Patents by Inventor Kenneth A. Kirk

Kenneth A. Kirk 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).

  • Patent number: 9758684
    Abstract: A glass or ceramic dishware item with an image disposed thereon is provided. The image is transferred, at ambient temperature, to the surface of the dishware from an ink composite by using a silicone transfer substrate. The ink composite is dispensed by an inkjet head. Methods and systems for producing ink composites and dishware using ink composites are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: WKI HOLDING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: John Donohoe, Michael J. Sullivan, Richard J. Lugen, Kenneth A. Kirk
  • Publication number: 20160068698
    Abstract: A glass or ceramic dishware item with an image disposed thereon is provided. The image is transferred, at ambient temperature, to the surface of the dishware from an ink composite by using a silicone transfer substrate. The ink composite is dispensed by an inkjet head. Methods and systems for producing ink composites and dishware using ink composites are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: John Donohoe, Michael J. Sullivan, Richard J. Lugen, Kenneth A. Kirk
  • Patent number: 9217090
    Abstract: A glass or ceramic dishware item with an image disposed thereon is provided. The image is transferred, at ambient temperature, to the surface of the dishware from an ink composite by using a silicone transfer substrate. The ink composite is dispensed by an inkjet head. Methods and systems for producing ink composites and dishware using ink composites are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: WKI HOLDING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: John Donohoe, Michael J. Sullivan, Richard J. Lugen, Kenneth A. Kirk
  • Publication number: 20130224445
    Abstract: A glass or ceramic dishware item with an image disposed thereon is provided. The image is transferred, at ambient temperature, to the surface of the dishware from an ink composite by using a silicone transfer substrate. The ink composite is dispensed by an inkjet head. Methods and systems for producing ink composites and dishware using ink composites are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: John Donohoe, Michael J. Sullivan, Richard J. Lugen, Kenneth A. Kirk
  • Publication number: 20110217088
    Abstract: A glass or ceramic dishware item having a contoured surface with an image disposed thereon is provided. The image is transferred to the contoured surface from a layered ink composite. The layered ink composite is created by depositing a first layer of thermoplastic ink onto a silicone substrate. A ceramic toner configured as an image is electrographically deposited onto the first layer of thermoplastic ink. A second layer of thermoplastic ink is then deposited onto the ceramic toner. The image is transferred, at ambient temperature, from the layered ink composite to the contoured surface of the dishware item by moving the second layer of thermoplastic ink and the contoured surface into contact. The dishware item is then fired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: WKI HOLDING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: John Donohoe, Richard L. Lugen, Kenneth A. Kirk
  • Patent number: 7887904
    Abstract: A glass or ceramic dishware item having a contoured surface with an image disposed thereon is provided. The image is transferred to the contoured surface from a layered ink composite. The layered ink composite is created by depositing a first layer of thermoplastic ink onto a silicone substrate. A ceramic toner configured as an image is electrographically deposited onto the first layer of thermoplastic ink. A second layer of thermoplastic ink is then deposited onto the ceramic toner. The image is transferred, at ambient temperature, from the layered ink composite to the contoured surface of the dishware item by moving the second layer of thermoplastic ink and the contoured surface into contact. The dishware item is then fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: WKI Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John Donohoe, Richard J. Lugen, Kenneth A. Kirk
  • Publication number: 20080220188
    Abstract: A glass or ceramic dishware item having a contoured surface with an image disposed thereon is provided. The image is transferred to the contoured surface from a layered ink composite. The layered ink composite is created by depositing a first layer of thermoplastic ink onto a silicone substrate. A ceramic toner configured as an image is electrographically deposited onto the first layer of thermoplastic ink. A second layer of thermoplastic ink is then deposited onto the ceramic toner. The image is transferred, at ambient temperature, from the layered ink composite to the contoured surface of the dishware item by moving the second layer of thermoplastic ink and the contoured surface into contact. The dishware item is then fired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: John Donohoe, Richard J. Lugen, Kenneth A. Kirk
  • Patent number: 5149565
    Abstract: This invention is drawn to a method for eliminating the grayish discoloration which customarily develops when lead-free and cadmium-free glass frits are applied to substrates employing an organic vehicle and which are thereafter fired to fuse the frit particles into a glaze. The grayish hue results from a carbonaceous residue left upon thermally decomposing the organic vehicle. The inventive method comprises five general elements:(a) glass frit particles of a desired composition are prepared;(b) a coating of an organic compound containing at least one sulfur oxide group as an oxidizing agent is adsorbed on the surface of the particles;(c) the coated particles are mixed with an organic vehicle;(d) that mixture is coated onto a surface of a substrate; and(e) that coated substrate is fired to fuse the frit particles into a glaze, the oxidizing agent eliminating the carbonaceous residue left upon thermal decomposition of the organic vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald E. Johnson, Kenneth A. Kirk, Kathleen A. Wexell
  • Patent number: 4986076
    Abstract: One version of the invention provides a method for cooling and maintaining an object at a substantially constant temperature. The method includes adding a salt that dissolves endothermically in water to a mixture containing at least water, a surfactant and an emulsified thermal buffer. The "salt:water:thermal buffer" ratio is such that the reaction provides sufficient endotherm to cool the system to the freezing point of the thermal buffer and effect at least a partial phase change of the thermal buffer. Another version of the invention provides a device for effecting the method. The device has a reaction compartment consisting of two portions separated by a frangible barrier, one portion containing the emulsified thermal buffer in water and the other portion the salt that dissolves endothermically into solution. One specific version of the device is a container for transporting an amputated extremity such as a severed finger to another location for replantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Kenneth Kirk
    Inventors: Kenneth Kirk, Cassius D. Remick, Charles M. Burns, Berthold H. Habicher