Patents by Inventor J. Sommers

J. Sommers 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: 7564943
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Spectramet, LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Sommer, Jr., Charles E. Roos, David B. Spencer, R. Lynn Conley
  • Patent number: 7558370
    Abstract: An article sensing and tracking system and computer system integrated and connected to present on a monitor screen, or screens, visual x-ray and photographic images of articles that are being passed through a scanner and visual indication of the physical location of the displayed articles within the system, enabling security personnel viewing a monitor screen to accurately track and maintain custody of the articles, until cleared, through examination of x-ray data and other information relating to the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventors: Edward J. Sommer, Jr., Richard E. Hill
  • Publication number: 20090139439
    Abstract: A portable boat mooring system is provided that includes a base removably or non-removably attached to a pier. An arm assembly can extend from the base outwardly beyond an edge of the pier. A mooring line that has a resiliently flexible portion thereof attaches a boat to the system while mooring the boat to the pier and maintaining a space therebetween. A tool-less hardware assembly can be utilized which allows users to manually install the base to the pier while they remain on top of the pier or above an upper surface of the pier during the entire installation. An anchoring device can selectively hold the mooring line at a predetermined length or state of tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Steven Doig, Tracey J. Sommer
  • Patent number: 7495766
    Abstract: In accordance with the present application, a method and system is provided for measuring an amount of surface material on a wire. A section of the wire and a beam generating device configured to generate a high energy beam are placed in a positional relationship with each other. The relationship permits a high energy beam generated from the beam generating device to impinge upon a location on the section of the wire. A reflected beam from the high energy beam is reflected from the section of the wire and is detected by a detector positioned at a location to receive the reflected beam. The beam received by the detector is investigated to determine the characteristics of the surface material on the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Linccln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Butler, André J. Sommer
  • Publication number: 20090026810
    Abstract: A portable chair is configurable to serve various utilitarian needs. In one embodiment, the portable multifunctional chair includes a frame, a seat attached to the frame and an adjustable seat flap fixed to the seat. The seat has an inner edge that encloses a seat opening. The adjustable seat flap is approximately flush with the seat when the seat flap is secured to the seat in a closed position in which the seat flap covers the opening. The multifunctional chair has at least one transverse dimension that is less than 25% of the longitudinal length when the multifunctional chair is configured in a portable state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Mark A. Grieger, Patrick J. Sommer, Kim A. Goneau
  • Publication number: 20080279329
    Abstract: A system and process for classifying a piece of material of unknown composition at high speeds, where the system connected to a power supply. The piece is irradiated with first x-rays from an x-ray source, causing the piece to fluoresce x-rays. The fluoresced x-rays are detected with an x-ray detector, and the piece of material is classified from the detected fluoresced x-rays. Detecting and classifying may be cumulatively performed in less than one second. An x-ray fluorescence spectrum of the piece of material may be determined from the detected fluoresced x-rays, and the detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be conditioned such that accurate determination of the x-ray fluorescence spectrum is not significantly compromised, slowed or complicated by extraneous x-rays. The piece of material may be classified by recognizing the spectral pattern of the determined x-ray fluorescence spectrum. The piece of material may be flattened prior to irradiation and detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Spectramet, LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Sommer, JR., Robert H. Parrish, David B. Spencer, Charles E. Roos
  • Publication number: 20080260096
    Abstract: An article sensing and tracking system and computer system integrated and connected to present on a monitor screen, or screens, visual x-ray and photographic images of articles that are being passed through a scanner and visual indication of the physical location of the displayed articles within the system, enabling security personnel viewing a monitor screen to accurately track and maintain custody of the articles, until cleared, through examination of x-ray data and other information relating to the articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Edward J. Sommer, Richard E. Hill
  • Publication number: 20070296975
    Abstract: In accordance with the present application, a method and system is provided for measuring an amount of surface material on a wire. A section of the wire and a beam generating device configured to generate a high energy beam are placed in a positional relationship with each other. The relationship permits a high energy beam generated from the beam generating device to impinge upon a location on the section of the wire. A reflected beam from the high energy beam is reflected from the section of the wire and is detected by a detector positioned at a location to receive the reflected beam. The beam received by the detector is investigated to determine the characteristics of the surface material on the wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: Kevin Butler, Andre J. Sommer
  • Patent number: 7286634
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for screening articles such as baggage, utilizing a computerized touch sensitive screen or other computerized pointing device for operator identification and electronic marking of objects within the article to be further examined. Baggage is electromagnetically scanned while traveling on a conveyer and an electronic image is taken of each article and stored in a computer. The present system utilizes a plurality of visual display devices, each with an examiner, which are likely located remotely of the screening operation. Each examination continues independently of the scanning such that there is no interruption in the flow of articles should an examiner detect an object of interest and worthy of further examination, either by screen or by physical examination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Select Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Sommer, Jr., Richard E. Hill, Charles E. Roos
  • Patent number: 7244941
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for screening articles utilizing a plurality of operators, with each operator utilizing an interactive display to identify and electronically mark objects within an article to be further examined. An operator positioned at an interactive display views electronic images of an article to be screened after it has been conveyed past a sensor array which transmits sequences of images of the series either directly or through a computer to the interactive display. The operator selects objects within the article displayed on the screen for further examination using the interactive feature of the display thereby registering the objects selected within the computer. The computer then provides sequential information identifying actions to be taken and information and data to be recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: National Recovery Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Roos, Edward J. Sommer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7099433
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Spectramet, LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Sommer, Charles E. Roos, David B. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20060075592
    Abstract: A laminate lotion application pad having an open cell reticulated polyester polyurethane foam pad body member with a lotion application surface and an opposing surface with a PVC sheet that is self-adhering to plastic covering the opposing surface and attached to the opposing surface by a Myla®r carrier attachment package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Publication date: April 13, 2006
    Inventors: J. Sommers, David Brownell
  • Patent number: 7012256
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for screening articles utilizing a computerized touch sensitive screen or other computerized pointing device for operator identification and electronic marking of objects within the article to be further examined. An operator positioned at a computerized touch sensitive screen views electronic images of the articles to be screened as they are conveyed past a sensor array which transmits sequences of images of the series either directly or through a computer to the touch sensitive display screen. The operator manually “touches” objects within the articles displayed on the screen to be identified on coupled interactive screens thereby registering the objects selected within the computer. The computer then provides sequential information identifying actions to be taken and information and data to be recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: National Recovery Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Roos, Edward J. Sommer, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20050268416
    Abstract: A foldable lotion applicator for applying body, suntan and medicinal lotions, including creams, gels, ointments, oils and other preparations. The applicator is comprised of a beveled I-beam two-part folding shaft with a one-hand operable locking hinge and a ribbed non-slip grip handle with a removable, replaceable cosmetic foam applicator pad with a snap-on cover to protect the applicator pad from contamination and the unwanted distribution of lotions and the like, with the applicator shaft sufficiently long to reach otherwise inaccessible areas of the back and all other areas of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Inventor: J. Sommers
  • Patent number: 6904848
    Abstract: A roof assembly mounted on a composite box structure with an air plenum assembly attached to and extending from an interior surface of the roof assembly. The composite box structure includes a pair of end wall assemblies, a pair of side wall assemblies, a floor assembly and the roof assembly. An opening may be formed in one end of the end wall assemblies to allow installing a temperature control system. An airflow management system may be incorporated into the composite box structure. The composite box structure may be assembled on a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car or an insulated box car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Allen E. Norton, Stephen W. Smith, William A. Knapp, Alex K. Hoover, Ronald J. Zupancich, James J. Sommer
  • Patent number: 6888917
    Abstract: A system and process for classifying a piece of material of unknown composition at high speeds, where the system connected to a power supply. The piece is irradiated with first x-rays from an x-ray source, causing the piece to fluoresce x-rays. The fluoresced x-rays are detected with an x-ray detector, and the piece of material is classified from the detected fluoresced x-rays. Detecting and classifying may be cumulatively performed in less than one second. An x-ray fluorescence spectrum of the piece of material may be determined from the detected fluoresced x-rays, and the detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be conditioned such that accurate determination of the x-ray fluorescence spectrum is not significantly compromised, slowed or complicated by extraneous x-rays. The piece of material may be classified by recognizing the spectral pattern of the determined x-ray fluorescence spectrum. The piece of material may be flattened prior to irradiation and detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Spectramet, LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Sommer, Jr., Robert H. Parrish, David B. Spencer, Charles E. Roos
  • Patent number: 6855901
    Abstract: An apparatus and process that makes use of spectral information in the mid-infrared range (400 to 4500 cm?1) to identify recyclable materials containing barrier polymers from recyclable materials not containing barrier polymers, which includes projecting light containing the mid-infrared (MIR) range onto materials to be analyzed, dispersing the MIR light that has reflected from or passed through the materials or both into various wavelengths, measuring the intensity of the MIR light at least one wavelength responsive to differences between the materials, measuring the intensity of the MIR light at least one wavelength not responsive to differences between the materials in order to provide a reference, and comparing the measurements in order to identify barrier materials from non-barrier materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: National Recovery Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Guenard, Muhammad A. Shafi, Terry W. Glass, Mary A. Leugers, Edward J. Sommer, Jr., John T. Rich
  • Publication number: 20040173119
    Abstract: A roof assembly mounted on a composite box structure with an air plenum assembly attached to and extending from an interior surface of the roof assembly. The composite box structure includes a pair of end wall assemblies, a pair of side wall assemblies, a floor assembly and the roof assembly. An opening may be formed in one end of the end wall assemblies to allow installing a temperature control system. An airflow management system may be incorporated into the composite box structure. The composite box structure may be assembled on a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car or an insulated box car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Allen E. Norton, Stephen W. Smith, William A. Knapp, Alex K. Hoover, Ronald J. Zupancich, James J. Sommer
  • Patent number: 6722287
    Abstract: A roof assembly mounted on a composite box structure with an air plenum assembly attached to and extending from an interior surface of the roof assembly. The composite box structure includes a pair of end wall assemblies, a pair of side wall assemblies, a floor assembly and the roof assembly. An opening may be formed in one end of the end wall assemblies to allow installing a temperature control system. An airflow management system may be incorporated into the composite box structure. The composite box structure may be assembled on a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car or an insulated box car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Allen E. Norton, Stephen W. Smith, William A. Knapp, Alex K. Hoover, Ronald J. Zupancich, James J. Sommer
  • Patent number: RE40394
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for classifying materials utilizing a computerized touch sensitive screen or other computerized pointing device for operator identification and electronic marking of spatial coordinates of materials to be extracted. An operator positioned at a computerized touch sensitive screen views electronic images of the mixture of materials to be sorted as they are conveyed past a sensor array which transmits sequences of images of the mixture either directly or through a computer to the touch sensitive display screen. The operator manually “touches” objects displayed on the screen to be extracted from the mixture thereby registering the spatial coordinates of the objects within the computer. The computer then tracks the registered objects as they are conveyed and directs automated devices including mechanical means such as air jets, robotic arms, or other mechanical diverters to extract the registered objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: National Recovery Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Roos, Edward J. Sommer, Jr., Robert H. Parrish, James R. Russell