Patents by Inventor John Robert French
John Robert French 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).
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Patent number: 8286779Abstract: A vertically accumulating storage and retrieval apparatus has a first and second plurality of substantially vertically spaced shelf assemblies supported by support structure. Each of the shelf assemblies includes a shelf tray for receiving, storing, and discharging containers. Spring biasing structure is provided for urging the shelf to the receiving position. Dampening structure dampens the movement of the shelf between the upwardly tilted receiving position and the downwardly tilted discharge position. A transfer control and transfer control linkage are provided for retaining the shelf when a shelf of a next lower shelf assembly is not prepared to receive a container, and allowing the shelf to move to the discharge position under the weight of a container disposed on the shelf when the shelf of the next lower shelf assembly is prepared to receive a container. A method for storing and retrieving containers is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Vertique, Inc.Inventors: Frederick J. Stingel, III, Ernest Emory Devlin, Jr., John Robert French
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Publication number: 20120160790Abstract: A vertically accumulating storage and retrieval apparatus has a first and second plurality of substantially vertically spaced shelf assemblies supported by support structure. Each of the shelf assemblies includes a shelf tray for receiving, storing, and discharging containers. Spring biasing structure is provided for urging the shelf to the receiving position. Dampening structure dampens the movement of the shelf between the upwardly tilted receiving position and the downwardly tilted discharge position. A transfer control and transfer control linkage are provided for retaining the shelf when a shelf of a next lower shelf assembly is not prepared to receive a container, and allowing the shelf to move to the discharge position under the weight of a container disposed on the shelf when the shelf of the next lower shelf assembly is prepared to receive a container. A method for storing and retrieving containers is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: VERTIQUE, INC.Inventors: Frederick J. Stingel, III, Ernest Emory Devlin, JR., John Robert French
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Patent number: 7963383Abstract: A vertically accumulating storage and retrieval apparatus has a first and second plurality of substantially vertically spaced shelf assemblies supported by support structure. Each of the shelf assemblies includes a shelf tray for receiving, storing, and discharging containers. Spring biasing structure is provided for urging the shelf to the receiving position. Dampening structure dampens the movement of the shelf between the upwardly tilted receiving position and the downwardly tilted discharge position. A transfer control and transfer control linkage are provided for retaining the shelf when a shelf of a next lower shelf assembly is not prepared to receive a container, and allowing the shelf to move to the discharge position under the weight of a container disposed on the shelf when the shelf of the next lower shelf assembly is prepared to receive a container. A method for storing and retrieving containers is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Vertique, Inc.Inventors: Frederick J. Stingel, III, Ernest Emory Devlin, Jr., John Robert French
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Publication number: 20090173705Abstract: A vertically accumulating storage and retrieval apparatus has a first and second plurality of substantially vertically spaced shelf assemblies supported by support structure. Each of the shelf assemblies includes a shelf tray for receiving, storing, and discharging containers. Spring biasing structure is provided for urging the shelf to the receiving position. Dampening structure dampens the movement of the shelf between the upwardly tilted receiving position and the downwardly tilted discharge position. A transfer control and transfer control linkage are provided for retaining the shelf when a shelf of a next lower shelf assembly is not prepared to receive a container, and allowing the shelf to move to the discharge position under the weight of a container disposed on the shelf when the shelf of the next lower shelf assembly is prepared to receive a container. A method for storing and retrieving containers is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: VERTIQUE, INC.Inventors: Frederick J., Stingel, III, Ernest Emory Devlin, JR., John Robert French
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Patent number: 6481326Abstract: In the field of clearance of unexploded ordnance from land, there is a need for an improved apparatus for removing unexploded ordnance from the ground. A cutting apparatus includes a plurality of blades on a rotatable shaft, the blades being tapered towards their distal ends. When the blades are driven forwardly through soil while the shaft rotates, they tend to loosen items such as solid ordnance and bring such items to the soil surface. The blades simultaneously sever scissile matter in the soil, thereby facilitating removal of the ordnance. The cutting assembly includes a conveyor for conveying unexploded ordnance away from the soil. The cutting assembly may be mounted on a vehicle including further means for rendering harmless the unexploded ordnance.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: J R French LimitedInventor: John Robert French
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Patent number: 6412387Abstract: In the field of landmine clearance there is a need for a detonator member that is effective in detonating mines whilst protecting any apparatus to which it is secured. The invention relates to a detonator member (10) comprising two inclined plates (12, 13) secured together along a common edge to define a fulcrum (14). The plates are pivotably suspended from a further, moveable member (22) so that the axis of pivoting lies forward of the fulcrum (14). On downward movement of the further member (22) the fulcrum engages the ground (23) and causes the plates to pivot so that one of them (12) lies flat on the ground (23). This plate (12) detonates any landmines under it. During the detonation the plate (12) flips upwardly to a substantially vertical, blast-deflecting position. The other plate (13) limits the travel of blast deflecting plate (12), by virtue of contact with the ground (23).Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2001Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: J R French LimitedInventor: John Robert French
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Publication number: 20020017040Abstract: In the field of clearance of unexploded ordnance from land, there is a need for an improved apparatus for removing unexploded ordnance from the ground. A cutting apparatus includes a plurality of blades on a rotatable shaft, the blades being tapered towards their distal ends. When the blades are driven forwardly through soil while the shaft rotates, they tend to loosen items such as solid ordnance and bring such items to the soil surface. The blades simultaneously sever scissile matter in the soil, thereby facilitating removal of the ordnance. The cutting assembly includes a conveyor for conveying unexploded ordnance away from the soil. The cutting assembly may be mounted on a vehicle including further means for rendering harmless the unexploded ordnance.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2001Publication date: February 14, 2002Applicant: J R French LimitedInventor: John Robert French
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Patent number: 5979289Abstract: An apparatus for and method of detonating unexploded mines is disclosed. A ground-engaging foot is caused to reciprocate by power means with sufficient force to activate an unexploded mine. Control means is used to control the manner of reciprocation of the foot by controlling the power applied to the foot. A shock absorption arrangement absorbs shock energy created upon detonation of an unexploding mine. Preferably the apparatus is vehicle mounted for example upon a remotely controlled tracked vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: J R French LimitedInventor: John Robert French