Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Austin

Thomas F. Austin 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).

  • Apparatus and method for marking bulk loaded containers to indicate the presence of metallic contaminants
    Patent number: 4887475
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for use with a flow packing machine for detecting and identifying the presence of metallic contaminants in bulk material loaded into a container is disclosed. The apparatus according to the invention includes a filler conduit for conducting the bulk material from the flow packing machine into the container. A metal detector senses the presence of metallic contaminants in the material being loaded into the container through the filter conduit and provides a detection signal indicative thereof. A spray gun or other marking device is supplied with an indelible fluid. The spray gun marks the exterior surface of the container in response to the detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Gill & Duffus Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Austin, Frank L. Donadio, Jr., David F. Rudolph, Robert W. Shaw, Jr.