Patents by Inventor Ronald S. Allen

Ronald S. Allen 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: 5398458
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a process of and apparatus for manufacturing tile mosaics from at least two stone slabs, such as marble or granite slabs. The process comprises the steps of: a) cutting each of the two slabs into a matrix of pieces while maintaining the original orientation of the pieces, b) classifying the pieces of each matrix into two or more sets of pieces, c) intermixing a first set of pieces of one slab with a second set of pieces of another slab while maintaining the original orientation of the pieces, thereby forming the mosaic. The cutting apparatus comprises: a) a platen having a resilient layer for supporting the slab, b) a gantry table saw having a plurality of blades and a rotatable table for supporting the platen, and c) a hold-down rack for securing the slab and platen during cutting. At least two grippers are use to intermix at least one set of pieces from one slab with at least one set of pieces from a second slab to form the mosaic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Craftsman Marble, Granite & Tile Co.
    Inventors: Lars E. Henriksen, Steven R. Austin, Ronald S. Allen, Michael J. Sutfin