Patents by Inventor Scott E. Willis

Scott E. Willis 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: 20240023561
    Abstract: Dough preparation apparatus and associated methods. The dough preparation apparatus can store and be configured to execute a plurality of dough preparation recipes. In one example, the dough preparation apparatus is configured for thawing or slacking frozen dough and conditioning the dough prior to baking. The dough preparation apparatus facilitates production of baked bread having higher and more consistent quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: James W. Bigott, Daryl R. Monroe, Scott E. Willis, Phillip Tiberio, Michael W. McGaha, Robert J. Reese, Jeffrey A. Stafford, Gregory Glen Stettes, Thomas E. Kieffer, Kim Charles Fietsam
  • Patent number: 11779023
    Abstract: Dough preparation apparatus and associated methods. The dough preparation apparatus can store and be configured to execute a plurality of dough preparation recipes. In one example, the dough preparation apparatus is configured for thawing or slacking frozen dough and conditioning the dough prior to baking. The dough preparation apparatus facilitates production of baked bread having higher and more consistent quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: DUKE MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: James W. Bigott, Daryl R. Monroe, Scott E. Willis, Phillip Tiberio, Michael W. McGaha, Robert J. Reese, Jeffrey A. Stafford, Gregory Glen Stettes, Thomas E. Kieffer, Kim Charles Fietsam
  • Publication number: 20210161152
    Abstract: Dough preparation apparatus and associated methods. The dough preparation apparatus can store and be configured to execute a plurality of dough preparation recipes. In one example, the dough preparation apparatus is configured for thawing or slacking frozen dough and conditioning the dough prior to baking. The dough preparation apparatus facilitates production of baked bread having higher and more consistent quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: James W. Bigott, Daryl R. Monroe, Scott E. Willis, Phillip Tiberio, Michael W. McGaha, Robert J. Reese, Jeffrey A. Stafford, Gregory Glen Stettes, Thomas E. Kieffer, Kim Charles Fietsam
  • Patent number: 10918112
    Abstract: Dough preparation apparatus and associated methods. The dough preparation apparatus can store and be configured to execute a plurality of dough preparation recipes. In one example, the dough preparation apparatus is configured for thawing or slacking frozen dough and conditioning the dough prior to baking. The dough preparation apparatus facilitates production of baked bread having higher and more consistent quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: DUKE MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: James W. Bigott, Daryl R. Monroe, Scott E. Willis, Phillip Tiberio, Michael W. McGaha, Robert J. Reese, Jeffrey A. Stafford, Gregory Glen Stettes, Thomas E. Kieffer, Kim Charles Fietsam
  • Publication number: 20170273314
    Abstract: Dough preparation apparatus and associated methods. The dough preparation apparatus can store and be configured to execute a plurality of dough preparation recipes. In one example, the dough preparation apparatus is configured for thawing or slacking frozen dough and conditioning the dough prior to baking. The dough preparation apparatus facilitates production of baked bread having higher and more consistent quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: James W. Bigott, Daryl R. Monroe, Scott E. Willis, Phillip Tiberio, Michael W. McGaha, Robert J. Reese, Jeffrey A. Stafford, Gregory Glen Stettes, Thomas E. Kieffer, Kim Charles Fietsam
  • Publication number: 20170020308
    Abstract: A merchandiser is adapted for displaying and/or serving merchandise to customers. In some embodiments, the merchandiser includes a display section which may include a refrigerated display section and/or a non-refrigerated display section adapted for holding merchandise for customers to view and access. In some embodiments, the merchandiser also includes a food preparation section accessible to an employee serving the customers. The merchandiser may include an electrical outlet for supplying electrical power to one or more appliances. The merchandiser may include a partition for concealing an appliance area from view by the customers. Shields may be provided for preventing flow of air into or out of an open front of a refrigerated compartment in the refrigerated display section. A curtain may be provided for selectively covering the open front of the refrigerated compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Scott E. Willis, Robert J. Reese, Paul Brown
  • Patent number: 8680439
    Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of rethermalizing a package of refrigerated or frozen food are disclosed. In general, heating mechanisms are brought into conductive heat transfer contact with the package of food and operated for a duration of rethermalization time to rethermalize the package of food by heating the food to a rethermalized temperature, and then, if desired, to hold the rethermalized package of food at a desired holding temperature for a duration of holding time. The rethermalization time can be relatively short (e.g., thirty minutes or less), and the holding time can range from a very short period of time to a very long period of time (e.g., four, six, eight or more hours) without significant loss of food quality. Other features of the apparatus and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Duke Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Steven M. Shei, Scott E. Willis
  • Publication number: 20130305762
    Abstract: A merchandiser is adapted for displaying and/or serving merchandise to customers. In some embodiments, the merchandiser includes a display section which may include a refrigerated display section and/or a non-refrigerated display section adapted for holding merchandise for customers to view and access. In some embodiments, the merchandiser also includes a food preparation section accessible to an employee serving the customers. The food preparation section may include an electrical outlet for supplying electrical power to one or more appliances. The merchandiser may include a partition for concealing an appliance area from view by the customers. Shields may be provided for preventing flow of air into or out of an open front of a refrigerated compartment in the refrigerated display section. A curtain may be provided for selectively covering the open front of the refrigerated compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Duke Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Scott E. Willis, Robert J. Reese, Paul Brown
  • Patent number: 8338756
    Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of rethermalizing a package of refrigerated or frozen food are disclosed. In general, heating mechanisms are brought into conductive heat transfer contact with the package of food and operated for a duration of rethermalization time to rethermalize the package of food by heating the food to a rethermalized temperature, and then, if desired, to hold the rethermalized package of food at a desired holding temperature for a duration of holding time. The rethermalization time can be relatively short (e.g., thirty minutes or less), and the holding time can range from a very short period of time to a very long period of time (e.g., four, six, eight or more hours) without significant loss of food quality. Other features of the apparatus and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Duke Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Steven M. Shei, Scott E. Willis
  • Patent number: 8258440
    Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of rethermalizing a package of refrigerated or frozen food are disclosed. In general, heating mechanisms are brought into conductive heat transfer contact with the package of food and operated for a duration of rethermalization time to rethermalize the package of food by heating the food to a rethermalized temperature, and then, if desired, to hold the rethermalized package of food at a desired holding temperature for a duration of holding time. The rethermalization time can be relatively short (e.g., thirty minutes or less), and the holding time can range from a very short period of time to a very long period of time (e.g., four, six, eight or more hours) without significant loss of food quality. Other features of the apparatus and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Duke Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Steven M. Shei, Scott E. Willis
  • Publication number: 20100140251
    Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of rethermalizing a package of refrigerated or frozen food are disclosed. In general, heating mechanisms are brought into conductive heat transfer contact with the package of food and operated for a duration of rethermalization time to rethermalize the package of food by heating the food to a rethermalized temperature, and then, if desired, to hold the rethermalized package of food at a desired holding temperature for a duration of holding time. The rethermalization time can be relatively short (e.g., thirty minutes or less), and the holding time can range from a very short period of time to a very long period of time (e.g., four, six, eight or more hours) without significant loss of food quality. Other features of the apparatus and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: DUKE MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Steven M. Shei, Scott E. Willis
  • Publication number: 20100140252
    Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of rethermalizing a package of refrigerated or frozen food are disclosed. In general, heating mechanisms are brought into conductive heat transfer contact with the package of food and operated for a duration of rethermalization time to rethermalize the package of food by heating the food to a rethermalized temperature, and then, if desired, to hold the rethermalized package of food at a desired holding temperature for a duration of holding time. The rethermalization time can be relatively short (e.g., thirty minutes or less), and the holding time can range from a very short period of time to a very long period of time (e.g., four, six, eight or more hours) without significant loss of food quality. Other features of the apparatus and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: DUKE MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Steven M. Shei, Scott E. Willis
  • Patent number: 6431431
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in wave soldering applications can include an adjustable wing device, a front gate and/or a mounted member. Each of these components are easily adjustable, thereby improving the quality of the soldered product and allowing for improved process efficiency and decreased downtime of the wave soldering equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Speedline Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Willis, Greg Hueste
  • Publication number: 20010030220
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in wave soldering applications can include an adjustable wing device, a front gate and/or a mounted member. Each of these components are easily adjustable, thereby improving the quality of the soldered product and allowing for improved process efficiency and decreased downtime of the wave soldering equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Scott E. Willis, Greg Hueste
  • Patent number: D722244
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Duke Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Scott E. Willis, Robert J. Reese
  • Patent number: RE45789
    Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of rethermalizing a package of refrigerated or frozen food are disclosed. In general, heating mechanisms are brought into conductive heat transfer contact with the package of food and operated for a duration of rethermalization time to rethermalize the package of food by heating the food to a rethermalized temperature, and then, if desired, to hold the rethermalized package of food at a desired holding temperature for a duration of holding time. The rethermalization time can be relatively short (e.g., thirty minutes or less), and the holding time can range from a very short period of time to a very long period of time (e.g., four, six, eight or more hours) without significant loss of food quality. Other features of the apparatus and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Duke Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Steven M. Shei, Scott E. Willis