Patents by Inventor Tommy Allen Wark

Tommy Allen Wark 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: 6152289
    Abstract: An improved control apparatus that automatically maintains line balance and prevents part jam up in a manufacturing process by selectively removing parts from a conveyor line coupling successive manufacturing stations. The apparatus includes a stationary proximity sensor and air knife mounted with respect to the conveyor line, a timer, a solenoid-operated air valve for coupling the air knife to a source of compressed air, and an excess part bin adjacent the conveyor line. When the proximity sensor is closed for more than a first predetermined interval, an impending jam-up of parts is detected, and the timer activates the solenoid-operated air valve for a second predetermined interval, causing the air knife to blow one or more parts from the conveyor line into the excess parts bin. A manually operated switch may be provided for continually activating the air valve to remove all parts during maintenance operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Tommy Allen Wark, Thomas Barry Smith, Eric Lapeng Chau, Jr.