Patents by Inventor Bruce Cummings

Bruce Cummings 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: 11994380
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning two coaxially coupled rotatable shafts. A servo operated multi axis positioning device is movable along a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the shafts, and movable vertically to position a laser range (LRF) adjacent to the two shafts, which measures the distance between the LRF and a spot on the shafts. A controller having a processor and memory communicates with the positioning device and the LRF to collect data at two axial positions on each shaft. At each position the LRF measures the distance to the shaft and stores the measurement and location data. The LRF is vertically repositioned and the measurement and storing steps are repeated over a scan distance sufficient to provide enough data to determine the location of the shaft center. The processor then calculates and compares the shafts centerlines and determines the necessary adjustments needed to move the shafts into coaxial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: REDALIGN LLC
    Inventors: Fred L. Strunk, Thomas Edward Woycik, Marshall Bruce Cummings
  • Publication number: 20240093986
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning two coaxially coupled rotatable shafts. A servo operated multi axis positioning device is movable along a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the shafts, and movable vertically to position a laser range (LRF) adjacent to the two shafts, which measures the distance between the LRF and a spot on the shafts. A controller having a processor and memory communicates with the positioning device and the LRF to collect data at two axial positions on each shaft. At each position the LRF measures the distance to the shaft and stores the measurement and location data. The LRF is vertically repositioned and the measurement and storing steps are repeated over a scan distance sufficient to provide enough data to determine the location of the shaft center. The processor then calculates and compares the shafts centerlines and determines the necessary adjustments needed to move the shafts into coaxial alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: REDALIGN LLC
    Inventors: Fred L. STRUNK, Thomas Edward WOYCIK, Marshall Bruce CUMMINGS
  • Publication number: 20230413982
    Abstract: An oral care implement that is designed for users with reduced dexterity in their hands. In particular, the oral care implement includes a handle portion that includes a gripping portion configured to be gripped by the hand of a user and a grip stop protruding from the gripping portion in a cantilevered manner. The grip stop may be positioned near the end of the handle adjacent to the head of the oral care implement to stop movement of the user's hand upwards towards the head. The grip stop extends from the gripping portion a distance that is greater than a width or diameter of an adult finger to ensure it functions as a stop. In one embodiment, the grip stop may be rotatably or pivotably coupled to the gripping portion so that its exact circumferential position can be modified to enhance user comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo JIMENEZ, Bruce CUMMINGS, Renee Marie RIETHMILLER
  • Publication number: 20230413990
    Abstract: A stand for an oral care implement, an oral care system which includes an oral care implement and a stand, and a method of separating a refill head from a handle using a stand. The stand may include a support feature for supporting the oral care implement in an upright orientation and an engagement feature for engaging the refill head while a user detaches the handle from the refill head. The support feature may be a depression or cavity formed in the stand, and the engagement feature may be one or more recesses or notches formed into a top edge of the stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo JIMENEZ, Bruce CUMMINGS, Renee Marie RIETHMILLER
  • Patent number: 11650048
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning two coaxially coupled rotatable shafts. A servo operated multi axis positioning device is movable along a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the shafts, and movable vertically to position a laser range (LRF) adjacent to the two shafts, which measures the distance between the LRF and a spot on the shafts. A controller having a processor and memory communicates with the positioning device and the LRF to collect data at two axial positions on each shaft. At each position the LRF measures the distance to the shaft and stores the measurement and location data. The LRF is vertically repositioned and the measurement and storing steps are repeated over a scan distance sufficient to provide enough data to determine the location of the shaft center. The processor then calculates and compares the shafts centerlines and determines the necessary adjustments needed to move the shafts into coaxial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: REDALIGN LLC
    Inventors: Fred L. Strunk, Thomas Edward Woycik, Marshall Bruce Cummings
  • Publication number: 20220065622
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning two coaxially coupled rotatable shafts. A servo operated multi axis positioning device is movable along a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the shafts, and movable vertically to position a laser range (LRF) adjacent to the two shafts, which measures the distance between the LRF and a spot on the shafts. A controller having a processor and memory communicates with the positioning device and the LRF to collect data at two axial positions on each shaft. At each position the LRF measures the distance to the shaft and stores the measurement and location data. The LRF is vertically repositioned and the measurement and storing steps are repeated over a scan distance sufficient to provide enough data to determine the location of the shaft center. The processor then calculates and compares the shafts centerlines and determines the necessary adjustments needed to move the shafts into coaxial alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Applicant: REDALIGN LLC
    Inventors: Fred L. STRUNK, Thomas Edward WOYCIK, Marshall Bruce CUMMINGS
  • Patent number: 11193760
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning two coaxially coupled rotatable shafts. A servo operated positioning device is movable along a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the shafts, and movable vertically to position a laser range (LRF) adjacent to the two shafts, which measures the distance between the LRF and a spot on the shafts. A controller having a processor and memory communicates with the positioning device and the LRF to collect data at two axial positions on each shaft. At each position the LRF measures the distance to the shaft and stores the measurement and location data. The LRF is vertically repositioned and the measurement and storing steps are repeated over a scan distance sufficient to provide enough data to determine the location of the shaft center. The processor then calculates and compares the shafts centerlines and determines the necessary adjustments needed to move the shafts into coaxial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: REDALIGN LLC
    Inventors: Fred L. Strunk, Thomas Edward Woycik, Marshall Bruce Cummings
  • Publication number: 20210003394
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning two coaxially coupled rotatable shafts. A servo operated positioning device is movable along a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the shafts, and movable vertically to position a laser range (LRF) adjacent to the two shafts, which measures the distance between the LRF and a spot on the shafts. A controller having a processor and memory communicates with the positioning device and the LRF to collect data at two axial positions on each shaft. At each position the LRF measures the distance to the shaft and stores the measurement and location data. The LRF is vertically repositioned and the measurement and storing steps are repeated over a scan distance sufficient to provide enough data to determine the location of the shaft center. The processor then calculates and compares the shafts centerlines and determines the necessary adjustments needed to move the shafts into coaxial alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Applicant: Akkurat Technologies
    Inventors: Fred L. STRUNK, Thomas Edward WOYCIK, Marshall Bruce CUMMINGS
  • Patent number: 10531721
    Abstract: Disclosed is a deodorant dispenser refill cartridge, comprising: a container defining a chamber storing a fluid deodorant composition and having an opening through which the composition is dispensable from the chamber; and a seal sealing the opening. Also disclosed is a deodorant dispenser, comprising: a body having a cavity for receiving a first portion of the refill cartridge; a device within the cavity and extending along at least a portion of an edge region of the cavity for puncturing the seal of the refill cartridge as the first portion of the refill cartridge is received in the cavity of the body; and an applicator for applying the fluid deodorant composition to a user at an exterior of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: John C. Crawford, Bruce Cummings
  • Patent number: 10507957
    Abstract: A cap, apparatus, and method for manufacturing a cap. The cap (104) may include a base (106) defining an orifice therethrough, and a lid ((108) coupled with the base. The lid may include a top surface (125), a bottom surface (134) that is opposite to the top surface, a plug (122) extending from the bottom surface for a first distance, and a brim (114) extending from bottom surface for a second distance that is less than or equal to the first distance. The brim includes a first curve (208) at least partially extending from the bottom surface away from the top surface, and a second curve (210) at least partially extending from the top surface, away from the bottom surface. The brim defines at least a portion of an engagement surface that faces at least partially away from a centerline of the lid. The cap is operable between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Kiat-Cheong Toh, Bruce Cummings
  • Publication number: 20180211283
    Abstract: A method includes: receiving N sets of identification data for the patron captured by N passive data capture devices, respectively; and for each unique patron identifier: calculating N partial confidence values for that unique patron identifier based on N comparisons of the N sets of identification data with N sets of stored identification data, respectively, associated with that unique patron identifier; and based on the N partial confidence values of that unique patron identifier and N weighting values, respectively, calculating an overall confidence value for that unique patron identifier. One unique patron identifier having a highest overall confidence value is selected. When the selected overall confidence value is less than a predetermined value: a new unique patron identifier is created in a database; and the N sets of identification data captured using the N passive data capture devices, respectively, is stored in association with the new unique patron identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Applicant: Nextep Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Edward WOYCIK, Marshall Bruce CUMMINGS
  • Patent number: 9928527
    Abstract: A method includes: in response to detection of a patron, capturing N sets of identification data for the patron using N passive patron identification systems, respectively, wherein N is an integer greater than one; calculating N partial confidence values based on N comparisons of the N sets of identification data with N sets of stored identification data, respectively, associated with a unique patron identifier; and, based on the N partial confidence values, calculating an overall confidence value indicating a level of confidence that the patron is associated with the unique patron identifier. The method further includes: based on the unique patron identifier, retrieving stored ordering data that is associated with the unique patron identifier; setting ordering information to be output to the patron based on the overall confidence value and the stored ordering data; and outputting the ordering information to the patron using an ordering terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Nextep Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Woycik, Marshall Bruce Cummings
  • Patent number: 9773258
    Abstract: A method of upselling ordering items includes: in response to detection of a patron at or approaching an ordering terminal, capturing N sets of identification data for the patron using N passive patron identification systems, respectively, wherein N is an integer greater than one; calculating an overall confidence value indicating a level of confidence that the patron is associated with a unique patron identifier based on N comparisons of the N sets of identification data with N sets of stored identification data, respectively, associated with the unique patron identifier; based on the unique patron identifier, retrieving stored data indicative of an ordering item that is to be subliminally suggested to the patron during ordering; using the ordering terminal, displaying an ordering menu; and, when the overall confidence value is greater than a predetermined value, subliminally suggesting the ordering item to the patron while the patron places an order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Nextep Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Woycik, Marshall Bruce Cummings
  • Publication number: 20170247152
    Abstract: A cap, apparatus, and method for manufacturing a cap. The cap (104) may include a base (106) defining an orifice therethrough, and a lid ((108) coupled with the base. The lid may include a top surface (125), a bottom surface (134) that is opposite to the top surface, a plug (122) extending from the bottom surface for a first distance, and a brim (114) extending from bottom surface for a second distance that is less than or equal to the first distance. The brim includes a first curve (208) at least partially extending from the bottom surface away from the top surface, and a second curve (210) at least partially extending from the top surface, away from the bottom surface. The brim defines at least a portion of an engagement surface that faces at least partially away from a centerline of the lid. The cap is operable between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Kiat-Cheong TOH, Bruce Cummings
  • Patent number: 9649513
    Abstract: An aerosol container has a positive actuating structure. The aerosol container is comprised of a body section and a dispensing section. The body section has an aerosol container with a valve at an end that is adjacent the dispensing section. The dispensing section has an enclosing unit and an actuating unit with an actuating channel to receive the finger of a person to actuate the actuating unit. The actuating unit fits into the enclosing unit. The actuator channel extends through the dispensing section, at least part of the lower part of the actuator channel being flexible and in contact with the valve of the aerosol container. The actuator channel can be entirely of a flexible material which directly contacts the aerosol valve or be a part of a semi-rigid to rigid material which directly contacts the aerosol valve. Upon depressing the actuator channel the aerosol valve is actuated and product flows from the body section through the dispensing section to a dispensing aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: COLGATE—PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: John David Lamb, Martin Christopher Bunce, Alexander James Peacop, Bruce Cummings, William John Davis, Barbara Porter
  • Publication number: 20160157580
    Abstract: Disclosed is a deodorant dispenser refill cartridge, comprising: a container defining a chamber storing a fluid deodorant composition and having an opening through which the composition is dispensable from the chamber; and a seal sealing the opening. Also disclosed is a deodorant dispenser, comprising: a body having a cavity for receiving a first portion of the refill cartridge; a device within the cavity and extending along at least a portion of an edge region of the cavity for puncturing the seal of the refill cartridge as the first portion of the refill cartridge is received in the cavity of the body; and an applicator for applying the fluid deodorant composition to a user at an exterior of the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: John C. CRAWFORD, Bruce CUMMINGS
  • Patent number: D973366
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Renee Marie Riethmiller, Bruce Cummings
  • Patent number: D973367
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Bruce Cummings, Renee Marie Riethmiller
  • Patent number: D974043
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Renee Marie Riethmiller, Bruce Cummings
  • Patent number: D974765
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Bruce Cummings, Renee Marie Riethmiller