Patents by Inventor William M Bostic
William M Bostic 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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Patent number: 6989517Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided by the invention. The delivery apparatus includes a container for holding an article to be delivered and a heater. The container includes a housing forming an interior area and an opening. The opening is provided with a size sufficient to allow movement of the article from outside the container to within the interior area, and from within the interior area to outside the container. The heater is provided for placement within the interior area for heating the article. The heater includes an electrically conductive coil for providing an electric current when exposed to a magnetic field, and an electrical resistance heating element for generating heat. The electrical resistance heating element is provided in electrical connectivity with the electrically conductive coil. A delivery apparatus assembly is provided which includes an induction range for generating a magnetic field. A heater and a method for delivering food are provided by the invention.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Vesture CorporationInventors: Byron C. Owens, Mark E. Van Hoy, William M. Bostic
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Patent number: 6861628Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided by the invention. The delivery apparatus includes a container for holding an article to be delivered and a heater. The container includes a housing forming an interior area and an opening. The opening is provided with a size sufficient to allow movement of the article from outside the container to within the interior area, and from within the interior area to outside the container. The heater is provided for placement within the interior area for heating the article. The heater includes an electrically conductive coil for providing an electric current when exposed to a magnetic field, and an electrical resistance heating element for generating heat. The electrical resistance heating element is provided in electrical connectivity with the electrically conductive coil. A delivery apparatus assembly is provided which includes an induction range for generating a magnetic field. A heater and a method for delivering food are provided by the invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Vesture CorporationInventors: Byron C Owens, Mark E. Van Hoy, William M Bostic
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Publication number: 20030106889Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided by the invention. The delivery apparatus includes a container for holding an article to be delivered and a heater. The container includes a housing forming an interior area and an opening. The opening is provided with a size sufficient to allow movement of the article from outside the container to within the interior area, and from within the interior area to outside the container. The heater is provided for placement within the interior area for heating the article. The heater includes an electrically conductive coil for providing an electric current when exposed to a magnetic field, and an electrical resistance heating element for generating heat. The electrical resistance heating element is provided in electrical connectivity with the electrically conductive coil. A delivery apparatus assembly is provided which includes an induction range for generating a magnetic field. A heater and a method for delivering food are provided by the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2002Publication date: June 12, 2003Applicant: Vesture CorporationInventors: Byron C. Owens, Mark E. Van Hoy, William M. Bostic
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Patent number: 6555799Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided by the invention. The delivery apparatus includes a container for holding an article to be delivered and a heater. The container includes a housing forming an interior area and an opening. The opening is provided with a size sufficient to allow movement of the article from outside the container to within the interior area, and from within the interior area to outside the container. The heater is provided for placement within the interior area for heating the article. The heater includes an electrically conductive coil for providing an electric current when exposed to a magnetic field, and an electrical resistance heating element for generating heat. The electrical resistance heating element is provided in electrical connectivity with the electrically conductive coil. A delivery apparatus assembly is provided which includes an induction range for generating a magnetic field. A heater and a method for delivering food are provided by the invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Vesture CorporationInventors: Byron C. Owens, Mark E. Van Hoy, William M. Bostic
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Patent number: 6555789Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided by the invention. The delivery apparatus includes a container for holding an article to be delivered and a heater, and an enunciating device for displaying temperature conditions within the container. The container includes a plurality of walls forming an interior area and an opening, wherein the opening is provided with a size sufficient to allow movement of the article and the heater from outside the container to within the interior area of the container. The container includes a flap for selectively covering and uncovering the opening to allow access to the interior area of the container. The heater is constructed and arranged for placement within the interior area of the container and is provided for heating the article. The enunciating device includes a temperature sensor for sensing temperature within the container, a temperature display for displaying temperature conditions within the container, and a power source for operating the enunciating device.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Vesture CorporationInventors: Byron C. Owens, Mark E. Van Hoy, William M. Bostic
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Publication number: 20020175159Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided by the invention. The delivery apparatus includes a container for holding an article to be delivered and a heater, and an enunciating device for displaying temperature conditions within the container. The container includes a plurality of walls forming an interior area and an opening, wherein the opening is provided with a size sufficient to allow movement of the article and the heater from outside the container to within the interior area of the container. The container includes a flap for selectively covering and uncovering the opening to allow access to the interior area of the container. The heater is constructed and arranged for placement within the interior area of the container and is provided for heating the article. The enunciating device includes a temperature sensor for sensing temperature within the container, a temperature display for displaying temperature conditions within the container, and a power source for operating the enunciating device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Applicant: Vesture CorporationInventors: Byron C. Owens, Mark E. Van Hoy, William M. Bostic
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Patent number: 6486443Abstract: A delivery apparatus comprising a container and a heater is provided for holding an article in thermally conductive contact with the heater. The heater includes a heating grid constructed to provide a output watt density of greater than 2.5 watts per square inch. A heat sink is provided in thermally conductive contact with the heating grid for receiving and storing heat energy from the heating grid. The heater also includes a cover and a power cord. In another embodiment a delivery apparatus includes a controller. The controller provides information to the user about the status of the delivery apparatus by changing the state of a light source.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2002Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Vesture CorporationInventors: William M. Bostic, Byron Owens
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Patent number: 6433313Abstract: A delivery apparatus includes a container for holding an article to be delivered and a heater, and an enunciating device for displaying temperature conditions within the container. The container includes a plurality of walls forming an interior area and an opening, wherein the opening is provided with a size sufficient to allow movement of the article and the heater from outside the container to within the interior area of the container. The container includes a flap for selectively covering and uncovering the opening to allow access to the interior area of the container. The heater is constructed and arranged for placement within the interior area of the container and is provided for heating the article. The enunciating device includes a temperature sensor for sensing temperature within the container, a temperature display for displaying temperature conditions within the container, and a power source for operating the enunciating device. A method for delivering food and an enunciating device are provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Vesture CorporationInventors: Byron C. Owens, Mark E. Van Hoy, William M. Bostic
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Publication number: 20020096513Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided by the invention. The delivery apparatus includes a container for holding an article to be delivered and a heater. The container includes a housing forming an interior area and an opening. The opening is provided with a size sufficient to allow movement of the article from outside the container to within the interior area, and from within the interior area to outside the container. The heater is provided for placement within the interior area for heating the article. The heater includes an electrically conductive coil for providing an electric current when exposed to a magnetic field, and an electrical resistance heating element for generating heat. The electrical resistance heating element is provided in electrical connectivity with the electrically conductive coil. A delivery apparatus assembly is provided which includes an induction range for generating a magnetic field. A heater and a method for delivering food are provided by the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2002Publication date: July 25, 2002Applicant: Vesture CorporationInventors: Byron C. Owens, Mark E. Van Hoy, William M. Bostic
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Publication number: 20020092838Abstract: A delivery apparatus comprising a container and a heater is provided. The container is provided for holding an article in thermally conductive contact with the heater. The heater includes a heating grid constructed to provide a output watt density of greater than 2.5 watts per square inch. A heat sink is provided in thermally conductive contact with the heating grid for receiving and storing heat energy from the heating grid. The heater also includes a cover and a power cord. In another embodiment a delivery apparatus includes a controller. The controller provides information to the user about the status of the delivery apparatus by changing the state of a light source. A method of delivering food is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2002Publication date: July 18, 2002Applicant: Vesture CorporationInventors: William M. Bostic, Byron Owens
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Patent number: 6384387Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided by the invention. The delivery apparatus includes a container for holding an article to be delivered and a heater. The container includes a housing forming an interior area and an opening. The opening is provided with a size sufficient to allow movement of the article from outside the container to within the interior area, and from within the interior area to outside the container. The heater is provided for placement within the interior area for heating the article. The heater includes an electrically conductive coil for providing an electric current when exposed to a magnetic field, and an electrical resistance heating element for generating heat. The electrical resistance heating element is provided in electrical connectivity with the electrically conductive coil. A delivery apparatus assembly is provided which includes an induction range for generating a magnetic field. A heater and a method for delivering food are provided by the invention.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Vesture CorporationInventors: Byron C. Owens, Mark E. Van Hoy, William M. Bostic
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Patent number: 6353208Abstract: A delivery apparatus comprising a container and a heater is provided. The container is provided for holding an article in thermally conductive contact with the heater. The heater includes a heating grid constructed to provide a output watt density of greater than 2.5 watts per square inch. A heat sink is provided in thermally conductive contact with the heating grid for receiving and storing heat energy from the heating grid. The heater also includes a cover and a power cord. In another embodiment a delivery apparatus includes a controller. The controller provides information to the user about the status of the delivery apparatus by changing the state of a light source. A method of delivering food is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2000Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Vesture CorporationInventors: William M. Bostic, Byron Owens
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Patent number: 6300599Abstract: A wrap heater is provided. The wrap heater includes a first heating sleeve and a second heating sleeve. The first heating sleeve includes a first electrically conductive heating grid, a first stiffening layer for providing rigidity, a first thermostat, and a first cover for enclosing the components in the first heating sleeve. The second heating sleeve includes a second electrically conductive heating grid, a second stiffening layer, a thermostat, and a cover enclosing the components of the second heating sleeve. An extension is provided for separating the first heating sleeve and the second heating sleeve. The wrap heater is provided for heating at least two surfaces of a food product. A method for heating food product, such as pizza, is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Vesture CorporationInventors: Byron C. Owens, William M. Bostic, Robert Mericle
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Patent number: 6266972Abstract: A modular freezer pallet having an interior perishable item storage area is provided. The modular freezer pallet includes a heat sink material for maintaining the interior perishable item storage area at a desired temperature for storage of perishable items. The heat sink material preferably maintains the interior perishable item storage area at a temperature of less than about 38° F. for 48 hours in an ambient environment of one atmosphere and 70° F. A method for storing perishable items is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1998Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Vesture CorporationInventor: William M. Bostic
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Patent number: 6121578Abstract: A wrap heater is provided. The wrap heater includes a first heating sleeve and a second heating sleeve. The first heating sleeve includes a first electrically conductive heating grid, a first stiffening layer for providing rigidity, a first thermostat, and a first cover for enclosing the components in the first heating sleeve. The second heating sleeve includes a second electrically conductive heating grid, a second stiffening layer, a thermostat, and a cover enclosing the components of the second heating sleeve. An extension is provided for separating the first heating sleeve and the second heating sleeve. The wrap heater is provided for heating at least two surfaces of a food product. A method for heating food product, such as pizza, is provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Vesture CorporationInventors: Byron C. Owens, William M. Bostic, Robert Mericle
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Patent number: 6062040Abstract: A lightweight, insulated chest and method are provided for transportation and storage of perishable and other items which require a temperature-controlled environment. The chest includes insulated side walls, bottom and a hinged cover which is pneumatically sealed to prevent tampering and for thermal security. The chest includes a fluid conduit within the cover for air evacuation and depressurization of the interior and also includes a conduit to provide a vacuum between the walls of the sides and bottom which contain a rigid polymeric foam insulation.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1999Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Vesture CorporationInventors: William M. Bostic, Stewart D. Glenn
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Patent number: 6060696Abstract: A food delivery container is provided for pizza or other food items and includes a heating element having a phase change material such as a ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene which transforms from a solid to a semi-solid at approximately 248.degree. -275.degree. F. The heating element comprises a rigid envelope which is permeable to prevent gaseous buildup during heating. The heating element, when placed within a suitable insulated container, will maintain food warm for several hours during storage or delivery. In one embodiment of the heating element, an electric resistance grid is provided for supplying heat energy.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Vesture CorporationInventor: William M. Bostic
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Patent number: 5918478Abstract: A lightweight, insulated chest and method are provided for transportation and storage of perishable and other items which require a temperature-controlled environment. The chest includes insulated side walls, bottom and a hinged cover which is pneumatically sealed to prevent tampering and for thermal security. The chest includes a fluid conduit within the cover for air evacuation and depressurization of the interior and also includes a conduit to provide a vacuum between the walls of the sides and bottom which contain a rigid polymeric foam insulation.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Vesture CorporationInventors: William M. Bostic, Stewart D. Glenn
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Patent number: 5880435Abstract: A food delivery container is provided for pizza or other food items and includes a heating element having a phase change material such as a ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene which transforms from a solid to a semi-solid at approximately 248.degree.-275.degree. F. The heating element comprises a rigid envelope which is permeable to prevent gaseous build-up during heating. The heating element, when placed within a suitable insulated container, will maintain food warm for several hours during storage or delivery. In one embodiment of the heating element, an electric resistance grid is provided for supplying heat energy.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1996Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Vesture CorporationInventor: William M. Bostic
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Patent number: 5865037Abstract: A lightweight, insulated chest and method are provided for transportation and storage of perishable and other items which require a temperature-controlled environment. The chest includes insulated side walls, bottom and a hinged cover which is pneumatically sealed to prevent tampering and for thermal security. The chest includes a fluid conduit within the cover for air evacuation and depressurization of the interior and also includes a conduit to provide a vacuum between the walls of the sides and bottom which contain a rigid polymeric foam insulation.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1996Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Vesture CorporationInventor: William M. Bostic