Patents by Inventor Bruce A. Bowling
Bruce A. Bowling 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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Publication number: 20100263439Abstract: A method for determining engine crankshaft position determines the position of a rotating crankshaft using one or many crankshaft position sensors. The sensor output signals representing crankshaft position are digitized and specific timing positions are derived. The sampled timing positions are compared to a known position template to determine crankshaft position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: BG SOFLEX LLC.Inventors: Bruce BOWLING, Albert GRIPPO
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Patent number: 7814780Abstract: A method for determining engine crankshaft position determines the position of a rotating crankshaft using one or many crankshaft position sensors. The sensor output signals representing crankshaft position are digitized and specific timing positions are derived. The sampled timing positions are compared to a known position template to determine crankshaft position.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: BG Soflex LLCInventors: Bruce Bowling, Albert Grippo
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Publication number: 20100126260Abstract: A pressure measurement system includes a multiplexer unit which inputs a plurality of electrical signals representative of pressures, and a comparison unit which compares the electrical signals among each other to determine a specified signal characteristic, wherein the multiplexer unit selects one of the electrical signals as an output signal based on the determination of the specified signal characteristic, and outputs the selected signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: BG Soflex LLCInventors: Bruce BOWLING, Albert Grippo
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Patent number: 7584539Abstract: A method of manufacturing an inkjet printer component and an inkjet printer component electropolishing device are provided. The method includes positioning an electrode in a fluid passageway of an inkjet printer component, the electrode including a conductive face and a nonconductive face; polishing a side of the fluid passageway by: biasing the nonconductive face of the electrode toward a side of the fluid passageway such that the conductive face of the electrode does not contact any portion of the fluid passageway; providing an electrolytic fluid to the fluid passageway of the inkjet printer component; and applying a voltage between the electrode and the inkjet printer component.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: James E. Harrison, Francis T. Galbraith, Kevin P. Egan, Bruce A. Bowling, Richard W. Sexton
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Patent number: 7506443Abstract: A drop selection assemblage for use in a printhead and method of making includes a drop generator with a jet array for releasing a drop stream along a normal drop path. The drop stream includes print media drops and recycle drops. The assemblage has a charge structure disposed in a spaced apart relationship to the jet array. The charge structure is a substrate with a non-beveled and beveled portion sloped between 3 degrees and 25 degrees relative to the normal drop path. The charge structure has one or more drop charging electrodes on the non-beveled portion to charge recycle drops and one or more short detection electrodes on the beveled portion. A catcher is located adjacent to the charge structure for catching drops that have passed along the charge structure. The print media drops are selected, and the recycle drops are deflected without either contacting the charge structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Bruce A. Bowling, Dexter N. Douglass
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Publication number: 20080245142Abstract: A method for determining engine crankshaft position determines the position of a rotating crankshaft using one or many crankshaft position sensors. The sensor output signals representing crankshaft position are digitized and specific timing positions are derived. The sampled timing positions are compared to a known position template to determine crankshaft position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2008Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: BG Soflex LLC.Inventors: Bruce Bowling, Albert Grippo
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Publication number: 20080143107Abstract: A connector includes a structure for receiving the tubing and a mechanism for releasably retaining the tubing over the tubing receiving structure. The structure for receiving the tubing includes an exterior surface with portions of the exterior surface of the structure defining a tapered section and at least one ring. The mechanism for releasably retaining the tubing over the tubing receiving structure is releasably engagable with the tubing receiving structure. Portions of the mechanism define a longitudinal bore through which the tubing can be inserted. The mechanism includes an interior surface with portions of the interior surface defining a tapered section. When the tubing is positioned over the tapered section and the at least one ring of the tubing receiving structure and the tubing receiving structure is engaged with the retaining mechanism, at least two fluid seals are created or present.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Bruce A. Bowling, Timothy T. Hare, James A. Katerberg
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Publication number: 20080088681Abstract: A method of manufacturing an inkjet printer component and an inkjet printer component electropolishing device are provided. The method includes positioning an electrode in a fluid passageway of an inkjet printer component, the electrode including a conductive face and a nonconductive face; polishing a side of the fluid passageway by: biasing the nonconductive face of the electrode toward a side of the fluid passageway such that the conductive face of the electrode does not contact any portion of the fluid passageway; providing an electrolytic fluid to the fluid passageway of the inkjet printer component; and applying a voltage between the electrode and the inkjet printer component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2006Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventors: James E. Harrison, Francis T. Galbraith, Kevin P. Egan, Bruce A. Bowling, Richard W. Sexton
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Publication number: 20070282516Abstract: An electronic engine fuel controller that is simple, low cost, easily installed, and configurable for any internal combustion engine. The system is intended for upgrading older carbureted vehicles or vehicles that have been modified beyond the limits of the OEM controller. It takes advantage of modern micro controller technology with integrated memory, digital input/output, sensor and timer channels to produce a low parts count, as well as reliable operation in a large variety of vehicles, even when installed by people with little experience or knowledge in this area. Operation is by sensing a tachometer signal from the existing distributor, ignition coil, toothed wheel or similar device that produces one electronic pulse for each cylinder cycle. When a pulse is received, software in the micro measures engine operating parameters, calculates fuel parameters, and fires one or more injectors depending on how the system is configured.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2007Publication date: December 6, 2007Inventors: Bruce Bowling, Albert Grippo
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Publication number: 20070192017Abstract: An electronic engine fuel controller that is simple, low cost, easily installed, and configurable for any internal combustion engine. The system is intended for upgrading older carbureted vehicles or vehicles that have been modified beyond the limits of the OEM controller. It takes advantage of modern microcontroller technology with integrated memory, digital input/output, sensor and timer channels to produce a low parts count, as well as reliable operation in a large variety of vehicles, even when installed by people with little experience or knowledge in this area. Operation is by sensing a tachometer signal from the existing distributor, ignition coil, toothed wheel or similar device that produces one electronic pulse for each cylinder cycle. When a pulse is received, software in the micro measures engine operating parameters, calculates fuel parameters, and fires one or more injectors depending on how the system is configured.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2007Publication date: August 16, 2007Inventors: Bruce Bowling, Albert Grippo
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Publication number: 20070013755Abstract: A drop selection assemblage for use in a printhead and method of making includes a drop generator with a jet array for releasing a drop stream along a normal drop path. The drop stream includes print media drops and recycle drops. The assemblage has a charge structure disposed in a spaced apart relationship to the jet array. The charge structure is a substrate with a non-beveled and beveled portion sloped between 3 degrees and 25 degrees relative to the normal drop path. The charge structure has one or more drop charging electrodes on the non-beveled portion to charge recycle drops and one or more short detection electrodes on the beveled portion. A catcher is located adjacent to the charge structure for catching drops that have passed along the charge structure. The print media drops are selected, and the recycle drops are deflected without either contacting the charge structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2006Publication date: January 18, 2007Inventors: Bruce Bowling, Dexter Douglass
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Patent number: 7144103Abstract: A drop selection assemblage for use in a printhead and method of making includes a drop generator with a jet array for releasing a drop stream along a normal drop path. The drop stream includes print media drops and recycle drops. The assemblage has a charge structure disposed in a spaced apart relationship to the jet array. The charge structure is a substrate with a non-beveled and beveled portion sloped between 3 degrees and 25 degrees relative to the normal drop path. The charge structure has one or more drop charging electrodes on the non-beveled portion to charge recycle drops and one or more short detection electrodes on the beveled portion. A catcher is located adjacent to the charge structure for catching drops that have passed along the charge structure. The print media drops are selected, and the recycle drops are deflected without either contacting the charge structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Bruce A. Bowling, Dexter N. Douglass
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Patent number: 7063402Abstract: A flexible lamination method is provided for joining primary ink jet components. Essentially, the existing thermosetting construction techniques are replaced with a thermoplastic construction by replacing epoxy with sheet plastic during the lamination process. The flexible lamination joins primary ink jet components. Thermoplastic films have a high viscosity at lamination temperatures. This high viscosity holds bonding material in the area intended by elimination of wicking.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2003Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Bruce A. Bowling, Shaun B. Kress
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Publication number: 20050248629Abstract: A drop selection assemblage for use in a printhead and method of making includes a drop generator with a jet array for releasing a drop stream along a normal drop path. The drop stream includes print media drops and recycle drops. The assemblage has a charge structure disposed in a spaced apart relationship to the jet array. The charge structure is a substrate with a non-beveled and beveled portion sloped between 3 degrees and 25 degrees relative to the normal drop path. The charge structure has one or more drop charging electrodes on the non-beveled portion to charge recycle drops and one or more short detection electrodes on the beveled portion. A catcher is located adjacent to the charge structure for catching drops that have passed along the charge structure. The print media drops are selected, and the recycle drops are deflected without either contacting the charge structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2004Publication date: November 10, 2005Inventors: Bruce Bowling, Dexter Douglass
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Patent number: 6962411Abstract: A catcher design is provided wherein vacuum channels are added to both sides of the catcher to remove ink from the face of the catcher and from the eyelid seal. An additional fluid port on the catcher allows the additional vacuum channels to maintain an increased level of vacuum. A restriction on the catcher line balances the fluid flow between the catcher and the additional vacuum channels. A scoop can be machined into the catch pan to remove fluid from below the catcher face. A manifold can be used to maintain a vacuum source for the catcher throat and the additional channels, while pulling the unprinted ink back to the fluid system. Finally, a wider eyelid seal can allow purge fluid used during shutdown to clear the channels.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2003Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Kenneth J. West, Jay D. Frazier, David A. Huliba, Bruce A. Bowling, Charles D. Rike
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Patent number: 6926394Abstract: A catcher device is provided for a continuous ink jet printer of the kind for generating a row of parallel selectively charged drop streams catches charged ink drops. The catcher device combines the attributes of two different materials, specifically a polymer and a metal, and two different processes, to eliminate high cost, material limitations, and geometry constraints associated with prior art catcher constructions.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Bruce A. Bowling
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Patent number: 6910756Abstract: A technique for sealing a printhead of an ink jet printer system on startup, opening the seal to print, and opening further on an arbitrary path for service, is provided for by the present invention. The ink jet printhead has an ink drop generator, a catcher located adjacent to the ink drop generator, and a catcher pan located below the catcher. An eyelid seals ink within the printhead on startup of the printer system. An actuator mechanism transmits movement to the eyelid along a predetermined path, having multiple positions for the eyelid. The eyelid is moved between open and closed positions by means of a dc motor. The open position is defined by the actuator means contacting a print position stop. Shifting the position of the print position stop allows the eyelid to open to a service position.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2002Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: John N. Blum, Bruce A. Bowling, David A. Huliba, David F. Tunmore
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Publication number: 20050110825Abstract: A flexible lamination method is provided for joining primary ink jet components. Essentially, the existing thermosetting construction techniques are replaced with a thermoplastic construction by replacing epoxy with sheet plastic during the lamination process. The flexible lamination joins primary ink jet components. Thermoplastic films have a high viscosity at lamination temperatures. This high viscosity holds bonding material in the area intended by elimination of wicking.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2003Publication date: May 26, 2005Inventors: Bruce Bowling, Shaun Kress
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Publication number: 20040179059Abstract: A catcher device is provided for a continuous ink jet printer of the kind for generating a row of parallel selectively charged drop streams catches charged ink drops. The catcher device combines the attributes of two different materials, specifically a polymer and a metal, and two different processes, to eliminate high cost, material limitations, and geometry constraints associated with prior art catcher constructions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: Scitex Digital Printing, Inc.Inventor: Bruce A. Bowling
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Publication number: 20040130590Abstract: A catcher design is provided wherein vacuum channels are added to both sides of the catcher to remove ink from the face of the catcher and from the eyelid seal. An additional fluid port on the catcher allows the additional vacuum channels to maintain an increased level of vacuum. A restriction on the catcher line balances the fluid flow between the catcher and the additional vacuum channels. A scoop can be machined into the catch pan to remove fluid from below the catcher face. A manifold can be used to maintain a vacuum source for the catcher throat and the additional channels, while pulling the unprinted ink back to the fluid system. Finally, a wider eyelid seal can allow purge fluid used during shutdown to clear the channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Applicant: Scitex Digital Printing, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth J. West, Jay D. Frazier, David A. Huliba, Bruce A. Bowling, Charles D. Rike