Patents Assigned to ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
  • Publication number: 20240085299
    Abstract: An inspection system capable of identifying particles within a liquid container such as a vial or syringe. The inspection system captures images of a container after it has stopped spinning while it is moving in a linear path through the field of view of an imager. A plurality of images are captured of the container at different positions within the field of view. The images are registered to each other and combined in order to identify particles that have moved between images, which are considered particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew WESTCOTT, Roger HOGAN, Amirali ASHRAFIZADEH, Stan KLEINIKKINK
  • Patent number: 11449778
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for modeling a manufacturing assembly line are disclosed herein. Some embodiments relate to operating a processor to receive cell data and line production data, determine one or more production associations between the cell data and the line production data; evaluate the one or more production associations to identify one or more critical production associations; retrieve the cell data and the line production data associated with the one or more critical production associations; and train a predictive model with the retrieved cell data and the retrieved line production data to predict the production level of the manufacturing assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Willison, Mehdi Sadeghzadeh, Masoud Kheradmandi, Bo Yuan Chang, Stephen Bacso, Yang Wang, Nick Foisy, Stanley Kleinikkink
  • Patent number: 10974914
    Abstract: A linear motor conveyor system including: a track comprising a shaped guide rail; a plurality of moving elements, each moving element having: a body; at least two bearings supported by the body and configured to match with the shaped guide rail, wherein the bearings are mounted to the moving element such that the moving elements overlap along the direction of the track providing a reduced tooling pitch between the moving elements. A moving element for moving on a track of a conveyor system, the moving element including: a first set of bearings shaped to match with a first shaped guide rail; a second set of bearings configured to abut against a second guide rail; and a body supporting the first and the second bearing, wherein the body is shaped to allow the first bearing to at least partially overlap the body of an adjacent moving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Kleinikkink, Roger Hogan, Ian Cameron
  • Patent number: 10589973
    Abstract: An automated device for producing a closed part, commencing with an open part having a cap joined with a hinge to a body, the device comprising: a tool having a guide surface defined in an operating plane substantially orthogonal to a hinge axis; a part gripper disposed on a computer numerically controlled shuttle, the part gripper operable to: select an open part from a stream of identical open parts; engage one of: the cap; and the body, on a start point on the guide surface; slide the open part, within the operating plane from the start point to a finish point on the guide surface, to rotate the cap about the hinge axis from an open position to a closed position relative to the body; and release the closed part from the part gripper at a release station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Wayne Nicholson, Philip David Munroe, Martin George Smith, Robert David Almas
  • Patent number: 9957116
    Abstract: A system for providing vacuum to a moving element of a transport system, the system includes: a vacuum chamber on the moving element for storing vacuum; a vacuum source; a vacuum inlet provided on the vacuum chamber and for connection to the vacuum source; and a vacuum outlet in communication with the vacuum chamber and positioned on the moving element. The vacuum source may be provided on and travel with the moving element or on the transport system and periodically engage with the vacuum chamber. Where the vacuum source is provided on the moving element, a vacuum chamber may not be required. Further, the vacuum source may be driven by electrical energy and/or mechanical energy in various configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Darragh Staunton, Albert Kleinikkink
  • Patent number: 9923444
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a curvilinear track section including: forming a curvilinear track portion; cutting out a first slot grouping from an exterior edge of the curvilinear track portion, wherein the first slot grouping is at a first predetermined angle; cutting out a second slot grouping from the exterior edge of the curvilinear track portion, wherein the second slot grouping is at a second predetermined angle; and inserting motor units into the first and second slot groupings. A curvilinear track section having: a curvilinear track portion; a first slot grouping formed in an exterior edge of the curvilinear track portion, wherein the first slot grouping is at a predetermined angle relative to the exterior edge; a second slot grouping formed in the exterior edge of the curvilinear track portion, wherein the second slot grouping is at a second predetermined angle; and motor units inserted into the first and second slot groupings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Kleinikkink, John Ditner, Don Mowat, Ryan Scott, Graham Knap, Ryan Chubb
  • Patent number: 9911632
    Abstract: According to an aspect herein, there is provided a method of decorating multiple parts, the method includes: loading a plurality of parts onto a pallet; registering location of each of the plurality of parts in relation to the pallet; registering location of each of the plurality of parts with each of a plurality of templates; decorating the plurality of parts using the plurality of templates; and inspecting the decorated parts to monitor for defects. According to another aspect herein, there is provided a method of decorating a part, the method includes: positioning a part for decoration; starting a decoration process for the part; and adjusting one or more parameters of the decoration process during the decoration process based on predetermined characteristics of the part or the decoration to provide for enhanced print coverage or quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Anthony Patrick Dunlop
  • Patent number: 9630203
    Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for coating stents are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignees: Abbott Cardiovasular Systems Inc., ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David Rego, Kurt Kilchenmann, Sang joon Park, Mark Haight, Anthony S. Andreacchi, Yung-Ming Chen, Arnoldo M. Currlin, Antonio Garcia, Jason Van Sciver, Thomas David Esbeck, Bryan D. Glenn, Patrick A. Tuohy, Richard Baillargeon, Edward P. Garcia, Steven E. Lehner, Ian Coulson
  • Patent number: 9500409
    Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for drying coated stents in an oven are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignees: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney Watterodt, Sang joon Park, David Rego, Anthony S. Andreacchi, Yung-Ming Chen, Arnoldo M. Currlin, Antonio Garcia, Jason Van Sciver, Bryan D. Glenn, Matthew J. Gillick, John E. Papp
  • Patent number: 9096386
    Abstract: A modular multi-mode conveyor system includes at least one linear drive track section configured such that moving elements are independently controlled and moved along the track section and at least one mechanical drive track section having the same configuration as the linear drive track section but where the linear drive is replaced with a scroll cam drive system and moving elements are controlled and moved along the track section by the scroll cam drive system. The scroll cam conveyor system includes a scroll cam. The scroll cam includes a cylindrical cam, a plurality of cam grooves formed on the cylindrical cam, a drive system for rotating the scroll cam, and a moving element. The moving element includes a plurality of cam followers. The plurality of cam grooves are configured to contact with respective ones of the plurality of cam followers to move the moving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Darragh Staunton, Roger Ketteringham
  • Patent number: 8794426
    Abstract: A conveyor system that includes a track section including a control system, a drive system that is controlled by the control system and that is configured to provide power through a first electromagnetic field and through an alternating second electromagnetic field, a plurality of moving elements that are driven by the drive system and that are configured to receive power through the first electromagnetic field, where at least one of the plurality of moving elements includes a pick-up unit configured to receive power through the alternating second electromagnetic field, a pallet support apparatus, and a plurality of pallets that are configured to engage with the plurality of moving elements and move on the pallet support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Cooke
  • Patent number: 8789678
    Abstract: A conveyor system comprising: a track section comprising a control system; a drive system that is controlled by the control system; a plurality of moving elements that are driven by the drive system; a pallet support apparatus; a plurality of pallets that are configured to engage with the moving elements and move on the pallet support apparatus; and a plurality of workstations provided along the track section, each workstation at a predetermined pitch from each other workstation, wherein at least some of the pitches are different among workstations, wherein the control system, drive system and moving elements are configured such that each pallet of the plurality of pallets is independently advanced through the workstations based on the pitches of the workstations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Kleinikkink, Javan Taylor, Jeff Lee, Brad Northey, Jayson Jones
  • Patent number: 8727100
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a system for conveying apparatus over a conveyor belt assembly. The system includes a set of pallets which support the apparatus and travel within parallel driving conveyors of the conveyor belt assembly. While the pallets in both driving conveyors are capable of rotation, only the pallets in one of the driving conveyors may move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel so that the apparatus may be centred over the conveyor belt assembly when the pallets are in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Donald Ecob, Bounna Wang
  • Patent number: 8691320
    Abstract: A method for coating a stent can involve a device having a drying zone, a spray zone, and movable member for positioning a stent in the drying zone and another stent in the spray zone. Each stent can be on a support. A force can be applied to the outside surface of a stent to prevent rotation of the stent with respect to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David Rego, Kurt Kilchenmann, Sang joon Park, Mark Haight, Anthony S. Andreacchi, Yung-Ming Chen, Arnoldo M. Currlin, Antonio Garcia, Jason Van Sciver, Thomas David Esbeck, Bryan D. Glenn, Patrick A. Tuohy, Richard Baillargeon, Edward P. Garcia, Steven E. Lehner, Ian Coulson
  • Patent number: 8686644
    Abstract: A light generating system comprising: a plurality of solid state emitters (SSEs) and a stability control system for controlling the spectral stability of the SSEs. In a particular case, the stability control system may comprise: a power regulator to regulate power supplied to a sub-set of the plurality of SSEs; a constant current circuit connected to the power regulator to provide a constant current to the sub-set of SSEs; a current regulation set point connected to the constant current circuit; and a controller configured to set the regulation set point based on metrology relating to the state of the SSEs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald R. Wootton
  • Patent number: 8677650
    Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for drying coated stents in an oven are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignees: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney Watterodt, Sang joon Park, David Rego, Anthony S. Andreacchi, Yung-Ming Chen, Arnoldo M. Currlin, Antonio Garcia, Jason Van Sciver, Bryan D. Glenn, Matthew J. Gillick, John E. Papp
  • Patent number: 8642919
    Abstract: A laser ablation nozzle including a main pressure chamber centered on an area of a substrate to be ablated and arranged to push a stream of gas through the main pressure chamber onto the substrate. A vacuum chamber surrounds the main pressure chamber and is arranged to vacuum away the process gas and ablation debris. To attempt to address uneven pressure and flow, flow restrictors can be provided at one or both of the process gas inlet and the vacuum chamber. The vacuum flow restrictor is intended to create constriction in a channel to generate a uniform vacuum induced flow around substantially the entire circumference of the nozzle opening. Similarly, the process gas flow restrictor is intended to generate substantially uniform gas flow into the main pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Hogan
  • Patent number: 8640859
    Abstract: A conveyor system pallet is provided, having: a pallet body; and a guiding system operatively attached to the pallet body and designed to abut against at least one side rail of a conveyor system, the guiding system including: a plurality of first directional guides; and a plurality of second directional guides oriented approximately orthogonally to the first directional guides. A further guiding system for a conveyor pallet is provided, having: a plurality of first directional guides having: a plurality of guides designed to abut against a first side rail of the conveyor system; and a plurality of guides designed to abut against a second side rail located above the first side rail of the conveyor system; and a plurality of second directional guides designed to engage an underside of the first side rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Donald Ecob
  • Patent number: 8556315
    Abstract: According to one aspect herein, there is provided a vacuum gripper assembly for gripping an object, the vacuum gripper assembly including: a gripper finger comprising a flat plate; a vacuum pad; a supporting system for supporting the vacuum pad in relation to the gripper finger; and a stabilization structure adapted to stabilize the at least one vacuum pad in a generally flat orientation in relation to the flat plate of the gripper finger when the vacuum gripper assembly is not gripping the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Thorsten Kampe
  • Publication number: 20130174607
    Abstract: A method and system for preparing polysilicon slim rods, the method and system including: placing a piece of polysilicon on a fixture; applying a predetermined laser beam or abrasive jet to the piece of polysilicon; and separating a polysilicon slim rod from the piece of polysilicon. The laser beam may be used for either cutting or for cracking depending on the operating parameters chosen. There may also be various combinations of cutting and cracking used in order to separate the slim rod from the piece of polysilicon. For example, the laser cut may be a scribing and/or partial cut and the separation may be completed by cracking the remaining silicon. In this case, the cracking may be accomplished by, for example, mechanical bending or laser cracking. Generally speaking, a laser beam used for cracking may be different from and have differing operating parameters from a laser beam used for cutting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald WOOTTON, Steven VAN LOON