Suction Carrier Patents (Class 221/211)
  • Patent number: 11864678
    Abstract: An article storage and retrieval system includes a body having a first side wall, a second side wall and a support surface. The support surface establishes a first article retrieval zone and a second article retrieval zone. A first door support assembly is arranged at the body. A second door support assembly arranged at the body. A roller door is mounted between the first door support assembly and the second door support assembly. The roller door includes an opening. A motor, operatively connected to one of the first door support assembly and the second door support assembly, selectively operates to shift the roller door relative to the body. A controller activates the motor to shift the roller door and selectively align the opening with one of the first article retrieval zone and the second article retrieval zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Adam Tracy
  • Patent number: 11716976
    Abstract: Systems and methods for continuous insect pupae sensing are described. One example method includes receiving a flow at a singulator, the flow comprising one or more insect pupae; singulating the insect pupae into a single-file flow of insect pupae; sensing, using a sensor, insect pupae within the single-file flow of insect pupae; and incrementing a counter based on each sensed insect pupae in the single-file flow of insect pupae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: VERILY LIFE SCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: Martin Sheridan, Jianyi Liu, Matthew Metlitz
  • Patent number: 11589515
    Abstract: A seed fulfillment system is an automated system for sorting and delivering different types of seeds from different seed containers to a shipping-container loading system which loads shipping containers with the seeds. The seed fulfillment system includes an intermediary-container handling system which conveys intermediary containers of seeds from a filling system to a shipping-container loading system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: David J. Baitinger, Brian L. Hahn, Andrew Maddux, Eric Thompson, Roger A. Weyhrich
  • Patent number: 11516974
    Abstract: This invention includes a coherent growth substrate product formed of mineral wool, the product having two opposed top and bottom surfaces and a seed hole extending from the top surface towards the bottom surface, the base of the seed hole defining a seed bed, wherein the volume of the growth substrate product is not more than 150 cm3, and wherein the seed bed has a width of at least 5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: ROCKWOOL INTERNATIONAL A/S
    Inventors: Jean Marie Wilhelmus Cuypers, Eelke Gjalt Hempenius
  • Patent number: 11299308
    Abstract: An electronic product packaging system includes a robot on which a vacuum suction device adapted to pick up a packaging box and a gripper adapted to grab an electronic product are disposed, a packaging box loading platform adapted to load a pile of a plurality of the packaging boxes stacked together, a product loading device having a loading groove adapted to load a row of a plurality of the electronic products, and a packaging platform carrying the electronic products and the packaging boxes. The robot is configured to pick up the packaging box from the packaging box loading platform and place the packaging box on the packaging platform with the vacuum suction device. The robot is configured to grab the electronic product from the product loading device and place and pack the electronic product into the packaging box on the packaging platform with the gripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignees: TE Connectivity Services GmbH, Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Jian Cao, Lvhai Hu, Dandan Zhang, Fengchun Xie, Yun Liu, Yingcong Deng, Xiaochen Yu, Roberto Francisco-Yi Lu
  • Patent number: 11297762
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a seed reservoir and a seed meter having a metering member with a seed side facing the seed reservoir, a non-seed side opposite the seed side, and a plurality of apertures. The seed meter is operable by pressure differential between the non-seed side and the seed side to adhere seeds to the seed side and move seeds from the seed reservoir. A conduit has a venturi with a throat disposed adjacent the metering member. The throat presents an opening directed toward the seed side and the plurality of apertures. The opening is configured to receive a seed adhered to one aperture of the plurality of apertures. An air pressure source is configured to provide greater than atmospheric air pressure on the non-seed side such that during operation of the row unit an air stream passes through the one aperture toward the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Elijah B. Garner, Stanley R. Borkgren, Cary S. Hubner, Beth A. Wolfs, Michael E. Frasier, Joseph W. Migliorini
  • Patent number: 11285083
    Abstract: Disclosed is an invention for dispensing multiple medications to a patient over an extended period of days up to several times a day. The system includes a carousel with storage bins and a delivery bin on its periphery. A vacuum system and a vacuum probe with a vacuum cup at the end of the probe for grasping and holding by an induced vacuum a dosage of medication located in a storage bin and moving it to a dispending or delivery bin. The system includes a programmable computer to control the system and sequence the proper dispensing of the medication at the predesignated times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: GERI-SAFE, LTD
    Inventor: Robert Karpman
  • Patent number: 11266059
    Abstract: Provided is a seed treatment method, using a composition that may be obtained extemporaneously by mixing at least one powder substance and an aqueous medium. The seed treatment method may include producing the mixture in an automatic and cyclic manner, in at least one first vessel, by introducing into same first at least a portion of the aqueous medium and next the powder substance, the latter being sucked into the aqueous medium in the vessel by a vacuum created in the vessel, at least partially draining the content of the vessel, by at least one blast of compressed gas in the vessel, to a seed treatment device where the mixture may be brought into contact with the seeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: RHODIA OPERATIONS
    Inventors: Chenglu David, Patrick Ferlin, Carole Lechartier, Patrick Phelippeau
  • Patent number: 11252856
    Abstract: A row unit of an agricultural planter includes a seed meter. The seed meter includes a seed disk within a seed meter housing. The seed disk is positioned in the seed meter housing such that the disk rotates and includes a seed release point. A drive member is operatively connected to the seed disk such that the drive member selectively rotates the disk. The seed disk is angularly positioned and is a conical-shaped member with a central axis and includes seed cells radially positioned about an outer portion. The seed disk is substantially non-perpendicular to the central axis. An air pressure source also is included to adhere seed to the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn
  • Patent number: 11198526
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing lids has at least one magazine lane including an entrance end, an exit end, and a longitudinal length defined therebetween. The at least one magazine lane further includes a plurality of side guides along the longitudinal length for guiding the lids therebetween and a pair of rollers for carrying the lids thereon. The apparatus further has a throat plate at or near the exit end, the throat plate including an opening. At least one of the throat plate, the side guides, or the rollers is adaptable so as to accommodate different sizes and/or shapes of lids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: R.A Jones & Co.
    Inventors: Wade Joseph Burken, Donald Brooks MacKinnon, Daniel Leonard Matthies, Jeffrey David Wintring
  • Patent number: 11027931
    Abstract: A marker band locator system locates a marker band, from a plurality of marker bands in a hopper, into a band receiver for further processing. A hopper is configured to loosely hold a plurality of marker bands and a band receiver, configured in an indexer, is configured under the hopper such that marker bands gravity feed down to the band receiver. A vacuum source produces a vacuum on the band receiver and if a marker band is properly located therein, the marker band forms a seal with the band receiver and the vacuum pressure exceeds a threshold vacuum pressure level. The indexer then actuates to a secondary position for further processing and removal of the marker band. If the vacuum pressure does not exceed the threshold, a burst of air jostles the marker bands in the hopper until a marker band is seated properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Blockwise Engineering LLC
    Inventors: Jeremiah J Warriner, Ed Goff, Matthew Michael Bradley
  • Patent number: 11020320
    Abstract: A pill dispenser includes a housing and a slidable drawer with a dispenser cup therein. A storage cup is fixed within the housing. The pill dispenser also includes a movable probe, a flexible tip on the probe, and a suction pump in fluid communication with the flexible tip. The pill dispenser may be configured for and/or methods of operating the pill dispenser may include rotating the probe a position above the storage cup, translating the probe downward into the storage cup, and activating the suction pump. While the suction pump is active, the probe is translated to the position above the storage cup, rotated to a position above the dispenser cup, and translated downward into the dispenser cup. The suction pump is deactivated when the flexible tip is within the dispenser cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Susheel Panda, Gaurav Kumar Verma, Nithin Naga Venkata Yalamanchili, Srikanth Raavi Venkata, Rafi Shaik Mahammed, Abdel Hamad
  • Patent number: 10999978
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for sowing seeds. The invention relates more particularly to a device and method for sowing seeds as part of a plant. The system according to the invention comprises a separating device for separating a single seed relative to a remainder of the plurality of seeds, an optical recognition system (9) for recognizing the separated seed, a robot arm device (4) for picking up the separated seed and for sowing the picked-up seed, arid a control unit for controlling the separating device, the optical recognition system (9) and the robot arm device (4). With this system it is possible to sow seeds in a more accurate and less error-prone manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Adrianus Johannes Cornelis Bovée
  • Patent number: 10973174
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for sowing seeds. The invention relates more particularly to a device and method for sowing seeds as part of a plant breeding process. The system according to the invention comprises a separating device for separating a single seed relative to a remainder of the plurality of seeds, an optical recognition system for recognizing the separated seed, a robot arm device for picking up the separated seed and for sowing the picked-up seed, and a control unit for controlling the separating device, the optical recognition system and the robot arm device. With this system it is possible to sow seeds in a more accurate and less error-prone manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Adrianus Johannes Cornelis Bovée
  • Patent number: 10863665
    Abstract: A seed meter for an agricultural planter in which the seed disc is rotatably mounted within a seed meter housing. As the seed disc rotates, the apertures in the disc rotate along a seed aperture path through a horizontally adjacent seed pool area. The seed disc includes cavities disposed along the seed aperture path to agitate the seeds in the seed pool area. A singulator having multiple co-planar singulator surfaces is biased against the seed side surface of the seed disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Derek Sauder, Tim Schaefer
  • Patent number: 10820489
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a seed reservoir and a seed meter having a metering member configured to rotate about an axis. The metering member has a seed side facing the seed reservoir, a non-seed side opposite the seed side, and a plurality of apertures. The axis is normal to a surface of the seed side. The seed meter is operable by pressure differential between the non-seed side and the seed side to adhere seeds to the seed side and move seeds from the seed reservoir. The row unit also includes a positive pressure air source and an air outlet fluidly coupled to the positive pressure air source. The air outlet is disposed on the seed side and aimed to discharge an air stream towards one aperture of the plurality of apertures. The dischargeable air stream has a directional component parallel to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Elijah B. Garner, Stanley R. Borkgren, Cary S. Hubner, Beth A. Wolfs, Michael E. Frasier, Joseph W. Migliorini
  • Patent number: 10820481
    Abstract: A seed selector assembly for a pneumatic meter employed in agricultural seeding equipment may include a seed selector assembly connected to a multi-functional coupler, in which the seed selector assembly is made up of a rotating disk with a central hole and a gear profile, the disk being enclosed by a front ring and a rear ring, and the multi-functional coupler having two interfaces for connecting motor or driven devices. A pinion may be connected to an end of an axis, the opposite end of which is connected to a crown, the pinion being fitted into the cavity of the rear ring and the circular bore of the front ring, with a housed bearing support. The pinion may interact with the gear profile in order to rotate the disk when at least one of the interfaces is connected to a motor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Jose Roberto do Amaral Assy
    Inventor: Jose Roberto do Amaral Assy
  • Patent number: 10729062
    Abstract: A seed selector assembly for a pneumatic meter employed in agricultural seeding equipment may include a seed selector assembly connected to a multi-functional coupler, in which the seed selector assembly is made up of a rotating disk with a central hole and a gear profile, the disk being enclosed by a front ring and a rear ring, and the multi-functional coupler having two interfaces for connecting motor or driven devices. A pinion may be connected to an end of an axis, the opposite end of which is connected to a crown, the pinion being fitted into the cavity of the rear ring and the circular bore of the front ring, with a housed bearing support. The pinion may interact with the gear profile in order to rotate the disk when at least one of the interfaces is connected to a motor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Jose Roberto do Amaral Assy
    Inventor: Jose Roberto do Amaral Assy
  • Patent number: 10734349
    Abstract: A component packaging apparatus includes: at least one component supply device; at least one component processing device, which is configured to process components provided by the component supply device; at least one component transfer device, each component transfer device respectively having multiple bond heads, each bond head transferring one of the said components which are processed by the component processing device; wherein the component processing device comprises a pick-up platform, which is configured to simultaneously arrange the multiple components, and the multiple bond heads are configured to pick up the multiple components simultaneously from the pick-up platform at one time. A method for packaging components is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: CAPCON LIMITED
    Inventors: Feng Yu, Hong Gang Wang, Yang Li, Yong Xin Wang
  • Patent number: 10660360
    Abstract: The present application relates to a rod article distribution apparatus (10) for distributing rod articles (50) between at least two storage columns. The apparatus (10) has a rod article infeed (20), a rod article distributor (30) having an epicyclic drum arrangement, and at least two rod article receiving channels (41). The rod article distributor (30) is configured to distribute rod articles (50) between the at least two rod article receiving channels (41). The present application also relates to a rod article making apparatus and a method of distributing rod articles between at least two storage columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventor: Gary Fallon
  • Patent number: 10602656
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a motor configured to drive a seeding system that is, itself, configured to meter and deliver seed from the agricultural machine. The agricultural machine also includes a sensor configured to sense a characteristic of the seeding system and a skip detector component, that receives the sensor signal and detects a seed skip in the seeding system. Based on the detected seed skip, a processing system generates an operating parameter of the motor, and controls the motor based on the operating parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Matt D. Bartelson, Todd N. Signer
  • Patent number: 10577192
    Abstract: A tablet transfer apparatus includes a fixed plate provided with a rotary shaft penetrating therethrough, a negative pressure space formed therein to allow negative pressure to be partially applied to the negative pressure space, and a suction hole communicating at least with the negative pressure space; and a rotary plate combined with the rotary shaft to rotate, and provided with a concave groove formed in a circumferential surface of the rotary plate to communicate with the negative pressure space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: ENCLONY INC
    Inventors: Kyung-Ho Lee, Byung-In Kim
  • Patent number: 10542664
    Abstract: A seed meter for an agricultural planter having a seed disc rotating in a direction of travel. The seed disc includes a seed side surface and a vacuum side and a plurality of seed apertures. A plurality of guide cavities are disposed on the vacuum side adjacent to the seed apertures. The seed meter includes a seed ejector assembly having a lever arm supporting an ejector wheel and a guide wheel. The lever arm is biased toward the vacuum side of the seed disc such that the ejector wheel engages the see apertures and the guide wheel engages the guide cavities as the seed disc rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventor: Derek Sauder
  • Patent number: 10537919
    Abstract: Automated (e.g., robotic) mail tagging, traying, sleeving, and palletizing devices are disclosed. A monitoring system is also disclosed. In embodiments, the monitoring system is configured to operate with (e.g., monitor and/or control) one or more of the automated devices disclosed herein to facilitate actual physical mail matches the digital files provided to the USPS for postage discounts received on same mail. By comparing the digital information regarding the mail item identifier, the tray identifier, and the pallet identifier with the stored physical information received from the one or more scanners; and identifying whether or not any discrepancies exist between the digital information regarding the mail item identifier, the tray identifier, and the pallet identifier and the stored physical information received from the one or more scanners users can ensure actual physical mail matches the digital files submitted to USPS for postage discounts of same mail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: CapStone Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Troy R. Power, Robb Hagen, Francis J. Buglewicz, Dan Goodkind
  • Patent number: 10492502
    Abstract: A paper interleaver that is separate from the food patty molding machine for inserting a sheet of paper underneath a meat patty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: TOMAHAWK MANUFACTURING
    Inventor: Richard Payne
  • Patent number: 10462960
    Abstract: A twin row seed distributor body group is provided that enables twin sowing with a single seed distributor body of pneumatic sowing machines utilized in the agricultural industry. The twin row seed distributor body group contains at least one twin row seed distributor body provided for each sowing unit enabling synchronized sowing on two different sowing rows, at least one right and one left seeding disc, at least one shaft bearing group enabling the movement of seeding discs, at least one seeding disc motion shaft enabling the synchronized movement of the seeding discs, at least one modular main body inner bearing cover that enables fast mounting and maintenance of the disc shaft motion gear and disc motion gears operating inside the seed distributor body and also that forms a bearing for the seeding disc motion shaft, and a hinged seed discharge gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: ÖZDÖKEN TARIM MAKINALARI SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM
    Inventor: Mevlüt Duman
  • Patent number: 10214340
    Abstract: A container assembly and system for dispensing a stack of electronic device components includes an elongated tube having a cavity configured to contain a stack of said components. The tube has a dispensing end opposite an access end and a dispenser opening sized to dispense the electronic device components. The access end has an access opening sized to allow entry of a press to push the stack upwardly. A retainer is positioned proximate the access end to engage a last component in the stack and prevent it from exiting the tube through the access opening. The retainer may include a plurality of retainers. The retainer(s) can be a pair of retainers, four retainers, a chamfer formed in the tube, a perimeter insert, and/or a slidable panel. A method of making and a method of dispensing are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Mingjie Xu, Pan Gu, Bassam M. Ziadeh, Michael Garcia, Zhizhong Tang
  • Patent number: 10197427
    Abstract: A meter roller for an agricultural metering system includes a first segment having a first set of flutes and a corresponding first set of recesses. The meter roller also includes a second segment having a second set of flutes and a corresponding second set of recesses. A first aggregate volume of the first set of recesses is substantially equal to a second aggregate volume of the second set of recesses, and a first longitudinal end of the first segment contacts a second longitudinal end of the second segment along a contact surface. In addition, the second segment is circumferentially offset from the first segment such that each flute of the first set of flutes is at least partially aligned with each recess of the second set of recesses at the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: James W. Henry
  • Patent number: 9993845
    Abstract: Automated (e.g., robotic) mail tagging, traying, sleeving, and palletizing devices are disclosed. A monitoring system is also disclosed. In embodiments, the monitoring system is configured to operate with (e.g., monitor and/or control) one or more of the automated devices disclosed herein to facilitate actual physical mail matches the digital files provided to the USPS for postage discounts received on same mail. By comparing the digital information regarding the mail item identifier, the tray identifier, and the pallet identifier with the stored physical information received from the one or more scanners; and identifying whether or not any discrepancies exist between the digital information regarding the mail item identifier, the tray identifier, and the pallet identifier and the stored physical information received from the one or more scanners users can ensure actual physical mail matches the digital files submitted to USPS for postage discounts of same mail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: CAPSTONE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Troy R. Power, Robb Hagen, Francis J. Buglewicz, Dan Goodkind
  • Patent number: 9795078
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a frame and a seed meter coupled to the frame. The seed meter has a metering member for singulating seeds. The metering member has a groove recessed from a surface of the metering member. The row unit also includes a ramp surface for guiding the singulated seeds from the metering member, the ramp surface being at least partially disposed in the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Elijah B. Garner, Keith L. Felton, Kriss Helmick, Kamalakannan Natarajan
  • Patent number: 9776752
    Abstract: A feeding apparatus for feeding single empty capsules to a packaging machines includes a magazine (11) adapted to house a stack (12) of trays (13) including a plurality of empty capsules; a drawing and moving device (14) adapted to draw from the stack (12), and move, a tray (13); a separation device adapted to receive the tray (13) from the drawing and moving device (14) and to obtain single empty capsules; and a transfer system (16) adapted to transfer the empty capsules from the separation device to a transport system of the packaging machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: GIMA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Fabio Franceschi, Dario Rea
  • Patent number: 9750178
    Abstract: A method and system for planting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids and/or varieties is provided. A planter is provided with a plurality of row units. The row units include metering systems, which can include a drum meter capable of metering multiple types of seed at the single drum. The metering system including the drum is configured such that the seed meter will plant different seed types or varieties. The operation the drum meter will provide for the planting of a particular seed variety. The invention provides for on-the-go changing of a seed being planted by the operation of the drum seed meter at each of the row units and provides for almost infinite variation among the row units for planting particular seed varieties or not planting at all.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
  • Patent number: 9733634
    Abstract: An agricultural planter including a frame member, a conveyance system, a seeding system and an air pressure differential system. The conveyance system is coupled to the frame member and the conveyance system allows for the moving of the planter at a ground speed. The seeding system is coupled to the frame member. The air pressure differential system is operatively coupled to the seeding system. The air pressure differential system includes an air pressure differential producing apparatus for producing an air pressure difference and a controller. The controller is in controlling communication with the air pressure differential producing apparatus. The controller is configured to select the air pressure difference dependent upon the ground speed of the planter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Marvin A. Prickel
  • Patent number: 9693498
    Abstract: A seed-double eliminator and planting unit for a seeding machine have an aperture in a seed-carrying surface of a metering member of the seeding machine. A paddle is included on the metering member, the paddle extending away from the seed-carrying surface toward a seed path. At least one seed-double projection is included on the metering member between the aperture and the paddle, the at least one seed-double projection preventing retention on the metering member of at least one seed of a seed double pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Lee E. Zumdome, Elijah B. Garner, Michael E. Friestad, Nathan A. Mariman
  • Patent number: 9630210
    Abstract: A method of lining container closures includes providing a liner machine base including a number of fluid dispensing apparatus fixed in a stationary position on the base, conveying a plurality of container closures to the fluid dispensing apparatus using a conveying assembly, manipulating each of the container closures with respect to a corresponding one of the fluid dispensing apparatus as the fluid dispensing apparatus remains stationary and dispenses a sealant, lining a plurality of the container closures with said sealant, and, discharging the container closures from the liner machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Neil A Zumberger, Gregory H Butcher, Aaron E Carstens, John A Davidson
  • Patent number: 9569912
    Abstract: A apparatus for moving an article that contains a first telescoping tube movably connected to a second telescoping tube, a suction cup connected to said first telescoping tube, and a drive assembly connected to the first telescoping tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: ShopATM BV (SARL)
    Inventor: Steven Michael Faes
  • Patent number: 9475091
    Abstract: A method of lining container closures is provided. The method includes providing a liner machine base including a number of fluid dispensing apparatus fixed in a stationary position on the base, conveying a plurality of container closures to the fluid dispensing apparatus using a conveying assembly, manipulating each of the container closures with respect to a corresponding one of the fluid dispensing apparatus as the fluid dispensing apparatus remains stationary and dispenses a sealant, lining a plurality of the container closures with said sealant, and, discharging the container closures from the liner machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Neil A. Zumberger, Gregory H. Butcher, Aaron E. Carstens, Jason A. Davidson
  • Patent number: 9284111
    Abstract: An automatic pill grasping apparatus includes an enclosure, a control chip, a pill grasping mechanism, and a pill storage mechanism. The enclosure includes a base. The pill grasping mechanism includes a grasping arm, a nozzle, and a driving mechanism. The nozzle being is engaged with the grasping arm, and the driving mechanism is attached to the base. The pill storage mechanism includes a plurality of pill storage cases for storing pills and an actuating mechanism attached to the base. The control chip is configured to control the actuating mechanism to rotate the plurality of pill storage cases in a first plane substantially parallel to the base and control the driving mechanism to rotate the grasping arm in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, for rotating the nozzle to stretch into the one of the plurality of pill storage cases to pick a pill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Szu-Hai Huang, Kuo-Ming Lai, Pei-Yi Chan, Jeng-Che Chen, Tui-Chien Wu, Pao-Heng Shen, Chao-Wen Shih, King-Lung Huang, Lap-Shun Hui
  • Patent number: 9260060
    Abstract: A tonneau board used in a luggage space and movable according to opening and closing of a back door of a vehicle is provided. The tonneau board includes a rear board, a hinge portion, a front board, and an elongated connecting member. The rear board is disposed in front of the back door and includes a connect portion in a vehicular front portion thereof. The front board is in front of the rear board and connected to the rear board via the hinge portion to be pivotable around the hinge portion. The connecting member has flexibility and is configured to connect the rear board and the back door and includes a loop connected to the front portion of the rear board via the connect portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuto Matsubara
  • Patent number: 9148992
    Abstract: A system for changing seed variety on a planter includes a plurality of row units with each row unit having a plurality of seed meters. Each seed meter has a guide for delivering seed to a transport belt and a switch that is activated and deactivated by a switch actuator on the belt. The belt has adjustable sidewalls, cover, and lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Staeter
  • Publication number: 20150028050
    Abstract: A pill grasping method comprises rotating a grasping arm with a nozzle to a predetermined initial position driven by a driving mechanism, rotating a number of pill storage cases to position one of the pill storage cases with a set number of pills to a predetermined grasping pill position driven by an actuating mechanism, rotating the grasping arm to enter into the corresponding pill storage case, starting a pump to generate a vacuum in the nozzle for sucking a pill, and determining if an actual pressure value in a pipe connecting the nozzle to the pump is less than a predetermined pressure value. The grasping arm is rotated to the predetermined initial position when the actual pressure value is less than the predetermined pressure value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SZU-HAI HUANG, KUO-MING LAI, PEI-YI CHAN, JENG-CHE CHEN, TUI-CHIEN WU, PAO-HENG SHEN, CHAO-WEN SHIH, KING-LUNG HUANG, LAP-SHUN HUI
  • Publication number: 20150028048
    Abstract: An automatic pill grasping apparatus includes an enclosure, a control chip, a pill grasping mechanism, and a pill storage mechanism. The enclosure includes a base. The pill grasping mechanism includes a grasping arm, a nozzle, and a driving mechanism. The nozzle being is engaged with the grasping arm, and the driving mechanism is attached to the base. The pill storage mechanism includes a plurality of pill storage cases for storing pills and an actuating mechanism attached to the base. The control chip is configured to control the actuating mechanism to rotate the plurality of pill storage cases in a first plane substantially parallel to the base and control the driving mechanism to rotate the grasping arm in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, for rotating the nozzle to stretch into the one of the plurality of pill storage cases to pick a pill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SZU-HAI HUANG, KUO-MING LAI, PEI-YI CHAN, JENG-CHE CHEN, TUI-CHIEN WU, PAO-HENG SHEN, CHAO-WEN SHIH, KING-LUNG HUANG, LAP-SHUN HUI
  • Patent number: 8925762
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for counting a plurality of objects and parsing the objects into groups of varying quantities. In various embodiments, the system includes a singulating and counting module operable to singulate and count a plurality of objects from a large volume of the objects. Additionally, the system includes a diverter and accumulator module operable to receive the singulated objects, parse the objects into groups of varying quantities, and direct each group into a selected one of a plurality of discharge funnels. Furthermore, the system includes an object collection module operable to sequentially position each one of a plurality of object collection receptacles adjacent the discharge funnels such that each group of objects is deposited into a respective corresponding one of the object collection receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Deppermann, Elias J. Yannakakis, Allen N. Ondes, Brian J. Forinash
  • Patent number: 8869719
    Abstract: A seed meter for a seeding machine has a housing and a seed metering member rotationally mounted to the housing. The metering member has a sidewall with a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface with the inner surface of the sidewall having an outwardly flared rim portion extending both radially outward and axially to an outer edge. The rim portion has a plurality of apertures extending through the sidewall. The metering member is oriented at an angle to the vertical such that an upper portion of the metering member extends beyond a lower portion of the metering member. This orientation allows a seed delivery system to extend into the interior of the metering member and cooperate with the overhanging inside thereof to remove seed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Elijah Garner, Michael E. Friestad, Nathan A. Mariman, Lee E. Zumdome
  • Patent number: 8770437
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and at least one vacuum source. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet defining a dispensing flow path therebetween. The vacuum source is adapted to provide a vacuum pressure and induce a gas flow in the housing. The apparatus is configured to generate a forward drive gas flow from the vacuum pressure and induced gas flow, and the forward drive gas flow conveys articles through the dispensing channel along the dispensing flow path in a direction from the inlet to the outlet to dispense the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Richard D. Michelli
  • Patent number: 8764934
    Abstract: A container or array of containers that is are sealed with a peelable seal is transported via a conveyor along a processing path toward a desealing station at which an adhesive surface having a width substantially the same as or greater than the width of the seal is pressed against the upper surface of the peelable seal. A collection rod applies a downward pressure on the adhesive surface, pressing it against the seal and keeping the container or container array in position on the conveyor as the plate moves with the conveyor. As the leading edge of the seal passes the collection rod, the adhesive surface is rolled upward, away from the plane of the seal, pulling up on the leading edge of the seal to separate it from the container or container array while the container or container array is held down by the roller. The removed seal is then discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Neeper, Rhett L. Affleck, Roger Howard
  • Patent number: 8733259
    Abstract: A seed metering apparatus includes a seed container with a feed opening in a bottom thereof. A feed shaft is rotatably mounted across the feed opening. A feed disc is mounted to the shaft and disc recesses are spaced along a periphery thereof An upright shield plate extends across the feed opening adjacent to the shaft and defines a disc slot having a width corresponding to a thickness of the disc. An output portion of the feed disc extends through the disc slot forward of a front face of the shield plate. The feed shaft, feed disc, and shield plate are configured such that the shield plate seals the feed opening, and such that an intake portion of the feed disc is in the feed opening exposed to seeds. Rotation of the feed shaft carries seeds out of the seed container in the disc recesses and into a seed receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Straw Track Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Norbert Beaujot
  • Publication number: 20140131378
    Abstract: An automatic pill dispenser includes a chassis, a pill dispensing box located on the chassis, a pill box located on the chassis for a plurality of pills, and a pill fetching assembly. The pill fetching assembly is located on the chassis. The pill fetching assembly includes a driving device and a fetching device. The fetching device includes a boom and an arm assembly. The arm assembly is located on an end of the boom to fetch the plurality of pills from the pill box. The driving device includes a cam adjacent to the boom. The fetching device rotates relative to the chassis in a horizontal plane. The cam urges the fetching device to rotate within a vertical plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: CHAO-WEN SHIH, KUO-MING LAI, PEI-YI CHAN
  • Patent number: 8651320
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing open-ended objects such as pharmaceutical vials includes: a housing having an internal cavity configured to house open-ended objects, the housing including a guide and a floor; a pick-up unit mounted to the housing, the pick-up unit including an endless member and at least one pick-up member attached to the endless member; and a drive unit. The endless member engages the drive unit and the guide for movement relative thereto. As the drive unit drives the endless member, the at least one pick-up member travels on a pick-up path, at least a portion of which is within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jody DuMond, Charles H. Guthrie, Joseph C. Moran, Jr., Demetris P. Young, George Raymond Abrams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8631969
    Abstract: Apparatus for storing and selectively retrieving articles includes a vertical array of storage locations each having a horizontal surface on which articles may rest and along which articles may be slid. A carriage is mounted for movement horizontally and vertically across the face of the array so as to be selectively positionable at any one of the locations, and an arm is mounted on the carriage and selectively extendible and retractable to engage and withdraw a selected article from a first one of the locations on to the carriage, the carriage then being movable to another of the locations at which the arm may be extended to discharge the article from the carriage into the other location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Teknovation, Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven Michael Faes