Patents Assigned to Automated Solutions, LLC
  • Patent number: 12023905
    Abstract: Tear and heat resistant foams used in packaging, protective packaging bags and related methods are provided. The tear and heat resistant foam can include a nonwoven substrate, a polyethylene film, and a base layer of polyethylene foam joined together by applying at least one of heat or heat and pressure to the top nonwoven substrate, the polyethylene film and the polyethylene foam to heat the first surface of the top nonwoven substrate to a temperature that is above the melting point of polyethylene film but below the melting point of top nonwoven substrate. The temperature of the polyethylene film rises causing the polyethylene film to melt and bind the top nonwoven substrate to the polyethylene foam to form the heat and tear resistant packaging foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Automated Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony R. Smith, Sara C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 11878410
    Abstract: An automated transforming tooling system apparatus and method for shuttling a workpiece to and from an industrial operation. The system includes a workstation for complementarily engaging and securing the workpiece, and at least one holder removably secures at least on end effector tool to the workstation. At least one transfer bar is movably positioned with respect to the workstation. At least one automated transforming tooling assembly is connected to the transfer bar and has a plurality of links adjustably connected by motorized joints to automatically position the automated transforming tooling assembly. An automated tool changer is connected to the automated transforming tooling assembly and releasably engages the end effector tool between a disengaged position, wherein the end effector tool is disengaged from the automated tool changer, and an engaged position, wherein the end effector tool is engaged by the automated tool changer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Filipiak, Richard Hamann, Daniel Kersey, Vincent C. Rabaut, III, Edwin E. Marttinen
  • Patent number: 11845623
    Abstract: Winding apparatuses for winding sheet material and related methods are disclosed herein. The winding apparatuses can include a set of winding drive rollers. Each drive roller of the winding drive rollers can have drive wheels spaced apart along the respective drive roller with a winding zone between the winding drive rollers. The winding apparatus can also include a feed system positioned before the set of the winding drive rollers for moving sheet material along a travel path in a machine direction into the winding zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Automated Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Campbell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11661957
    Abstract: A dual direction vacuum apparatus for creating vacuum and purging obstructions from a vacuum port of the apparatus. The apparatus provides a housing having an air passageway, wherein the air passageway has a first end and a second end. A vacuum pressure inlet is formed in the housing and is adaptable to receive pressurized air from a pressurized air source to create vacuum in the vacuum port and establish a vacuum mode. A purge pressure inlet is formed in the housing and adaptable to receive pressurized air from a pressurized air source to direct pressurized air toward the vacuum port to establish a purge mode and dislodge any obstructions from the vacuum port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Schmutzler
  • Patent number: 11584025
    Abstract: An automated transforming tooling system apparatus and method for shuttling a workpiece to and from an industrial operation. The system includes a workstation for complementarily engaging and securing the workpiece, and at least one holder removably secures at least on end effector tool to the workstation. At least one transfer bar is movably positioned with respect to the workstation. At least one automated transforming tooling assembly is connected to the transfer bar and has a plurality of links adjustably connected by motorized joints to automatically position the automated transforming tooling assembly. An automated tool changer is connected to the automated transforming tooling assembly and releasably engages the end effector tool between a disengaged position, wherein the end effector tool is disengaged from the automated tool changer, and an engaged position, wherein the end effector tool is engaged by the automated tool changer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Filipiak, Richard Hamann, Daniel Kersey, Vincent C. Rabaut, III, Edwin E. Marttinen
  • Patent number: 11492156
    Abstract: Adjustable tables for use in packaging forming systems and related methods are provided. An adjustable table for use in a packaging forming system can include outer side panels and moveable inner side panels moveably connected to the outer side panels with the outer side panels held stationary relative to the moveable inner side panels. The adjustable table can also include a table top secured to the moveable inner side panels. The table top and the inner side panels are configured to move upwardly or downwardly relative to the outer side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Automated Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20220325725
    Abstract: A dual direction vacuum apparatus for creating vacuum and purging obstructions from a vacuum port of the apparatus. The apparatus provides a housing having an air passageway, wherein the air passageway has a first end and a second end. A vacuum pressure inlet is formed in the housing and is adaptable to receive pressurized air from a pressurized air source to create vacuum in the vacuum port and establish a vacuum mode. A purge pressure inlet is formed in the housing and adaptable to receive pressurized air from a pressurized air source to direct pressurized air toward the vacuum port to establish a purge mode and dislodge any obstructions from the vacuum port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Schmutzler
  • Publication number: 20220106142
    Abstract: Winding apparatuses for winding sheet material and related methods are disclosed herein. The winding apparatuses can include a set of winding drive rollers. Each drive roller of the winding drive rollers can have drive wheels spaced apart along the respective drive roller with a winding zone between the winding drive rollers. The winding apparatus can also include a feed system positioned before the set of the winding drive rollers for moving sheet material along a travel path in a machine direction into the winding zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: Automated Solutions. LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Campbell
  • Patent number: 11286069
    Abstract: Cross Seal Devices and related methods are provided. A cross seal device for forming ends of packages being formed in a packaging forming system can include an anvil configured to extend transverse to a product pathway of a packaging forming system along which top and bottom sheet materials travel. The cross seal device can also include a track positioned above the anvil transverse to the product pathway. Further, the cross seal device can include a carriage configured to operate along the track. The carriage can include one or more rollers configured to engage the anvil to form a pressure contact between the anvil and the roller so that the top and bottom sheet materials are joined together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Automated Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Campbell
  • Patent number: 11185955
    Abstract: A manufacturing includes a template support and a plurality of template members. The template support comprises a structural member, a first rail, and a second rail. The first rail is coupled to the structural member, and is positioned outward of the first side of the structural member and extends parallel with the structural member. The second rail is movably coupled to the structural member and is normally biased outward to an outward position in which second rail is parallel with the structural member. Each template member is coupled to the template support when the first rail is positioned in a first recess thereof and the second rail is in the outward position in a second recess thereof, and is removable from the template support when the second rail is in an inward position and out of the second recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Corey Chappus, Vincent C. Rabaut, III, Dale Lesh, Scott Rollo, Donovan Brown
  • Patent number: 11154796
    Abstract: Sand separation systems and methods according to which one or more energy sensors are adapted to detect a response to energy imparted to a sand separator of a known type. One or more computers are adapted to communicate with the one or more energy sensors. The one or more computers and/or the one or more energy sensors are pre-tuned. The one or more computers are configured to determine the unknown sand level in the sand separator of the known type based on: the response detected by the one or more energy sensors, and the pre-tuning of the one or more energy sensors and/or the one or more computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Infinite Automated Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Barton Hickie, Billy Christian Rowell, Johnny Thomas Gaulf
  • Patent number: 11059168
    Abstract: An automatically positionable joint for a modular tooling assembly includes a first joint member; a second joint member that is rotatably connected to the first joint member; a motor for causing rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member; and a first clutch that is movable between an engaged position in which the first clutch restrains rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member and a disengaged position in which the first clutch permits rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Edwin E. Marttinen, Steven D. Koski, Stephen E. Wikstrom, Vincent C. Rabaut, III, Dale Lesh, John David Begin
  • Publication number: 20210171226
    Abstract: Packaging forming system and related methods are provided. A packaging forming system can include a controller and nip rollers in communication with the controller. The nip rollers are positioned on either side of a product pathway on which products being packaged travel. The packaging forming system can include a top sheet material guide system that is configured to feed a top sheet material and a bottom sheet material guide system that is configured to feed a bottom sheet material to the nip rollers to form sides of packages around one or more products traveling along the pathway. The packaging forming system can include an adjustable table in communication with the controller and positioned along the pathway to provide support to the product being packaged such that the height of the table is movable to adjust a height position of each individual product to be packaged relative to the nip rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: Automated Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20210009291
    Abstract: Cross Seal Devices and related methods are provided. A cross seal device for forming ends of packages being formed in a packaging forming system can include an anvil configured to extend transverse to a product pathway of a packaging forming system along which top and bottom sheet materials travel. The cross seal device can also include a track positioned above the anvil transverse to the product pathway. Further, the cross seal device can include a carriage configured to operate along the track. The carriage can include one or more rollers configured to engage the anvil to form a pressure contact between the anvil and the roller so that the top and bottom sheet materials are joined together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: Automated Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20200385154
    Abstract: Adjustable tables for use in packaging forming systems and related methods are provided. An adjustable table for use in a packaging forming system can include outer side panels and moveable inner side panels moveably connected to the outer side panels with the outer side panels held stationary relative to the moveable inner side panels. The adjustable table can also include a table top secured to the moveable inner side panels. The table top and the inner side panels are configured to move upwardly or downwardly relative to the outer side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Applicant: Automated Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Campbell
  • Patent number: 10850877
    Abstract: Packaging forming system and related methods are provided. A packaging forming system can include a controller and nip rollers in communication with the controller. The nip rollers are positioned on either side of a product pathway on which products being packaged travel. The packaging forming system can include a top sheet material guide system that is configured to feed a top sheet material and a bottom sheet material guide system that is configured to feed a bottom sheet material to the nip rollers to form sides of packages around one or more products traveling along the pathway. The packaging forming system can include an adjustable table in communication with the controller and positioned along the pathway to provide support to the product being packaged such that the height of the table is movable to adjust a height position of each individual product to be packaged relative to the nip rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Automated Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Campbell
  • Patent number: 10836050
    Abstract: A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton
  • Patent number: 10823235
    Abstract: An assembly comprising a first member, a second member, and a clutch plate. The second member is maintained in a spaced apart relationship from the first member. The clutch plate has radially extending engagement structures and is disposed between the first member and the second member. The clutch plate has a first half and a second half that are slidably rotatable with respect to one another. The first half and the second half of the clutch plate rotate in opposite directions when axial pressure is applied to the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Kalb, Edwin E. Marttinen
  • Patent number: 10740346
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a technique is provided for automating handover information from project (construction & design) to operation/maintenance. A schema-less repository is defined for holding handover asset objects and governing transformation automation. An information stitching method is defined for multiple-sourced project data integration and incorporating owners' requirement into the repository. A 2-step script-based transformation process is provided to encapsulate information modeling knowledge from a transformation definition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Agile Handover and Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Hong Gao, Sen Zhang, Jeff Nolan
  • Patent number: D898879
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton