Patents by Inventor A. Stuart Caunce
A. Stuart Caunce 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).
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Patent number: 10940625Abstract: A method and apparatus for extrusion of an article is provided. A die assembly can apply flows of thermoplastic material to an array of reinforcing cables to form a composite extrusion. A slider fabric can be bonded to one side of the composite extrusion. After exiting the die assembly, the slider fabric can act to support the extrudate as it passes along an elongate mandrel, which can cause the base of the slider fabric to change shape from a flat profile to the final internal profile of the article. The extruded article can then be cooled to solidify the material. The die can include cooling for the slider fabric and means for promoting penetration of the thermoplastic into reinforcing cables.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2018Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: EHC CANADA, INC.Inventors: Andrew Oliver Kenny, Douglas James Weatherall, Viqar Haider, Ronald Harold Ball, Alexander Stuart Caunce, Reginald Anthony Butwell
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Patent number: 10464249Abstract: An article may include a carcass or jacket, and at least one composite member arranged within the carcass or jacket for inhibiting longitudinal stretch of the article. The composite member may include a plurality of fibers arranged in a polymeric binder, the polymeric binder bonding the composite member to the carcass or jacket. The carcass or jacket may be formed substantially of rubber or thermoplastic elastomer. The plurality of fibers may include fibers formed substantially from at least one of S-glass, aramid and carbon fiber. The polymer binder may be formed substantially of a thermoplastic material or of a thermoset material. In manufacturing of the article, the carcass or jacket may be extruded to surround the composite member. The article may be a handrail or an elevator belt.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: EHC CANADA, INC.Inventors: Andrew Oliver Kenny, Naseer Mohammad Qureshi, Alexander Stuart Caunce, Douglas James Weatherall, Qingping Guo, Michael Degli Angeli
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Patent number: 10350807Abstract: A method of and apparatus for extruding an article of uniform cross-section, the article including a thermoplastic material and at least one cable for inhibiting stretch of the article. The cable is supplied to a respective tube and is conveyed between upstream and downstream ends. The thermoplastic material may be supplied to the downstream end of the tube. The thermoplastic material is brought together with the cable to embed the cable within the thermoplastic material, thereby forming a composite extrudate. The tube is configured to at least hinder movement of loose windings of the cable from the downstream end towards the upstream end, which may prevent or at least reduce incidence of “birdcaging”.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: EHC CANADA, INC.Inventors: Andrew Oliver Kenny, Douglas James Weatherall, Viqar Haider, Ronald Harold Ball, Alexander Stuart Caunce, Reginald Anthony Butwell
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Publication number: 20180243963Abstract: A method and apparatus for extrusion of an article is provided. A die assembly can apply flows of thermoplastic material to an array of reinforcing cables to form a composite extrusion. A slider fabric can be bonded to one side of the composite extrusion. After exiting the die assembly, the slider fabric can act to support the extrudate as it passes along an elongate mandrel, which can cause the base of the slider fabric to change shape from a flat profile to the final internal profile of the article. The extruded article can then be cooled to solidify the material. The die can include cooling for the slider fabric and means for promoting penetration of the thermoplastic into reinforcing cables.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2018Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: Andrew Oliver Kenny, Douglas James Weatherall, Viqar Haider, Ronald Harold Ball, Alexander Stuart Caunce, Reginald Anthony Butwell
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Patent number: 9981415Abstract: A method and apparatus for extrusion of an article is provided. A die assembly can apply flows of thermoplastic material to an array of reinforcing cables to form a composite extrusion. A slider fabric can be bonded to one side of the composite extrusion. After exiting the die assembly, the slider fabric can act to support the extrudate as it passes along an elongate mandrel, which can cause the base of the slider fabric to change shape from a flat profile to the final internal profile of the article. The extruded article can then be cooled to solidify the material. The die can include cooling for the slider fabric and means for promoting penetration of the thermoplastic into reinforcing cables.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: EHC CANADA, INC.Inventors: Andrew Oliver Kenny, Douglas James Weatherall, Viqar Haider, Ronald Harold Ball, Alexander Stuart Caunce, Reginald Anthony Butwell
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Publication number: 20180111304Abstract: A method of and apparatus for extruding an article of uniform cross-section, the article including a thermoplastic material and at least one cable for inhibiting stretch of the article. The cable is supplied to a respective tube and is conveyed between upstream and downstream ends. The thermoplastic material may be supplied to the downstream end of the tube. The thermoplastic material is brought together with the cable to embed the cable within the thermoplastic material, thereby forming a composite extrudate. The tube is configured to at least hinder movement of loose windings of the cable from the downstream end towards the upstream end, which may prevent or at least reduce incidence of “birdcaging”.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: April 26, 2018Inventors: Andrew Oliver Kenny, Douglas James Weatherall, Viqar Haider, Ronald Harold Ball, Alexander Stuart Caunce, Reginald Anthony Butwell
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Publication number: 20180022005Abstract: An article may include a carcass or jacket, and at least one composite member arranged within the carcass or jacket for inhibiting longitudinal stretch of the article. The composite member may include a plurality of fibers arranged in a polymeric binder, the polymeric binder bonding the composite member to the carcass or jacket. The carcass or jacket may be formed substantially of rubber or thermoplastic elastomer. The plurality of fibers may include fibers formed substantially from at least one of S-glass, aramid and carbon fiber. The polymer binder may be formed substantially of a thermoplastic material or of a thermoset material. In manufacturing of the article, the carcass or jacket may be extruded to surround the composite member. The article may be a handrail or an elevator belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Inventors: Andrew Oliver Kenny, Naseer Mohammad Qureshi, Alexander Stuart Caunce, Douglas James Weatherall, Qingping Guo, Michael Degli Angeli
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Patent number: 9579839Abstract: A method and apparatus for extrusion of an article is provided. A die assembly can apply flows of thermoplastic material to an array of reinforcing cables to form a composite extrusion. A slider fabric can be bonded to one side of the composite extrusion. After exiting the die assembly, the slider fabric can act to support the extrudate as it passes along an elongate mandrel, which can cause the base of the slider fabric to change shape from a flat profile to the final internal profile of the article. The extruded article can then be cooled to solidify the material. The die can include cooling for the slider fabric and means for promoting penetration of the thermoplastic into reinforcing cables.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: EHC CANADA, INC.Inventors: Andrew Oliver Kenny, Douglas James Weatherall, Viqar Haider, Ronald Harold Ball, Alexander Stuart Caunce
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Publication number: 20150283750Abstract: A method and apparatus for extrusion of an article is provided. A die assembly can apply flows of thermoplastic material to an array of reinforcing cables to form a composite extrusion. A slider fabric can be bonded to one side of the composite extrusion. After exiting the die assembly, the slider fabric can act to support the extrudate as it passes along an elongate mandrel, which can cause the base of the slider fabric to change shape from a flat profile to the final internal profile of the article. The extruded article can then be cooled to solidify the material. The die can include cooling for the slider fabric and means for promoting penetration of the thermoplastic into reinforcing cables.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2015Publication date: October 8, 2015Inventors: Andrew Oliver Kenny, Douglas James Weatherall, Viqar Haider, Ronald Harold Ball, Alexander Stuart Caunce, Reginald Anthony Butwell
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Patent number: 8820511Abstract: Modified handrails for use in escalators, moving walkways and other transportation apparatus are provided. Handrail can include a configuration for a cable array as a stretch inhibitor that reduces cable buckling under severe flexing conditions. Handrail can also include a configuration for first and second thermoplastic layers in the lip portions that reduces strain and bending stresses and increases fatigue failure life under cyclic loading conditions. Handrail can also include, for the stretch inhibitor, the use of cables comprising large outer strands and small inner strands that enable penetration and adhesion within the first layer and can reduce incidence of fretting or corrosion.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: EHC Canada, Inc.Inventors: Viqar Haider, Andrew Oliver Kenny, Alexander Stuart Caunce
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Publication number: 20120321734Abstract: A method and apparatus for extrusion of an article is provided. A die assembly can apply flows of thermoplastic material to an array of reinforcing cables to form a composite extrusion. A slider fabric can be bonded to one side of the composite extrusion. After exiting the die assembly, the slider fabric can act to support the extrudate as it passes along an elongate mandrel, which can cause the base of the slider fabric to change shape from a flat profile to the final internal profile of the article. The extruded article can then be cooled to solidify the material. The die can include cooling for the slider fabric and means for promoting penetration of the thermoplastic into reinforcing cables.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: EHC CANADA, INC.Inventors: Andrew Oliver Kenny, Douglas James Weatherall, Viqar Haider, Ronald Harold Ball, Alexander Stuart Caunce
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Patent number: 8061215Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of measuring tension in a handrail for an escalator or moving walkway provides for three support or contact points on the handrail. Two outer or first and second support points are provided by rollers at either end of the support bar. A centre point is provided by a suction cup or other attachment device that grasps the handrail. The centre point is displaced relative to the first and second points by an amount less than a clearance between the handrail and an underlining guide. This displacement and the load necessary to cause the displacement, together with the overall dimensions of the apparatus enable the tension in the handrail to be provided. The use of a suction cup effectively overcomes the requirement to provide a centre point on the opposite side of the handrail from the two other support points, this other side not otherwise being accessible in use.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: EHC Canada, Inc.Inventors: A. Stuart Caunce, Andrew O. Kenny, Michael Degli Angeli
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Publication number: 20100283173Abstract: A method and apparatus for extrusion of an article is provided. A die assembly can apply flows of thermoplastic material to an array of reinforcing cables to form a composite extrusion. A slider fabric can be bonded to one side of the composite extrusion. After exiting the die assembly, the slider fabric can act to support the extrudate as it passes along an elongate mandrel, which can cause the base of the slider fabric to change shape from a flat profile to the final internal profile of the article. The extruded article can then be cooled to solidify the material. The die can include cooling for the slider fabric and means for promoting penetration of the thermoplastic into reinforcing cables.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2008Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventors: Andrew Oliver Kenny, Douglas James Weathrall, Viqar Haider, Ronald Harold Ball, Alexander Stuart Caunce
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Publication number: 20100258403Abstract: Modified handrails for use in escalators, moving walkways and other transportation apparatus are provided. Handrail can include a configuration for a cable array as a stretch inhibitor that reduces cable buckling under severe flexing conditions. Handrail can also include a configuration for first and second thermoplastic layers in the lip portions that reduces strain and bending stresses and increases fatigue failure life under cyclic loading conditions. Handrail can also include, for the stretch inhibitor, the use of cables comprising large outer strands and small inner strands that enable penetration and adhesion within the first layer and can reduce incidence of fretting or corrosion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2008Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventors: Viqar Haider, Andrew Oliver Kenny, Alexander Stuart Caunce
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Publication number: 20090308173Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of measuring tension in a handrail for an escalator or moving walkway provides for three support or contact points on the handrail. Two outer or first and second support points are provided by rollers at either end of the support bar. A centre point is provided by a suction cup or other attachment device that grasps the handrail. The centre point is displaced relative to the first and second points by an amount less than a clearance between the handrail and an underlining guide. This displacement and the load necessary to cause the displacement, together with the overall dimensions of the apparatus enable the tension in the handrail to be provided. The use of a suction cup effectively overcomes the requirement to provide a centre point on the opposite side of the handrail from the two other support points, this other side not otherwise being accessible in use.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: December 17, 2009Inventors: A. Stuart Caunce, Andrew O. Kenny, Michael Degli Angeli
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Patent number: 6237740Abstract: A moving handrail construction, for escalators, moving walkways and other transportation apparatus has a handrail having a generally C-shaped cross-section and defining an internal generally T-shaped slot. The handrail is formed by extrusion and comprises a first layer of thermoplastic material extending around the T-shaped slot. A second layer of thermoplastic material extends around the outside of the first layer and defines the exterior profile of the handrail. A slider layer lines the T-shaped slot and is bonded to the first layer. A stretch inhibitor extends within the first layer. The first layer is formed from a harder thermoplastic than the second layer, and this has been found to give improved properties to the lip and improved drive characteristics on linear drives.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Inventors: Douglas J. Weatherall, Andrew O. Kenny, Ronald H. Ball, Stuart A. Caunce
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Patent number: 6086806Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a joint in an elongate article formed from a thermoplastic material, for example an escalator handrail or a conveyor belt, which also includes a plurality of reinforcing cables and a slider fabric. End parts of the article are held in a mold and heated to remelt the material. Portions adjacent the end parts are chilled, at ends of the mold, to prevent remelting. The molten end parts then fuse, and the molten joint is then cooled to resolidify the material and form the joint. With reinforcing cables being present, these can be cut into an interlace pattern, which advantageously is provided in just a layer of the article rather than extending through the full depth of the article. A top layer can then be replaced by a separate top cap of the material of the body of the article. Where a slider is present, to provide an effective interlacing effect, a bottom layer or portion of a handrail is cut at an inclined angle, to form an inclined joint in the slider.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1996Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Ronald H. BallInventors: Douglas J. Weatherall, Andrew O. Kenny, Ronald H. Ball, A. Stuart Caunce, David S. Ball
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Patent number: 5255772Abstract: An improved handrail construction is provided. Normal handrail for use on escalators moving walkways and the like have a C-shaped cross-section with a stretch inhibitor extending longitudinally of the handrail to maintain dimensional stability of the handrail during use. Multiple plies of reinforcing fabric are also located in the handrail where both the stretch inhibitor and multiple plies are molded in a rubber composition to provide the completed handrail. The improvement which provides increased lateral stiffness, dimensional stability and greater lip strength, comprises two spaced apart plies of reinforcing woven fabric orientated to have stiff principal yarns extending perpendicular to the stretch inhibitor. The two spaced apart plies are interconnected by a rubber composition which has a higher strength in terms of stiffness, hardness and viscosity than the normal rubber composition used to encase the fabric plies and stretch inhibitors.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1992Date of Patent: October 26, 1993Assignee: Escalator Handrail CompanyInventors: Ronald H. Ball, A. Stuart Caunce