Patents by Inventor Ronald Magee

Ronald Magee 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: 9066614
    Abstract: Provided herein is a process for randomly patterning a plurality of carpet tiles, each tile having a composite pattern containing at least a base pattern and an overlay pattern. When installed, the random order of patterning results in random tile placement and an overall random appearance. The overlay patterns are randomly chosen from a library of patterns until each individual pattern has been used to create a tile series. The overlay patterns may be manipulated by rotating, mirror-imaging, rotating and mirror-imaging, or repositioning to produce additional variations and increase the number of tiles in the series. The base pattern may optionally be manipulated before being incorporated into the composite pattern. A tile collection, containing such randomly ordered composite patterns, is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: MILLIKEN & COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard A. Bittner, Steven W. Cox, Ronald Magee, Jonathan C. McCay
  • Patent number: 9060623
    Abstract: An automated system for generating large numbers of digitally-defined patterns suitable for printing on textiles wherein each pattern is individually different but shares one or more unifying design motifs with all other patterns. In the general case, each pattern is comprised of at least two components in the form of separately configurable pattern layers that are digitally superimposed to form a composite pattern that is unique but visually related to all other unique patterns that use pattern layers taken from the same pattern sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: MILLIKEN & COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronald Magee, Jonathan C. McCay, Steven W. Cox
  • Publication number: 20140120519
    Abstract: An automated system for generating large numbers of digitally-defined patterns suitable for printing on textiles wherein each pattern is individually different but shares one or more unifying design motifs with all other patterns. In the general case, each pattern is comprised of at least two components in the form of separately configurable pattern layers that are digitally superimposed to form a composite pattern that is unique but visually related to all other unique patterns that use pattern layers taken from the same pattern sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: MILLIKEN & COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronald Magee, Jonathan C. McCay, Steven W. Cox
  • Publication number: 20140109502
    Abstract: Provided herein is a process for randomly patterning a plurality of carpet tiles, each tile having a composite pattern containing at least a base pattern and an overlay pattern. When installed, the random order of patterning results in random tile placement and an overall random appearance. The overlay patterns are randomly chosen from a library of patterns until each individual pattern has been used to create a tile series. The overlay patterns may be manipulated by rotating, mirror-imaging, rotating and mirror-imaging, or repositioning to produce additional variations and increase the number of tiles in the series. The base pattern may optionally be manipulated before being incorporated into the composite pattern. A tile collection, containing such randomly ordered composite patterns, is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Bittner, Steven W. Cox, Ronald Magee, Jonathan C. McCay
  • Patent number: 8655473
    Abstract: An automated system for generating large numbers of digitally-defined patterns suitable for printing on textiles wherein each pattern is individually different but shares one or more unifying design motifs with all other patterns. In the general case, each pattern is comprised of at least two components in the form of separately configurable pattern layers that are digitally superimposed to form a composite pattern that is unique but visually related to all other unique patterns that use pattern layers taken from the same pattern sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Ronald Magee, Jonathan C. McCay, Steven W. Cox
  • Patent number: 8644976
    Abstract: Provided herein is a process for randomly patterning a plurality of carpet tiles, each tile having a composite pattern containing at least a base pattern and an overlay pattern. When installed, the random order of patterning results in random tile placement and an overall random appearance. The overlay patterns are randomly chosen from a library of patterns until each individual pattern has been used to create a tile series. The overlay patterns may be manipulated by rotating, mirror-imaging, rotating and mirror-imaging, or repositioning to produce additional variations and increase the number of tiles in the series. The base pattern may optionally be manipulated before being incorporated into the composite pattern. A tile collection, containing such randomly ordered composite patterns, is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Bittner, Steven W. Cox, Ronald Magee, Jonathan C. McCay
  • Publication number: 20120185074
    Abstract: Provided herein is a process for randomly patterning a plurality of carpet tiles, each tile having a composite pattern containing at least a base pattern and an overlay pattern. When installed, the random order of patterning results in random tile placement and an overall random appearance. The overlay patterns are randomly chosen from a library of patterns until each individual pattern has been used to create a tile series. The overlay patterns may be manipulated by rotating, mirror-imaging, rotating and mirror-imaging, or repositioning to produce additional variations and increase the number of tiles in the series. The base pattern may optionally be manipulated before being incorporated into the composite pattern. A tile collection, containing such randomly ordered composite patterns, is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Richard A. Bittner, Steven W. Cox, Ronald Magee, Jonathan C. McCay
  • Publication number: 20120141958
    Abstract: An automated system for generating large numbers of digitally-defined patterns suitable for printing on textiles wherein each pattern is individually different but shares one or more unifying design motifs with all other patterns. In the general case, each pattern is comprised of at least two components in the form of separately configurable pattern layers that are digitally superimposed to form a composite pattern that is unique but visually related to all other unique patterns that use pattern layers taken from the same pattern sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Ronald Magee, Jonathan C. McCay, Steven W. Cox
  • Patent number: 8155776
    Abstract: Provided herein is a process for randomly patterning a plurality of carpet tiles, each tile having a composite pattern containing at least a base pattern and an overlay pattern. When installed, the random order of patterning results in random tile placement and an overall random appearance. The overlay patterns are randomly chosen from a library of patterns until each individual pattern has been used to create a tile series. The overlay patterns may be manipulated by rotating, mirror-imaging, rotating and mirror-imaging, or repositioning to produce additional variations and increase the number of tiles in the series. The base pattern may optionally be manipulated before being incorporated into the composite pattern. A tile collection, containing such randomly ordered composite patterns, is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Bittner, Steven W. Cox, Ronald Magee, Jonathan C. McCay
  • Patent number: 8145345
    Abstract: An automated system for generating large numbers of digitally-defined patterns suitable for printing on textiles wherein each pattern is individually different but shares one or more unifying design motifs with all other patterns. In the general case, each pattern is comprised of at least two components in the form of separately configurable pattern layers that are digitally superimposed to form a composite pattern that is unique but visually related to all other unique patterns that use pattern layers taken from the same pattern sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Ronald Magee, Jonathan C. McCay, Steven W. Cox
  • Publication number: 20080294272
    Abstract: Provided herein is a process for randomly patterning a plurality of carpet tiles, each tile having a composite pattern containing at least a base pattern and an overlay pattern. When installed, the random order of patterning results in random tile placement and an overall random appearance. The overlay patterns are randomly chosen from a library of patterns until each individual pattern has been used to create a tile series. The overlay patterns may be manipulated by rotating, mirror-imaging, rotating and mirror-imaging, or repositioning to produce additional variations and increase the number of tiles in the series. The base pattern may optionally be manipulated before being incorporated into the composite pattern. A tile collection, containing such randomly ordered composite patterns, is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Richard A. Bittner, Steven W. Cox, Ronald Magee, Jonathan C. McCay
  • Patent number: 7448503
    Abstract: Surface covering display elements, systems and/or methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a multi-patterned rug display sample, element or unit has at least two different geometric designs and/or coloration schemes across a common surface for simultaneous comparative evaluation by a potential purchaser. The rug display sample may be patterned to include two or more geometric or solid patterns corresponding to patterns available on floor covering products independent of the display sample. Also, the display unit may include a feature rug, color runner, color rug, and/or hang tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Ronald Magee, Jennifer L. Beedy, James L. Thorn, Jr., J. Michael Hartley, R. Lee Burch, III, Dane M. Owen, Debra M. Michalak, Ritchie D. Eisenhour, Shandra L. Shermerhorn, Marilyn F. McClanahan, Ellen E. Olsen
  • Patent number: 7383960
    Abstract: Surface covering display elements, systems and/or methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a multi-patterned rug display sample, element or unit has at least two different geometric designs and/or coloration schemes across a common surface for simultaneous comparative evaluation by a potential purchaser. The rug display sample may be patterned to include two or more geometric or solid patterns corresponding to patterns available on floor covering products independent of the display sample. Also, the display unit may include a feature rug, color runner, color rug, and/or hang tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Ronald Magee, Jennifer L. Beedy, James L. Thom, Jr., J. Michael Hartley, R. Lee Burch, III, Dane M. Owen, Debra M. Michalak, Ritchie D. Eisenhour, Shandra L. Shermerhorn, Marilyn F. McClanahan, Ellen E. Olsen
  • Publication number: 20070260352
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an automated system for generating large numbers of digitally-defined patterns suitable for printing on textiles wherein each pattern is individually different but shares one or more unifying design motifs with all other patterns. In the general case, each pattern is comprised of at least two components in the form of separately configurable pattern layers that are digitally superimposed to form a composite pattern that is unique but visually related to all other unique patterns that use pattern layers taken from the same pattern sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventors: Ronald Magee, Jonathan McCay, Steven Cox
  • Patent number: 7072733
    Abstract: A system and method for enabling customer specification of images to be used for decorating textile substrates at the economies of mass customization. An automated patterning apparatus is implemented that comprises a plurality of individual colorant substances that are directed through a set of colorant applicators in accordance with predetermined pattern data, the colorant substances capable of being selectively applied to individual pixels on the substrate in accordance with the predetermined pattern data. The system and method particularly implements a device providing an interface for enabling remote access to an image manipulation design tool that enables user customization of the digitized image to form a target image over a communications network. A digitized image of the user's choice is imported into the image manipulation design tool and that image is manipulated according the user's artistic vision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Ronald Magee, Kevin D. West
  • Patent number: 6907634
    Abstract: A process by which dithering techniques and in situ blending techniques may be used to reproduce a desired multi-colored dyed pattern on a substrate using precisely delivered quantities of liquid colorants that are available in only a relatively few colors. Specific preferred process colors, as well as procedures for expanding the range of reproduced colors using such process colors, are presented Optionally, specific actuation instructions for a specific dye injection machine capable of patterning a moving textile substrate may be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Seiin Kobayashi, Yoko Zaikawa, Ronald Magee
  • Publication number: 20050129902
    Abstract: Surface covering display elements, systems and/or methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a multi-patterned rug display sample, element or unit has at least two different geometric designs and/or coloration schemes across a common surface for simultaneous comparative evaluation by a potential purchaser. The rug display sample may be patterned to include two or more geometric or solid patterns corresponding to patterns available on floor covering products independent of the display sample. Also, the display unit may include a feature rug, color runner, color rug, and/or hang tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: Ronald Magee, Jennifer Beedy, James Thom, J. Hartley, R. Burch, Dane Owen, Debra Michalak, Ritchie Eisenhour, Shandra Shermerhorn, Marilyn McClanahan, Ellen Olsen
  • Patent number: 6884493
    Abstract: Color, pattern, design, and/or the like is applied by means of a jet dye process, or any other secondary or post pattern application process, including but not exclusively, silk screen printing and rotary printing, etc., to a carpet substrate, where the yarn in the carpet is all white (no dye applied) or where the yarn is pre-dyed with a single or multiple colors or where the yarn is treated chemically. The carpet can, for example, be made with any conventional loom weaving process or hand weaving process, for example Wilton, Axminster, spool, spool gripper, and Chenille looms, hand gun tufted, or any other conventional method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Ronald Magee, James C. Bridges
  • Publication number: 20050056337
    Abstract: Color, pattern, design, and/or the like is applied by means of a jet dye process, or any other secondary or post pattern application process, including but not exclusively, silk screen printing and rotary printing, etc., to a carpet substrate, where the yarn in the carpet is all white (no dye applied) or where the yarn is pre-dyed with a single or multiple colors or where the yarn is treated chemically. The carpet can, for example, be made with any conventional loom weaving process or hand weaving process, for example Wilton, Axminster, spool, spool gripper, and Chenille looms, hand gun tufted, or any other conventional method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Inventors: Ronald Magee, James Bridges
  • Patent number: 6792329
    Abstract: A computer-assisted process for the design and placement of multi-colored patterns on absorbent substrates using a limited number of transparent process colorants is described. Through use of this system, a designer, working with a computer-aided design system, can generate and accurately represent on a computer monitor or similar display a multi-colored pattern, as that pattern would appear on a specified absorbent substrate, using coloring elements comprised of groups of multiple pixels in which process colors have been mixed in a controlled manner to expand the range of available colors, and to compensate for colorant delivery limitations that prevent the application of small, accurately metered quantities of colorant. Actuation instructions for a specific dye injection machine capable of patterning a moving textile substrate may be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Louis W. Adams, Jr., Ronald Magee