System Includes A Load Supported By A Conveyor Portion Which Is Separable From The Conveyor Drive Patents (Class 198/465.1)
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Patent number: 11958156Abstract: A workpiece transport element for placement on a transport belt and for receiving workpieces, including a bearing pin disposed on a holding element for engaging in an opening in the workpieces for support during transport, wherein the holding element includes at least two bearing pins that are movably mounted with respect to the holding element and have different diameters, wherein the bearing pins are selectively movable into a transport position or out of the transport position. The workpiece transport element can also include bearing pins including a tip, wherein, for storing shaft-like parts, a vertical guide rail including a counter-holder that is movable thereon in a longitudinal direction of the guide rail and includes a holding tip is provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: BURRI Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Dieter Burri
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Patent number: 11912512Abstract: A selectably configurable modular labware transport system including a labware bulk overhead transport system module forming an overhead transport path. The labware bulk overhead transport system module has a labware support, with at least a movable part of the labware support being configured to support labware thereon, and move longitudinally defining the overhead transport path. The labware support has more than one labware holding stations for holding a labware piece, each of the labware holding stations having a different location along the labware support and overhead transport path. The labware bulk overhead transport system module is communicably couplable to another labware bulk overhead transport system module that forms another different overhead transport path, and effects undisrupted transport of the labware throughout the overhead transport path with the labware bulk overhead transport system module both coupled to and uncoupled from the other labware bulk overhead transport system module.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: HighRes Biosolutions, Inc.Inventors: Ulysses Gilchrist, Andrew Bennett
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Patent number: 11903580Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris
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Patent number: 11787622Abstract: Manual and automated racking systems and associated methods for loading/unloading glass panels (e.g., insulating glass units (IGU), laminated glass units, glass composites, monolithic glass, and the like) onto/from a transportable rack, and a rack for use with the manual and automated racking systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Integrated Automation Systems, LLCInventors: Michael E. Peters, Wesley Scott, Michael P. McHugh
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Patent number: 11747483Abstract: A positioning calibration controller for measuring and calibrating the configuration dimensions of a construction working machine having an machine body including a first surveying device for surveying the position coordinates and a movable working tool including one or more angle detecting devices, wherein the positioning calibration method and the positioning calibration controller of the construction working machine having the feature of specifying the configuration dimensions and the configuration positions of the movable business tool by the position measurement data and the angle data detected by the angle detecting device by measuring the position coordinates of the plurality of posture positions of the movable business tool by a second surveying device.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Totalmasters Co. LtdInventor: Yoshinao Tamazato
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Patent number: 11742234Abstract: System for positioning (DP) a plate handling device relative to a plate of a given shape, said device including a securing face (8) for being secured to a face of the plate: a tray (16) comprising a face for facing a face of the plate, a support (18) supporting the tray, pins (32) protruding from the face of the tray (16) and delimiting the external shape of the plate between them, a housing (28) in the tray (16) for mounting the handling device so that said securing face (8) of the handling device is oriented to the side of the face of the tray (16), the position of the housing (28) relative to the pins (32) ensuring positioning of the device relative to the plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Delphine Boutry, Delphine Autillo, Virginie Enyedi, Grégory Enyedi
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Patent number: 11724894Abstract: A judgment process of judging whether or not the movable linear module is located in the facing range is performed before the slider transfer operation of moving the slider from the fixed linear module to the movable linear module located in the facing range is performed. As a result, unless the movable linear module is judged to be located in the facing range, the slider transfer operation is performed after a preparation operation of moving the movable linear module into the facing range is performed. Therefore, the slider can be properly moved from the fixed linear module to the movable linear module.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2019Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kenji Ueno
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Patent number: 11717871Abstract: The invention relates to a bending tool storage device (1) for storing bending tools (2), comprising: a preferably shelf-type rack (3) on which a plurality of storage locations (4) for bending tools (2) are arranged, at least one supply path (10), preferably in the form of a tool guide (11), for issuing and/or retrieving bending tools (2), and at least one first transfer device (5) for transferring bending tools (2) between the storage locations (4) and a transfer point (6), characterized in that the bending tool storage device (1) comprises, between the transfer point (6) and the supply path (10), a rotating installation (7) for rotating the bending tools (2).Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2018Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: TRUMPF Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Karl Badegruber, Luigi Cavicchia, Egon Danninger, Thomas Denkmeier, Harald Fenzl, Alfred Haselboeck, Michael Kerschbaumer, Gerhard Kirchmayr, Florian Maier, Kabir Secibovic, Andrea Tonda Roch, Roberto Veronese, Giovanni Vidotto, Jochen Wruck
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Patent number: 11697557Abstract: The invention relates to idler diagnosis systems on conveyors, comprising a rail system as a track for suitable running gears and the running gear, the rail system being formed from a closed profile or tube. The rail system comprises a multi-part track holder arranged on the belt frame, a fixing rod and a running rail, the track holder being suitable for accommodating the running rail at at least one end by insertion, thus creating a track without cross-section differences. The running gear has at least one two-roller system as a guide and drive system, and at least one chassis that accommodates and connects the two roller systems and has connection options for sensor-system carriers and/or energy control module. The guide system encloses the track so only one movement (forwards/backwards) along the track is provided. The drive system moves the chassis and all the connected systems with respect to the track.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2021Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: TAKRAF GmbHInventors: Rainer Kahrger, Jan Nowak, Boris Freier, Mario Dilefeld
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Patent number: 11639265Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for associating multiple totes with a single profile so that items placed into any of the multiple totes are identified on a profile item identifier list. For example, if two users located in a materials handling facility are picking items that are to be consolidated or otherwise treated together, each user may select a different tote and move separately through the materials handling facility. As either user picks items and places those items into a corresponding tote, a profile item identifier list is updated to include an item identifier for each picked item.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2020Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Korwin Jon Smith, Amber Autrey Taylor, Alexander Michael McNamara, Sridhar Boyapati, Jason Michael Famularo, Thomas Meilandt Mathiesen
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Patent number: 11618640Abstract: Methods and apparatus to position a cargo unit in a cargo compartment of an aircraft are disclosed herein. An example linear track system in a cargo compartment of an aircraft includes a first linear synchronous motor (LSM) track coupled to a floor of the cargo compartment, a second LSM track coupled to the floor of the cargo compartment, and a cargo positioning system to activate the first and second LSM tracks to move a cargo unit along the first and second LSM tracks through the cargo compartment. A bottom of the cargo unit has first and second strips of conductive material to interact with the corresponding first and second LSM tracks.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2020Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Brett Dayton Sjostrom, Jose A. Cantos, Kenneth M. LaSalle
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Patent number: 11616463Abstract: In order to ensure particularly good protection of individuals in an electromagnetic transport system, a safety area is provided in a transport area. Furthermore, a safety function is provided which, in accordance with a predetermined safety requirement level, ensures that the transport unit reaches the safety area at a speed less than or equal to a safety speed and/or with a transport unit force less than or equal to a safety force and/or a transport unit energy less than or equal to a safety energy, or prevents the transport unit from reaching the safety area.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: B&R INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION GMBHInventors: Franz Kaufleitner, Franz Spanlang, Stefan Flixeder
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Patent number: 11613425Abstract: A bag bundle conveyance apparatus which conveys a bag bundle including a plurality of bags, includes: a support body which supports the bag bundle from below; a holding unit which holds the bag bundle; and a transfer drive unit which moves the holding unit in a conveyance direction, wherein the transfer drive unit moves the holding unit in the conveyance direction in a state where the bag bundle is supported from below by the support body and is held by the holding unit, in such a manner that the bag bundle is conveyed in the conveyance direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: PACRAFT CO., LTD.Inventors: Manabu Morino, Kazuo Fukunaga, Takayuki Utsunomiya
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Patent number: 11535459Abstract: A method and a device for buffering containers in a container treatment system are disclosed. The containers enter into storage on an infeed conveyor belt in the infeed direction, are moved in a single row onto a transversely adjoining buffer area by rail-guided and individually driven shuttles with row pushers in a buffering direction running transverse to the infeed direction, and are removed from storage on an outfeed conveyor belt transversely adjoining in the buffering direction. The shuttles and the infeed/outfeed conveyor belts are controlled in dependence of target positions, target speeds and/or target accelerations stored specifically for the container type, and/or the shuttles are controlled in dependence of target positions, target distances and/or target speeds stored specifically for modes of operation for initializing and reading out the shuttles, for following preceding shuttles, and for moving to route positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2021Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: KRONES AGInventors: Franz Lautenschlager, Thekla Osswald, Martin Seger, Torsten Kilgenstein, Peter Muehlstein
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Patent number: 11527425Abstract: A system, includes, a semiconductor processing unit, an Automated Materials Handling System (AMHS) vehicle, and a warehouse apparatus, wherein the warehouse apparatus comprises at least one input port, at least one output port, and at least one load/unload port, wherein the warehouse apparatus is configured to perform one of the following: receiving a plurality of tray cassette containers from the AMHS vehicle at the at least one input port, transporting at least one tray cassette in each of a plurality of tray cassette containers to the at least one load/unload port via the at least one input port, transporting at least one first tray from the at least one tray cassette to the semiconductor processing unit via a tray feeder conveyor, and receiving at least one second tray from the semiconductor processing unit via the tray feeder conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2019Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsung-Sheng Kuo, Yang-Ann Chu, Chih-Hung Huang, Guan-Wei Huang, Jiun-Rong Pai, Hsuan Lee
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Patent number: 11509243Abstract: To make it possible to freely move a moving body between level surfaces located at different heights that are not connected by a vertical member. A moving body includes a movable moving part, an expansion/contraction part disposed in the moving part and configured to expand and contract in a vertical direction, a first engagement part disposed at a tip of the expansion/contraction part and configured to engage with a member located in a surrounding environment, and a control unit configured to control the moving part and the expansion/contraction part. The control unit moves the moving part to a target height position by engaging the first engagement part with a member located at the target height position and then expanding or contracting the expansion/contraction part.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2020Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kunihiro Iwamoto, Yuta Itozawa, Hirotaka Komura
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Patent number: 11498766Abstract: The present disclosure provides a warehousing system, a material transporting method, a control terminal, a robot and a storage medium. Where the robot performs material fetching according to a control instruction of a control terminal, transports a material to a destination, and automatically docks with a conveyor line at the destination so as to automatically transport the material to the conveyor line. Manual participation is not needed in the material transporting process, therefore material transporting efficiency can be improved; besides, by configuring different conveyor lines corresponding to different workstations, the material conveying of each workstation does not affect each other, and the workstation with low material processing efficiency does not cause effect on other workstations, thereby facilitating to improve overall work efficiency of all workstations.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2021Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Inventors: Hongxia Zhou, Xiaolong Li, Xin Ai
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Patent number: 11389835Abstract: A method of sorting articles with a sorter apparatus and a sorter apparatus having a conveying surface that is adapted to transport articles in a direction of conveyance and a mechanism adapted to displace articles on the conveying surface, the sorter apparatus having an endless web of bodies travelling in an endless loop defining the conveying surface includes a distributed drive system having at least one drive that is adapted to produce to provide force with at least one of the bodies to propel the endless web. A diagnostic device traveling with the web and positioned at one of the bodies of the endless web. The diagnostic device is adapted to monitor operation of the sorter apparatus and includes at least one sensor that is adapted to detect at least one parameter of a proximate drive that is proximate to the at least one sensor, and a controller adapted to receive the at least one parameter from the at least one sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Dematic Corp.Inventors: Daniel J. Nowicki, Randall J. Carlson, James R. VanOeffelen, Martin J. Stanish
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Patent number: 11150257Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sample rack loading system and loading method, and a chemiluminescence detector. The loading system includes: a sample rack storage device, provided with multiple sample holders for storing sample racks; a sample rack transmission device, comprising a rail component and a sample rack block piece mechanism; and a sample rack transfer device, transfers the sample racks between the sample rack storage device and the sample rack transmission device; the sample rack block piece mechanism is configured to block or unblock transmission passages of the rail component; and a guide block is arranged on the sample rack transfer device. When transfer rails of the sample rack transfer device are in abutment with the transmission passages, the guide block drives the sample rack block piece mechanism to unblock the transmission passages.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Shenzhen New Industries Biomedical Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xiaotao Chen, Li Yin, Liang Zhu, Yixian Wang, Xiongjie Zhang, Gang Zhou
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Patent number: 11027924Abstract: In the present device for moving endless conveyor chains, link conveyor chains are moved within C-shaped guides. Mounted in breaks in the guides is a chain actuating mechanism configured as two parallel chain drives. As the conveyor chains move, their rollers are engaged by grips disposed on the chain drives. The invention makes it possible to create a compact device for smoothly and evenly moving endless conveyor chains in different planes.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Inventor: Alexei Igorevich Makhalin
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Patent number: 11021328Abstract: A packaging machine having several work stations, a transport chain and a chain deflection pulley on which the transport chain is mounted. The transport chain comprises chain clips, each chain clip having an upper part and a lower part, wherein the upper part and/or the lower part may be moveable relative to each other to move the chain clips between an open position and a closed position. The material blank may be introduced into the open chain clips and secured in the closed chain clips to transport the material blank in a direction of transport using the transport chain. A chain opening mechanism may be actively and operably changed between an opening state and a closing state in order to open and close at least one chain clip disposed on a planar oriented section of the transport chain and/or to maintain an already opened chain clip in an open state.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER SE & CO. KGInventors: Tobias Guggenberger, Peter Kovacs, Robert Maier, Konrad MĂ¶ĂŸnang, Christian Lau
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Patent number: 10981729Abstract: Pallet for a conveyor system comprising a conveyor track, where the pallet comprises a housing having an upper side adapted to support an object, and an underside opposite to the upper side, where the underside is adapted to bear on a conveyor track, where the housing comprises a front side, a rear side, a right side and a left side, where the pallet comprises a rechargeable power source, a control unit, a wireless communication means and a plurality of actuating means arranged to be controlled by the control unit, where the actuating means are adapted to extend out of the housing or to retract into the housing by a control signal from the control unit. The advantage of the invention is that a self-contained pallet is provided, which can navigate through a conveyor system without the need of dedicated diverters.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Flexlink ABInventor: Stefan Deuser
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Patent number: 10969769Abstract: An automobile factory planning system and method for controlling a cycle time. The system comprises a conveyor belt configured to transport a plurality of automobiles at a controlled displacement velocity along a manufacturing path through the automobile factory. A feedback device is configured to provide a visual indicator of a designated position at which a next automobile is to be placed on the conveyor belt relative to the position of a previous automobile. The designated position is calculated as a function of the cycle time and the displacement velocity of the conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2016Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: REXNORD FLATTOP EUROPE B.V.Inventor: Cornelis Hendrik Mijndert Menke
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Patent number: 10954080Abstract: A conversion assembly for transferring an item from a first tray to a second tray. The conversion assembly includes a paddle assembly, a first tine assembly comprising one or more tines coupled to a first rotating shaft, and a second tine assembly comprising one or more tines coupled to a second rotating shaft. The first tine assembly is configured to facilitate emptying the item from the first tray onto the paddle assembly and the second tine assembly is configured to facilitate moving the first tray to a second conveyor while the item remains on the paddle assembly. The first tine assembly alters an orientation of the second tray to a position to receive the item from the paddle assembly, and wherein the paddle assembly is configured to move the second tray and the item back onto a first conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Intelligrated Headquarters, LLCInventors: Darin Dickey, William McConnell
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Patent number: 10944342Abstract: A secure roller controller of a roller conveyor system for logistics services includes a monitoring circuit, a controller module and a driving circuit and is electrically connected to a motor. The monitoring circuit is electrically connected to the controller module and the driving circuit to receive a power signal from the driving circuit. The controller module is electrically connected to the driving circuit to receive the power signal and instruct the driving circuit to drive the motor for speed adjustment according to the power signal. When instantly detecting that the power signal is irregular, the monitoring circuit transmits an irregularity signal to the controller module for the controller module to instantly decelerate a rotation speed of the motor to a safe rotation speed through the driving circuit. Accordingly, burn-down of the motor and the secure roller controller can be avoided to enhance operational stability and safety.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Worldwide Logistics CorporationInventor: Chi-Chiao Wang
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Patent number: 10926960Abstract: In an overhead conveyance vehicle that travels along a rail serving as a conveyance track mounted on a ceiling and conveys a target magazine along the rail, when an elevating unit holding the magazine is hoisted or lowered between a conveyance position and a transfer position, a controller for controlling the operation of the overhead conveyance vehicle determines, based on an image captured by a camera, the presence or absence of an obstacle in an imaging range captured by the camera.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2020Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: DAIFUKU CO., LTD.Inventors: Takeshi Shin, Tetsuji Nakae
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Patent number: 10769579Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for associating multiple totes with a single profile so that items placed into any of the multiple totes are identified on a profile item identifier list. For example, if two users located in a materials handling facility are picking items that are to be consolidated or otherwise treated together, each user may select a different tote and move separately through the materials handling facility. As either user picks items and places those items into a corresponding tote, a profile item identifier list is updated to include an item identifier for each picked item.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2014Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Korwin Jon Smith, Amber Autrey Taylor, Alexander Michael McNamara, Sridhar Boyapati, Jason Michael Famularo, Thomas Meilandt Mathiesen
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Patent number: 10725060Abstract: A method of tube slot localization is provided using a tray coordinate system and a camera coordinate system. The method includes receiving, a series of images from at least one camera of a tray comprising tube slots arranged in a matrix of rows and columns. Each tube slot is configured to receive a sample tube. The method also includes automatically detecting fiducial markers disposed on cross sectional areas between the tube slots on the tray and receiving an encoder value indicating when each row of the tray is substantially at the center of the camera's field of view. The method further includes determining calibration information to provide mapping of locations from the tray coordinate system to locations from the camera coordinate system and automatically aligning the tray based on the encoder value and calibration information.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2016Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.Inventors: Yao-Jen Chang, Patrick Wissmann, Wen Wu, Guillaume Dumont, Benjamin Pollack, Terrence Chen
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Patent number: 10689206Abstract: The invention provides a transport device for transporting pucks which are configured for container transport, comprising a puck transport section for transporting pucks to and from a container treatment machine. The transport device comprises a puck buffer from which pucks can be coupled into the puck transport section and to which pucks decoupled from the puck transport section can be fed.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: KRONES AGInventors: Veronika Bauer, Thomas Mildner, Michael Jogsch, Johannes Duenzinger, Stefan Heigl, Peter Muehlstein, Christian Paul
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Patent number: 10661998Abstract: A method for transferring a workpiece carrier in a manufacturing facility from a first conveying portion, which is controlled by a first controller, to a second conveying portion, which is controlled by a second controller is provided. The conveying portions each have a toothed belt. On the basis of an internal timer in the two controllers, a desired position of a virtual tooth space in the transfer region of the conveying portions is calculated, taking the predefined movement speed of the workpiece carrier into consideration and taking the tooth pitch of the toothed belts into consideration. The toothed belts are controlled and synchronized by the respective controller via the drive units such that a first tooth space of the first toothed belt and a second tooth space of the second toothed belt are synchronized with the desired position of the virtual tooth space.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: STIWA Holding GmbHInventors: Michael Pauditz, Norbert Soeser
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Patent number: 10597233Abstract: The invention relates to a rail module (1) having rail portions (2) and having a linear drive for moving a rail-bound carriage. The linear drive has at least one drive module (4) which can be brought into operative connection with at least one reaction element. Here, the reaction element is secured, independently of the drive module (4), to the carriage in a drive region and the drive module (4) is arranged fixedly in relation to the rail module (1). When the rail module (1) is used as intended, the rail-bound carriage can be moved along at least a first or a second movement axis. The invention also relates to a rail transport system made up of at least two of the rail modules.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: ATL Systems GmbHInventors: Johannes Herbig, Martin Kaltenbach
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Patent number: 10578632Abstract: A transport device unit for a transport device assembled using a plurality of transport device units is presented. The transport device unit comprises a base plate module with a base plate for fixing the transport device unit to a support frame, an actuator module with a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators, where the actuator module is supported by the base plate module, and a driving surface module with a driving surface element, where the driving surface element is arranged above the actuator module covering the actuators and configured to carry sample container carriers. A transport device, a system for at least partially disassembling the transport device, and a laboratory sample distribution system comprising a transport device are also presented. In addition, a laboratory automation system comprising a laboratory sample distribution system is also presented.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Hans Schneider, Eugen Lusser, Marcel Kaeppeli, Tobias Huber, Pius Hermann, Matthias Edelmann
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Patent number: 10472184Abstract: A transport device for transporting containers with a plurality of pucks, each designed for receiving a container and for standing transport of the container, the transport device having an intermediate starwheel and a container lifting device to adjust the vertical position of the containers, and the transport device permitting the containers to be transported by the pucks to an inlet of a treatment machine and away from an outlet of the treatment machine. The container lifting device of the transport device is integrally formed with or attached to the intermediate starwheel and is formed and arranged in operation such that it lifts the containers, for removing the containers from the pucks, before they pass through a treatment section of the treatment machine and lowers the containers, for inserting the containers into the pucks, after they have passed through the treatment section.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2018Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: KRONES AGInventor: Veronika Bauer
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Patent number: 10440985Abstract: A tray for containing products with reduced longitudinal dimensions, including a plurality of accumulation chambers, each of which is delimited by a rear wall, a base wall and two side walls for containing a layer of a plurality of the products stored according to an ordered orientation and covering an entire surface of the rear wall The accumulation chambers define modules whose respective rear walls are parallel to each other and a distance between two rear walls of two adjacent modules is substantially the same as reduced longitudinal dimensions of the products contained therein. Each tray includes a plurality of stackable modules which can be closed in a pack to define the thickness of the tray itself. A connecting and disconnecting mechanism is provided between each module and another so that the tray may be composed of a variable number of modules.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: G.D. S.P.A.Inventors: Ivan Eusepi, Marco Esposti, Massimo Sartoni
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Patent number: 10414597Abstract: Provided is a pallet car for the transport of bulk material for a thermal treatment thereof. The pallet car comprises a frame with at least two opposed cross-beams on which grate bars rest and two end pieces each connecting the cross-beams with each other, which each include at least two rollers and at least one side wall. In the pallet car, the grate bars and/or the side walls and/or the insulating plates are made of a ceramic fiber composite, wherein the fibers are metallic and high-temperature resistant.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: OUTOTEC (FINLAND) OYInventors: Timo Rodenheber, Roger Becker, Pierre Manthey, Astrid Asquino, Till Weber, Michael Ströder, Isabella Vandermaelen
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Patent number: 10350717Abstract: An electronic apparatus production system is disclosed. The electronic apparatus production system comprises a transmission rail in the form of a substantially closed loop, a plurality of storage trays circulating on the transmission rail, each of the storage trays comprising a plurality of holding portions to hold a plurality of components with different shapes, an automatic distributor configured to mount the components with different shapes on respective holding portions, and an automatic assembler configured to grip the components on the storage tray.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignees: TE Connectivity Corporation, Tyco Electronics (Dongguan) Co. Ltd., Zhuhai Yingzhi Tech Co. Ltd., Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.Inventors: Hongzhou Shen, Dandan Zhang, Kok Wai Wong, George Dubniczki
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Patent number: 10353380Abstract: A tool identification system for fitting to a tool includes a data memory configured to store data specific to the tool, and a standardized data interface configured to provide the data for a superordinate device having a corresponding data interface. The data memory is included in a microprocessor system configured to keep the standardized data interface ready, with the result that the data in the data memory can be read or written by a device using the microprocessor system and using the standardized data interface.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2014Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Andreas Mader
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Patent number: 10274506Abstract: In the past, when centering the center of a liquid surface and fixation thereof proved difficult during mounting a container into an automatic analytical apparatus, there was sometimes the possibility that the accuracy of checking the liquid surface conditions and the pipetting precision could not be ensured. When this problem occurred, there was the possibility that the reliability of the analysis results would be diminished. Accordingly, an automatic analytical apparatus is provided with a probe for suctioning a liquid to be used in analysis, wherein the apparatus is provided with a transport apparatus for transporting a container accommodating the liquid, and a container-clamping apparatus for clamping the container transported by the transport apparatus. The container-clamping apparatus has a vibration suppression mechanism for retaining the clamped container with an elastic body, and a centering retention mechanism with which centering of the container center can be fixed.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2015Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Kazuhiro Noda, Yoichiro Suzuki
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Patent number: 10015974Abstract: Method and processing line for inspecting a poultry carcass and/or a viscera package taken out from the poultry carcass. The poultry carcass and/or viscera package may be suspended from a poultry carrier and a viscera carrier that move in the processing line. The inspection may be carried out by an inspector selecting a particular poultry carcass and/or viscera package as to be rejected. A selection device can be operated to select the poultry carcass and/or viscera package suspended from the carrier to be rejected.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2017Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: MEYN FOOD PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY B.V.Inventors: Aloysius Christianus Maria Van Steijn, Evert Kikstra, Hermanus Laurentius Zomerdijk, Rick Sebastiaan Van Stralen
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Patent number: 10015919Abstract: In a tape feeder which serves as a component supply device which is used for supplying components in a component mounter, a first unit which serves as a tape feed unit which pitch feeds a carrier tape which holds components to a component suction position using a pitch feeding sprocket drive mechanism, and a third unit and a second unit which serve as a tape supply unit which is attachable and detachable in relation to the tape feed unit and which supplies the carrier tape to the tape feed unit are selectively used according to the supply mode of the carrier tape to be used.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Chikara Takata, Yasuo Takanami, Yasuo Oku
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Patent number: 10005476Abstract: A conveyance device utilizing coupled wagons includes front and rear adjacent wagons and a pair of left and right coupling units coupling left and right side portions of the adjacent wagons. The coupling units are switchable between a coupled state in which the left and right side portions of the adjacent wagons are respectively allowed for relative horizontal rotations about vertical shafts and an uncoupled state. A first coupling control mechanism operating at least one of the coupling units is provided at a horizontal turn path section in a travel path. By the operation of the first coupling control mechanism, the conveying traveling body can enter the horizontal turn path section while the coupling unit on the inner side of the horizontal turn path section is in the coupled state and the coupling unit on the outer side of the horizontal turn path section is in the uncoupled state.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masahiro Ooe
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Patent number: 9995787Abstract: A substrate manufacturing apparatus includes a test apparatus including a test handler module for performing a test process on a substrate. The test handler module may include a conveyor unit to transfer a substrate, a handler unit for performing a test process on the substrate, and a transfer unit for transferring the substrate between the conveyor unit and the handler unit. The conveyor unit may include a feed conveyor and a discharge conveyor spaced apart from the feed conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Semes Co., Ltd.Inventors: Youngchul Lee, Semin Kwon, JinHwan Lee, Jea-Muk Oh, Kyungsook Lee, Nam-Hong Lee
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Patent number: 9989547Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The system comprises sample container carriers carrying a sample container and comprising a magnetically active device. The system also comprises a transport plane supporting the sample container carriers and comprises drive modules comprising first line shaped conductors extending in a first direction and arranged parallel to each other and second line shaped conductors extending in a second direction and arranged parallel to each other. The system comprises a driver electrically connected to each of the first and second conductors of the drive modules. The driver selectively applies a drive current and/or voltage to the first and second conductors such that a conductor current results in the conductors driven by the drive current and/or voltage. The conductor current selectively causes a drive force to the sample container carriers such that the sample container carriers move along individual transport paths on the transport plane.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2017Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventor: Christoph Pedain
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Patent number: 9952242Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system having a recovery device and a laboratory automation system having such a laboratory sample distribution system are presented. The recovery device is adapted to manipulate items such as sample container carriers or sample containers on a transport plane of the laboratory sample distribution system in the case of an error condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventor: Christian Riether
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Patent number: 9938088Abstract: A conveying device has interlockingly coupled, rectilinear screw shafts which are driven by a motor. The screw shafts are juxtaposed to an inclined rectilinear portion of a gradient portion in a traveling route of a conveying traveling body and to at least fixed regions adjacent to the gradient portion of respective upper and lower horizontal route portions connected to respective ends of the gradient portion. The conveying traveling body has a pair of front and rear driven rollers engaging with the screw shafts, and an interval between the pair of front and rear driven rollers is set to a length not shorter than a rectilinear distance between end portions of the screw shafts positioned at respective sides of each of arcuate portions at respective upper and lower ends of the gradient portion to make the conveying traveling body travel continuously between the respective upper and lower horizontal route portions.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hisashi Kyotani
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Patent number: 9924732Abstract: Apparatus, system and method embodiments for molding soft confectionery are included herein include a conveyor system arranged for conveying a plurality of trays in a serial succession, a loading unit arranged for loading the trays onto the conveyor system, a depositing unit arranged for depositing liquid confectionery in mold cavities of at least two trays simultaneously, and an unloading unit arranged for unloading the trays from the conveyor system.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Tanis Confectionery B.V.Inventor: Leonard Johannes Tanis
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Patent number: 9862548Abstract: A drive unit for driving a carriage which can be displaced along a transporting path comprises a barrel cam, which can be driven to rotate and has a drive groove for engagement of a driver arranged on the carriage, and also comprises a control device for controlling the drive of the carriage. The barrel cam has a first barrel portion and a second barrel portion, which is separate from the first, wherein the barrel portions can be driven independently of one another, and wherein the control device is designed so that, once the carriage has been received from a separate drive unit, it can accelerate the carriage with the first barrel portion and can supply the accelerated carriage to the second barrel portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: WEISS GMBHInventor: Uwe Weiss
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Patent number: 9840010Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for changing a set of old tools for a set of new tools may be presented. The system may comprise a crawler robot, a robotic arm, a tool changer, a vision system, and at least one of a tool rack or a storage area. The tool changer may be an end effector of the robotic arm. The tool changer may comprise a number of grippers and a number of movement assemblies. The number of grippers may perform at least one of moving a set of new tools to the crawler robot or removing the set of old tools from the crawler robot. The number of movement assemblies may be associated with the number of grippers. The vision system may be associated with at least one of the robotic arm and the tool changer.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Tristan E. Lee, David M. Foisy
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Patent number: 9810706Abstract: A vertical conveying device for the transport of sample container carriers having sample tubes received therein between a bottom level and a top level of a sample distribution system is presented. The vertical conveying device comprises a plurality of conveying surfaces which are movable along a circulating path. A sample distribution system having such a vertical conveying device and to a laboratory automation system having such a sample distribution system are also presented.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2015Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Christian Riether, Hans Schneider
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Lighting device, light-emitting device, and manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus thereof
Patent number: 9722212Abstract: The sizes of an evaporation mask used for a full-color light-emitting device and an evaporation mask used for a lighting device are different from each other. For this reason, separate evaporation masks are necessary, and in the case of processing a large number of substrates at once, many evaporation masks are prepared in accordance with the number of substrates to be processed, thereby increasing the total footprint of a manufacturing apparatus. One object of the present invention is to solve a problem of such an increase. A full-color display device can be manufactured by using a color filter and white light-emitting elements in combination. By this manner, a manufacturing line for the light-emitting device can have some steps in common with a manufacturing line for the lighting device; consequently, the total footprint of the manufacturing apparatus is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2012Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shunpei Yamazaki