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: 20240023561Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Inventors: 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: 11779023Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 15, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: 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: 20210161152Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2021Publication date: June 3, 2021Inventors: 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: 10918112Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 13, 2017Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: 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: 20170273314Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: 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: 20170020308Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2016Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventors: Scott E. Willis, Robert J. Reese, Paul Brown
-
Patent number: 8680439Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Duke Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Steven M. Shei, Scott E. Willis
-
Publication number: 20130305762Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: Duke Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Scott E. Willis, Robert J. Reese, Paul Brown
-
Patent number: 8338756Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Duke Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Steven M. Shei, Scott E. Willis
-
Patent number: 8258440Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Duke Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Steven M. Shei, Scott E. Willis
-
Publication number: 20100140251Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: DUKE MANUFACTURING CO.Inventors: Steven M. Shei, Scott E. Willis
-
Publication number: 20100140252Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: DUKE MANUFACTURING CO.Inventors: Steven M. Shei, Scott E. Willis
-
Patent number: 6431431Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Speedline Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Scott E. Willis, Greg Hueste
-
Publication number: 20010030220Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: Scott E. Willis, Greg Hueste
-
Patent number: D722244Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Duke Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Scott E. Willis, Robert J. Reese
-
Patent number: RE45789Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 4, 2014Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Duke Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Steven M. Shei, Scott E. Willis