Patents by Inventor Thomas Dean
Thomas Dean 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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Publication number: 20220040950Abstract: A machine a mandrel assembly includes a mandrel having an external shape complimentary to an internal shape of at least a portion of a container, a first lift mechanism operatively coupled to a first servomechanism to wrap a first portion of a blank about the mandrel, a second lift mechanism operatively coupled to a second servomechanism to wrap a second portion of the blank about the mandrel, and a folding arm coupled to the first lift mechanism and operatively coupled to a third servomechanism. A control system is in communication with the first servomechanism, the second servomechanism, and the third servomechanism and is configured to transmit a signal to each of the servomechanisms to independently control movement of the first lift mechanism, the second lift mechanism, and the folding arm to wrap at least the first and second portions of the blank about the mandrel to form the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Inventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Ricki D. Anderson, Jeffrey H. Chapman
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Patent number: 11161317Abstract: A machine a mandrel assembly includes a mandrel having an external shape complimentary to an internal shape of at least a portion of a container, a first lift mechanism operatively coupled to a first servomechanism to wrap a first portion of a blank about the mandrel, a second lift mechanism operatively coupled to a second servomechanism to wrap a second portion of the blank about the mandrel, and a folding arm coupled to the first lift mechanism and operatively coupled to a third servomechanism. A control system is in communication with the first servomechanism, the second servomechanism, and the third servomechanism and is configured to transmit a signal to each of the servomechanisms to independently control movement of the first lift mechanism, the second lift mechanism, and the folding arm to wrap at least the first and second portions of the blank about the mandrel to form the container.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2018Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: WESTROCK SHARED SERVICES, LLCInventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Ricki D. Anderson, Jeffrey H. Chapman
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Publication number: 20210331437Abstract: Provided herein is a machine for forming a container from a blank including a tray and a lid. The machine has an upstream end where the blank is loaded and a downstream end where the container is discharged and includes a frame, a pre-forming assembly, and a mandrel assembly. The pre-forming assembly is configured to partially form the lid and the tray by folding each of a plurality of side panels of the blank and further form the tray by partially folding a front panel assembly of the blank, the front panel assembly including a front panel and a roll-over panel. The mandrel assembly is mounted to the frame and configured to engage a bottom panel of the tray to form each of a plurality of corners of the tray and fold the roll-over panel to form a front wall of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2021Publication date: October 28, 2021Inventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
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Patent number: 11105068Abstract: A movable machine including a chassis, a tool coupled to the chassis, an operator control carried by the chassis and a controller. The controller is communicatively coupled to the operator control. The controller being configured to send a force feedback and/or a vibration feedback to the operator control thereby conveying information to the operator. The information is not related to a load encountered by the tool.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Gary R. Kassen, Duqiang Wu, Aditya Singh, Uli Melchinger, Navneet Gulati, Patrick Thomas Dean
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Publication number: 20210229390Abstract: A method for forming a container using a machine includes extracting a blank from a magazine, transferring the blank in a blank transfer direction X, and positioning the blank on a deck. The method also includes translating a pick-up assembly from a first end to a second end along a horizontal direction Y perpendicular to the blank transfer direction X, the translating including transferring a web from a first location proximate the first end to a second location proximate the second end. The method further includes depositing, at the second location, the web into an at least partially overlying relationship with the blank to form a blank assembly, transferring the blank assembly along the deck in the blank transfer direction X while translating the pick-up assembly from the second end back to the first end, and wrapping the blank assembly around a mandrel to at least partially form the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
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Publication number: 20210214118Abstract: A method of forming a container from a blank of sheet material using a machine is provided. The method includes forming a corner wall by folding a first pair of a plurality of reinforcing panels inwardly towards a respective side panel and into face-to-face contact with a second pair of the plurality of reinforcing panels, rotating the side panels and end panels to be substantially perpendicular to a bottom panel such that an interior surface of at least one reinforcing panel of the plurality of reinforcing panels is in contact with an interior surface of the first side panel, and coupling at least one other reinforcing panel of the plurality of reinforcing panels to one of the end panels to form the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2021Publication date: July 15, 2021Inventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Ricki D. Anderson, Guillermo Rojas, Kenneth Charles Smith
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Patent number: 11059252Abstract: Provided herein is a machine for forming a container from a blank including a tray and a lid. The machine has an upstream end where the blank is loaded and a downstream end where the container is discharged and includes a frame, a pre-forming assembly, and a mandrel assembly. The pre-forming assembly is configured to partially form the lid and the tray by folding each of a plurality of side panels of the blank and further form the tray by partially folding a front panel assembly of the blank, the front panel assembly including a front panel and a roll-over panel. The mandrel assembly is mounted to the frame and configured to engage a bottom panel of the tray to form each of a plurality of corners of the tray and fold the roll-over panel to form a front wall of the container.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: WESTROCK SHARED SERVICES, LLCInventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
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Patent number: 11001026Abstract: A machine (1000) for forming a blank assembly having a blank and a retaining web coupled to the blank includes a deck (1250) coupled to a frame (1002), and a blank transfer assembly (1200) coupled to the frame. The blank transfer assembly is configured to position the blank on the deck. The machine also includes a web transfer assembly (1700) coupled to the frame. The web transfer assembly includes a pick-up assembly (1730) moveable between a first end and a second end of the web transfer assembly. The pick-up assembly is configured to pick up the web proximate the first end and deposit the web proximate the second end in an at least partially overlying relationship with the blank positioned on the deck. A first compression member (1750) is configured to compress a coupling region of the web against the blank on the deck to form the blank assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2016Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: WESTROCK SHARED SERVICES, LLCInventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
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Patent number: 10987889Abstract: A machine for forming a blank assembly having a blank and a retaining web coupled to the blank includes a deck coupled to a frame, and a blank transfer assembly coupled to the frame. The blank transfer assembly is configured to position the blank on the deck. The machine also includes a web transfer assembly coupled to the frame. The web transfer assembly includes a pick-up assembly moveable between a first end and a second end of the web transfer assembly. The pick-up assembly is configured to pick up the web proximate the first end and deposit the web proximate the second end in an at least partially overlying relationship with the blank positioned on the deck. A first compression member is configured to compress a coupling region of the web against the blank on the deck to form the blank assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: WESTROCK SHARED SERVICES, LLCInventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
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Publication number: 20210114326Abstract: A machine including a deck, a first platform, a second platform, a first web transfer assembly, and a second web transfer assembly is provided. The deck and first and second platforms are coupled to a frame. The first web transfer assembly extends from a first end to a second end and includes a first pick-up assembly moveable between the first end, proximate the first platform, and the second end, proximate the deck. The second web transfer assembly extends from a third end to a fourth end and includes a second pick-up assembly moveable between the third end, proximate the second platform, and the fourth end, proximate the deck. The first web transfer assembly and the second web transfer assembly are operationally offset when moving between the first and second end and the third and fourth ends, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2020Publication date: April 22, 2021Inventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Greg Gulik
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Patent number: 10941455Abstract: A sandwich structure forming method including the steps of (1) providing a sandwich structure comprising a core positioned between a first liner sheet and a second liner sheet; (2) positioning the sandwich structure into a cavity of a die assembly; and (3) pressurizing the core to expand the sandwich structure into engagement with the die assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2016Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Thomas A. Dean
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Patent number: 10913569Abstract: 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: October 5, 2017Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLCInventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Ricki D. Anderson, Rojas Guillermo, Kenneth Charles Smith
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Publication number: 20210024234Abstract: A machine for filling a tertiary container with secondary containers is provided. The machine includes a frame and a tray loading station positioned to receive a plurality of streams of the secondary containers. The machine also includes a front gate at an upstream end of the tray loading station, the front gate moveable between a first position, in which the secondary containers are obstructed from passing downstream, and a second position, in which the secondary containers are not obstructed. The machine further includes a back stop proximate a downstream end of the tray loading station, the back stop moveable between a first, upstream position and a second, downstream position. The tray loading station is sized such that when a first row of secondary containers is positioned against the back stop in the first position, a portion of an upstream row of secondary containers is positioned directly above the front gate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2020Publication date: January 28, 2021Inventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio, Michael F. Flagg
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Patent number: 10899101Abstract: A machine including a deck, a first platform, a second platform, a first web transfer assembly, and a second web transfer assembly is provided. The deck and first and second platforms are coupled to a frame. The first web transfer assembly extends from a first end to a second end and includes a first pick-up assembly moveable between the first end, proximate the first platform, and the second end, proximate the deck. The second web transfer assembly extends from a third end to a fourth end and includes a second pick-up assembly moveable between the third end, proximate the second platform, and the fourth end, proximate the deck. The first web transfer assembly and the second web transfer assembly are operationally offset when moving between the first and second end and the third and fourth ends, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLCInventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Greg Gulik
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Publication number: 20210006933Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-readable storage media utilized for institution security based on a security model in a computer network environment. One method includes receiving, by one or more processing circuits, data from one or more IoT devices associated with an institution. The method further includes determining, by the one or more processing circuits, a total count of people within an area. The method further includes determining, by the one or more processing circuits, a location for each people within the area. The method further includes identifying, by the one or more processing circuits, each people within the area and generating, by the one or more processing circuits, a security report.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventor: R. Thomas Dean
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Publication number: 20200363111Abstract: A method and system for improving energy efficiency of a refrigeration system include system components such as a condenser, one or more expansion valves, an evaporator, one or more compressors, and a system controller electrically coupled to the one or more of the system components, according to one embodiment. The system controller is configured to selectively actuate, directly or indirectly, the one or more expansion valves, the condenser, and/or the one or more compressors, at least partially based on temperatures and/or pressures of the system fluid at various points of the system, to control a temperature of a refrigerated area.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2020Publication date: November 19, 2020Applicant: DC Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Dean Wolgamot, Timothy Alan Gwyn, William Michael Crist
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Patent number: 10829250Abstract: A machine for filling a secondary container with a plurality of primary containers is provided. The machine includes a frame, a secondary container filling section coupled to the frame and configured to position the primary containers within the secondary container, and a first rail member coupled to the frame. The first rail member includes a chain, a support rail that extends in a longitudinal direction between a supply source of secondary containers and the secondary container filling section, and at least one longitudinally extending interface surface coupled to the support rail and configured to receive the chain, such that the chain is movable in the longitudinal direction. The first rail member also includes an articulated chain cover secured to, and movable with, the chain, the articulated chain cover defining a support surface on which the secondary containers are conveyable between the supply source and the secondary container filling section.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLCInventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio, Michael F. Flagg
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Patent number: 10759443Abstract: A method for detecting parasitic power circulation within a work vehicle may include controlling an operation of the work vehicle such that a transmission of the work vehicle has a first output speed and determining a first power value associated with power transmitted through a drive shaft of the work vehicle at the first output speed. The method may also include adjusting the operation of the work vehicle such that the transmission has a second output speed that differs from the first output speed and determining a second power value associated with power transmitted through the drive shaft at the second output speed. In addition, the method may include comparing the first and second power values to a predetermined relationship to determine whether the work vehicle is currently experiencing parasitic power circulation, wherein the predetermined relationship is associated with operation of the work vehicle without parasitic power circulation.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2017Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Yun Xing, Patrick Thomas Dean
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Patent number: 10760842Abstract: A method and system for improving energy efficiency of a refrigeration system include system components such as a condenser, one or more expansion valves, an evaporator, one or more compressors, and a system controller electrically coupled to the one or more of the system components, according to one embodiment. The system controller is configured to selectively actuate, directly or indirectly, the one or more expansion valves, the condenser, and/or the one or more compressors, at least partially based on temperatures and/or pressures of the system fluid at various points of the system, to control a temperature of a refrigerated area.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2017Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: DC Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Dean Wolgamot, Timothy Alan Gwyn, William Michael Crist
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Publication number: 20200171775Abstract: Provided herein is a machine for forming a container from a blank including a tray and a lid. The machine has an upstream end where the blank is loaded and a downstream end where the container is discharged and includes a frame, a pre-forming assembly, and a mandrel assembly. The pre-forming assembly is configured to partially form the lid and the tray by folding each of a plurality of side panels of the blank and further form the tray by partially folding a front panel assembly of the blank, the front panel assembly including a front panel and a roll-over panel. The mandrel assembly is mounted to the frame and configured to engage a bottom panel of the tray to form each of a plurality of corners of the tray and fold the roll-over panel to form a front wall of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2018Publication date: June 4, 2020Inventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio