Patents Examined by Kaitlin Joerger
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Patent number: 9340286Abstract: An automated transport device for moving a cargo unit within an aircraft cargo compartment is provided. The transport device comprises a base body and shifting means, wherein the base body is to carry the cargo unit. The shifting means is to generate a movement of the base body along a floor of the cargo compartment perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft and, after that, along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft without rotation of the base body.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Uwe Panzram, Sascha Nowarre, Hans-Joachim Schoen, Claudio Uriarte, Patrick Dittmer, Thies Andreas Ernst-Friedrich Beinke
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Patent number: 9343350Abstract: An anti-slip end effector for transporting a workpiece, configured to be attached to a robotic arm, includes: a workpiece-supporting area for placing a workpiece thereon for transportation; and at least one anti-slip protrusion disposed in the workpiece-supporting area for supporting a backside of the workpiece, said anti-slip protrusion having a top face capable of contacting and adhering to the backside of the workpiece by van der Waals force and capable of pivoting on a pivot axis, said pivot axis being disposed away from a center of the top face as viewed from above.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: ASM IP Holding B.V.Inventor: Izumi Arai
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Patent number: 9334146Abstract: A stacker includes a frame, forks connected to the frame and provided with a support part having at least one support wheel, and a carrier part provided movably relative to the support part for carrying the goods for displacement. The carrier part is provided with a double roller device. The double roller device includes a number of first roller elements located a distance from each other and having a roll surface, and a number of second roller elements located above the first roller elements and having a roll surface. The roll surface of the first roller elements lies against the roll surface of the second roller elements. The roller elements engage movably in vertical direction on the frame in a guided manner so as to extend the second roller elements in selective manner above the upper surface of the load platform.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2012Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Gebr. Meijer St. Jabik B.V.Inventors: Hendrik Meijer, Folkert De Graaf
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Patent number: 9334115Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for handling items of luggage, comprising a storage system for temporary storage therein of items of luggage, which system comprises at a front side thereof a plurality of compartments for items of luggage with a buffer zone behind each compartment, and for each of the compartments a displacement element for moving an item of luggage from a compartment to the buffer zone associated with that compartment, input means designed for the input of identification information by a passenger for the purpose of placing an item of luggage in a compartment of the storage system, and control means. The invention further relates to a method of handling items of luggage.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Vanderlande Industries B.V.Inventor: Gijsbrecht Jean Marie Bartelet
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Patent number: 9333892Abstract: A granular commodity wagon or grain cart assembly that includes a movable conveyor assembly supported by the grain cart. The conveyor assembly is movable between a stowed position and an in-use position. When in the stowed position, the conveyor assembly facilitates a compact footprint of the grain cart assembly for storage and/or transportation. When in the in-use position, the conveyor assembly can be oriented in generally longitudinal alignment with the longitudinal axis associated with the direction of travel of the grain cart assembly to facilitate loading of the cart with a commodity, such as grain, seeds, or beans collected by a harvester or other secondary harvest or collection and/or transport and/or storage vehicle or container.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Inventor: Sidney Johnson
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Patent number: 9334130Abstract: A transfer device is configured for transferring bulk material from a barge floating on a body of water into at least one receiving device. At least one lifting lock is provided by way of which the barge can be raised, while floating, to a tilting height above the surface of the body of water, and at least one tilting device is provided by way of which the barge can be tilted such that the bulk material is poured from the barge into the receiving device.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2012Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Resource Technologies GmbHInventors: Helmut Weber, Peter Röttgen, Wei Ye
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Patent number: 9327751Abstract: Assemblies and methods for the handling, transporting and/or positioning component parts include a jig assembly for supporting a component part is provided with an elongate spar assembly, a plurality of rib assemblies attached to the spar, and a plurality of tensionable strap assemblies operatively associated with the rib assemblies for capturing and holding the component part against the rib assemblies. The strap assemblies may include a strap ratchet mechanism and a strap, so that operation of the strap ratchet mechanism allows strap slack to be removed thereby tensioning the strap. The jig assembly may be positioned and oriented by suspension cables and a hoist mechanism to allow it to be removably connected to a moveable transport dolly.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: EMBRAER S.A.Inventors: Lallo Kametada Nou, Marcelo Andrey de Albuquerque Bonifacio
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Patent number: 9316438Abstract: Method for transfer of containers, such as vials (101), between a freeze dryer (1) that is located at a first location and a separate transport vehicle (30) that is mobile with respect to the freeze dryer, wherein the freeze dryer (1) comprises a freeze dryer housing (2) with an access opening (11) towards an inner freeze drying chamber (10) inside the freeze dryer housing (2), multiple shelves (21-24) that are arranged spaced apart above each other inside the freeze dryer chamber (10) and each provided with a horizontally extending first flat supporting surface (25) for supporting the containers, wherein the mobile transport vehicle (30) comprises a mobile undercarriage (31) supporting a storage housing (33) with an access opening (40) towards an inner storage chamber (39), a carrier provided with a second flat supporting surface (58) for supporting the containers inside the storage housing (33), and a container shifter (60) for pushing out containers away from the second flat supporting surface (58) in a puType: GrantFiled: July 21, 2010Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: I. M. A. INDUSTRIA MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE S.P.A.Inventors: Johannes Van Veen, Franciscus Antonius Damen, Alexander Clemens Henricus Josef Schaepman, Florentinus Adriaan Cornelis Marie Jongenelen
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Patent number: 9309097Abstract: Forklift truck (100) includes a linkage system (300) which comprises first link arm (1) pivotally connected at one end to roller (1.4) at point (1.1) which is vertically movable within channel (6.1) of mounting carriage/member (6), and to forks (4) at the opposite end via fork carriage (5) at pivot point (1.3). Second link arm (2) is pivotally connected to first link arm (1) at pivot point (1.2). The opposite end of second link arm (2) is pivotally connected to mounting carriage/member (6) at pivot point (2.1). Pivot points (1.1) and (2.1) are positioned on or near the center line of channel (6.1). The tilt angle of forks (4) and fork carriage (5) is restricted by link arm (3) which is pivotally connected at one end to second link arm (2) at pivot point (3.2) and pivotally connected at the opposite end to fork carriage (5) at pivot point (3.1). During operation link arm (3) forces fork carriage (5) to rotate about pivot point (1.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Terberg Kinglifter B.V.Inventor: Eric O'Keeffe
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Patent number: 9309051Abstract: An order-picking installation, a method for order picking and an order-picking system for the purpose of fully automated repacking of stock-keeping units from an inbound unit having a plurality of identical stock-keeping units into an outbound unit having a plurality of different stock-keeping units. The installation, method and system includes a separating station for separating the stock-keeping units, which are delivered in an inbound unit composed of a plurality of identical items, into stock-keeping units and/or sub-units of several stock-keeping units, a small-parts store including a storage location for each type of stock-keeping unit, with an item-storing position and an item-retrieval position, and a stacking and/or packaging station for assembling different stock-keeping units and/or sub-units in an outbound unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Inventor: Walter Winkler
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Patent number: 9302543Abstract: A trolley for use in a cable lift having a mast with a generally rectangular hollow cavity forming a track in which the trolley may be reciprocated upwardly and downwardly. The trolley is connected to a cradle outside the mast upon which an object to be lifted may be placed. The trolley has trolley wheels which make rolling contact with a front and back side of the track to resist a forward bending moment in down direction on the cradle. The trolley has spacer wheels which make rolling contact with a right and left sides of the track to resist a lateral bending moment on the cradle such that the cradle may be mounted on the mast offset from centerline.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Inventors: Peter J. Pierce, Paul J. Altnether
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Patent number: 9296558Abstract: A vertically adjustable collection arm assembly for picking up refuse cans has an arm mechanism to pick up the cans. A lift mechanism raises and lowers the arm mechanism. The lift mechanism is coupled with the arm mechanism and a structure. The lift provides vertical movement to lift and lower the arm mechanism with respect to the structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: The Curotto-Can, LLCInventor: Brian T. Parker
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Patent number: 9296569Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for retrieving medication packages from a pharmacy order-picking device. In the method according to the invention, an operating device is displaced in a displacement position to a predetermined shelf position, at least one medication package on a shelf belonging to the shelf position is moved with a gripping device in the direction of a support and it is then checked whether the at least one medication package has moved fully onto the support. If the check has a negative outcome, an edge of the shelf on which the at least one medication package is stored is detected with a sensor of the operating device and said operating device is displaced to a corresponding shelf position, the gripping device having been brought into the displacement position before displacement.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: CAREFUSION GERMANY 326 GMBHInventors: Christoph Hellenbrand, Andreas Klapperich, Dennis Reif
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Patent number: 9289897Abstract: An apparatus for the automated removal of workpieces arranged in a container comprising a first object recognition device for detecting the workpieces and a first gripper for picking and removing the workpieces from the container; and a control for evaluating the data of the first object recognition device, for track planning and for controlling the first gripper; wherein an intermediate station on which the first gripper places the workpiece after the removal from the container; and a positioning apparatus which positions the workpieces more accurately starting from the intermediate station and/or singularizes them.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbHInventors: Thomas Mattern, David Haenschke, Bernhard Riedmiller, Alois Mundt
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Patent number: 9290120Abstract: A product including a containerized cargo system for the loading and unloading of cargo with the use of an inclined lift system which includes at least one motorized belt having a hooking feature which mates with a cavity located on the cargo container in order to lift the cargo container off and onto the ground for the unloading and loading of a truck and a method of doing the same.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Wade W. Bryant
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Patent number: 9281222Abstract: A wafer handling system may include upper and lower linked robot arms that may move a wafer along a nonlinear trajectory between chambers of a semiconductor processing system. These features may result in a smaller footprint in which the semiconductor processing system may operate, smaller transfer chambers, smaller openings in process chambers, and smaller slit valves, while maintaining high wafer throughput. In some embodiments, simultaneous fast wafer swaps between two separate chambers, such as load locks and ALD (atomic layer deposition) carousels, may be provided. Methods of wafer handling are also provided, as are other aspects.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: William Tyler Weaver, Malcolm N. Daniel, Jr., Robert B. Vopat, Jason M. Schaller, Jacob Newman, Dinesh Kanawade, Andrew J. Constant, Stephen C. Hickerson, Jeffrey C. Hudgens, Marvin L. Freeman
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Patent number: 9278762Abstract: The invention relates to a vertical unload system for an unit load device, comprising a framework, the framework delimiting a cargo space arranged on a ground load deck and the framework comprising an unload deck for unloading shipments out of the unit load device and comprising an elevator, whereby the unload deck is arranged distant above the ground load deck and extends in an offset plane adjacent to the cargo space, the cargo space and/or the elevator comprises rollers for loading and unloading the unit load device into and out of the elevator, and the elevator is adapted for vertically elevating the unit load device between the ground load deck and the unload deck such that the unit load device is stoppable at any intermediate stop locations.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Deutsche Post AGInventors: Jason Laib, William Winters, Daniel Schlake
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Patent number: 9281221Abstract: One or more techniques or systems for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) wafer processing are provided herein. In some embodiments, a vacuum system includes one or more cluster tools connected via one or more bridges. For example, a first cluster tool is connected to a first bridge. Additionally, a second cluster tool is connected to a second bridge. In some embodiments, the first bridge is configured to connect the second cluster tool to the first cluster tool. In some embodiments, the second cluster tool is connected to the first bridge, thus forming a ‘tunnel’. In some embodiments, the second bridge comprises one or more facets configured to enable a connection to an additional process chamber or an additional cluster tool. In this manner, a more efficient UHV environment is provided, thus enhancing a yield associated with wafer processing, for example.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company LimitedInventors: Chung-En Kao, Tien-Chen Hu, Mao-Lin Kao, Kuo-Fu Chien, Keith Koai
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Patent number: 9272854Abstract: Vehicle restraints with activated catches are disclosed. An example vehicle restraint includes a main body mountable at a loading dock and to move vertically relative to the loading dock. A barrier is movable relative to the main body to selectively block and release a RIG of a vehicle, where the barrier is selectively movable to a first blocking position to block the RIG, a stored position to release the RIG, and an intermediate position between the first blocking position and the stored position. A pawl is movable relative to the barrier between an activated position and a released position. A stop is carried by the main body and a pawl actuator is coupled to at least one of the main body and the barrier. The pawl actuator has a contact surface to engage the RIG, where the contact surface is movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the barrier.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Kurt Lessard, Timothy Cotton, Andrew Brooks
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Patent number: 9272845Abstract: The objective of the invention is to create an overhead robot system that reduces the movements of the system's gripper when it is desired to pick up an individual object from the middle of a stack of objects. The number of movements is reduced as the gripper can be driven to above the desired stack of objects and does not need to be subsequently moved to another location above the warehouse area in order to pick up and move a single object. The invention comprises a separate arrangement for moving a single picked-up object to the edge of the warehouse area. The gripper can move more quickly to the next object to be picked up.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: CIMCORP OYInventors: Jarno Honkanen, Kari Miikkulainen