Patents by Inventor Robert Sturm

Robert Sturm 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: 20240135449
    Abstract: An illustrative computing device may include a processor and a non-transitory memory device for storing a data structure capable of being compressed, where the data structure includes a plurality of data elements and each of the plurality of data elements includes a date field and a quantity field. The computing device may process instructions to arrange the plurality of data elements in a consecutive series in date order based on a value stored in the date field of each data element, determine whether a gap appears in the consecutive series of data elements based on a value stored in the quantity field of each element, remove the determined gaps in each of the data elements, and repeat the determining and removing steps until a predetermined criterion has been reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicant: Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc.
    Inventors: Suzanne Sprague, Sean Downey, Robert Taylor, Dhiraj Bawadhankar, Stephen Hurst, Matthew Simpson, Frederick Sturm
  • Patent number: 11524403
    Abstract: A vacuum-based end effector for engaging parcels includes a base plate, one or more vacuum cups of a first type, and one or more vacuum cups of a second type. Each vacuum cup of the vacuum-based end effector is configured to be placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source to provide the vacuum cup with a suction force which can be used to engage and grasp parcels. Each vacuum cup includes a bellows defining a pathway for a flow of air and a lip connected to the bellows. Each lip of the one or more vacuum cups of the first type comprises a foam lip, and each lip of the one or more vacuum cups of the second type comprises an elastomeric lip. The vacuum-based end effector can be combined with a robot to provide an improved system for engaging parcels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Material Handling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Josiah Douglas, Kurt Michael Wittmer, Michael Alan McCue, David W. Caldwell, II, Gregory Robert Sturm, Derek Robert Sturm, Thomas Anthony Hillerich, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11241802
    Abstract: A dual-material vacuum cup for a vacuum-based end effector includes a bellows having a proximal end configured for connection to the end effector and a distal end. The bellows also defines a pathway for a flow of air. A lip is connected to the distal end of the bellows, the lip defining an opening in fluid communication with the pathway for the flow of air. An insert is then connected to a distal end of the lip, and the insert is in fluid communication with the opening defined by the lip. To engage parcels of various dimension and construction, the lip is composed of a first material (such as silicone rubber or another elastomeric material), while the insert is comprised of a second material (such as a foam material).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Material Handling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Josiah Douglas, Derek Robert Sturm, David W. Caldwell, II
  • Patent number: 11192145
    Abstract: A singulating system for parcels comprises: an inner wall; a first section comprised of a series of driven rollers, which are skewed relative to a longitudinal direction of travel, so that the parcels are conveyed not only in the longitudinal direction of travel, but also toward the inner wall; a second section for receiving the parcels from the first section, and then identifying and moving parcels in a side-by-side arrangement and/or parcels with an irregular shape; and a third section for receiving the parcels from the second section. In some embodiments, the singulating system also includes a visioning subsystem, including a camera for acquiring image data of the parcels as the parcels move toward or into the second section, and a computer to receive and analyze the image data from the camera to identify parcels in a side-by-side arrangement and/or parcels with an irregular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Material Handling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Robert Sturm, Jonathan Dean Terrell, Thomas Anthony Hillerich, Jr., Michael Alan McCue, David W. Caldwell, II, Derek Robert Sturm
  • Patent number: 10994309
    Abstract: A system for identifying and transferring parcels includes a robot singulator configured to engage and transfer individual parcels in a bulk flow of multiple parcels on a first conveyor to a singulated stream of parcels on a second conveyor. The system further includes a vision and control subsystem, with a first camera for acquiring image data of the bulk flow of multiple parcels, and a computer that receives and processes the image data to identify and segment individual parcels, and then communicates instructions to the robot singulator to engage and transfer each of the individual parcels to the second conveyor. The system may further include a second camera for acquiring image data of the individual parcels to confirm placement on the second conveyor. The system may further include first and second indexing conveyors controlled by the vision and control subsystem for delivering parcels to the robot singulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Material Handling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Anthony Hillerich, Jr., Michael Alan McCue, Gregory Robert Sturm, David W. Caldwell, II, Derek Robert Sturm
  • Patent number: 10783135
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media that achieve eventual consistency of interrelated data in a computing system based on a relationship between the interrelated data (e.g., dependencies between interrelated data) and a configuration of an application programmed to consume the interrelated data. Exemplary embodiments can utilize one or more implicit or explicit dependency graphs, such as an implied or explicit directed acyclic graph corresponding to the interrelated data and the dependencies between the interrelated data. Subsets of the interrelated data can be associated with one or more groups or boundaries in the dependency graphs based on a configuration of applications programmed to consume the interrelated data and/or based on the dependencies between the interrelated data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Thomson Reuters Enterprise Centre GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Sturm, Brian Schuweiler, Marcus Lange, David Vibbert, Kumar Unnirkrishnan
  • Publication number: 20200262069
    Abstract: A vacuum-based end effector for engaging parcels includes a base plate, one or more vacuum cups of a first type, and one or more vacuum cups of a second type. Each vacuum cup of the vacuum-based end effector is configured to be placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source to provide the vacuum cup with a suction force which can be used to engage and grasp parcels. Each vacuum cup includes a bellows defining a pathway for a flow of air and a lip connected to the bellows. Each lip of the one or more vacuum cups of the first type comprises a foam lip, and each lip of the one or more vacuum cups of the second type comprises an elastomeric lip. The vacuum-based end effector can be combined with a robot to provide an improved system for engaging parcels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Josiah Douglas, Kurt Michael Wittmer, Michael Alan McCue, David W. Caldwell, II, Gregory Robert Sturm, Derek Robert Sturm, Thomas Anthony Hillerich, JR.
  • Publication number: 20200262087
    Abstract: A dual-material vacuum cup for a vacuum-based end effector includes a bellows having a proximal end configured for connection to the end effector and a distal end. The bellows also defines a pathway for a flow of air. A lip is connected to the distal end of the bellows, the lip defining an opening in fluid communication with the pathway for the flow of air. An insert is then connected to a distal end of the lip, and the insert is in fluid communication with the opening defined by the lip. To engage parcels of various dimension and construction, the lip is composed of a first material (such as silicone rubber or another elastomeric material), while the insert is comprised of a second material (such as a foam material).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Josiah Douglas, Derek Robert Sturm, David W. Caldwell, II
  • Publication number: 20200222945
    Abstract: A system for identifying and transferring parcels includes a robot singulator configured to engage and transfer individual parcels in a bulk flow of multiple parcels on a first conveyor to a singulated stream of parcels on a second conveyor. The system further includes a vision and control subsystem, with a first camera for acquiring image data of the bulk flow of multiple parcels, and a computer that receives and processes the image data to identify and segment individual parcels, and then communicates instructions to the robot singulator to engage and transfer each of the individual parcels to the second conveyor. The system may further include a second camera for acquiring image data of the individual parcels to confirm placement on the second conveyor. The system may further include first and second indexing conveyors controlled by the vision and control subsystem for delivering parcels to the robot singulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas Anthony Hillerich, JR., Michael Alan McCue, Gregory Robert Sturm, David W. Caldwell, II, Derek Robert Sturm
  • Publication number: 20200192555
    Abstract: A method of automatically aligning a window within a user interface displayed on a screen includes predetermining, within the user interface, one or more areas to automatically align a window displayed on the screen within the one or within one of the plurality of areas, and activating a possibility of automatically aligning the window within the one or within one of the plurality of areas by or during actuation of a predetermined key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Tobias Barl, Jörg Reichelt, Robert Sturm, David Wanner
  • Patent number: 10646898
    Abstract: A system for identifying and transferring parcels includes a robot singulator configured to engage and transfer individual parcels in a bulk flow of multiple parcels on a first conveyor to a singulated stream of parcels on a second conveyor. The system further includes a vision and control subsystem, with a first camera for acquiring image data of the bulk flow of multiple parcels, and a computer that receives and processes the image data to identify and segment individual parcels, and then communicates instructions to the robot singulator to engage and transfer each of the individual parcels to the second conveyor. The system may further include a second camera for acquiring image data of the individual parcels to confirm placement on the second conveyor. The system may further include first and second indexing conveyors controlled by the vision and control subsystem for delivering parcels to the robot singulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Material Handling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Anthony Hillerich, Jr., Michael Alan McCue, Gregory Robert Sturm, David W. Caldwell, II, Derek Robert Sturm
  • Publication number: 20200108414
    Abstract: A singulating system for parcels comprises: an inner wall; a first section comprised of a series of driven rollers, which are skewed relative to a longitudinal direction of travel, so that the parcels are conveyed not only in the longitudinal direction of travel, but also toward the inner wall; a second section for receiving the parcels from the first section, and then identifying and moving parcels in a side-by-side arrangement and/or parcels with an irregular shape; and a third section for receiving the parcels from the second section. In some embodiments, the singulating system also includes a visioning subsystem, including a camera for acquiring image data of the parcels as the parcels move toward or into the second section, and a computer to receive and analyze the image data from the camera to identify parcels in a side-by-side arrangement and/or parcels with an irregular shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: Gregory Robert STURM, Jonathan Dean TERRELL, Thomas Anthony HILLERICH, JR., Michael Alan MCCUE, David W. CALDWELL, II, Derek Robert STURM
  • Patent number: 10515197
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a computer system having processing and memory means operable to provide a monetized online content system. The computer system is coupled to one or more resource modules each having data in the memory means and includes: an interceptor module configured to receive a request from a client for one or more resources available from one or more resource modules, refer the request to one or more of the resource modules configured to fulfill the request, receive one or more responses from one or more of the resource modules, at least one of said one or more responses having one or more events associated therewith, and transform the one or more responses by removing the one or more events associated with the one or more responses prior to presentation of the one or more responses to the client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Thomson Reuters Global Resources Unlimited Company
    Inventors: Robert Sturm, Richard N. Dauk
  • Publication number: 20180345324
    Abstract: A system for identifying and transferring parcels includes a robot singulator configured to engage and transfer individual parcels in a bulk flow of multiple parcels on a first conveyor to a singulated stream of parcels on a second conveyor. The system further includes a vision and control subsystem, with a first camera for acquiring image data of the bulk flow of multiple parcels, and a computer that receives and processes the image data to identify and segment individual parcels, and then communicates instructions to the robot singulator to engage and transfer each of the individual parcels to the second conveyor. The system may further include a second camera for acquiring image data of the individual parcels to confirm placement on the second conveyor. The system may further include first and second indexing conveyors controlled by the vision and control subsystem for delivering parcels to the robot singulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas Anthony Hillerich, JR., Michael Alan McCue, Gregory Robert Sturm, David W. Caldwell, II, Derek Robert Sturm
  • Publication number: 20180165430
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a computer system having processing and memory means operable to provide a monetized online content system. The computer system is coupled to one or more resource modules each having data in the memory means and includes: an interceptor module configured to receive a request from a client for one or more resources available from one or more resource modules, refer the request to one or more of the resource modules configured to fulfill the request, receive one or more responses from one or more of the resource modules, at least one of said one or more responses having one or more events associated therewith, and transform the one or more responses by removing the one or more events associated with the one or more responses prior to presentation of the one or more responses to the client.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Sturm, Richard N. Dauk
  • Patent number: 9898595
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a computer system having processing and memory means operable to provide a monetized online content system. The computer system is coupled to one or more resource modules each having data in the memory means and includes: an interceptor module configured to receive a request from a client for one or more resources available from one or more resource modules, refer the request to one or more of the resource modules configured to fulfill the request, receive one or more responses from one or more of the resource modules, at least one of said one or more responses having one or more events associated therewith, and transform the one or more responses by removing the one or more events associated with the one or more responses prior to presentation of the one or more responses to the client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Thomson Reuters Global Resources Unlimited Company
    Inventors: Robert Sturm, Richard N. Dauk
  • Publication number: 20170220608
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media that achieve eventual consistency of interrelated data in a computing system based on a relationship between the interrelated data (e.g., dependencies between interrelated data) and a configuration of an application programmed to consume the interrelated data. Exemplary embodiments can utilize one or more implicit or explicit dependency graphs, such as an implied or explicit directed acyclic graph corresponding to the interrelated data and the dependencies between the interrelated data. Subsets of the interrelated data can be associated with one or more groups or boundaries in the dependency graphs based on a configuration of applications programmed to consume the interrelated data and/or based on the dependencies between the interrelated data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Sturm, Brian Schuweiler, Marcus Lange, David Vibbert, Kumar Unnirkrishnan
  • Patent number: 9594887
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a computer system having processing and memory means operable to provide a monetized online content system. The computer system is coupled to one or more resource modules each having data in the memory means and includes: an interceptor module configured to receive a request from a client for one or more resources available from one or more resource modules, refer the request to one or more of the resource modules configured to fulfill the request, receive one or more responses from one or more of the resource modules, at least one of said one or more responses having one or more events associated therewith, and transform the one or more responses by removing the one or more events associated with the one or more responses prior to presentation of the one or more responses to the client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Thomson Reuters Global Resources
    Inventors: Robert Sturm, Richard N. Dauk
  • Publication number: 20170048231
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a computer system having processing and memory means operable to provide a monetized online content system. The computer system is coupled to one or more resource modules each having data in the memory means and includes: an interceptor module configured to receive a request from a client for one or more resources available from one or more resource modules, refer the request to one or more of the resource modules configured to fulfill the request, receive one or more responses from one or more of the resource modules, at least one of said one or more responses having one or more events associated therewith, and transform the one or more responses by removing the one or more events associated with the one or more responses prior to presentation of the one or more responses to the client.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: West Services Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Sturm, Richard N. Dauk
  • Publication number: 20120174204
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a computer system having processing and memory means operable to provide a monetized online content system. The computer system is coupled to one or more resource modules each having data in the memory means and includes: an interceptor module configured to receive a request from a client for one or more resources available from one or more resource modules, refer the request to one or more of the resource modules configured to fulfill the request, receive one or more responses from one or more of the resource modules, at least one of said one or more responses having one or more events associated therewith, and transform the one or more responses by removing the one or more events associated with the one or more responses prior to presentation of the one or more responses to the client.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Sturm, Richard N. Dauk