Patents by Inventor William Kirk
William Kirk 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).
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Publication number: 20090019855Abstract: A gas turbine combustor including: a primary combustion chamber; a secondary combustion chamber downstream of the primary combustion chamber; a venturi having a venturi throat; a transition piece; a cap assembly attached to the primary combustion chamber, and an external turbulator member in operable communication with the cap assembly, wherein the primary combustion chamber includes a mixing hole arrangement for improving homogeneity of an air and fuel mixture in the combustor; the venturi throat is disposed within a predetermined distance upstream from the downstream end of the primary combustion chamber; the transition piece is composed of a duct body, with a plurality of dilution holes formed in the duct body; and the external turbulator member includes a step positioned at the second end of the centerbody, the step defining a radial distance about the second end of the centerbody.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2008Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Krishna K. Venkataraman, William Kirk Hessler, Predrag Popovic
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Patent number: 7344041Abstract: A container assembly for packaging nonliquid material includes a can body that may be filled with nonliquid material and an end panel that is secured to the can body, preferably by seaming. A score line that is formed in the end panel defines a first removable portion and a second nonremovable portion. Structure such as a tab is provided for initiating separation of the first removable portion from the second nonremovable portion at a first location along the score line that defines an axis of symmetry about which separation of the first removable portion from the second nonremovable portion during opening will progress substantially symmetrically. The score line is shaped so that the second nonremovable portion defines a spoon leveling shelf that is shaped and sized to permit a consumer to level a spoonful of nonliquid material. Moreover, at least one exposed edge of the spoon leveling shelf is afforded cut protection by a safety fold.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Crown, Cork & Seal Company, Inc.Inventors: Paul R. Heinicke, William A. Kirk
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Publication number: 20070277638Abstract: A screw drive with an antibacklash mechanism and method including a pair of nuts rotatably mounted in a housing which are urged to rotate in opposite directions to engage flanks of leadscrew threads with a torsional spring interposed between the two nuts to eliminate backlash. A pivoted control lever has opposite ends engaged with a respective nut so that if either of the nuts rotate slightly, the other nut is also rotated slightly to prevent jamming. Locking cams are also provided to limit the control lever motion when the screw is sufficiently heavily loaded axially sufficiently to overcome the torsional spring by locking the lever to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2007Publication date: December 6, 2007Inventor: William Kirk
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Publication number: 20070138181Abstract: A container assembly for packaging nonliquid material includes a can body that may be filled with nonliquid material and an end panel that is secured to the can body, preferably by seaming. A score line that is formed in the end panel defines a first removable portion and a second nonremovable portion. Structure such as a tab is provided for initiating separation of the first removable portion from the second nonremovable portion at a first location along the score line that defines an axis of symmetry about which separation of the first removable portion from the second nonremovable portion during opening will progress substantially symmetrically. The score line is shaped so that the second nonremovable portion defines a spoon leveling shelf that is shaped and sized to permit a consumer to level a spoonful of nonliquid material. Moreover, at least one exposed edge of the spoon leveling shelf is afforded cut protection by a safety fold.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2007Publication date: June 21, 2007Applicant: CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Paul Heinicke, William Kirk
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Patent number: 7225944Abstract: A container assembly for packaging nonliquid material includes a can body that may be filled with nonliquid material and an end panel that is secured to the can body, preferably by seaming. A score line that is formed in the end panel defines a first removable portion and a second nonremovable portion. Structure such as a tab is provided for initiating separation of the first removable portion from the second nonremovable portion at a first location along the score line that defines an axis of symmetry about which separation of the first removable portion from the second nonremovable portion during opening will progress substantially symmetrically. The score line is shaped so that the second nonremovable portion defines a spoon leveling shelf that is shaped and sized to permit a consumer to level a spoonful of nonliquid material. Moreover, at least one exposed edge of the spoon leveling shelf is afforded cut protection by a safety fold.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.Inventors: Paul R. Heinicke, William A. Kirk
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Publication number: 20060041018Abstract: A method of monitoring/controlling Thysanoptera (hereafter thrips) by the use of a behaviour modifying compound of Formula (1), wherein Formula (1) is:— where R1 is a monoterpenyl group and R2 is a C3-C5 group.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2005Publication date: February 23, 2006Applicant: Keele UniverstiyInventors: James Hamilton, William Kirk
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Publication number: 20050077294Abstract: A container assembly for packaging nonliquid material includes a can body that may be filled with nonliquid material and an end panel that is secured to the can body, preferably by seaming. A score line that is formed in the end panel defines a first removable portion and a second nonremovable portion. Structure such as a tab is provided for initiating separation of the first removable portion from the second nonremovable portion at a first location along the score line that defines an axis of symmetry about which separation of the first removable portion from the second nonremovable portion during opening will progress substantially symmetrically. The score line is shaped so that the second nonremovable portion defines a spoon leveling shelf that is shaped and sized to permit a consumer to level a spoonful of nonliquid material. Moreover, at least one exposed edge of the spoon leveling shelf is afforded cut protection by a safety fold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2003Publication date: April 14, 2005Inventors: Paul Heinicke, William Kirk
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Publication number: 20050033563Abstract: Temperature and precipitation are predicted from temperature and precipitation during the same week in one or two previous years and normal temperature and precipitation during that week. The difference between the previous year's value and the normal value is calculated and used to determine which forecasting formula is used. The result can be prepared in graphical form by time, geography, or both for use in planning advertising, retailer stock purchases, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2003Publication date: February 10, 2005Inventor: William Kirk
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Patent number: 6702538Abstract: A method of forming a can end comprises the step of forming a substantially circular metal blank having a periphery and a center panel. An annular recessed panel is subsequently formed in the blank. The recessed panel has a first depth in relation to a substantially annular portion of the blank contiguously formed with the recessed panel. The substantially annular portion of the blank is then coined while the recessed panel is re-formed to a second depth in relation to the substantially annular portion of the blank. The second depth is greater than the first depth. Forming the can end in this manner minimizes warpage of the can end, and thereby allows the can end to be formed from a relatively thin sheet of metal.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2000Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies CorporationInventors: Paul R. Heinicke, William A. Kirk
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Patent number: 6685417Abstract: An easy open safety end having a central portion and a rim portion separated by a score line. A tab applies a force to the end adjacent the score line so as to shear the score line at opening. A circumferentially extending fold is formed in either the central portion or the rim portion, or both, to protect the user from being cut by the sharp edge the results upon shearing the score line. A first circumferential portion of the fold is tight, whereas a second portion, which is preferably proximate the tab is loose. The fold is displaced below a portion of the end adjacent the score line by a circumferentially extending gap. In the tight portion of the fold, the width of the gap is less than the thickness of the end, and preferably less than one half the thickness, whereas in the loose portion of the fold, the width of the gap is greater than the thickness of the end, and is preferably at least twice the thickness of the end.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies CorporationInventors: Paul R. Heinicke, William A. Kirk
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Publication number: 20020172578Abstract: An easy open safety end having a central portion and a rim portion separated by a score line. A tab applies a force to the end adjacent the score line so as to shear the score line at opening. A circumferentially extending fold is formed in either the central portion or the rim portion, or both, to protect the user from being cut by the sharp edge the results upon shearing the score line. A first circumferential portion of the fold is tight, whereas a second portion, which is preferably proximate the tab is loose. The fold is displaced below a portion of the end adjacent the score line by a circumferentially extending gap. In the tight portion of the fold, the width of the gap is less than the thickness of the end, and preferably less than one half the thickness, whereas in the loose portion of the fold, the width of the gap is greater than the thickness of the end, and is preferably at least twice the thickness of the end.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Applicant: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies, CorporationInventors: Paul R. Heinicke, William A. Kirk
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Patent number: 6401956Abstract: An easy open safety end having a central portion and a rim portion separated by a score line. A tab applies a force to the end adjacent the score line so as to shear the score line at opening. A circumferentially extending fold is formed in either the central portion or the rim portion, or both, to protect the user from being cut by the sharp edge the results upon shearing the score line. A first circumferential portion of the fold is tight, whereas a second portion, which is preferably proximate the tab is loose. The fold is displaced below a portion of the end adjacent the score line by a circumferentially extending gap. In the tight portion of the fold, the width of the gap is less than the thickness of the end, and preferably less than one half the thickness, whereas in the loose portion of the fold, the width of the gap is greater than the thickness of the end, and is preferably at least twice the thickness of the end.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies CorporationInventors: Paul R. Heinicke, William A. Kirk
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Patent number: 6374657Abstract: A method of making a can body of the type that has at least one axially extending rib formed therein includes a first forming step of creating a preform having a sidewall that has at least one axially extending rib formed therein and a bottom that is coextensive with the sidewall and intersects the sidewall at a rim. This first forming step is performed so that at least a portion of the bottom is recessed by a predetermined depth with respect to the rim. The method further includes a second step of performing a second drawing operation on the preform to form a can body having a bump-up bottom. It is important that the predetermined depth be sufficient to prevent the axially extending rib to be drawn into said bump-up bottom.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies CorporationInventors: William A. Kirk, Benjamin Derr
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Patent number: 5931331Abstract: A can end having an improved pour-type ecology opening mechanism includes a conventional can end wall that contains a score line that defines a displaceable panel. The score line includes an initial design rupture point, a radiused portion having a first tangent point and a second tangent point, and a main portion that terminates at a final transition point. The can end further includes a tab having a liftable heel portion and a tab nose portion, with the tab nose portion being positioned to apply downward pressure to the panel at a pressure point on the displaceable panel when the heel portion is lifted. The tab has a center line that is coincident with a radius of said can end wall. Advantageously, the pressure point is positioned a distance, taken in the direction of the center line, from the second tangent point of the radiused portion that is selected to prevent a buildup of force that would otherwise hasten propagation of separation along the main portion of the score.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies CorporationInventors: William A. Kirk, Michael C. Calhoun, David M. Hoffman, Jeffrey McFarland
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Patent number: 5904236Abstract: Fruit or other objects placed on the conveyor and spun by the conveyor are properly oriented on the conveyor by the method and apparatus of the invention by ejecting one or more adjacent touching objects or ejecting objects which form stacked triplets. An optical sensor determines when there is or is not a gap between objects and relates that gap detection to the position of the objects on the conveyor. Detection of a continuous signal through a controller circuit causes a downstream solenoid to be energized according to predetermined timing. The solenoid in turn, when energized, rotates a finger which is coupled to, carried with the conveyor system and situated underneath the pocket between adjacent spools. The finger rotates upwardly and ejects the objects sitting in the pocket, thereby removing the misplaced or touching objects on the conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1998Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Sunkist Growers, Inc.Inventors: Henry A Affeldt, William Kirk, Tim D Conway
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Patent number: 5865291Abstract: Fruit or other objects placed on the conveyor and spun by the conveyor are properly oriented on the conveyor by the method and apparatus of the invention by ejecting one or more adjacent touching objects or ejecting objects which form stacked triplets. An optical sensor determines wherein there is or is not a gap between objects and relates that gap detection to the position of the objects on the conveyor. Detection of a continuous signal through a controller circuit causes a downstream solenoid to be energized according to predetermined timing. The solenoid in turn, when energized, rotates a finger which is coupled to, carried with the conveyor system and situated underneath the pocket between adjacent spools. The finger rotates upwardly and ejects the objects sitting in the pocket, thereby removing the misplaced or touching objects on the conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Sunkist Growers, Inc.Inventors: Henry A Affeldt, William Kirk, Tim D Conway
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Patent number: 5651446Abstract: Fruit or other objects placed on the conveyor and spun by the conveyor are properly oriented on the conveyor by the method and apparatus of the invention by ejecting one or more adjacent touching objects or ejecting objects which form stacked triplets. An optical sensor determines when there is or is not a gap between objects and relates that gap detection to the position of the objects on the conveyor. Detection of a continuous signal through a controller circuit causes a downstream solenoid to be energized according to predetermined timing. The solenoid in turn, when energized, rotates a finger which is coupled to, carried with the conveyor system and situated underneath the pocket between adjacent spools. The finger rotates upwardly and ejects the objects sitting in the pocket, thereby removing the misplaced or touching objects on the conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1996Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: Sunkist Growers, Inc.Inventors: Henry A. Affeldt, William Kirk, Tim D. Conway
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Patent number: 5513740Abstract: Fruit or other objects placed on the conveyor and spun by the conveyor are properly oriented on the conveyor by the method and apparatus of the invention by ejecting one or more adjacent touching objects or ejecting objects which form stacked triplets. An optical sensor determines when there is or is not a gap between objects and relates that gap detection to the position of the objects on the conveyor. Detection of a continuous signal through a controller circuit causes a downstream solenoid to be energized according to predetermined timing. The solenoid in turn, when energized, rotates a finger which is coupled to, carried with the conveyor system and situated underneath the pocket between adjacent spools. The finger rotates upwardly and ejects the objects sitting in the pocket, thereby removing the misplaced or touching objects on the conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1994Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: Sunkist GrowersInventors: Henry A. Affeldt, William Kirk, Tim D. Conway
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Patent number: 5483871Abstract: Described is an apparatus and method, particularly applicable to a brush bed conveyor system, by which objects, typically citrus fruit, are washed or sprayed. A moveable high pressure spray manifold is contained within a manifold carriage and is disposed within the conveyor chassis such that it is moved along above a brush bed by a conveyor chain. Separation bars extend from the conveyor chain to segregate the objects into queues retained within the spray pattern of the manifold. When the manifold reaches a predetermined end position, a release latch is decoupled from the separation bars to disconnect the separation bars and conveyor chain from the manifold carriage. The predetermined end position is sensed and the manifold carriage is quickly returned to its initial position by means of a selectively activated pneumatic piston assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1994Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Sunkist Growers, Inc.Inventors: William Kirk, Henry A. Affeldt, Keith Gilbert, David Lerew
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Patent number: 5451266Abstract: Described is a method, particularly applicable to a brush bed conveyor system, by which objects, typically citrus fruit, are washed or sprayed. A moveable high pressure spray manifold is contained within a manifold carriage and is disposed within the conveyor chassis such that it is moved along above a brush bed by a conveyor chain. Separation bars extend from the conveyor chain to segregate the objects into queues retained within the spray pattern of the manifold. When the manifold reaches a predetermined end position, a release latch is decoupled from the separation bars to disconnect the separation bars and conveyor chain from the manifold carriage. The predetermined end position is sensed and the manifold carriage is quickly returned to its initial position by means of a selectively activated pneumatic piston assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1994Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Assignee: Sunkist Growers, Inc.Inventors: William Kirk, Henry A. Affeldt, Keith Gilbert, David Lerew