Patents by Inventor Craig HAFNER

Craig HAFNER 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).

  • Automated gripping tool
    Patent number: 9956691
    Abstract: The automated gripping tool enables a user to move a food product from a first position to a second position while maintaining the integrity and appearance of the food product. The gripper tool makes use of flexible bands on a pair of gripping arms. The flexible bands are positioned to sandwich a food product between them with sufficient force to allow the food product to be repositioned and without damaging the integrity and appearance of the food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: JLS Automation
    Inventors: Jon Pentzer, Craig Hafner
  • Method and system for repositioning of a flexible substrate
    Patent number: 8714609
    Abstract: A material handling system includes a body including a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member define a hollow cavity within the body, and a gap disposed between the first member and the second member. The body is in flow communication with a first gas source to provide pressurized gas flow through the gap to generate a lifting force on an object placed adjacent to the body. The body has channels disposed within a central region of the body in flow communication with a second gas source. The channels are arranged to controllably disengage the object from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: J. L. Souser & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Sydorko, Craig Hafner
  • Tool and process for handling pliant comestibles
    Patent number: 8550525
    Abstract: A tool and process for handling a pliant comestible are disclosed. The tool includes a tool body including a recessed mold and a plurality of cavities. The tool body is configured to position the pliant comestible and retain the pliant comestible within the recessed mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: J.L. Souser & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Hafner, Anthony Scarcia
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REPOSITIONING OF A FLEXIBLE SUBSTRATE
    Publication number: 20130026775
    Abstract: A material handling system includes a body including a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member define a hollow cavity within the body, and a gap disposed between the first member and the second member. The body is in flow communication with a first gas source to provide pressurized gas flow through the gap to generate a lifting force on an object placed adjacent to the body. The body has channels disposed within a central region of the body in flow communication with a second gas source. The channels are arranged to controllably disengage the object from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: J.L. SOUSER & ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Sydorko, Craig Hafner
  • TOOL AND PROCESS FOR HANDLING PLIANT COMESTIBLES
    Publication number: 20130004286
    Abstract: A tool and process for handling a pliant comestible are disclosed. The tool includes a tool body including a recessed mold and a plurality of cavities. The tool body is configured to position the pliant comestible and retain the pliant comestible within the recessed mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: J. L. SOUSER & ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Craig HAFNER, Anthony SCARCIA
  • Gripping tool
    Patent number: D845372
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: JLS Automation
    Inventors: Jon Pentzer, Craig Hafner