Patents by Inventor John J. M. Rees

John J. M. Rees 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: 12105061
    Abstract: In one implementation, a footfall detection assembly comprising a sensor underlayment unit and a data analysis device is provided. The sensor underlayment unit comprises a sensor having a unique sensor identifier and a plurality of zones, wherein the sensor is configured to measure zone capacitance in of the plurality of zones, and a processing unit operably connected to the sensor. The processing unit is configured to receive the measured zone capacitance values from the sensor upon the occurrence of a change in measured zone capacitance of the sensor and generate and transmit a data packet comprising at least the unique sensor identifier and measured zone capacitance values upon occurrence of a change in capacitance of at least one of the plurality of zones of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: John J. M. Rees, Dennis J. Jones, Jr., Thomas Jerry McClure, Jr., Chester A. Chaffin, Joseph M. Woodall, Alan F. Buttenhoff
  • Patent number: 11371922
    Abstract: In one implementation, a footfall detection assembly comprising a sensor underlayment unit and a data analysis device is provided. The sensor underlayment unit comprises a sensor having a unique sensor identifier and a plurality of zones, wherein the sensor is configured to measure zone capacitance in the plurality of zones, and a processing unit operably connected to the sensor. The processing unit is configured to receive the measured zone capacitance values from the sensor upon the occurrence of a change in measured zone capacitance of the sensor and generate and transmit a data packet comprising at least the unique sensor identifier and measured zone capacitance values upon occurrence of a change in capacitance of at least one of the plurality of zones of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: COLUMBIA INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: John J. M. Rees, Dennis J. Jones, Jr., Thomas Jerry McClure, Jr., Chester A. Chaffin, Joseph M. Woodall, Alan F. Buttenhoff
  • Patent number: 10684204
    Abstract: In one implementation, a footfall detection assembly comprising a sensor underlayment unit and a data analysis device is provided. The sensor underlayment unit comprises a sensor having a unique sensor identifier and a plurality of zones, wherein the sensor is configured to measure at least one parameter in each of the plurality of zones, and a processing unit operably connected to the sensor. The processing unit is configured to receive the measured parameter values from the sensor upon the occurrence of a change in measured parameters and generate and transmit a data packet comprising at least the unique sensor identifier and measured parameters upon occurrence of a change in measured parameters of at least one of the plurality of zones of the sensor. The data analysis device is configured to receive the data packet, compare the measured parameter values of the data packet to previously-measured parameter values associated with the sensor underlayment into and generate a result therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: COLUMBIA INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: John J. M. Rees, Dennis J. Jones, Jr., Thomas Jerry McClure, Jr., Chester A. Chaffin, Joseph M. Woodall, Alan F. Buttenhoff
  • Patent number: 10259204
    Abstract: Described herein are resilient floor coverings made from non-vinyl materials and methods for manufacturing same. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: COLUMBIA INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Wright, John J. M. Rees, Tom Odum, Jean Briere, Jay Vecsey, Mahesh Subramanian
  • Patent number: 10071456
    Abstract: A system and method for imparting a textured surface effect in a board. The system and method are configured to releasably secure a charge on a table; determine a random abrasion pattern for the charge with at least one programmable controller; and control at least one abrasion assembly with the at least one programmable controller in accord with the random abrasion pattern to selectively engage and remove desired portions of the upper surface of the charge with the at least one abrasion assembly to form a randomized textured surface effect thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: COLUMBIA INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: John J. M. Rees, Conrad Layson Fernandez, Eric John Levan, David Emmett Milligan, Leonard Lee Hixson, Jr., Edward Keith Huitt, Robert Louis Shelnutt, III, David Edward Voyles, Gregory Kevin Espy, Roman Morris
  • Patent number: 9861988
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the reclaiming of carpet waste material. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for reclaiming carpet components such as yarn, tufting primary, binder, and secondary backing from post-industrial and post-consumer carpet waste in a substantially continuous flow process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: COLUMBIA INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: John J. M. Rees, Leonard Lee Hixon, Jr., Marten Hutchison
  • Patent number: 9855682
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for utilizing reclaimed synthetic turf materials in the manufacture of various second generation floor coverings and floor covering components. Also disclosed are products manufactured by the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Gregory Fowler, John J. M. Rees, David A. Moore
  • Patent number: 9766171
    Abstract: In one implementation, a footfall detection assembly comprising a sensor underlayment unit and a data analysis device is provided. The sensor underlayment unit comprises a sensor having a unique sensor identifier and a plurality of zones, wherein the sensor is configured to measure zone capacitance in of the plurality of zones, and a processing unit operably connected to the sensor. The processing unit is configured to receive the measured zone capacitance values from the sensor upon the occurrence of a change in measured zone capacitance of the sensor and generate and transmit a data packet comprising at least the unique sensor identifier and measured zone capacitance values upon occurrence of a change in capacitance of at least one of the plurality of zones of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: John J. M. Rees, Dennis J. Jones, Jr., Thomas Jerry McClure, Jr., Chester A. Chaffin, Joseph M. Woodall, Alan F. Buttenhoff
  • Patent number: 9724852
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for utilizing reclaimed carpet materials in the manufacture of high density composites. Also disclosed are products manufactured by the disclosed methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: John J. M. Rees, Gregory Fowler
  • Patent number: 9410026
    Abstract: Disclosed are rebond polyurethane foams comprised of a plurality of polyurethane foam particles bound together to form a matrix. Reclaimed carpet material is distributed within the matrix of foam particles as a filler material. Also disclosed are methods for the manufacture of the rebond polyurethane foams disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: John J. M. Rees, Gregory Fowler
  • Patent number: 9266112
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the reclaiming of carpet waste material. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for reclaiming carpet components such as yarn, tufting primary, binder, and secondary backing from post industrial and post consumer carpet waste in a substantially continuous flow process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: John J. M. Rees, Edward Huitt, Leonard Lee Hixon, Christopher Scott Sirmans
  • Patent number: 9221104
    Abstract: A composite building product formed through formed molding. The composite product having an exterior skin surrounding a foamed core. The exterior skin being formed from particulate material that includes carpet waste material and mixed polymer waste materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: David A. Moore, John J. M. Rees
  • Patent number: 9144802
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the reclaiming of carpet waste material. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for reclaiming carpet components such as yarn, tufting primary, binder, and secondary backing from post industrial and post consumer carpet waste in a substantially continuous flow process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: John J. M. Rees, Edward Huitt, Leonard Lee Hixon, Jr., Christopher Scott Sirmans
  • Patent number: 8987151
    Abstract: A fiber pad having a core non-woven layer is disclosed. The core layer can have an upper surface and a lower surface. The core layer can comprise at least one fiber layer. The at least one fiber layer can comprise a plurality of parallel fibers. Selected groups of the parallel fibers can be folded into desired pleated configurations. Optionally, the core layer can comprise post-consumer carpet materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Jim Burns, John J. M. Rees, Tom Odum
  • Publication number: 20140342125
    Abstract: A system and method for imparting a textured surface effect in a board. The system and method are configured to releasably secure a charge on a table; determine a random abrasion pattern for the charge with at least one programmable controller; and control at least one abrasion assembly with the at least one programmable controller in accord with the random abrasion pattern to selectively engage and remove desired portions of the upper surface of the charge with the at least one abrasion assembly to form a randomized textured surface effect thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: John J. M. Rees, Conrad Layson Fernandez, Eric John Levan, David Emmett Milligan, Leonard Lee Hixon, JR., Edward Keith Huitt, Robert Louis Shelnutt, III, David Edward Voyles, Gregory Kevin Espy, Roman Morris
  • Patent number: 4813219
    Abstract: A conductive yarn includes a continuous non-conductive carrier thread having a relatively low modulus of elasticity; a continuous metal thread; and the carrier thread being wrapped around the metal thread. A process for making such conductive yarn includes the steps of pulling the continuous metal thread off a first package; pulling the continuous carrier thread off a second package; applying a relatively high tension to the carrier thread with respect to the tension on the metal thread as both threads are being pulled off their respective packages; and wrapping the tensioned carrier thread around the pulled metal thread. Apparatus for performing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Coats & Clark Inc.
    Inventor: John J. M. Rees
  • Patent number: 4776160
    Abstract: A conductive yarn includes a continuous non-conductive carrier thread having a relatively low modulus of elasticity; a continuous metal thread; and the carrier thread being wrapped around the metal thread. A process for making such conductive yarn includes the steps of pulling the continuous metal thread off a first package; pulling the continuous carrier thread off a second package; applying a relatively high tension to the carrier thread with respect to the tension on the metal thread as both threads are being pulled off their respective packages; and wrapping the tensioned carrier thread around the pulled metal thread. Apparatus for performing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Coats & Clark, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. M. Rees
  • Patent number: 4654748
    Abstract: A conductive wrist band for dissipating electrostatic charges and having opposing transverse ends, includes a fabric; mechanical snap connectors coupled to the fabric ends for forming the fabric into a closed loop with an inside surface adapted to contact the body; an electrical connector coupled to the mechanical snap for providing a connection between the fabric and an electrical cable capable of connecting the conductive body strap to ground; and the fabric including a weft yarn extending between the opposing transverse ends and forming said inside surface and an opposite, outside surface; parallel rows of a substantially non-elastic, conductive yarn positioned in a sinusoidal manner on the inside surface of the weft yarn, parallel rows of a non-conductive elastic fiber positioned on the outside surface of the weft yarn in opposing relation to the conductive yarn, and a securing yarn for securing the conductive yarn and the elastic fiber to the weft yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: Coats & Clark, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. M. Rees