Patents by Inventor Robert A. Reeves

Robert A. Reeves 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: 12070965
    Abstract: A thermal indicia transfer comprises a fixing layer between a carrier sheet and a printed ink layer. The ink comprises plastic particles, a solvent, an indicia additive, a dispersing agent, and optionally a binder. The fixing layer is coated onto the carrier sheet and cured. The ink layer is printed onto the fixing layer where the plastic particles are held in place by the tackiness and structure of the fixing layer. The printed ink layer is dried at a temperature high enough to remove the solvent from the ink layer, but low enough to prevent melting of the plastic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: The Michael and Kathleen Stevenson Family Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Robert A. Reeves, Michael J. Stevenson, Corey R. Dibrom
  • Patent number: 11548191
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and system for decorating plastic articles having an uneven surface or hollow structure are disclosed. An assembly comprising a transfer pad and a flexible heat transfer die comprising a thermal interface material (TIM) replace the hard rubber die in a hot-stamping process to fuse indicia into the surface. The assembly modifies ordinary pad printing into a hot-stamping process that transfers indicia onto uneven surfaces. A pad printing machine or other robotics is used to move the assembly from a position of heating to a position of compressing the ink transfer to the surface of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventors: Michael J. Stevenson, Robert A. Reeves, Corey R. Dibrom, Darren Gemmill
  • Publication number: 20210260796
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and system for decorating plastic articles having an uneven surface or hollow structure are disclosed. An assembly comprising a transfer pad and a flexible heat transfer die comprising a thermal interface material (TIM) replace the hard rubber die in a hot-stamping process to fuse indicia into the surface. The assembly modifies ordinary pad printing into a hot-stamping process that transfers indicia onto uneven surfaces. A pad printing machine or other robotics is used to move the assembly from a position of heating to a position of compressing the ink transfer to the surface of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: POLYFUZE GRAPHICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. Stevenson, Robert A. Reeves, Corey R. Dibrom, Darren Gemmill
  • Publication number: 20210229478
    Abstract: A thermal indicia transfer comprises a fixing layer between a carrier sheet and a printed ink layer. The ink comprises plastic particles, a solvent, an indicia additive, a dispersing agent, and optionally a binder. The fixing layer is coated onto the carrier sheet and cured. The ink layer is printed onto the fixing layer where the plastic particles are held in place by the tackiness and structure of the fixing layer. The printed ink layer is dried at a temperature high enough to remove the solvent from the ink layer, but low enough to prevent melting of the plastic particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Applicant: POLYFUZE GRAPHICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert A. Reeves, Michael J. Stevenson, Corey R. Dibrom
  • Patent number: 10953572
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and system for decorating plastic articles having an uneven surface or hollow structure are disclosed. An assembly comprising a transfer pad and a flexible heat transfer die comprising a thermal interface material (TIM) replace the hard rubber die in a hot-stamping process to fuse indicia into the surface. The assembly modifies ordinary pad printing into a hot-stamping process that transfers indicia onto uneven surfaces. A pad printing machine or other robotics is used to move the assembly from a position of heating to a position of compressing the ink transfer to the surface of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventors: Michael J. Stevenson, Robert A. Reeves, Corey R. Dibrom, Darren Gemmill
  • Publication number: 20200346374
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and system for decorating plastic articles having an uneven surface or hollow structure are disclosed. An assembly comprising a transfer pad and a flexible heat transfer die comprising a thermal interface material (TIM) replace the hard rubber die in a hot-stamping process to fuse indicia into the surface. The assembly modifies ordinary pad printing into a hot-stamping process that transfers indicia onto uneven surfaces. A pad printing machine or other robotics is used to move the assembly from a position of heating to a position of compressing the ink transfer to the surface of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Applicant: Polyfuze Graphic Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Stevenson, Robert A. Reeves, Corey R. Dibrom, Darren Gemmill
  • Publication number: 20200276737
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and system for decorating plastic articles having an uneven surface or hollow structure are disclosed. An assembly comprising a transfer pad and a flexible heat transfer die comprising a thermal interface material (TIM) replace the hard rubber die in a hot-stamping process to fuse indicia into the surface. The assembly modifies ordinary pad printing into a hot-stamping process that transfers indicia onto uneven surfaces. A pad printing machine or other robotics is used to move the assembly from a position of heating to a position of compressing the ink transfer to the surface of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Applicant: POLYFUZE GRAPHICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. Stevenson, Robert A. Reeves, Corey R. Dibrom, Darren Gemmill
  • Publication number: 20200254653
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and system for decorating plastic articles having an uneven surface or hollow structure are disclosed. An assembly comprising a transfer pad and a flexible heat transfer die comprising a thermal interface material (TIM) replace the hard rubber die in a hot-stamping process to fuse indicia into the surface. The assembly modifies ordinary pad printing into a hot-stamping process that transfers indicia onto uneven surfaces. A pad printing machine or other robotics is used to move the assembly from a position of heating to a position of compressing the ink transfer to the surface of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: POLYFUZE GRAPHICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. Stevenson, Robert A. Reeves, Corey R. Dibrom, Darren Gemmill
  • Patent number: 10737414
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and system for decorating plastic articles having an uneven surface or hollow structure are disclosed. An assembly comprising a transfer pad and a flexible heat transfer die comprising a thermal interface material (TIM) replace the hard rubber die in a hot-stamping process to fuse indicia into the surface. The assembly modifies ordinary pad printing into a hot-stamping process that transfers indicia onto uneven surfaces. A pad printing machine or other robotics is used to move the assembly from a position of heating to a position of compressing the ink transfer to the surface of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Stevenson, Robert A. Reeves, Corey R. Dibrom, Darren Gemmill
  • Patent number: 10737413
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and system for decorating plastic articles having an uneven surface or hollow structure are disclosed. An assembly comprising a transfer pad and a flexible heat transfer die comprising a thermal interface material (TIM) replace the hard rubber die in a hot-stamping process to fuse indicia into the surface. The assembly modifies ordinary pad printing into a hot-stamping process that transfers indicia onto uneven surfaces. A pad printing machine or other robotics is used to move the assembly from a position of heating to a position of compressing the ink transfer to the surface of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Stevenson, Robert A. Reeves, Corey R. Dibrom, Darren Gemmill
  • Publication number: 20170022435
    Abstract: The invention provides methods to efficiently reduce the water concentration of raw solid fuels, including low rank coals such as brown coal, lignite, subbituminous coal, and other carbonaceous solids. Efficiently drying these materials at low temperatures significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and allows the production of low-rank coals for gasification and liquifaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Robert R. French, Robert A. Reeves
  • Publication number: 20160348965
    Abstract: The invention provides methods to efficiently reduce the water concentration of raw solid fuels, including low rank coals such as brown coal, lignite, subbituminous coal, and other carbonaceous solids. Efficiently drying these materials at low temperatures significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and allows the production of low-rank coals for gasification and liquefaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Robert R. French, Robert A. Reeves
  • Patent number: 9499756
    Abstract: The invention provides a method by which high moisture low rank coal or other carbonaceous material may be transformed into a high-energy, water resistant product. The raw feed is comminuted then mechanically compacted by a roller press with rolls of a specified profile to mobilize the inherent moisture and collapse most of the interstitial pore space. The mobilized moisture is then removed by low-temperature drying and the material is sized and shaped to form a product that is resistant to re-absorption of water or other liquids. The present invention will promote the use of low rank coal for liquefaction and gasification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GTL Energy Holdings Pty Limited
    Inventors: Robert R. French, Robert A. Reeves, Patrick B. Auell
  • Patent number: 9427895
    Abstract: This invention comprises a self-supporting, temperature-stable, indicia-bearing laminate of at least one layer of a non-oriented polyolefin film having an indicia array and a layer of a non-oriented polyolefin support film. The indicia layer laminate is formed by printing a carrier sheet with at least one layer of a printing ink comprising a mixture of particulate polyolefin, indicia material and a polyolefin-compatible resin. The polyolefin support film is printed as a layer over the indicia layer with a mixture of a polyolefin and a polyolefin-compatible resin. The printed layers are cured into non-oriented films, forming an indicia transfer. The transfer is used by removing the indicia-bearing laminate from the carrier sheet and applying the laminate to the inside surface of a rotational mold where it melts and fuses into the outer wall of a polyolefin product during the formation of the product in the rotational molding cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Stevenson, Robert A. Reeves
  • Publication number: 20160186080
    Abstract: The invention provides methods to efficiently reduce the water concentration of raw solid fuels, including low rank coals such as brown coal, lignite, subbituminous coal, and other carbonaceous solids. Efficiently drying these materials at low temperatures significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and allows the production of low-rank coals for gasification and liquifaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Robert R. French, Robert A. Reeves
  • Publication number: 20160152906
    Abstract: The invention provides methods to efficiently reduce the water concentration of raw solid fuels, including low rank coals such as brown coal, lignite, subbituminous coal, and other carbonaceous solids. Efficiently drying these materials at low temperatures significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and allows the production of low-rank coals for gasification and liquifaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventors: Robert R. French, Robert A. Reeves
  • Publication number: 20150291902
    Abstract: The invention provides methods to efficiently reduce the water concentration of raw solid fuels, including low rank coals such as brown coal, lignite, subbituminous coal, and other carbonaceous solids. Efficiently drying these materials at low temperatures significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and allows the production of low-rank coals for gasification and liquifaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Robert R. French, Robert A. Reeves
  • Publication number: 20140311022
    Abstract: The invention provides a method by which high moisture low rank coal or other carbonaceous material may be transformed into a high-energy, water resistant product. The raw feed is comminuted then mechanically compacted by a roller press with rolls of a specified profile to mobilize the inherent moisture and collapse most of the interstitial pore space. The mobilized moisture is then removed by low-temperature drying and the material is sized and shaped to form a product that is resistant to re-absorption of water or other liquids. The present invention will promote the use of low rank coal for liquefaction and gasification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: GTL Energy Holdings Pty Limited
    Inventors: Robert R. French, Robert A. Reeves, Patrick B. Auell
  • Patent number: 8709325
    Abstract: The molding method of the invention is a low-temperature, liquid-phase, injection molding process using an externally heated mold. This molding process is ideally suited for production of limited quantities of molded parts, as comparatively low cost molds can be used. The molding composition used in the invention is a mixture of a carrier and binder component and a powdered polyethylene component. The carrier and binder component can be a very low density polyethylene, petroleum jelly, hydrocarbon waxes, liquid hydrocarbon oils, or mixtures thereof. The powdered polyethylene component is finely subdivided polyethylene, preferably ultra high molecular weight, having a low melt index, at least no greater than 30. The carrier and binder component is used in sufficient quantity to provide a thixotropic mixture with a consistency of toothpaste, typically having a stirred viscosity up to 30,000 centipoise at the injection temperature of the molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Stevenson, Robert A. Reeves
  • Publication number: 20140106093
    Abstract: The transfer of the invention is prepared by printing a layer onto a carrier substrate with an ink that comprises a mixture of finely subdivided polyethylene powder, an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, a dispersing agent, and an additive material such as a dye or pigment indicia material and/or a physical property enhancing material such as alumina, glass beads, silica, metal flakes, etc. Preferably high and very high molecular weight polyethylene is used, alone or in mixture with lower density polyethylene in amounts from 25 to 45 weight percent in the ink. The printed layer is thermally treated to remove the hydrocarbon solvent resulting in a transfer having a carrier substrate coated with a printed layer consisting essentially of polyethylene and the additive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Robert A. Reeves, Michael J. Stevenson