Patents by Inventor Kevin K. O'Connell

Kevin K. O'Connell 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: 20240278457
    Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2024
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Inventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 11969912
    Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20220055246
    Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 11192275
    Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses may include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 11007669
    Abstract: Embodiments of an electric linear actuator may include a roller screw assembly, an electric motor coupled to the roller screw assembly, and a linear transducer operatively coupled with the roller screw assembly. The motor may be configured to drive the roller screw assembly to extend and retract another component, such as a rod. In some embodiments, the linear transducer may be configured to detect a position of the rod. The roller screw assembly may be coupled directly to the motor via a gear coupling, with the motor disposed generally in axial alignment with the roller screw assembly. Other embodiments disclosed herein include a veneer lathe carriage with electric linear actuators and corresponding apparatuses, methods, and systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Tim Dezellem, Kevin K. O'Connell, Frederick Reeder Bridges, III
  • Publication number: 20200070382
    Abstract: Embodiments of an electric linear actuator may include a roller screw assembly, an electric motor coupled to the roller screw assembly, and a linear transducer operatively coupled with the roller screw assembly. The motor may be configured to drive the roller screw assembly to extend and retract another component, such as a rod. In some embodiments, the linear transducer may be configured to detect a position of the rod. The roller screw assembly may be coupled directly to the motor via a gear coupling, with the motor disposed generally in axial alignment with the roller screw assembly. Other embodiments disclosed herein include a veneer lathe carriage with electric linear actuators and corresponding apparatuses, methods, and systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Tim Dezellem, Kevin K. O'Connell, Frederick Reeder Bridges, III
  • Patent number: 10406719
    Abstract: Embodiments of an electric linear actuator may include a roller screw assembly, an electric motor coupled to the roller screw assembly, and a linear transducer operatively coupled with the roller screw assembly. The motor may be configured to drive the roller screw assembly to extend and retract another component, such as a rod. In some embodiments, the linear transducer may be configured to detect a position of the rod. The roller screw assembly may be coupled directly to the motor via a gear coupling, with the motor disposed generally in axial alignment with the roller screw assembly. Other embodiments disclosed herein include a veneer lathe carriage with electric linear actuators and corresponding apparatuses, methods, and systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Tim Dezellem, Kevin K. O'Connell, Frederick Reeder Bridges, III
  • Publication number: 20180272559
    Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses may include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 10011041
    Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses may include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20170282399
    Abstract: Embodiments of an electric linear actuator may include a roller screw assembly, an electric motor coupled to the roller screw assembly, and a linear transducer operatively coupled with the roller screw assembly. The motor may be configured to drive the roller screw assembly to extend and retract another component, such as a rod. In some embodiments, the linear transducer may be configured to detect a position of the rod. The roller screw assembly may be coupled directly to the motor via a gear coupling, with the motor disposed generally in axial alignment with the roller screw assembly. Other embodiments disclosed herein include a veneer lathe carriage with electric linear actuators and corresponding apparatuses, methods, and systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Tim Dezellem, Kevin K. O'Connell, Frederick Reeder Bridges
  • Patent number: 9597817
    Abstract: Embodiments of an electric linear actuator may include a roller screw assembly, an electric motor coupled to the roller screw assembly, and a linear transducer operatively coupled with the roller screw assembly. The motor may be configured to drive the roller screw assembly to extend and retract another component, such as a rod. In some embodiments, the linear transducer may be configured to detect a position of the rod. The roller screw assembly may be coupled directly to the motor via a gear coupling, with the motor disposed generally in axial alignment with the roller screw assembly. Other embodiments disclosed herein include a veneer lathe carriage with electric linear actuators and corresponding apparatuses, methods, and systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Tim Dezellem, Kevin K. O'Connell, Frederick Reeder Bridges, III
  • Publication number: 20160332326
    Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses may include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20160107329
    Abstract: Embodiments of an electric linear actuator may include a roller screw assembly, an electric motor coupled to the roller screw assembly, and a linear transducer operatively coupled with the roller screw assembly. The motor may be configured to drive the roller screw assembly to extend and retract another component, such as a rod. In some embodiments, the linear transducer may be configured to detect a position of the rod. The roller screw assembly may be coupled directly to the motor via a gear coupling, with the motor disposed generally in axial alignment with the roller screw assembly. Other embodiments disclosed herein include a veneer lathe carriage with electric linear actuators and corresponding apparatuses, methods, and systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Tim Dezellem, Kevin K. O'Connell, Frederick Reeder Bridges, III
  • Patent number: 8495307
    Abstract: Target memory hierarchy specification in a multi-core computer processing system is provided including a system for implementing prefetch instructions. The system includes a first core processor, a dedicated cache corresponding to the first core processor, and a second core processor. The second core processor includes instructions for executing a prefetch instruction that specifies a memory location and the dedicated local cache corresponding to the first core processor. Executing the prefetch instruction includes retrieving data from the memory location and storing the retrieved data on the dedicated local cache corresponding to the first core processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tong Chen, Yaoqing Gao, Kevin K. O'Brien, Zehra N. Sura, Lixin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20110283067
    Abstract: Target memory hierarchy specification in a multi-core computer processing system is provided including a system for implementing prefetch instructions. The system includes a first core processor, a dedicated cache corresponding to the first core processor, and a second core processor. The second core processor includes instructions for executing a prefetch instruction that specifies a memory location and the dedicated local cache corresponding to the first core processor. Executing the prefetch instruction includes retrieving data from the memory location and storing the retrieved data on the dedicated local cache corresponding to the first core processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tong Chen, Yaoqing Gao, Kevin K. O'Brien, Zehra Sura, Lixin Zhang