Patents by Inventor Richard A. McQuary

Richard A. McQuary 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: 8715119
    Abstract: An adjustable chain drive system is adapted for uses such as moving product through a conveyor system, and can be configured using a chain, belt or similar structure. Two driven sprockets are movable on a slide, allowing the distance between them to be adjusted. In one example, such adjustment allows conveyor belts to be separated by a desired distance. A drive sprocket and endless chain is used in the drive system. In one configuration, the endless chain includes an adjustable chain segment separating the first and second driven sprockets. To compensate for movement of the first and/or second driven sprockets and change in length of the adjustable chain segment between them, lengths of first and/or second secondary adjustable chain segments adjacent to the adjustable chain segment are varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: R.A. Pearson Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Johnson, Richard A. McQuary, Jacob M. Culley, Casey L. McGourin
  • Patent number: 7788881
    Abstract: A case erector is configured to open folded cases. In one example, the case erector includes a planar bearing surface. A semi-circular channel is defined in the planar bearing surface about a center point. Additionally, a notch is located so that the planar bearing surface does not extend to the center point of the semi-circular channel. A plate is in contact with the planar bearing surface. The plate has at least one flange sized for travel within the semi-circular channel so that the plate rotates against the planar bearing surface in a circular manner about the center point. A notch is defined in the plate so that the plate does not extend to the center point of the semi-circular channel. An arm is connected to the plate so that the plate and the arm rotate together with respect to the planar bearing surface. In operation, a folded edge of a folded case is positioned at the center point. One or two arms, moved by plates rotating on bearing surfaces, attach to and open the folded case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Johnson, Richard A. McQuary
  • Publication number: 20090093354
    Abstract: A case erector is configured to open folded cases. In one example, the case erector includes a planar bearing surface. A semi-circular channel is defined in the planar bearing surface about a center point. Additionally, a notch is located so that the planar bearing surface does not extend to the center point of the semi-circular channel. A plate is in contact with the planar bearing surface. The plate has at least one flange sized for travel within the semi-circular channel so that the plate rotates against the planar bearing surface in a circular manner about the center point. A notch is defined in the plate so that the plate does not extend to the center point of the semi-circular channel. An arm is connected to the plate so that the plate and the arm rotate together with respect to the planar bearing surface. In operation, a folded edge of a folded case is positioned at the center point. One or two arms, moved by plates rotating on bearing surfaces, attach to and open the folded case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Pearson Packaging Systems
    Inventors: Michael J. Johnson, Richard A. McQuary
  • Patent number: 7334676
    Abstract: A compensating roller system is adapted to adjust to size variation of product moving through a conveyor system. In one example, the compensating roller system is used to control a force resulting in deflection of a conveyor belt. In a specific implementation of such an example, a first rail is configured to support a first conveyor belt. A plurality of rollers is attached to the first rail and supports a conveyor belt moving over the rollers. The attachment allows each roller to pivot independently of movement of other rollers. Each of the rollers' movement is against a bias, and allows for deflection of the conveyor belt. A second rail may be configured as the first rail, and oriented define a channel for product movement between conveyor belts carried by the first and second rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Pearson Packaging Systems
    Inventors: Casey L. McGourin, Richard A. McQuary, Jacob M. Culley, Michael J. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080026895
    Abstract: Chain-drive systems and methods of operation are described that allow chain travel along a non-linear path. In one example, the chain-drive system comprises a chain guide defining a channel having at least one non-linear region. A chain, sized to move within the channel, is driven by a drive sprocket. In one example, the non-linear region could redirect the chain 180 degrees and obviate the need for an idler sprocket. In another example, two channels are defined in the chain guide, including regions wherein the channels are parallel and regions where they have an angularly skewed relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: Pearson Packaging System
    Inventors: Michael J. Johnson, Richard A. McQuary, Steven J. Allard