Patents Examined by James Keenan
  • Patent number: 10899543
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for collection of products, the system comprising: at least one carrier (8) for carrying products (40); a collection point (14), at which collection point a user (10) of the system can remove products from the carrier; and a transporter arrangement (16, 20) for transporting the carrier to the collection point; wherein the system is arranged to physically inhibit (42) removal of the carrier by the user from the collection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: ASDA STORES LIMITED
    Inventors: Peter Pompen, Henk Niemansverdriet
  • Patent number: 10897889
    Abstract: A vehicle winch game loader. The device includes a central support including a first pulley connected to an upper end thereof. A rear support is connected to the upper end of the central support. A front support includes a rear end connected to a lower end of the central support and a front end having a second pulley connected thereto. The front support extends in a direction opposite the rear support. A crossbar is connected to the lower end of the central support, wherein the crossbar is oriented perpendicular to the front support. A rear end of the rear support is configured to frictionally engage a rear end of a vehicle when the crossbar and the front support are supported on an upper surface of a front end of the vehicle. The device may be utilized to load game or other objects onto the vehicle using the vehicle's winch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventor: Bobby Chaten
  • Patent number: 10894677
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to facilitate the loading of a grain bin such that the level in the grain bin increases generally uniformly and the distribution of grain size in the grain bin is generally uniform as well. The method includes redirecting the flow of the grain from the conveyer as it flows into the grain bin. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an adjustable leveling band for redirecting the grain uniformly to a plurality of radially extending chutes. In one embodiment, the angle of the chutes can also be easily adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Extron Company
    Inventors: Randall G. Honeck, Dustin D. Paloranta, Greggory C. Phelps
  • Patent number: 10882694
    Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle assembly for picking up storage bins from a storage system and a method for change of vehicle direction. The vehicle assembly has a vehicle body with a cavity suitable for receiving a storage bin stored within the storage system, a lifting device for lifting the containers into the cavity and a displacement arrangement including a motor for lifting one of two sets of wheels in or out of engagement with an underlying track for changing vehicle direction. The displacement arrangement includes a displacement plate and a vertically displaceable bar arranged in a lateral plane above the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim, Borge Bekken
  • Patent number: 10875268
    Abstract: A transport system prevents swinging of a lift stage at the time of ascent and descent, while appropriately supporting an article shifted from the reference position. The transport system includes a transport device that transfers a green tire to and from a rack part. The transport device includes a lift stage, a support part, and a guided part. The lift stage is provided to be movable upward and downward. The support part is provided on the lift stage and supports an upper inner wall of the green tire from a lower side. The guided part is provided on the lift stage. The rack part is provided with a guide part having a lower portion defining a first gap with the guided part and an upper portion defining a second gap with the guided part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideji Sakata
  • Patent number: 10879101
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus including a frame defining a chamber with a substrate transport opening and a substrate transfer plane defined therein, a valve mounted to the frame and being configured to seal an atmosphere of the chamber when closed, the valve having a door movably disposed to open and close the substrate transport opening, and at least one substrate sensor element disposed on a side of the door and oriented to sense substrates located on the substrate transfer plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Leigh F. Sharrock
  • Patent number: 10870365
    Abstract: A system for vehicle power exchange includes at least one power terminal disposable on a ground surface on which a vehicle drives. The power exchange terminal has at least a drop mechanism or a lift mechanism. The drop mechanism is associated with the power exchange terminal for releasing a depleted power cell from a vehicle during its power exchange. The lift mechanism is also associated with a power exchange terminal for inserting a charged power cell into the vehicle during power exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: ATMO AUTO POWER LLC
    Inventor: Jason Ahrens
  • Patent number: 10870509
    Abstract: An automatic device for emptying bags of frozen blood product includes a product removal device, a product reception hopper, a transporter for transporting the bag from a reception area to the product removal device, and at least one cutter located in the path of the bag between the reception area and the product removal device. The at least one cutter is housed in a support configured to oscillate for absorbing energy of impacts of the bag against the cutter and to return the cutter to its initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: GRIFOLS WORLDWIDE OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Jordi Boira Bonhora, Oriol Casanova Montpeyo, David Pages Becerra
  • Patent number: 10870563
    Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial truck comprising a mast, a load-carrying apparatus, which can be moved upwards and downwards thereon and which has at least one load-receiving assembly for receiving a load that is to be transported, and a support structure connecting the load-receiving assembly to the mast, the load-receiving assembly having a load-carrying arrangement connected to the support structure, and a device for reducing vibrations, characterised in that the device for reducing vibrations has at least one load support, which covers the load-carrying arrangement at the top at least in regions, on which support a load received by the load-carrying apparatus can be supported and which support is provided so as to be movable to a limited extent on the load-carrying arrangement such that it can perform vibration-reducing movements relative to the load-carrying arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: JUNGHEINRICH AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Carsten Schöttke, Ernst-Peter Magens, Jürgen Schmalzl, Hubert Bibernell
  • Patent number: 10850657
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for handling a first dumpster and a second dumpster. The method comprises the steps of lifting the first dumpster from a lower dumpster holding channel to an upper dumpster holding channel. The lower dumpster holding channel, the upper dumpster holding channel and the first dumpster are pivoted relative to a rear chassis. The second dumpster is positioned into the lower dumpster holding channel. An angled dumpster displacement channel is extended from the rear chassis. The first dumpster is lowered from the upper dumpster holding channel and along the angled dumpster displacement channel. The lower dumpster holding channel, the upper dumpster holding channel and the second dumpster are pivoted relative to the rear chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventor: Mark D. Curley
  • Patent number: 10843617
    Abstract: A steerable carriage for moving a wheeled object comprising at least one engagement device (3) configured to engage with and elevate a wheel (5) of the wheeled object off the ground such that the wheeled object can be moved upon displacement of the carriage by transmitting a propulsion force from the carriage to the wheeled object via the at least one engagement device, wherein the at least one engagement device comprises: —a support device (12), —an actuating device (13) movable with respect to the support device such as to cause the wheel to roll forward onto the support device and be held by the support device and the actuating device, wherein the support device comprises: —a stopping member (18) movable between a folded position and a stopping position in which it is configured to stop forward motion of the wheel, and —an activation member (23) configured to cause the stopping member to move from the folded position to the stopping position when the wheel is rolled onto the support device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Stringo AB
    Inventor: Micha Dombrowski
  • Patent number: 10834874
    Abstract: A crop cart unloading system for efficiently unloading a harvested crop from a crop cart. The crop cart unloading system generally includes a hopper having a floor conveyor movably positioned with respect to a lower floor, a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the lower floor, an unloading door movably connected to an unloading end of the hopper, and an upper opening defined by an upper edge of the plurality of sidewalls for receiving a field crop. The hopper is pivotally connected to a support frame having a plurality of wheels. A first actuator is connected between the support frame and the hopper to lift the unloading end of the hopper. An unloading conveyor is attached to the unloading end of the hopper to receive and discharge a field crop from the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Safe-T-Pull, Inc.
    Inventor: Burnell R. Kringstad
  • Patent number: 10836577
    Abstract: A robotic service device is described for use on a robotic picking system grid. The robotic service device is capable of driving to any location on the grid order to perform maintenance operations or cleaning. Additionally, the service device may be used to rescue robotic load handling devices operational in the picking system. The robotic service device may include a releasable docking mechanism to enable it to dock and latch on to malfunctioning load handling devices. The service device may also be provided with cleaning capability and a camera to enable the condition of the grid and other robotic devices to be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark Fryer, Andy Ingram-Tedd, Siddique Shaikh, Sverker Lindbo
  • Patent number: 10821038
    Abstract: A ramp system comprising a cradle adapted to be received in a vehicle storage area, a first ramp member defining a first top surface and comprising a proximal end hingeably connected to a distal end of the cradle, and a second ramp member defining a second top surface, the second ramp member being separate from the first ramp member. In use, the first ramp member is pivotable between a first position and a second position wherein the first ramp member is oriented towards the ground surface and the second ramp member is movable between a first position and second position wherein the second ramp member is oriented towards the ground surface. In the second positions, the first and second top surfaces of the first and second ramp members define rolling surfaces allowing a wheelchair to roll over the first and second surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Freedom Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Collett
  • Patent number: 10823507
    Abstract: A Material hopper, in particular for a blast furnace, includes a containing hollow shell for storing material, the shell having an upper shell part with an inlet portion and an asymmetric funnel-shaped lower shell part with an outlet portion, a wear plate arrangement covers at least part of an inner wall of the lower shell part, the wear plate arrangement having a plurality of wear plates arranged adjacent to one another in a plurality of rows stacked along the inner wall, the wear plates being arranged in rows that follow parallel mounting lines that are defined by the intersection of the lower shell part with planes perpendicular to the axis of a virtual right circular cone substantially matching the shape of the funnel-shaped lower shell part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: PAUL WURTH S.A.
    Inventors: Paul Tockert, Chris Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 10815105
    Abstract: A quick-connect connection system assembly for attaching attachments or tools to industrial and construction equipment for purposes of moving and placing materials and items, particularly heavy items, at varying heights relative to the ground. The connection system can have a mounting mechanism that generally comprises a rotatable latch that can be selectively retained in at least one of an open position and a closed position, including through the use of a magnet coupled with the mounting mechanism. The rotatable latch can be selectively rotated between the open and closed positioned via interaction with a cross member of the industrial equipment and the effect of forces acting upon the rotatable latch member, and with limited interaction by an operator of the industrial equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: ARROW ACQUISITION, LLC
    Inventors: Ross T. Gault, Terrence S. Melvin
  • Patent number: 10815079
    Abstract: A transfer arrangement for transferring a semi-trailer onto an intermodal pocket wagon from a ground location beside the wagon, or vice versa, may include base roller beams of a first lifting mechanism supported by the ground at the ground location and intended for lifting the semi-trailer up from the ground. Corresponding wagon roller beams of a second lifting mechanism may be supported by the rail or the ground under the wagon. The wagon roller beams may be elevated to substantially the same height as the base roller beams or lowered towards the ground. A transfer mechanism may be provided for transferring the semi-trailer sideways from the first lifting mechanism to the second lifting mechanism in the elevated condition thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: SIDESTACKER AB
    Inventor: Peter Linde
  • Patent number: 10807796
    Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle assembly for picking up storage bins from a storage system and a method for change of vehicle direction. The vehicle assembly has a vehicle body with a cavity suitable for receiving a storage bin stored within the storage system, a lifting device for lifting the containers into the cavity and a displacement motor for lifting one of two sets of wheels in or out of engagement with an underlying track for changing vehicle direction. The wheels are arranged at outer side walls of the vehicle body facing away from the cavity, arranged at, or near, each of the respective two corners of the lower edge of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim, Borge Bekken
  • Patent number: 10807848
    Abstract: Apparatus for moving different movable loads. The apparatus includes channels that can be engaged by a fork lift, pallet jack, or other powered mover. The apparatus also includes a mounting plate disposed between the channels. The mounting plate includes a receiver channel. The apparatus includes a plurality of load support tools that can selectively engage the receiver channel. The load support tools include different respective end effectors. A load can be engaged with the end effector of a selected load support tool such that the apparatus can move the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Christian A. Brunckhorst, Nicholas J. Brimlow
  • Patent number: 10800439
    Abstract: An interconnected cabinet moving system for Information Technology (IT) equipment is disclosed that includes a support assembly that supports the interconnected cabinets, lifting devices engaged with the support assembly that lifts and moves the support assembly, and a stabilizer assembly attached to the lifting devices that extends over the interconnected cabinets and to stabilize the interconnected cabinets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
    Inventors: Robert Martin, Scott Bristol, Kelly Fulmer, Joseph LaCoco, Ryan Murphy