Patents by Inventor Brian R. Lee
Brian R. Lee 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: 11540493Abstract: An apparatus and method for a colony system for growing poultry includes a rack system including vertically and horizontally oriented support members, where the support members can be beams that are structurally interconnected forming multiple vertically tiered channels through which a poultry basket can be conveyed, and where each channel formed by the support members has an entry end and an exit end. The system further includes an entry end pulley having multiple side-by-side entry end pulley grooves around an entry end circumference of the pulley. The system further includes an exit end pulley, and the exit end pulley has multiple side-by-side exit end pulley grooves around an exit end circumference of the exit end pulley, where the exit end pulley is rotatably mounted on an exit end bearing axle where the exit end bearing axle has opposing ends fixedly positioned.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Tyson Foods, Inc.Inventors: Doug Foreman, Stephen Brannan, James A. Ruff, David Lee Mantooth, Kevin W. Guernsey, Timothy J. DeRoche, Brian R. Lee
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Patent number: 11484013Abstract: A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing. The system and method further includes the use of a modular colony basket for interchangeable use with the described system.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Inventors: Doug Foreman, Stephen Brannan, James A. Ruff, David Lee Mantooth, Kevin W. Guernsey, Timothy J. DeRoche, Brian R. Lee
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Patent number: 10663342Abstract: A diverting checkweigher comprising a conveyor belt with product-carrying, vertically floating slats that are supported on a weigh scale as the belt passes over it. The floating slats isolate product weight from belt weight. The slats themselves may be laterally stationary or divertible. If divertable, they can divert products based on their weights. If not divertible, the slats can be used with product pushers to divert products for weight-based sorting or rejection. The slats have legs that extend below the bottom of the belt to ride on the scale or be diverted across the belt by a diverter. The pushers are diverted by a diverter.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Kevin W. Guernsey, Brian R. Lee
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Patent number: 10517278Abstract: A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing. The system and method further includes the use of a modular colony basket for interchangeable use with the described system.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: TYSON FOODS, INC.Inventors: Doug Foreman, Stephen Brannan, James A. Ruff, David Lee Mantooth, Kevin W. Guernsey, Timothy J. DeRoche, Brian R. Lee
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Patent number: 10343853Abstract: A conveyor system with a pop-up transfer assembly for transferring articles off the end of conveyor belt having protrusions extending above the belt's outer conveying surface. The transfer assembly is cantilevered over the reversing path of the conveyor belt from a pivot. When a protrusion from the belt hits the transfer assembly, the transfer assembly pivots away from the belt about the pivot. When the protrusion is clear, the transfer assembly drops, by gravity, back to its home position proximate the belt. A bilateral transfer assembly is cantilevered in opposite directions to transfer articles off the end of one conveyor belt onto another conveyor belt that may or may not have protrusions. The transfer assembly can have powered driving surfaces to aid the transfer of articles.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Elena Rose Yasinski, Kevin W. Guernsey, Timothy J. DeRoche, Brian R. Lee
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Publication number: 20180265309Abstract: A conveyor system with a pop-up transfer assembly for transferring articles off the end of conveyor belt having protrusions extending above the belt's outer conveying surface. The transfer assembly is cantilevered over the reversing path of the conveyor belt from a pivot. When a protrusion from the belt hits the transfer assembly, the transfer assembly pivots away from the belt about the pivot. When the protrusion is clear, the transfer assembly drops, by gravity, back to its home position proximate the belt. A bilateral transfer assembly is cantilevered in opposite directions to transfer articles off the end of one conveyor belt onto another conveyor belt that may or may not have protrusions. The transfer assembly can have powered driving surfaces to aid the transfer of articles.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2018Publication date: September 20, 2018Inventors: Elena Rose Yasinski, Kevin W. Guernsey, Timothy J. DeRoche, Brian R. Lee
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Publication number: 20180202855Abstract: A diverting checkweigher comprising a conveyor belt with product-carrying, vertically floating slats that are supported on a weigh scale as the belt passes over it. The floating slats isolate product weight from belt weight. The slats themselves may be laterally stationary or divertible. If divertable, they can divert products based on their weights. If not divertible, the slats can be used with product pushers to divert products for weight-based sorting or rejection. The slats have legs that extend below the bottom of the belt to ride on the scale or be diverted across the belt by a diverter. The pushers are diverted by a diverter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2016Publication date: July 19, 2018Inventors: Kevin W. Guernsey, Brian R. Lee
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Patent number: 9737056Abstract: A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing. The system and method further includes the use of a modular colony basket for interchangeable use with the described system.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2014Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Tyson Foods, Inc.Inventors: Doug Foreman, Stephen Brannan, James Ruff, David Lee Mantooth, Kevin W. Guernsey, Timothy J. DeRoche, Brian R. Lee
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Patent number: 9603344Abstract: A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing. The system and method further includes the use of a modular colony basket for interchangeable use with the described system.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Tyson Foods, Inc.Inventors: Doug Foreman, Stephen Brannan, James A. Ruff, David Lee Mantooth, Kevin W. Guernsey, Timothy J. DeRoche, Brian R. Lee
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Patent number: 9572327Abstract: A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing. The system and method further includes the use of a modular colony basket for interchangeable use with the described system.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Tyson Foods, Inc.Inventors: Doug Foreman, Stephen Brannan, James A. Ruff, David Lee Mantooth, Kevin W. Guernsey, Timothy J. DeRoche, Brian R. Lee
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Patent number: 9497936Abstract: A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing. The system and method further includes the use of a modular colony basket for interchangeable use with the described system.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Tyson Foods, Inc.Inventors: Doug Foreman, Stephen Brannan, James A. Ruff, David Lee Mantooth, Kevin W. Guernsey, Timothy J. DeRoche, Brian R. Lee
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Publication number: 20160278347Abstract: A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing. The system and method further includes the use of a modular colony basket for interchangeable use with the described system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Doug Foreman, Stephen Brannan, James A. Ruff, David Lee Mantooth, Kevin W. Guernsey, Timothy J. DeRoche, Brian R. Lee
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Patent number: 9452896Abstract: A conveyor system with a pop-up transfer assembly for transferring articles off the end of conveyor belt having protrusions extending above the belt's outer conveying surface. The transfer assembly is cantilevered over the reversing path of the conveyor belt from a pivot. When a protrusion from the belt hits the transfer assembly, the transfer assembly pivots away from the belt about the pivot. When the protrusion is clear, the transfer assembly drops, by gravity, back to its home position proximate the belt. A bilateral transfer assembly is cantilevered in opposite directions to transfer articles off the end of one conveyor belt onto another conveyor belt that may or may not have protrusions.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventor: Brian R. Lee
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Patent number: 9399558Abstract: A cleanable shoe-type diverter belt having pegs that travel across the width of the diverter belt. Guides extending diagonally across the width of the belt contact the pegs to translate the pegs along their slots. In some versions vertical plates are attached to the pegs.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Kevin W. Guernsey, Brian R. Lee, Jorge E. Nagel
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Publication number: 20160205900Abstract: A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing. The system and method further includes the use of a modular colony basket for interchangeable use with the described system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Inventors: Doug Foreman, Stephen Brannan, James A. Ruff, David Lee Mantooth, Kevin W. Guernsey, Timothy J. DeRoche, Brian R. Lee
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Publication number: 20160205901Abstract: A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing. The system and method further includes the use of a modular colony basket for interchangeable use with the described system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Inventors: Doug Foreman, Stephen Brannan, James A. Ruff, David Lee Mantooth, Kevin W. Guernsey, Timothy J. DeRoche, Brian R. Lee
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Patent number: 9302855Abstract: A cleanable shoe-type diverter belt having narrow translatable pushers forming article-diverting shoes. Cam followers on the shoes below the pushers follow guides under the belt along an upper carryway run to translate the shoes along one or more transverse tracks across the width of the belt. Monolithic diverters support the belt on the carryway run and direct the shoes along different paths. Pusher returns in a lower returnway run guide diverted pushers back to a home position.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Kevin W. Guernsey, Jonathan J. Bishop, Timothy J. DeRoche, Kevin L. Gremillion, Matthew Vulpetti, Brian R. Lee
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Publication number: 20160090246Abstract: A conveyor system with a pop-up transfer assembly for transferring articles off the end of conveyor belt having protrusions extending above the belt's outer conveying surface. The transfer assembly is cantilevered over the reversing path of the conveyor belt from a pivot. When a protrusion from the belt hits the transfer assembly, the transfer assembly pivots away from the belt about the pivot. When the protrusion is clear, the transfer assembly drops, by gravity, back to its home position proximate the belt. A bilateral transfer assembly is cantilevered in opposite directions to transfer articles off the end of one conveyor belt onto another conveyor belt that may or may not have protrusions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2014Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventor: Brian R. Lee
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Publication number: 20150183592Abstract: A cleanable shoe-type diverter belt having pegs that travel across the width of the diverter belt. Guides extending diagonally across the width of the belt contact the pegs to translate the pegs along their slots. In some versions vertical plates are attached to the pegs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2015Publication date: July 2, 2015Inventors: Kevin W. Guernsey, Brian R. Lee, Jorge E. Nagel
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Patent number: 8985304Abstract: A cleanable shoe-type diverter belt having narrow translatable pushers forming article-diverting shoes covering little or none of the belt's conveying surface. Cam followers on the shoes below the pushers follow selectively actuated or fixed guides under the belt to translate the shoes along a transverse track across the width of the belt. Cam followers of different lengths are programmed to follow different paths by multi-level guides.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Kevin W. Guernsey, Brian R. Lee, Jorge E. Nagel