Patents by Inventor ROBERT A. CUMMINGS

ROBERT A. CUMMINGS 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: 12141328
    Abstract: Methods and systems for managing and/or processing a blockchain to maintain data security for confidential and/or personal data are provided. According to certain aspects, the disclosed data security techniques may enable access sharing functionality utilizing the blockchain. The data security techniques disclosed herein also enable the use of smart contracts to transfer funds associated with payment obligations. A node may receive a transaction indicative of a settlement condition of a smart contract being satisfied. Accordingly, the transaction may be compiled into a block of a blockchain and routed to the smart contract. The smart contract may direct a node to transfer funds in accordance with the payment obligations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Melinda Teresa Magerkurth, Eric Bellas, Jaime Skaggs, Shawn M. Call, Eric R. Moore, Vicki King, Burton J. Floyd, David Turrentine, Steven T. Olson, Timothy Caleb Wells, Corin Rebekah Chapman, Edward W. Breitweiser, Robert Gomez, Shelia Cummings Smith
  • Publication number: 20240343740
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention provides a compound of the formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and methods of using this compound for treating type II diabetes mellitus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Inventors: Francisco Javier AGEJAS CHICHARRO, Renato Alejandro BAUER, Michael Gregory BELL, Qi CHEN, Graham Robert CUMMING, Todd FIELDS, Douglas Linn GERNERT, Joseph Daniel HO, Talbi Abelkader KAOUDI, Thierry Jean MASQUELIN, Jose Miguel MINGUEZ ORTEGA, Julian PRIEGO SOLER, Antonio RODRIGUEZ HERGUETA, Eric Michael WOERLY
  • Patent number: 12049126
    Abstract: A system for opening and closing a sliding vehicle door includes a vehicle door that engages with the body in the closed position. A longitudinal track is fixedly mounted to an interior of the vehicle door. A hinged bracket is fixedly mounted to the vehicle body adjacent an opening defined by the vehicle body. The hinged bracket has a laterally compressed shape when the door is closed, and expands laterally outward when the door is opened. The door and the track fixed thereto slide longitudinally along the opened hinged bracket when the door is opened. The interface between the hinged bracket and the track remains at the same generally location relative to the vehicle body, and shifts relative to the vehicle door when the door is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence Michael Plourde, Jr., Ryan Robert Warpup, David Wayne Cummings, Sten Ermond Burris, Arun Kumar Reddyvaripalli Narayanaswamy
  • Publication number: 20240246979
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cGAS inhibitor compounds, having a formula of: to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and to methods of using the compounds and compositions to treat certain pathological conditions such as immune-mediated diseases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2023
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Inventors: Francisco Javier AGEJAS CHICHARRO, Adel AHMED, Cheryl Ann CARSON, Scott Eugene CONNER, Graham Robert CUMMING, Kevin Charles FORTNER, Douglas L. GERNERT, Steven J. GREEN, Charles W. LUGAR, Jothirajah MARIMUTHU, Christina MARTINEZ BROKAW, Shanthi NAGARAJAN, Emmanuel ONOBUN, Eric George TROMICZAK, Thibault Francois VARIN
  • Patent number: 11999311
    Abstract: A pre/post-tensioning controller system for a wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint system (“WTORS”) will be a comprehensive energy management system for controlling excessive excursions of a wheeled mobility device during various adverse driving scenarios. The system uses multiple pre-tensioning and post-tensioning events during a front, side, or rear impact crash or rollover scenario—and effectively controls excursions by the tensioning of the WTORS equipment at specific and ideal moments. The system also uses tensioning events on the tie-down equipment during a long duration turn or other aggressive maneuvers. The system may also use tensioning events on the occupant restraints. The energy management system can be adapted for use with traditional four-point tie-downs and newer three- and two-point tie-down systems that incorporate fixed or movable bumpers, as well as compressive-type securement systems, and other systems as well, including docking systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Valeda Company, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Girardin, Robert Cumming
  • Publication number: 20220234533
    Abstract: A pre/post-tensioning controller system for a wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint system (“WTORS”) will be a comprehensive energy management system for controlling excessive excursions of a wheeled mobility device during various adverse driving scenarios. The system uses multiple pre-tensioning and post-tensioning events during a front, side, or rear impact crash or rollover scenario—and effectively controls excursions by the tensioning of the WTORS equipment at specific and ideal moments. The system also uses tensioning events on the tie-down equipment during a long duration turn or other aggressive maneuvers. The system may also use tensioning events on the occupant restraints. The energy management system can be adapted for use with traditional four-point tie-downs and newer three- and two-point tie-down systems that incorporate fixed or movable bumpers, as well as compressive-type securement systems, and other systems as well, including docking systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: PATRICK GIRARDIN, ROBERT CUMMING
  • Patent number: 10758910
    Abstract: A horizontal grinding machine includes a frame, a feed hopper that receives material to be processed, and a feed conveyor that moves material to be processed in a processing direction. A grinding cylinder rotates about a generally horizontal grinding axis. A feed roller assembly is mounted on the frame at the rear end of the feed hopper and in front of the grinding cylinder. The feed roller assembly includes a feed roller that rotates about a generally horizontal axis in a first direction that urges the material towards the grinding cylinder and a second direction that urges the material away from the grinding cylinder. A controller is operatively connected to the feed roller and to the feed conveyor and controls the rotational speed of the feed roller and the speed of the feed conveyor to obtain a predetermined ratio of feed roller rotational speed to feed conveyor speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lynn Harrison, Lawrence Robert Cumming, Glenn Ford Bittrolf
  • Patent number: 10396518
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cable gripping device used for manually gripping a coaxial cable to install a coaxial connector on the coaxial cable. According to an exemplary embodiment, the coaxial gripping tool includes a first half portion and a mating and/or hinged second half portion, wherein the mating/hinged portions provide a longitudinal bore configured to grip the coaxial cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: PDS Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Merical, Christopher Robert Cummings
  • Publication number: 20170165674
    Abstract: A horizontal grinding machine includes a frame, a feed hopper that is adapted to receive material to be processed and a feed conveyor that is associated with the feed hopper and adapted to move material to be processed in a processing direction. The grinding machine includes a grinding cylinder that is adapted to rotate about a generally horizontal grinding axis and a feed roller assembly that is mounted on the frame at the rear end of the feed hopper and in front of the grinding cylinder. The feed roller assembly includes a feed roller that is adapted to rotate about a generally horizontal axis in a first direction that urges the material towards the grinding cylinder and a second direction that urges the material away from the grinding cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: Astec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lynn Harrison, Lawrence Robert Cumming, Glenn Ford Bittrolf
  • Publication number: 20150333464
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cable gripping device used for manually gripping a coaxial cable to install a coaxial connector on the coaxial cable. According to an exemplary embodiment, the coaxial gripping tool includes a first half portion and a mating and/or hinged second half portion, wherein the mating/hinged portions provide a longitudinal bore configured to grip the coaxial cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: PDS ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Edward L. Merical, Christopher Robert Cummings
  • Publication number: 20120111763
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stackable packaging insert for storing and transporting articles, such as foiled food tubs. The insert is formed from a blank that can be folded into a tray-like packaging insert with individual compartments. Each compartment has a base and support tabs. Between adjacent bases, the support tabs meet at a triangular connector. When positioned within a container, the support tab ends and triangular connectors rest against the interior walls of the container. Articles within the positioned insert are suspended on the support tabs and triangular connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
    Inventor: ROBERT A. CUMMINGS
  • Publication number: 20110166382
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for recovering a phosphonic acid. The present invention also relates to the conversion of a phosphonic acid to a phosphonic acid anhydride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Graham Robert Cumming, Geoffrey Fuller
  • Publication number: 20090293320
    Abstract: The combination of a snow blower and edge blades. The snow blower of the type having an auger housing which includes a back wall, a planar left vertical wall and a planar right vertical wall wherein the walls defining the housing of the auger. The planar left vertical wall includes a left forward edge and the planar right vertical wall includes a right forward edge. There is an edge blade affixed to each outer side of the vertical walls proximate the forward edges; wherein the edge blades include a cutting face with a leading edge spaced form the vertical wall thereby creating a snow gap between the vertical walls and a snow removal edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: ROBERT CUMMINGS
  • Publication number: 20090173697
    Abstract: Monochloramine is efficiently manufactured by introducing controlled quantities of an ammonia source and a chlorine source in a small side-stream of water in a small diameter pipe under turbulent flow conditions. The ammonia source and chlorine source can be injected in either order and are separated by a sufficient distance to ensure that the first chemical is adequately diffused throughout the water prior to the injection of the second chemical. A sufficient length of a mixing chamber insures that turbulent flow is maintained for a length of time sufficient to thoroughly mix the two chemicals to produce monochloramine. This mixing technique allows for the manufacture of high concentrations of monochloramine at atmospheric pressure without off gassing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen Axtell, Robert Cumming, Sam M. Jaffe, Jerry Johns, Robert Kim, Joe Phillips
  • Publication number: 20080006586
    Abstract: Monochloramine is efficiently manufactured by introducing controlled quantities of an ammonia source and a chlorine source in a small side-stream of water in a small diameter pipe under turbulent flow conditions. The ammonia source and chlorine source can be injected in either order and are separated by a sufficient distance to ensure that the first chemical is adequately diffused throughout the water prior to the injection of the second chemical. A sufficient length of a mixing chamber insures that turbulent flow is maintained for a length of time sufficient to thoroughly mix the two chemicals to produce monochloramine. This mixing technique allows for the manufacture of high concentrations of monochloramine at atmospheric pressure without off gassing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen Axtell, Robert Cumming, Sam M. Jaffe, Jerry Johns, Robert Kim, Joe Phillips
  • Publication number: 20080006587
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for injection of carbon dioxide into a process water stream. The method and apparatus allow carbon dioxide injection using any line pressure as it normally exists in a target water stream and produces superior mixing and carbon dioxide transfer results. The benefits of this method and device significantly improve the economics of using carbon dioxide gas to control pH and at the same time reduces the negative impact on the environment caused by the off gassing of carbon dioxide that is not effectively mixed into solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Cumming, Stephen Axtell, Jerry Johns, Robert Kim, Joe Phillips
  • Patent number: 7264253
    Abstract: A tailgate step for use on a vehicle. The step includes a guide rail bracket. A sliding member is arranged within the guide rail bracket. A support arm is pivotally connected to an end of the sliding member. A fact plate is secured to the guide rail bracket. The step also includes a stop plate pivotally connected to the support arm and a cover secured to an end of the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Cummings
  • Publication number: 20060157407
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the anaerobic treatment of waste water is described which includes a plug flow bioreactor containing a single bed of inert microbial attachment media and anaerobic microorganisms, and having at least one baffle member which forms a first zone and at least one second zone above the bed of inert microbial attachment media within the plug flow bioreactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Publication date: July 20, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Cummings
  • Patent number: D617350
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Cummings
  • Patent number: D688947
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Robert A. Cummings