Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Kruer

Thomas R. Kruer 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: 20220362857
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing metals and metal-like substances in two and three dimensional form without a substrate in a safe, rapid and economical fashion using gas shielded arc welding equipment and programmable robotic motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventor: THOMAS R. KRUER
  • Publication number: 20220266371
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing metals and metal-like substances in two and three dimensional form without a substrate in a safe, rapid and economical fashion using gas shielded arc welding equipment and programmable robotic motion. The method and apparatus includes the use and application of robotic controls, temperature and position feedback, single and multiple material feeds, and semi liquid deposition thereby creating near net shape parts particularly well suited to rapid prototyping and lower volume production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventor: THOMAS R. KRUER
  • Publication number: 20220266339
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing metals and metal-like substances in two and three dimensional form without a substrate in a safe, rapid and economical fashion using gas shielded arc welding equipment and programmable robotic motion. The method and apparatus includes the use and application of robotic controls, temperature and position feedback, single and multiple material feeds, and semi liquid deposition thereby creating near net shape parts particularly well suited to rapid prototyping and lower volume production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: THOMAS R. KRUER, Nathan J. Kruer-Zerhusen, Aubrey B. Westermeyer
  • Publication number: 20220266370
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing metals and metal-like substances in two and three dimensional form without a substrate in a safe, rapid and economical fashion using gas shielded arc welding equipment and programmable robotic motion. The method and apparatus includes the use and application of robotic controls, temperature and position feedback, single and multiple material feeds, and semi liquid deposition thereby creating near net shape parts particularly well suited to rapid prototyping and lower volume production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventor: THOMAS R. KRUER
  • Publication number: 20220258266
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing metals and metal-like substances in two and three dimensional form without a substrate in a safe, rapid and economical fashion using gas shielded arc welding equipment and programmable robotic motion. The method and apparatus includes the use and application of robotic controls, temperature and position feedback, single and multiple material feeds, and semi liquid deposition thereby creating near net shape parts particularly well suited to rapid prototyping and lower volume production. Anchor tabs applied as a first layer of deposited material and platen temperature control are provided to improve adherence and removal from the build surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: THOMAS R. KRUER, Aubrey B. Westermeyer, Nathan J. Kruer-Zerhusen
  • Publication number: 20220111459
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing metals and metal-like substances in two and three dimensional form without a substrate in a safe, rapid and economical fashion using gas shielded arc welding equipment and programmable robotic motion. The method and apparatus includes the use and application of robotic controls, temperature and position feedback, single and multiple material feeds, and semi liquid deposition thereby creating near net shape parts particularly well suited to rapid prototyping and lower volume production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: THOMAS R. KRUER, JAMES BLACKWOOD
  • Patent number: 11235409
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing metals and metal-like substances in two and three dimensional form without a substrate in a safe, rapid and economical fashion using gas shielded arc welding equipment and programmable robotic motion. The method and apparatus includes the use and application of robotic controls, temperature and position feedback, single and multiple material feeds, and semi liquid deposition thereby creating near net shape parts particularly well suited to rapid prototyping and lower volume production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: +Mfg, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Kruer, James Blackwood
  • Publication number: 20150108095
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing metals and metal-like substances in two and three dimensional form without a substrate in a safe, rapid and economical fashion using gas shielded arc welding equipment and programmable robotic motion. The method and apparatus includes the use and application of robotic controls, temperature and position feedback, single and multiple material feeds, and semi liquid deposition thereby creating near net shape parts particularly well suited to rapid prototyping and lower volume production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: THOMAS R. KRUER, JAMES BLACKWOOD
  • Publication number: 20090159726
    Abstract: An irrigation drip tape loop configured so as to largely encircle a plant, and a method for fabricating it. A drip irrigation mat incorporating this drip tape loop so as to provide an irrigated, weed-free, highly-supportive growing environment for both commercial and residential plants as single units, or as rows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: TOH Products LLC
    Inventors: Hugh A. Thompson, Thomas R. Kruer
  • Publication number: 20080271366
    Abstract: A composite tube having alternating porous and non-porous sections for the purpose of conserving water and fertilizer. An easily-manufactured drip irrigation mat incorporating this composite tube so as to provide an irrigated, weed-free, highly-supportive growing environment for both commercial and residential plants as single units, or as one-dimensional rows. A patchwork assembly of multiple drip irrigation mats and non-irrigating mulch to treat two-dimensional beds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Toh Products LLC
    Inventors: Hugh A. Thompson, Thomas R. Kruer
  • Patent number: 7392614
    Abstract: A reinforced unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the material layers. The material layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and extend outwardly to a multi-dimensional array of outlets. There may also be an additional reinforcing layer attached to the material layers. The reinforcing layer for the unitized mat can be a polymeric material layer, a fibrous material layer, a foam layer, a metal layer, or a composite layer. The fibrous layer, foam layer, metal layer, or composite layer may also form a portion of, or replace, one or more of the material layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas R. Kruer, Hugh A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6996932
    Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two polymeric material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the polymeric material layers. The polymeric layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and a multi-dimensional array of outlets. The present invention combines a fluid distribution device and artificial mulching. The method of manufacturing and using the unitized mat to enhance the growth of plants is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas R. Kruer, Hugh A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6997402
    Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing woody plants includes at least two polymeric material layers, an inlet for delivery of fluid, and at least one outlet for dispensing fluid into an area covered by at least one layer. There is an opening in the layers through which the plant extends along with an installation seam with overlapping ends. The mat includes perforations, aligned or off-set, for fluid outlets and may be used in a container, such that a polymeric material layer covers the surface thereof. Flexible extension flaps adjust for container size and shape. The mat is removably affixed to a container and/or can be fed by a water-filled container with a polymeric material layer integral with the container. The mat may be used for woody plants in a row, such as orchard applications. Extension flaps provide continuous cover around and between plants, and perforations provide anchors for fixable positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas R. Kruer, Hugh A. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040195391
    Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing woody plants includes at least two polymeric material layers, an inlet for delivery of fluid, and at least one outlet for dispensing fluid into an area covered by at least one layer. There is an opening in the layers through which the plant extends along with an installation seam with overlapping ends. The mat includes perforations, aligned or off-set, for fluid outlets and may be used in a container, such that a polymeric material layer covers the surface thereof. Flexible extension flaps adjust for container size and shape. The mat is removably affixed to a container and/or can be fed by a water-filled container with a polymeric material layer integral with the container. The mat may be used for woody plants in a row, such as orchard applications. Extension flaps provide continuous cover around and between plants, and perforations provide anchors for fixable positioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas R. Kruer, Hugh A. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040177551
    Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two polymeric material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the polymeric material layers. The polymeric layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and a multi-dimensional array of outlets. The present invention combines a fluid distribution device and artificial mulching. The method of manufacturing and using the unitized mat to enhance the growth of plants is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas R. Kruer, Hugh A. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20030213171
    Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two polymeric material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the polymeric material layers. The polymeric layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and a multi-dimensional array of outlets. The present invention combines a fluid distribution device and artificial mulching. The method of manufacturing and using the unitized mat to enhance the growth of plants is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas R. Kruer, Hugh A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6622410
    Abstract: An adapter clip for receiving an auxiliary rail having an upper slot and a lower slot, the adapter clip being shaped to be received in a shelf edge having an upper and lower groove. The adapter clip includes an upper flange and a lower flange, the upper and lower flanges being shaped to be received in the upper and lower groove, respectively, to thereby couple the adapter clip to the shelf edge. The adapter clip further includes an upper tang and a lower tang, the upper and lower tangs being shaped to be received in the upper and lower slot, respectively, to thereby couple the adapter clip to the auxiliary rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Alan Wilkes, Thomas R. Kruer, David Kenneth Memke, Jon Charles Heisler, William H. McMahon
  • Publication number: 20020146282
    Abstract: An adapter clip for receiving an auxiliary rail having an upper slot and a lower slot, the adapter clip being shaped to be received in a shelf edge having an upper and lower groove. The adapter clip comprises an upper flange and a lower flange, the upper and lower flanges being shaped to be received in the upper and lower groove, respectively, to thereby couple the adapter clip to the shelf edge. The adapter clip further comprises an upper tang and a lower tang, the upper and lower tangs being shaped to be received in the upper and lower slot, respectively, to thereby couple the adapter clip to the auxiliary rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: DEREK ALAN WILKES, THOMAS R. KRUER, DAVID KENNETH MEMKE, JON CHARLES HEISLER, WILLIAM H. MCMAHON
  • Publication number: 20020125247
    Abstract: An electrical wiring box with outer dimensions specifically sized and shaped to match a standard architectural component is disclosed. The disclosed electrical wiring box is of a minimum size corresponding to industrial standards and configured to accept standard electrical wires and fittings. The outer dimensions of the disclosed electrical wiring box are selectively larger than the standard box. The invention discloses an electrical wiring box which is the size of a standard fired clay building brick, or fraction thereof, thus simplifying installation in a wall of brick and mortar construction. The invention further discloses a cover which simulates a brick surface thus providing for improved appearance when installed in a brick wall. The electrical wiring box disclosed in this invention can take a number of different configurations and be used in different orientations to provide simplified installation and improved aesthetics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas R. Kruer
  • Patent number: 6050286
    Abstract: The present device relates to an apparatus and method for automatically sequencing the flow of fluid between one fluid source and at least two fluid chambers in response to an interruption of fluid flow or pressure. Particularly, the device relates to irrigation. In its preferred embodiment, the apparatus is a sequencing valve that includes a two-sided flapper valve that is controlled by a spring and piston mechanism in order to direct fluid flow between chambers. In an alternate embodiment, the device includes a mechanism that also allows manual sequencing of fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: L.R. Nelson Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Kruer, Kenneth J Bruninga, Gary Redhead