Patents Examined by Lester Rushin, III
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Patent number: 11493110Abstract: A splice system for a conveyor belt system includes a plurality of spaced tractive rods; a plurality of rows of flat wire pickets transversely disposed with respect to a direction of travel and interconnecting the plurality of spaced tractive rods, wherein at least one of the rows of flat wire pickets includes an outer edge link on each end thereof, the outer edge link including a reverse-turn closed edge on an outer side thereof; and wherein movement of at least one of the plurality of rods is restricted by the reverse-turn closed edge on the outer edge link.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2021Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Cambridge International, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey D. Ulchak, Thomas O. Perdue, George H. Messick, Jr.
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Patent number: 11492208Abstract: A rotative lumber piece charger for transferring lumber pieces. The rotative lumber piece charger comprises: a driving shaft rotating about a longitudinal axis and a transfer wheel comprising a main body mounted to the driving shaft and rotating therewith. The rotative lumber piece charger also comprises a lumber piece grasping assembly rotatably connected to the main body and rotatable with respect to the main body about a lumber rotation axis. The lumber piece grasping assembly is operative to grasp a section of a corresponding one of the lumber pieces, temporarily retain the section of the lumber piece and release the lumber piece. The rotative lumber piece charger further comprises an angular orientation control system connected to the lumber piece grasping assembly. The angular orientation control system rotates the lumber piece grasping assembly about the lumber rotation axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2019Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Inventor: Claude Gravel
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Patent number: 11485590Abstract: Driverless transport vehicles or DTVs, which are automatically guided vehicles, are gaining importance in the sorting of cargo. A method for loading a driverless transport vehicle with a cargo item in a transfer point, includes loading the DTV with the cargo item by using a known delivery system during the journey of the DTV. In order to prevent cargo items from falling during loading, a higher-level control sets the delivery speed of the cargo item and the speed of travel before the cargo item is transferred to the transport vehicle, such that the delivery speed component of the transport direction is equal to the speed of travel of the transport vehicle. In this way, the continued use of existing delivery systems such as are known under the term HSI (high speed induction) is possible. A system for loading a driverless transport vehicle is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Carsten Aschpurwis
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Patent number: 11465860Abstract: A steel plate suspension conveying device and method thereof, includes an initial suspension module, an intermediate transfer module and a tail end unloading module that are respectively provided with a plurality of electromagnets, wherein the electromagnets (5-6) of the initial suspension module controls the steel plate for suspension, the electromagnets (7-14) of the intermediate transfer module controls the motion of the steel plate toward the tail end unloading module, and the electromagnets (15-17) of the tail end unloading module controls the landing of the steel plate; sensor modules (18) installed on the electromagnets, and are capable of detecting the position, speed and temperature information of the steel plate conveyed by the electromagnets; a central processing unit (4) receiving the information sent by the sensor modules (18) and adjusts the magnitude of a current/voltage flowing into the electromagnets, thereby adjusting the magnitude of the electromagnet attraction applied by the electromagnetType: GrantFiled: December 27, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: JIANGXI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Yongfang Deng, Weichao Zhang, Jie Yang, Bin Deng
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Patent number: 11459188Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of using different sensing and detection methods to determine parcel flow density 1D lineal, 2D area or 3D volumetrically on a selected section of a feed conveyor and receiving conveyor and adjusting conveyor speed ratios proportioned according to ratio of desired density to current density to increase the density or volume of parcels in a selected area of the receiving conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2021Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Fives Intralogistics Corp.Inventors: Steven Vann Schroader, Gus Nowotny
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Patent number: 11453558Abstract: A singulation conveyor is described. The singulation conveyor includes multiple rollers, for example, a first roller and a second roller. In some example embodiments, the first roller can be of a first roller cross-sectional profile and the second roller can be of a second roller cross-sectional profile. The first roller cross-sectional profile can be defined by a sleeve mounted around a circumference of the first roller and a dowel positioned between the sleeve and the first roller. Further, in some examples, the first roller cross-sectional profile can be different from the second roller cross-sectional profile. Furthermore, according to some examples, the first roller and the second roller can be configured to be rotated based on a first rotation pattern and a second rotation pattern respectively, to cause singulation of a shingled item.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2020Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS, LLCInventors: Matthew Good, William McConnell, Darius Scott, Joseph Joice
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Patent number: 11447344Abstract: Sorting system for sorting products as well as method for application thereof. The sorting system comprises a central control system and a number of combinations of an elongated carrying body and a pusher body. The carrying bodies extend parallel to each other and are each configured for carrying a product to be sorted. The sorting system further comprises a displacing device for moving the combinations. Each combination is further provided with a further displacing device that is provided with an on-board driving device for moving the pusher body in a sorting direction along the carrying body for pushing a product carried by the carrying body off of the carrying body with the pusher body, as well as with an on-board control system that is configured for receiving destination data emanating from the central control system and for driving the on-board driving device hereto.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Vanderlande Industries B.V.Inventor: Koen Maarten Geert Grobben
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Patent number: 11447343Abstract: A temperature monitor is provided for use on a conveyor belt. The temperature monitor includes a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall are generally parallel to one another. The temperature monitor also includes a first anchor and a second anchor. The first wall is attached to the first anchor at a first end and the first wall is attached to the second anchor at a second end. The second wall is attached to the first anchor at a first end and the second wall is attached to the second anchor at a second end. The temperature monitor further includes a temperature deformation mechanism defined between the first wall and the second wall. The temperature deformation mechanism is altered in an instance in which a predetermined temperature is reached. A method of manufacturing a temperature monitor and a temperature monitor system are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Kuna Venkat Satya Rama Kishore
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Patent number: 11440744Abstract: System and methods for estimating the number of packages in a measurement zone to gauge package flow. A linear array of distance-measuring sensors measures the height profile of a mass of packages conveyed past. The profile is differentiated, and steps in the differentiated profile are counted to detect package edges and to produce an estimate of the number of packages in the measurement zone. The estimate can be used to adjust the speed of the conveyor to provide a constant package flow.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2019Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: William S. Murray, Jeremiah E. Oertling
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Patent number: 11440747Abstract: A belt conveyor is configured for conveying products in a conveying direction and defines a width extending in a transverse direction orthogonal to the conveying direction, and a height direction orthogonal to the conveying and transverse directions. An ejector is fixed to the belt conveyor and acts in the transverse direction for sorting out/discharging products. The ejector has an end region which faces the product to be sorted out, and has a base body mounted in a base position on the belt conveyor by means of a holder. The basic position of the base body can be adjusted by means of an adjusting device of the holder in the transverse direction within an adjustment path so that the end area of the non-actuated ejector in the transverse direction can protrude across the belt conveyor width by at least half of that width, or more.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2021Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Wipotec GmbHInventors: Markus Jochen Walter, Lukas Müller
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Patent number: 11401111Abstract: A conveyor apparatus includes a supporting plate and a conveyor module. The supporting plate is connected to the conveyor module. The supporting plate includes a first power and communication terminal that is configured to provide the conveyor module with power and a communication connection. The conveyor module is connected to the supporting plate. The conveyor module is detachable and includes a second power and communication terminal that is connected to the first power and communication terminal to receive the power and to perform the communication connection. The first and second power and communication terminals are detachable, with an ability to be connected to and disconnected from each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2020Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventor: Dong Ju Seok
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Patent number: 11396395Abstract: An automatic bag loading system includes a transfer arm configured to grab a bag and transfer the bag from a conveyor a bag gripper, which then rotates the bag to a filling station. The system further includes a detection device to detect a location of a leading edge of the bag between the conveyor and the bag gripper.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2020Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: Viking Masek Global PackagingInventors: Michael Schaap, Seth Weedman, Jamie Vertz
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Patent number: 11390465Abstract: A modular sensing device has multiple assembling components, and at least one object-detection sensor. The assembling components extend along a direction. Each one of the assembling components has a housing being tubular and an electrical connecting device mounted inside the housing. The housings of the multiple assembling components are detachably connected in sequence. The at least one object-detection sensor is mounted to one of the assembling components. The electrical connecting devices of the assembling components are electrically connected in sequence and are electrically connected to the at least one object-detection sensor. The detachable housings of the assembling components make the modular sensing device applicable to conveyors of different widths and promote flexibility of installation.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: SCAN ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIAL CO.Inventor: Shan-Lung Chuang
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Patent number: 11383927Abstract: The present invention concerns an order-picking system, comprising a goods-in buffer (3) with at least one storage area (4), in which the picked goods units are stored before they leave the order-picking system, and at least one staging area (6), in which the picked goods units are staged automatically by an operating device in accordance with a predetermined sequence. In addition, the present invention comprise a pallet racking warehouse for a shipping buffer and a stacker crane for a corresponding pallet racking warehouse. A gravity conveyor (5) for the staging area of the shipping buffer is also the subject-matter of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2018Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Witron Logistik + Informatik GmbHInventor: Walter Winkler
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Patent number: 11383937Abstract: Warehouse automation and methods of automatically sorting and sequencing items can be implemented to streamline and expedite order fulfillment and store replenishment processes in a cost-effective manner. Some embodiments described herein include sorting items to a truck-level and inducting those items for a first truck into a buffering and sequencing system. Items can temporarily accumulate in the buffering and sequencing system and thereafter be discharged in a desired sequence as the items become available within the buffering and sequencing system. In some embodiments, the buffering and sequencing system is used to sequence items for loading one or more store aisle-ready carts in a sequence that corresponds to a store aisle layout.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2021Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Lisso, Thomas Gardner, David Sellner, Tyler Park
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Patent number: 11383932Abstract: A spiral conveyor for positively driving a conveyor belt along a helical path. The spiral conveyor includes a rotating cylindrical tower with parallel drive members extending from the bottom to the top of the tower on its periphery. Each drive member includes an outwardly protruding ridge that varies in height from the bottom to the top of the tower. The variations in height facilitate the belt's entry onto and exit from the tower and robust, positive driving engagement with the inside edge of the belt along the majority of its path along the tower.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Casper Fedde Talsma, David W. Bogle
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Patent number: 11377301Abstract: The invention relates to a motorized conveyor roller, comprising a roller body mounted so as to be able to rotate about a roller axle, a drive unit arranged inside the roller body and designed to generate a rotational movement about the roller axle between an axle element and the roller body. The invention is characterized by a control unit that is arranged inside the roller body and that is designed to receive a state signal from outside the roller body, to generate a control signal that describes a drive characteristic on the basis of the state signal, to control the drive unit by way of the control signal, to generate a self state signal that describes the state signal and/or the drive characteristic, and to transmit this self state signal outside the roller body.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Interroll Holding aGInventors: Andreas Hampe, Herbert Henze
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Patent number: 11377303Abstract: The present disclosure provides a modular sorting platform and a goods sorting system. The modular sorting platform includes a support structure and combination platform. The combination platform is installed on the support structure, and is composed of a plurality of platform modules. The platform modules include: a loading module including a loading module platform worksurface for forming a worksurface of the combination platform, an input position for receiving to-be-sorted goods, and a loading module connection part for connecting with another platform module; and an unloading module including an unloading module worksurface for forming the worksurface of the combination platform, an output position for outputting the goods, and an unloading module connection part for connecting with another platform module. The goods sorting system includes the modular sorting platform.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: BEIJING JINGDONG QIANSHI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Xu Wang, Meng Wang, Jinxing Hu, Fengquan Huang
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Patent number: 11365056Abstract: A conveying device including a frame, a transportation channel, and a branch conveying mechanism, the transportation channel and the branch conveying mechanism are driven by their respective driving units, and the transportation channel is provided with a number of rows of regular rollers, or at least a conveyor belt, or a combination of regular rollers and a conveyor belt, the branch conveying mechanism includes at least one group of irregular rollers, when the irregular roller rotates, the highest point of a top of the roller is higher than an upper surface of an adjacent transportation channel during the rotation, and the lowest place of a top horizontal plane of the roller is lower than the upper surface of the adjacent transportation channel; when the irregular roller does not rotate, the top of the roller substantially stops at the lowest place of the top horizontal plane of the roller during rotation; the transportation channel and the branch conveying mechanism are provided alternately.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2020Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: SUZHOU SUXIANG ROBOT INTELLIGENT EQUIPMENT CO., LTDInventor: Lining Sun
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Patent number: 11365065Abstract: According to the present embodiment, a control device of a conveyor system controls a moving device and a suction device to suction the transport target article so that an approximate center of an opening of at least one suction unit is located on a first imaginary line, and remaining suction unit is located on one end side in a longitudinal direction of the transport target article with respect to the first imaginary line, controls a turning-over section to be in a front-back reversing orientation, and performs control so that suction of the transport target article by the suction units is released after the suction device is in the front-back reversing orientation.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2020Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions CorporationInventor: Yoshihide Otsuru