Patents by Inventor Craig A. Wheeler

Craig A. Wheeler 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).

  • Publication number: 20240149310
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning food processing equipment, which can include a plurality of individual containers, a plurality of conduits, fluid control components, and a manifold. The individual containers contain different cleaning solutions (e.g., caustic, acid, and/or sanitizer). The conduits are each fluidly connected to either one of the plurality of individual containers or a water source, and the fluid control components are each configured to individually and selectively control when fluid flows through each of the conduits from one of the plurality of individual containers and/or the water source. The manifold has a plurality of inlets each fluidly coupled with one of the plurality of conduits and one outlet fluidly coupled with the plurality of inlets. The cleaning solutions mix with each other and/or with water within the manifold before being dispensed therefrom into food processing equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Applicant: Hantover, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Curnett, Craig E. Feeler, Chad Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8297541
    Abstract: Apparatus for reducing dust emissions from particulate commodities such as wheat or coal using a curved loading spoon connected to the discharge from a loading spout. The curved loading spoon turns particulate commodities delivered at a rate above a predetermined delivery velocity against a curved outer wall causing dust arising from the particulate commodities to be re-entrained within the commodities as they are diverted from a straight path by the curvature. Also described are an optional flap designed to rest just above the surface of the commodities stream adjacent the outlet, and a converging duct located upstream of the curve loading spoon and arranged to direct commodities against the curved outer wall adjacent the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: The University of Newcastle Research Associates Limited
    Inventors: Alan W. Roberts, Tobias Krull, Stephen J. Wiche, Craig A. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 7538959
    Abstract: An optic mount and mounting technique according to the invention isolates the material properties of the optical element from the material properties of the structural element. According to one aspect, kinematically positioned, opposing flexures attach to the structural and/or optical elements in a way that isolates one side of the mount from the other side. As the temperature changes, the flexures attached to the structural and optical elements can move radially like hinges as the materials expand and contract. According to additional aspects, thin stabilizers can be included such as ribs that connect the end of each flexure to the ring perimeter. The geometry of the rib can allow for radial compliance of the flexure while keeping the flexure stiff in the axial direction. This increases the resonant frequency of the optical assembly, which is important for dynamic systems. The ribs also reduce positional sag due to gravity, which is important for optical systems that have dynamic pointing requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Sonoma EO, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20070251385
    Abstract: Apparatus for reducing dust emissions from particulate commodities such as wheat or coal using a curved loading spoon connected to the discharge from a loading spout. The curved loading spoon turns particulate commodities delivered at a rate above a predetermined delivery velocity against a curved outer wall causing dust arising from the particulate commodities to be re-entrained within the commodities as they are diverted from a straight path by the curvature. Also described are an optional flap designed to rest just above the surface of the commodities stream adjacent the outlet, and a converging duct located upstream of the curve loading spoon and arranged to direct commodities against the curved outer wall adjacent the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, LTD.
    Inventors: Alan Roberts, Tobias Krull, Stephen Wiche, Craig Wheeler