Patents by Inventor Edward C. Gilliam

Edward C. Gilliam 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).

  • Can end tester
    Patent number: 4637260
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for testing easy-open can ends. The apparatus orients the ends, opens the ends, tests the ends to assure that opening has occurred and separates defective ends which have not successfully opened from acceptable ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Edward C. Gilliam, John M. Jackson, Billy J. Lamie
  • Can end sampler
    Patent number: 4519489
    Abstract: An apparatus for sampling can ends from a can end forming line is disclosed. The device includes first and second chutes and deflectors for deflecting can ends between the chutes. An optional door may be provided as a portion of one of the chutes to further deflect certain ends from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Jack D. Dingus, Edward C. Gilliam
  • Can end tester
    Patent number: 4495797
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for testing can ends for leakage. The apparatus includes a series of stations, including an entry station, one or more punishment stations, a testing station and an output station, means for transporting can ends from station to station within the apparatus and means responsive to a detection of a defective end for either alerting an operator to the situation and/or stopping the can end forming equipment until corrective action has been taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Ernest W. Cassell, Jr., Edward C. Gilliam