Patents by Inventor James A. Simmons
James A. Simmons 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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Publication number: 20080195523Abstract: Products can be listed on one electronic platform and then easily moved to another network based platform based on the occurrence of a triggering event. If a product owner lists a product on an electronic platform, there is an expectation of the product being sold. However, if a triggering event occurs, such as the product is listed for a specific time period without being sold, or the bidding activity is below a desired threshold or simply the owner decides it is time to try something new, the owner can select one or more destination platforms on which to list the product. For each platform, descriptive information about the product is obtained using a variety of techniques and then provided to the destination platform for the listing of the product.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2007Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventors: Nancy J. Rabenold, James A. Simmons
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Publication number: 20080149703Abstract: Disclosed is an automated condition evaluator that conducts an evaluation of an item placed into a sensor chamber to identify the item and determine characteristics about that item that can assist a party in making a decision about the item. More specifically, an item is placed into a sensor chamber and various sensors are actuated in an effort to identify the item. Extrinsic information may also be introduced into the identification process. Once the item is identified, a rigorous evaluation of the item is conducted to determine any flaws, characteristics, or changes from the standard are present in the item. The sensors evaluate the item in 3 dimensional space and the results are compared against expected results. Any variations are classified for evaluation. When the item being evaluated is a vehicle, the classifications of the differences include scratches, dents, holes and other problems that are characteristic of vehicle flaws.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Nancy J. Rabenold, James A. Simmons
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Publication number: 20080132376Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power transmission device for providing torque in a reverse direction and forward direction and for use in a vehicle having a power source. The device employs a pair of bevel gears slidably disposed on an output shaft to permit selective engagement of a forward or reverse direction of the output shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: Steven James Simmons
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Patent number: 7364075Abstract: Disclosed is an automated condition evaluator that conducts an evaluation of an item placed into a sensor chamber to identify the item and determine characteristics about that item that can assist a party in making a decision about the item. More specifically, an item is placed into a sensor chamber and various sensors are actuated in an effort to identify the item. Extrinsic information may also be introduced into the identification process. Once the item is identified, a rigorous evaluation of the item is conducted to determine any flaws, characteristics, or changes from the standard are present in the item. The sensors evaluate the item in 3 dimensional space and the results are compared against expected results. Any variations are classified for evaluation. When the item being evaluated is a vehicle, the classifications of the differences include scratches, dents, holes and other problems that are characteristic of vehicle flaws.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Auction Management Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Nancy J. Rabenold, James A. Simmons
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Patent number: 7361132Abstract: A novel cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet stock material into a novel cushioning product and for producing discrete sections or pads of desired length, without the need for a cutting assembly, thereby enabling the construction of a less expensive, smaller and less complex machine. The machine and method are characterized by a weakening device for perforating a sheet stock material of one or more plies along tear lines so that as a strip of cushioning is formed from the stock material, discrete sections or pads of desired length may be detachable along the tear lines. The stock material includes material which is biodegradable, recyclable and composed of a renewable resource, such as kraft paper.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Ranpak Corp.Inventors: Richard O. Ratzel, Joseph J. Harding, Michael J. Lencoski, James A. Simmons, Donald J. Barnhouse
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Patent number: 7351466Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine is characterized by a forming assembly which causes lateral edge portions of a substantially continuous sheet stock material to crumple and to fold upon themselves, leaving an unfolded central portion between the laterally spaced apart folded portions. The layers of sheet stock material in the folded portions are fixed by a feeding/fixing assembly having two pairs of laterally spaced feed assemblies to form a dunnage product which does not come apart as it is manipulated. A severing assembly severs discrete dunnage products from the continuous strip of dunnage.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Ranpak Corp.Inventor: James A. Simmons, Jr.
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Publication number: 20070281847Abstract: A novel cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet stock material into a novel cushioning product and for producing discrete sections or pads of desired length, without the need for a cutting assembly, thereby enabling the construction of a less expensive, smaller and less complex machine. The machine and method are characterized by a weakening device for perforating a sheet stock material of one or more plies along tear lines so that as a strip of cushioning is formed from the stock material, discrete sections or pads of desired length may be detachable along the tear lines. The stock material includes material which is biodegradable, recyclable and composed of a renewable resource, such as kraft paper.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2007Publication date: December 6, 2007Applicant: RANPAK CORP.Inventors: Richard Ratzel, Joseph Harding, Michael Lencoski, James Simmons, Donald Barnhouse
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Patent number: 7303717Abstract: A pair of form keys and a method for forming reverse drafts in foam parts are disclosed. A male form key is reciprocally mounted in a first mold half in a retracted position. A female form key is rotatably mounted in a second mold half in a neutral position. The first mold half includes a first drive pin that when engaged, moves the male form key into engagement with a foam sheet to form an undercut as the first and second mold halves are closed. The first mold half also includes a second drive pin that engages the female form key as the first and second mold halves close rotating the female form key into engagement with the foam sheet and the male form key. After closure of the mold and the product is formed, the mold is opened. As this occurs, the drive pins are disengaged and the male form key retracts and the female form key rotates to their neutral positions. The formed product may then be stripped from the mold while maintaining the reverse draft or undercut.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2004Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Philip Stanley Baker, Kenneth James Simmons, John Gardner Fuller
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Publication number: 20070250428Abstract: Multiple simultaneous auctions can be monitored and participated in using a single bidding device operated by a single remote bidder. A multi-windowed environment allows for the display of active bidding windows and docked bidding windows. The active bidding windows are fully functional bidding windows and include auction status, product information and the like. The docked bidding windows provide a subset of the information but, nonetheless provide real-time auction status information and allows for bidders to enter bids into the auctioning process without having to move the bidding window into an active status. A customer-identifier selector of identifier allows the remote bidder to associate a customer with a particular bidding window. The customer-identifier advantageously helps the remote bidder to track who purchased items are associated with, as well as providing control structure over the bidding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2005Publication date: October 25, 2007Applicant: AUCTION MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Nancy Rabenold, James Simmons, Gregory Smith, Brian Hardway, Tyler Bain, Daniel Paulovich
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Patent number: 7258657Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and related methodology characterized by one or more features including, inter alia, a feeding/connecting assembly which enables an operator to easily vary a characteristic, for example the density, of the cushioning product; a feeding/connecting assembly wherein input and/or output wheels or rollers thereof are made at least in part of an elastomeric or other friction enhancing material, which reduces the cost and complexity of the input and output rollers; a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams; a modular arrangement of a forming assembly and feeding/connecting assembly in separate units that may be positioned remotely from one another, as may be desired for more efficient utilization of floor space; a turner bar which enables alternative positioning a stock supply roll; and a volume expanding arrangement cooperative with the feeding/connecting assembly for reducing the density of the cushioning product and increasing product yield.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Ranpak Corp.Inventors: Richard O. Ratzel, Joseph J. Haroing, Michael J. Lencoski, James A. Simmons, Donald J. Barnhouse
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Publication number: 20070066472Abstract: An easy load packaging system, and a stand and a dunnage conversion machine therefor are disclosed. The stand includes a base and a pair of upright guide members mounted to the base and supporting at the upper ends thereof a dunnage conversion machine. The guide members define there between a channel for guiding sheet stock material to the dunnage conversion machine. The dunnage conversion machine is pivotable relative to the stand between an operating position and a servicing/loading position whereat access to internal components of the machine is simplified. A stack of sheet stock material is jacketed and/or baled for simplified loading into a packaging system or stand. An adhesive layer on the bottom or top of the stack enables the stack to be easily spliced to another stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2006Publication date: March 22, 2007Applicant: RANPAK CORP.Inventors: Joseph Harding, Judith Skiba, James Simmons, James Tekavec, Edward Lintala, Erwin Methorst, Koen Kuypers, Dan Coppus, Robert Cheich, Raymond Demers, Pierre Kobben
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Publication number: 20060259392Abstract: An electronic inspection report system includes a central report generator and a data collection device. The central report generator is adapted to produce multiple types of inspection report template. The central report generator is adapted to select a type of inspection report template to provide to a data collection device based upon various criteria. The central report generator is adapted to receive electronic information from various databases and format the information such that the information can be used in inspection reports. While inspecting an item, an inspector uses a data collection device to access an inspection report template and fill in fields of the inspection report template. The data collection device can be configured to check the consistency of information carried in fields of the inspection report and signal the inspector when some of the information is inconsistent. The central report generator can include a repository of completed inspection reports.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2005Publication date: November 16, 2006Applicant: AUCTION MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Nancy Rabenold, James Simmons, Peter Ogden, Howard Jones, Lewis Glow
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Publication number: 20060247116Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and related methodology characterized by one or more features including, inter alia, a feeding/connecting assembly which enables an operator to easily vary a characteristic, for example the density, of the cushioning product; a feeding/connecting assembly wherein input and/or output wheels or rollers thereof are made at least in part of an elastomeric or other friction enhancing material, which reduces the cost and complexity of the input and output rollers; a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams; a modular arrangement of a forming assembly and feeding/connecting assembly in separate units that may be positioned remotely from one another, as may be desired for more efficient utilization of floor space; a turner bar which enables alternative positioning a stock supply roll; and a volume expanding arrangement cooperative with the feeding/connecting assembly for reducing the density of the cushioning product and increasing product yield.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2005Publication date: November 2, 2006Inventors: Richard Ratzel, Joseph Haroing, Michael Lencoski, James Simmons, Donald Barnhouse
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Publication number: 20060213137Abstract: A reinforced composite material includes a decorative layer, a stiffener core, and, optionally, a backing layer, which are thermofused to each other. Also provided is a method for the production of such a material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2005Publication date: September 28, 2006Applicant: Kemlite Company, Inc.Inventors: Robert Barney, James Simmons
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Publication number: 20060196927Abstract: Disclosed is an automated condition evaluator that conducts an evaluation of an item placed into a sensor chamber to identify the item and determine characteristics about that item that can assist a party in making a decision about the item. More specifically, an item is placed into a sensor chamber and various sensors are actuated in an effort to identify the item. Extrinsic information may also be introduced into the identification process. Once the item is identified, a rigorous evaluation of the item is conducted to determine any flaws, characteristics, or changes from the standard are present in the item. The sensors evaluate the item in 3 dimensional space and the results are compared against expected results. Any variations are classified for evaluation. When the item being evaluated is a vehicle, the classifications of the differences include scratches, dents, holes and other problems that are characteristic of vehicle flaws.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2006Publication date: September 7, 2006Applicant: AUCTION MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Nancy Rabenold, James Simmons
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Publication number: 20060111228Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine is characterized by a forming assembly which causes lateral edge portions of a substantially continuous sheet stock material to crumple and to fold upon themselves, leaving an unfolded central portion between the laterally spaced apart folded portions. The layers of sheet stock material in the folded portions are fixed by a feeding/fixing assembly having two pairs of laterally spaced feed assemblies to form a dunnage product which does not come apart as it is manipulated. A severing assembly severs discrete dunnage products from the continuous strip of dunnage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2005Publication date: May 25, 2006Inventor: James Simmons
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Patent number: 7044903Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine is characterized by a forming assembly which causes lateral edge portions of a substantially continuous sheet stock material to crumple and to fold upon themselves, leaving an unfolded central portion between the laterally spaced apart folded portions. The layers of sheet stock material in the folded portions are fixed by a feeding/fixing assembly having two pairs of laterally spaced feed assemblies to form a dunnage product which does not come apart as it is manipulated. A severing assembly severs discrete dunnage products from the continuous strip of dunnage.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Ranpak Corp.Inventor: James A. Simmons, Jr.
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Patent number: 7028885Abstract: Disclosed is an automated condition evaluator that conducts an evaluation of an item placed into a sensor chamber to identify the item and determine characteristics about that item that can assist a party in making a decision about the item. More specifically, an item is placed into a sensor chamber and various sensors are actuated in an effort to identify the item. Extrinsic information may also be introduced into the identification process. Once the item is identified, a rigorous evaluation of the item is conducted to determine any flaws, characteristics, or changes from the standard are present in the item. The sensors evaluate the item in 3 dimensional space and the results are compared against expected results. Any variations are classified for evaluation. When the item being evaluated is a vehicle, the classifications of the differences include scratches, dents, holes and other problems that are characteristic of vehicle flaws.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Auction Management Solutions, INCInventors: Nancy J. Rabenold, James A. Simmons
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Publication number: 20060040817Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and related methodology characterized by one or more features including, inter alia, a feeding/connecting assembly which enables an operator to easily vary a characteristic, for example the density, of the cushioning product; a feeding/connecting assembly wherein input and/or output wheels or rollers thereof are made at least in part of an elastomeric or other friction enhancing material, which reduces the cost and complexity of the input and output rollers; a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams; a modular arrangement of a forming assembly and feeding/connecting assembly in separate units that may be positioned remotely from one another, as may be desired for more efficient utilization of floor space; a turner bar which enables alternative positioning a stock supply roll; and a volume expanding arrangement cooperative with the feeding/connecting assembly for reducing the density of the cushioning product and increasing product yield.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2005Publication date: February 23, 2006Inventors: Richard Ratzel, Joseph Haroing, Michael Lencoski, James Simmons, Donald Barnhouse
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Publication number: 20060020710Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system to deliver real-time video data over the Internet in a bandwidth efficient manner. A streaming processor receives raw video data from a video source and communicates a compressed version of the video data to a reflector network. The video data is compress by grouping pixels into blocks and comparing blocks of adjacent frames of video data to identify any changes. Only blocks that have been changed are transmitted to the reflector network. In addition, if a block has been changed in a manner to create a previously transmitted block, then only an identification index for the block is transmitted. The actual content of the block can then be recreated by comparing the index to a list of previously received blocks. The reflector network provides the compressed video stream to multiple clients through a series of reflectors. Each client can customize the quality of the video stream received by requesting a full-stream of a sub-stream from the reflector network.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2004Publication date: January 26, 2006Inventors: Nancy Rabenold, James Simmons, Daniel Paulovich