Patents by Inventor John Whitton

John Whitton 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: 20250319627
    Abstract: An automated wall frame assembly system for use in assembling a wall frame includes an advancer assembly including a conveyor system configured to transport first frame members along an assembly axis to an output of the conveyor system. A frame unit is disposed generally at the output of the conveyor system and is configured to receive the first frame members from the conveyor system and attach a second frame member to the first frame members. A gantry assembly is disposed above the advancer assembly. The gantry assembly includes a gantry frame and at least one gantry tool movably attached to the gantry frame. The gantry tool is operable to deliver the second frame member to the advancer assembly from a location above the advancer assembly for being attached to the first frame members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2025
    Publication date: October 16, 2025
    Inventors: Manish Kanjee, Cameron Wake, Ganesh Patgar, David Schroder, John Whitton
  • Patent number: 12365110
    Abstract: An automated wall frame assembly system for use in assembling a wall frame includes an advancer assembly including a conveyor system configured to transport first frame members along an assembly axis to an output of the conveyor system. A frame unit is disposed generally at the output of the conveyor system and is configured to receive the first frame members from the conveyor system and attach a second frame member to the first frame members. A gantry assembly is disposed above the advancer assembly. The gantry assembly includes a gantry frame and at least one gantry tool movably attached to the gantry frame. The gantry tool is operable to deliver the second frame member to the advancer assembly from a location above the advancer assembly for being attached to the first frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2025
    Assignee: MITEK HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Manish Kanjee, Cameron Wake, Ganesh Patgar, David Schroder, John Whitton
  • Publication number: 20240091982
    Abstract: An automated wall frame assembly system for use in assembling a wall frame includes an advancer assembly including a conveyor system configured to transport first frame members along an assembly axis to an output of the conveyor system. A frame unit is disposed generally at the output of the conveyor system and is configured to receive the first frame members from the conveyor system and attach a second frame member to the first frame members. A gantry assembly is disposed above the advancer assembly. The gantry assembly includes a gantry frame and at least one gantry tool movably attached to the gantry frame. The gantry tool is operable to deliver the second frame member to the advancer assembly from a location above the advancer assembly for being attached to the first frame members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Manish Kanjee, Cameron Wake, Ganesh Patgar, David Schroder, John Whitton
  • Patent number: 10428697
    Abstract: A fluid diverter including a cylindrical body and an extension arm is provided. The cylindrical body defines a first fluid passage extending from a first axial end of the cylindrical body and a second fluid passage circumferentially offset from the first fluid passage and extending from a second axial end of the cylindrical body. A seepage orifice is defined in the cylindrical body providing a fluid communication path between the first axial end and the second axial end. The extension arm extends from the cylindrical body and includes a locating receptacle dimensioned to receive a fixing element to rotationally and axially fix the fluid diverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Debora Manther, John Whitton, Pradeep Mohan Mohan Das
  • Patent number: 10221729
    Abstract: A switchable valve train assembly including a carrier housing defining a hydraulic circuit, a supply assembly, a plurality of rocker shafts, a plurality of separators, and a plurality of rocker arm assemblies is provided. Each one of the plurality of separators divides the rocker shafts into (1) a first chamber extending between a first chamber axial end and the separator, and (2) a second chamber extending between a second chamber axial end and the separator. The plurality of separators each include an orifice defined between the first chamber and the second chamber that provides fluid connection between the first chamber and the second chamber. Locking assemblies of the rocker arm assemblies are selectively actuated based on the supply assembly. The separators ensure that hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic fluid is de-aerated and that the second chambers remain primed with hydraulic fluid for faster actuation of the locking assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Faheem Ahmed, Colin Foster, David Chandler, John Whitton, Debora Manther, Pradeep Mohan Mohan Das, Sumukha Nagaraj
  • Patent number: 9945270
    Abstract: A hollow rocker shaft including a central opening defined by a radially inner surface and a separator secured in the central opening of the rocker shaft is provided. A radially outer surface of the separator engages the radially inner surface of the rocker shaft via a press-fit. The separator divides the central opening of the rocker shaft into (1) a first chamber extending between a first chamber axial end and the separator, and (2) a second chamber extending between a second chamber axial end and the separator. The separator includes an orifice defined between the first chamber and the second chamber that provides fluid connection between the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Faheem Ahmed, Colin Foster, David Chandler, John Whitton, Debora Manther, Pradeep Mohan Mohan Das, Sumukha Nagaraj
  • Patent number: 9945269
    Abstract: A switchable valve train assembly including a rocker shaft is provided. The rocker shaft includes a first chamber extending between a first axial end and a second axial end of the rocker shaft and a second chamber extending between the first axial end and the second axial end of the rocker shaft. A seepage orifice is defined between the first chamber and the second chamber and provides a fluid connection between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first chamber includes a first actuator port in fluid connection with a first intake port for a hydraulic lash adjuster. The second chamber includes a second actuator port in fluid connection with a second intake port for a locking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Faheem Ahmed, Colin Foster, David Chandler, John Whitton, Debora Manther, Pradeep Mohan Mohan Das, Sumukha Nagaraj
  • Patent number: 9926816
    Abstract: A switchable rocker arm for valve deactivation is provided for a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The switchable rocker arm includes a cam lever assembly, a valve lever assembly, and a hydraulically actuated coupling assembly that is radially arranged between the cam lever and valve lever assemblies. The coupling assembly includes a shuttle pin, a locking pin with a round or flat locking interface, and optional shuttle pin and locking pin sleeves. In a first, locked position, the rotational motion of a camshaft is translated to linear motion of an engine valve. In a second, unlocked position, the cam lever assembly rotates about the valve lever assembly, facilitating valve deactivation. A pivot joint arranged between the cam lever and valve lever assemblies facilitates an arcuate lost motion of the cam lever assembly. An integrated arrangement for one or more lost motion springs offers packaging and functional advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Faheem Ahmed, Colin Foster, David Chandler, John Whitton, Kate Higdon
  • Publication number: 20180080349
    Abstract: A fluid diverter including a cylindrical body and an extension arm is provided. The cylindrical body defines a first fluid passage extending from a first axial end of the cylindrical body and a second fluid passage circumferentially offset from the first fluid passage and extending from a second axial end of the cylindrical body. A seepage orifice is defined in the cylindrical body providing a fluid communication path between the first axial end and the second axial end. The extension arm extends from the cylindrical body and includes a locating receptacle dimensioned to receive a fixing element to rotationally and axially fix the fluid diverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Debora MANTHER, John WHITTON, Pradeep Mohan MOHAN DAS
  • Publication number: 20170350280
    Abstract: A switchable valve train assembly including a rocker shaft is provided. The rocker shaft includes a first chamber extending between a first axial end and a second axial end of the rocker shaft and a second chamber extending between the first axial end and the second axial end of the rocker shaft. A seepage orifice is defined between the first chamber and the second chamber and provides a fluid connection between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first chamber includes a first actuator port in fluid connection with a first intake port for a hydraulic lash adjuster. The second chamber includes a second actuator port in fluid connection with a second intake port for a locking assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Faheem AHMED, Colin FOSTER, David CHANDLER, John WHITTON, Debora MANTHER, Pradeep Mohan MOHAN DAS, Sumukha NAGARAJ
  • Publication number: 20170284236
    Abstract: A switchable valve train assembly including a carrier housing defining a hydraulic circuit, a supply assembly, a plurality of rocker shafts, a plurality of separators, and a plurality of rocker arm assemblies is provided. Each one of the plurality of separators divides the rocker shafts into (1) a first chamber extending between a first chamber axial end and the separator, and (2) a second chamber extending between a second chamber axial end and the separator. The plurality of separators each include an orifice defined between the first chamber and the second chamber that provides fluid connection between the first chamber and the second chamber. Locking assemblies of the rocker arm assemblies are selectively actuated based on the supply assembly. The separators ensure that hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic fluid is de-aerated and that the second chambers remain primed with hydraulic fluid for faster actuation of the locking assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Faheem AHMED, Colin FOSTER, David CHANDLER, John WHITTON, Debora MANTHER, Pradeep Mohan MOHAN DAS, Sumukha NAGARAJ
  • Publication number: 20170022848
    Abstract: A hollow rocker shaft including a central opening defined by a radially inner surface and a separator secured in the central opening of the rocker shaft is provided. A radially outer surface of the separator engages the radially inner surface of the rocker shaft via a press-fit. The separator divides the central opening of the rocker shaft into (1) a first chamber extending between a first chamber axial end and the separator, and (2) a second chamber extending between a second chamber axial end and the separator. The separator includes an orifice defined between the first chamber and the second chamber that provides fluid connection between the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Faheem AHMED, Colin FOSTER, David CHANDLER, John WHITTON, Debora MANTHER, Pradeep Mohan MOHAN DAS, Sumukha NAGARAJ
  • Publication number: 20170009610
    Abstract: A switchable rocker arm for valve deactivation is provided for a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The switchable rocker arm includes a cam lever assembly, a valve lever assembly, and a hydraulically actuated coupling assembly that is radially arranged between the cam lever and valve lever assemblies. The coupling assembly includes a shuttle pin, a locking pin with a round or flat locking interface, and optional shuttle pin and locking pin sleeves. In a first, locked position, the rotational motion of a camshaft is translated to linear motion of an engine valve. In a second, unlocked position, the cam lever assembly rotates about the valve lever assembly, facilitating valve deactivation. A pivot joint arranged between the cam lever and valve lever assemblies facilitates an arcuate lost motion of the cam lever assembly. An integrated arrangement for one or more lost motions springs offers packaging and functional advantages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Faheem Ahmed, Colin Foster, David Chandler, John Whitton, Kate Higdon