Patents by Inventor Thomas D. Graham
Thomas D. Graham 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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Patent number: 12220858Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to an abrasive sheet. The abrasive sheet includes a first layer including an abrasive major surface and an opposite second layer defining a second major surface. The second major surface includes a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the second major surface. The protrusions include a first polymer component having at least one of a Shore A hardness ranging from about 5 to about 100 and a Shore D hardness ranging from about 1 to about 70. The first layer and the second layer are directly joined to each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2021Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Paul D. Graham, Douglas A. Davis, Thomas E. Pahl, John G. Petersen, Graham M. Clarke, James J. Kobe, Thomas B. Galush, Charles R. Wald, Brian W. Lueck
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Patent number: 11628643Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank includes a mandrel mounted to a frame. The mandrel includes a first side, an opposite second side, and an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a portion of the container. The machine also includes a first presser arm, a folding arm, and a second presser arm each coupled to the frame. The first presser arm is positionable generally proximate the first side of the mandrel and is configured to wrap a first portion of the blank about the mandrel. The folding arm is positionable at least generally proximate the second side of the mandrel and is configured to wrap a second portion of the blank about the mandrel. The second presser arm is disposed generally proximate the first presser arm and is configured to wrap a third portion of the blank about the mandrel.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2019Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLCInventors: David G. Couture, Craig W. Buscema, Thomas D. Graham, Robert Bradley Teany, Amer Aganovic
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Patent number: 11565492Abstract: A method for forming a container from a blank assembly including a tray blank and lid blank includes folding a first portion of the blank assembly about at least a first face of a first mandrel to form a partially formed container, and transferring the partially formed container towards a second mandrel using a transfer assembly that extends through the first face of the first mandrel. The method also includes transferring the partially formed container from the first mandrel to the second mandrel along a pair of guide rails extending between the first mandrel and the second mandrel, wrapping a second portion of the blank assembly about at least a first face of the second mandrel to form the container, wherein the first face of the second mandrel opposes the first face of the first mandrel with respect to a vertical direction, and ejecting the container from the second mandrel.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2020Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLCInventors: Thomas D. Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
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Publication number: 20210046723Abstract: A method for forming a container from a blank assembly including a tray blank and lid blank includes folding a first portion of the blank assembly about at least a first face of a first mandrel to form a partially formed container, and transferring the partially formed container towards a second mandrel using a transfer assembly that extends through the first face of the first mandrel. The method also includes transferring the partially formed container from the first mandrel to the second mandrel along a pair of guide rails extending between the first mandrel and the second mandrel, wrapping a second portion of the blank assembly about at least a first face of the second mandrel to form the container, wherein the first face of the second mandrel opposes the first face of the first mandrel with respect to a vertical direction, and ejecting the container from the second mandrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2020Publication date: February 18, 2021Inventors: Thomas D. Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
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Patent number: 10821698Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank assembly including a tray blank and lid blank includes a frame, a mandrel assembly mounted to the frame, a pre-folding assembly, and a glue panel presser assembly. The mandrel assembly includes a first mandrel and a second mandrel positioned downstream from the first mandrel. The first mandrel has an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a first portion of the container, and the second mandrel has an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a second portion of the container. The pre-folding assembly is configured to fold a first portion of the blank assembly around the first mandrel to form a partially formed container. The glue panel presser assembly includes a first presser plate configured to form a first manufacturer joint, and a second presser plate configured to form a second manufacturer joint.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLCInventors: Thomas D. Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
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Patent number: 10786964Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank assembly including a tray blank and lid blank includes a frame, a mandrel assembly mounted to the frame, a pre-folding assembly, and a glue panel presser assembly. The mandrel assembly includes a first mandrel and a second mandrel positioned downstream from the first mandrel. The first mandrel has an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a first portion of the container, and the second mandrel has an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a second portion of the container. The pre-folding assembly is configured to fold a first portion of the blank assembly around the first mandrel to form a partially formed container. The glue panel presser assembly includes a first presser plate configured to form a first manufacturer joint, and a second presser plate configured to form a second manufacturer joint.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLCInventors: Thomas D. Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
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Publication number: 20200122425Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank includes a mandrel mounted to a frame. The mandrel includes a first side, an opposite second side, and an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a portion of the container. The machine also includes a first presser arm, a folding arm, and a second presser arm each coupled to the frame. The first presser arm is positionable generally proximate the first side of the mandrel and is configured to wrap a first portion of the blank about the mandrel. The folding arm is positionable at least generally proximate the second side of the mandrel and is configured to wrap a second portion of the blank about the mandrel. The second presser arm is disposed generally proximate the first presser arm and is configured to wrap a third portion of the blank about the mandrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventors: David G. Couture, Craig W. Buscema, Thomas D. Graham, Robert Bradley Teany, Amer Aganovic
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Patent number: 10556396Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank includes a mandrel mounted to a frame. The mandrel includes a first side, an opposite second side, and an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a portion of the container. The machine also includes a first presser arm, a folding arm, and a second presser arm each coupled to the frame. The first presser arm is positionable generally proximate the first side of the mandrel and is configured to wrap a first portion of the blank about the mandrel. The folding arm is positionable at least generally proximate the second side of the mandrel and is configured to wrap a second portion of the blank about the mandrel. The second presser arm is disposed generally proximate the first presser arm and is configured to wrap a third portion of the blank about the mandrel.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLCInventors: David G. Couture, Craig W. Buscema, Thomas D. Graham, Robert Bradley Teany, Amer Aganovic
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Patent number: 10265919Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank of sheet material including a glue panel and an overlap panel includes a frame, a mandrel mounted to the frame, a glue panel folder assembly, and a glue panel presser assembly. The mandrel has an external shape complimentary to an internal shape of at least a portion of the container. The glue panel folder assembly includes an actuator and a glue panel folding member operatively coupled to the actuator. The actuator is configured to cause the glue panel folding member to move in a curvilinear path of motion, contact the glue panel, and move the glue panel into at least partial contact with the mandrel. The glue panel presser assembly is configured to press the overlap panel into face-to-face contact with the glue panel to form a manufacturer joint of the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2018Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLCInventors: Thomas D. Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
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Publication number: 20180326685Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank of sheet material including a glue panel and an overlap panel includes a frame, a mandrel mounted to the frame, a glue panel folder assembly, and a glue panel presser assembly. The mandrel has an external shape complimentary to an internal shape of at least a portion of the container. The glue panel folder assembly includes an actuator and a glue panel folding member operatively coupled to the actuator. The actuator is configured to cause the glue panel folding member to move in a curvilinear path of motion, contact the glue panel, and move the glue panel into at least partial contact with the mandrel. The glue panel presser assembly is configured to press the overlap panel into face-to-face contact with the glue panel to form a manufacturer joint of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2018Publication date: November 15, 2018Inventors: Thomas D. Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
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Patent number: 10052837Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank of sheet material including a glue panel and an overlap panel includes a frame, a mandrel mounted to the frame, a glue panel folder assembly, and a glue panel presser assembly. The mandrel has an external shape complimentary to an internal shape of at least a portion of the container. The glue panel folder assembly includes an actuator and a glue panel folding member operatively coupled to the actuator. The actuator is configured to cause the glue panel folding member to move in a curvilinear path of motion, contact the glue panel, and move the glue panel into at least partial contact with the mandrel. The glue panel presser assembly is configured to press the overlap panel into face-to-face contact with the glue panel to form a manufacturer joint of the container.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2014Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLCInventors: Thomas D. Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
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Publication number: 20180141300Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank assembly including a tray blank and lid blank includes a frame, a mandrel assembly mounted to the frame, a pre-folding assembly, and a glue panel presser assembly. The mandrel assembly includes a first mandrel and a second mandrel positioned downstream from the first mandrel. The first mandrel has an external shape complimentary to an internal shape of at least a first portion of the container, and the second mandrel has an external shape complimentary to an internal shape of at least a second portion of the container. The pre-folding assembly is configured to fold a first portion of the blank assembly around the first mandrel to form a partially formed container. The glue panel presser assembly includes a first presser plate configured to form a first manufacturer joint, and a second presser plate configured to form a second manufacturer joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2018Publication date: May 24, 2018Inventors: Thomas D. Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
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Publication number: 20180126684Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank assembly including a tray blank and lid blank includes a frame, a mandrel assembly mounted to the frame, a pre-folding assembly, and a glue panel presser assembly. The mandrel assembly includes a first mandrel and a second mandrel positioned downstream from the first mandrel. The first mandrel has an external shape complimentary to an internal shape of at least a first portion of the container, and the second mandrel has an external shape complimentary to an internal shape of at least a second portion of the container. The pre-folding assembly is configured to fold a first portion of the blank assembly around the first mandrel to form a partially formed container. The glue panel presser assembly includes a first presser plate configured to form a first manufacturer joint, and a second presser plate configured to form a second manufacturer joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2018Publication date: May 10, 2018Inventors: Thomas D. Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
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Patent number: 9878512Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank assembly including a tray blank and lid blank includes a frame, a mandrel assembly mounted to the frame, a pre-folding assembly, and a glue panel presser assembly. The mandrel assembly includes a first mandrel and a second mandrel positioned downstream from the first mandrel. The first mandrel has an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a first portion of the container, and the second mandrel has an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a second portion of the container. The pre-folding assembly is configured to fold a first portion of the blank assembly around the first mandrel to form a partially formed container. The glue panel presser assembly includes a first presser plate configured to form a first manufacturer joint, and a second presser plate configured to form a second manufacturer joint.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLCInventors: Thomas D. Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
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Patent number: 9815586Abstract: A method of forming a container from a blank of sheet material using a machine is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two side panels, two end panels, and a reinforcing panel assembly extending from a first side panel. The machine includes a hopper station, a corner post forming station, and a plunger station. The method includes rotating the reinforcing panel assembly upwardly toward the first side panel as the blank is transported from the hopper station to the corner post forming station, forming a corner wall and a reinforcing end tab by folding reinforcing panels about fold lines as the blank is transported through the corner post forming station, rotating the side panels and the end panels to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel by directing the blank through the plunger station, and coupling the reinforcing end tab to an end panel to form the container.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2011Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLCInventors: Thomas D. Graham, Ricki D. Anderson, Guillermo Rojas, Kenneth C. Smith
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Publication number: 20170253366Abstract: A blank for forming a container is provided. The blank includes a plurality of side panels coupled together, the plurality of side panels including at least a first minor panel, and a first intermediate panel extending from a side edge of the first minor panel. The blank also includes a first bottom corner flap extending from a bottom edge of the first intermediate panel, wherein the first bottom corner flap includes a free edge including a first portion, and a first bottom minor flap extending from a bottom edge of the first minor panel, wherein the first bottom minor flap includes a free edge including a first portion. When the container is formed from the blank, the first portion of the free edge of the first bottom corner flap engages the first portion of the free edge of the first bottom minor flap in an edge-to-edge relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2015Publication date: September 7, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey S. JAMES, Thomas D. GRAHAM, Kenneth C. SMITH, Timothy MCCARTHY
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Patent number: 9701087Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank of sheet material includes a frame, a mandrel assembly mounted to the frame, a pre-folding assembly, and a transfer assembly. The mandrel assembly includes a first mandrel and a second mandrel. The first mandrel has an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a first portion of the container. The second mandrel is positioned downstream from the first mandrel, and has an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a second portion of the container. The pre-folding assembly is configured to fold a first portion of the blank around the first mandrel to form a partially formed container. The first portion of the blank corresponds to the first portion of the container. The transfer assembly is for transferring the partially formed container from the first mandrel to the second mandrel.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLCInventors: Thomas D. Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
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Patent number: 9428299Abstract: A container configured to be selectively moved between a substantially flat position and a deployed position is provided. The container includes a first blank of sheet material for forming side walls of the container, and a second blank of sheet material for forming a bottom wall of the container. The first blank having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface, a top edge and a bottom edge. The first blank includes a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel, a fourth side panel, a fifth side panel, and a sixth side panel wherein each of the side panels are coupled across a fold line. The first blank also includes end flaps extending from the bottom edge of each of the side panels wherein at least two of the end flaps includes a tab joint. The second blank having a plurality of side edges equal to a number of side panels of the first blank, each side edge having a width substantially equal to a width of the side panels of the first blank.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Inventors: Tesfahun Y. Mengistu, Thomas D. Graham, John Thomas Yoder, IV
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Publication number: 20160176142Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank includes a mandrel mounted to a frame. The mandrel includes a first side, an opposite second side, and an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a portion of the container. The machine also includes a first presser arm, a folding arm, and a second presser arm each coupled to the frame. The first presser arm is positionable generally proximate the first side of the mandrel and is configured to wrap a first portion of the blank about the mandrel. The folding arm is positionable at least generally proximate the second side of the mandrel and is configured to wrap a second portion of the blank about the mandrel. The second presser arm is disposed generally proximate the first presser arm and is configured to wrap a third portion of the blank about the mandrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2015Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: David G. Couture, Craig W. Buscema, Thomas D. Graham, Robert Bradley Teany, Amer Aganovic
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Publication number: 20160039551Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank of sheet material includes a base, a frame coupled for rotation about the base, and a plurality of box-forming stations coupled to the frame. Each box-forming station includes a mandrel coupled to the frame. The mandrel includes a bottom face having two pairs of opposing edges, a pair of opposing side faces, and a pair of opposing end faces. Each box-forming station also includes a first pair of opposing presses each configured to be moved into close proximity to a respective end face, and a second pair of opposing presses each configured to be moved into close proximity to a respective side face. Each box-forming station additionally includes at least one manually operable mechanism configured to control a position of a first press from among the first pair of opposing presses and the second pair of opposing presses.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2014Publication date: February 11, 2016Inventors: Amer Aganovic, Thomas D. Graham, Kirk Steven Kempnich, II