Patents by Inventor Larry Horton

Larry Horton 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: 20230310974
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel robotic pin setter device. The device is a robotic pin setter that performs all functions of typical pin setters for standard bowling operations on two lanes simultaneously. The device comprises a housing component with a plurality of robotic arms that act to reset all ten pins quickly on both lanes. The plurality of robotic arms are each attached to a base component secured within the housing component via a mechanical linkage or rotational center pin or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. The housing component further comprises an object recognition device and a control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventor: Larry Horton
  • Patent number: 6773385
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for inserting flexible bags and other liners into open packaging containers. One or more engagement heads engage and position the flexible liners in preparation for their insertion into open containers using an insertion assembly. One or more of the engagement heads are preferably made with vacuum heads that are movable to open the liner for the insertion assembly. A cuffing assembly can be included for cuffing the open end of the liners over the top edges of the open containers. Clamping assemblies can be included on the cuffing assembly to facilitate holding the liners during insertion and cuffing. The use of an engagement assembly, insertion assembly, and cuffing assembly which are independently driven helps to provide greater speed and operational flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: R. A. Pearson Company
    Inventors: Michael Johnson, Richard McQuary, Gordon Langlot, Larry Horton
  • Publication number: 20030166442
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for vacuum engagement of flexible bags and other liners, such as for insertion into and cuffing upon packaging containers. The vacuum engagement heads are preferably made with vacuum relief ports and slotted apertures having a reticulated material therein to prevent the flexible film liners from filling the heads. The heads may be presented in opposing pairs that are misaligned to facilitate separation of opposing leaves. Also disclosed are grippers that may bear upon the liners to help in separating the liners from a dispenser. Further disclosed are inserting, cuffing, and clamping assemblies used in an insertion and cuffing apparatus that uses independent operation for greater operational flexibility and speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: R. A. Pearson Company
    Inventors: Michael Johnson, Richard McQuary, Gordon Langlot, Larry Horton
  • Publication number: 20030162642
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for inserting flexible bags and other liners into open packaging containers. One or more engagement heads engage and position the flexible liners in preparation for their insertion into open containers using an insertion assembly. One or more of the engagement heads are preferably made with vacuum heads that are movable to open the liner for the insertion assembly. A cuffing assembly can be included for cuffing the open end of the liners over the top edges of the open containers. Clamping assemblies can be included on the cuffing assembly to facilitate holding the liners during insertion and cuffing. The use of an engagement assembly, insertion assembly, and cuffing assembly which are independently driven helps to provide greater speed and operational flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: R. A. Pearson Company
    Inventors: Michael Johnson, Richard McQuary, Gordon Langlot, Larry Horton