Patents by Inventor Robert M. Herrin
Robert M. Herrin 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: 20260166839Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a system and method for forming case assemblies, particularly half-slotted containers (HSCs), through an automated process. The system includes an assembly frame supporting multiple subsystems: a knock-down flat (KDF) dispenser, conveyors, an opening and folding assembly, a compression assembly, and an embedding assembly. The KDF dispenser supplies flat-packed container components to the conveyors, which transport them through the stages of the process. The opening and folding assembly opens and folds panels of the first KDF, applying adhesive to the minor panels. The compression assembly seals the folded panels, forming a base. The embedding assembly aligns and nests the sealed first KDF into a second KDF, creating a reinforced container. The system is equipped with a control module for automated operation and adjustable parameters, allowing compatibility with various container sizes and configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2026Publication date: June 18, 2026Inventor: Robert M. Herrin
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Publication number: 20260166838Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a system and method for forming case assemblies, particularly half-slotted containers (HSCs), through an automated process. The system includes an assembly frame supporting multiple subsystems: a knock-down flat (KDF) dispenser, conveyors, an opening and folding assembly, a compression assembly, and an embedding assembly. The KDF dispenser supplies flat-packed container components to the conveyors, which transport them through the stages of the process. The opening and folding assembly opens and folds panels of the first KDF, applying adhesive to the minor panels. The compression assembly seals the folded panels, forming a base. The embedding assembly aligns and nests the sealed first KDF into a second KDF, creating a reinforced container. The system is equipped with a control module for automated operation and adjustable parameters, allowing compatibility with various container sizes and configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2026Publication date: June 18, 2026Inventor: Robert M. Herrin
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Patent number: 12545001Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a system and method for forming case assemblies, particularly half-slotted containers (HSCs), through an automated process. The system includes an assembly frame supporting multiple subsystems: a knock-down flat (KDF) dispenser, conveyors, an opening and folding assembly, a compression assembly, and an embedding assembly. The KDF dispenser supplies flat-packed container components to the conveyors, which transport them through the stages of the process. The opening and folding assembly opens and folds panels of the first KDF, applying adhesive to the minor panels. The compression assembly seals the folded panels, forming a base. The embedding assembly aligns and nests the sealed first KDF into a second KDF, creating a reinforced container. The system is equipped with a control module for automated operation and adjustable parameters, allowing compatibility with various container sizes and configurations.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2025Date of Patent: February 10, 2026Inventor: Robert M. Herrin
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Publication number: 20250387994Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a system and method for forming case assemblies, particularly half-slotted containers (HSCs), through an automated process. The system includes an assembly frame supporting multiple subsystems: a knock-down flat (KDF) dispenser, conveyors, an opening and folding assembly, a compression assembly, and an embedding assembly. The KDF dispenser supplies flat-packed container components to the conveyors, which transport them through the stages of the process. The opening and folding assembly opens and folds panels of the first KDF, applying adhesive to the minor panels. The compression assembly seals the folded panels, forming a base. The embedding assembly aligns and nests the sealed first KDF into a second KDF, creating a reinforced container. The system is equipped with a control module for automated operation and adjustable parameters, allowing compatibility with various container sizes and configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2025Publication date: December 25, 2025Inventor: Robert M. Herrin
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Patent number: 12051959Abstract: The torque-increasing device includes multiple rotating discs, rings, or rotors, each including embedded or affixed magnets. The discs are canted toward each other, thus passing closer to each during the first half of a rotation, and further apart during the second half of a rotation. As the adjacent magnets attract each other, the attractive force is split into two vectors: a vector that is perpendicular to an imaginary plane that divides the discs, and a torque vector that is parallel to the face of the rotors. Disruption of the attraction of the magnets on either the upper or lower half of the rotor, or a segment of the upper or lower half, unbalances the rotors and captures a torque.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2021Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Inventors: Robert M. Herrin, Sean R. Khant
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Patent number: 10676906Abstract: A control system for a pneumatically operated toilet includes a valve arrangement and a controller. The valve arrangement includes a plurality of solenoid operated valves. The controller includes a microprocessor in signal communication with the plurality of solenoid operated valves, the controller configured to operate the valve arrangement to independently control operation of a water valve for selectively introducing water into a toilet bowl of the pneumatically operated toilet, operation of a flapper valve operating cylinder for opening and closing a waste opening of the toilet bowl, and pressurized air supply to a waste transfer chamber of the pneumatically operated toilet.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Inventors: Robert M. Herrin, Derrick W. Bradshaw
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Patent number: 10118359Abstract: A tray forming apparatus forms a blank into a tray having a double glued side wall construction for providing a desirable strength to the tray. A platen drives the blank through a forming rails which fold the blank into a partially formed tray having bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports formed about the platen. The platen is retracted prior to folding arms further extended portions of the partially formed tray. A compression plate and the folding arms are biased against adhesive portions of the tray for forming a fully formed tray having a double glued side wall construction.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Inventor: Robert M. Herrin
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Publication number: 20160096337Abstract: A tray forming apparatus forms a blank into a tray having a double glued side wall construction for providing a desirable strength to the tray. A platen drives the blank through a forming rails which fold the blank into a partially formed tray having bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports formed about the platen. The platen is retracted prior to folding arms further extended portions of the partially formed tray. A compression plate and the folding arms are biased against adhesive portions of the tray for forming a fully formed tray having a double glued side wall construction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventor: Robert M. Herrin
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Patent number: 9174407Abstract: A tray forming apparatus forms a blank into a tray having a double glued side wall construction for providing a desirable strength to the tray. A platen drives the blank through a forming rails which fold the blank into a partially formed tray having bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports formed about the platen. The platen is retracted prior to folding arms further extended portions of the partially formed tray. A compression plate and the folding arms are biased against adhesive portions of the tray for forming a fully formed tray having a double glued side wall construction.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLCInventor: Robert M. Herrin
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Patent number: 8664816Abstract: A permanent magnet is rotated about an axis extending between opposing north and south poles. The magnetic field of the rotated permanent magnet interacts with magnetic fields of permanent magnets carried by a shuttle for repelling and attracting the fixed permanent magnets, and providing a linear reciprocating movement of the shuttle responsive to the favorable rotary motion of the rotated permanent magnet where the force of the linear motion is captured by an energy storage device.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Magnamotor, LLCInventors: John W. Edwards, Robert M. Herrin, Johnny M. Tharpe, Jr.
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Patent number: 8508089Abstract: A permanent magnet is rotated about an axis extending between opposing north and south poles. The magnetic field of the rotated permanent magnet interacts with magnetic fields of permanent magnets carried by a shuttle for repelling and attracting the fixed permanent magnets, and providing a linear reciprocating movement of the shuttle responsive to the rotary motion of the rotated permanent magnet.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Magnamotor, LLCInventors: John W. Edwards, Robert M. Herrin, Johnny M. Tharpe, Jr.
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Patent number: 8388507Abstract: A tray forming apparatus forms a blank into a tray having a double glued side wall construction for providing a desirable strength to the tray. A platen drives the blank through a forming rails which fold the blank into a partially formed tray having bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports formed about the platen. The platen is retracted prior to folding arms further extended portions of the partially formed tray. A compression plate and the folding arms are biased against adhesive portions of the tray for forming a fully formed tray having a double glued side wall construction.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container CorporationInventor: Robert M. Herrin
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Publication number: 20120202666Abstract: A tray forming apparatus forms a blank into a tray having a double glued side wall construction for providing a desirable strength to the tray. A platen drives the blank through a forming rails which fold the blank into a partially formed tray having bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports formed about the platen. The platen is retracted prior to folding arms further extended portions of the partially formed tray. A compression plate and the folding arms are biased against adhesive portions of the tray for forming a fully formed tray having a double glued side wall construction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventor: Robert M. Herrin
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Patent number: 8177698Abstract: An apparatus for forming a tray from a blank of sheet material is provided. The apparatus includes a platen configured to move along a path between a first position and a second position to drive the blank downstream from the first position and a first folding arm configured to fold an outside corner support member of the blank to form the blank into a partially formed tray including at least a portion of the outside corner support member being substantially parallel to the bottom panel. The apparatus further includes a fixed plate and a movable plate spaced from and movable with respect to the fixed plate. The fixed plate and the movable plate define a passage therebetween. The fixed plate guides the outside corner support member through the passage to a position adjacent a side panel and/or an end panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2011Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container CorporationInventor: Robert M. Herrin
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Patent number: 8177699Abstract: A tray forming apparatus forms a blank into a tray having a double glued side wall construction for providing a desirable strength to the tray. A platen drives the blank through a forming rails which fold the blank into a partially formed tray having bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports formed about the platen. The platen is retracted prior to folding arms further extended portions of the partially formed tray. A compression plate and the folding arms are biased against adhesive portions of the tray for forming a fully formed tray having a double glued side wall construction.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container CorporationInventor: Robert M. Herrin
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Publication number: 20120049674Abstract: A permanent magnet is rotated about an axis extending between opposing north and south poles. The magnetic field of the rotated permanent magnet interacts with magnetic fields of permanent magnets carried by a shuttle for repelling and attracting the fixed permanent magnets, and providing a linear reciprocating movement of the shuttle responsive to the rotary motion of the rotated permanent magnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: John W. Edwards, Robert M. Herrin, Johnny M. Tharpe, JR.
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Publication number: 20110269609Abstract: An apparatus for forming a tray from a blank of sheet material is provided. The apparatus includes a platen configured to move along a path between a first position and a second position to drive the blank downstream from the first position and a first folding arm configured to fold an outside corner support member of the blank to form the blank into a partially formed tray including at least a portion of the outside corner support member being substantially parallel to the bottom panel. The apparatus further includes a fixed plate and a movable plate spaced from and movable with respect to the fixed plate. The fixed plate and the movable plate define a passage therebetween. The fixed plate guides the outside corner support member through the passage to a position adjacent a side panel and/or an end panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventor: Robert M. Herrin
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Patent number: 7993255Abstract: An apparatus automatically forms a paperboard blank into a container having a double glued side wall construction for providing an enhanced strength to the container. A platen drives the blank through mechanically powered forming rails for an initial folding of the blank into a partially formed container having a bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports. A compression plate and folding arms are biased against adhesive portions of the partially formed container for forming a fully formed container having a double glued side wall construction.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container CorporationInventor: Robert M. Herrin
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Patent number: 7470225Abstract: A paper board blank is formed into a tray having a double glued side wall construction for providing a desirable strength to the tray. A platen drives the blank through forming rails which fold the blank into a partially formed tray having bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports formed about the platen. After the platen is retracted, a first folding arm folds a top wall portion to a position generally parallel to the bottom panel. A second folding arm then folds end fold portions of outside corner supports into a passage formed between a compression plate and a fixed guide plate, wherein the fixed guide plate provides a guiding surface. The compression plate is then biased against each of the side fold portions for compressing the side fold portions against the side panels to form the tray.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: R&L ManufacturingInventor: Robert M. Herrin
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Publication number: 20030029575Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a connection of portions of a moving folded web of disposable undergarments is provided. The apparatus preferably includes a registration conveyor positioned to register and convey a folded web of disposable undergarments moving along a predetermined path of travel and a web connector positioned adjacent the registration conveyor to connect portions of the folded web as the folded web is conveyed along the predetermined path of travel. A method preferably includes registeringly conveying a folded web of disposable undergarments along a predetermined path of travel and connecting portions of the folded web as the folded web is conveyed along the predetermined path of travel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: John M. Tharpe, Robert M. Herrin