Patents by Inventor Richard B. Stevens

Richard B. Stevens 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: 11560338
    Abstract: A joint compound system includes a set-inhibited, pre-wetted, setting-type, ready-mix joint compound and a set initiator. The set-inhibited, pre-wetted, setting-type joint compound includes a ready-mixed, setting-type joint compound base with a calcium-free phosphate set preventing agent that impedes chemical hydration of a gypsum component of the setting-type joint compound. The joint compound base is free of calcium carbonate. The set initiator includes alum to reinitiate the chemical hydration reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: UNITED STATES GYPSUM COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard B. Stevens, Charles J. Miller
  • Patent number: 10928286
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system and a method for evaluating a joint compound specimen can be used to determine a numerical sandability value for the specimen. A moving assembly is configured to move a sanding member in a sanding direction relative to the joint compound specimen supported in a support fixture. An actuator assembly is configured to drive the sanding member into contacting relationship with the joint compound specimen such that the sanding member exerts a controlled amount of pressure against the joint compound specimen. The force gauge is configured to measure a resistance force against the sanding member in a resistance direction in opposing relationship to the sanding direction. A processor programmed with a joint compound analyzing application is configured to use a force signal from the force gauge that is indicative of the resistance force to determine the sandability value for the joint compound specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: David D. Pelot, Richard B. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20210017082
    Abstract: A joint compound including calcium sulfate hemihydrate and/or at least one filler, wherein a total amount of the at least one filler and/or calcium sulfate hemihydrate is at least about 50 wt % of the joint compound on a dry (water-free) basis, preferably the filler comprises calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate dihydrate, or calcium sulfate anhydrite, or a mixture thereof; binder at up to about 15 wt % of the joint compound on a dry basis; polymer thickener at up to about 3 wt % of the joint compound on a dry basis; plasticizer dedusting agent at about 0.01 to about 3 wt % of the joint compound on a dry (water free) basis; and an additive up to about 10 wt % of the joint compound on a dry basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Applicant: UNITED STATES GYPSUM COMPANY
    Inventors: Alexander J. Donovan, Tyler Kincaid, David Pelot, Richard B. Stevens, Robert H. Negri, Naveen Punati
  • Patent number: 10669215
    Abstract: A joint compound system includes a set-inhibited, pre-wetted, setting-type, ready-mix joint compound and a set initiator. The set-inhibited, pre-wetted, setting-type joint compound includes a ready-mixed, setting-type joint compound base with a calcium-free phosphate set preventing agent that impedes chemical hydration of a gypsum component of the setting-type joint compound. The joint compound base is free of calcium carbonate. The set initiator includes alum to reinitiate the chemical hydration reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: UNITED STATES GYPSUM COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard B. Stevens, Charles J. Miller
  • Patent number: 10526112
    Abstract: An extension collar is provided for use with a pail having an opening and containing mixable building material. The collar includes an annular body with an upper edge, an opposite lower edge, and a sidewall connecting the edges. In addition, the body has a diameter that is complementary to, and insertable into the opening of the pail such that upon insertion into the pail, the collar adds to a height of the pail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: UNITED STATES GYPSUM COMPANY
    Inventor: Richard B. Stevens, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190330120
    Abstract: A joint compound system includes a set-inhibited, pre-wetted, setting-type, ready-mix joint compound and a set initiator. The set-inhibited, pre-wetted, setting-type joint compound includes a ready-mixed, setting-type joint compound base with a calcium-free phosphate set preventing agent that impedes chemical hydration of a gypsum component of the setting-type joint compound. The joint compound base is free of calcium carbonate. The set initiator includes alum to reinitiate the chemical hydration reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Richard B. Stevens, Charles J. Miller
  • Patent number: 10352050
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a joint tape for finishing a joint between boards having a nonwoven substrate that does not swell substantially in the presence of water. The invention further provides a method of finishing a joint between boards having the steps of (i) applying a joint tape of the invention to a joint between boards by embedding the joint tape in a first coat of joint compound, (ii) applying a second coat of joint compound over the tape, wherein step (ii) is carried out before the joint tape and joint compound applied in step (i) have substantially dried, and optionally (iii) applying a third fill or finish coat of joint compound over the tape, wherein step (iii) is carried out before the joint tape and second coat have substantially dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: Paul H. Neill, Salvatore C. Immordino, Richard B. Stevens, Charles J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20180265253
    Abstract: An extension collar is provided for use with a pail having an opening and containing mixable building material. The collar includes an annular body with an upper edge, an opposite lower edge, and a sidewall connecting the edges. In addition, the body has a diameter that is complementary to, and insertable into the opening of the pail such that upon insertion into the pail, the collar adds to a height of the pail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventor: Richard B. STEVENS, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20170370112
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a joint tape for finishing a joint between boards comprising a nonwoven substrate that does not swell substantially in the presence of water. The invention further provides a method of finishing a joint between boards comprising (i) applying a joint tape of the invention to a joint between boards by embedding the joint tape in a first coat of joint compound, (ii) applying a second coat of joint compound over the tape, wherein step (ii) is carried out before the joint tape and joint compound applied in step (i) have substantially dried, and optionally (iii) applying a third fill or finish coat of joint compound over the tape, wherein step (iii) is carried out before the joint tape and second coat have substantially dried.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Paul H. NEILL, Salvatore C. IMMORDINO, Richard B. STEVENS, Charles J. MILLER
  • Patent number: 9783998
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a joint tape for finishing a joint between boards comprising a nonwoven substrate that does not swell substantially in the presence of water. The invention further provides a method of finishing a joint between boards comprising (i) applying a joint tape of the invention to a joint between boards by embedding the joint tape in a first coat of joint compound, (ii) applying a second coat of joint compound over the tape, wherein step (ii) is carried out before the joint tape and joint compound applied in step (i) have substantially dried, and optionally (iii) applying a third fill or finish coat of joint compound over the tape, wherein step (iii) is carried out before the joint tape and second coat have substantially dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: Paul H. Neill, Salvatore C. Immordino, Richard B. Stevens, Charles J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20170241881
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system and a method for evaluating a joint compound specimen can be used to determine a numerical sandability value for the specimen. A moving assembly is configured to move a sanding member in a sanding direction relative to the joint compound specimen supported in a support fixture. An actuator assembly is configured to drive the sanding member into contacting relationship with the joint compound specimen such that the sanding member exerts a controlled amount of pressure against the joint compound specimen. The force gauge is configured to measure a resistance force against the sanding member in a resistance direction in opposing relationship to the sanding direction. A processor programmed with a joint compound analyzing application is configured to use a force signal from the force gauge that is indicative of the resistance force to determine the sandability value for the joint compound specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: David D. PELOT, Richard B. STEVENS
  • Patent number: 9731879
    Abstract: A joint compound assembly is provided, including a main container with a base joint compound, and a container lid constructed and arranged for closing the main container, and having at least one sealed compartment enclosing a joint compound additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED STATES GYPSUM COMPANY
    Inventors: Joshua D. Sheldon, Richard B. Stevens, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160273234
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a joint tape for finishing a joint between boards comprising a nonwoven substrate that does not swell substantially in the presence of water. The invention further provides a method of finishing a joint between boards comprising (i) applying a joint tape of the invention to a joint between boards by embedding the joint tape in a first coat of joint compound, (ii) applying a second coat of joint compound over the tape, wherein step (ii) is carried out before the joint tape and joint compound applied in step (i) have substantially dried, and optionally (iii) applying a third fill or finish coat of joint compound over the tape, wherein step (iii) is carried out before the joint tape and second coat have substantially dried.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Paul H. NEILL, Salvatore C. IMMORDINO, Richard B. STEVENS, Charles J. MILLER
  • Publication number: 20160194123
    Abstract: A joint compound assembly is provided, including a main container with a base joint compound, and a container lid constructed and arranged for closing the main container, and having at least one sealed compartment enclosing a joint compound additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Joshua D. SHELDON, Richard B. Stevens, JR.
  • Patent number: 9376824
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a joint tape for finishing a joint between boards comprising a nonwoven substrate that does not swell substantially in the presence of water. The invention further provides a method of finishing a joint between boards comprising (i) applying a joint tape of the invention to a joint between boards by embedding the joint tape in a first coat of joint compound, (ii) applying a second coat of joint compound over the tape, wherein step (ii) is carried out before the joint tape and joint compound applied in step (i) have substantially dried, and optionally (iii) applying a third fill or finish coat of joint compound over the tape, wherein step (iii) is carried out before the joint tape and second coat have substantially dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: Paul H. Neill, Salvatore C. Immordino, Richard B. Stevens, Charles J. Miller
  • Patent number: 9328023
    Abstract: A drying type joint compound composition is provided, including: at least one binder, a filler and water, the water having a weight percentage in the range of 12-18% of the total weight of the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED STATES GYPSUM COMPANY
    Inventors: Guy Rosenthal, Salvatore Immordino, Robert H. Negri, Richard B. Stevens
  • Patent number: 8822566
    Abstract: A wallboard joint compound includes a base joint compound having a homogeneous, paste-like blend of water and at least one of a filler, a binder, a thickener, a suspending agent, a biocide, a preservative, a mineral filler and expanded perlite; and an additive discretely added to the base joint compound to be available for use once mixed into the base joint compound just prior to application of the wallboard joint compound by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: Pamela L. Hargrove, Richard B. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20140100309
    Abstract: A drying type joint compound composition is provided, including: at least one binder, a filler and water, the water having a weight percentage in the range of 12-18% of the total weight of the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED STATES GYPSUM COMPANY
    Inventors: Guy Rosenthal, Salvatore Immordino, Robert H. Negri, Richard B. Stevens
  • Patent number: 8668087
    Abstract: A wallboard joint compound package is provided, including a container defining an interior space and configured for being sealed, a first component of ready-mixed joint compound being disposed in the interior space to a level which leaves a pre-determined head space, and an upper surface of the component is defined in the container. A second component is provided, including water, and is placed in the interior space upon the upper surface, such that the first and second components remain substantially distinct prior to opening of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: Pamela L. Hargrove, Richard B. Stevens
  • Patent number: 8642346
    Abstract: At least one of these or other problems is reduced using a building material that is uniquely identifiable. A method of making an identifiable gypsum-based building product includes selecting a tagging material occurring naturally in a component of the building material and choosing a carrier substance having a high concentration of the tagging material. By selecting an amount of the carrier substance and adding it to the building material, a building product having a unique product characteristic is created. In a second embodiment of the invention, a second tagging material is combined with the first tagging material to create a unique product. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a supplemental amount of the tagging material is added to the gypsum-based composition in addition to the carrier substance. Some tagging materials are useful in a gypsum-based composition to produce a visual confirmation of the presence of the tagging material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: Salvatore C. Immordino, Jr., Brett R. Link, Charles J. Miller, Guy L. Rosenthal, Richard B. Stevens, Lee K. Yeung