Patents Examined by Glenn F Myers
  • Mobile sorting systems
    Patent number: 11078016
    Abstract: Embodiments conveyed herein seek to disclose a mobile sorting system. The system can include a mobile platform having one or more storage housings. The mobile sorting system can include a mobile platform having a storage area(s) and first and second motorized actuating assemblies. The second motorized actuating assembly can be positioned proximate to the first motorized actuating assembly. The storage areas includes a storage housing(s). The first and second motorized actuating assemblies each include end effectors that can prehend storage housings and containers, respectively. The first and second motorized actuating assemblies each include prehension elements. Each motorized actuating assembly has a firsts mode to prehend object using the end effectors, a second mode to translate the object, and a third mode to release the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventor: HanBin Kim
  • Hoist mechanism and a stepless adjustment system
    Patent number: 11078055
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hoist mechanism (20) intended primarily, but not exclusively, for moving a motor driven wheelchair or scooter into and/or out of the load carrying space of a vehicle. The hoist mechanism (20) comprises a lifting arm having, at least in part, a generally U-shaped cross section, and an actuator (28). A mounting point (56) for the actuator (28) is provided within the generally U-shaped cross section. The invention also relates to a stepless adjustment system suitable for use in such a hoist mechanism (20). The adjustment system comprises an inner section (34) received within an outer section (24) in a telescoping arrangement. The outer section (24) comprises first and second body portions (44A, 44B) provided with features for engaging corresponding features (48A, 48B) provided on the inner section (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: AUTOCHAIR LIMITED
    Inventors: Matthew James Walker, Christopher John Sloss
  • Indexer apparatus, substrate treating apparatus, method for controlling indexer apparatus, and method for controlling substrate treating apparatus
    Patent number: 11075101
    Abstract: Each of first and second substrate transportation mechanisms transports a substrate for a FOUP placed not on, for example, each of two openers disposed laterally but on, for example, each of two openers disposed in an upward/downward direction. Thus, even if the number of openers increases, the substrate is transported not by sliding a hand capable of moving forward and backward, but by lifting, lowering, and rotating the hand. Thus, transportation of the substrate can be simplified. Accordingly, standby time of substrate transportation can be reduced, and a decrease in substrate transportation efficiency can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventors: Joji Kuwahara, Seiji Murai
  • Transport system and transport method
    Patent number: 11072493
    Abstract: A transport system includes a stocker including a crane overhead track and a suspension crane that transports an article between storages and a delivery port, an overhead-transport-vehicle overhead track outside of a stocker area and alongside the delivery port and a load port of a processing tool and extending to a stocker area, an overhead transport vehicle to transport the article between the delivery port and the load port, and a joint track. A crane runner can enter the overhead-transport-vehicle overhead track from the crane overhead track via the joint track to the stocker area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventor: Yoichi Motoori
  • Wheelchair for transferring a patient to an automobile
    Patent number: 11071664
    Abstract: A wheelchair for transferring a patient to an automobile is disclosed that comprises: a base assembly; a first motor, a second motor, and a third motor connected to the base assembly; the first motor is configured to move the wheelchair around during a normal operating mode, the second motor is configured to provide stability to the wheelchair during a patient transferring mode; and a seating assembly having a fixed seat section and a movable seat section which are separated from each other during the patient transferring mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Ton Duc Thang University
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Diep Tu
  • Grain bin powersweep with sump shaft aperture sealing cover plate assembly
    Patent number: 11066256
    Abstract: An unload conveyor and a sweep conveyor can be positioned below and above a floor of the grain bin, respectively. A below floor gearbox and an above floor gearbox can be positioned below and above a sloped wall, respectively, of a sump. The sloped wall can be designed to shed grain toward a sump basin. A coupling shaft can extend through a non-circular sump shaft aperture in the sloped wall to couple the below floor gearbox to the above-floor gearbox. The coupling shaft can extend vertically. A pair of seal cover plates can form a horizontal wall extending perpendicular to the coupling shaft. The horizontal wall can have a circular sealing aperture therein and through which the coupling shaft extends. A washer can be provided adjacent the circular sealing aperture that can be free to move laterally with wobbling of the coupling shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: CTB, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Walker, Adam K. Gutwein, Mark S. Dingeldein
  • Dust control systems for bulk material containers
    Patent number: 11066259
    Abstract: Controlling the dust emissions from the discharge of bulk materials from a container provides many benefits. A container engages a support structure that includes a frame. The frame includes a dust control enclosure coupled to an outlet or a hopper at the top of the frame and the container or a discharge gate of the container. The dust control enclosure comprises a collapsible and flexible material so that a tight seal is formed between the container and the hopper or the outlet of the frame. Dust from the discharged of the bulk material from the container is contained within the support structure. A dust control panel may also be disposed at the top of the frame to prevent any dust from migrating through the frame. The container may comprise a plurality of dust enclosure panels to further prevent the escape of dust during discharge of the bulk material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley John Warren, Austin Carl Schaffner, Chad Adam Fisher, Bryan Chapman Lucas
  • Overhead transport vehicle, overhead transport system, and control method for overhead transport vehicle
    Patent number: 11069549
    Abstract: An overhead transport vehicle includes: a traveler; a main body; a transferer including a holder, a mover, and a rotator, and which receives or delivers an article from or to a transfer destination; and a controller. The main body has an inner wall at a position at which the article held by the holder comes in contact therewith when the holder set at a storing position is rotated by a predetermined angle by the rotator. The controller causes the traveler to travel while the holder is at the storing position, and when the article is received or delivered, causes the rotator to rotate the holder by a predetermined angle or more about a rotation axis in a state where the holder is set at an exiting position by the mover to align the article with a prescribed orientation of the transfer destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Wada
  • Ground-loading vehicle platform for pickup truck
    Patent number: 11059410
    Abstract: A hydraulic deck comprising a frame consisting of a pair of horizontal members and a pair of vertical members, wherein the frame is configured to be mounted in a bed of a pickup truck; a pair of pivot arm members in telescoping engagement with the pair of horizontal members and a pair of extension members in telescoping engagement with the pair of vertical members; a platform member configured to support at least one vehicle; a pair of pillars rotationally connected to pin members positioned on the pair of extension members, wherein the pair of pillar extend perpendicularly from the platform member; and a mechanically operating lifting system configured to slide and lower the platform from the bed in a stored position to a ground surface in a loading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventors: Francois Garneau, Pascal Laurendeau
  • Method and system for assisted object handling in dangerous environments
    Patent number: 11059165
    Abstract: A system for remote object handling including a vehicle having a front portion. An articulated arm has a first end and a second end distinct from the first end, the arm being coupled to the front portion at the first end, and has at least one pivot disposed between the first end and the second end. A gripping element is removably coupled to the second end, wherein the gripping element is one of a pincer device, a hand device having at least three fingers or a shovel. A video camera is also coupled to the second end. An arm control is disposed within the vehicle and is operable to control the operation of the arm, the manipulator and the video camera, and a video interface is coupled to the video camera which is operable to display output from the video camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Safe-T-Arm, LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Piccioni, Matthew B. Talpis
  • Cassette supply system to store and handle cassettes and processing apparatus equipped therewith
    Patent number: 11049751
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cassette supply system to store and handle cassettes for substrates and a processing apparatus for processing substrates equipped with said system. The system having a cassette storage provided with base plate constructed and arranged to support cassettes. Also a cassette handler with an end effector with at least one protrusion to support and position the cassette on the end effector is provided to transfer cassettes to and from the base plate. The base plate may be provided with a substantially flat surface to support the cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: ASM IP Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Chris de Ridder
  • Container storage add-on for bare workpiece stocker
    Patent number: 11049750
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods to store and transfer objects, and more particularly to workpiece stocker configurations such as stacker for semiconductor wafers, reticles or carrier boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventor: Lutz Rebstock
  • System for mounting and unloading rail cars and methods of using them
    Patent number: 11046536
    Abstract: A system for loading/unloading solid materials from an open top rail car is described. The system may comprise suitable safety features, structural reinforcement and loading features to permit operation of the system by a single operator in a safe manner. In some examples, the system comprises a crawler excavator reversibly coupled to a sled attachment to permit movement of the crawler excavator along a top surface of an open top rail car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Transloading Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald W Connor, Melvin A. Richardson
  • Bin sweep auger unplugging system
    Patent number: 11034523
    Abstract: A bin sweep auger unplugging system for unplugging a central unloading sump in a storage bin. The bin sweep auger unplugging system generally includes an auger having a driven shaft with auger fighting, a drive unit having a drive shaft, and a clutch connected between the drive shaft and the driven shaft. The clutch selectively transfers the rotation of the drive shaft to the driven shaft of the auger. The drive shaft includes a clump breakup component that breaks up the clump of granular material above the unloading sump when the drive shaft is rotated. The clutch is disengaged when breaking up a clump of granular material to prevent the rotation of the auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Superior Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Claire M. Rauser, Jory T. Skalsky
  • Semiconductor device manufacturing system
    Patent number: 11031264
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor device manufacturing system. The semiconductor device manufacturing system includes a processing module and a transfer module. The processing module includes a processing chamber that is configured to process a semiconductor wafer and a gate valve that is configured to provide access to the processing chamber. The transfer module includes a transfer chamber that is coupled to the processing chamber and a liner that is coupled to an inner surface of the transfer chamber. The liner is configured to reduce a volume of the transfer chamber prior to or during a transfer chamber pressure adjustment operation of the transfer module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semoconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yan-Hong Liu, Che-Fu Chen
  • Convertible dual-sided auger system for a farm implement
    Patent number: 11019771
    Abstract: A farm implement includes a frame, a container mounted on the frame, an intake housing rotatably connected to a front wall of the container proximate to a discharge opening, a first auger assembly, and a second auger assembly. The first auger assembly is disposed in the container and conveys agricultural material through the discharge opening. The second auger assembly is rotatably connected to an outlet of the intake housing and includes an inlet that receives agricultural material from the intake housing and an outlet that discharges agricultural material. The farm implement further includes a first mounting assembly and a second mounting assembly disposed along the front wall. The second auger assembly is mounted on one of the first and second mounting assemblies at an operating position, without being mounted to the other one of the first and second mounting assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Schlimgen, Michael D. Van Mill
  • Rolling lever dumbbell handcart method
    Patent number: 11014590
    Abstract: The Rolling Lever Dumbbell Handcart Method is a method of using a handcart to lift a dumbbell, that is organized with a curved front structure that creates a varying effective fulcrum for lifting dumbbells. This method solves the repeated strain problem associated with having to lift a dumbbell up to a necessary height. The operation of the method works by having the operator lean the entire handcart forward so that the front curved portion rolls forward upon the flooring. The Dumbbell is then secured and the same rolling motion is performed in the reverse direction. Once the Handcart is lifted to its upright position it can then be rolled to another location where it can then be leaned forward again to place the Dumbbell in a new location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: Roberto Manuel-German Bode
  • Bin sweep collector ring assembly
    Patent number: 11008186
    Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus comprising an auger section having an auger and a drive unit containing a motor for driving the auger. A collector ring housing containing a collector ring is positioned between the auger section and the drive unit. In another aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus for attachment to a floor grate. The apparatus includes a pivot stand attached to a top surface of the floor grate, the pivot stand defining a vertical pivot axis. A collector ring has a first stationary portion and a second rotatable portion, with the stationary portion attached to the pivot stand. A housing surrounds the collector ring, and the housing and second rotatable portion of the collector ring rotate together about the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Sudenga Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan G. Hoogestraat
  • Storage and retrieval system with shaft-traversing tracks
    Patent number: 11008165
    Abstract: Bins or other storage units contained within a three-dimensional grid structure are arranged in cells, each of which has multiple storage units surrounding a central void or space on different sides thereof. This void space is slightly larger than each storage unit, enabling the unit to be pulled into the void by mechanical means, and allowing access to the bins on all sides of the void. The storage units are stacked within the three-dimensional grid structure, which can be built or expanded to a predetermined footprint. The aligned voids of stacked cells create vertical shafts spanning between upper and lower tracks of the grid structure on which robotic retrieval vehicles can horizontally travel to and from any given shaft. The robotic retrieval vehicles can directly access any storage unit via the vertical shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Attabotics Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Gravelle, Robert Guy Cowley, Anthony Brian Woolf
  • Modular pressurized workstation
    Patent number: 11011401
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a system, includes: a first pressurized load port interfaced with a workstation body; a second pressurized load port interfaced with the workstation body; the workstation body maintained at a set pressure level, wherein the workstation body comprises an internal material handling system configured to move a semiconductor workpiece within the workstation body between the first and second pressurized load ports at the set pressure level; a first modular tool interfaced with the first pressurized load port, wherein the first modular tool is configured to process the semiconductor workpiece; and a second modular tool interfaced with the second pressurized load port, wherein the second modular tool is configured to inspect the semiconductor workpiece processed by the first modular tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Jung Huang, Yung-Lin Hsu, Kuang Huan Hsu, Jeff Chen, Steven Huang, Yueh-Lun Yang