Patents by Inventor Todd Erickson

Todd Erickson 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: 10820479
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for seed ablation. In accordance with the method of seed ablation, the apparatus is adapted to expose a heat source to a plurality of seeds while the seeds are in motion. Exposing of the heat source to the moving seed allows ablation of the seeds for de-awning and removing of the appendages of the seeds. In a particular arrangement the seeds are exposed to rotational movement within a centrifugal drum to form a rotating stream of seeds. A torch which reaches into the drum provides a flame directed to the stream of seeds for exposing the seeds to the flame. This allows the ablation of the seed awns and appendages over time as seeds enter into contact with the flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
    Inventors: King Ling, Andrew Louis Guzzomi, Todd Erickson, David Merritt, Kingsley Wayne Dixon
  • Publication number: 20180177117
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for seed ablation. In accordance with the method of seed ablation, the apparatus is adapted to expose a heat source to a plurality of seeds while the seeds are in motion. Exposing of the heat source to the moving seed allows ablation of the seeds for de-awning and removing of the appendages of the seeds. In a particular arrangement the seeds are exposed to rotational movement within a centrifugal drum to form a rotating stream of seeds. A torch which reaches into the drum provides a flame directed to the stream of seeds for exposing the seeds to the flame. This allows the ablation of the seed awns and appendages over time as seeds enter into contact with the flame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: King LING, Andrew Louis GUZZOMI, Todd ERICKSON, David MERRITT, Kingsley Wayne DIXON
  • Patent number: 4982845
    Abstract: A resealable packaging enclosure is disclosed which includes a tear path defining an aperture through which products may be extracted from the enclosure, and a resealable closure tab which extends across the tear path. The tear path includes weaker and stronger portions. The stronger portion is more resistent than the weaker portion to forces tending to separate the material comprising the enclosure along the tear path. Thus, the tear path has a variable resistance along its length to forces tending to open the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: James River Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Prascak, Todd Erickson