Patents Examined by James Keenan
  • Patent number: 11111122
    Abstract: A pallet lift includes a pair of outer tines movable between an expanded position spaced outward away from inner tines and a retracted position adjacent the inner tines. The inner and outer tines are supported by wheels at locations spaced away from the lift mechanism. A pallet includes a plurality of nestable feet that open outwardly of the pallet to reduce the footprint. A second pallet includes a side wall extending downward from side edges of the pallet to define an opening adjacent outer feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Philip A. King, Jon P. Hassell, William P. Apps, Dane Gin Mun Kalinowski
  • Patent number: 11107722
    Abstract: Provided is holding finger 21 with which a thin-plate substrate W that has been subjected to surface processing can be transferred without generating a natural oxide film on a surface to be processed of the thin-plate substrate W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventor: Katsunori Sakata
  • Patent number: 11105054
    Abstract: Device for delivering traffic cones that have a cone mantle that comprises a flange at its broadest end, comprising a repository for the traffic cones, comprising an outer drum and an inner drum, both arranged coaxially about the same length axis with respect to each other and mutually rotatable with respect to each other about said same axis wherein one of the inner and outer drum comprises a helix shaped groove at a side facing the other of the inner and outer drum, and the other of the inner and outer drum comprises a blocking, for at least partly prohibiting movement of a cone in the direction of the mutual movement of the inner and outer drum and a drive for mutually rotating the inner and outer drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: VERDEGRO HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Sjoerd De Groot, Gerrit Verwijs
  • Patent number: 11104552
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a mobile robot energizes its state-variable anchor into a released state while contacting a payload, and then de-energizes it to put it into an anchored state, attaching it to the payload. The mobile robot may then move the payload to a mounting location while the state-variable anchor is de-energized and attached to the payload. As such, the mobile robot may then energize a state-variable anchor of the payload to put it into a released state while at and contacting the mounting location, and then de-energizes it to put it into an anchored state to attach the payload to the mounting location. To then detach the state-variable anchor of the mobile robot and the mobile robot from the payload after the payload is attached to the mounting location, the mobile robot may then energize the state-variable anchor of the mobile robot to put it into a released state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Calvin Byers, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Patent number: 11087998
    Abstract: A transfer chamber configured to be used during semiconductor device manufacturing is described. Transfer chamber includes at least one first side of a first width configured to couple to one or more substrate transfer units (e.g., one or more load locks or one or more pass-through units), and at least a second set of sides of a second width that is different than the first width, the second set of sides configured to couple to one or more processing chambers. A total number of sides of the transfer chamber is at least seven. Transfers within the transfer chamber are serviceable by a single robot. Process tools and methods for processing substrates are described, as are numerous other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Robert Rice, Michael Meyers, John J. Mazzocco, Dean C. Hruzek, Michael Kuchar, Sushant S. Koshti, Penchala N. Kankanala, Eric A. Englhardt
  • Patent number: 11081379
    Abstract: An electronic device manufacturing system may include a factory interface having a controlled environment. The electronic device manufacturing system may also include a load port coupled to the factory interface. The load port may be configured to receive a substrate carrier thereon and may include purge apparatus and a controller. The controller may be configured to operate the load port such that any air located around and between a substrate carrier door and the load port is at least partially or entirely purged, thus reducing or preventing contamination of the controlled environment upon the opening of the substrate carrier door by the load port. Methods of operating a factory interface load port are also provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul B. Reuter
  • Patent number: 11078018
    Abstract: Storage and distribution system for products in unit doses, including plurality of housing units, each including a plurality of locations for products in unit doses. The housing units are organised on a vertical plane to produce at least one portion of a picking wall, in which the locations for products in unit doses face selective picking members. A picking unit includes picking members oriented on the picking wall for picking products packaged in unit doses. A collecting unit, arranged on a second side of the picking unit, includes a rack having a plurality of pegs facing towards the first side of the picking unit. The pegs are reached by the picking members so as to pick therefrom or deposit thereon products packaged in unit doses. The plurality of pegs as a whole can collect a smaller number of unit dose products than those that can be stored in the automatic store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: SWISSLOG ITALIA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Flavio Este, Lorenzo Spagna, Gabriele Bianconi
  • Patent number: 11075018
    Abstract: Transfer system for sealed enclosure, said sealed enclosure defining a first closed volume and comprising at least one device for sealed connection to a second closed volume, said transfer system being intended to be arranged in said enclosure (E) and to be fixed to a wall thereof, said transfer system comprising at least one arm, a first rotating hinge between the arm intended to be arranged between the arm and said wall of the enclosure, said first rotating hinge comprising a first axis of rotation, a chute and a second rotating hinge between the arm and the chute, said second rotating hinge comprising a second axis of rotation, the chute comprising a docking edge configured to cooperate with the device for sealed connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: GETINGE LA CALHENE
    Inventors: Arthur Aubert, Wenceslas Daniel
  • Patent number: 11072494
    Abstract: A storage system comprises a first grid structure of storage cells, each cell being arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins, the first grid structure having a top level. The system further comprises a first vehicle, arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the first grid structure, and a bin elevator, arranged to convey a bin in a vertical direction between the top level of the grid structure and a delivery station. The first vehicle is further arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage cell at the top level of the first grid structure and to deliver the storage bin to the bin elevator. The bin elevator is arranged to receive a bin from the vehicle at the top level of the first grid structure and to convey the bin to the delivery station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventor: Ingvar Hognaland
  • Patent number: 11059408
    Abstract: A mortuary cargo loading system having a transport bed adjacent to a motorized winch, a cable engaged with and extending from the motorized winch, a cargo stopper comprising a first end, a second end, and a guide therebetween, and a cargo stopper support having at least one bore for receiving a cargo stopper. The mortuary cargo loading system further has the cargo stopper support and the motorized winch connected to a surface of a vehicle cargo space, the first end of the cargo stopper is engaged with the at least one bore, the cable is engaged with the guide, and the transport bed is connected to the cargo stopper support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventor: David P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 11053073
    Abstract: A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out. The framework may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing, and data logging. A method of partitioning the storage system prevents the spread of fire or prevent damage caused by sprinkler activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Clarke, Lars Sverker Ture Lindbo, Andrew John Ingram-Tedd
  • Patent number: 11045365
    Abstract: A lift apparatus includes an anchor assembly fixable to a vehicle; a platform to support a wheelchair; a support assembly; and two arms, each connected to the support assembly to support the platform. The arms are rotatably connected to the anchor assembly. The platform includes two parts. Each part has a support surface for a wheelchair, a back, and a lateral edge along which the parts are hinged to rotate between a close configuration, in which the backs are facing, and an open configuration, in which the support surfaces are coplanar. An actuator rotates the parts from the close configuration to the open configuration. For each arm, a connecting element, is pivoted to the arm; a first connecting rod is pivoted to the connecting element and to a first of the parts, and a second connecting rod is pivoted to the connecting element and to the second of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Olmedo Special Vehicles S.p.A.
    Inventors: Daniele Molinaro, Emanuele Mengoni
  • Patent number: 11037809
    Abstract: A transfer device for transferring a substrate is provided, including a base plate, at least one suction unit disposed on a side of the base plate to generate suction on the substrate, and a plurality of movement restriction units disposed on the side of the base plate to limit the movement of the substrate during transfer. Each of the movement restriction units includes a main body, an abutting member, and a pusher. The main body is attached to the base plate and has a chamber therein. The abutting member is movably received in the chamber and has an abutting portion that protrudes beyond the main body to abut the substrate. The pusher is received in the chamber and configured to push the abutting member to move toward the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Pei-Lun Hung, Chia-Wei Hsu, Chia-Hsiang Liao, Ming-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 11021353
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fork carriage for a truck mounted forklift, the fork carriage comprising an upright rear section for mounting onto the lifting assembly of the forklift, an upright forward section, shorter than the upright rear section, for reception of tines, and a pantograph linkage connecting the upright rear section and upright forward sections together. The pantograph linkage comprises a first and second linkage arm however the second linkage arm is shorter than the first linkage arm and does not extend all the way forward to the upright forward section. Instead, there is provided a third linkage arm with a hinge joint along its length, the third linkage arm being connected at various positions along its length to each of the first linkage arm, the second linkage arm and the upright forward section. In this way, the pantograph linkage can achieve the same reach with a lower upright forward section and access to top far side loads is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Cargotec Research & Development Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Turnbull, John Doyle
  • Patent number: 11014760
    Abstract: A conveyor support system has a primary arm and a secondary arm. The secondary arm has a generally vertical, rotatable shaft at its distal end. The vertical shaft supports pivoting of a conveyor system about the shaft. A powered wheel and tire assembly is mounted on the conveyor, under an intake end of the conveyor, and is oriented in a position to drive rotation of the conveyor about the vertical, rotatable shaft disposed at the distal end of the secondary arm. The primary arm is mounted to the agricultural machine and is configured to move the conveyor from its transport position to a position in which it can be rotated to its deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Stanley R. Borkgren
  • Patent number: 11008023
    Abstract: A liftable carrying apparatus for loading a pocket wagon with vehicles by a lifting apparatus includes a first support portion for at least one vehicle that extends over a length, at least one second support portion for at least one vehicle, that is arranged above the first support portion and extends over a length, and receiving locations, in particular receiving pockets, for a lifting apparatus, that are arranged at the first and the at least one second support portions. The length over which the first support portion extends and the length over which the at least one second support portion extends differ from each other, and the first and the at least one second support portions are or can be releasably connected together for joint lifting by a lifting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: KAESSBOHRER TRANSPORT TECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Franz Blum, Horst Foessl
  • Patent number: 10999965
    Abstract: A litter distribution apparatus provides for even distribution of a bedding material to an animal containment area for animal husbandry operations. The distribution apparatus has vertically adjustable skid legs that support the apparatus at a desired elevation as it is drawn across a ground surface of the containment area. A frame and litter containment skirt allow for the accumulation of the bedding material and even disposition along the ground surface based on the selected elevation of the skid legs. The skid legs may be vertically adjustable via an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Clark Adam Garner
  • Patent number: 11001440
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a refuse vehicle, a carry can, and an electric energy system. The refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, and a lift assembly. The body assembly defines a vehicle refuse compartment. The carry can is selectively couplable to the lift assembly. The carry can includes a container defining a container refuse compartment and an articulating collection arm coupled the container. The articulating collection arm has an actuator positioned to facilitate manipulating the articulating collection arm. The electric energy system is at least one of positioned on the refuse vehicle or positioned on the carry can. The electric energy system is configured to facilitate operating the actuator of the articulating collection arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua D. Rocholl, Derek A. Wente, John T. Kellander, Cody D. Clifton, Vincent Hoover, Zachary L. Klein, Clinton T. Weckwerth, Skylar A. Wachter
  • Patent number: 10994865
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an end-to-end cargo handling system. The end-to-end cargo handling system comprises a transportation unit comprising a first sensing agent, a lift unit comprising a second sensing agent, and a control module in communication with the transportation unit and the lift unit via a network, wherein the transportation unit and the lift unit are configured to move a cargo unit from a first location to a second location autonomously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Zamira A. Daw Perez, Alessandro Pinto, Richa Varma, Xiaobin Zhang, Binu M. Nair
  • Patent number: 10998209
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for substrate processing are provided herein. The apparatus, for example, can include a plurality of multi environment chambers coupled to a buffer chamber configured to load a substrate therefrom into each of the plurality of multi environment chambers for processing of the substrate using a plurality of processing mini environment chambers coupled to each of the plurality of multi environment chambers, at least one of the plurality of multi environment chambers comprising a robot and at least one of the plurality of multi environment chambers comprising a carousel, wherein each of the robot and the carousel is configured to transfer the substrate to and from each of the processing mini environment chamber of the plurality of processing mini environment chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Brezoczky, Kirankumar Neelasandra Savandaiah, Srinivasa Rao Yedla