Patents by Inventor Ross Johnston
Ross Johnston 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: 11075751Abstract: A modular valuable media recycling device is presented. The valuable media recycling device includes a media infeed module, a validator module, an escrow module, a plurality of media feeder/stacking modules, and a plurality of cassette modules. When a module handles a valuable media item along a media transport path, the module's identifier and security information are passed as a message to a next module that is to handle the media item in a processing path for the media item. Each module independently validates the authenticity of the message received from a previous module. The number of media feeder/stacking modules and cassette modules are scalable based on the transaction terminal that the modular valuable media recycling device is integrated into.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2018Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Alexander William Whytock, Scott Low Colston, Ross Johnston, Craig Scott Nicol, Anthony James Storey
-
Patent number: 10916085Abstract: A modular valuable media recycling device is presented. The valuable media recycling device includes a media infeed module, a validator module, an escrow module, a plurality of media feeder/stacking modules, and a plurality of cassette modules. When a module handles a valuable media item along a media transport path, the module's identifier and security information are passed as a message to a next module that is to handle the media item in a processing path for the media item. Each module independently validates the authenticity of the message received from a previous module. The number of media feeder/stacking modules and cassette modules are scalable based on the transaction terminal that the modular valuable media recycling device is integrated into.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Alexander William Whytock, Scott Low Colston, Ross Johnston, Craig Scott Nicol, Anthony James Storey
-
Patent number: 10883229Abstract: An induction coil driver card for a railroad switch consists of a main power supply, a control unit, at least one induction heating unit, and an interface driver. The main power supply is electrically connected to the at least one induction heating unit that is used to generate eddy current fields. The generated eddy current field excites the atoms within the railroad switch resulting in elevated temperatures. The power input to the induction heating unit is managed via the control unit. The interface driver allows the user to control the frequency ranges received by the induction heating unit by utilizing the control unit. The interface driver also allows the user to have remote access via a wireless cellular modem.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Inventor: Jeffrey Ross Johnston
-
Patent number: 10829896Abstract: A heating device for removing snow or ice that accumulates in between a moving-point train track rail and a fixed train track rail consists of an induction coil, a holding case, and a mounting tray. The induction coil is positioned within the holding case which is then positioned on the mounting tray. For optimal performance, the mounting tray is positioned adjacent a planar bottom surface of both the fixed train track rail and the moving-point train track rail. The eddy current field of the induction coil excites the atoms within the steel which then results in elevated temperatures. The heat radiated from the fixed train track rail and the moving-point train track rail removes any accumulated snow or ice.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Inventor: Jeffrey Ross Johnston
-
Patent number: 10803711Abstract: A modular valuable media recycling device is presented. The valuable media recycling device includes a media infeed module, a validator module, an escrow module, a plurality of media feeder/stacking modules, and a plurality of cassette modules. When a module handles a valuable media item along a media transport path, the module's identifier and security information are passed as a message to a next module that is to handle the media item in a processing path for the media item. Each module independently validates the authenticity of the message received from a previous module. The number of media feeder/stacking modules and cassette modules are scalable based on the transaction terminal that the modular valuable media recycling device is integrated into.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Alexander William Whytock, Scott Low Colston, Ross Johnston, Craig Scott Nicol, Anthony James Storey
-
Patent number: 10626560Abstract: A rail heating head includes a vented enclosure and an induction coil. The induction coil is positioned within the vented enclosure. When in use, the vented enclosure is positioned adjacent a lateral portion of a train track rail. To be positioned adjacent to the head, the web, and the foot of the train track rail, a rail-bracing wall of the vented enclosure has a convex exterior surface and a concave interior surface. The induction coil has an oblong, concave shape and is pressed against the concave interior surface. Thus, the induction coil can induce eddy current magnetic fields in the head, the web, and the foot maximizing surface area. The larger surface area results in molecules in a large area being activated and leads to more heat. An eddy current deflecting magnetic shield further directs magnetic fields towards the train track rail.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Inventor: Jeffrey Ross Johnston
-
Publication number: 20190333345Abstract: A modular valuable media recycling device is presented. The valuable media recycling device includes a media infeed module, a validator module, an escrow module, a plurality of media feeder/stacking modules, and a plurality of cassette modules. When a module handles a valuable media item along a media transport path, the module's identifier and security information are passed as a message to a next module that is to handle the media item in a processing path for the media item. Each module independently validates the authenticity of the message received from a previous module. The number of media feeder/stacking modules and cassette modules are scalable based on the transaction terminal that the modular valuable media recycling device is integrated into.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2018Publication date: October 31, 2019Inventors: Alexander William Whytock, Scott Low Colston, Ross Johnston, Craig Scott Nicol, Anthony James Storey
-
Publication number: 20190333308Abstract: A modular valuable media recycling device is presented. The valuable media recycling device includes a media infeed module, a validator module, an escrow module, a plurality of media feeder/stacking modules, and a plurality of cassette modules. When a module handles a valuable media item along a media transport path, the module's identifier and security information are passed as a message to a next module that is to handle the media item in a processing path for the media item. Each module independently validates the authenticity of the message received from a previous module. The number of media feeder/stacking modules and cassette modules are scalable based on the transaction terminal that the modular valuable media recycling device is integrated into.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2018Publication date: October 31, 2019Inventors: Alexander William Whytock, Scott Low Colston, Ross Johnston, Craig Scott Nicol, Anthony James Storey
-
Publication number: 20190334712Abstract: A modular valuable media recycling device is presented. The valuable media recycling device includes a media infeed module, a validator module, an escrow module, a plurality of media feeder/stacking modules, and a plurality of cassette modules. When a module handles a valuable media item along a media transport path, the module's identifier and security information are passed as a message to a next module that is to handle the media item in a processing path for the media item. Each module independently validates the authenticity of the message received from a previous module. The number of media feeder/stacking modules and cassette modules are scalable based on the transaction terminal that the modular valuable media recycling device is integrated into.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2018Publication date: October 31, 2019Inventors: Alexander William Whytock, Scott Low Colston, Ross Johnston, Craig Scott Nicol, Anthony James Storey
-
Publication number: 20190040586Abstract: An induction coil driver card for a railroad switch consists of a main power supply, a control unit, at least one induction heating unit, and an interface driver. The main power supply is electrically connected to the at least one induction heating unit that is used to generate eddy current fields. The generated eddy current field excites the atoms within the railroad switch resulting in elevated temperatures. The power input to the induction heating unit is managed via the control unit. The interface driver allows the user to control the frequency ranges received by the induction heating unit by utilizing the control unit. The interface driver also allows the user to have remote access via a wireless cellular modem.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventor: Jeffrey Ross Johnston
-
Publication number: 20190032281Abstract: A heating device for removing snow or ice that accumulates in between a moving-point train track rail and a fixed train track rail consists of an induction coil, a holding case, and a mounting tray. The induction coil is positioned within the holding case which is then positioned on the mounting tray. For optimal performance, the mounting tray is positioned adjacent a planar bottom surface of both the fixed train track rail and the moving-point train track rail. The eddy current field of the induction coil excites the atoms within the steel which then results in elevated temperatures. The heat radiated from the fixed train track rail and the moving-point train track rail removes any accumulated snow or ice.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventor: Jeffrey Ross Johnston
-
Publication number: 20180155879Abstract: A rail heating head includes a vented enclosure and an induction coil. The induction coil is positioned within the vented enclosure. When in use, the vented enclosure is positioned adjacent a lateral portion of a train track rail. To be positioned adjacent to the head, the web, and the foot of the train track rail, a rail-bracing wall of the vented enclosure has a convex exterior surface and a concave interior surface. The induction coil has an oblong, concave shape and is pressed against the concave interior surface. Thus, the induction coil can induce eddy current magnetic fields in the head, the web, and the foot maximizing surface area. The larger surface area results in molecules in a large area being activated and leads to more heat. An eddy current deflecting magnetic shield further directs magnetic fields towards the train track rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2017Publication date: June 7, 2018Inventor: Jeffrey Ross Johnston
-
Publication number: 20160258124Abstract: A heating system for a train track rail, coal car, and other comparable units contains a main power supply, a system control unit, a plurality of environmental sensors, and a plurality of induction heating units. The plurality of environmental sensors is used to maintain a constant feedback of the environment the heating system is used in. Each of the plurality of induction heating units includes a heating head which is used to generate heat. In particular, the heating head generates heat through a pancake induction coil. The generated heat is used to melt snow or ice which accumulates on the train track rail. Since each of the plurality of induction heating units can be controlled individually, energy usage is minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2016Publication date: September 8, 2016Inventor: Jeffrey Ross Johnston
-
Patent number: 8783559Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for determining an empty condition in an item of media container. The apparatus includes a plate member, comprising a reflective region, that moves towards an empty position as items of media are dispensed from a container, and a mask element which is locatable in a first position as items of media are dispensed, and a further position when the container is empty. An empty condition of the container is determined responsive to the mask element being located in the further position.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Stewart D. Lees, Ross Johnston
-
Publication number: 20130277382Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for determining an empty condition in an item of media container. The apparatus includes a plate member, comprising a reflective region, that moves towards an empty position as items of media are dispensed from a container, and a mask element which is locatable in a first position as items of media are dispensed, and a further position when the container is empty. An empty condition of the container is determined responsive to the mask element being located in the further position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: NCR CORPORATIONInventors: Stewart D. Lees, Ross Johnston
-
Patent number: 7700817Abstract: The current invention provides a process in which ethers are converted into ?-olefins by passage over a modified alumina catalyst. The alumina catalyst is made by treating gamma-alumina with a rare earth metal oxide such as lanthanum oxide, La2O3. The modified aluminum catalysts convert 1-methoxyoctane into 1-octene with high selectivity at high conversion rates.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: NOVA Chemicals (International) S.A.Inventors: Xiaoliang Gao, Stacy David Ross Johnston
-
Publication number: 20100038128Abstract: A device is described to assist electricians capture cabling dropped down through a cavity wall. The device (1) includes an open-ended first hollow cylindrical body (2). A second body (4) is a solid cylindrical tube of a diameter for a sliding fit within the first body (2). A loop of flexible tape-like metal banding (7) has both its free ends (8,9) retained within a slot (6) at an end of the second body (4). On movement of the second body (4), the banding (7) enters the cavity wall to abut the inner rear surface of the cavity, the banding (7) flexing to border a capturing area (29). A cable (23) is then passed down the cavity (22,26) until a suitable length thereof has passed through the capturing area (29). As the second body (4) is then moved away from the wall (20, 25), the cable (23) is retained by the diminishing diameter of the area (29) enabling the cable (23) to readily pass through hole (27,28) to be accessed by the user of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventor: Steven Ross Johnston
-
Patent number: 7576250Abstract: 1-Ethers may be cracked over untreated ?-alumina having a pore volume of more than 1.0 cc/g and an average pore diameter of more than 150 angstroms (?) at a temperature from 250 to 350° C. and a pressure from 10 to 200 kPa at high conversions and good selectivity to produce the corresponding 1-alkene. The process is particularly useful to produce 1-octene from 1-methoxyoctane.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Nova Chemicals (International) S.A.Inventors: Xiaoliang Gao, Andrzej Krzywicki, Stacy David Ross Johnston, Alexandra Kalivoda
-
Patent number: 7442845Abstract: Ethers are cracked to olefins using a gamma-alumina catalyst in the presence of ammonia. The use of ammonia improves the selectivity to linear alpha olefins in comparison to cracking reactions in the absence of ammonia. The use of ammonia is convenient in comparison to known processes which employ alumina which as been treated with an amine. A preferred process produces octene-1 from 1-methoxyoctane.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Nova Chemicals (International) S.A.Inventors: Xiaoliang Gao, Andrzej Krzywicki, Stacy David Ross Johnston
-
Publication number: 20080194899Abstract: The current invention provides a process in which ethers are converted into ?-olefins by passage over a modified alumina catalyst. The alumina catalyst is made by treating gamma-alumina with a rare earth metal oxide such as lanthanum oxide, La2O3. The modified aluminum catalysts convert 1-methoxyoctane into 1-octene with high selectivity at high conversion rates.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2008Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventors: Xiaoliang Gao, Stacy David Ross Johnston