Patents by Inventor Brian Lee Duncan

Brian Lee Duncan 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: 10505325
    Abstract: A rack power distribution unit is provided having one or more outlet modules. Each outlet module includes a body having a plurality of outlet openings. A plurality of outlets are configured to be inserted into, and retained within, the plurality of outlet openings. An outlet board is configured to be coupled to, and distribute power to, the plurality of outlets. A control board configured to be coupled to, and distribute power to, the outlet board, where the outlet board is configured to be coupled to a first outlet of a first type and a second outlet of a second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian Lee Duncan, Martin Guy Fiacco
  • Publication number: 20190115705
    Abstract: A rack power distribution unit is provided having one or more outlet modules. Each outlet module includes a body having a plurality of outlet openings. A plurality of outlets are configured to be inserted into, and retained within, the plurality of outlet openings. An outlet board is configured to be coupled to, and distribute power to, the plurality of outlets. A control board configured to be coupled to, and distribute power to, the outlet board, where the outlet board is configured to be coupled to a first outlet of a first type and a second outlet of a second type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Lee Duncan, Martin Guy Fiacco
  • Patent number: 9806438
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a chassis, a first outlet provided in the chassis, and a power source coupled to the first outlet. The first outlet has a first ground terminal. The device further includes a ground bracket configured to connect first ground terminal of the first outlet to the chassis to ground the first outlet. The electronic device further may include a second outlet provided in the chassis and spaced from the first outlet. The second outlet is coupled to the power source, and has a second ground terminal. The ground bracket is configured to connect the first ground terminal of the first outlet to the second ground terminal of the second outlet and to the chassis. A method of grounding outlets of the electronic device is further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian Lee Duncan, Daniel J. Rohr
  • Publication number: 20170125923
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a chassis, a first outlet provided in the chassis, and a power source coupled to the first outlet. The first outlet has a first ground terminal. The device further includes a ground bracket configured to connect first ground terminal of the first outlet to the chassis to ground the first outlet. The electronic device further may include a second outlet provided in the chassis and spaced from the first outlet. The second outlet is coupled to the power source, and has a second ground terminal. The ground bracket is configured to connect the first ground terminal of the first outlet to the second ground terminal of the second outlet and to the chassis. A method of grounding outlets of the electronic device is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Brian Lee Duncan, Daniel J. Rohr
  • Patent number: 8548625
    Abstract: An optical vend sensing system for use in vending machines employs a row of light emitters on one side of a region through which a vend product passes during delivery and a row of light detectors on the opposite side. Each detector is substantially aligned with a corresponding one of the emitters, and is capable of receiving light from any of more than one of the emitters when that emitter is activated. The emitters are individually activated in sequential, round-robin fashion and multiple detectors are monitored for each emitter when activated. Interruption of detectible beams between an activated emitter and one of the multiple emitters monitored for the activated emitter. Power applied to an activated emitter is calibrated in steps to a minimum level sufficient to ensure detection by all monitored detectors of light emitted by an activated emitter, plus a safety margin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Boyd Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Publication number: 20120012603
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: David B. Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Patent number: 8046100
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Boyd Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Patent number: 7980418
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Patent number: 7787988
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the deliver path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Publication number: 20080128449
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the deliver path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: David B. Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Patent number: 7286901
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Crane Co.
    Inventors: David B. Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Patent number: 7191034
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Crane Co.
    Inventors: David Boyd Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Publication number: 20040172334
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: David Boyd Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Patent number: 6732014
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Crane Co.
    Inventors: David Boyd Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Publication number: 20020195458
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: David B. Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Publication number: 20020117509
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: David Boyd Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan