Patents by Inventor Thomas W. Gray

Thomas W. Gray 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: 5190280
    Abstract: A universal sheet feed cassette for use in an apparatus using various commercially standard and commercially nonstandard sheet sizes during its operation. The universal sheet feed cassette discloses the size of the sheets contained within the cassette by a tracking of the movement of the cassette's movable guide. The apparatus in which the cassette is loaded can then detect the sheet size contained within the cassette. Once the sheet size is detected, the apparatus adjusts its operating parameters to adapt to the size sheet contained within the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas W. Gray, Christopher S. Garcia
  • Patent number: 5008538
    Abstract: A universally adaptable corona charger apparatus of simplified construction which is replaceable by an unskilled operator and is inexpensive so that discarding the apparatus when it is no longer useful is cost justified. The corona charger apparatus comprises a conductive corona wire, a generally U-shaped conductive shield, a generally U-shaped non-conductive housing, and a pair of non-conductive end caps. The housing is formed with integral features which retain and accurately space the shield within the housing, locate and properly tension the corona wire, locate and support a grid if required, support electrical terminals for the corona wire and grid, retain and locate the end caps, and enable the assembled apparatus to be accurately located by an unskilled operator. By use of the integral features, the corona charger apparatus is substantially simpified with a concomitant reduction in its cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael L. DeCecca, Michael S. Kowalczyk, Thomas W. Gray, Paul W. Partridge
  • Patent number: 4578857
    Abstract: A tamperproof package comprising a container having a neck and an annular radial flange beneath the neck and a plastic closure removably interengaged with the neck. The closure has a top wall and a peripheral skirt. A plastic pilfer band interengages the skirt, such that when the closure is applied to the container, the band is flexed over and engages beneath annular flange on the neck of the container, and when the closure is thereafter removed from the container, the band is prevented from removal from the container and is thereby disengaged from the closure. In a modified form the plastic pilfer band includes an integral liner which is severed from the band and engages the top wall of the closure during assembly of the band to the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Gray, Ralph H. Whitney
  • Patent number: 4530437
    Abstract: A tamperproof package comprising a container having a neck and an annular radial flange beneath the neck and a plastic closure removably interengaged with the neck. The closure has a top wall and a peripheral skirt. A plastic pilfer band interengages the skirt, such that when the closure is applied to the container, the band is flexed over and engages beneath annular flange on the neck of the container, and when the closure is thereafter removed from the container, the band is prevented from removal from the container and is thereby disengaged from the closure. In a modified form the plastic pilfer band includes an integral liner which is severed from the band and engages the top wall of the closure during assembly of the band to the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Gray, Ralph H. Whitney
  • Patent number: 4089208
    Abstract: Apparatus for testing pressurized sealed containers for leakage including a fluid filled tank for receiving the container to be tested. The tank is comprised of a transparent side wall, a bottom wall and a top wall. Means are provided for piercing the container to be tested. Means are further provided for attachment to the piercing means for providing communication between the interior of the container and a source of pressure fluid operable to pressurize the container being tested only when the top wall of the tank is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1978
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventors: Nelson J. Franks, Thomas W. Gray, Ralph H. Whitney
  • Patent number: 3983992
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for the assembly of a two component home canning closure. One popular type of home canning closure utilizes a relatively thin lid to seal a jar with a threaded band holding the lid down. The gasket portion of the lid is relatively fragile. In the assembly of the two components in a manufacturing process for shipment to the consumer, the lids are handled gasket upmost the minimize possible damage. At an assembly station, the lids are rotated 180.degree. to present the gasket downward in the band for protection during shipment and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Gray, Wendell Willingham, Richard P. Secord
  • Patent number: D460118
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas W. Gray
  • Patent number: D468708
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas W. Gray