Patents by Inventor Glenn R. Pierce

Glenn R. Pierce 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).

  • Operator-free fabric web inspection system
    Patent number: 6462820
    Abstract: A moving fabric web vision inspection system. The apparatus includes at least two electronic cameras on one side of the moving fabric web for measuring the light intensity of a predetermined area of the moving fabric web. A high frequency, backlight, contrast panel on the other side of the moving fabric web provides reference point for the cameras to detect a defect. A controller connected to each of the electronic cameras generates a stop signal if the light intensity of the predetermined area of the moving fabric web deviates from a predetermined value. The predetermined value corresponds to a detected defect in the moving fabric web. Finally, a repair station downstream from the cameras allows an operator to repair a defect detected by the vision inspection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: Edmund L. Pace, Glenn R. Pierce, John R. Everhart, David L. Kamp, Jimmy F. Plyler, Dennis Starnes, James Moore Schenck, George S. Noonkester
  • Operator-free fabric web inspection system
    Patent number: 6259526
    Abstract: A moving fabric web vision inspection system. The apparatus includes at least two electronic cameras on one side of the moving fabric web for measuring the light intensity of a predetermined area of the moving fabric web. A high frequency, backlight, contrast panel on the other side of the moving fabric web provides reference point for the cameras to detect a defect. A controller connected to each of the electronic cameras generates a stop signal if the light intensity of the predetermined area of the moving fabric web deviates from a predetermined value. The predetermined value corresponds to a detected defect in the moving fabric web. Finally, a repair station downstream from the cameras allows an operator to repair a defect detected by the vision inspection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: Edmund L. Pace, Glenn R. Pierce, John R. Everhart, David L. Kamp, Jimmy F. Plyler, Dennis Starnes, James Moore Schenck, George S. Noonkester
  • Large fabric roll letoff
    Patent number: 6101691
    Abstract: A fabric roll letoff for unrolling and inspecting a fabric roll. The apparatus includes: a continuous belt for supporting the fabric roll. A drive system for rotates the belt to letoff the fabric web. The drive system includes a drive roller; a idle roller; and a tension roller. The continuous belt rotates the fabric roll to unroll the fabric web at a constant velocity for subsequent processing. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of unloader arms is connected to the belt drive for receiving the fabric roll and for positioning the fabric roll onto the belt drive. Also, in the preferred embodiment, a guide frame is positioned downstream from the belt drive for directing the fabric web through an inspection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: Edmund L. Pace, Glenn R. Pierce, John R. Everhart, James Moore Schenck, David L. Kamp, Jimmy L. Plyler, John J. Frye, Dennis Starnes, George S. Noonkester