Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Brobst
Thomas J. Brobst 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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Patent number: 10754123Abstract: A camera system with an autofocus actuator with flex members is provided for actuating the lens of the camera. A set of flex members reside on opposite sides of a lens assembly with a lens. The flex members suspend the lens assembly within the frame of the camera. The flex members may be made of a material with a flexural modulus and ducts to enhance the flexural modulus. The flex members are optimized to provide linear movement of the lens assembly with limited lateral movement. The camera may further include a shuttle driver to move the lens of the camera and actuate a flex in the flex members.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: DATALOGIC USA, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Brobst, Jeff Hoskinson, Alana Giangrasso
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Patent number: 10718926Abstract: A camera system with an autofocus actuator with flex members is provided for actuating the lens of the camera. A set of flex members reside on opposite sides of a lens assembly with a lens. The flex members suspend the lens assembly within the frame of the camera. The flex members may be made of a material with a flexural modulus and ducts to enhance the flexural modulus. The flex members are optimized to provide linear movement of the lens assembly with limited lateral movement. The camera may further include a shuttle driver to move the lens of the camera and actuate a flex in the flex members.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: DATALOGIC USA, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Brobst, Jeff Hoskinson, Alana Giangrasso
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Publication number: 20200209517Abstract: A camera system with an autofocus actuator with flex members is provided for actuating the lens of the camera. A set of flex members reside on opposite sides of a lens assembly with a lens. The flex members suspend the lens assembly within the frame of the camera. The flex members may be made of a material with a flexural modulus and ducts to enhance the flexural modulus. The flex members are optimized to provide linear movement of the lens assembly with limited lateral movement. The camera may further include a shuttle driver to move the lens of the camera and actuate a flex in the flex members.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2018Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Thomas J. Brobst, Jeff Hoskinson, Alana Giangrasso
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Patent number: 10372018Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting one or more settings, such as the focus and/or aperture settings, for the lenses enclosed within the imager. The imager may include a base, one or more arms, a lens assembly, and a light source assembly. The lens assembly may be clamped between the base and the light source assembly such that the components within the lens assembly are hermetically sealed and thus protected against intrusion from water and/or air borne particles. The imager may include one or more components to change the settings for the enclosed lenses. The components may include an internal ring that may be used to manipulate the lens, where the internal ring is coupled to an external ring that is accessible to a user. The components may include a motor that controls one or more gears that are coupled to the internal ring that is used to manipulate the lens.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Datalogic USA, Inc.Inventors: Stefano Ciabattoni, Alana Giangrasso, Thomas J. Brobst
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Publication number: 20180292730Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting one or more settings, such as the focus and/or aperture settings, for the lenses enclosed within the imager. The imager may include a base, one or more arms, a lens assembly, and a light source assembly. The lens assembly may be clamped between the base and the light source assembly such that the components within the lens assembly are hermetically sealed and thus protected against intrusion from water and/or air borne particles. The imager may include one or more components to change the settings for the enclosed lenses. The components may include an internal ring that may be used to manipulate the lens, where the internal ring is coupled to an external ring that is accessible to a user. The components may include a motor that controls one or more gears that are coupled to the internal ring that is used to manipulate the lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2017Publication date: October 11, 2018Inventors: Stefano Ciabattoni, Alana Giangrasso, Thomas J. Brobst
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Patent number: 9088683Abstract: A system for scanning objects having at least two linear array sensors, adapted to detect light input signals, is provided. A lens is optically connected to each of the linear array sensors, and are adapted to receive and transmit an optical image located in a respective lens field of view along a respective lens axis to the respective one of the at least two linear array sensor. A light source which generates an illumination stripe in general linear alignment with the lens axis across a depth of the field of view is provided. A cylindrical lens is positioned between the light source and an object to be scanned. The cylindrical lens adapted to collect, transmit and focus light from the light source to form the illumination stripe. This arrangement provides a wider system field of view with generally more uniform resolution.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: DATALOGIC AUTOMATION, INC.Inventors: Edward I. Chaleff, Thomas J. Brobst, Richard J. Skokowski, Jr.
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Patent number: 8233040Abstract: A modular camera having a chassis module, a camera module, an illumination module and a communications module that together form a cooling passageway. The chassis module has a back wall having a first end and an opposite second end, a bottom wall having at least one opening formed therein, a first fan mounted at the chassis back wall first end, and a second fan mounted at the chassis back wall second end. The camera module has a body, wherein the camera body is removably received through a hole formed through the chassis module back wall. The illumination module has a back wall, wherein the illumination module is removably coupled to the chassis module so that the illumination module back wall is spaced apart from the chassis module back wall. The communication module is removably coupled to the chassis module. The chassis module back wall, the camera module body, the illumination module back wall and the communications module together form a cooling channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mehul Patel, Thomas J. Brobst, Richard Skokowski, Bruce Love, Paul Poloniewicz
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Publication number: 20120144961Abstract: A wrench having a main body defines a first end, an opposite second end, and an axis extending therebetween. A handle body defines a first end, an opposite second end, and an axis extending therebetween, wherein the handle body first end is pivotally coupled to the main body second end. A handle is axially fixed and rotatably coupled to the handle body second end. A tang, having a first end configured to releasably receive a tool, an opposite second end, and an axis extending therebetween, is pivotally coupled to the main body first end. A detent is received in a recesses defined in one of the handle body first end and the main body second end.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: ACCU-SORT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: Thomas J. Brobst
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Patent number: 8117951Abstract: A wrench having a main body defines a first end, an opposite second end, and an axis extending therebetween. A handle body defines a first end, an opposite second end, and an axis extending therebetween, wherein the handle body first end is pivotally coupled to the main body second end. A handle is axially fixed and rotatably coupled to the handle body second end. A tang, having a first end configured to releasably receive a tool, an opposite second end, and an axis extending therebetween, is pivotally coupled to the main body first end. A detent is received in a recesses defined in one of the handle body first end and the main body second end.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Brobst
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Patent number: 8110790Abstract: A system for imaging an object comprising a surface for receiving the object to be imaged and an imaging device. The imaging device comprises a housing and a fixed focusing optical device mounted to the housing, whereby the fixed focusing optics comprises a lens for focusing light reflected from the object. A plurality of independent linear imaging sensors are positioned in the housing at different distances from the fixed focusing lens so that a face of each of the plurality of independent linear imaging sensors is aligned parallel to the surface. A processor is coupled to the plurality of independent linear imaging sensors for receiving an output signal from each of the plurality of independent linear imaging sensors representative of the reflected light. The lens defines a plane parallel to the surface, and the plurality of independent linear imaging sensors are adapted to receive reflected light from the object.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.Inventors: David A. Wurz, Thomas J. Brobst, Christopher Alan Freyman
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Publication number: 20110279672Abstract: A system for scanning objects having at least two linear array sensors, adapted to detect light input signals, is provided. A lens is optically connected to each of the linear array sensors, and are adapted to receive and transmit an optical image located in a respective lens field of view along a respective lens axis to the respective one of the at least two linear array sensor. A light source which generates an illumination stripe in general linear alignment with the lens axis across a depth of the field of view is provided. A cylindrical lens is positioned between the light source and an object to be scanned. The cylindrical lens adapted to collect, transmit and focus light from the light source to form the illumination stripe. This arrangement provides a wider system field of view with generally more uniform resolution.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Edward I. Chaleff, Thomas J. Brobst, Richard J. Skokowski, JR.
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Patent number: 8004604Abstract: A system for scanning objects having at least two linear array sensors, adapted to detect light input signals, is provided. A lens is optically connected to each of the linear array sensors, and are adapted to receive and transmit an optical image located in a respective lens field of view along a respective lens axis to the respective one of the at least two linear array sensor. A light source which generates an illumination stripe in general linear alignment with the lens axis across a depth of the field of view is provided. A cylindrical lens is positioned between the light source and an object to be scanned. The cylindrical lens adapted to collect, transmit and focus light from the light source to form the illumination stripe. This arrangement provides a wider system field of view with generally more uniform resolution.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.Inventors: Edward I. Chaleff, Thomas J. Brobst, Richard J. Skokowski
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Publication number: 20100180733Abstract: A wrench having a main body defines a first end, an opposite second end, and an axis extending therebetween. A handle body defines a first end, an opposite second end, and an axis extending therebetween, wherein the handle body first end is pivotally coupled to the main body second end. A handle is axially fixed and rotatably coupled to the handle body second end. A tang, having a first end configured to releasably receive a tool, an opposite second end, and an axis extending therebetween, is pivotally coupled to the main body first end. A detent is received in a recesses defined in one of the handle body first end and the main body second end.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventor: Thomas J. Brobst
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Publication number: 20100006518Abstract: A quick installation mounting structure for use with a barcode scanning tunnel has at least one vertical post that defines a first plurality of axial slots formed along a length of the vertical post, at least one cross-member that defines a second plurality of axial slots formed along a length of the cross-member, at least one bracket for connecting the at least one vertical post to the at least one cross-member, and a plurality of fasteners. Each of the fasteners are received through the bracket so that an end of each fastener is received in one of the vertical post and cross member slots so that the fastener is rotationally fixed but axially moveable with respect to the vertical post or cross member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2008Publication date: January 14, 2010Inventor: Thomas J. Brobst
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Publication number: 20100006742Abstract: A system for imaging an object comprising a surface for receiving the object to be imaged and an imaging device. The imaging device comprises a housing and a fixed focusing optical device mounted to the housing, whereby the fixed focusing optics comprises a lens for focusing light reflected from the object. A plurality of independent linear imaging sensors are positioned in the housing at different distances from the fixed focusing lens so that a face of each of the plurality of independent linear imaging sensors is aligned parallel to the surface. A processor is coupled to the plurality of independent linear imaging sensors for receiving an output signal from each of the plurality of independent linear imaging sensors representative of the reflected light. The lens defines a plane parallel to the surface, and the plurality of independent linear imaging sensors are adapted to receive reflected light from the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: ACCU-SORT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: David A. Wurz, Thomas J. Brobst, Christopher Alan Freyman
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Publication number: 20090289176Abstract: A system for scanning objects having at least two linear array sensors, adapted to detect light input signals, is provided. A lens is optically connected to each of the linear array sensors, and are adapted to receive and transmit an optical image located in a respective lens field of view along a respective lens axis to the respective one of the at least two linear array sensor. A light source which generates an illumination stripe in general linear alignment with the lens axis across a depth of the field of view is provided. A cylindrical lens is positioned between the light source and an object to be scanned. The cylindrical lens adapted to collect, transmit and focus light from the light source to form the illumination stripe. This arrangement provides a wider system field of view with generally more uniform resolution.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: ACCU-SORT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Edward I. Chaleff, Thomas J. Brobst, Richard J. Skokowski, JR.
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Patent number: 7548274Abstract: A system for scanning objects having at least two linear array sensors, adapted to detect light input signals, is provided. A lens is optically connected to each of the linear array sensors, and are adapted to receive and transmit an optical image located in a respective lens field of view along a respective lens axis to the respective one of the at least two linear array sensor. A light source which generates an illumination stripe in general linear alignment with the lens axis across a depth of the field of view is provided. A cylindrical lens is positioned between the light source and an object to be scanned. The cylindrical lens adapted to collect, transmit and focus light from the light source to form the illumination stripe. This arrangement provides a wider system field of view with generally more uniform resolution.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.Inventors: Edward I. Chaleff, Thomas J. Brobst, Richard J. Skokowski, Jr.
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Publication number: 20080164316Abstract: A modular camera having a chassis module, a camera module, an illumination module and a communications module that together form a cooling passageway. The chassis module has a back wall having a first end and an opposite second end, a bottom wall having at least one opening formed therein, a first fan mounted at the chassis back wall first end, and a second fan mounted at the chassis back wall second end. The camera module has a body, wherein the camera body is removably received through a hole formed through the chassis module back wall. The illumination module has a back wall, wherein the illumination module is removably coupled to the chassis module so that the illumination module back wall is spaced apart from the chassis module back wall. The communication module is removably coupled to the chassis module. The chassis module back wall, the camera module body, the illumination module back wall and the communications module together form a cooling channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventors: Mehul Patel, Thomas J. Brobst, Richard Skokowski, Bruce Love, Paul Poloniewicz
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Patent number: 7026606Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus and method for scanning a surface of an object is provided. The scanner has an image sensor having a sensor plane and an image data output. An optics system defines an optical path having an axis and a first end whereat a scan object surface is locatable for scanning and a second end at the sensing plane. Preferably, the optics system includes a lens subsystem and a movable mirror for adjusting the length of the optical path. A linear actuator is coupled to the mirror such that movement of the mirror adjusts the focus of an optical image on the image sensor. A linear actuator is also operatively coupled to the image sensor to control the orientation of the plane of the image sensor relative to the optical path axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Hecht, Thomas J. Brobst, Ronald C. Wurz
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Patent number: 6912076Abstract: A system for scanning objects having at least two linear array sensors, adapted to detect light input signals, is provided. A lens is optically connected to each of the linear array sensors, and are adapted to receive and transmit an optical image located in a respective lens field of view along a respective lens axis to the respective one of the at least two linear array sensor. A light source which generates an illumination stripe in general linear alignment with the lens axis across a depth of the field of view is provided. A cylindrical lens is positioned between the light source and an object to be scanned. The cylindrical lens adapted to collect, transmit and focus light from the light source to form the illumination stripe. This arrangement provides a wider system field of view with generally more uniform resolution.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.Inventors: Edward I. Chaleff, Thomas J. Brobst, Richard J. Skokowski, Jr.