on the inner surface opposite the bump foils. In one example, spacers are arranged between the top foils and the main foils. The spacers can be provided by chemically etching the main foil, in one example. The bump foils include first and second corrugated portions respectively providing first and second axially heights. The first axial height is less than the second axial height and is arranged at a leading edge of the bump foil relative to the direction of airflow across the hydrodynamic bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Ronald Struziak, Christopher McAuliffe, Brent Merritt, Seth Rosen
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Patent number: 7407367Abstract: A diffuser includes multiple vanes rotatable about pivot pins between multiple positions. A mounting plate supports a backing plate. The vanes are arranged between the backing plate and the shroud. The pivot pins are in a slip fit relationship with the backing plate, vanes and shroud and are threadingly received by bosses in the mounting plate. The mounting plate and pivot pin arrangement better enables the backing plate and shroud to remain parallel with one another during deflection of the backing plate and/or shroud. Structure, such as integral protrusions and/or bolts, extend from between the backing plate and shroud through apertures in the vanes to better contain the vanes in the event of a catastrophic failure.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Christopher McAuliffe, Craig Beers, Brent Merritt, Robert Telakowski
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Patent number: 7402020Abstract: An air cycle machine includes a housing having a compressor housing portion. A shaft is supported by the housing and includes a thrust runner. A hydrodynamic thrust bearing is arranged adjacent to the thrust runner and includes upstream and downstream sides. A compressor rotor is mounted on the shaft. A seal is arranged between the compressor rotor and the compressor housing portion. An orifice is provided in the compressor housing portion at the downstream side of the hydrodynamic bearing. The orifice vents hot compressed air that may leak past the seal prior to reaching the hydrodynamic thrust bearing.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Craig Beers, Christopher McAuliffe, Brent Merritt
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Publication number: 20070134105Abstract: An air cycle machine includes a housing having a compressor housing portion. A shaft is supported by the housing and includes a thrust runner. A hydrodynamic thrust bearing is arranged adjacent to the thrust runner and includes upstream and downstream sides. A compressor rotor is mounted on the shaft. A seal is arranged between the compressor rotor and the compressor housing portion. An orifice is provided in the compressor housing portion at the downstream side of the hydrodynamic bearing. The orifice vents hot compressed air that may leak past the seal prior to reaching the hydrodynamic thrust bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2005Publication date: June 14, 2007Inventors: Craig Beers, Christopher McAuliffe, Brent Merritt
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Patent number: 7140839Abstract: A diffuser is provided having a spaced apart shroud and backing plate. A diffuser vane is provided between the backing plate and shroud. The vane includes first and second sealing surfaces opposite from one another and adjacent to the backing plate and shroud. Leading and trailing surfaces are arranged opposite from one another and adjoin the first and second sealing surfaces. The first sealing surface includes a first protrusion extending therefrom approximate to the leading surface with a gap extending from the trailing surface to the first protrusion. The second surface includes a second protrusion extending therefrom proximate to the trailing surface with a second gap extending from the leading surface to the second protrusion. The surfaces provide four corners such that the protrusions are arranged on opposite corners from one another to create a pressure differential between the first and second sealing surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Hamilton SundstrandInventors: Christopher McAuliffe, Mark L. Harris, Brent Merritt, Ronald Struziak
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Publication number: 20060062666Abstract: A diffuser includes multiple vanes rotatable about pivot pins between multiple positions. A mounting plate supports a backing plate. The vanes are arranged between the backing plate and the shroud. The pivot pins are in a slip fit relationship with the backing plate, vanes and shroud and are threadingly received by bosses in the mounting plate. The mounting plate and pivot pin arrangement better enables the backing plate and shroud to remain parallel with one another during deflection of the backing plate and/or shroud. Structure, such as integral protrusions and/or bolts, extend from between the backing plate and shroud through apertures in the vanes to better contain the vanes in the event of a catastrophic failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2005Publication date: March 23, 2006Inventors: Christopher McAuliffe, Craig Beers, Brent Merritt, Robert Telakowski
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Publication number: 20060062500Abstract: A thrust bearing for a rotary machine includes first, second and third layers. The second layer includes a corrugated foil arranged between the first and third layers. The corrugated foil includes a wall having peaks engaging the first layer and valleys engaging the third layer. A depression is arranged in the wall between first and second peaks. The depression is spaced from the first and third layers. The first layer includes multiple arcuate top foils that are arranged adjacent to a thrust runner of a rotatable shaft. A corresponding number of arcuate corrugated foils may be used to support the top foils. The third layer, which is provided by an annular main plate, includes multiple arcuate spacers arranged circumferentially on the main plate. The spacers are generally aligned with a trailing edge of the top foils. The depressions decrease the stiffness of the bump foils. The spacers direct the axial load through the thrust bearing in a desired manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2004Publication date: March 23, 2006Inventors: Ronald Struziak, Christopher McAuliffe, Brent Merritt, Seth Rosen
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Publication number: 20060059943Abstract: An air cycle machine includes two turbines and a compressor mounted on an integral shaft. The integral shaft includes a plurality of shaft sections that are welded together and machined in a single set-up process into a desired shaft shape to provide highly aligned bearing surfaces. The shaft includes three stops that cooperate with three fasteners to secure the two turbines and the compressor on the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2005Publication date: March 23, 2006Inventors: Brent Merritt, Craig Beers
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Publication number: 20060059941Abstract: An ECS system includes a RAM air fan (RAF) system downstream of a respective heat exchanger in the relatively high temperature RAM exhaust. The RAF includes a RAF electric motor such that the RAF is driven at a speed independent of an ACM which reduces generated noise and increases overall operating efficiency. A fan rotor is completely supported by hydrodynamic foil journal and thrust bearings which permits effective operation of the RAF downstream of the respective heat exchangers in the relatively high temperature RAM exhaust. As the RAF is driven by the RAF electric motor the RAF is installed in the ECS system as a self-contained system such as Line Replaceable Units (LRUs).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2005Publication date: March 23, 2006Inventors: Brent Merritt, Christopher McAuliffe
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Publication number: 20060059942Abstract: An ECS system provides an ACM which locates the compressor upon a common shaft between a first turbine and a second turbine. Each RAF is located remote from the ACM such that the turbines are located outboard on each end of the ACM to provide the highest efficiency possible with each turbine using a straight axial outlet diffuser. As the compressor is located between the turbines the bypass circuits from the turbines are less circuitous and more efficient. Integral valve ports formed into the ACM housing portions results in a weight reduced design due to increase bypass efficiencies and simplified installations.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2004Publication date: March 23, 2006Inventors: Christopher McAuliffe, Brent Merritt, Craig Beers
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Publication number: 20060062665Abstract: A diffuser is provided having a spaced apart shroud and backing plate. A diffuser vane is provided between the backing plate and shroud. The vane includes first and second sealing surfaces opposite from one another and adjacent to the backing plate and shroud. Leading and trailing surfaces are arranged opposite from one another and adjoin the first and second sealing surfaces. The first sealing surface includes a first protrusion extending therefrom approximate to the leading surface with a gap extending from the trailing surface to the first protrusion. The second surface includes a second protrusion extending therefrom proximate to the trailing surface with a second gap extending from the leading surface to the second protrusion. The surfaces provide four corners such that the protrusions are arranged on opposite corners from one another to create a pressure differential between the first and second sealing surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2004Publication date: March 23, 2006Inventors: Christopher McAuliffe, Mark Harris, Brent Merritt, Ronald Struziak