Patents Examined by Gene O. Crawford
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Patent number: 11691853Abstract: Disclosed is an escalator system having: escalator steps; and a plurality of state sensors including a master sensor and slave sensors, wherein the slave sensors are secured to different ones of the escalator steps, wherein the master sensor is configured to: receive slave sensor data from the slave sensors; and transmit data to an escalator call center upon detecting an occurrence of a fault condition from the slave sensor data.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2020Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANYInventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Paul R. Braunwart, Enrico Manes
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Patent number: 11694501Abstract: A refrigerated vending system can conduct automatic purchase transactions. A refrigerated cooler has a refrigerated compartment with a door. An automatic lock selectively locks and unlocks the door, and a door sensor detects when the door closes. A three-dimensional imaging sensor inside the compartment captures a three-dimensional image of the merchandise. A vending transaction controller detects presentation of a method of payment, unlocks the door, determines from the door sensor that the door has been opened and closed, locks the door when it closes, actuates the three-dimensional imaging sensor to capture an updated three-dimensional image of the merchandise after the door closes, determines based on the updated image what refrigerated merchandise was removed while the door was open, and charges the method of payment for the refrigerated merchandise removed.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: TRUE MANUFACTURING CO., INC.Inventor: John Friend
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Patent number: 11691825Abstract: System and methods for estimating the number of packages in a measurement zone to gauge package flow. A linear array of distance-measuring sensors measures the height profile of a mass of packages conveyed past. The profile is differentiated, and steps in the differentiated profile are counted to detect package edges and to produce an estimate of the number of packages in the measurement zone. The estimate can be used to adjust the speed of the conveyor to provide a constant package flow.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2022Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: William S. Murray, Jeremiah E. Oertling
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Patent number: 11693397Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the position determination of an object (6, 6a . . . 6d), which is conveyed on a conveying device (1a . . . 1c). In this process, a deviation (?P) between a position (Psig) of the object (6, 6a . . . 6d), which is calculated with the aid of rotation signals from the drives (M) for conveyor elements (2, 2M, 2L) of the conveying device (1a . . . 1c), and a position (P1 . . . P5) of a detection area (E1,E2) of a sensor (L1 . . . L5) fixedly installed on the conveying device (6, 6a . . . 6d) is determined and used for calculating a corrected position (Pkorr) of the object (6, 6a . . . 6d) during a movement of the object (6, 6a . . . 6d) away from this detection area (E1,E2). Furthermore, a conveying device (1a . . . 1c) for performing the presented method is indicated.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2020Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: TGW Mechanics GmbHInventors: Manuel Schoenbauer, Florian Georg Karer, Richard Grimminger, Simon Kaltseis, Martin Rausch
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Patent number: 11691804Abstract: A storage container for a storage and dispensing station for small piece goods, in particular drugs or dietary supplement products, is provided. The storage container includes a housing having a circular cylindrical section, a separating device having a plurality of channels and a base area arranged in the circular cylindrical section of the housing, as well as a retainer. The base area of the separating device is provided with a plurality of depressions and/or elevations, at least in sections, to reduce a possible contact area between the base area and small piece good, the shape and size that is selected in such a way that an electrostatic attraction between small piece goods and the base area is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2022Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Becton, Dickinson Rowa Germany GmbHInventor: Erika Braun
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Patent number: 11685559Abstract: A storage container for a storage and dispensing station for drugs or dietary supplement products is provided. The storage container has a separating device including a plurality of channels and a retainer for preventing drugs from slipping into a channel aligned with a dispensing opening. The separating device includes an annular groove and the retainer includes a positioner that engages in the annular groove of the separating device and fixes the retainer vertically. The retainer also includes a retaining section and a holder. The holder secures the retainer against a concurrent rotation with the separating device and aligns the retaining section with the dispensing opening by the holder interacting with a circular cylindrical section of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2022Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Becton, Dickinson Rowa Germany GmbHInventor: Dietmar Gross
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Patent number: 11686383Abstract: The present disclosure periodically monitors an oil condition through a temperature sensor installed in a driving motor of an in-wheel-type running gear, the generated torque of the driving motor, or the like and transmits oil condition information to a driver through a vehicle warning light.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hae Jun Yang, Yeo Jeong Kim
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Patent number: 11684550Abstract: A medication dispensing system, comprising one or more medication panels, each having a plurality of docking ports located at a vertical displacement one from another. The medication dispensing system comprises: a plurality of medication container assemblies for storing medication, coupled to the plurality of docking ports; one or more actuators; a gripping assembly, movable vertically by the one or more actuators to a proximate one or more of the medication container assemblies for picking a medication dosage out of the one or more of the medication container assemblies; and a receptacle carrier having a receptacle mount for holding one or more medication receptacles configured to receive the medication dosage.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Tech Pharmacy Services, LLCInventors: Omer Einav, Doron Shabanov, Tamir Ben David, Eyal Livschitz, Thomas A. Mckinney
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Patent number: 11684221Abstract: An example material sheet dispenser includes: a wall portion configured to form a volume; a first end portion comprising one or more sections attached to a first end of the wall portion and configured to cover a first end of the volume; and a second end portion comprising: a dispensing section attached to a second end of the wall portion and configured to cover a second end of the volume opposite the first end of the volume, and the dispensing section having a dispensing aperture configured to permit dispensing of sheets of a wiping material; and a cover section attached to the wall portion and configured to cover the dispensing aperture.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Paul M. Blair
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Patent number: 11686664Abstract: An example system includes an input channel having a first end and a second end to receive particles through the first end, a sensor to categorize particles in the input channel into one of at least two categories, and at least two output channels Each output channel is coupled to the second end of the input channel to receive particles from the input channel, and each output channel is associated with at least one category of the at least two categories. Each output channel has a corresponding pump operable, based on the categorization of a detected particle in a category associated with a different output channel, to selectively slow, stop, or reverse a flow of particles into the output channel from the input channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2018Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Alexander Govyadinov, Pavel Kornilovich
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Patent number: 11684222Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of wipes dispensing systems, wipes dispensing canisters and wipes dispensing mounting brackets are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispensing system includes a wipes dispensing canister. The wipes dispensing canister includes one of a catch and a latch and a cap. A wall mounting bracket is included. The wall mounting bracket includes an opening for receiving the wipes dispensing canister, a first wall located on the inside of the opening and a second wall located on the inside of the opening. A cap ridge is formed between the first wall and the second wall. The wall mounting bracket further includes one of a catch and a latch. When the wipes dispensing canister is located within the wall mounting bracket, a bottom edge of the cap is located proximate the cap edge.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2022Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Mann, Mark E. Rosenkranz, John P. Cichello, II, Aaron D. Marshall, Mark Wesley Moore, Richard E. Corney, Ann Marie Hicho
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Patent number: 11679063Abstract: A system for dispensing a prescription medication in a controlled manner is disclosed. The system may include a prescription vial and a corresponding programmable cap. The cap may include an outer cover having an exit aperture, an inner cover having an entrance aperture, and a transport portion having a chute. The cap may also include a control system having a processor. In accordance with a schedule prescribed by a medical professional and programmed into the control system, the control system may dispense medication by moving the chute of the transport portion out of alignment with the entrance aperture and into alignment with the exit aperture.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Pill Smart LLCInventors: Wade M. Butaud, Benjamin A. Grover, Kent F. Beck, James A. Malmstrom, Mitchel Nelson
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Patent number: 11673146Abstract: A washing apparatus comprises a screening apparatus having a first screening deck located below a second screening deck, wherein the first screening deck passes material that is larger than the material passed by the second screening deck. A liquid delivery system delivers liquid onto the first screening deck to wash material on the first deck. Material that passes through the first deck is conveyed upwards and delivered onto the second deck for dewatering. The apparatus is able to wash and dewater aggregate material in a single unit with a relatively small footprint and relatively high throughput.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Terex GB LimitedInventors: Steven Haslett, Johnston Patterson
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Patent number: 11666510Abstract: A smart pill dispenser has a cylindrical interior housing portion divided into an upper storage portion, a lower control and dispensing portion, and a removable top. A cylindrical carousel with an open top and bottom has a plurality of spoke walls forming interior pill containers. A hole portion disposed through a bottom wall of the upper wall portion defines a pathway through the housing assembly. A slide assembly leads from the hole to a tray for dispensed pills. A motor coupled to a rechargeable battery and actuator assembly has a shaft coupled to an axle portion of the spoke divider and is designed to laterally rotate the spoke and axle. A computerized control system assembly is communicatively coupled to the motor assembly and a user-control assembly. The user-control assembly is disposed on an outer surface of the housing and is designed to interface with users directly or wirelessly.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Inventor: Derek Rivard
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Patent number: 11667460Abstract: A package includes a container formed to include an interior product-storage region and a closure. The closure is coupled to the container selectively to allow access to the product stored in the interior product-storage region.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Berry Plastics CorporationInventors: Jordan French, Jason A. Rowe
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Patent number: 11667473Abstract: Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a sensor device. An elongate sleeve has a first end and a second end and extends along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of sensors are fixed relative to the sleeve. A first endcap is coupled to the first end, where the first endcap has an endcap body. A first axle is coupled to the endcap body, where the first axle extends along the longitudinal axis and the first axle defines a retaining feature. An intermediate component is coupled to the first axle, and the intermediate component is selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The sensor device has an orientation locking structure that is configured to be engaged to selectively fix the orientation of the intermediate component about the longitudinal axis relative to the endcap body.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Banner Engineering Corp.Inventors: Dennis R. Luer, Richard C. Bragg
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Patent number: 11662020Abstract: A continuously variable transmission changes a gear ratio by changing a groove width between the fixed side pulley half body and the movable side pulley half body in each of the driving pulley and the driven pulley using pulley pressure. At least any of a drive shaft of the driving pulley and a driven shaft of the driven pulley includes a pulley pressure supply oil passage for supplying pulley pressure to the movable side pulley half body, a lubricating oil passage provided on a downstream of the pulley pressure supply oil passage to supply oil as a lubricating oil to an endless member, and a flow control valve that is provided between the pulley pressure supply oil passage and the lubricating oil passage and operates according to pulley pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toru Yagasaki
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Patent number: 11661998Abstract: A power transmission chain (2) for use with a drive member (4) having a plurality of teeth (6), and wherein: (i) the power transmission chain (2) comprises a plurality of chain links (8) which are pivotally connected together by connecting members (9) and pivot arrangements (10) so that the power transmission chain (2) can pass around the drive member (4) in use; (ii) each one of the pivot arrangements (10) comprises first and second pivots (12, 14) which extend towards each other from opposite sides (16, 18) of the chain links (8); (iii) the first and second pivots (12, 14) have adjacent ends (20, 22) which face each other and which are spaced apart; (iv) the power transmission chain (2) comprises a plurality of engaging formations (24) for enabling engagement with the drive member (4); (v) the engaging formations (24) are positioned between the adjacent ends (20, 22) of the first and second pivots (12, 14); and the engaging formations (24) and the spacing apart of the adjacent ends (20, 22) of the first andType: GrantFiled: July 7, 2022Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: NEW MOTION LABS LTD.Inventor: Marcel Fowler
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Patent number: 11661222Abstract: A storage container for a storage and dispensing station for drugs is provided. The storage container includes a housing surrounding a holding space which housing has a guide section and a bottom surface, the guide section defining a guide space and having a vertical guide recess, which does not penetrate the housing, and the bottom surface having a dispensing opening. The storage container includes a separating device having at least one channel for holding at least one drug portion and comprises a retaining element having a retaining section and having a guide element, which is arranged in the guide recess, the vertical guide recess and the guide element interacting in such a way that the retaining element is arranged for height adjustment in the guide recess by means of the guide element and rotational motion of the retaining means is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2022Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: BECTON DICKINSON ROWA GERMANY GMBHInventor: Dietmar Gross
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Patent number: 11661144Abstract: The present invention relates to a chain guide for a bicycle rear derailleur comprising a cage, a guide pulley rotatably mounted to the cage, a circular tension pulley rotatably mounted to the cage, and means for connecting the chain guide to a movable member of a rear derailleur so as to move the chain guide with respect to a bicycle cassette, wherein the guide pulley and the tension pulley are adapted to be engageable with a bicycle chain and wherein the tension pulley is rotatably mounted to the cage by mounting means and an interposed bearing, wherein the mounting means of the tension pulley are arranged so as to be spaced from the center of rotation of the tension pulley and wherein the mounting means are stationary in respect to the cage in the mounted state of the chain guide.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Inventor: Marcin Golec