Patents by Inventor Spencer B. Dick

Spencer B. Dick 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: 11597045
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for positioning and/or processing items, such as workpieces. The systems, methods, and apparatus may include or use a linear positioner forming a track. In some embodiments, the linear positioner may include a carriage configured to be driven along the track to a desired position, in response to a signal(s), such as a radiofrequency signal(s), received from a computer, which may be a general-purpose, handheld computer, such as a phone or tablet. In some embodiments, the linear positioner may comprise a shuttle including a motor and a carriage, and may be configured to drive itself as a unit along the track. In some embodiments, the track may include a rack having a linear array of teeth formed by two or more frame sections, such as table sections, coupled end to end, with each support section providing a segment of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Nathan Bryant
  • Patent number: 10967445
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a saw may include a lubricator that is mechanically linked to a traveling arm of a saw, such as an up-cut saw. Movement of the saw blade through a first path may result automatically in movement of the lubricator through a second path transverse to the first path. This coupled movement may result in a relatively consistent distance between the lubricator and the periphery of the saw blade, especially as compared with a stationary lubricator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Melissa L. Covel
  • Publication number: 20210046596
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for positioning and/or processing items, such as workpieces. The systems, methods, and apparatus may include or use a linear positioner forming a track. In some embodiments, the linear positioner may include a carriage configured to be driven along the track to a desired position, in response to a signal(s), such as a radiofrequency signal(s), received from a computer, which may be a general-purpose, handheld computer, such as a phone or tablet. In some embodiments, the linear positioner may comprise a shuttle including a motor and a carriage, and may be configured to drive itself as a unit along the track. In some embodiments, the track may include a rack having a linear array of teeth formed by two or more frame sections, such as table sections, coupled end to end, with each support section providing a segment of the rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Nathan Bryant
  • Publication number: 20200101542
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a saw may include a lubricator that is mechanically linked to a traveling arm of a saw, such as an up-cut saw. Movement of the saw blade through a first path may result automatically in movement of the lubricator through a second path transverse to the first path. This coupled movement may result in a relatively consistent distance between the lubricator and the periphery of the saw blade, especially as compared with a stationary lubricator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Applicant: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Melissa L. Covel
  • Patent number: 10427228
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a saw may include a lubricator that is mechanically linked to a traveling arm of a saw, such as an up-cut saw. Movement of the saw blade through a first path may result automatically in movement of the lubricator through a second path transverse to the first path. This coupled movement may result in a relatively consistent distance between the lubricator and the periphery of the saw blade, especially as compared with a stationary lubricator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Melissa L. Covel
  • Patent number: 9996072
    Abstract: Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces according to entered and/or calculated target dimensions and processing the workpieces with a tool to generate products having the target dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Lean Tool Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Stuart R. Aldrich, Brennan J. McClure, David L. Lee, Brandon J. Vaughn, Simon A. Soot, Norman F. Gorny, Matthew T. Harris, Richard R. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 9943975
    Abstract: Saw system, including methods and apparatus, for cutting pieces of stock to be installed end-to-end to form miter joints. In some embodiments, the saw system may include a computer that determines an appropriate saw pivot angle for cutting a proximal end of a second piece of stock, based on a corner angle entered for cutting a distal end of a first piece of stock. In some embodiments, the saw system may compensate for an offset pivot axis of a saw device based on entered lengths of cut first and second pieces generated respectively with the saw device pivoted to the left and to the right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Brennan J. McClure, Minh Dat Ba Tran
  • Publication number: 20170087650
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a saw may include a lubricator that is mechanically linked to a traveling arm of a saw, such as an up-cut saw. Movement of the saw blade through a first path may result automatically in movement of the lubricator through a second path transverse to the first path. This coupled movement may result in a relatively consistent distance between the lubricator and the periphery of the saw blade, especially as compared with a stationary lubricator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Melissa L. Covel
  • Publication number: 20150073579
    Abstract: Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces according to entered and/or calculated target dimensions and processing the workpieces with a tool to generate products having the target dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: LEAN TOOL SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Stuart R. Aldrich, Brennan J. McClure, David L. Lee, Brandon J. Vaughn, Simon A. Soot, Norman F. Gorny, Matthew T. Harris, Richard R. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 8783140
    Abstract: Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces according to entered and/or calculated target dimensions and processing the workpieces with a tool to generate products having the target dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Lean Tool Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Stuart R. Aldrich, Brennan J. McClure, David L. Lee, Brandon J. Vaughn, Simon A. Soot, Norman F. Gorny, Matthew T. Harris, Richard R. Gilmore
  • Publication number: 20130036890
    Abstract: Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces to be processed. In some embodiments, the gauge system may have a plurality of stops for positioning the end of a workpiece at distinct distances from a processing station. In some embodiments, the plurality of stops may be arrayed along a rail assembly having an adjustable length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: PRECISION AUTOMATION, INC.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Stuart R. Aldrich, David A. Morgan, Robert P. Hodges, Simon A. Soot, Jody S. Carpenter, John S. Gorny
  • Patent number: 8117732
    Abstract: Systems, including method and apparatus, for processing workpieces driven automatically along a linear path to a plurality of positions disposed substantially along the linear path. In some embodiments, a workpiece may be processed at one or more of the positions using two or more processing stations, such as a first processing station that cuts the workpiece into segments and a second processing station that performs another processing operation on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Stuart Aldrich, David A. Morgan, David Lee
  • Publication number: 20110175273
    Abstract: Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces to be processed. In some embodiments, the gauge system may have a plurality of stops for positioning the end of a workpiece at distinct distances from a processing station. In some embodiments, the plurality of stops may be arrayed along a rail assembly having an adjustable length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Stuart R. Aldrich, David A. Morgan, Robert P. Hodges, Simon A. Soot, Jody S. Carpenter, John S. Gorny
  • Patent number: 7966714
    Abstract: Systems, including method and apparatus, for processing workpieces driven automatically along a linear path to a plurality of positions disposed substantially along the linear path. In some embodiments, a workpiece may be processed at one or more of the positions using two or more processing stations, such as a first processing station that cuts the workpiece into segments and a second processing station that performs another processing operation on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Stuart Aldrich, David A. Morgan, David Lee
  • Publication number: 20110056344
    Abstract: Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces according to entered and/or calculated target dimensions and processing the workpieces with a tool to generate products having the target dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Stuart R. Aldrich, Brennan J. McClure, David L. Lee, Brandon J. Vaughn, Simon A. Soot, Norman F. Gorny, Matthew T. Harris, Richard R. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 7792602
    Abstract: A material processing system includes an apparatus having a processing path. A saw station is located along the processing path. A positioner is configured to push a trailing end of a work piece along the processing path toward the saw station. A computer is connected to the apparatus, and programmed to provide a digital interface allowing an operator to control operation of the apparatus through the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Spencer B. Dick
  • Publication number: 20090299519
    Abstract: Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces to be processed. In some embodiments, the gauge system may have a plurality of stops for positioning the end of a workpiece at distinct distances from a processing station. In some embodiments, the plurality of stops may be arrayed along a rail assembly having an adjustable length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: PRECISION AUTOMATION, INC.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Stuart R. Aldrich, David A. Morgan, Robert P. Hodges, Simon A. Soot, Jody S. Carpenter, John S. Gorny
  • Publication number: 20090105872
    Abstract: Systems, including method and apparatus, for processing workpieces driven automatically along a linear path to a plurality of positions disposed substantially along the linear path. In some embodiments, a workpiece may be processed at one or more of the positions using two or more processing stations, such as a first processing station that cuts the workpiece into segments and a second processing station that performs another processing operation on the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Stuart Aldrich, David A. Morgan, David Lee
  • Publication number: 20090103977
    Abstract: Systems, including method and apparatus, for processing workpieces driven automatically along a linear path to a plurality of positions disposed substantially along the linear path. In some embodiments, a workpiece may be processed at one or more of the positions using two or more processing stations, such as a first processing station that cuts the workpiece into segments and a second processing station that performs another processing operation on the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Stuart Aldrich, David A. Morgan, David Lee
  • Publication number: 20090105870
    Abstract: Systems, including method and apparatus, for processing workpieces driven automatically along a linear path to a plurality of positions disposed substantially along the linear path. In some embodiments, a workpiece may be processed at one or more of the positions using two or more processing stations, such as a first processing station that cuts the workpiece into segments and a second processing station that performs another processing operation on the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Stuart Aldrich, David A. Morgan, David Lee