Patents Examined by Muhammad Awais
  • Patent number: 11767637
    Abstract: A powder collection unit includes a powder storage having an inlet through which powder including fibers enters and an outlet through which the powder exits, a delivery screw having an elongated shape, disposed in the powder storage, and configured to rotate about a rotation axis to send out and discharge the powder through the outlet, and a powder collection portion coupled to the outlet and having an inner space that collects the powder discharged through the outlet. An end portion of the delivery screw that is adjacent to the outlet protrudes outwardly from the powder storage through the outlet and resides in the inner space of the powder collection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Satake, Hiroshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11759825
    Abstract: A system for recycling planar objects including compressed mineral fiber material includes: a conveyor arranged to covey the planar objects through a number of stations at least including a thickness measurement station and a sound measurement station. The sound measurement station includes a sound reflecting surface arranged to back a first major surface of a planar object, a sound emitter arranged to emit sound towards the sound reflecting surface, a sound receiver arranged to receive sound reflected from the sound reflecting surface, and a converter arranged to determine a property related to sound absorption. A sorting station is arranged to sort the planar objects based on determined properties in to a plurality of fractions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN ECOPHON AB
    Inventors: Erling Nilsson, Johan Borgstrom
  • Patent number: 11754487
    Abstract: Flow cytometric droplet dispensing systems and methods for using the same to flow cytometrically dispense droplets into partitions are provided. Aspects of embodiments of the systems include sorting flow cytometers configured to sort both particle-occupied and particle-unoccupied droplets into a partition. Also provided are methods of using the systems. Systems and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Geoffrey W. Osborne, Paul Barclay Purcell
  • Patent number: 11752521
    Abstract: An order fulfillment system is disclosed in which objects to be collected into orders are provided in output totes. The system includes a primary sortation system that includes a loop conveyance system that moves objects around a closed loop that includes a plurality of primary sortation exits, each of which leads to a location inside the closed loop, and a secondary sortation system that includes a plurality of secondary conveyances, each of which receives an object at one of the plurality of primary sortation exits, and conveys the object to one of a plurality of totes, the plurality of totes being within the closed loop of the primary sortation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Geyer, Joseph Romano, John Richard Amend, Jr., Christopher Buck, Andrew Ewart, Kyle Maroney, Thomas Wagner
  • Patent number: 11745221
    Abstract: An operating method for a separator for classifying, wherein superheated steam is supplied to the separator as separating gas, and wherein the temperature of the superheated steam as separating gas is selected to be so low that in particular no condensation of the superheated steam occurs in the separator. Further, a separator for classifying, wherein the separator includes a separating gas supply including a water infeed for generating superheated steam as separating gas, and wherein adjusting or regulating means for the temperature of the superheated steam are provided as separating gas and are designed in such a way that the temperature of the superheated steam as separating gas is adjusted to be so low that in particular no condensation of the superheated steam occurs in the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: NETZSCH Trockenmahltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Winter, Joachim Domes
  • Patent number: 11745225
    Abstract: A golf ball sorting system has a ball feeder, a ball mover, a detector, and a sorting system. The ball feeder may be configured to receive a plurality of golf balls. The ball mover may be configured to move each of the plurality of golf balls one at a time at a predetermined minimum speed. The detector may be configured to inspect each of the plurality of golf balls moved by the movement mechanism and output a detection result based on the inspection. The sorting system may be configured to receive the detection result and sort the plurality of golf balls based on the detection result to separate golf balls that include a mark that is not visible to an observer from golf balls that do not include a mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Leonidas Amarant, Martin Gray, Ken Rebello, Kevin Carando, David Coelho, Vincent J. Simonds
  • Patent number: 11738352
    Abstract: A system and method sorts particles suspended in a fluid. The system includes a transverse flow filter and a microfluidic sorter. The transverse flow filter concentrates the particles in a retained portion of the fluid. The microfluidic sorter sorts the particles and includes a delivery channel and at least one sorting stage. The delivery channel is dimensioned to permit passage of all the particles in the retained fluid from the transverse flow filter. The delivery channel delivers the particles in the retained fluid to a respective input for each sorting stage and exhausts a remainder of both the particles and the retained fluid at a drain output. Each sorting stage has a labyrinth of interconnected passageways dimensioned to permit passage from the respective input to a respective output for the sorting stage of those of the particles smaller than a respective size for the sorting stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Patrick Craig Sims, Teresa Emery-Adleman, Andrew B. Sabater, Robert D. George, Kara C. Sorensen, Anna Obraztsova, Pamela A. Boss
  • Patent number: 11731168
    Abstract: An air separation system for sorting waste items, comprising a main housing having an intake portion for receiving a laminar intake air stream carrying waste items in an intake air direction and an exhaust portion comprising one or more baffle members transversely arranged with respect to the intake air direction for defining a plurality of exhaust channels. A curved guide shell is provided comprising a plurality of interconnected guide plates transversely arranged with respect to the intake air direction. The guide shell comprises a guide surface for guiding the intake air stream. The main housing comprises a plate connecting arrangement on opposing transverse sides of the main housing configured for releasable connection to opposing ends of each of the plurality of guide plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Bollegraaf Patents and Brands B.V.
    Inventors: Henk Boerhof, Alexander Zwiers
  • Patent number: 11731170
    Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for a reconfigurable on-board package sorting system for a delivery vehicle including an enclosed storage compartment with a horizontal plane, a plurality of bins for holding packages, each bin including a computer readable identifier, a set of correlated conveyor belts on each horizontal plane, the correlated conveyors belts sized as a function of the bins, including at conveyor belts linearly oriented on the horizontal plane, mixing conveyors, each oriented adjacent to each convey belt to provide directional transition to a next conveyor belt, wherein the correlated conveyor belts provide directional movement of the bins in a loop on the horizontal plane by selective rotation of each conveyor belt, and a computer including a processor and memory to receive data from each identifier, the processor including instructions to: identify a location of bin and direct the operation of the correlated conveyor belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Yifan Chen, Kurt Lundeen, John Randolf Vincent, Timothy Mark Feldkamp
  • Patent number: 11701668
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and their methods of use, for sorting or separating magnetic particles are provided. A magnetic source, e.g., with at least one sharp feature, can be employed to exert a strong magnetic field on magnetic particles in order to separate particles of a desired and predictable property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: 10x Genomics, Inc.
    Inventor: Alireza Salmanzadeh
  • Patent number: 11697125
    Abstract: An opposed migration classifier classifies particles suspended in a sample fluid that are passed through a classification channel defined by two permeable walls. Sample flow distribution input and output channels are located asymmetrically with respect to a center of the classification channel such that trajectories of the one or more particles in the sample fluid deviate from constant voltage operation trajectories. A cross-flow fluid enters the classification channel through a permeable wall and exits through the other permeable wall. An imposed field, created by a time varying filed imposed in a direction normal to the permeable walls, causes the particles to migrate in a direction opposite to that of the cross-flow fluid, such that the particles travel between the permeable walls. The particles in the sample are classified based on their mobility. The sample fluid enters and exists through or within a threshold distance of the permeable walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Huajun Mai, Richard C. Flagan
  • Patent number: 11686664
    Abstract: An example system includes an input channel having a first end and a second end to receive particles through the first end, a sensor to categorize particles in the input channel into one of at least two categories, and at least two output channels Each output channel is coupled to the second end of the input channel to receive particles from the input channel, and each output channel is associated with at least one category of the at least two categories. Each output channel has a corresponding pump operable, based on the categorization of a detected particle in a category associated with a different output channel, to selectively slow, stop, or reverse a flow of particles into the output channel from the input channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Alexander Govyadinov, Pavel Kornilovich
  • Patent number: 11673146
    Abstract: A washing apparatus comprises a screening apparatus having a first screening deck located below a second screening deck, wherein the first screening deck passes material that is larger than the material passed by the second screening deck. A liquid delivery system delivers liquid onto the first screening deck to wash material on the first deck. Material that passes through the first deck is conveyed upwards and delivered onto the second deck for dewatering. The apparatus is able to wash and dewater aggregate material in a single unit with a relatively small footprint and relatively high throughput.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Terex GB Limited
    Inventors: Steven Haslett, Johnston Patterson
  • Patent number: 11654455
    Abstract: A screen panel for a vibratory machine is disclosed. The screen panel can include a reinforcing structure having a top surface. The reinforcing structure can define a plurality of apertures through the reinforcing structure. A polymer layer can have a bottom surface that is arranged over the top surface of the reinforcing structure. The polymer layer can define a plurality of apertures therethrough. Each aperture of the plurality of apertures of the polymer layer can be aligned with a single respective aperture of the plurality of apertures of the reinforcing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: POLYDECK SCREEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Johnson, Peter Freissle, Greg Anderson
  • Patent number: 11650189
    Abstract: The present application is related to the process of automation of separation by identification, classification and quantification of grains and their possible pertinent materials through equipment that performs such events, aiming at the automation of the whole chain of separation, identification and classification. grain, thus eliminating the human action of the process and thus avoiding errors related to human interaction in the process. This process has 4 steps, as follows: grain and impurities entering the equipment; separation of impurities and grains: grain processing and qualitative and quantitative identification of grains and impurities. The process and equipment can be applied to the separation by identification, classification and quantification of grains such as soybeans, corn, among others, and their possible pertinent materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: Manoel Henrique Da Silva
  • Patent number: 11642700
    Abstract: A screen apparatus for screening granulate, in particular moist and/or dry granulate, having a screen housing having a base, a cover and a side wall, an inlet for the granulate arranged on the screen housing, an outlet for the screened granulate arranged on the screen housing, a screen arranged in the screen housing and an inlet for transfer air. The outlet for the screened granulate, which is arranged on the screen housing is arranged on the side wall of the screen housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Glatt Maschinen- und Apparatebau AG
    Inventors: Jochen Thies, Adrian Kape, Heinz Pritzke
  • Patent number: 11634703
    Abstract: Embodiments of the system and/or method can include and/or apply a magnetic device for facilitating a magnetic field for isolating the nucleic acid material from a sample, the magnetic device including a support component; and a set of magnetic pins attached to the support component and movable with at least three degrees of freedom when attached to the support component, where the set of magnetic pins provide adaptability to shapes of sample compartments of a sample container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Psomagen, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Apte, Jessica Richman, Daniel Almonacid, Eduardo Morales, Constance Norris, Nicolas Ordenes, Pamela Nieto
  • Patent number: 11628473
    Abstract: A combination table, sifter, and collection tray for herbs is described herein. The device is generally a food and plant processing device, and more particularly is a combination table, sifter, and collection tray. The table, sifter, and tray are nested into one another to form a unitary device for easy transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: SC Shredder IP, LLC
    Inventors: Matt Hansen, Mark Edwards
  • Patent number: 11627698
    Abstract: A separating device is provided for separating a harvested mixture of root crops and admixtures. The separating device includes at least one conveyor element which circulates in operation at least for supplying the harvested mixture to a separation region, or for discharging the root crops from the separation region in a conveying direction. The separating device includes at least one fluid flow generator and at least one directing device for directing a fluid flow in a fluid flow direction to the separation region. The directing device is at least realized in at least one directing portion by the conveyor element itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventors: Alfons Pöhlking, Franz-Josef Dettmer
  • Patent number: 11612896
    Abstract: A separation device that separates a mixture of magnetic bodies that are granular and non-magnetic bodies that is granular into the magnetic bodies and the non-magnetic bodies. The separation device includes a magnetic force separating mechanism, a wind force generation portion, a first wind force separating portion, and a second wind force separating portion. The magnetic force separating mechanism separates the mixture into first separated objects and second separated objects by attracting the magnetic bodies from the mixture of magnetic force. The first separated objects mainly contain the magnetic and non-magnetic bodies. The second separated objects mainly contain the non-magnetic bodies and magnetic bodies. The wind force generation portion generates wind force. The first wind force separates the first separated objects into the magnetic and non-magnetic bodies of wind force. The second wind force separates the second separated objects into the non-magnetic bodies and magnetic bodies of wind force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: SINTOKOGIO, LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Ibi, Hiroaki Suzuki