Patents by Inventor Gregory H. Butcher
Gregory H. Butcher 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).
-
Publication number: 20170095852Abstract: A container, such as a beverage or food can is provided, which includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a bottom portion extending between the first and second sidewalls. The material of the bottom portion is stretched relative to the first sidewall and the second sidewall to form a thinned preselected profile, such as a dome. The material of the container at or about the dome has a substantially uniform thickness. The container is formed from a blank of material, which has a base gauge prior to being formed. After being formed, the blank of material of the container at or about the dome has a thickness less than the base gauge. Tooling having a clamp bead, or a progressive clamp bead, for selectively forming a blank of material into a container, as well as an associated method are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: Aaron E. Carstens, James A. McClung, Paul L. Ripple, Gregory H. Butcher
-
Publication number: 20170072449Abstract: The disclosed and claimed compressed gas system provides for the use of a rotary valve assembly in association with a cupper. A compressed gas system that utilizes a rotary valve assembly uses less gas than a constant flow compressed gas system and is quieter than a compressed gas system that uses valves. The rotary valve is a disk-like body having an opening therethrough. The rotary valve body is disposed within a housing assembly wherein gas may only flow through the housing when the rotary valve body is properly aligned with a space on one side of the rotary valve body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Robert D. Turnbull, Neil A. Zumberger, Stephen P. Ripple
-
Patent number: 9573724Abstract: A tab is provided, which includes a body having first and second opposing ends, a nose portion disposed at or about the first end of the body, a lift portion disposed at or about the second end of the body of the tab, and a rivet receiving portion disposed proximate the nose portion. The rivet receiving portion includes a generally planar portion, a rivet hole having a perimeter, and an upturned portion extending upwardly from the generally planar portion about the perimeter of the rivet hole. The upturned portion reinforces the rivet hole and has an arcuate cross section profile. An integral rivet extends through the rivet hole and is staked to affix the tab to a can end. The upturned portion is devoid of any corners or edges both before and after the integral rivet is staked.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: Mark Richard Mitchell, Craig Allen McEldowney, Robert H. Brussell, Gregory H. Butcher
-
Patent number: 9573183Abstract: A shell, a container employing the shell, and tooling and associated methods for forming the shell are provided. The shell includes a center panel, a circumferential chuck wall, an annular countersink between the center panel and the circumferential chuck wall, and a curl extending radially outwardly from the chuck wall. The material of at least one predetermined portion of the shell is selectively stretched relative to at least one other portion of the shell, thereby providing a corresponding thinned portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: James A. McClung, Aaron E. Carstens, Gregory H. Butcher, Paul L. Ripple
-
Patent number: 9550222Abstract: A domer station having a domer assembly, a housing assembly, and a stacked piston assembly is provided. The domer assembly is movably disposed within a domer body passage located in the housing assembly and structured to move between a forward, first position and a retracted, second position. The stacked piston assembly includes a plurality of pistons, preferably three pistons, disposed in series and a pressure supply. The pistons are disposed behind the domer in pressure chambers. The pistons have a constant pressure applied thereto and are biased towards the domer. The pistons are, however, each restrained by a stop and do not contact, or operatively engage, the domer when the domer is in the domer first position.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: Gregory H. Butcher, James A. McClung, Paul L. Ripple
-
Patent number: 9533338Abstract: A hydrostatic/hydrodynamic fluid bearing assembly for a can bodymaker is provided. The hydrostatic/hydrodynamic fluid bearing assembly is separate from the ram body. The outboard bearing assembly includes a carriage assembly and a number of elongated journals. The carriage assembly includes a ram coupling, a crank coupling, and body defining a number of journal passages. The ram body is coupled to a ram coupling. The crank coupling is structured to be coupled to a crank arm. Each journal extends through a carriage assembly body journal passage. In this configuration, the ram body may form a can body in a traditional manner, but fluid bearing assembly fluid is not applied to the ram body. Instead the fluid bearing assembly fluid is applied to the journals.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2014Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Aaron E. Carstens, Kenneth E. Carper, Russell Bauer
-
Publication number: 20160325308Abstract: A method of lining container closures is provided. The method includes providing a liner machine base including a number of fluid dispensing apparatus fixed in a stationary position on the base, conveying a plurality of container closures to the fluid dispensing apparatus using a conveying assembly, manipulating each of the container closures with respect to a corresponding one of the fluid dispensing apparatus as the fluid dispensing apparatus remains stationary and dispenses a sealant, lining a plurality of the container closures with said sealant, and, discharging the container closures from the liner machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2016Publication date: November 10, 2016Applicant: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: NEIL A. ZUMBERGER, GREGORY H. BUTCHER, AARON E. CARSTENS, JOHN A. DAVIDSON
-
Patent number: 9476512Abstract: The disclosed and claimed compresses gas system provides for the use of a rotary valve assembly in association with a cupper. A compressed gas system that utilizes a rotary valve assembly uses less gas than a constant flow compressed gas system and is quieter than a compressed gas system that uses valves. The rotary valve is a disk-like body having an opening therethrough. The rotary valve body is disposed within a housing assembly wherein gas may only flow through the housing when the rotary valve body is properly aligned with a space on one side of the rotary valve body.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Robert D. Turnbull, Neil A. Zumberger, Stephen P. Ripple
-
Patent number: 9475091Abstract: A method of lining container closures is provided. The method includes providing a liner machine base including a number of fluid dispensing apparatus fixed in a stationary position on the base, conveying a plurality of container closures to the fluid dispensing apparatus using a conveying assembly, manipulating each of the container closures with respect to a corresponding one of the fluid dispensing apparatus as the fluid dispensing apparatus remains stationary and dispenses a sealant, lining a plurality of the container closures with said sealant, and, discharging the container closures from the liner machine.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: Neil A. Zumberger, Gregory H. Butcher, Aaron E. Carstens, Jason A. Davidson
-
Publication number: 20160221065Abstract: A conversion system wherein a crankshaft drives the motion of the tooling assemblies within a number of lanes is provided. The crankshaft is structured to move the tooling assemblies associated with less than the total number of lanes. That is, for example, a four-lane conversion system could include two crankshafts each actuating the tooling assemblies of two lanes. In an exemplary embodiment, each lane has a single associated crankshaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2016Publication date: August 4, 2016Applicant: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Aaron E. Carstens, Patrick K. McCarty, Jason A. Davidson, Neil A. Zumberger, Kenneth E. Carper, Russell Bauer
-
Patent number: 9393610Abstract: A conversion press wherein a crankshaft drives the motion of the tooling assemblies within a number of lanes is provided. The crankshaft is structured to move the tooling assemblies associated with less than the total number of lanes. That is, for example, a four lane conversion press could include two crankshafts each actuating the tooling assemblies of two lanes. In an exemplary embodiment, each lane has a single associated crankshaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Aaron E. Carstens, Patrick K. McCarty, Jason A. Davidson, Neil A. Zumberger, Kenneth E. Carper, Russell Bauer
-
Publication number: 20160121385Abstract: A hydrostatic/hydrodynamic fluid bearing assembly for a can bodymaker is provided. The hydrostatic/hydrodynamic fluid bearing assembly is separate from the ram body. The outboard guide bearing assembly includes a carriage assembly and a number of elongated journals. The carriage assembly includes a ram coupling, a crank coupling, and body defining a number of journal passages. The ram body is coupled to a ram coupling. The crank coupling is structured to be coupled to a crank arm. Each journal extends through a carriage assembly body journal passage. In this configuration, the ram body may form a can body in a traditional manner, but fluid bearing assembly fluid is not applied to the ram body. Instead, the fluid bearing assembly fluid is applied to the journals.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2016Publication date: May 5, 2016Applicant: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Aaron E. Carstens, Kenneth E. Carper, Russell Bauer, Ian Kenneth Scholey
-
Patent number: 9321097Abstract: A conversion press wherein a crankshaft drives the motion of the tooling assemblies within a number of lanes is provided. The crankshaft is structured to move the tooling assemblies associated with less than the total number of lanes. That is, for example, a four lane conversion press could include two crankshafts each actuating the tooling assemblies of two lanes. In an exemplary embodiment, each lane has a single associated crankshaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Aaron E. Carstens, Patrick K. McCarty, Jason A. Davidson, Neil A. Zumberger, Kenneth E. Carper, Russell Bauer
-
Publication number: 20160030996Abstract: A conversion system wherein a crankshaft drives the motion of the tooling assemblies within a number of lanes is provided. The crankshaft is structured to move the tooling assemblies associated with less than the total number of lanes. That is, for example, a four lane conversion press could include two crankshafts each actuating the tooling assemblies of two lanes. In an exemplary embodiment, each lane has a single associated crankshaft. The conversion system includes a multiple press drive assembly with a clutch/brake assembly and a flywheel assembly. The clutch/brake assembly is structured to suspend operation of the press units while the flywheel assembly stores energy in a flywheel. When operation of the press units is restarted, energy from the flywheel aids the motor in bringing the press units to an operating speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2015Publication date: February 4, 2016Applicant: STOLLE MACHINERY COMPANY, LLCInventors: Gregory H. Butcher, AARON E. CARSTENS, Patrick K. McCarty, Jason A. Davidson, Neil A. Zumberger, Kenneth E. Carper, Russell Bauer
-
Publication number: 20150251237Abstract: A shell, a container employing the shell, and tooling and associated methods for forming the shell are provided. The shell includes a center panel, a circumferential chuck wall, an annular countersink between the center panel and the circumferential chuck wall, and a curl extending radially outwardly from the chuck wall. The material of at least one predetermined portion of the shell is selectively stretched relative to at least one other portion of the shell, thereby providing a corresponding thinned portion. The tooling includes a pressure concentrating forming surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2015Publication date: September 10, 2015Applicant: STOLLE MACHINERY COMPANY, LLCInventors: Aaron E. Carstens, James A. McClung, Paul L. Ripple, Gregory H. Butcher, Patrick K. McCarty
-
Patent number: 9102451Abstract: A rotating tab is provided. The tab includes a body having a first end and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, a nose portion located at or about the first end of the tab, a lift portion located at or about the second end of the tab, and a rivet receiving portion disposed proximate the nose portion. The rivet receiving portion includes a rivet hole. A rivet extends through the rivet hole and is staked to fasten the rivet receiving portion of the tab to a can end. The body of the tab is structured to be rotated about the rivet to align a portion of the tab with a secondary scoreline in the can end. A portion of the tab is structured to be depressed to sever the secondary scoreline to vent the can end.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: James A. McClung, Aaron E. Carstens, Jason A. Davidson, Gregory H. Butcher
-
Publication number: 20150196948Abstract: A tab is provided for a can end. The can end includes an end panel and a scoreline defining a tear panel in the end panel for providing an opening in the can end. The tab includes a body having first and second opposing ends, a nose portion located at or about the first end, a lift portion located at or about the second end, and a rivet receiving portion disposed proximate the nose portion. The rivet receiving portion includes a rivet hole. A first rivet extends outwardly from the end panel and fastens the rivet receiving portion of the tab to the can end. A second rivet extends outwardly from the end panel to cooperate with a portion of the body proximate the lift portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2015Publication date: July 16, 2015Applicant: STOLLE MACHINERY COMPANY, LLCInventors: JAMES A. MCCLUNG, AARON E. CARSTENS, DENNIS C. STAMMEN, GREGORY H. BUTCHER
-
Patent number: 9016504Abstract: A tab is provided for a can end. The can end includes an end panel and a scoreline defining a tear panel in the end panel for providing an opening in the can end. The tab includes a body having first and second opposing ends, a nose portion located at or about the first end, a lift portion located at or about the second end, and a rivet receiving portion disposed proximate the nose portion. The rivet receiving portion includes a rivet hole. A first rivet extends outwardly from the end panel and fastens the rivet receiving portion of the tab to the can end. A second rivet extends outwardly from the end panel to cooperate with a portion of the body proximate the lift portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: James A. McClung, Aaron E. Carstens, Dennis C. Stammen, Gregory H. Butcher
-
Publication number: 20150069062Abstract: A can end includes a severable panel, a peripheral scoreline, an opening mechanism such as a pull tab, a rivet coupling the pull tab to the severable panel, and a rivet base scoreline in the public side of the severable panel. The rivet base scoreline includes an arcuate head portion, first and second arm portions extending from the arcuate head portion, and first and second ends. The base of the rivet has a radius of curvature forming an intersection between the stem of the rivet and the public side of the severable panel. The arcuate head portion of the rivet base scoreline is contiguous with the radius of curvature.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: STOLLE MACHINERY COMPANYInventors: GREGORY H. BUTCHER, GREG S. WILLIAMS
-
Publication number: 20150059429Abstract: A can bodymaker ram assembly is provided. The ram assembly includes an elongated, generally hollow ram body and a tension assembly. The ram body includes a proximal end, a medial portion, and a distal end. The tension assembly includes an elongated support member. The tension assembly support member includes a proximal end and a distal end. The tension assembly support member is substantially disposed within the ram body with the tension assembly support member proximal end coupled to the ram body proximal end, and the tension assembly support member distal end coupled to one of the ram body medial portion or the ram body distal end.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: STOLLE MACHINERY COMPANY, LLCInventors: GREGORY H. BUTCHER, AARON E. CARSTENS, KENNETH E. CARPER, RUSSELL BAUER