Patents by Inventor Craig A. Smiens

Craig A. Smiens 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: 8695782
    Abstract: A conveying system that corrects spacing inconsistencies between food products on transport conveyors. Sensor elements are used to determine the position of food products on a first conveyor. Displacement members then move the food products to a slower second conveyor and different locations to correct the position between the food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Marel Meat Processing Inc.
    Inventors: Brent M. Veldkamp, Andrew W. Maddux, Colin R. Hart, Kenneth L. Lebsack, Joshua W. Higgins, Craig A. Smiens
  • Publication number: 20130277174
    Abstract: A conveying system that corrects spacing inconsistencies between food products on transport conveyors. Sensor elements are used to determine the position of food products on a first conveyor. Displacement members then move the food products to a slower second conveyor and different locations to correct the position between the food products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: MAREL MEAT PROCESSING INC.
    Inventors: Brent M. Veldkamp, Andrew W. Maddux, Colin R. Hart, Kenneth L. Lebsack, Joshua W. Higgins, Craig A. Smiens
  • Patent number: 7992490
    Abstract: A by-pass control system for a meat injection system has a variable speed pump that transports fluid to a meat injection machine. Excess fluid is transported to a by-pass control valve. The valve has a moveable piston disposed therein that separates the valve into a fluid chamber and an air chamber. The piston moves back and forth based on the relationship between fluid pressure and air pressure. Sensors are disposed within or through the lid or the valve to sense the position of the piston. A controller is connected to the sensors and the variable speed pump and adjusts the speed of the pump based on the position of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Stork Townsend Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Pfeffer, Michael S. Simpson, Craig A. Smiens
  • Patent number: 6497176
    Abstract: A meat injection machine has a frame, and a vertically movable head thereon. A horizontal conveyor is on the frame, and a plurality of injector needles are positioned over the conveyor. A plurality of vertically disposed needles are on the conveyor. Means are provided for connecting the needles to a source of fluid. The modules are in longitudinal and lateral staggered positions over the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Townsend Engineering Company
    Inventors: Vincent L. Basile, Craig A. Smiens, Daniel W. Pfeffer, Michael S. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20020152901
    Abstract: A meat injection machine has a frame, and a vertically movable head thereon. A horizontal conveyor is on the frame, and a plurality of injector needles are positioned over the conveyor. A plurality of vertically disposed needles are on the conveyor. Means are provided for connecting the needles to a source of fluid. The modules are in longitudinal and lateral staggered positions over the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: Townsend Engineering Company
    Inventors: Vincent L. Basile, Craig A. Smiens, Daniel W. Pfeffer, Michael S. Simpson
  • Patent number: 5813907
    Abstract: A sausage encasing machine has a frame, a meat emulsion pump, a hollow meat emulsion stuffing horn with a discharge end and being longitudinally moveable on the frame. A conventional power means is provided to longitudinally move the stuffing horn. A conventional meat emulsion pump, a rotatably mounted chuck, and a lengthening device are mounted in alignment on the frame. A casing hopper is pivotally mounted on the frame between the pump and the chuck and is adapted to hold a plurality of shirred hollow elongated casings. A cradle mechanism is movably mounted in the hopper and has opposite spaced moveable finger assemblies therein for guiding an elongated shirred hollow elongated casing in the hopper to a position of longitudinal alignment with the stuffing horn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Townsend Engineering Company
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Lebsack, Craig A. Smiens, Brent M. Veldkamp