Patents Examined by James Keenan
  • Patent number: 11401109
    Abstract: A refuse collection device mountable to a refuse collection vehicle having a first chassis rail and a second chassis rail, the device including: a base; a rotating member rotatably connected to the base about a first rotational axis; an extension member that is supported by the rotating member and configured to extend relative to the rotating member; a lifting member rotatably connected to the extension member for rotation about a second rotational axis; and a bin-grabbing member that is connected to the lifting member, the bin-grabbing member being configured to collect a bin, the device configured to mount to the vehicle to locate the first rotational axis of the rotation member between the first chassis rail and the second chassis rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Bucher Municipal Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Peter Searle, Andrew Garry Mitchell, Lewis Luyken
  • Patent number: 11390401
    Abstract: A self-driven modular sandbagging device applicable to a dump-truck with a truck bed that defines a sand carrying volume, comprising: a replacing tailgate for the truck bed, capable of replacing the original regular tailgate of the dump-truck, at the lower inner end of the replacing tailgate an integral elongated housing is included, in free contact with the carrying volume of the truck bed, in the integral elongated housing an auger is rotatably installed; the auger is driven by a hydraulic motor located inside the housing, a hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic motor is attached to the external side of the replacing tailgate, at one end of the housing a bag-filler nozzle is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventors: Adalberto L Sotero, Rosa L Cruz
  • Patent number: 11365049
    Abstract: A system and method for storage and retrieval are provided. The system includes a multi-level storage structure, and mobile robots configured to pick, transport and place one or more tote, container, or object. This system and method can be used in order-fulfillment applications in which one or more workstations accommodate a picker that transports one or more eaches from a tote on one of the autonomous mobile robots to a put location, and an input/output interface induct material into the system and discharge fulfilled orders from the system. The mobile robots are further configured to move from level to level in the multi-level storage structure via inclined or vertical tracks without requiring a vertical lift or vertical conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Alert Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Lert, Jr., William J. Fosnight
  • Patent number: 11364834
    Abstract: A loading/unloading device for delivering an item(s) to be delivered. The loading/unloading device includes an outer nested track; an inner nested track nested within the outer nested track; a curved generally U-shaped guide track nested within the inner nested track; and a movable trolley accommodated and movable along the curved generally U-shaped guide track. A drive motor being is supported by a first end of the curved generally U-shaped guide track for conveying the movable trolley back and forth along the curved generally U-shaped guide track for loading and unloading the item(s) to be delivered. A delivery vehicle, including at least one loading/unloading device for delivering the item(s) to be delivered, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: David William Presby
  • Patent number: 11358539
    Abstract: A container for transporting material including a main body and a liner disposed within the interior space of the main body. A gap is provided between a perimeter of the main body and a perimeter of the liner to allow the liner to move with respect to the main body. Also, a container for transporting material including a main body defining an interior space with a lift gate pivotably attached at an open end of the main body. When the container is placed on a transportation vehicle and the main body is raised, the engagement of a link between the lift gate and the vehicle automatically transitions the lift gate from a position in which the open end of the main body is covered by the lift gate to a position in which the open end of the main body is not covered by the lift gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: TMS International Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel Tanudra, Fernando Rodriguez Anton, Mark Whalen
  • Patent number: 11358509
    Abstract: An automated cargo vehicle ramp deployment system includes a controller and a power source connected thereto, a ramp located at the existing cargo vehicle, a first automated ramp displacement mechanism for configured to selectively displace the ramp from a first position to a second position defined along a perimeter of the existing cargo vehicle while the ramp is maintained at a vertically oriented position, a second automated ramp displacement mechanism for configured to selectively displace the ramp from one of the first position and the second position to a third position, and a third automated ramp displacement mechanism for selectively adjusting a longitudinal length of the ramp while the ramp is statically disposed at a third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: EMHIP, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Warhurst, Roy Hensler, Robert Perry Allison
  • Patent number: 11352207
    Abstract: An unloading system comprises an upper-opening chamber for receiving airplane-derived refuse; a chute; a chute-connected safety gate which is settable in falling preventing relation with respect to an access door of an airplane from which the refuse is unloadable into the chute and to the chamber; and an air brake assembly for immobilizing the safety gate when the chute ceases to be vertically displaced. A compacting system comprises a main platen mount with an occluding surface for occluding the opening; an auxiliary platen mount for movably supporting the main platen mount; a holder assembly underneath the auxiliary platen mount; and force transmitting elements always retained within a compaction chamber interior. The main platen mount is linearly driven between a first position completely forwardly of the opening and a second position at which the opening is completely occluded, and is additionally driven to discharge the received refuse. Methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: ALON GROUP LTD.
    Inventors: Jan Jetten, Zohar Alon
  • Patent number: 11343971
    Abstract: A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. The grain cart also has a hitch for allowing the grain cart to be towed. The discharge portion is forward of the hitch when in the operating position. Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, increased forward and side reach, additional storage capacity of the hopper, increased discharge rate from the hopper, and a more compact transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Patent number: 11345543
    Abstract: A load handling device is disclosed for use in a storage system in which goods are stored in stackable containers within a framework. An exemplary load handling device can include a container-receiving space into which a plurality of containers can be lifted. The container-receiving space can be arranged beneath a corresponding number of vehicle modules as containers to be lifted, and components such as power components, control components, drive components and lifting components are housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Lars Sverker Ture Lindbo, Andrew John Ingram-Tedd, Pawel Karolinczak
  • Patent number: 11345268
    Abstract: An automated cargo vehicle ramp deployment system includes a controller and a power source connected thereto, a ramp located at the existing cargo vehicle, a first automated ramp displacement mechanism for configured to selectively displace the ramp from a first position to a second position defined along a perimeter of the existing cargo vehicle while the ramp is maintained at a vertically oriented position, a second automated ramp displacement mechanism for configured to selectively displace the ramp from one of the first position and the second position to a third position, and a third automated ramp displacement mechanism for selectively adjusting a longitudinal length of the ramp while the ramp is statically disposed at a third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: EMHIP, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Warhurst, Roy Hensler, Robert Perry Allison
  • Patent number: 11319148
    Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle has a container collection arm with a telescoping boom coupled with a refuse stowage unit of the vehicle. A grasping mechanism is coupled with an end of the boom. A rotary actuator couples the grasping mechanism with the boom to enable a waste container to be moved between a pick up position and a dump position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: The Heil Co.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Price, John Bares, Robert H. Doll, Brian T. Parker
  • Patent number: 11318977
    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: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
    Inventors: Robert Martin, Scott Bristol, Kelly Fulmer, Joseph LaCoco, Ryan Murphy
  • Patent number: 11319171
    Abstract: An apparatus for rotary dumping of rail cars, including a material receiving pit. A rotary rail car dumper includes a rotational frame supporting at least one baffle. The rotational frame is configured to dump a load from a rail car during rotational motion of the rotational frame between an upright position wherein the entire load is in the rail car and a dumping position wherein the load can exit the rail car. A backside airflow diverter is located beneath the rotational frame and includes a curved upper surface. A lower margin of the at least one baffle contacts the curved upper surface during at least part of the rotational motion of the rotational frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Air-Cure Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael R. Harris, Dennis D. Hall, Kal N. Ugargol
  • Patent number: 11312286
    Abstract: Various examples of arrangements and methods are provided for loading and unloading first and second load units carried by a vehicle. A landing device is arranged between a first end of the first load unit and a second end of the second load unit so that a first portion of the landing device is supported to the first end of the first load unit and a second portion of the landing device is supported to the second end of the second load unit. The landing device can move the first end of the first load unit into a lower level than the second end of the second load unit after the first end of the first load unit is moved so that it passes the second end of the second load unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: LOTUS DEMOLITION OY
    Inventor: Tommi Leppiaho
  • Patent number: 11302550
    Abstract: In a transfer method used in a substrate processing apparatus including a vacuum transfer chamber and a first and a second processing chamber and a preliminary chamber connected to the vacuum transfer chamber, a first and a second processing chamber are heated such that a temperature of the first processing chamber becomes lower than a temperature of the second processing chamber. A processed substrate is transferred from the first processing chamber to the second processing chamber and an unprocessed substrate is transferred from the preliminary chamber to the first processing chamber using a substrate transfer device disposed in the vacuum transfer chamber. Further, the transfer of the processed substrate and the transfer of the unprocessed substrate are repeatedly executed for each of substrates, and the transfer of the unprocessed substrate is executed when no substrate is mounted in the first processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Yohei Kawamura, Keiji Osada
  • Patent number: 11299343
    Abstract: A refuse hopper is disclosed which may be mounted in the bed of a pick-up truck, a flat-bed truck or on a trailer. The refuse hopper includes a horizontally disposed support frame having a rear end, a front end, a first side and a second side. A hopper is pivotally mounted on the support frame and has a front end, a rear end, a front side and a second side. The refuse hopper is selectively movable between a horizontally disposed loading position and a dumping position. A compactor plate is pivotally mounted to the hopper and is movable between an upwardly extending loading position to a refuse packing position within the hopper. The hopper has a volume of about 2-4.5 cubic yards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Broyhill, Inc.
    Inventors: Cory A. Vaselaar, Craig G. Broyhill
  • Patent number: 11279569
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for using robots to move items from one container to another. The method includes positioning a source container under a suction robot having two degrees of freedom only, the suction robot having a flexible suction end having a variable suction component that can cause suction to occur within the suction end upon contact with an item in the source container. The contact can be non-orthogonal of an end of the flexible suction and a surface of the item. The robot retrieves the item from the source container with the flexible suction end by lowering the flexible suction end into the source container to retrieve the item and lifts the retrieved item from the source container. The robot then moves the retrieved item horizontally from the source container to a destination container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: VECNA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Theobald
  • Patent number: 11273978
    Abstract: A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, multiple tractive elements, a reach assembly, and a fully-electric lift assembly. The multiple tractive elements are coupled with the chassis and support the refuse vehicle. The reach assembly is coupled with the refuse vehicle. The fully-electric lift assembly is coupled with the reach assembly and includes a track, a carrier assembly, an electric motor, and a drive member. The track includes a straight portion and a curved portion. The track includes multiple channels that extend along an entire length of a path of the track and multiple engagement members. The carrier assembly is configured to move along the path of the track. The electric motor is fixedly coupled with the carrier assembly and drives a driveshaft. The drive member is rotatably fixedly coupled with the driveshaft and engages the multiple engagement members to drive the carrier assembly to ascend or descend along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Wallace Buege, Martin Schimke, Joshua D. Rocholl, Jerrod Kappers, Andrew Kotloski
  • Patent number: 11260992
    Abstract: A dolly for placement beneath a landing gear of an aircraft that enables transport of the aircraft without rolling the tire of the aircraft. The dolly includes a platform for a tire to rest on and a channel for positioning the tire. The dolly includes a winch for translating the dolly and aircraft tire relative to each other such that the landing gear is brought to rest on the platform, and one or more stops for securing the aircraft landing gear with respect to the dolly. Once positioned, the dolly can be used while transporting the aircraft, either by hand pushing, a hand towbar, a motorized tug with a towbar, or other mode. The dolly is useful for moving aircraft in tight spaces and is also useful for transporting aircraft with damaged landing gear or flat tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: West Metro Aviation, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Wiskus
  • Patent number: 11261025
    Abstract: A robotic object handling system and robotic load handling device for operation thereon is disclosed. The object handling system includes a number of robotic load handling devices operational on a grid-like structure, the structure having sets of parallel tracks, disposed above a hive of stacked bins. The bins contain inventory items to be picked by the system. Load handling devices capable of carrying multiple bins of a single grid-spacing size or single bins of a multiple grid spacings are operational on the grid and retrieve and transport bins under the control of a computerised order picking utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Sverker Lindbo, Andrew John Ingram-Tedd