Patents by Inventor Christopher M. Stratton
Christopher M. Stratton 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: 20240123471Abstract: A high throughput sorting device is disclosed. The device includes a first sorter and a second sorter, each of the first and second sorters having a plurality of cells each configured to support, carry, and deposit an item. The device can also include at least one shared chute extending below a portion of the first sorter and a portion of the second sorter. The at least one chute can be configured to receive an item deposited by each of the plurality of cells and transport the item to an endpoint. The device can also include a base configured to support the at least one shared chute and the first and second sorters.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, Tuan A. Le, Charles P. McLellan, Christopher M. Stratton
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Patent number: 11872597Abstract: A high throughput sorting device is disclosed. The device includes a first sorter and a second sorter, each of the first and second sorters having a plurality of cells each configured to support, carry, and deposit an item. The device can also include at least one shared chute extending below a portion of the first sorter and a portion of the second sorter. The at least one chute can be configured to receive an item deposited by each of the plurality of cells and transport the item to an endpoint. The device can also include a base configured to support the at least one shared chute and the first and second sorters.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2021Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, Tuan A. Le, Charles P. McLellan, Christopher M. Stratton
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Publication number: 20220162020Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2022Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
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Patent number: 11247854Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
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Publication number: 20210362196Abstract: A high throughput sorting device is disclosed. The device includes a first sorter and a second sorter, each of the first and second sorters having a plurality of cells each configured to support, carry, and deposit an item. The device can also include at least one shared chute extending below a portion of the first sorter and a portion of the second sorter. The at least one chute can be configured to receive an item deposited by each of the plurality of cells and transport the item to an endpoint.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, Tuan A. Le, Charles P. McLellan, Christopher M. Stratton
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Patent number: 11167319Abstract: A high throughput sorting device is disclosed. The device includes a first sorter and a second sorter, each of the first and second sorters having a plurality of cells each configured to support, carry, and deposit an item. The device can also include at least one shared chute extending below a portion of the first sorter and a portion of the second sorter. The at least one chute can be configured to receive an item deposited by each of the plurality of cells and transport the item to an endpoint. The device can also include a base configured to support the at least one shared chute and the first and second sorters.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2020Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, Tuan A. Le, Charles P. McLellan, Christopher M. Stratton
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Publication number: 20210277699Abstract: A closure member (e.g., door) stop includes a base having a top portion opposite a bottom portion, the bottom portion being configured for affixing to an installation point associated with the closure member, a flexure extending away from the top portion, a cushion comprising an angled face and an impact face, the impact face being configured to interface with the closure member during closing of the closure member, and the angled face being configured to interface with the closure member during opening of the closure member. The flexure provides an operable, bendable connection between the cushion and the base. Also, a lever is operably connected to the cushion and the flexure and configured to move the cushion away from a swing path of the closure member. The cushion extends into a swing path of the closure member when the closure member stop is at rest in the installed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Inventors: Thomas C. POTTER, Scott R. BOMBAUGH, Terry M. GINGELL, Anthony TAYLOR, Christopher M. STRATTON, Benjamin SCHWIND
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Patent number: 10967405Abstract: A high throughput sorting device is disclosed. The device includes a first sorter and a second sorter, each of the first and second sorters having a plurality of cells each configured to support, carry, and deposit an item. The device can also include at least one shared chute extending below a portion of the first sorter and a portion of the second sorter. The at least one chute can be configured to receive an item deposited by each of the plurality of cells and transport the item to an endpoint. The device can also include a base configured to support the at least one shared chute and the first and second sorters.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, Tuan A. Le, Charles P. McLellan, Christopher M. Stratton
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Patent number: 10946417Abstract: A high throughput sorting device is disclosed. The device includes a first sorter and a second sorter, each of the first and second sorters having a plurality of cells each configured to support, carry, and deposit an item. The device can also include at least one shared chute extending below a portion of the first sorter and a portion of the second sorter. The at least one chute can be configured to receive an item deposited by each of the plurality of cells and transport the item to an endpoint. The device can also include a base configured to support the at least one shared chute and the first and second sorters.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, Tuan A. Le, Charles P. McLellan, Christopher M. Stratton
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Patent number: 10913621Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
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Publication number: 20200354169Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
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Patent number: 10822185Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
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Publication number: 20200238340Abstract: A high throughput sorting device is disclosed. The device includes a first sorter and a second sorter, each of the first and second sorters having a plurality of cells each configured to support, carry, and deposit an item. The device can also include at least one shared chute extending below a portion of the first sorter and a portion of the second sorter. The at least one chute can be configured to receive an item deposited by each of the plurality of cells and transport the item to an endpoint.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, Tuan A. Le, Charles P. McLellan, Christopher M. Stratton
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Patent number: 10722921Abstract: Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a divider is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICEInventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
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Publication number: 20200070208Abstract: Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a divider is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
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Publication number: 20200038916Abstract: A high throughput sorting device is disclosed. The device includes a first sorter and a second sorter, each of the first and second sorters having a plurality of cells each configured to support, carry, and deposit an item. The device can also include at least one shared chute extending below a portion of the first sorter and a portion of the second sorter. The at least one chute can be configured to receive an item deposited by each of the plurality of cells and transport the item to an endpoint.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2019Publication date: February 6, 2020Inventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, Tuan A. Le, Charles P. McLellan, Christopher M. Stratton
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Patent number: 10471475Abstract: Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a divider is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
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Publication number: 20190263605Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2019Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
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Publication number: 20190091728Abstract: Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a divider is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
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Patent number: D924675Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICEInventors: Thomas C. Potter, Scott R. Bombaugh, Terry M. Gingell, Anthony Taylor, Christopher M. Stratton, Benjamin Schwind