Patents by Inventor Richard B. Hawkes
Richard B. Hawkes 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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Publication number: 20100250005Abstract: An ice making and delivery apparatus for making and delivering ice to different ones of a plurality of receptacle units is provided, in which ice delivered via a conduit to a diverter valve mechanism, is diverted from alignment with one ice discharge line to another, depending upon sensors in ice receptacles recognizing a level of build-up of ice in any given receptacle, for computer control of a gearmotor for moving the diverter valve from one position to another. Various controls are provided for preventing ice build-up, and for operating the diverter valve during a “dwell” period of ice movement in the conduit, as distinguished from a “push” period of ice movement in the conduit to the diverter valve. A force multiplication technique is employed for moving the diverter valve notwithstanding the presence of ice therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: FOLLETT CORPORATIONInventors: Richard B. Hawkes, Edward V. Twiggar, III
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Publication number: 20100236271Abstract: An ice making and delivery apparatus for making and delivering ice to different ones of a plurality of receptacle units is provided, in which ice delivered via a conduit to a diverter valve mechanism, is diverted from alignment with one ice discharge line to another, depending upon sensors in ice receptacles recognizing a level of build-up of ice in any given receptacle, for computer control of a gearmotor for moving the diverter valve from one position to another. Various controls are provided for preventing ice build-up, and for operating the diverter valve during a “dwell” period of ice movement in the conduit, as distinguished from a “push” period of ice movement in the conduit to the diverter valve. A force multiplication technique is employed for moving the diverter valve notwithstanding the presence of ice therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: FOLLETT CORPORATIONInventors: Richard B. Hawkes, Edward V. Twiggar, III
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Patent number: 7757500Abstract: An ice making, and delivery apparatus for making and delivering ice to different ones of a plurality of receptacle units is provided, in which ice delivered via a conduit to a diverter valve mechanism, is diverted from alignment with one ice discharge line to another, depending upon sensors in ice receptacles recognizing a level of build-up of ice in any given receptacle, for computer control of a gearmotor for moving the diverter valve from one position to another. Various controls are provided for preventing ice build-up, and for operating the diverter valve during a “dwell” period of ice movement in the conduit, as distinguished from a “push” period of ice movement in the conduit to the diverter valve. A force multiplication technique is employed for moving the diverter valve notwithstanding the presence of ice therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Follett CorporationInventors: Richard B. Hawkes, Edward V. Twiggar, III
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Patent number: 7654097Abstract: An ice distribution device for delivering ice to an ice retaining unit is provided, whereby a nozzle of the distribution device is adapted to be rotated in an eccentric rotation when installed at an upper end of an ice retaining unit, such that, when it is rotated about its axis, forces acting inside an eccentrically mounted nozzle will produce both axial and lateral components, with the lateral components of force providing a controlled “wobble”, that will deliver a substantially uniform distribution of ice within the retaining unit. A sensing device, which may be ultrasonic, mechanical or some other means, may be used to sense the level of build-up of ice within a retaining unit, for discontinuing the flow of ice to the distribution device, or diverting it to another ice retaining unit, as may be desired. The distribution and sensing devices are mounted on a top wall of the ice retaining unit and are adapted to accommodate top walls of such units of various thicknesses.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Follett CorporationInventor: Richard B. Hawkes
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Publication number: 20080282721Abstract: An ice distribution device for delivering ice to an ice retaining unit is provided, whereby a nozzle of the distribution device is adapted to be rotated in an eccentric rotation when installed at an upper end of an ice retaining unit, such that, when it is rotated about its axis, forces acting inside an eccentrically mounted nozzle will produce both axial and lateral components, with the lateral components of force providing a controlled “wobble”, that will deliver a substantially uniform distribution of ice within the retaining unit. A sensing device, which may be ultrasonic, mechanical or some other means, may be used to sense the level of build-up of ice within a retaining unit, for discontinuing the flow of ice to the distribution device, or diverting it to another ice retaining unit, as may be desired. The distribution and sensing devices are mounted on a top wall of the ice retaining unit and are adapted to accommodate top walls of such units of various thicknesses.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventor: Richard B. Hawkes
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Publication number: 20080282711Abstract: An ice making, and delivery apparatus for making and delivering ice to different ones of a plurality of receptacle units is provided, in which ice delivered via a conduit to a diverter valve mechanism, is diverted from alignment with one ice discharge line to another, depending upon sensors in ice receptacles recognizing a level of build-up of ice in any given receptacle, for computer control of a gearmotor for moving the diverter valve from one position to another. Various controls are provided for preventing ice build-up, and for operating the diverter valve during a “dwell” period of ice movement in the conduit, as distinguished from a “push” period of ice movement in the conduit to the diverter valve. A force multiplication technique is employed for moving the diverter valve notwithstanding the presence of ice therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Richard B. Hawkes, Edward V. Twiggar, III
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Patent number: 6701840Abstract: A gripper drum device comprising a drum body rotatable about a central axis, an actuating shaft rotatable within the drum body, a box cam follower connected to the actuating shaft for moving the actuating shaft, a gripper seat connected to the actuating shaft, a gripper connected to the actuating shaft, and a box cam, the box cam follower being located within the box cam for following the box cam. Also provided is a method for gripping printed products including the steps of rotating a drum about a central axis, moving a cam follower within a box cam, and gripping a printed product with a gripper attached to the cam follower.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGInventor: Richard B. Hawkes
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Publication number: 20020043169Abstract: A gripper drum device comprising a drum body rotatable about a central axis, an actuating shaft rotatable within the drum body, a box cam follower connected to the actuating shaft for moving the actuating shaft, a gripper seat connected to the actuating shaft, a gripper connected to the actuating shaft, and a box cam, the box cam follower being located within the box cam for following the box cam. Also provided is a method for gripping printed products including the steps of rotating a drum about a central axis, moving a cam follower within a box cam, and gripping a printed product with a gripper attached to the cam follower.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventor: Richard B. Hawkes
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Patent number: 6308625Abstract: A gripper drum device comprising a drum body rotatable about a central axis, an actuating shaft rotatable within the drum body, a box cam follower connected to the actuating shaft for moving the actuating shaft, a gripper seat connected to the actuating shaft, a gripper connected to the actuating shaft, and a box cam, the box cam follower being located within the box cam for following the box cam. Also provided is a method for gripping printed products including the steps of rotating a drum about a central axis, moving a cam follower within a box cam, and gripping a printed product with a gripper attached to the cam follower.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGInventor: Richard B. Hawkes
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Patent number: 6168148Abstract: The apparatus for separating a flat product from a pile of flat products, has a sucker mechanism with an upper and a lower part. The upper part is connected to a first link joint of a central lever and the lower part is connected to a second link joint of the central lever. The central lever is rotatable about an axis which extends through the central lever. The axis is movable along the central lever, in order to change the position of the pivot point of the central lever.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGInventors: Russel Alan Bechler, Richard B. Hawkes
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Patent number: 5664786Abstract: A rotating separator disk is movable between sheet material articles in a stack of sheet material articles. A variable speed drive which is connected with the separator disk and rotates the separator disk. The variable speed drive is operable to vary the speed of rotation of the separator disk between a high speed and a low speed during each revolution of the separator disk. First and second restrictor members engage a sheet material article in the stack of sheet material articles. A suction applicator head is operable to disengage one sheet material article from the first restrictor member. A leading edge of the rotating separator disk is then moved between the one sheet material article and an adjacent sheet material article. As this occurs, the speed of rotation of the separator disk is increased and the one sheet material article is disengaged from the second restrictor member by the separator disk.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1996Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignee: Heidelberg Finishing Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael C. Buschhaus, Richard B. Hawkes
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Patent number: 5626452Abstract: An improved cover breaker assembly may be used to sequentially apply covers to books of different thicknesses or to books of the same thickness. The cover breaker assembly includes inner and outer breaker members which are engageable with a cover on each of the books in turn. The inner breaker member is moved through the same distance from a retracted position to the same extended position during the application of a cover to either a thin book or a thick book. The outer breaker member is moved from a retracted position to an extended position through a distance which varies as a function of the thickness of the book. The inner and outer breaker members are effective to apply substantially the same force to either a thick book or a thin book. During the application of a cover to either a thick book or a thin book, the inner breaker member moves through the same distance along the path of travel of the book.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1995Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: Heidelberg Finishing Systems, Inc.Inventor: Richard B. Hawkes
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Patent number: 5531433Abstract: A sheet material feed drum has a plurality of grippers which are spaced apart by a first distance, measured along the periphery of the feed drum. Sheet material is transferred from the feed drum to a conveyor. The conveyor has a plurality of pusher elements which are spaced apart by a second distance which is less than the first distance. The pusher elements are moved at a slower speed than the grippers. An apparatus is provided to reduce the speed of movement of the sheet material to match the speed of movement of the pusher elements. In one embodiment, the apparatus for changing the speed of movement of the sheet material includes a ring member which is rotatable about a central axis of the feed drum. The ring member is moved at a slower speed than the grippers. A presser roll engages the ring member to define a nip through which the sheet material is conducted. In another embodiment, a wheel is rotatable about an axis which extends through the feed drum.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1994Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Assignee: AM International, Inc.Inventors: Richard B. Hawkes, Michael C. Buschhaus
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Patent number: 5443639Abstract: A glue application system (10) for applying glue to books (12) moving from a binder (16) along a predetermined path (14) includes a first roller (30) which rotates in the predetermined path to apply glue to the books. A heater (114) maintains the temperature of the first roller at a predetermined temperature. A second roller (32) rotates in the predetermined path, downstream of the first roller, to apply glue to the books. A second heater (130) maintains the temperature of the second roller at a temperature less than the temperature of the first roller. A glue reservoir (50) disposed below the first and second rollers contains a supply of liquid melted glue (56). A pump (70) pumps liquid melted glue up to the first and second rollers. An electric motor drive assembly (89) is selectively engageable to drive the pump when a binder drive assembly (79) is not driving the pump.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1994Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Assignee: AM International, Inc.Inventor: Richard B. Hawkes
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Patent number: 5441375Abstract: An improved cover breaker assembly may be used to sequentially apply covers to books of different thicknesses or to books of the same thickness. The cover breaker assembly includes inner and outer breaker members which are engageable with a cover on each of the books in turn. The inner breaker member is moved through the same distance from a retracted position to the same extended position during the application of a cover to either a thin book or a thick book. The outer breaker member is moved from a retracted position to an extended position through a distance which varies as a function of the thickness of the book. The inner and outer breaker members are effective to apply substantially the same force to either a thick book or a thin book. During the application of a cover to either a thick book or a thin book, the inner breaker member moves through the same distance along the path of travel of the book.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1993Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Assignee: AM International Inc.Inventor: Richard B. Hawkes
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Patent number: 5330169Abstract: An apparatus for use in handling sheet material articles includes a feed drum which is rotatable to sequentially pull sheet material articles from a hopper. A separator assembly includes a rotatable separator disk in which a plurality of gaps are formed. A plurality of suction applicator heads are rotatable with the separator disk relative to the hopper. Each of the suction applicator heads is aligned with a gap in the separator disk. During rotation of the separator disk and suction applicator heads together relative to the hopper, the suction applicator heads are operable to sequentially apply suction to lower side surfaces of lowermost sheet material article in the hopper. The feed drum pulls one sheet material article from the hopper while a next succeeding sheet material article in the hopper is engaged by a suction applicator head.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1993Date of Patent: July 19, 1994Assignee: AM International, Inc.Inventor: Richard B. Hawkes
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Patent number: 5211384Abstract: An in-line inserter device comprises envelope and insert feeding assemblies, an envelope inserting station assembly, a sealing and stacking assembly, and various diverter stations. The envelope feeding assembly withdraws envelopes from a hopper-held envelope stack and conveys them to the inserting station. Each modular insert feeding assembly comprises a hopper-held insert stack disposed above, along, and in line with an insert conveyor. The conveyor, along its track, carries inserts dispensed from the hopper-held insert stacks to the inserting station. Diverter stations are disposed ahead of the envelope inserting station for diversion of envelopes and inserts and ahead of the inserted envelope stacking assembly to divert inserted envelopes, for normal operational purposes and for rectification of sensed faults by rejection and extraction of processed faulty items.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1991Date of Patent: May 18, 1993Assignee: Bell & Howell CompanyInventors: Winston A. Orsinger, Richard B. Hawkes, Eric A. Belec, Lee, Jr.: James S., Harry C. Noll, Jr., David P. Nyffenegger, George Fallos
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Patent number: 5129503Abstract: A turnover module for turning over envelopes comprises a plurality of pulleys and disposed thereabout a driven endless belt in the general shape of a flattened figure `8`. The belt includes a crossover region and a first and a second reach extending therethrough. The reaches contact one another resiliently along length portions thereof while crossing over and twisting about one another. Envelopes are received in a first orientation at an entry end of the reaches; nipped between the reaches; transported thereby through the crossover region while being turned over by virtue of the twist of the reaches about one another; and, delivered from the turnover module in a second orientation.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1991Date of Patent: July 14, 1992Assignee: Bell & Howell CompanyInventors: Eric A. Belec, James S. Lee, Jr., Harry C. Noll, Jr., David P. Nyffenegger, Winston A. Orsinger, Richard B. Hawkes, George Fallos
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Patent number: 5130558Abstract: In an inserter, a skew and misalignment detector for measuring skew misalignment of inserts that are conveyed on and along a conveyor comprises a plurality of photosensors disposed above the insert-conveying path in transverse relation thereto and a plurality of retroreflective targets disposed beneath the insert-conveying path in transverse relation thereto and directed toward the photosensors. Inserts obstruct the targets while being conveyed thereover. The photosensor signals are sampled in synchronism with the insert-conveying motion. The obtained signals are evaluated in relation to pre-established skew rejection threshold criteria in dependence on insert conveying speed. Inserts are diverted when the skew detector arrangement provides measures of skew and misalignment of inserts that exceed rejection threshold criteria.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1991Date of Patent: July 14, 1992Assignee: Bell & Howell CompanyInventors: Winston A. Orsinger, Richard B. Hawkes, Eric A. Belec, James S. Lee, Jr., Harry C. Noll, Jr., David P. Nyffenegger, George Fallos
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Patent number: 5127640Abstract: An inserter with collation tracking comprises a programmable computer, means for tracking handled items including individual tracking and collation tracking, sensing means for sensing individual items in different locations, as well as for sensing defective, multiple or missing items, corrective action means, and, means for updating tracking information in correspondence with corrective action taken. The inserter performs corrective action in the form of the rejection and diversion of defective items. Further, the inserter provides for complementarily associating envelopes with particular inserts intended for insertion thereinto, for collation tracking of such complementarily-associated items, and for the diversion of such associated items if at least one of the associated items has been stigmatized as defective.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1991Date of Patent: July 7, 1992Assignee: Bell & Howell Phillipsburg Co.Inventors: Winston A. Orsinger, Richard B. Hawkes, Eric A. Belec, James S. Lee, Jr., Harry C. Noll, Jr., David P. Nyffenegger, George Fallos