Patents Examined by Michael McCullough
  • Patent number: 11851292
    Abstract: A waste sorting robot gripper comprises a suction cup engageable with the surface of a waste object. The suction cup has an air hole for evacuating air from the suction cup. A suction tube is coupled to the suction cup. The suction tube comprises a longitudinal axis. A first air inlet is in fluid communication with the air hole at one end of the suction tube and an air outlet at the other end of the suction tube. A path of the air flow between the air inlet and the air outlet is substantially along the longitudinal axis. The suction tube comprises a second air inlet in fluid communication with an air source, the second air inlet being between the first air inlet and the air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: MP ZenRobotics Oy
    Inventors: Tuomas Lukka, Maciej Borkowski
  • Patent number: 11846070
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a screen cylinder that is particularly suitable for screening, filtering, fractionating, or sorting cellulose pulp or fibre suspensions of the pulp and paper industry or other similar suspensions. The present invention relates more particularly to screening devices, which are usually cylindrical though also conical shapes are known. Such screening devices have basically two optional constructions. A first one comprises a plurality of screen wires positioned substantially axially and at a small spacing parallel to each other. The plurality of screen wires forms a screening surface facing the pulp or fibre suspension to be screened and adjacent wires form screening openings therebetween allowing an accept portion of the pulp or fibre suspension to flow therethrough. The second construction comprises a drilled or slotted sheet metal plate bent to a circular, or in broader terms, rotationally symmetrical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: AIKAWA FIBER TECHNOLOGIES OY
    Inventors: Benoit Martineau, Israel Paquette, Christophe Roger Hayart, Robert William Gooding
  • Patent number: 11845109
    Abstract: A roller assembly for a screening device includes a shaft extending along a width direction, a pair of discs disposed on the shaft, and a spacing assembly disposed on the shaft between the pair of discs. The spacing assembly includes an inner spacer disposed around the shaft and an outer spacer disposed around the inner spacer. The outer spacer has a body defining an inner receiving space and a support element disposed in the inner receiving space. The body abuts against the discs and is formed of an elastically compressible material. The support element limits compression of the body along the width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Aggregates Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Buchanan
  • Patent number: 11839902
    Abstract: An automated shuttle sorter is disclosed that includes a carriage that is movable from a load position at which the carriage may be loaded, and at least two destination locations into which any contents of the carriage may be provided from the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, Christopher Geyer, Thomas Koletschka, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi, Thomas Allen
  • Patent number: 11833715
    Abstract: A method is described for recycling the infill of a synthetic turf, said infill being formed by a plurality of different granular materials, including at least sand granules, polymeric material granules and synthetic grass filaments, said method comprising the following steps: drying the infill, screening the infill through a plurality of successive screens (130,140,180,185) each having passage holes of different sizes subdividing the infill into a plurality of groups of granular material having different size ranges, separating each group of granular material into two subgroups of granular material based on the difference in density of the materials, and conveying the separated subgroups of granular materials to different collection containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: 100% TURFRECYCLERS SRL
    Inventors: Luca Bacchi, Sara Costa
  • Patent number: 11833526
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for extracting particles from a ferrofluid. Such methods may comprise receiving a flow of ferrofluid comprising target particles and background particles and generating a first, focusing magnetic field to focus the target particles towards a capture region. The capture region may capture the target particles and a plurality of background particles. A second, defocusing magnetic field may be configured to remove background particles from the capture region. A detector may be used to detect the target particles bound to the target region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Ancera Inc.
    Inventor: Hur Koser
  • Patent number: 11826788
    Abstract: An item sorting system having a tray handling system and a tote handling system. The tray handling system having a tray conveying system, a tray transfer system, and optionally a tray storage region. The tote handling system may have a cubby array, the cubby array having a plurality of cubbies into which a tote may be placed. The system can transfer an item from the tray into the tote, and a method is disclosed for the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: JR Automation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Ulrich, Matt Cagle, Ryan Lute, Kyle Christian, Jason Hodgins, Bret Slocum, Marc Walters
  • Patent number: 11826789
    Abstract: Provided is a package sorting method, a sorting area layout, a sorting system, and a path optimization method. The package sorting method includes: dividing a sorting area into at least a first logical partition close to a first item collecting area and a second logical partition close to a second item collecting area, where the first logical partition includes a first item dropping area, and the second logical partition includes a second item dropping area. By this method, a total path of package delivery is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Beijing Geekplus Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hao Han
  • Patent number: 11829102
    Abstract: Toner classification apparatus comprising classification rotor comprising a plurality of vanes extending from rotation center side of classification rotor to outer circumference side of classification rotor; the plurality of vanes are disposed with prescribed gaps established between vanes; gaps form opening facing rotation center region of classification rotor; each of vanes is disposed such that portion of vane away from of center of rotation of classification rotor is located on more upstream side in a direction of rotation of classification rotor than portion of vane closer to center of rotation of classification rotor; each of vanes has elbow; and in a horizontal cross section provided by sectioning classification rotor in a rotational axis perpendicular direction of classification rotor, shape of vane satisfies prescribed formulae, as well as toner production method comprising classification step of carrying out classification process on particles to be classified by using toner classification apparatus
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Yamashita, Yuichi Mizo, Junichi Tamura, Ran Wakayama, Yutaro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 11806756
    Abstract: An apparatus may include: a shaker body; a shaker screen disposed within the shaker body; and one or more air nozzles disposed within the shaker body, wherein the one or more air nozzles is positioned below the shaker screen, and wherein the one or more air nozzles is operable to deliver a pressurized stream of air to at least a portion of a bottom of the shaker screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brice Aaron Jackson, Andrew D. Vos, Daniel Reynold Robichaud
  • Patent number: 11808690
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for characterizing particles of a sample in a flow stream. Methods according to certain embodiments include generating frequency-encoded fluorescence data from a particle of a sample in a flow stream; and calculating phase-corrected spatial data of the particle by performing a transform of the frequency-encoded fluorescence data with a phase correction component. In certain embodiments, methods include generating an image of the particle in the flow stream based on the phase-corrected spatial data. Systems having a processor with memory operably coupled to the processor having instructions stored thereon, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to calculate phase-corrected spatial data from frequency-encoded fluorescence data of a particle a flow stream are also described. Integrated circuit devices (e.g., field programmable gate arrays) having programming for practicing the subject methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Jonathan Lin, Keegan Owsley, Matthew Bahr
  • Patent number: 11806761
    Abstract: A transfer module assembly includes a frame, a conveyor belt with internal rotating elements, where the conveyer belt is supported by the frame, conveyor drive rollers supported by the frame and configured to drive the conveyor belt, a flat transfer belt mounted beneath the conveyor belt and configured to contact undersides of the internal rotating elements of the conveyor belt in operation, and flat transfer belt drive rollers supported by the frame and configured to drive the flat transfer belt. The conveyor drive rollers are friction-based and operate without use of a sprocket, and comprise depressions for receiving the internal rotating elements of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Lundahl, Robert W. Cutlip, Mark G. Bankard, William D. Finch
  • Patent number: 11806731
    Abstract: A cyclonic separator (10) comprises a separation chamber (14), a feed inlet (16) leading into the separation chamber and an underflow discharge (18) leading from the separation chamber. The cyclonic separator further comprises a vortex finder which has an inlet end positioned in the separation chamber, an outlet end defining an overflow discharge, and a bleed opening (48) defined by the inlet and outlet ends of the vortex finder and through which a portion of an overflow stream can be bled from the vortex finder to remove oversized particles from the overflow stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Inventors: Chandranath Banerjee, Eduardo Cepeda, Niyam Balacharya Joshi, Amith Thirumale Muralidhara
  • Patent number: 11806754
    Abstract: A system for measuring volume flow of a material includes: an imaging receiver for receiving images of a screen deck of a vibratory shaker from an overhead position; at least one illumination device for projecting a line of light onto the screen deck from an angle different than a viewing angle of the imaging receiver to the screen deck; and a mounting bracket for holding the imaging receiver and the at least one illumination device in a substantially fixed relative position to one another and to the screen deck. The system is determines the volume flow of the material based on the images of the screen deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: J.M. CANTY INC.
    Inventors: Paul J. O'Brien, Thomas M. Canty
  • Patent number: 11801533
    Abstract: Automated sorting of a sealable bag includes contactlessly scanning a surface or surfaces of a sealable bag (upper or lower surface or both) as the sealable bag is conveyed past an inspection station; obtaining a surface profile topology of the scanned surface; calculating apparent volume of the sealable bag from the surface profile topology; determining whether the apparent volume is within volume thresholds of over filled, under filled and unsealed bags; and sorting the sealable bag to a discard station responsive to a determination that the apparent volume of the sealable bag does not fit within the selected threshold(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Inventors: Aaron Thomas Bacon, Aerick William Bacon, Thomas Dell Bacon
  • Patent number: 11801532
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a sorting control method, apparatus, platform and system, and an unmanned sorting device. The sorting control method comprises controlling an unmanned sorting device to load a plurality of packages; obtaining package list information, and sending the package list information to a sorting control platform; receiving a sorting route planned by the sorting control platform; and controlling the unmanned sorting device to traverse a package list in order to travel according to the sorting route, and sequentially unloading the plurality of packages to corresponding destination sorting ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: BEIJING JINGDONG ZHENSHI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Song Han
  • Patent number: 11794195
    Abstract: A system and process for closed loop system for removing particulate from a coal fired power wash water waste stream comprising a submerged flight conveyor for receiving used wash water, a bleed line for diverting wash water from the submerged flight conveyor, a filter for removing particulate from the diverter wash water, and pumps to recirculate the wash water on a loop through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: United Conveyor Corporation
    Inventors: Kent Shever, Kevin McDonough, Kevin Matyas, Saurabh Rastogi, David Donkin, Bernard Evans
  • Patent number: 11794211
    Abstract: A device (1) with which lightweight fractions, such as films or paper for example, being carried along in a carrier airflow (A) are separated and discharged for further processing. The device is characterized in that the housing can be easily opened by means of two pivotal cover hoods (3, 4) in order to allow maintenance work to then be carried out safely. The first cover hood (3) has an intermediate piece (31, 31?) which extends into the housing and has chamfered surfaces (30, 30?) at the ends, wherein the surfaces assuming a known specified angle ? relative to the vertical, wherein the inner chamfer docks precisely against the chamfer of a guide element (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventor: Dirk Barnstedt
  • Patent number: 11794210
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of sifters. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sifter lid device. The device is comprised of a body further comprised of a funnel area and a continuous opening in the top surface of the body that receives a sifter insert. The device can be placed on a container such that the contents of the container are sifted through the sifter insert and then can be poured using the funnel area into a secondary location or other container as desired. The sifter insert is further removable and may have a plurality of screen spacings. The device may also be comprised of a lid that covers the sifter insert when the device is not in use but is still attached to a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventor: Raymundo Garza
  • Patent number: 11786937
    Abstract: Aggregate processing systems, methods, and apparatus are described. In some embodiments, a plant is configurable in one of a plurality of configurations, e.g. by sliding one of a plurality of chutes, hoppers, or flumes into a frame and/or by modifying a height of the frame. In some embodiments, a roller floor assembly is in a maintenance configuration when a chute is in a maintenance position. In some embodiments, a flume includes one or more diverters for moving a subset of material from one side of the flume to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Superior Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Lambert, Mark Crooks, Lafe Grimm, Matt Gordon