Patents Examined by Willie W. Berry, Jr.
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Patent number: 11963482Abstract: A dual auger grain cart includes a horizontal auger assembly, a vertical auger assembly, and a drive assembly operatively connected to the horizontal and vertical auger assemblies. The horizontal and vertical auger assemblies each include an auger shaft and flighting disposed on the auger shaft. The drive assembly includes a first member operatively connected to the horizontal auger shaft, a second member operatively connected to the vertical auger shaft, and a power input device operatively connected to the first and second drive members to drive rotation of the horizontal and vertical auger shafts.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2023Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Ronald J. Schlimgen, Michael D. Van Mill
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Patent number: 11952212Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for trash collection management. In an example embodiment, a dumpster monitoring apparatus may determine that an amount of garbage in a dumpster exceeds a threshold level (such as, for example, above a full-level marked on the dumpster). If the garbage exceeds the threshold level, the dumpster monitoring apparatus automatically transmits a request to a dumpster management apparatus to dispatch a garbage truck. In an example scenario, the dumpster monitoring apparatus may further determine that a current location of the dumpster is stationed is inaccessible to the garbage truck. Consequently, the dumpster monitoring apparatus may automatically transmit a request to a robot vehicle (such as robotic forklift) to move the dumpster from the current location to a new location that is accessible to the garbage truck. The dumpster monitoring apparatus may then inform the dumpster management apparatus of the new location.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Doug Moore, Abhishek Sharma, Laura Elliott, Raina Kumar, Gwen Hickey, Jash Patel, Angela Ayers, Eric H. Wingfield
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Patent number: 11945706Abstract: A handling robot (100), which relates to the field of warehouse logistics, comprises: a mobile chassis (10); a storage shelf (20) mounted to the mobile chassis (10), the storage shelf (20) comprising a plurality of layered plate components (21) distributed at different heights, each layered plate component (21) comprising a layered plate (210) for placing materials; a handling device (40), comprising a handling assembly (42), the handling assembly (42) being configured to handle a material to a layered plate (210) at the same height as the handling assembly (42), or to handle a material out of a layered plate (210) at the same height as the handling assembly (42); and a lift component (30), configured to drive the handling device (40) to lift relative to the storage shelf (20) so that the handling assembly (42) is at the same height as one layered plate (210).Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: HAI ROBOTICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Zhe Kong, Qingxin Zhan, Yeguang Chen
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Patent number: 11945703Abstract: An assistance system uses cameras and sensors to identify a set of vehicle wheels within a lift area, then virtualizes the position and orientation of the vehicle relative to one or more lift posts. The system also determines a center of gravity for the vehicle and uses that center of gravity and other information associated with the vehicle to determine a position within the lift area at which the vehicle should be positioned. The system may also provide guidance to aid in positioning the vehicle at or near that position. Such guidance may be provided as one or more visual or audio indicators or via a software interface. The system may be integrated with lift arms allowing for automated rotation, extension, and elevation of lift adapters once the vehicle is positioned, and it may use distributed processing to locate relevant objects in captured images used in this calculation.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Vehicle Service Group, LLCInventors: Steven Taylor, Gerry Lauderbaugh
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Patent number: 11939170Abstract: Devices, methods, and computer program products for article retrieval are provided. An example article retrieval device includes a frame and a pair of loading arms movably attached to the frame that move between a retracted position and an extended position. The device includes an engagement structure movably attached to at least one of the pair of loading arms that moves between a stored position and a deployed position. The device further includes a sensing device coupled with the pair of loading arms and a computing device operably coupled with the pair of loading arms, the at least one engagement structure, and the sensing device. The computing device causes the pair of loading arms to extend from the retracted position to a position proximate a first article and deploys the at least one engagement structure based upon sensor data generated by the sensing device.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS, LLCInventors: Anthony Turco, Jarl Nicholas Sebastian
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Patent number: 11932157Abstract: A ramp assembly for unloading goods from an elevated platform that includes a platform and a ramp that can be rotated or orbited around a perimeter of a platform without rotating the platform. The ramp assembly uses an orbiting assembly that includes a rail and a rider in order to permit easy placement of a lower end of a ramp relative to the platform.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Inventor: Gene O'Brien
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Patent number: 11932487Abstract: Provided are a handling robot (600) and a handling assembly (100) thereof, and the handling assembly (100) includes a base component (10), a handling arm component (20), a hook (31) and a driving component (40). The handling arm component (20) is slidably mounted to the base component (10), and may perform a reciprocating linear movement on the base component (10). The driving component (40) is connected with the handling arm component (20), for driving the handling arm component (20) and the hook (31) to perform a reciprocating linear movement. Through the above structure, the handling assembly (100) pulling and pushing the material box (500) is realized without extending into two sides of the material box (500), thereby saving working space of the handling assembly (100), enabling the material boxes (500) of the warehousing to be placed next to each other, and improving the storage density of the warehouse.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: HAI ROBOTICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Qingxin Zhan, Zhe Kong, Yeguang Chen
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Patent number: 11932052Abstract: Provided herein is a driving apparatus for transporting a loaded object, which allows a drive-wheel to always be in contact with the ground even when the ground is uneven. The driving apparatus includes a loading plate (140, 240) on which a loaded object is loaded, a first support (110, 210) connected to a lower portion of one side of the loading plate (140, 240), a second support (120, 220) connected to a lower portion of the other side of the loading plate (140, 240), a hinge (130, 230) configured to connect the first support (110, 210) to the second support (120, 220) in a hinge structure, at least a pair of drive-wheels (160, 260) coupled to both sides of a lower portion of the second support (120, 220), and a driver configured to rotate and drive the drive-wheels (160, 260).Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2019Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: MOTION DEVICE INC.Inventor: Jong Chan Lee
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Patent number: 11926476Abstract: A transport vehicle includes: a vehicle body (31) and a first traveling mechanism (32) mounted on the vehicle body (31). The first traveling mechanism (32) includes a plurality of crawling assemblies (320) respectively provided on two opposite sides of the vehicle body (31). Each crawling assembly (320) includes: a wheel carrier (321) extending outwardly from a lateral side of the vehicle body (31); and a driving wheel (322) mounted on the wheel carrier (321), the driving wheel has an axis perpendicular to an extending direction of the wheel carrier (321). The wheel carrier (321) is rotatable about the central axis of the wheel carrier (321) in the extension direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2020Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: BEIJING JINGDONG QIANSHI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Jian Zhang
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Patent number: 11926496Abstract: A system for managing shipping containers and twist lock connectors is described. The system includes multiple stations. Each station includes a container platform and a pallet station. The container platform is able to accommodate various container sizes and/or multiple containers at one time. The container platform includes connector changers, handlers, and gantries that are able to automatically engage connectors with a container and disengage connectors from a container. The station includes a shuttle able to transfer connectors between the platform handlers and pallet station handlers and gantries. The pallet station includes a pallet with multiple receptacles for storing connectors. The pallet station and/or the container platform may include one or more magazines and/or one or more conveyors.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Inventors: Steve Foldesi, William Hawke, Kyoung Shik Min
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Patent number: 11919729Abstract: An unloader for a shipping container includes a supporter having a frame structure and a pallet base supported by the frame structure and configured to receive the pallet and support the shipping container in an elevated position. A gate moving mechanism is supported by the pallet base and configured to engage the moveable gate assembly when the full shipping container is positioned onto the pallet base. A material director has a first end located beneath the pallet base subjacent of the gate moving mechanism. The material director extends downwardly from the pallet base and terminates at a second end opposite the first end. Bulk material is dispensed from the shipping container into the first end and is discharged from the second end of the material director. Shipping containers may be positioned onto and removed from the pallet base without disassembly of the unloader.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: SANDBOX ENTERPRISES, LLCInventors: C. John Allegretti, Kevin Sylvester Corrigan, Margarito Guerrero, Felix Guerrero
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Patent number: 11919711Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes at least one relay module for relaying storage containers between a port column and an access station. The relay module is arranged below a port column. The relay module includes a port station, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, each arranged at a side of the port station, and a lateral displacement device. The port station arranged at a lower end of the port column receives storage containers dropped off from and to be picked up through the port column. The first conveyor is adapted to transport storage containers to an access station. The second conveyor is adapted for transporting storage containers from the access station. The lateral displacement device is coupled to the port station and is arranged to transport storage containers between the port station and the first conveyor, and between the second conveyor and the port station.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim
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Patent number: 11894251Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a transport system and a substrate processing and transfer (SPT) system. The SPT system includes a transport system that connects two processing tools. The transport system includes a vacuum tunnel that is configured to transport substrates between the processing tools. The vacuum tunnel includes a substrate transport carriage to move the substrate through the vacuum tunnel. The SPT system has a variety of configurations that allow the user to add or remove processing chambers, depending on the process chambers required for a desired substrate processing procedure.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Jacob Newman, Ulrich Oldendorf, Martin Aenis, Andrew J. Constant, Shay Assaf, Jeffrey C. Hudgens, Alexander Berger, William Tyler Weaver
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Patent number: 11884488Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an article conveying system and an article conveying method. The article conveying system comprises: at least two first conveying channels configured to be arranged horizontally on a building; at least one second conveying channel configured to be arranged vertically on the building; a conveyer configured to move on the first conveying channels and the second conveying channel to convey an article to different positions of the building; and transfer device arranged between the first conveying channels and the second conveying channel, to transfer the article and/or the conveyer from the first conveying channels to the second conveying channel or from the second conveying channel to the first conveying channels. The present disclosure can save physical strength and time of delivery persons and consignees, effectively achieve transfer of the article and/or the conveyer between the first conveying channels and the second conveying channel, and improve the conveying efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2019Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: BEIJING JINGDONG QIANSHI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Hongtao Li
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Patent number: 11873163Abstract: A material handling system has a vertical lift two vertically aligned carriages that are independently positionable on a vertical support structure by respective drive systems. A processor subsystem selects one of the two carriages to move an article from at least one in-feed conveyor to a selected level of an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS). The processor subsystem concurrently positions the other carriage to avoid a collision.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2021Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS, LLCInventors: Douglas K Schack, Ralf Buerkle, Jonathon Cleary, Charles Christopher Lingamfelter
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Patent number: 11867456Abstract: A low-temperature storage system 100 is provided, which can, with a simple structure, minimize heat transfer into the low-temperature storage chamber, reduce the operation noise, allow easy positioning of a reciprocating part inside the low-temperature storage chamber, and preclude device bulkiness outside the low-temperature storage chamber. The low-temperature storage system 100 includes a low-temperature storage chamber 110, and a transfer mechanism 120. The transfer mechanism 120 includes an in-storage unit 121 and an external unit 140. The in-storage unit 121 includes a reciprocating part 122 that holds the storage objects C, a turn guide 126 that guides the reciprocating part 122, and a lift member 131 that causes the reciprocating part 122. The external unit 140 includes a torque transmission part 141, a lift transmission part 147, and a detachable moving part 150 that drives the torque transmission part 141 and lift transmission part 147.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2021Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.Inventor: Tomokatsu Takahashi
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Patent number: 11858731Abstract: An intermediate container for a refuse vehicle where the container is positioned in front of the refuse vehicle is provided. A plurality of legs extends from the container toward the refuse vehicle. An attachment mechanism is on each leg to secure the legs to a front loading arm assembly of the refuse vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: The Heil Co.Inventors: David C. Gentry, Bryan Stewart, Brian Ham, Bobby Ray McKinney, John Wayne Bedwell
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Patent number: 11858402Abstract: A vehicle ramp system includes a first ramp and a second ramp each removably attachable to a truck bed. The first and second ramps may each be attached to the truck bed via numerous brackets and a ramp fastener. Further, the first and second ramps may each include a panel removably attachable thereto. Accordingly, once the first and second ramps are coupled to the truck bed, a UTV can be positioned thereon, thereby allowing the UTV to be elevated within the truck's bed. Due to the elevated position of the UTV, a storage area is created between a bottom of the UTV and the truck bed, where a user can place tools, camping equipment, luggage, etc.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2023Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Inventors: Edward F. Moore, Cynthia D. Moore
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Patent number: 11851278Abstract: A handling robot used in a field of warehouse logistics comprises a mobile chassis, and a storage shelf. The storage shelf is mounted to the mobile chassis and comprises a plurality of layered plate components distributed at different heights. The handling robot further comprises a handling device configured to transport a material to a layered plate of the plurality of layered plate components, and a lift component configured to drive the handling device to lift relative to the storage shelf.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2022Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: HAI ROBOTICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Zhe Kong, Qingxin Zhan, Yeguang Chen
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Patent number: 11851291Abstract: A method for transporting a blister strip of ophthalmic lenses: only one single blister strip is provided at a start location and one magazine compartment of two magazine compartments contains n blister strips while the other magazine compartment contains n+1 blister strips, the single buster strip is picked up at the start location by one of the gripper units of a first gripper and is transported into that magazine compartment containing the n blister strips, by moving the first gripper to that magazine compartment containing the n blister strips and releasing the single blister strip from the first gripper into that magazine compartment, or by moving the first gripper to a hand-over station and releasing the single blister strip from the first gripper into the hand-over station, transporting the single blister strip from the hand-over station into that magazine compartment containing the n blister strips using a second gripper.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Alcon Inc.Inventors: Felix Brinckmann, Nils Schweizer, Jens Wolfstädter