Patents by Inventor Robert Sheppard

Robert Sheppard 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: 20240093671
    Abstract: A method of joining first and second blade components of a rotor blade of a wind turbine includes providing corresponding first and second positioning elements at an interface of the first and second blade components. The method also includes aligning and securing the first positioning element of the first blade component with the second positioning element of the second blade component so as to temporarily secure the first and second blade components together. Further, the corresponding first and second positioning elements maintain a desired spacing between the first and second blade components. Moreover, the method includes permanently securing the first and second blade components together such that the desired spacing is maintained between the first and second blade components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Ryan Eric Vogel, James Robert Tobin, Lauren Laurer Watts, Collin McKee Sheppard
  • Patent number: 10697246
    Abstract: A shaft enlargement arrangement for a boring system is provided, the shaft enlargement arrangement comprising a hollow column proximate a lower end of the boring system; a first cutter head that is rotatably fitted to the hollow column, with first drive means being provided to rotate the first cutter head relative to the hollow column so as to bore downwardly a hole having a diameter corresponding substantially to the diameter of the first cutter head; and a boring head arrangement fitted to an operatively lower end of the column, the boring head arrangement terminating in a second cutter head to bore a leading hole as the boring system proceeds to bore downwardly. In an embodiment, the first cutter head comprises a support body carrying a winged arrangement, the support body being rotatably fitted to the column, the winged arrangement comprising a plurality of wings extending from the support body, each wing being fitted with, or comprising, a plurality of first cutter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: MASTER DRILLING SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD.
    Inventors: Nikolaus Kleuters, Daniel Coenraad Pretorius, Barend Jacobus Jordaan, Louis Germishuys, Nicolaas Bodenstein Goodwin, Gareth Robert Sheppard
  • Patent number: 10086225
    Abstract: A bottom-hinged intermediate-locking barbell holder includes a pair of opposed holding bodies connected along their bottoms by a hinge. In a closed position, the handle sections form a handle for gripping and the bases define a generally cylindrical channel, near the hinged bottom, in which compressible gaskets and a handle of a dumbbell may be received and securely contained. A cam latch releasably secures the intermediate sections together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Pangolin Design Group, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Sheppard, Andrew Christian Thomas
  • Publication number: 20180140890
    Abstract: A bottom-hinged intermediate-locking barbell holder includes a pair of opposed holding bodies (bodies) connected along their bottoms by a hinge. In a closed position, the handle sections form a handle for gripping and the bases define a generally cylindrical channel, near the hinged bottom, in which compressible gaskets and a handle of a dumbbell may be received and securely contained. A cam latch releasably secures the intermediate sections together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Applicant: Pangolin Design Group, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Sheppard, Andrew Christian Thomas
  • Publication number: 20180010392
    Abstract: A shaft enlargement arrangement for a boring system is provided, the shaft enlargement arrangement comprising a hollow column proximate a lower end of the boring system; a first cutter head that is rotatably fitted to the hollow column, with first drive means being provided to rotate the first cutter head relative to the hollow column so as to bore downwardly a hole having a diameter corresponding substantially to the diameter of the first cutter head; and a boring head arrangement fitted to an operatively lower end of the column, the boring head arrangement terminating in a second cutter head to bore a leading hole as the boring system proceeds to bore downwardly. In an embodiment, the first cutter head comprises a support body carrying a winged arrangement, the support body being rotatably fitted to the column, the winged arrangement comprising a plurality of wings extending from the support body, each wing being fitted with, or comprising, a plurality of first cutter elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: Masters Sinkers (PTY) Ltd.
    Inventors: Nikolaus Kleuters, Daniel Coenraad Pretorius, Barend Jacobus Jordaan, Louis Germishuys, Nicolaas Bodenstein Goodwin, Gareth Robert Sheppard
  • Patent number: 8808610
    Abstract: A mold cooling system is provided for cooling a polymer product shaped in a mold. The mold cooling system includes a moving manifold having a cooling fluid supply and a cooling fluid return; and a mold housing having a mold surface that defines a cavity. The mold housing has a connector configured to receive the cooling fluid supply and cooling fluid return of the moving manifold; and a passageway that extends through the mold housing adjacent to the mold surface, the passageway connecting the cooling fluid supply and the cooling fluid return when the moving manifold is received in the connector. A method is also provided for cooling an extruded, blow-molded product before the product is released from a mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Patrick E. Scharf, Randy A. Kolbet, Robin Lavereau, Konrad Benkovski, Michael Millward, Robert Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20140154498
    Abstract: Disclosed, among others, are a multilayer film that permits thermal printing or printing by application of pressure from pressure-applying devices. The structure includes an extruded, outer skin layer and an extruded internal pigment layer. Further, the structure includes an extruded image-rendering layer intermediate to the outer skin layer and the pigment layer, the image-rendering layer including a collapsible layer structure, sensitive to the application of temperature and/or pressure, having dispersed therein a plurality of voids, the collapsible layer structure in uncollapsed condition being substantially opaque to obscure from view the pigment layer there beneath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Lockhart, Robert Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20100252963
    Abstract: A mold cooling system is provided for cooling a polymer product shaped in a mold. The mold cooling system includes a moving manifold having a cooling fluid supply and a cooling fluid return; and a mold housing having a mold surface that defines a cavity. The mold housing has a connector configured to receive the cooling fluid supply and cooling fluid return of the moving manifold; and a passageway that extends through the mold housing adjacent to the mold surface, the passageway connecting the cooling fluid supply and the cooling fluid return when the moving manifold is received in the connector. A method is also provided for cooling an extruded, blow-molded product before the product is released from a mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Patrick E. Scharf, Randy A. Kolbet, Robin Lavereau, Konrad Benkovski, Michael Millward, Robert Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20080090773
    Abstract: A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, having antimicrobial activity, processes for their preparation, compositions containing them and to their use in medicine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Desmond Best, John Elder, Andrew Forrest, Robert Sheppard, Andrea Fajdetic
  • Patent number: 7305289
    Abstract: The present invention allows vehicle information tools to be used with vehicle information systems even if lacking a common protocol for communication. The present invention operates by intercepting requests from vehicle information tools, translating the communications into a protocol understood by a vehicle information system and providing the translated communications to the vehicle information system. In response to the request, the vehicle information system generates responses, which are translated into a protocol understood by the vehicle information tool, and then provided to the vehicle information tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Gessner, Thomas Bertosa, Robert Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20070032127
    Abstract: A cable is provided that may be used to provide an alternate source of voltage of a vehicular electrical system when the main battery of a vehicle is removed. The cable typically makes use of the battery or battery pack of a hand-held cordless power tool to provide the voltage. Also, the cable is typically electrically connected to the vehicle through the cigarette lighter outlet or through the j1962 connector of the vehicle. Also, a method of using the cable to preserve volatile memory data in a vehicle when the vehicle's main battery is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20070020448
    Abstract: A multilayer film structure, including (i) a core layer, wherein the core layer comprises a propylene polymer and is beta-cavitated, and preferably comprises a beta-nucleating agent and (ii) a first skin layer, wherein the first skin layer comprises a polar polymer. Optionally, the film further comprises a first intermediate layer (iii) between the core layer (i) and the first skin layer (ii). Embodiments may have the advantage of the benefits of a beta-cavitated film without the typical increase in permeability or water vapor transmission rates typically associated with beta-cavitated films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Hubbard, Robert Sheppard, Dan-Cheng Kong
  • Publication number: 20060275526
    Abstract: A method of forming a flexible elastomer polymer fluid jacket for a plastic processing mold, and a novel elastomer polymer fluid jacket. The method comprises attaching channel formers to the rear surface of the metal shells of the mold sections to define a desired flow configuration, securing a support casting to the rear surface of the metal shells spaced from the channel formers to define a designed cavity, feeding a curable elastomer polymer typified by silicone elastomers into the cavity, curing the elastomer polymer, and removing the channel formers whereby the cured elastomer polymer forms a fluid jacket. A mold having mold components with flexible polymer fluid jackets between the mold shells, preferably nickel shells, and support castings permit enhanced heat transfer to the mold cavity while providing improved thermal insulation to the mold. The elastomer polymer also enables multiple modular configurations of the heating and/or cooling function of the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Inventors: Konrad Benkovszki, Robert Sheppard, Andrew Brayson, Rene Lafleur, Tom Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20060223237
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated circuit package having a thermally conductive element thermally coupled to a semiconductor die and a heat sink, and a method of manufacturing said integrated circuit package. The thermally conductive element is integrated into the package to enhance thermal dissipation characteristics of the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Inventors: Edward Combs, Robert Sheppard, Tai Pun, Hau Ng, Chan Fan, Neil McLellan
  • Publication number: 20060149436
    Abstract: A programmable actuator having multiple programmable functions is provided. The programmable actuator may be used on an off-board tool. In accordance with an embodiment, an off-board tool, OBT, including a user-defined programmable actuator is provided. In accordance with another embodiment, an OBT includes a processor, an internal memory, a programmable actuator, program logic and perform function logic. In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method of actuating performance of a user-defined series of functions for a OBT is provided. The method includes the step of actuating a programmable actuator of the OBT with a single actuating action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Bertosa, Robert Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20060057347
    Abstract: A cavitated opaque polymer film, including (i) a beta-cavitated core layer containing a propylene polymer and an impact copolymer and (ii) a matte surface layer with sufficient roughness to serve as a mold-ready skin layer. The core layer may optionally contain a beta cavitating agent. Cavitated opaque labels including: a cavitated core layer; a support layer on one side of the core layer, the support layer containing a thermoplastic polymer; and a matte layer on the side of the core layer opposite the support layer. The core layer contains a propylene polymer, a beta nucleating agent, and an impact copolymer; the matte layer contains at least one of a matte-resin and a matte-surface producing agent. The matte surface outer layer may provide sufficient roughness to provide labels that are mold-ready for IML applications, without need for an adhesive pattern or coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Inventors: Jo Ann Squier, Mark Lockhart, Robert Sheppard, Jason Chaneske
  • Publication number: 20060040925
    Abstract: Cyclohexene derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof useful in methods of treatment of bacterial infections in mammals, particularly man.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Inventors: David Davies, John Elder, Andrew Forrest, Richard Jarvest, Neil Pearson, Robert Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20060024520
    Abstract: A permeable, propylene-containing film structure including a core layer containing a propylene polymer matrix that has been cavitated by a two-component cavitation system, wherein the first component of the two-component cavitation system is a beta-nucleating agent to produce the beta-crystalline form of polypropylene and the second component is a filler. The film structure also includes first and second thermoplastic skin layers on either side of the core layer, respectively. A method of manufacturing a permeable propylene-containing film structure, including: forming a melt containing a propylene polymer, a beta-nucleating agent and a filler; cooling the melt to form a film layer; and stretching the film layer. The film structure has a water vapor transmission rate greater than 300 g/m2/day and a Gurley air permeability less than 3,000 s/10 cc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Inventors: Dan-Cheng Kong, Etienne Lernoux, Robert Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20060024518
    Abstract: A low density opaque polymer film containing at least one layer having a propylene polymer matrix that has been cavitated by a two component cavitation system, wherein the first component of the two component cavitation system is a beta-nucleating agent to produce the beta-crystalline form of polypropylene, and the second component is filler. A method of manufacturing a low density cavitated opaque polymer film, including: forming a melt containing a propylene polymer, a beta nucleating agent and filler; cooling the melt to form a film layer; and stretching the film layer to form voids therein. The cavitated opaque film has a density falling within the range of 0.2 g/cm3 to 0.45 g/cm3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Inventors: Dan-Cheng Kong, Etienne Lernoux, Robert Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20050177286
    Abstract: An improved scan tool, e.g., for OBD II, for use with vehicle computer networks. The improved scan tool determines the proper protocol to use to communicate with a vehicle computer network. The proper protocol is determined by requesting information from the vehicle computer network using a plurality of protocols and selecting the protocol that returns the most pieces of information. In addition, the improved scan tool determines a communications drop-out with one or more modules and automatically recovers from a the communications drop-out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: August 11, 2005
    Inventors: Hamid Namaky, Robert Sheppard, Michael Gessner, Thomas Bertosa, Robert Roberts, Donald Rodemann