Patents by Inventor Robert A. Lancaster

Robert A. Lancaster 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: 20240078930
    Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) system is provided for training a user to assemble a device in a virtual work area. The VR system sequentially displays an ordered list of steps by highlighting tools and locations in the virtual work area. The highlighted tools and locations indicate movement or processing of a component that is to be performed in the current step. In one embodiment, the VR system includes a haptic glove for providing touch sensation to a user. The haptic glove is used to train the user to detect issues in the surface finish of a component (e.g., a burr) during assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Brian Alan Corathers, James Lancaster, Robert L. Shell, III, Robert L. Shell, IV
  • Patent number: 11293682
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for transferring heat to and from multiple objects. Such a method entails placing objects in a vessel that contains a heat transfer fluid so that the objects contact the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid is at a temperature that is different from the temperature of the object, and is induced to circulate along a continuous flowpath. Each object is at least partially disposed in the flowpath of the heat transfer fluid, and each object is individually rotated about an axis of rotation thereof. The heat transfer fluid continues to circulate and the objects continue to rotate for a time sufficient to cause the temperatures of the objects to become closer to the heat transfer fluid temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Mitchell Anthony LoVerde, David Stephen Page, Kyle Chang Ma, Scott Robert Lancaster, Christopher James Mead
  • Publication number: 20190331392
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for transferring heat to and from multiple objects. Such a method entails placing objects in a vessel that contains a heat transfer fluid so that the objects contact the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid is at a temperature that is different from the temperature of the object, and is induced to circulate along a continuous flowpath. Each object is at least partially disposed in the flowpath of the heat transfer fluid, and each object is individually rotated about an axis of rotation thereof. The heat transfer fluid continues to circulate and the objects continue to rotate for a time sufficient to cause the temperatures of the objects to become closer to the heat transfer fluid temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Mitchell Anthony LoVerde, David Stephen Page, Kyle Chang Ma, Scott Robert Lancaster, Christopher James Mead
  • Patent number: 10029896
    Abstract: A tool coupler for use in coupling a tool to a machine may have a frame with a first end receivable within the tool and a second end located opposite the first end. The tool coupler may also have a hydraulic cylinder pinned to the second end of the frame, and a wedge member pivotally connected to the hydraulic cylinder and configured to pass through the second end of the frame and selectively engage the tool. Engagement of the wedge member with the tool may inhibit disconnect of the first end of the frame from the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoming Tan, Michael Anthony Calamari, Michael Scott Sekulich, Bradley Robert Lancaster
  • Publication number: 20170240388
    Abstract: A hitch assembly to hoist a machine having at least one wheel rim includes a mounting flange configured to be disposed on an outer face of the wheel rim; and a hitch protruding from the mounting flange and extending longitudinally away from the outer face of the wheel rim. The hitch assembly further includes an elongated receiver component selectively coupled to the hitch, the receiver component having a first end adapted to releasably engage with the hitch; and a hook element rotatably coupled to a second end of the receiver component, the hook element being configured to rotate about the receiver component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell Gray Heinzmann, Gerald Michael Fuerst, Andrew R. Fowkes, Bradley Robert Lancaster, Troy Lee Evans
  • Publication number: 20160176691
    Abstract: A tool coupler is disclosed for use in coupling a tool to a machine. The tool coupler may have a frame with a first end receivable within the tool and a second end located opposite the first end. The tool coupler may also have a hydraulic cylinder pinned to the second end of the frame, and a wedge member pivotally connected to the hydraulic cylinder and configured to pass through the second end of the frame and selectively engage the tool. Engagement of the wedge member with the tool may inhibit disconnect of the first end of the frame from the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoming TAN, Michael Anthony CALAMARI, Michael Scott SEKULICH, Bradley Robert LANCASTER
  • Patent number: 8833480
    Abstract: A coupler for connecting an implement to a machine includes a first mounting structure configured to attach the coupler to the implement. The first mounting structure includes a first actuator including a first cylinder rod extendable relative to a first cylinder body. The first cylinder rod has a first rod longitudinal axis. The first mounting structure also includes a first wedge attached to the first cylinder rod. The first wedge is movable between a retracted position and an extended position by the first actuator. The first wedge includes a first wedge tip insertable into the implement. The first wedge tip has a first wedge longitudinal axis. The first rod longitudinal axis is offset from the first wedge longitudinal axis to form a first opening extending through the coupler adjacent the first actuator. The coupler also includes a second mounting structure configured to attach the coupler to the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Robert Grimes, Bradley Robert Lancaster, Andrew Lee Vering, Wayne Edward Harshberger, II, Anand Ramchandra Mijar
  • Publication number: 20140082026
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for defining a relationship between objects. These mechanisms and methods for defining a relationship between objects can enable increased efficiency and revenue, optimized data analysis, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Lancaster
  • Publication number: 20120325505
    Abstract: A coupler for connecting an implement to a machine includes a first mounting structure configured to attach the coupler to the implement. The first mounting structure includes a first actuator including a first cylinder rod extendable relative to a first cylinder body. The first cylinder rod has a first rod longitudinal axis. The first mounting structure also includes a first wedge attached to the first cylinder rod. The first wedge is movable between a retracted position and an extended position by the first actuator. The first wedge includes a first wedge tip insertable into the implement. The first wedge tip has a first wedge longitudinal axis. The first rod longitudinal axis is offset from the first wedge longitudinal axis to form a first opening extending through the coupler adjacent the first actuator. The coupler also includes a second mounting structure configured to attach the coupler to the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Joel Robert Grimes, Bradley Robert Lancaster, Andrew Lee Vering, Wayne Edward Harshberger, II, Anand Ramchandra Mijar
  • Patent number: 8328535
    Abstract: A restraint system (300, 300?, 500) for a vaned diffuser (225) of a turbocharger (100) or other fluid boosting device is provided that can reduce or eliminate losses. The system (300, 300?, 500) uses a structure to provide both a pressure load on the vaned diffuser (225) and a seal for the vaned diffuser (225). The structure can be a fluoroelastomer O-ring (350, 350?, 550). The O-ring (350, 350?, 550) can be positioned at least partially in a channel (325, 325?, 525) formed in at least one of the diffuser ring (206, 206?), the compressor housing (103) and the center housing (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Anschel, Michael Bucking, Robert Lancaster
  • Publication number: 20110159222
    Abstract: A composition comprising a fluorocarbon thermoplastic random copolymer having the subunits of: —(CH2CF2)x-, —(CF2CF(CF3))y-, and —(CF2CF2)z-, wherein x is from 1 to 40 or 60 to 80 mole percent, z is greater than 40 to no more than 89 mole percent, and y is such that x+y+z equals 100 mole percent; wherein the fluorocarbon thermoplastic random copolymer is crosslinked with an organic primary amine. The composition may be formed by curing an aqueous coated composition of the fluorocarbon thermoplastic random copolymer and a water soluble organic primary amine, such as triethylenetetraamine (TETA). A fuser member comprises a substrate having an outer substrate surface, and an outer layer disposed over the outer substrate surface where the outer layer comprises such a composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Jiann-Hsing Chen, Jerry A. Pickering, Robert A. Lancaster, Nataly Boulatnikov
  • Patent number: 7560140
    Abstract: An apparatus for enabling the uniform application of a layer of a coating composition to a tubular substrate includes a shaft, and upper and lower circular rim members of equal diameter that are concentrically attached to the shaft. A pneumatically inflatable tube disposed on each circular rim member has an outer diameter that is variable with changes in its internal pressure. A first flexible cylindrical sheet in contact with the inflatable tubes has parallel edges that form a first slit sufficiently wide to permit movement of the first sheet in response to pressure variation in the tubes. A second flexible cylindrical sheet surrounding the first cylindrical sheet has parallel edges that form a second slit sufficiently wide to permit movement of the second sheet also in response to pressure variation. The second slit is laterally displaced from the first slit, and the second cylindrical sheet has a diameter nearly equal to the specified diameter of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jiann-Hsing Chen, Robert A. Lancaster, Nataly Boulatnikov
  • Patent number: 7531237
    Abstract: The present invention is a fuser member that includes a core member having a rigid outer surface. A resilient layer made of an elastomer is disposed on outer surface. A primer layer of perfluoroalkoxy resin and trifluoroethylene-perfluoroethylvinyl ether-perfluoroethylene vinyl phosphate or a mixture of perfluoroalkoxy resin and trifluoroethylene-perfluoroethylvinyl bonds the resilient layer and an outer layer. The outer layer comprises fluoropolymer resin selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene, polyperfluoroalkoxy-tetrafluoroethylene, polyfluorinated ethylene-propylene, and blends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jiann-Hsing Chen, Joseph A. Pavlisko, Shyh-Hua E. Jao, Robert A. Lancaster
  • Publication number: 20090035470
    Abstract: An apparatus for enabling the uniform application of a layer of a coating composition to a tubular substrate includes a shaft, and upper and lower circular rim members of equal diameter that are concentrically attached to the shaft. A pneumatically inflatable tube disposed on each circular rim member has an outer diameter that is variable with changes in its internal pressure. A first flexible cylindrical sheet in contact with the inflatable tubes has parallel edges that form a first slit sufficiently wide to permit movement of the first sheet in response to pressure variation in the tubes. A second flexible cylindrical sheet surrounding the first cylindrical sheet has parallel edges that form a second slit sufficiently wide to permit movement of the second sheet also in response to pressure variation. The second slit is laterally displaced from the first slit, and the second cylindrical sheet has a diameter nearly equal to the specified diameter of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Jiann-Hsing Chen, Robert A. Lancaster, Nataly Boulatnikov
  • Patent number: 7459027
    Abstract: An apparatus for enabling the uniform application of a layer of a coating composition to a tubular substrate includes a shaft, and upper and lower circular rim members of equal diameter that are concentrically attached to the shaft. A pneumatically inflatable tube disposed on each circular rim member has an outer diameter that is variable with changes in its internal pressure. A first flexible cylindrical sheet in contact with the inflatable tubes has parallel edges that form a first slit sufficiently wide to permit movement of the first sheet in response to pressure variation in the tubes. A second flexible cylindrical sheet surrounding the first cylindrical sheet has parallel edges that form a second slit sufficiently wide to permit movement of the second sheet also in response to pressure variation. The second slit is laterally displaced from the first slit, and the second cylindrical sheet has a diameter nearly equal to the specified diameter of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jiann-Hsing Chen, Robert A. Lancaster, Nataly Boulatnikov
  • Publication number: 20080193288
    Abstract: A restraint system (300, 300?, 500) for a vaned diffuser (225) of a turbocharger (100) or other fluid boosting device is provided that can reduce or eliminate losses. The system (300, 300?, 500) uses a structure to provide both a pressure load on the vaned diffuser (225) and a seal for the vaned diffuser (225). The structure can be a fluoroelastomer O-ring (350, 350?, 550). The O-ring (350, 350?, 550) can be positioned at least partially in a channel (325, 325?, 525) formed in at least one of the diffuser ring (206, 206?), the compressor housing (103) and the center housing (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: BORG WARNER INC.
    Inventors: Paul Anschel, Michael Bucking, Robert Lancaster
  • Publication number: 20080103186
    Abstract: The invention relates to crystalline forms of 5,6-dichloro-2-(isopropylamino)-1-?-L-ribofuranosyl-1H benzimidazole, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, processes for preparing the same, and their use in medical therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Bobby Glover, Lian-Feng Huang, Robert Lancaster, Stacey Long, Michele Rizzolio, Eric Schmitt, Barry Sickles
  • Patent number: 7329463
    Abstract: This invention relates to a low camping fluorocarbon thermoplastic random copolymer roller coating having a closely controlled curing agent content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jiann-Hsing Chen, Joseph A. Pavlisko, Robert A. Lancaster, Nataly Boulatnikov
  • Publication number: 20070298252
    Abstract: The present invention is a fuser member that includes a core member having a rigid outer surface. A resilient layer made of an elastomer is disposed on outer surface. A primer layer of perfluoroalkoxy resin and trifluoroethylene-perfluoroethylvinyl ether-perfluoroethylene vinyl phosphate or a mixture of perfluoroalkoxy resin and trifluoroethylene-perfluoroethylvinyl bonds the resilient layer and an outer layer. The outer layer comprises fluoropolymer resin selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene, polyperfluoroalkoxy-tetrafluoroethylene, polyfluorinated ethylene-propylene, and blends thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: Jiann-Hsing Chen, Joseph A. Pavlisko, Shyh-Hua E. Jao, Robert A. Lancaster
  • Patent number: 7302220
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved fuser roller for use in a high speed fusing station where improved heat transfer from the fuser roller to the fused substrates is required. The invention also relates to an improved fuser system using the improved fuser roller of the present invention in combination with an improved pressure roller to produce an improved fuser section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jiann-Hsing Chen, Joseph A. Pavlisko, Robert A. Lancaster, Nataly Boulatnikov