Patents by Inventor John W. Meyer

John W. Meyer 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: 11941311
    Abstract: In one example, a system can receive an order from a client device. The system can also receive data about a set of print queues at a set of printers via a network. The system can then determine a set of queue times corresponding to the set of print queues. Each respective queue time can be determined based on a corresponding print queue. The system can generate an estimated wait time for the order based on the set of queue times. The system can then transmit the estimated wait time to the client device for display in a graphical user interface to a user associated with the order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Harsh Nigam, Michael J. Harlach, Zach A. Thieme, Shadi Hassani Goodarzi, Kelly L Broad, Ross W. Marshall, John J. Schultz, Matthew A. Scheid, Chadwick C. Meyer
  • Patent number: 11828731
    Abstract: A method of performing a selected task in a tank at least partially filled with an energetic substance includes, in part, configuring a mobile platform to be inherently safe by positioning spark-generating components in either or both of: (i) an inherently safe enclosure that prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure, and (ii) a spark-neutralizing body formed of at least one non-flammable substance and positioned inside an enclosure, the spark-neutralizing body blocking direct contact between a spark from the enclosed spark-generating component and an energetic substance from occurring inside the at least one enclosure. The method also includes positioning at least one spark-generating component not inside any inherently safe enclosure that prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure. The sparks are capable of igniting the energetic substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: TANKBOTS, INC.
    Inventors: John W. Meyers, Robert T. Effinger, IV, Donald A. Pontrelli
  • Patent number: 11604180
    Abstract: A method of retrieving a mobile platform from a tank at least partially filled with a non-conductive, energetic substance includes configuring the mobile platform to include at least a retrieval system including a buoyant body, an electrically conductive member, and a tether. The tether electrically isolates the buoyant body from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: TANKBOTS, INC.
    Inventors: John W. Meyers, Joseph A. Daily, Robert T. Effinger, IV, Donald A. Pontrelli, David L. Cheuvront, James Todd Lovelace, Ronald Gillory, David John Cassimatis
  • Patent number: 11536705
    Abstract: A method for controlling charge accumulation on a mobile platform in a tank containing a non-conductive, energetic substance includes configuring the mobile platform to include at least an electrical power supply and a charge accumulation control system. The power supplied from the electrical power supply to one or more electrical power consumers associated with the mobile platform adds an electrical charge to the mobile platform. The charge accumulation control system controls an accumulation of the electrical charge on the mobile platform by one of: (i) reducing the supplied power and preventing an increase in the supplied power later while the mobile platform is inside the tank, and (ii) disengaging the electrical power consumer(s) from the supplied power and preventing a reengagement of the supplied power with the electrical power consumer(s) later while the mobile platform is inside the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: TANKBOTS, INC.
    Inventors: John W. Meyers, Joseph A. Daily, Robert T. Effinger, IV, Donald A. Pontrelli, David L. Cheuvront, James Todd Lovelace, Ronald Gillory, David John Cassimatis
  • Patent number: 11415566
    Abstract: A method of retrieving a mobile platform from a tank having a hatch and at least partially filled with a non-conductive, energetic substance includes configuring the mobile platform to include at least a retrieval system disposed at least partially on an enclosure. The retrieval system includes at least: a primary tether connected to a buoyant body and to the enclosure, and a secondary tether connected to the buoyant body and to the enclosure. The method further includes: predetermining a buoyant body retrieval zone within the tank, and positioning a released buoyant body within the buoyant body retrieval zone by using the primary tether. The method also includes retrieving the primary tether by using the buoyant body; using the primary tether to release the secondary tether; and inserting a retrieval member through the hatch to retrieve the buoyant body, the primary tether, and/or the secondary tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: TANKBOTS, INC.
    Inventors: John W. Meyers, Joseph A. Daily, Robert T. Effinger, IV, Donald A. Pontrelli, David L. Cheuvront, James Todd Lovelace, Ronald Gillory, David John Cassimatis
  • Publication number: 20220170890
    Abstract: A method of performing a selected task in a tank at least partially filled with an energetic substance includes, in part, configuring a mobile platform to be inherently safe by positioning spark-generating components in either or both of: (i) an inherently safe enclosure that prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure, and (ii) a spark-neutralizing body formed of at least one non-flammable substance and positioned inside an enclosure, the spark-neutralizing body blocking direct contact between a spark from the enclosed spark-generating component and an energetic substance from occurring inside the at least one enclosure. The method also includes positioning at least one spark-generating component not inside any inherently safe enclosure that prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure. The sparks are capable of igniting the energetic substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Applicant: TANKBOTS, INC.
    Inventors: JOHN W. MEYERS, ROBERT T. EFFINGER, DONALD A. PONTRELLI
  • Patent number: 11181438
    Abstract: A method of performing a selected task in a tank containing an energetic substance uses an inherently safe mobile platform that includes a marker detector, a control unit, a power supply, a propulsion system, and an inherently safe enclosure. The inherently safe enclosure prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure. All spark-generating components of the mobile platform are positioned inside the inherently safe enclosure. The method includes lowering the mobile platform into the tank, at least partially submerging the mobile platform in the energetic substance, and detecting a marker using the marker detector. No active physical carrier connects the mobile platform to an object exterior of the tank while the mobile platform is in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: TANKBOTS, INC.
    Inventors: John W. Meyers, Joseph A. Daily, David L. Cheuvront, James Todd Lovelace, Ronald Gillory, David John Cassimatis
  • Publication number: 20210116419
    Abstract: A mobile platform uses a charge accumulation control system to control a charge accumulation while the mobile platform is in the tank. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile platform includes a retrieval system having a buoyant body, a primary tether, and a secondary tether. Alternatively or additionally, an electrical cable is used to reduce a voltage difference between the mobile platform and the tank or other structure by electrically connecting to an electrically conductive member on the mobile platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Applicant: TANKBOTS, INC.
    Inventors: JOHN W. MEYERS, JOSEPH A. DAILY, ROBERT T. EFFINGER, IV, DONALD A. PONTRELLI, DAVID L. CHEUVRONT, JAMES TODD LOVELACE, RONALD GILLORY, DAVID JOHN CASSIMATIS
  • Publication number: 20210089033
    Abstract: A mobile platform uses a charge accumulation control system to control a charge accumulation while the mobile platform is in the tank. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile platform includes a retrieval system having a buoyant body, a primary tether, and a secondary tether. Alternatively or additionally, an electrical cable is used to reduce a voltage difference between the mobile platform and the tank or other structure by electrically connecting to an electrically conductive member on the mobile platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Applicant: TANKBOTS, INC.
    Inventors: John W. Meyers, Joseph A. Daily, Robert T. Effinger, IV, Donald A. Pontrelli, David L. Cheuvront, James Todd Lovelace, Ronald Gillory, David John Cassimatis
  • Publication number: 20210018396
    Abstract: A method of performing a selected task in a tank containing an energetic substance uses an inherently safe mobile platform that includes a marker detector, a control unit, a power supply, a propulsion system, and an inherently safe enclosure. The inherently safe enclosure prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure. All spark-generating components of the mobile platform are positioned inside the inherently safe enclosure. The method includes lowering the mobile platform into the tank, at least partially submerging the mobile platform in the energetic substance, and detecting a marker using the marker detector. No active physical carrier connects the mobile platform to an object exterior of the tank while the mobile platform is in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Applicant: TANKBOTS, INC.
    Inventors: JOHN W. MEYERS, JOSEPH DAILY, DAVID L. CHEUVRONT, JAMES TODD LOVELACE, RONALD GILLORY, DAVID JOHN CASSIMATIS
  • Publication number: 20200363804
    Abstract: A mobile platform uses a charge accumulation control system to control a charge accumulation while the mobile platform is in the tank. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile platform includes a retrieval system having a buoyant body, a primary tether, and a secondary tether. Alternatively or additionally, an electrical cable is used to reduce a voltage difference between the mobile platform and the tank or other structure by electrically connecting to an electrically conductive member on the mobile platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2018
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Applicant: TANKBOTS, INC.
    Inventors: JOHN W. MEYERS, JOSEPH A. DAILY, ROBERT T. EFFINGER IV, DONALD A. PONTRELLI, DAVID L. CHEUVRONT, JAMES TODD LOVELACE, RONALD GILLORY, DAVID JOHN CASSIMATIS
  • Patent number: 9505122
    Abstract: The present invention includes an open-top sheath case for receiving a chainsaw blade and a planar sheath cover detachably secured to the sheath case to cover the open-top of the sheath case. The sheath cover includes an inwardly extending ā€œLā€ shaped lip along the longitudinal edges of the sheath cover. An open-top tool kit box includes a floor, a pair of side walls and a front and rear end walls extending upwardly from the floor. The tool kit box further includes an outwardly extending lip provided on the upper edges of the sidewalls and the front end wall. The outwardly extending lip of the tool box kit is sized to be slidably received by the inwardly extending lip of the sheath cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Joshua 2011, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen A. Yanuszka, John W. Meyer
  • Patent number: 9434258
    Abstract: A power converter includes positive and negative input lines and an input capacitor coupled across the input lines. The power converter also includes a switch coupled across the input lines that includes a control contact and an additional contact. The power converter also includes switch controller coupled to the control contact and that includes positive and negative input connections. The power converter also includes a contactor diagnostic supply interface coupled between the positive input connection and the additional contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Berg, John W. Meyer, III, Wesley O. Hamilton, Robert S. Foley
  • Publication number: 20160214253
    Abstract: The present invention includes an open-top sheath case for receiving a chainsaw blade and a planar sheath cover detachably secured to the sheath case to cover the open-top of the sheath case. The sheath cover includes an inwardly extending ā€œLā€ shaped lip along the longitudinal edges of the sheath cover. An open-top tool kit box includes a floor, a pair of side walls and a front and rear end walls extending upwardly from the floor. The tool kit box further includes an outwardly extending lip provided on the upper edges of the sidewalls and the front end wall. The outwardly extending lip of the tool box kit is sized to be slidably received by the inwardly extending lip of the sheath cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen A. Yanuszka, John W. Meyer
  • Patent number: 9018865
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), an electric traction motor, a traction power inverter module (TPIM), a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) bus that electrically connects the RESS to the TPIM, a passive discharge circuit connected across the positive and negative rails of the bus, and a microprocessor. The circuit includes a semiconductor switch. The microprocessor provides an output signal at a first voltage level that opens the switch and prevents discharge of the HVDC bus when the microprocessor is operating normally, and at a default second voltage level that closes the switch in the presence of a predetermined vehicle condition to thereby discharge the HVDC bus. An optocoupler may receive the output signal, and a zener diode may be in electrical parallel with an output side of the optocoupler. The switch may be an insulated gate bipolar transistor or a thyristor in different embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John W. Meyer, III, David P. Tasky, S. M. Nayeem Hasan, Bryan M. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20130285581
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), an electric traction motor, a traction power inverter module (TPIM), a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) bus that electrically connects the RESS to the TPIM, a passive discharge circuit connected across the positive and negative rails of the bus, and a microprocessor. The circuit includes a semiconductor switch. The microprocessor provides an output signal at a first voltage level that opens the switch and prevents discharge of the HVDC bus when the microprocessor is operating normally, and at a default second voltage level that closes the switch in the presence of a predetermined vehicle condition to thereby discharge the HVDC bus. An optocoupler may receive the output signal, and a zener diode may be in electrical parallel with an output side of the optocoupler. The switch may be an insulated gate bipolar transistor or a thyristor in different embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: John W. Meyer, III, David P. Tasky, S.M. Nayeem Hasan, Bryan M. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20120055597
    Abstract: Waste receptacle covers may be used to cover the waste receptacle to limit the unsightliness of the receptacle, to identify the receptacle, and/or to protect the receptacles. A waste receptacle cover may be formed from a variety of materials. For example, the cover may be formed from weather (e.g., UV, moisture, temperature) and/or abrasion (e.g., cut, tear) resistant materials. The cover may be made of a material that is mold and/or mildew resistant or inhibitive. The cover may be made of a material that is odor absorbing or odor blocking. The cover may be polyester, a polyester-blend, nylon, other synthetic materials, or some combination thereof and may include recycled material (e.g., plastic), renewable/sustainable material (e.g., bamboo) and/or spandex fabric or spandex blend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Ana Aznar-Meyer, John W. Meyer, IV
  • Patent number: 7883296
    Abstract: A shoring beam extension and reinforcement assembly allows a user to removably connect a plurality of shoring beams together so as to customize a support assembly to a particular excavation site. In use, main shoring beams extending around the periphery of an excavation site are connected at the corners by corner connections and are connected along the longitudinal sides of the excavation site by the extension of reinforcement assembly. Additionally, the first and second connectors support a center shoring beam laterally across the excavation site. The assembly is provided with additional support by tabs extending from each of the first and second connectors. Reinforcing beams include tabs having apertures adapted to align with apertures in the tabs of the first and second connectors such that connecting pins may be inserted there through to connect the reinforcing beams with the connectors. Eyelets located on the first and second connectors provide a means by which the assembly may be supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: John W. Meyer
  • Patent number: D733427
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Joshua 2011 LLC
    Inventors: Stephen A. Yanuszka, John W. Meyer
  • Patent number: D737573
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen A. Yanuszka, John W. Meyer