Patents Assigned to SST Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9617085
    Abstract: A method of operating a tilting carrier assembly includes operating a conveyor in a primary direction of travel and supporting a work piece from the conveyor by a pair of links. A pair of respective upper connection points of the links are laterally spaced transverse to the primary direction of travel and a pair of respective lower connection points of the links are also laterally spaced. The work piece is conveyed along the primary direction of travel relative to a work station, and the upper connection points are tilted so that a line therebetween forms a first angle relative to horizontal. In response, the lower connection points and the work piece are tilted to a second angle relative to horizontal, and the second angle is greater than the first angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SST Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Martin Andreae, Chad Martin Andreae
  • Patent number: 9468944
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of stations positioned along a direction of conveyance. Rails span the length of all stations and include at least first, second, and third rails configured for independent vertical movement. A plurality of objects is supported by and movable along the first, second, and third rails between the stations. Each of the plurality of objects has first, second, and third supports coupled to the respective first, second, and third rails so that all of the plurality of objects tilt in unison about a first set of parallel axes in response to the first, second, and third rails being positioned in a first configuration of vertical heights, and all of the plurality of objects tilt in unison about a second set of parallel axes in response to the first, second, and third rails being positioned in a second configuration of vertical heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: SST Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Martin Andreae, Bradley M. Andreae, Bradley S. Andreae
  • Patent number: 9409730
    Abstract: A tilting carrier assembly for a finishing process includes a load bar configured to convey a work piece relative to a work station. A skid is configured to receive the work piece. Each of a pair of links is pivotally coupled to the load bar at a first end and pivotally coupled to the skid at an opposite second end. A horizontal span between the first ends of the pair of links is substantially greater than a horizontal span between the second ends of the pair of links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: SST Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Martin Andreae, Chad Martin Andreae
  • Patent number: 9016464
    Abstract: A tilting carrier assembly for a finishing process includes a load bar configured to convey a work piece relative to a work station. A skid is configured to receive the work piece. Each of a pair of links is pivotally coupled to the load bar at a first end and pivotally coupled to the skid at an opposite second end. A horizontal span between the first ends of the pair of links is substantially greater than a horizontal span between the second ends of the pair of links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: SST Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Martin Andreae, Chad Martin Andreae
  • Patent number: 8701993
    Abstract: A diagnostic system for an oven chamber, an oven system, and a method of wirelessly monitoring item temperature in an oven chamber are disclosed. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor used for sensing the temperature of an item is moved or transported with the item by a conveyor system. Also, in some embodiments, a wireless transmitter coupled to the temperature sensor can transmit a temperature signal to a receiver located outside of the oven chamber, and can also be moved or transported with the item. Data representative of item temperature can be stored, displayed, and/or used to modulate operation of the oven in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: SST Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Rock
  • Patent number: 8505712
    Abstract: A conveyor-to-convey transfer mechanism is provided, and in some embodiments comprises a transfer conveyor extending between first and second conveyors for receiving items from the first conveyor and for dispatching the items to the second conveyor. In some embodiments, movement of items to the transfer conveyor comprises a convergence of a portion of the first conveyor with respect to the transfer conveyor and/or movement of items from the transfer conveyor comprises a divergence of a portion of the second conveyor with respect to the transfer conveyor. The convergence and/or divergence can include vertical change in the first, second and/or transfer conveyors, and can occur by supporting one portion of a bracket carrying an item upon at least one of the first and second conveyors, and supporting another portion of the bracket carrying the item upon the transfer conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: SST Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad M. Andreae, Anthony C. Scoville
  • Patent number: 8376230
    Abstract: A diagnostic system for an oven chamber, an oven system, and a method of wirelessly monitoring item temperature in an oven chamber are disclosed. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor used for sensing the temperature of an item is moved or transported with the item by a conveyor system. Also, in some embodiments, a wireless transmitter coupled to the temperature sensor can transmit a temperature signal to a receiver located outside of the oven chamber, and can also be moved or transported with the item. Data representative of item temperature can be stored, displayed, and/or used to modulate operation of the oven in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: SST Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Rock
  • Patent number: 8066185
    Abstract: A diagnostic system for an oven chamber, an oven system, and a method of wirelessly monitoring item temperature in an oven chamber are disclosed. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor used for sensing the temperature of an item is moved or transported with the item by a conveyor system. Also, in some embodiments, a wireless transmitter coupled to the temperature sensor can transmit a temperature signal to a receiver located outside of the oven chamber, and can also be moved or transported with the item. Data representative of item temperature can be stored, displayed, and/or used to modulate operation of the oven in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: SST Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Rock
  • Patent number: 7712662
    Abstract: A diagnostic system for an oven chamber, an oven system, and a method of wirelessly monitoring item temperature in an oven chamber are disclosed. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor used for sensing the temperature of an item is moved or transported with the item by a conveyor system. Also, in some embodiments, a wireless transmitter coupled to the temperature sensor can transmit a temperature signal to a receiver located outside of the oven chamber, and can also be moved or transported with the item. Data representative of item temperature can be stored, displayed, and/or used to modulate operation of the oven in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: SST Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Rock