Patents by Inventor Thomas Marinus Antonius Van de Laak

Thomas Marinus Antonius Van de Laak 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).

  • Method and apparatus for sorting a gas-driven stream of generally flat and lightweight articles
    Patent number: 8002117
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting a gas-driven stream of generally flat and light-weight articles of varying dimensions execute a, preferably optical, inspection and upon so finding a non-conforming article remove the latter from the stream. In particular, the inspection and the sorting are executed during a substantially straight movement of the articles. The removing is executed through gas driving in a direction substantially transverse to the straight movement. Advantageously, the inspection is preceded by orienting the articles through a centrifugal force that orients said articles against an inclined wall in a transition to the vertical movement. Also airflow means (83,84) can be used to confine the articles in a thin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Comas, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Thomas Marinus Antonius Van de Laak, Mario Martin, Robertus Cornelis Van Hoek