Patents by Inventor James A. Butcher

James A. 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: 20230327602
    Abstract: A solar tracking system includes a beam including a pair of legs disposed in spaced relation to one another and extending between respective first and second end portions, a web extending between the first end portion of each of the pair of legs, the web including a V-shaped notch defined therein, and a pair of return flanges defining a respective first end portion disposed on respective second end portions of the pair of legs, the pair of return flanges extending from each respective leg of the pair of legs and terminating at a second end portion defining a gap between the second end portions of the pair of return flanges, and a bearing housing assembly selectively couplable to a portion of the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: James Butcher, David Zhang, Daniel Y Abraham
  • Publication number: 20220144136
    Abstract: An anchorage system includes an elongate track defining an interior channel and an anchorage device securable at any of plural longitudinal positions on the track. The track has a base and first and second sides. A longitudinal channel opening opens in an outward face of the track and is defined between first and second retaining flanges at the outward face. The flanges project in towards one another and overlay the interior channel. The flanges have edge faces directed laterally towards one another across the channel opening and outward surfaces which are comprised in the outward face of the track. The anchorage device has a body, a retaining foot and a stem portion connecting the body and the retaining foot. The foot is laterally wider than the stem portion, and the anchorage device is engageable in the track with the foot in the interior channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Fraser Graham PAYNE, Robert James BUTCHER
  • Patent number: 10988276
    Abstract: A labelling machine comprises a supply spool support for supporting a supply spool comprising label stock comprising a web and a plurality of labels attached to the web and which are separable from the web; a take-up spool support adapted to take up a portion of web; a motive means configured to propel the web along a web path from the supply spool support towards the take up spool support. A sensor has a transmitter portion and a receiver portion, the receiver portion comprising a plurality of receivers, the transmitter portion and receiver portion are configured to receive a portion of the label stock therebetween, and the plurality of receivers are each configured to produce a respective sensor signal which is a function of a property of a portion of label stock at a plurality of positions spaced from one another in a direction non-parallel to the web path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: VIDEOJET TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Martin McNestry, Gary Pfeffer, Philip Hart, James Butcher, Steven Buckby
  • Publication number: 20190039771
    Abstract: A labelling machine comprises a supply spool support for supporting a supply spool comprising label stock comprising a web and a plurality of labels attached to the web and which are separable from the web; a take-up spool support adapted to take up a portion of web; a motive means configured to propel the web along a web path from the supply spool support towards the take up spool support. A sensor has a transmitter portion and a receiver portion, the receiver portion comprising a plurality of receivers, the transmitter portion and receiver portion are configured to receive a portion of the label stock therebetween, and the plurality of receivers are each configured to produce a respective sensor signal which is a function of a property of a portion of label stock at a plurality of positions spaced from one another in a direction non-parallel to the web path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Martin McNestry, Gary Pfeffer, Philip Hart, James Butcher, Steven Buckby
  • Patent number: 10065760
    Abstract: A labelling machine comprises a supply spool support for supporting a supply spool comprising label stock comprising a web and a plurality of labels attached to the web and which are separable from the web; a take-up spool support adapted to take up a portion of web; a first motive means configured to propel the web along a web path from the supply spool support towards the take up spool support, the first motive means comprising a first motor including a first stator and a first rotor; a labelling peel beak located along the web path and configured to peel the labels from label web as the label stock passes the labelling peel beak; and a printer for printing on the labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: VIDEOJET TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Martin McNestry, Gary Pfeffer, Philip Hart, James Butcher, Steven Buckby
  • Publication number: 20160026419
    Abstract: A method of generating data associated with printing an image. The method comprises receiving data defining an image design specification, generating a plurality of options for printing an image based upon the image design specification, 5 displaying data based upon the plurality of options to a user, receiving selection of one of the options from the user, and generating the data associated with printing an image based upon the selected option.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Buckby, James Butcher
  • Publication number: 20150291302
    Abstract: A labelling machine comprises a supply spool support for supporting a supply spool comprising label stock comprising a web and a plurality of labels attached to the web and which are separable from the web; a take-up spool support adapted to take up a portion of web; a first motive means configured to propel the web along a web path from the supply spool support towards the take up spool support, the first motive means comprising a first motor including a first stator and a first rotor; a labelling peel beak located along the web path and configured to peel the labels from label web as the label stock passes the labelling peel beak; and a printer for printing on the labels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Martin McNestry, Gary Pfeffer, Philip Hart, James Butcher, Steven Buckby
  • Publication number: 20120017784
    Abstract: A method of providing a printed date on a product includes providing an avoidance date, providing a current date, and providing an algorithm for calculating a printed date. The algorithm is used to determine the printed date based on the avoidance date and the current date. The printed date is not the same as the avoidance date. The printed date is printed on the product with a printer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: James Butcher
  • Patent number: 7877207
    Abstract: A method of obtaining data for use by a receiver of a satellite positioning system or a GNSS comprises deriving the data remotely from the receiver by a server (200), using meteorological information and a regional or global three dimensional map of grid points from which it computes tropospherical delays by ray tracing through the refractivity field derived from atmospheric measurements of pressure, temperature and water data content, such measurements being available from meteorological bodies. When used to enhance position determined by a user receiver that includes a non-meteorological, climate based model (130) giving zenith delays and means (130?) to map them to particular inclinations, the server also includes a copy of such non-meteorological model (230) and provides its ray traced delay values as zenith delays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Inventors: Matthew Duncan Powe, James Butcher, John Ifor Rewbridge Owen
  • Publication number: 20070071192
    Abstract: A method is disclosed and includes presenting a list of items for sale. The method also includes receiving a user selection of an item from the list of items for sale and placing the selected item on an action list in response to a user action. Additionally, the method includes monitoring the selected item on the action list and placing a call to the user over a voice channel before an end of an offer for sale of the selected item. The method also includes authenticating the user. In an alternative embodiment, the method includes instructing a third party to place a call to the user before the end of the offer for sale of the selected item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: gNumber, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Smith, Chris Tooley, Lanny Walker, James Butcher, Roy Zuniga
  • Publication number: 20070067224
    Abstract: A user interface for communicating over a voice channel regarding an item that is available at an e-commerce website is disclosed and includes a speaker to communicate at least one audible voice message and at least one audible non-voice message. The audible voice message can indicate the status of an item and/or the status of an offer to purchase the item. Further, the at least one audible non-voice message can indicate a time period in which user input can be received. Moreover, the at least one audible non-voice message is transmitted concurrently with the at least one audible voice message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Applicant: gNumber, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Smith, Chris Tooley, Lanny Walker, James Butcher, Roy Zuniga
  • Publication number: 20070050304
    Abstract: A method of selective call initiation is disclosed and includes receiving data from a computer based auction site. Further, the method includes detecting a notification event by evaluating the data with respect to notification criteria associated with a user account. Also, the method includes initiating a voice based call over a voice network to a communication device identified in connection with the user account. A system is also disclosed and includes a first processing element that is coupled to a network interface to receive data from a computer based auction site. Also, the system includes a second processing element to detect a notification event by evaluating the data with respect to notification criteria associated with a user account. Moreover, the system includes a third processing element to initiate an outgoing voice based call over a voice network to a communication device identified in connection with the user account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: gNumber, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Smith, Chris Tooley, Lanny Walker, James Butcher, Roy Zuniga
  • Publication number: 20070027624
    Abstract: A method of obtaining data for use by a receiver of a satellite positioning system or a GNSS comprises deriving the data remotely from the receiver by a server (200), using meteorological information and a regional or global three dimensional map of grid points from which it computes tropospherical delays by ray tracing through the refractivity field derived from atmospheric measurements of pressure, temperature and water data content, such measurements being available from meteorological bodies. When used to enhance position determined by a user receiver that includes a non-meteorological, climate based model (130) giving zenith delays and means (130?) to map them to particular inclinations, the server also includes a copy of such non-meteorological model (230) and provides its ray traced delay values as zenith delays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Applicant: SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE
    Inventors: Matthew Powe, James Butcher, John Owen
  • Patent number: 6380963
    Abstract: Multiple images are printed utilizing lateral sets of print elements on a printhead and lateral portions of a ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Markem Technologies Limited
    Inventor: James Butcher
  • Patent number: 6341944
    Abstract: An electrical circuit connects an electric motor of a sump pump to a power source and controls the energization of a sump pump assembly. The assembly includes a motor circuit having a sump pump motor actuation switch and a main winding switch combined into switch assembly. The sump pump motor actuation switch actuates the main winding switch from a normally open position to a closed position, thus energizing the sump pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James A. Butcher
  • Patent number: 6220901
    Abstract: A terminal board assembly for an electric motor is described. The terminal board assembly is configured to mount inside an electric motor terminal or conduit box and includes a terminal board and a mounting bracket. The terminal board includes six terminal studs and three connecting bars extending between the terminal studs. Quick connect spade type connectors are coupled to the six terminal studs adjacent the bottom of the terminal board to facilitate quick and easy connection of the wire connection leads of an electric motor. The terminal studs and connecting bars permit a choice of “Y” or “Delta” voltage connections to the electric motor. The terminal board also includes a first and a second slot positioned at, and parallel to, opposing ends of the board. The mounting bracket includes a base portion and first and second side portions depending from opposing ends of the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: L. Edwin Fisher, James A. Butcher, Marc D. Pape, David R. Blake
  • Patent number: 6204628
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for disconnecting a starting winding of a single-phase motor during startup. The method includes the steps of disposing a heater element of a thermal switch in series with a main winding of the single-phase motor and disposing a set of contacts of the thermal switch in series with the starting winding of the single-phase motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric A. Depner, James A. Butcher
  • Patent number: 6149390
    Abstract: A submersible sump pump connected to a discharge pipe is disclosed. The sump pump includes a pedestal mounted above a sump. The pedestal includes a power cord, an indicator, and a high water alarm. The sump pump further includes a float switch connected to a styrofoam float which detects movement of the drainage level beyond a first predetermined point, a second predetermined point, and a third predetermined point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: L. Edwin Fisher, James A. Butcher, James V. Yu, Mark A. Reiter, Greg Skene
  • Patent number: 5819586
    Abstract: A linear motion to rotary motion converter. A moving cam carrier reciprocates with respect to a rotating turntable having a plurality of fingers, preferably roller bearings, secured to and extending from the turntable parallel to the axis of rotation of the turntable and radially spaced from the axis. The number of rollers extending from the turntable determine the number of indexed stop positions of the turntable. The cam carrier has two movable cams and also has two retaining members that are attached to the cam carrier and respectively spaced from the movable cams so as to define channels, between the respective pairs of movable cams and retaining members, through which the roller bearing fingers of the turntable are constrained to move. The curvature and shape of the channels determines the velocity profile of the turntable as the cam carrier reciprocates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: James A. Butcher
  • Patent number: 5412270
    Abstract: An electric motor assembly has a motor housing, a stator mounted in the housing, a rotor rotatably mounted in the housing and disposed adjacent the stator, a pair of end shields mounted adjacent opposing ends of the motor housing having bearings disposed therein for rotatably supporting the rotor, a mounting bracket disposed in the housing, and a motor control component mounted in the bracket. The bracket has a one-piece, resilient body that is elastically deformable from a relaxed position to an expanded position, an engaging structure mounted on opposing portions of the body to secure the motor control component to the body, and a mounting structure that mounts the body in the housing. The bracket is mounted in the housing so that a surface thereof is disposed adjacent and interacts with an inner surface of the housing to prevent deformation of the bracket, thereby locking the component to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James A. Butcher, Michael A. Pitzer