Patents Examined by Patrick H. Mackey
  • Patent number: 11964830
    Abstract: Using a suction gripper cluster device is disclosed, including: causing airflows to be generated by a plurality of airflow generators of a respective plurality of suction gripper mechanisms included in a suction gripper cluster device comprising a plurality of suction gripper mechanisms, wherein the plurality of airflow generators is configured to cause the airflows to enter respective intake ports of the plurality of suction gripper mechanisms and exit respective outlet ports of the respective plurality of suction gripper mechanisms in response to receiving air at a respective air input port of the respective plurality of suction gripper mechanisms; causing a target object to be captured by the suction gripper cluster device using the airflows; activating a positioning actuator mechanism to position the suction gripper cluster device; and causing the target object to be ejected from the suction gripper cluster device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: AMP Robotics Corporation
    Inventors: John C. McCoy, Jr., James A. Bailey, Carter J. Schultz, Matanya B. Horowitz, Mark Baybutt, Cameron D. Douglas
  • Patent number: 11958057
    Abstract: A magnetic matrix for magnetic separation of particles in a material feed includes a plurality of grooved plates having first and second sides that both have an alternating series of teeth and grooves therealong, each grooved plate having an offset alignment in which teeth and grooves on a first side of a plate are laterally offset from teeth and grooves on a second side of the same plate. Also provided are methods of using magnetic matrices to separate magnetic ores, with the methods characterized by a negative correlation in which magnetic matrices constructed with grooved plates having larger pitches are used for the separation of ultrafine particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventors: Cláudio Henrique Teixeira Ribeiro, José Pancrácio Ribeiro
  • Patent number: 11926485
    Abstract: A processing system includes a conveyance path including a plurality of conveyance modules configured to convey a carriage, the plurality of conveyance modules being disposed to convey the carriage to a plurality of positions, a processing apparatus configured to perform processing on a work mounted on the carriage, and a control unit configured to control the plurality of conveyance modules and the processing apparatus, wherein the control unit is configured to, in performing the processing on the work at the plurality of positions by the processing apparatus, move the work to the plurality of positions by moving the carriage using the conveyance modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryota Okazaki, Satoshi Shioda, Akihiro Hayashi, Takeshi Akehi
  • Patent number: 11926150
    Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus is provided. A conveyor unit performs stacking of sheets discharged from a printing apparatus and conveying of stacked sheets. A detection unit detects whether or not the printing apparatus is currently discharging a sheet. A control unit, so as to secure a stacking space for a sheet discharged from the printing apparatus on the conveyor unit, controls a feeding operation of the conveyor unit correspondingly to a period of time over which the detection unit detected that the printing apparatus is discharging a sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kengo Nieda
  • Patent number: 11926494
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo loading system may include a cargo loading portion for loading cargo therein, wherein the cargo loading portion is divided into predetermined zones, a loading state sensor for sensing a loading state of the cargo for each zone, a loading state display for outputting different colors for the zones based on the loading state of the loaded cargo, a user interface for displaying a loading location or the loading state of the cargo, wherein the user interface is installed on an external door glass of the vehicle, and a cargo loading controller that determines whether the cargo loaded in the zone satisfies a preset reference loading state condition, and outputs a wanting signal when the cargo does not satisfy the reference loading state condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Byung Moon Kim
  • Patent number: 11919043
    Abstract: Sorting of produce, such as date palm fruit is achieve by receiving the unsorted fruit, using a plurality of sensors capable of sensing data for determining characteristics of the produce according to criteria comprising size, moisture or moisture content, and color. A control and evaluation unit, responsive to the sensed data, determines the characteristics of the produce and identifies each item of produce according to the characteristics as one of the predetermined categories. An air jet sorter is used to selectively divert the produce to the different ones of the output bins or ports according to the identified category for that produce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: KING FAISAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Maged Elsayed Ahmed Mohammed, Nashi Khalid Alqahtani
  • Patent number: 11919041
    Abstract: A device for classifying a material mixture of multiple materials has a first transport unit into which the material mixture to be classified is deposited by a supply device. A second transport unit is arranged downstream. A first chute is provided between the first and second transport, via which a first material with a first fluid resistance can be separated from the material mixture. At least one third transport unit is arranged downstream of the second transport unit, such that a transit route for the materials is formed between the second and third transport units. A second chute is provided between the second and third transport units, via which at least the second material with a second fluid resistance can be separated from the material mixture. The third transport unit is designed so that material can pass through and/or a fluid flow can pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: IFE Aufbereitungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Seiringer, Markus Steinberger
  • Patent number: 11911798
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for delivering items to a plurality of storage locations. The items are fed into the apparatus at an input station having a scanning station. The scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item. The items are then loaded onto a delivery mechanism that delivers the items to storage locations. Once at the appropriate storage location, the delivery mechanism discharges the item to the storage location and returns to receive another item to be delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventors: Joseph Lakawicz, Stuart Ligo, Monty McVaugh, Scott Ferguson
  • Patent number: 11911795
    Abstract: Described is a separation apparatus for a harvester, for separating berries from other plant matter from harvested plant material, the apparatus comprising a conveyor system that defines a first separation system, a second separation system located at least partially above the first separation system comprising an array of rotatable rollers to convey harvested plant material in an upstream to downstream direction, the rollers spaced apart to provide a plurality of openings permitting the transit of separated berries through the berries while preventing the transit of other plant matter, a third separation system in the form of a de-stemming unit downstream of the second separation system, a plant matter distribution system, for distributing plant matter away from the collection apparatus, wherein berries pass through any one or more of the first, second and third separation systems for collection in the collection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Aussie Wine Group Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Malcolm Villis
  • Patent number: 11905115
    Abstract: A method and system for obtaining an identifier from an item is disclosed. The method includes autonomously operate a robotic structure to move an item along a predetermined path from a source location to a destination location, and autonomously operating the robotic structure to place the item at the destination location based at least in part on the plan. The item comprises one or more identifiers, and in response to a determination that at least one of the one or more identifiers was not obtained by one or more sensors, an active measure is performed to cause the one or more sensors to obtain the at least one identifier that was not obtained. The predetermined path corresponds to a path along which the item is moved from the source location to the destination location. The predetermined path is planned so that the item is moved within a threshold range of the one or more sensors while the item is moved along the predetermined path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Dexterity, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhouwen Sun, Robert Holmberg, Shitij Kumar, Jeesu Baek, Joseph Li, Kishore Ranganath Ramakrishnan, Andrew Lovett, Cyril Nader, Farshid Farhat, David Leo Tondreau, III
  • Patent number: 11897712
    Abstract: An image forming device includes a case whereon a medium gateway opening is formed, and a tray assembly. The tray assembly includes a tray, a cover and a resilient component. The tray drives the cover to pivot relative to the case in a first pivoting direction from a second folding position to a second using position to reveal the medium gateway opening when the tray pivots relative to the case in the first pivoting direction from a first folding position to a first using position. When the tray pivots relative to the case in a second pivoting direction opposite to the first pivoting direction from the first using position to the first folding position, the cover is driven by the resilient component to pivot relative to the case in the second pivoting direction from the second using position to the second folding position to conceal the medium gateway opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: AVISION INC.
    Inventor: Chia-Ching Lin
  • Patent number: 11891263
    Abstract: An interfolding machine produces interfolded sheets according to an interfolding configuration and, starting from a web of paper provides a feeding section, which applies a tension on the web and moves the same along a feeding direction feeding the same to a cutting section, in which the web of paper is cut into a series of sheets at a cutting point between a cutting roller and a counter-cutting element. Downstream of the cutting section, a folding section includes a first and a second folding rollers counter-rotating with respect to each other. The first and second folding rollers rotate about respective rotation axes with a first peripheral velocity vP, and fold, at a folding zone, a plurality of sheets in a plurality of panels and form the stack of interfolded sheets. The cutting roller alternately distributes the aforementioned sheets between a transfer roller and the first folding roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: VALMET TISSUE CONVERTING S.R.L.
    Inventors: Alessandro Morelli, Sergio Lombardi, Paolo Casotti
  • Patent number: 11883853
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods of integrated on-demand labeling of item containers. In particular, this disclosure relates systems and methods for automatically creating and using placards to label, track, and organize item containers and items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Robert Charles Moran, Marlon Guy Wells
  • Patent number: 11878864
    Abstract: A system is for automatic storage, picking, and packing of items. The system has: an arrangement of shelves for supporting storage boxes; a movable robotic arm, the robotic arm being configured for reaching into and picking an item from a storage box, and for grabbing and moving a storage box; and a camera and control unit, the arrangement of shelves comprises a first sub arrangement of shelves with a first vertical distance between the shelves, and a second sub arrangement of shelves with a second vertical distance between the shelves. The first vertical distance is chosen to allow the robotic arm to reach into and pick an item from said storage boxes. The second vertical distance is chosen so that each storage box must be moved out before the robotic arm can pick an item from the storage box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Pickr AS
    Inventors: Torfi Thorhallsson, Hafrun Hauksdottir, Kjetil Gjerde, Simon Marnburg Eriksen, Mikal Jansen Berge
  • Patent number: 11857980
    Abstract: In a conventional flocculation and magnetic separation device, it was not possible to make the device downsized because the flocs are easily broken. In addition, there was no system for the ballast water treatment that is capable of simultaneous removal of plastics and microplastics drifting in the ocean. Furthermore, there were no ships and their navigation method capable of solving the pollution problem caused by plastics and microplastics floating in the ocean. By arranging a magnetic drum that rotates in a direction opposite to the flow of a fluid containing flocs and by changing the flow path by about 180 degrees or so immediately before contacting the magnetic drum, the flocs can be removed without breaking. This method can downsize the size of the magnetic drum with the required area reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Ambitious Technologies, LTD.
    Inventor: Akira Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 11858006
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting delivery items are disclosed. The system may include an intake area, a sorting area operably coupled with the intake area, and a computing system operably coupled with the intake area and the sorting area. The intake area may include a source of delivery items having a plurality of delivery items, and a scanner for scanning respective indicia of each of the plurality of delivery items. The sorting area may include a conveyor having a respective sensor disposed at opposing end portions thereof, one or more sort locations disposed about the conveyor, and one or more indicators configured to indicate a proper sort location for the delivery items. The computing system may receive data corresponding to a delivery item from the scanner, determine the proper sort location for the delivery item, and send a signal to the indicator to indicate the proper sort location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventor: Joseph W. McGrath
  • Patent number: 11862320
    Abstract: A control device (110) for controlling at least one collimator is disclosed, wherein the collimator has a plurality of parts being designed for collimating and shaping rays, wherein the rays are generated for treating a predefined body part of a patient, wherein the control device (110) comprises a programmable logic controller (112), a plurality of controller nodes (114), a plurality of device controllers (118), and a plurality of real-time bus interfaces (116). Herein, the programmable logic controller (112) is designated as a first master device (122) with respect to each of the controller nodes (114), wherein the programmable logic controller (112) is designed for superordinate control of the plurality of parts of the collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum
    Inventors: Steffen Seeber, Joao Graca
  • Patent number: 11858005
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for designating a location for a delivery item that is being sorted by an operator. The operator scans the delivery address of the item using a particular scanner. Using the delivery address and other information from the scanner that was used, the system determines a sort output location for the item and identifies an indicator device (e.g., an LED device) that corresponds to the sort output location. The system then commands the indicator device to present or display a designator. For example, the indicator device may be commanded to illuminate a light, such as an LED. The operator of the scanner then places the item at the location corresponding to the illuminated light designator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventors: Michael A. Nagy, Dirk H. Sattler
  • Patent number: 11839901
    Abstract: A cylindrical screening device including a plurality of profile bars, in which a number of ring shaped bar holders are arranged perpendicular to a cylinder axis and spaced apart from one another, or bundles of a number of bar holders spaced apart from one another are provided on the inside or the outside with open-edged recesses. The shape of the recesses correspond in a substantially complementary manner to that of the feet of the profile bars. The profile bars are inserted into the recesses, parallel to one another and parallel to the cylinder axis, wherein an outer bar holder is in each case arranged in the region of a respective face-side end ring of the screening device. The attachment of the end ring is simplified in that the outer bar holder is detachably connected with the end ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Futterer, Gert Gottschalk, Roberto Masala, Klaus-Herbert Wiese, Oliver Zavornik, Ivica Zavornik
  • Patent number: 11841377
    Abstract: A coal and gangue identification device is disclosed. The device includes a rotary supporting frame, a water injection unit, a weighing unit, a liquid level detection device and a processing module. The rotary supporting frame is provided with a loading unit used to load a mineral aggregate. The rotary supporting frame is used to drive the loading unit to rotate on a horizontal plane. In the rotating process of the rotary supporting frame, the loading unit cyclically passes through a water injection region, a material adding region, a volume measurement region and an unloading region which are sequentially disposed on a rotation trajectory of the rotary supporting frame. The water injection unit is used to inject water to the loading unit of the water injection region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Inventors: Jinbo Zhu, Chao Wang, Yongcun Guo, Yong Zhang, Hongzheng Zhu, Wei Zhou, Ke Yang