Patents by Inventor William T. Hockett

William T. Hockett 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).

  • Fluid-based article distribution and sorting system
    Patent number: 9598246
    Abstract: A fluid-based radial distribution system includes an internal passageway and a plurality of openings radially spaced around the internal passageway. A plurality of gate members are associated with at least some of the plurality of openings, with the gate members are configured to move between an open position that allows product to move through the opening associated with that gate member and a closed position that restricts product from moving through the opening associated with that gate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Hockett, Frederick D. Webb, Michael C. Metcalf, Ronald R. Huff, Charles D. Kirkbride, Greg R. Lambier, David Hufford
  • FLUID-BASED ARTICLE DISTRIBUTION AND SORTING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160340133
    Abstract: A fluid-based radial distribution system includes an internal passageway and a plurality of openings radially spaced around. the internal passageway. A plurality of gate members are associated with at least some of the plurality of openings, with the gate members are configured to move between an open position that allows product to move through the opening associated with that gate member and a closed position that restricts product from moving through the opening associated with. that gate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: William T. Hockett, Frederick D. Webb, Michael C. Metcalf, Ronald R. Huff, Charles D. Kirkbride, Greg R. Lambier, David Hufford
  • Conveyor-based frying apparatus and methods of use
    Patent number: 9282852
    Abstract: A fryer can include a base having a reservoir for receiving oil for frying a food product and a hood coupled to the base. The fryer can have an inlet at an upstream section and an outlet at a downstream section. At least one conveyor can move food product from the inlet to the outlet. A first baffle member and second baffle member can be positioned over the conveyor to define a frying chamber therebetween. The first and second baffle members can restrict air from flowing into the frying chamber from outside of the frying chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Hockett, Frederick D. Webb, Brian J. Pikl, Christopher M. Imdieke
  • CONVEYOR-BASED FRYING APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE
    Publication number: 20140373730
    Abstract: A fryer can include a base having a reservoir for receiving oil for frying a food product and a hood coupled to the base. The fryer can have an inlet at an upstream section and an outlet at a downstream section. At least one conveyor can move food product from the inlet to the outlet. A first baffle member and second baffle member can be positioned over the conveyor to define a frying chamber therebetween. The first and second baffle members can restrict air from flowing into the frying chamber from outside of the frying chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: William T. Hockett, Frederick D. Webb, Brian J. Pikl, Christopher M. Imdieke