Patents by Inventor Todd Benson

Todd Benson 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: 10005697
    Abstract: The present invention relates to separation methods and systems for converting high concentrations of animal wastes into useful products, wherein the separation of the desired useful products is conducted with a cross-flow filtration system having the ability to the separate desired useful energy and/or products from both viscous and non-viscous medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: SMARTFLOW TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Vander Hoff, Todd Benson, Marc Pugh, Jason Bell
  • Publication number: 20180108042
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of custom side fairing covers and methods for using such covers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Todd BENSON
  • Publication number: 20180101915
    Abstract: Provided is a method for selecting one of a plurality of convergence paths that may be drilled by a bottom hole assembly (BHA) comprising identifying, by a computer system, a plurality of geometric convergence paths, wherein each of the geometric convergence paths provides a convergence solution from a defined bottom hole assembly (BHA) location to a target drilling path of a well plan. An offset distance is calculated for drilling by the BHA each of the geometric convergence paths connecting the BHA location to the target drilling path. A drill path curvature associated with drilling each of the geometric convergence paths by the BHA is determined by the computer system. A time required for drilling each of the geometric convergence paths by the BHA is determined by the computer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventors: TODD BENSON, JOHN BURKHART, TEDDY CHEN
  • Patent number: 9937469
    Abstract: The present invention relates to separation of desired target products from biological, plant, and waste-type material, wherein the desired target products include renewable fuels such as ethanol, biobutanol, and biodiesel, wherein the separation is conducted with a cross-flow filtration system having the ability to separate desired products from both non-viscous and viscous medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: SMARTFLOW TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Benson, Kim Davis, Jason Bell, James Kacmar
  • Patent number: 9919381
    Abstract: A method for cutting a flexible glass ribbon includes directing the flexible glass ribbon to a flexible glass cutting apparatus including a laser. The flexible glass ribbon includes a first broad surface and a second broad surface that extend between a first edge and a second edge of the flexible glass ribbon. A laser beam is directed from the laser onto a region of the flexible glass ribbon. A crack is formed through the flexible glass ribbon using the laser beam. The crack is propagated along the flexible glass ribbon using the laser beam and a local mechanical deformation in the flexible glass ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Anatoli Anatolyevich Abramov, Chester Hann Huei Chang, Todd Benson Fleming, Eric Lee Miller, Ian David Tracy
  • Publication number: 20180016179
    Abstract: A method of processing a flexible glass sheet having a thickness of equal to or less than 300 ?m includes separating an outer edge portion of the flexible glass sheet from a bonded portion of the flexible glass sheet along a separation path while the bonded portion of the flexible glass sheet remains bonded with respect to a first major surface of a carrier substrate. The step of separating the outer edge portion provides the flexible glass sheet with a new outer edge extending along the separation path. A lateral distance between the new outer edge of the flexible glass sheet and an outer periphery of the first major surface of the carrier substrate is equal to or less than about 750 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Erin Kathleen Canfield, Todd Benson Fleming, Xinghua Li, Anping Liu, Leonard Thomas Masters
  • Patent number: 9865022
    Abstract: Provided is a method for selecting one of a plurality of convergence paths that may be drilled by a bottom hole assembly (BHA) comprising identifying, by a computer system, a plurality of geometric convergence paths, wherein each of the geometric convergence paths provides a convergence solution from a defined bottom hole assembly (BHA) location to a target drilling path of a well plan. An offset distance is calculated for drilling by the BHA each of the geometric convergence paths connecting the BHA location to the target drilling path. A drill path curvature associated with drilling each of the geometric convergence paths by the BHA is determined by the computer system. A time required for drilling each of the geometric convergence paths by the BHA is determined by the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Motive Drilling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Benson, John Burkhart, Teddy Chen
  • Patent number: 9822028
    Abstract: Methods of processing a glass ribbon are provided. The method includes the step of traversing the glass ribbon through a travel path at a predetermined velocity and severing the glass ribbon to create an upstream web and a downstream web. The method further includes the step of increasing a relative velocity of a downstream edge portion with respect to an upstream edge portion to create a gap between an upstream severed edge and a downstream severed edge. In other example methods, a segment of the glass ribbon is removed to create a gap between an upstream severed edge and a downstream severed edge. In still further example methods, an upstream severed edge is directed along a second travel path to create a gap between the upstream severed edge and a downstream severed edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Chester Hann Huei Chang, Todd Benson Fleming, Dale Charles Marshall, Gary Edward Merz, Christopher Michael Rhoads, John Earl Tosch, Thaddeus Francis Trzeciak
  • Publication number: 20170304774
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for separating starch from processing solutions containing starch containing plants or roots such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, wheat, corn, tapioca, yams, cassaya, sago, rice, pea, broad bean, horse bean, sorghum, konjac, rye, buckwheat and barley to provide commercially acceptable starch while reducing disposal of solid or liquid waste matter into landfills or water treatment facilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: JASON BELL, MARK VANDER HOFF, TODD BENSON, MARC PUGH, JOSEPH PETERS
  • Patent number: 9783750
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for treatment of fats, oils and grease (FOG) for separation of target products and/or the efficient production of biodiesel while reducing disposal of solid or liquid waste matter into landfills or water treatment facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: SMARTFLOW TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Vander Hoff, Todd Benson, Jason Bell, Marc Pugh
  • Publication number: 20170275197
    Abstract: Cutting a desired final shape in a glass sheet, wherein the glass sheet is about 0.3 mm or less in thickness by applying a laser beam to the glass and continuously moving the laser relative to the glass along the cutting line. The laser is of a circular shape, and cooling fluid is applied simultaneously with the application of the laser, such that the cooling fluid at least reduces the temperature of the glass in order to propagate a fracture in the glass. The method includes controlling at least one of: (i) an energy density of the laser, (ii) a velocity of the laser relative to the glass along the cutting line, (iii) a fluid flow of the cooling fluid, and (iv) a minimum radius of curvature of the cutting line, such that a B10 edge strength of a cut edge of the glass is at least about 300 MPa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew Stephen Altman, Todd Benson Fleming, Anping Liu, James Joseph Watkins
  • Patent number: 9670429
    Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and systems that effectively separate dispersed FOG from emulsions and/or free-floating FOG from a waste stream to provide dewatered emulsions and/or separated fats, oils and greases from emulsions thereby providing value added separated product while reducing disposal of solid or liquid waste matter into landfills or water treatment facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: SMARTFLOW TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Bell, Mark Vander Hoff, Todd Benson, Marc Pugh
  • Publication number: 20170050877
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for: cutting a thin glass sheet along a curved cutting line, where the curve is divided into a plurality of line segments; applying a laser beam and continuously moving the laser beam along the cutting line; applying a cooling fluid simultaneously with the application of the laser beam in order to propagate a fracture in the glass sheet along the cutting line; and varying one or more cutting parameters as the laser beam moves from one of the plurality of line segments to a next one of the plurality of line segments, wherein the one or more cutting parameters include at least one of: (i) a power of the laser beam, (ii) a speed of the movement, (iii) a pressure of the cooling fluid, and (iv) a flow rate of the cooling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew Stephen Altman, Carlton Wesley Cole, Todd Benson Fleming, Anping Liu, James Joseph Watkins
  • Publication number: 20170015580
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for steering flexible glass webs are disclosed. In one embodiment, a steering device for non-contact steering of a glass web having a conveyance direction and a cross direction normal to the conveyance direction includes a fluid injection bar having an elongate axis oriented in a cross direction of the glass web. The steering device also includes a pivot bearing assembly coupled to the fluid injection bar such that the fluid injection bar is pivotable in a plane perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the glass web, an actuator coupled to the fluid injection bar for adjusting the orientation of the fluid injection bar with respect to the glass web, and an edge detection device positioned proximate to an edge of the glass web for evaluating a position of an edge of the glass web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Todd Benson Fleming, Richard Jonathan Kohler, Dale Charles Marshall, Robert L. Walton
  • Publication number: 20160300313
    Abstract: Provided is a method for selecting one of a plurality of convergence paths that may be drilled by a bottom hole assembly (BHA) comprising identifying, by a computer system, a plurality of geometric convergence paths, wherein each of the geometric convergence paths provides a convergence solution from a defined bottom hole assembly (BHA) location to a target drilling path of a well plan. An offset distance is calculated for drilling by the BHA each of the geometric convergence paths connecting the BHA location to the target drilling path. A drill path curvature associated with drilling each of the geometric convergence paths by the BHA is determined by the computer system. A time required for drilling each of the geometric convergence paths by the BHA is determined by the computer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: TODD BENSON, JOHN BURKHART, TEDDY CHEN
  • Publication number: 20160016117
    Abstract: The present invention relates to separation of desired target products from biological, plant, and waste-type material, wherein the desired target products include renewable fuels such as ethanol, biobutanol, and biodiesel, wherein the separation is conducted with a cross-flow filtration system having the ability to separate desired products from both non-viscous and viscous medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: TODD BENSON, KIM DAVIS, JASON BELL, JAMES KACMAR
  • Publication number: 20150367444
    Abstract: A method for cutting a flexible glass ribbon includes directing the flexible glass ribbon to a flexible glass cutting apparatus including a laser. The flexible glass ribbon includes a first broad surface and a second broad surface that extend between a first edge and a second edge of the flexible glass ribbon. A laser beam is directed from the laser onto a region of the flexible glass ribbon. A crack is formed through the flexible glass ribbon using the laser beam. The crack is propagated along the flexible glass ribbon using the laser beam and a local mechanical deformation in the flexible glass ribbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Anatoli Anatolyevich Abramov, Chester Hann Huei Chang, Todd Benson Fleming, Eric Lee Miller, Ian Daivd Tracy
  • Patent number: 9216924
    Abstract: Methods of processing a glass ribbon are provided. The method includes the step of traversing the glass ribbon through a travel path at a predetermined velocity and severing the glass ribbon to create an upstream web and a downstream web. The method further includes the step of increasing a relative velocity of a downstream edge portion with respect to an upstream edge portion to create a gap between an upstream severed edge and a downstream severed edge. In other example methods, a segment of the glass ribbon is removed to create a gap between an upstream severed edge and a downstream severed edge. In still further example methods, an upstream severed edge is directed along a second travel path to create a gap between the upstream severed edge and a downstream severed edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Chester Hann Huei Chang, Todd Benson Fleming, Dale Charles Marshall, Gary Edward Merz, Christopher Michael Rhoads, John Earl Tosch, Thaddeus Francis Trzeciak
  • Publication number: 20150345996
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an angle measurement device for measuring an angle between a web of material and a conveyance direction includes a mounting bracket, a shaft rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket such that the shaft is rotatable with respect to the mounting bracket, a caster portion coupled to a first end of the shaft and positioned to contact a surface of the web of material being drawn over a web conveyance pathway, where the caster portion is spaced apart from an axis of rotation of the shaft, and an angular displacement sensor coupled to the mounting bracket and positioned to detect an angular orientation of the shaft with respect to the mounting bracket, where the angular displacement sensor outputs a signal indicative of the angular orientation of the shaft with respect to the mounting bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Douglas Edward Brackley, Chester Hann Huei Chang, Todd Benson Fleming, Terrence Richard Horsfall, David Joseph Kuhn, Gary Edward Merz, Eric Lee Miller, Ian David Tracy
  • Publication number: 20150344347
    Abstract: In one embodiment a method of steering a glass web includes directing the glass web in a conveyance direction on a web conveyance pathway, contacting at least one surface of the glass web with at least one wheel of at least one idler roller, the at least one wheel of the at least one idler roller having an axis of rotation parallel to a surface of the glass web, detecting an angle between a centerline of the glass web and the conveyance direction with an angle measurement device, and modifying an orientation of the at least one idler roller and the at least one wheel about an axis of rotation substantially orthogonal to the web conveyance pathway to shift the glass web based on a detected angle between the centerline of the glass web and the conveyance direction of the web conveyance pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Todd Benson Fleming, David Joseph Kuhn, Dale Charles Marshall, Gary Edward Merz, John Earl Tosch, Ian David Tracy, Matthew Daniel Trosa