Patents by Inventor Brian K. Gray
Brian K. 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).
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Patent number: 11945977Abstract: A hot melt adhesive comprises at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, polybutene, polyisobutene, linear low density polyethylene, polypropylene random copolymer, polypropylene, olefin block copolymer, polyolefins, styrene block copolymers, and ethyl vinyl acetate polymers; a tackifying resin; and at least one precisely end-capped polystyrene (PECPS). The use of the styrene-based oligomers and polymers with the precisely controlled end-groups in hot melt adhesive formulations to improve compatibility with polymers and block copolymers frequently used in such adhesives.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Bostik, Inc.Inventors: Steven D. Gray, Darius K. Deak, Brian R. Minix, Edward P. Tomlinson
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Patent number: 11650049Abstract: Methods and systems measure a vehicle body parameter; e.g., a wheel alignment parameter such as ride height. Embodiments include a system having a target attachable to a vehicle body, and an image sensor for viewing the target and capturing image data thereof. A processor processes the image data, determines an initial spatial position of the target based on the processed image data, compares the initial spatial position of the target with a reference position, and prompts a user to align the target to an adjusted spatial position when the initial spatial position differs from the reference position more than a threshold amount. The vehicle body parameter value is determined based on the target's adjusted spatial position. In certain embodiments, the adjusted spatial position differs from the reference position by a position error value, and the processor mathematically corrects the vehicle body parameter value based on the position error value.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Snap-On IncorporatedInventors: Bryan C. Minor, James Rodney Harrell, David A. Jackson, George M. Gill, Brian K. Gray
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Patent number: 11073381Abstract: A portable vehicle alignment system has a vertical central column with a carriage movable along its length, and a pair of camera arms pivotably attached to the carriage, each with a camera pod. The camera pods each have a camera for capturing image data of a respective vehicle-mounted target. One pod also has a calibration target disposed in a known relationship to its camera, and the other pod has a calibration camera disposed in a known relationship to its camera for capturing images of the calibration target. The camera arms pivot between an extended position where the cameras are disposed to capture image data of the vehicle targets and the calibration camera is disposed to capture images of the calibration target, and a folded position where the aligner has a width smaller than the width between the camera pods.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Snap-On IncorporatedInventors: Steven W. Rogers, David A. Jackson, Adam C. Brown, Ronald D. Swayne, Brian K. Gray, Bryan C. Minor, James Rodney Harrell
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Publication number: 20200320739Abstract: A wheel alignment system includes a side-to-side reference including an active reference pod and a passive reference pod disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle. The active reference pod includes a reference image sensor fixedly attached to a reference target, for mounting on a first side of the vehicle such that the reference image sensor produces image data including a perspective representation of the passive reference pod disposed on a second/opposite side of the vehicle. In operation, alignment cameras on the opposite sides of the vehicle capture perspective representations of targets mounted to vehicle wheels and of targets of the active and passive reference pods. A computer processes the image data to compute an alignment measurement of the vehicle based on a spatial relationship between the active reference pod and the passive reference pod determined according to the image data produced by the reference image sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2020Publication date: October 8, 2020Applicant: Snap-On IncorporatedInventors: Joel A. KUNERT, Darwin Y. CHEN, George M. GILL, Brian K. GRAY, Steven W. ROGERS, Ronald D. SWAYNE, David A. JACKSON, Rodney HARRELL, Robert J. D'AGOSTINO, Bryan C. MINOR, Eric R. SELLERS, Sean P. LECRONE, Larry D. KLOTZ, Jonathan A. SPERRY
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Patent number: 10692241Abstract: A wheel alignment system includes a side-to-side reference including an active reference pod and a passive reference pod disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle. The active reference pod includes a reference image sensor fixedly attached to a reference target, for mounting on a first side of the vehicle such that the reference image sensor produces image data including a perspective representation of the passive reference pod disposed on a second/opposite side of the vehicle. In operation, alignment cameras on the opposite sides of the vehicle capture perspective representations of targets mounted to vehicle wheels and of targets of the active and passive reference pods. A computer processes the image data to compute an alignment measurement of the vehicle based on a spatial relationship between the active reference pod and the passive reference pod determined according to the image data produced by the reference image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2019Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: SNAP-ON INCORPORATEDInventors: Joel A. Kunert, Darwin Y. Chen, George M. Gill, Brian K. Gray, Steven W. Rogers, Ronald D. Swayne, David A. Jackson, Rodney Harrell, Robert J. D'Agostino, Bryan C. Minor, Eric R. Sellers, Sean P. Lecrone, Larry D. Klotz, Jonathan A. Sperry
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Publication number: 20200158501Abstract: Methods and systems measure a vehicle body parameter; e.g., a wheel alignment parameter such as ride height. Embodiments include a system having a target attachable to a vehicle body, and an image sensor for viewing the target and capturing image data thereof. A processor processes the image data, determines an initial spatial position of the target based on the processed image data, compares the initial spatial position of the target with a reference position, and prompts a user to align the target to an adjusted spatial position when the initial spatial position differs from the reference position more than a threshold amount. The vehicle body parameter value is determined based on the target's adjusted spatial position. In certain embodiments, the adjusted spatial position differs from the reference position by a position error value, and the processor mathematically corrects the vehicle body parameter value based on the position error value.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2020Publication date: May 21, 2020Inventors: Bryan C. Minor, James Rodney Harrell, David A. Jackson, George M. Gill, Brian K. Gray
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Publication number: 20200041266Abstract: A portable vehicle alignment system has a vertical central column with a carriage movable along its length, and a pair of camera arms pivotably attached to the carriage, each with a camera pod. The camera pods each have a camera for capturing image data of a respective vehicle-mounted target. One pod also has a calibration target disposed in a known relationship to its camera, and the other pod has a calibration camera disposed in a known relationship to its camera for capturing images of the calibration target. The camera arms pivot between an extended position where the cameras are disposed to capture image data of the vehicle targets and the calibration camera is disposed to capture images of the calibration target, and a folded position where the aligner has a width smaller than the width between the camera pods.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2019Publication date: February 6, 2020Inventors: Steven W. Rogers, David A. Jackson, Adam C. Brown, Ronald D. Swayne, Brian K. Gray, Bryan C. Minor, James Rodney Harrell
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Patent number: 10539413Abstract: Methods and systems measure a vehicle body parameter; e.g., a wheel alignment parameter such as ride height. Embodiments include a system having a target attachable to a vehicle body, and an image sensor for viewing the target and capturing image data thereof. A processor processes the image data, determines an initial spatial position of the target based on the processed image data, compares the initial spatial position of the target with a reference position, and prompts a user to align the target to an adjusted spatial position when the initial spatial position differs from the reference position more than a threshold amount. The vehicle body parameter value is determined based on the target's adjusted spatial position. In certain embodiments, the adjusted spatial position differs from the reference position by a position error value, and the processor mathematically corrects the vehicle body parameter value based on the position error value.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: SNAP-ON IncorporatedInventors: Bryan C. Minor, Rodney Harrell, David A. Jackson, George M. Gill, Brian K. Gray
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Patent number: 10473458Abstract: A portable vehicle alignment system has a vertical central column with a carriage movable along its length, and a pair of camera arms pivotably attached to the carriage, each with a camera pod. The camera pods each have a camera for capturing image data of a respective vehicle-mounted target. One pod also has a calibration target disposed in a known relationship to its camera, and the other pod has a calibration camera disposed in a known relationship to its camera for capturing images of the calibration target. The camera arms pivot between an extended position where the cameras are disposed to capture image data of the vehicle targets and the calibration camera is disposed to capture images of the calibration target, and a folded position where the aligner has a width smaller than the width between the camera pods.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2016Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: SNAP-ON INCORPORATEDInventors: Steven W. Rogers, David A. Jackson, Adam C. Brown, Ronald D. Swayne, Brian K. Gray, Bryan C. Minor, Rodney Harrell
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Publication number: 20190279395Abstract: A wheel alignment system includes a side-to-side reference including an active reference pod and a passive reference pod disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle. The active reference pod includes a reference image sensor fixedly attached to a reference target, for mounting on a first side of the vehicle such that the reference image sensor produces image data including a perspective representation of the passive reference pod disposed on a second/opposite side of the vehicle. In operation, alignment cameras on the opposite sides of the vehicle capture perspective representations of targets mounted to vehicle wheels and of targets of the active and passive reference pods. A computer processes the image data to compute an alignment measurement of the vehicle based on a spatial relationship between the active reference pod and the passive reference pod determined according to the image data produced by the reference image sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2019Publication date: September 12, 2019Inventors: Joel A. KUNERT, Darwin Y. CHEN, George M. GILL, Brian K. GRAY, Steven W. ROGERS, Ronald D. SWAYNE, David A. JACKSON, Rodney HARRELL, Robert J. D'AGOSTINO, Bryan C. MINOR, Eric R. SELLERS, Sean P. LECRONE, Larry D. KLOTZ, Jonathan A. SPERRY
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Publication number: 20190279396Abstract: A wheel alignment system includes a side-to-side reference including an active reference pod and a passive reference pod disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle. The active reference pod includes a reference image sensor fixedly attached to a reference target, for mounting on a first side of the vehicle such that the reference image sensor produces image data including a perspective representation of the passive reference pod disposed on a second/opposite side of the vehicle. In operation, alignment cameras on the opposite sides of the vehicle capture perspective representations of targets mounted to vehicle wheels and of targets of the active and passive reference pods. A computer processes the image data to compute an alignment measurement of the vehicle based on a spatial relationship between the active reference pod and the passive reference pod determined according to the image data produced by the reference image sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2019Publication date: September 12, 2019Inventors: Joel A. Kunert, Darwin Y. Chen, George M. Gill, Brian K. Gray, Steven W. Rogers, Ronald D. Swayne, David A. Jackson, Rodney Harrell, Robert J. D'Agostino, Bryan C. Minor, Eric R. Sellers, Sean P. Lecrone, Larry D. Klotz, Jonathan A. Sperry
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Publication number: 20190222723Abstract: A portable vehicle alignment system is provided having two base tower assemblies, each having a pedestal, a columnar tower removably attachable to the top of the pedestal, and a camera pod movable along a length of the tower; and a data processor with a wireless communication device for processing image data from the camera pods. Each camera pod includes a camera for capturing image data of a target mounted on a vehicle, and a communication device for wirelessly communicating with the data processor. One pod has a calibration target and the other pod has a calibration camera for capturing images of the calibration target. The pedestals each have a manually-operated clamp for removably fixedly attaching the tower to the pedestal in one of a plurality of positions such that the orientation of the camera pod to the pedestal is angularly adjustable, allowing horizontal rotation of the camera pod.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: James Rodney Harrell, Brian K. Gray, David A. Jackson, Ronald D. Swayne, Darwin Y. Chen, Bryan C. Minor
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Patent number: 10347006Abstract: A wheel alignment system includes a side-to-side reference including an active reference pod and a passive reference pod disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle. The active reference pod includes a reference image sensor fixedly attached to a reference target, for mounting on a first side of the vehicle such that the reference image sensor produces image data including a perspective representation of the passive reference pod disposed on a second/opposite side of the vehicle. In operation, alignment cameras on the opposite sides of the vehicle capture perspective representations of targets mounted to vehicle wheels and of targets of the active and passive reference pods. A computer processes the image data to compute an alignment measurement of the vehicle based on a spatial relationship between the active reference pod and the passive reference pod determined according to the image data produced by the reference image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: SNAP-ON INCORPORATEDInventors: Joel A. Kunert, Darwin Y. Chen, George M. Gill, Brian K. Gray, Steven W. Rogers, Ronald D. Swayne, David A. Jackson, Rodney Harrell, Robert J. D'Agostino, Bryan C. Minor, Eric R. Sellers, Sean P. Lecrone, Larry D. Klotz, Jonathan A. Sperry
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Patent number: 10298814Abstract: A portable vehicle alignment system is provided having two base tower assemblies, each having a pedestal, a columnar tower removably attachable to the top of the pedestal, and a camera pod movable along a length of the tower; and a data processor with a wireless communication device for processing image data from the camera pods. Each camera pod includes a camera for capturing image data of a target mounted on a vehicle, and a communication device for wirelessly communicating with the data processor. One pod has a calibration target and the other pod has a calibration camera for capturing images of the calibration target. The pedestals each have a manually-operated clamp for removably fixedly attaching the tower to the pedestal in one of a plurality of positions such that the orientation of the camera pod to the pedestal is angularly adjustable, allowing horizontal rotation of the camera pod.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: SNAP-ON IncorporatedInventors: Rodney Harrell, Brian K. Gray, David A. Jackson, Ronald D. Swayne, Darwin Y. Chen, Bryan C. Minor
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Publication number: 20180053320Abstract: A wheel alignment system includes a side-to-side reference including an active reference pod and a passive reference pod disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle. The active reference pod includes a reference image sensor fixedly attached to a reference target, for mounting on a first side of the vehicle such that the reference image sensor produces image data including a perspective representation of the passive reference pod disposed on a second/opposite side of the vehicle. In operation, alignment cameras on the opposite sides of the vehicle capture perspective representations of targets mounted to vehicle wheels and of targets of the active and passive reference pods. A computer processes the image data to compute an alignment measurement of the vehicle based on a spatial relationship between the active reference pod and the passive reference pod determined according to the image data produced by the reference image sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Joel A. KUNERT, Darwin Y. CHEN, George M. GILL, Brian K. GRAY, Steven W. ROGERS, Ronald D. SWAYNE, David A. JACKSON, Rodney HARRELL, Robert J. D'AGOSTINO, Bryan C. MINOR, Eric R. SELLERS, Sean P. LECRONE, Larry D. KLOTZ, Jonathan A. SPERRY
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Publication number: 20170097230Abstract: A portable vehicle alignment system has a vertical central column with a carriage movable along its length, and a pair of camera arms pivotably attached to the carriage, each with a camera pod. The camera pods each have a camera for capturing image data of a respective vehicle-mounted target. One pod also has a calibration target disposed in a known relationship to its camera, and the other pod has a calibration camera disposed in a known relationship to its camera for capturing images of the calibration target. The camera arms pivot between an extended position where the cameras are disposed to capture image data of the vehicle targets and the calibration camera is disposed to capture images of the calibration target, and a folded position where the aligner has a width smaller than the width between the camera pods.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Steven W. ROGERS, David A. Jackson, Adam C. Brown, Ronald D. Swayne, Brian K. Gray, Bryan C. Minor, Rodney Harrell
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Publication number: 20160178359Abstract: Methods and systems measure a vehicle body parameter; e.g., a wheel alignment parameter such as ride height. Embodiments include a system having a target attachable to a vehicle body, and an image sensor for viewing the target and capturing image data thereof. A processor processes the image data, determines an initial spatial position of the target based on the processed image data, compares the initial spatial position of the target with a reference position, and prompts a user to align the target to an adjusted spatial position when the initial spatial position differs from the reference position more than a threshold amount. The vehicle body parameter value is determined based on the target's adjusted spatial position. In certain embodiments, the adjusted spatial position differs from the reference position by a position error value, and the processor mathematically corrects the vehicle body parameter value based on the position error value.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2015Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Bryan C. Minor, Rodney Harrell, David A. Jackson, George M. Gill, Brian K. Gray
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Patent number: D781727Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: SNAP-ON INCORPORATEDInventors: David A. Jackson, Adam C. Brown, Ronald D. Swayne, Brian K. Gray, Bryan C. Minor, Rodney Harrell
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Patent number: D824448Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: SNAP-ON INCORPORATEDInventors: David A. Jackson, Adam C. Brown, Ronald D. Swayne, Brian K. Gray, Bryan C. Minor, Rodney Harrell
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Patent number: D837036Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: SNAP-ON INCORPORATEDInventors: David A. Jackson, Adam C. Brown, Ronald D. Swayne, Brian K. Gray, Bryan C. Minor, Rodney Harrell