Patents Examined by Dean J. Kramer
  • Combination digging device and head rest
    Patent number: 11464152
    Abstract: A combination digging tool and head rest is disclosed having a planar elongate linear member having a first end and a second end, and a planar non-linear member. The linear and non-linear members are coupleable to one another at different locations to form first and second orientations. The first orientation is formed when the first end of the planar elongate linear member is coupled to the first end of the non-linear member so that the planar elongate linear member and the planar elongate non-linear member are coplanar and form a generally J-shaped figure. That figure can be used as a digging tool. The second orientation is formed when the first end of the planar elongate linear member is coupled to the side portion of the non-linear member to form a head rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Sand Lounger LLC
    Inventor: Derek Hughes
  • Loader apparatus configured for standing operator control
    Patent number: 11465891
    Abstract: Loader apparatus configured for standing operator control are disclosed. The loader apparatus may include a loader adapted to carry a tool that is moveable between a down position and a vertically raised position. One or more linkages are connected to the first side of the loader support and connected to the loader. The apparatus includes a control station having operator controls for propelling the loader apparatus forward and for raising and lowering the loader. The apparatus includes an operator platform for standing operation of the operator controls of the control station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: VERMEER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Brad Thomas, Louis Hartke, Greg Langenfeld, Matt Hutchinson
  • Robot multi-degree-of-freedom clamper
    Patent number: 11458638
    Abstract: A robot multi-degree-of-freedom clamper has a short stroke biaxial cylinder installed on the clamping jaw supporting frame and an output end connected with a pneumatic clamping jaw A. In addition, a clamping jaw finger A is connected with an output end of the pneumatic clamping jaw A. A long stroke biaxial cylinder is connected with a pneumatic clamping jaw B. A clamping jaw finger B is connected with the output end of the pneumatic clamping jaw B. A pneumatic clamping jaw C is positioned between the pneumatic clamping jaw A and the pneumatic clamping jaw B. A clamping jaw finger C is connected with the output end of the pneumatic clamping jaw C. The clamping jaw finger A and the pneumatic clamping jaw A are driven by the short stroke biaxial cylinder to move back and forth on the clamping jaw supporting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: SHENYANG INSTITUTE OF AUTOMATION, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Jinguo Liu, Yunjun Liu
  • Holding head for a vacuum holding device for handling a plate-shaped workpiece and corresponding vacuum holding device
    Patent number: 11458598
    Abstract: A holding head is provided for a vacuum holding device for handling a plate-shaped workpiece about an axis. An arrangement of operating elements on a base body of the holding head includes at least three operating elements connected as actuating elements in a double actuation circuit for releasing the plate-shaped workpiece. Two of the actuating elements are arranged on sides of the arrangement opposite to one another with respect to the position of the axis and the third actuating element is designed ring-shaped and surrounds the axis circumferentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: BOHLE AG
    Inventors: Marco Theissen, Edgar Hoehn
  • Grip device to enable a number of operations associated with a portable electronic device based on attachment thereto
    Patent number: 11452365
    Abstract: A method includes providing a main frame configured to be attached to a surface associated with a portable electronic device, and providing a flexible strap. The method also includes forming a grip device based on receiving slide elements of the flexible strap through a channel of the main frame, and enabling operations associated with the portable electronic device and support thereof on a flat surface through the attachment of the formed grip device to the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: SHAWSHANK LEDZ INC.
    Inventors: Robert Vasquez, Yanbei Qin
  • Substrate transfer apparatus and substrate transfer system using the same
    Patent number: 11450549
    Abstract: A substrate transfer apparatus includes: a body including a first surface to which a semiconductor substrate is suctioned and a second surface opposing the first surface, the first surface including a cavity disposed in a center region of the body and an attaching unit disposed on an edge of the body so as to surround the cavity and form negative pressure to suction the semiconductor substrate, and a connector connected to the second surface of the body and supporting the body, wherein the cavity includes a lower surface with at least one through hole penetrating the first and second surfaces of the body and connecting the cavity to an external space, and the cavity includes a side surface inclined at an angle of 2.9° to 5° with respect to the first surface at the edge of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventors: Heeseok Nho, Sangil Choi, Seonggi Jeon, Bongsu Cho
  • Contact lens manipulator with safety release
    Patent number: 11439534
    Abstract: The problem of inserting and removing a rigid gas permeable or hybrid contact lens is solved by the use of a lens manipulator. The lens manipulator includes a handle and an over-sleeve that is optionally attachable to an extraction stem, for creating a suction force to remove a contact lens, and an insertion stem, without suction force for placing a contact lens. Removal of the extraction stem from the over-sleeve eliminates the suction force and acts as a safety release against excessive pull force on an eye when removing a contact lens. A manual-release mechanism can be used to facilitate removal of the extraction stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: Craig L. Hershoff
  • Hook with pneumatic control circuit safety relief
    Patent number: 11434110
    Abstract: A load lifting hook assembly includes a body, a hook coupled to the body, a fluid connection on the body and connectable to a pressurized fluid source, a piston and a pressure relief valve. The piston is extendable from the body to engage the hook and lock the hook in a closed position relative to the body. The piston is configured to receive pressurized fluid from the fluid connection tending to urge the piston out of engagement with the hook. The pressure relief valve is positioned in the body in communication with the fluid connection and configured to prevent excess pressure in the pressurized fluid from acting on the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Cranston Diversified Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward C. Cranston
  • Tank cover lifting tool
    Patent number: 11434080
    Abstract: A tank cover lifting tool is configured to remove or attach tank covers. The tank cover lifting tool includes a handle center support, a first handle connected to one end of the handle center support, and a second handle connected to another end of the handle center support. In addition, the tank cover lifting tool includes a first lifting block that is locked on the handle center support and that is configured to engage a first tank cover handle of a tank cover. Further, the tank cover lifting tool includes a second lifting block that is locked on the handle center support and that is configured to engage a second tank cover handle of the tank cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventor: Albert E. Butterfield, IV
  • Cartridge-based pooper-scooper
    Patent number: 11434614
    Abstract: A pooper scooper waste removal device comprising shell pieces with magnets and matching metal strips for removably housing an interior cartridge with a lid piece having an arrow-shaped locking tab and an interior cartridge base piece having a slot for receiving the tab and a plurality of parallel sticks for engaging the animal waste to be removed, such that the cartridge lid piece and the cartridge base piece are easily tab-locked to form a single disposable poop-filled cartridge box to be discarded, such that new interior cartridge pieces may then be loaded into the shell pieces for future waste removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Ravi Prabhune
  • Systems and methods for providing dynamic vacuum pressure at an end effector using a single vacuum source
    Patent number: 11426881
    Abstract: A system including a programmable motion device and an end effector for grasping objects to be moved by the programmable motion device is disclosed. The system includes a vacuum source that provides a high flow vacuum such that an object may be grasped at an end effector opening while permitting a substantial flow of air through the opening, and a dead-head limitation system for limiting any effects of dead-heading on the vacuum source in the event that a flow of air to the vacuum source is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, John Richard Amend, Jr., Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, William Hartman Fort, Christopher Geyer, Jennifer Eileen King, Thomas Koletschka, Michael Cap Koval, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, William Chu-Hyon McMahan, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi, Thomas Allen
  • Special compact and portable door pull for sanitary use
    Patent number: 11426861
    Abstract: A compact and portable door pull for sanitary use that provides a method of opening a door so the user doesn't need to touch the door handle thus lessening the likelihood of any germ/bacteria transmission. The device consists of an outer case which is gripped and an extension/slide-out component, or pivoting extension component, both having a thumb bump to manually actuate the extension. Both extensions have a hook on the end which engages the door handle and allows the user to pull the door open without touching the handle. Once the device is disengaged from the door handle, the user retracts the extension by manually reversing the extension action using the thumb bump. The device can then be returned to its original storage location (i.e. pocket, purse, backpack or diaper bag) for future use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventor: Sheryl A Fulkerson
  • Suction hand and industrial robot provided with the same
    Patent number: 11420340
    Abstract: A robot suction hand mountable on an industrial robot and configured to hold a workpiece by suction using a suction unit. The robot suction hand includes: a vacuum pump incorporated in the robot suction hand. The vacuum pump has a housing in which an intake port and an exhaust port are formed, and configured to intermittently take in air from the intake port and intermittently discharge air from the exhaust port. The robot suction hand includes a suction path that communicates with the suction unit and the intake port and a first member made of a porous material. The first member covers the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Masaki Yamanaka, Takayuki Saito
  • Vacuum lifter
    Patent number: 11420830
    Abstract: A vacuum lifter apparatus for lifting sheet material articles, comprises an upper chassis joined to a substantially planar lower suction plate and an airflow suction system for conveying vacuum air pressure to the suction plate. The suction plate comprises a plurality of suction plate modules, each comprising a housing with a substantially hollow interior and each of the housings being located laterally adjacent at least one other of the housings. Each of the housings comprises a lower plate, an upper plate and at least one side plate, each housing being affixed to the laterally adjacent housing along a seam between adjoining pairs of side plates. The upper plates each comprise at least one opening and the lower plates are each perforated with a plurality of orifices through which, in use, air is drawn along airflow paths through the interior and out of the opening by the airflow suction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems Belgium BV
    Inventor: Colin Maxwell Wade
  • Reinforced structure of composite chopsticks
    Patent number: 11412872
    Abstract: The reinforced structure of the composite chopsticks of the present invention is fixed in a gripping portion and a clamping portion, and mainly comprises a first tubular member, a filling portion and a second tubular member. The first tubular member is positioned in the clamping portion and has at least one first open slot; the filling portion fills in the interior of the clamping portion and the first open slot to fix the first tubular member; and the second tubular member is fixed in the interior of the gripping portion and is formed by extending one end of the first tubular member. In this way, the reinforced structure can be effectively positioned during the molding process, and the bonding force between the heterogeneous materials can be increased to enhance the strength of the clamping portion, so as to improve the product quality and to prolong the service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: Yin-Chu Lai
  • Systems and methods for a telescoping suction gripper assembly
    Patent number: 11407123
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a telescoping suction gripper assembly are provided. In one embodiment, a robotic system comprises: a robot comprising a robotic actuator and at least one robotic arm mechanically coupled to the robotic actuator; a telescoping suction gripper assembly comprising a telescoping member and a suction gripper mechanism, wherein a first end of the telescoping member is coupled to a vacuum supply conduit via a first flexible conduit member and a second end of the telescoping member is coupled to the suction gripper mechanism by a second flexible conduit member, and wherein the suction gripper mechanism is pivotally coupled to the at least one robotic; wherein the telescoping member is configured to adjust in length in response to the at least one robotic arm relocating the suction gripper mechanism from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: AMP Robotics Corporation
    Inventors: Carter J. Schultz, Brian J. Leach, Alexander C. Kee, Matanya B. Horowitz, Mark Baybutt
  • Rotatable cushioning pick-and-place device
    Patent number: 11400605
    Abstract: A rotatable cushioning pick-and-place device primarily comprises a motor, a body, a cushioning module and a pick-and-place module. The cushioning module is disposed in a first chamber of the body and comprises a rotary bearing which is connected to a drive shaft of the motor, and coupled to a driven shaft sleeve through a rotary follower. The rotary follower is driven by the rotary bearing to drive the driven shaft sleeve to rotate, thereby allowing the rotary bearing to displace relative to the driven shaft sleeve axially. The cushioning spring is arranged between the rotary bearing and the driven shaft sleeve. A first sealing ring and a second sealing ring of the pick-and-place module are fixed on the body to cooperatively and air-tightly seal the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: CHROMA ATE INC.
    Inventors: Chien-Ming Chen, Meng-Kung Lu, Ming-Yuan Huang
  • Gripping device with monitoring of the operating state thereof
    Patent number: 11400604
    Abstract: A vacuum gripper device including at least one suction cup including a fastener body from which there extends an elastically deformable skirt having a free annular edge for coming into contact with an object to be grasped. The suction cup includes at least one electrically conductive track secured at least to the skirt. The conductive track is made of a material that is electrically conductive and elastically deformable so as to deform together with the skirt. The device includes an electronic processor circuit that is connected electrically to two connection pads belonging to the conductive track and that is arranged to monitor an electrical property of the conductive track, which electrical property varies with the deformation of the conductive track, and to compare that property with reference data so as to anticipate a failure of the suction cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: COVAL
    Inventors: Pierre Milhau, Michel Cecchin
  • Contact prevention multi tool apparatus
    Patent number: 11389946
    Abstract: A contact prevention multi tool apparatus for allowing manipulation of various object types without direct contact includes a handle having a handle proximal end and a handle distal end. A has a housing proximal side coupled to the handle distal end. The housing defines a main storage compartment and has a main storage aperture extending through a housing left side to the main storage compartment. A main door is coupled to the housing. The main door is slidably engaged with the housing to selectively cover or expose the main storage compartment. An arm is coupled to the housing. The arm is coupled to a housing distal side of the housing. A spherical touch head is coupled to an arm distal end of the arm. A hook is coupled to the arm adjacent the touch head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventor: Freddy Gomez De Cordova
  • Sorting system for a machine tool, machine tool and method for sorting cut parts
    Patent number: 11389950
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sorting system (100) for a machine tool for separating parts, in particular a laser cutting machine (200), having a gripper (110) that can be moved over a workpiece region (30) and is configured to receive cut parts (10) from the workpiece region (30), and an intermediate store (120) that can be moved over the workpiece region (30) and is configured to receive cut parts (10) from the gripper (110) and to unload the cut parts (10) into a store (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: BYSTRONIC LASER AG
    Inventor: Sebastian Röder