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).

  • Publication number: 20240123471
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, Tuan A. Le, Charles P. McLellan, Christopher M. Stratton
  • Patent number: 11872597
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, Tuan A. Le, Charles P. McLellan, Christopher M. Stratton
  • Publication number: 20220162020
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
  • Patent number: 11247854
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
  • Publication number: 20210362196
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, Tuan A. Le, Charles P. McLellan, Christopher M. Stratton
  • Patent number: 11167319
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, Tuan A. Le, Charles P. McLellan, Christopher M. Stratton
  • Publication number: 20210277699
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas C. POTTER, Scott R. BOMBAUGH, Terry M. GINGELL, Anthony TAYLOR, Christopher M. STRATTON, Benjamin SCHWIND
  • Patent number: 10967405
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, Tuan A. Le, Charles P. McLellan, Christopher M. Stratton
  • Patent number: 10946417
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, Tuan A. Le, Charles P. McLellan, Christopher M. Stratton
  • Patent number: 10913621
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
  • Publication number: 20200354169
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
  • Patent number: 10822185
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
  • Publication number: 20200238340
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, Tuan A. Le, Charles P. McLellan, Christopher M. Stratton
  • Patent number: 10722921
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
  • Publication number: 20200070208
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
  • Publication number: 20200038916
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, Tuan A. Le, Charles P. McLellan, Christopher M. Stratton
  • Patent number: 10471475
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
  • Publication number: 20190263605
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
  • Publication number: 20190091728
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
  • Patent number: D924675
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventors: Thomas C. Potter, Scott R. Bombaugh, Terry M. Gingell, Anthony Taylor, Christopher M. Stratton, Benjamin Schwind