Patents by Inventor Timothy L. Justice
Timothy L. Justice 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: 10486199Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting is described, and which includes an arrangement for controllably and operably coupling to a controller, and then selectively energizing each of a background element; laser scanner; first and second electromagnetic radiation detectors; line scan imaging assembly; and selectively energizable radiators, so as to improve the detection of individual products and/or other objects of interest forming a product stream by increasing the contrast of the respective products or specific characteristics thereof, and/or objects of interest in a multiplicity of electrical signals which are received, and then processed by the controller, as the product stream passes through an inspection station.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Timothy L. Justice, Johan Calcoen, Gerald R. Richert, Bert Dirix
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Patent number: 10478862Abstract: An apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while intentionally creating and utilizing known signal interference to enhance contrasts when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2019Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Timothy L. Justice, Johan Calcoen, Gerald R. Richert
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Publication number: 20190299254Abstract: An apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while intentionally creating and utilizing known signal interference to enhance contrasts when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2019Publication date: October 3, 2019Applicant: KEY TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: TIMOTHY L. JUSTICE, JOHAN CALCOEN, GERALD R. RICHERT
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Patent number: 10363582Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while intentionally creating and utilizing known signal interference to enhance contrasts when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2017Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Timothy L. Justice, Johan Calcoen, Gerald R. Richert
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Publication number: 20190210068Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting is described, and which includes an arrangement for controllably and operably coupling to a controller, and then selectively energizing each of a background element; laser scanner; first and second electromagnetic radiation detectors; line scan imaging assembly; and selectively energizable radiators, so as to improve the detection of individual products and/or other objects of interest forming a product stream by increasing the contrast of the respective products or specific characteristics thereof, and/or objects of interest in a multiplicity of electrical signals which are received, and then processed by the controller, as the product stream passes through an inspection station.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2018Publication date: July 11, 2019Applicant: KEY TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Timothy L. Justice, Johan Calcoen, Gerald R. Richert, Bert Dirix
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Patent number: 10293379Abstract: An object detection method includes an electromagnetic radiation emitter, and an electromagnetic radiation detector on a first side of an inspection zone, a reflective background on a second side of the inspection zone and a controller operably connected to the emitter and the detector to measure/determine a first time of travel for emitted electromagnetic radiation waves/pulses to travel from the emitter, to the reflective background, and return to the detector, and to measure/determine a second time of travel for emitted electromagnetic radiation waves/pulses to travel from the emitter of electromagnetic radiation to objects of interest passing through the inspection zone along an unsupported path of travel and to be reflected to the electromagnetic radiation detector, and any determined time of travel which varies from the first time of travel is evidence there is an object within the inspection zone and between the emitter and the reflective background.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2017Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Timothy L. Justice, Johan Calcoen, Dirk Adams, Gerald R. Richert
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Patent number: 10195647Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding internal and external features and characteristics and qualities of products being inspected.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Key Technology, IncInventors: Timothy L. Justice, Johan Calcoen, Dirk Adams, Gerald R. Richert
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Publication number: 20180369870Abstract: An object detection method includes an electromagnetic radiation emitter, and an electromagnetic radiation detector on a first side of an inspection zone, a reflective background on a second side of the inspection zone and a controller operably connected to the emitter and the detector to measure/determine a first time of travel for emitted electromagnetic radiation waves/pulses to travel from the emitter, to the reflective background, and return to the detector, and to measure/determine a second time of travel for emitted electromagnetic radiation waves/pulses to travel from the emitter of electromagnetic radiation to objects of interest passing through the inspection zone along an unsupported path of travel and to be reflected to the electromagnetic radiation detector, and any determined time of travel which varies from the first time of travel is evidence there is an object within the inspection zone and between the emitter and the reflective background.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2017Publication date: December 27, 2018Applicant: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Timothy L. Justice, Johan Calcoen, Dirk Adams, Gerald R. Richert
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Publication number: 20180056334Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while intentionally creating and utilizing known signal interference to enhance contrasts when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Timothy L. Justice, Johan Calcoen, Gerald R. Richert
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Publication number: 20180029085Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding internal and external features and characteristics and qualities of products being inspected.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2017Publication date: February 1, 2018Applicant: KEY TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Timothy L. JUSTICE, JOHAN CALCOEN, DIRK Adams, GERALD R. RICHERT
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Patent number: 9795996Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Dirk Adams, Johan Calcoen, Timothy L. Justice, Gerald R. Richert
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Patent number: 9573168Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Key Technology,. IncInventors: Dirk Adams, Johan Calcoen, Timothy L. Justice, Gerald R. Richert
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Patent number: 9517491Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2016Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Dirk Adams, Johan Calcoen, Timothy L. Justice, Gerald R. Richert
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Publication number: 20160136693Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2016Publication date: May 19, 2016Applicant: KEY TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: DIRK ADAMS, JOHAN CALCOEN, TIMOTHY L. JUSTICE, GERALD R. RICHERT
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Publication number: 20160129480Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2016Publication date: May 12, 2016Applicant: KEY TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: DIRK ADAMS, JOHAN CALCOEN, TIMOTHY L. JUSTICE, GERALD R. RICHERT
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Publication number: 20160129479Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2016Publication date: May 12, 2016Applicant: KEY TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: DIRK ADAMS, JOHAN CALCOEN, TIMOTHY L. JUSTICE, GERALD R. RICHERT
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Patent number: 9266148Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: KEY TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Dirk Adams, Johan Calcoen, Timothy L. Justice, Gerald R. Richert
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Publication number: 20150375269Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: KEY TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Dirk Adams, Johan Calcoen, Timothy L. Justice, Gerald R. Richert
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Patent number: 9027759Abstract: A sorting apparatus is described, and which includes a conveyor which transports a produce stream for inspection. A product separation surface is mounted near the distal end of the conveyor, and the produce stream passes over the product separation surface, and is slowed to a speed such that the produce stream falls substantially immediately vertically downwardly. An inspection zone is located downstream relative to the product separation surface. An imaging device is provided, and which images the produce stream passing through the inspection zone; an illumination device is provided for illuminating the produce stream passing through the inspection zone, and an ejector assembly is located downstream of the inspection zone and which removes unwanted solid material in the produce stream having undesirable characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Peter T. Jones, Brandon T. Hall, David W. Hufford, Timothy L. Justice, Tracy L. McGowen, Gerald R. Richert, Roydan T. Tomlinson, Jean-Francois Pellet
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Patent number: 8714362Abstract: A sorting apparatus is described, and which includes a conveyor which transports a produce stream for inspection. The conveyor has various regions formed in part of ridges, troughs and apertures which reduce the weight of the produce stream, as well as reduces the vertical and horizontal components of motion of the produce stream, as the produce stream progresses from one end to the other.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Peter T. Jones, Brandon T. Hall, David W. Hufford, Timothy L. Justice, Tracy L. McGowen, Gerald R. Richert, Roydan T. Tomlinson, Jean-Francois Pellet, Quentin F. Kemph