Patents by Inventor Timothy L. Turner

Timothy L. Turner 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).

  • Patent number: 9540137
    Abstract: A can end for a two-piece beverage can is described. The can end has a center panel positioned about a vertical center axis. The center panel has a means for opening the can end located on a public side. A circumferential strengthening member is located about the center panel. A wall extends upwardly from the circumferential strengthening member. A curl is joined to an upper end of the wall. The curl defines an outer perimeter of the can end. A reinforcing bead is located on the wall between an uppermost portion of the wall and a lowermost portion of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: REXAM BEVERAGE CAN COMPANY
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Timothy L. Turner
  • Publication number: 20150175296
    Abstract: A can end for a two-piece beverage can is described. The can end has a center panel positioned about a vertical center axis. The center panel has a means for opening the can end located on a public side. A circumferential strengthening member is located about the center panel. A wall extends upwardly from the circumferential strengthening member. A curl is joined to an upper end of the wall. The curl defines an outer perimeter of the can end. A reinforcing bead is located on the wall between an uppermost portion of the wall and a lowermost portion of the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Timothy L. Turner
  • Patent number: 8973780
    Abstract: A can end for a two-piece beverage can is described. The can end has a center panel positioned about a vertical center axis. The center panel has a means for opening the can end located on a public side. A circumferential strengthening member is located about the center panel. A wall extends upwardly from the circumferential strengthening member. A curl is joined to an upper end of the wall. The curl defines an outer perimeter of the can end. A reinforcing bead is located on the wall between an uppermost portion of the wall and a lowermost portion of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Timothy L. Turner
  • Patent number: 8875936
    Abstract: An end for a beverage can is described. The end has a product side, an opposing public side, a center panel, an annular countersink, a circumferential wall, and a curl. The center panel has a means for opening the end. The annular countersink extends circumferentially about the center panel. The circumferential wall extends upwardly from the countersink and has an angled portion extending radially inwardly toward the center panel. The curl is located radially outward relative to the center panel and defines an outer perimeter of the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: Timothy L. Turner, Randall G. Forrest
  • Patent number: 8496131
    Abstract: A cap 80 for sealing a container having a closure assembly with lug members on the container for sealing with corresponding lugs on the cap 80 has a top panel 84 and a circumferential side wall panel 82, has a top panel 84 and a circumferential side wall panel 82. The top panel 84 is positioned about a longitudinal axis 50 and extends radially outwardly therefrom. The circumferential side wall panel 82 is integral with an outer peripheral edge of the top panel 84 and has first, second, and third segments 90, 92, 94. The first segment 90 extends downwardly. The second segment 92 extends radially outwardly at a first angle to the first segment 90. The third segment 94 extends downwardly from the second segment 94 at a second angle to the second segment 92.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Timothy L. Turner, Michael R. Gogola, V. Steven Jackson, Ronald D. Parrella
  • Patent number: 8496472
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the clean and convenient combustion of high viscosity liquid fuels, such as glycerol, as well as an apparatus useful for carrying such processes. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a process for glycerol combustion comprising providing a combustion apparatus with a glycerol combustion chamber that facilitates reflective heating, pre-heating the glycerol combustion chamber, atomizing the reduced viscosity glycerol, and combining the atomized glycerol with air in the glycerol combustion chamber to thereby completely combust the glycerol. In one embodiment, such as when using a pressure-atomizing nozzle, the inventive method may further comprise treating the glycerol to reduce the glycerol viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: William L. Roberts, Brian Metzger, Timothy L. Turner
  • Patent number: 8350102
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to processes for the direct conversion of lipidic biomass fuelstock to combustible fuels. In particular, the disclosure provides a process for the direct conversion of animal fats to transportations fuels suitable as replacement for petroleum-derived transportation fuels. In an example, the method comprises the steps of hydrolyzing a lipidic biomass to form free fatty acids, catalytically deoxygenating the free fatty acids to form n-alkanes, and reforming at least a portion of the n-alkanes into a mixture of compounds in the correct chain length, conformations, and ratio to be useful transportation fuels. Particularly, the product prepared comprises mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds selected from the group consisting of n-alkanes, isoalkanes, aromatics, cycloalkanes, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: William L. Roberts, IV, H. Henry Lamb, Larry F. Stikeleather, Timothy L. Turner
  • Patent number: 8350103
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to processes for the direct conversion of lipidic biomass fuelstock to combustible fuels. In particular, the disclosure provides a process for the direct conversion of animal fats to transportations fuels suitable as replacement for petroleum-derived transportation fuels. In an example, the method comprises the steps of hydrolyzing a lipidic biomass to form free fatty acids, catalytically deoxygenating the free fatty acids to form n-alkanes, and reforming at least a portion of the n-alkanes into a mixture of compounds in the correct chain length, conformations, and ratio to be useful transportation fuels. Particularly, the product prepared comprises mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds selected from the group consisting of n-alkanes, isoalkanes, aromatics, cycloalkanes, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: William L. Roberts, IV, H. Henry Lamb, Larry F. Stikeleather, Timothy L. Turner
  • Patent number: 8336728
    Abstract: A can end for a container has a metallic main portion and a polymeric separable cap. The metallic main portion is positioned about a longitudinal axis and has a curl defining a radially outer perimeter of the can end. A center panel is joined to the curl. A dispensing aperture is in the center panel, and a plurality of projections extend radially inwardly into the dispensing aperture. The polymeric separable cap is in the dispensing aperture and has a plurality of angled channels. The channels have an entry portion opposite a terminal end and a vent region therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Timothy L. Turner
  • Patent number: 8333294
    Abstract: A cap for sealing a container has a top panel and a circumferential side wall panel. The top panel is positioned about a longitudinal axis and extends radially outwardly therefrom. The circumferential side wall panel is integral with an outer peripheral edge of the top panel and has first second, and third segments. The first segment extends downwardly. The second segment extends radially outwardly at a first angle to the first segment. The third segment extends downwardly from the second segment at a second angle to the second segment. The cap has lug members for sealing the cap to a container having corresponding lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Timothy L. Turner
  • Patent number: 8328493
    Abstract: A knockout tool for removing a filled beverage container from a seaming tool subsequent to attachment to a can end during a seaming process has a main portion positioned about a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of engagement segments extending downwardly from the main portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Gogola, Randall G. Forrest, Timothy L. Turner
  • Publication number: 20120108861
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for the direct conversion of lipidic biomass fuelstock to combustible fuels. In particular, the invention provides a process for the direct conversion of animal fats to transportations fuels suitable as replacement for petroleum-derived transportation fuels. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of hydrolyzing a lipidic biomass to form free fatty acids, catalytically deoxygenating the free fatty acids to form n-alkanes, and reforming at least a portion of the n-alkanes into a mixture of compounds in the correct chain length, conformations, and ratio to be useful transportation fuels. Particularly, the product prepared according to the invention comprises mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds selected from the group consisting of n-alkanes, isoalkanes, aromatics, cycloalkanes, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: William L. Roberts, IV, H. Henry Lamb, Larry F. Stikeleather, Timothy L. Turner
  • Patent number: 8146768
    Abstract: A container has a selectively openable panel defined at least in part by a frangible score groove in a surface of the container. The frangible score groove is selectively fracturable by a lifting action administered by a user to a secured to the container. The tab has a nose portion separated from a lift end by a central webbing. The central webbing has a hinge region and a rivet island. The rivet island is at least partially surrounded by a first void region. The central webbing also has a grab portion at the lift end of the tab. The grab portion has an enclosed region defining a billboard surface. The billboard surface has a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side. A bead created by displacing the material of the central webbing is located on the billboard surface. A pigment-carrying layer covers at least a portion of the billboard surface. A tactile indicium is located on the billboard surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Timothy L. Turner
  • Patent number: 8104319
    Abstract: In a method of forming a beverage can end wherein a beverage can end shell has a curl defining a perimeter of the can end, a chuckwall extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the curl, a generally U-shaped countersink joining the chuckwall to an outer peripheral edge of a center panel, a method of forming an arcuate chuckwall in the beverage can end shell is described. The method of forming the arcuate chuckwall comprises the steps of providing a partially formed can end, providing an upper tooling having an annular, generally arcuate segment, and providing a lower tooling having a circumferential, generally arcuate, outwardly convex segment in at least partial alignment with the annular, generally arcuate segment of the upper tooling. The annular, generally arcuate segment of the upper tooling and the circumferential, generally arcuate, outwardly convex segment of the lower tooling are brought into engagement with a public side and a product side of the partially formed can end, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: Timothy L. Turner, Randall G. Forrest, Rajesh Gopalaswamy, Michael R. Gogola
  • Publication number: 20110278255
    Abstract: A cap 80 for sealing a container having a lug-type closure assembly is described. The cap 80 has a top panel 84 and a circumferential side wall panel 82. The top panel 84 is positioned about a longitudinal axis 50 and extends radially outwardly therefrom. The circumferential side wall panel 82 is integral with an outer peripheral edge of the top panel 84 and has first, second, and third segments 90, 92, 94. The first segment 90 extends downwardly. The second segment 92 extends radially outwardly at a first angle to the first segment 90. The third segment 94 extends downwardly from the second segment 94 at a second angle to the second segment 92.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: REXAM BEVERAGE CAN COMPANY
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Timothy L. Turner, Michael R. Gogola, V. Steven Jackson, Ronald D. Parrella
  • Patent number: 8052005
    Abstract: A beverage can end is described. The beverage can end has a curl defining a perimeter of the can end, a chuckwall extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the curl, and a transition wall joining the chuckwall to an outer peripheral edge of a center panel. The transition wall is formed in compression such that a portion of the transition wall exhibits a compressed segment having a thickness which is 1% to 20% thicker than a thickness of the center panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: Timothy L. Turner, Randall G. Forrest, Rajesh Gopalaswamy, Michael R. Gogola
  • Patent number: 8011527
    Abstract: A can end for a two-piece beverage can is described. The can end has a center panel positioned about a vertical center axis. The center panel has a stay-on tab opening assembly located on a public side. A reinforcing bead surrounds the center panel. The reinforcing bead has an inner curved portion having a radius of curvature located radially inwardly from an outer curved portion having a radius of curvature. The radius of curvature of the outer curved portion is greater than the radius of curvature of the inner curved portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Timothy L. Turner
  • Publication number: 20110105813
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for the direct conversion of lipidic biomass fuelstock to combustible fuels. In particular, the invention provides a process for the direct conversion of animal fats to transportations fuels suitable as replacement for petroleum-derived transportation fuels. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of hydrolyzing a lipidic biomass to form free fatty acids, catalytically deoxygenating the free fatty acids to form n-alkanes, and reforming at least a portion of the n-alkanes into a mixture of compounds in the correct chain length, conformations, and ratio to be useful transportation fuels. Particularly, the product prepared according to the invention comprises mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds selected from the group consisting of n-alkanes, isoalkanes, aromatics, cycloalkanes, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: William L. Roberts, IV, H. Henry Lamb, Larry F. Stikeleather, Timothy L. Turner
  • Publication number: 20110033265
    Abstract: A knockout tool for removing a filled beverage container from a seaming tool subsequent to attachment to a can end during a seaming process has a main portion positioned about a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of engagement segments extending downwardly from the main portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: REXAM BEVERAGE CAN COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael R. Gogola, Randall G. Forrest, Timothy L. Turner
  • Patent number: 7816570
    Abstract: A process for the direct conversion of lipid biomass fuel stock to combustible fuels include the steps of hydrolyzing a lipid biomass to form free fatty acids, catalytically deoxygenating the free fatty acids to from n-alkanes, and reforming at least a portion of the n-alkanes into a mixture of compounds having the correct chain length, conformations and ratio to be useful as transportation fuels. The process exhibits an overall energy efficiency of at least about 75%, wherein energy efficiency is calculated as the lower heating value of the produced transportation fuel over the sum of the lower heating value of the process reactants and the total energy input into the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: William L. Roberts, IV, H. Henry Lamb, Larry F. Stikeleather, Timothy L. Turner