Patents by Inventor Bret Hoeksema
Bret Hoeksema has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20220297306Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assembling a pizza, including a pizza sauce spreading station, a cheese spreading station and a pepperoni applying station. A robot including a stationary base and an articulating arm having a gripper attached to the end is operable to grip a pizza pan having pizza dough therein to allow said robot to move the pan throughout the pizza sauce spreading station, and to a rotary dial system including the cheese spreading station and the pepperoni applying station. The robot arm manipulates the pizza pan in the sauce spreading station and the rotary dial system manipulates the pizza pan in the cheese station and the pepperoni applying station to properly distribute the cheese and pepperoni on the pizza.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2022Publication date: September 22, 2022Applicant: Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Cathryn Fritz-Jung, David Scrivano, David Strother, Amanda B. Thomas, Kent A. Deemter, Tyler W. Mccoy, Bret A. Hoeksema
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Patent number: 11104468Abstract: A method of applying a label to a transport structure includes receiving the label from a label dispenser with an end effector, in which the label includes information related to a plurality of storage containers secured to the transport structure with a restraining member. The method further includes measuring a position of the end effector relative to an object, moving the end effector with the label to a target position based upon the measured position, and applying the label to the restraining member with the end effector. The method may further include moving the end effector away from the storage containers, and transporting the transport structure with the storage containers and the label based upon the information of the label.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2018Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Stephanie Tomasetta, Scott Beute, Bret Hoeksema, Tolga Kol, Stefano La Rovere, Roland J. Menassa, David Terhaar
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Publication number: 20210008725Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assembling a pizza, including a pizza sauce spreading station, a cheese spreading station and a pepperoni applying station. A robot including a stationary base and an articulating arm having a gripper attached to the end is operable to grip a pizza pan having pizza dough therein to allow said robot to move the pan throughout the pizza sauce spreading station, and to a rotary dial system including the cheese spreading station and the pepperoni applying station. The robot arm manipulates the pizza pan in the sauce spreading station and the rotary dial system manipulates the pizza pan in the cheese station and the pepperoni applying station to properly distribute the cheese and pepperoni on the pizza.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2020Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Cathryn Fritz-Jung, David Scrivano, David Strother, Amanda B. Thomas, Sean M. Heslip, Kent A. Deemter, Tyler W. McCoy, Bret A. Hoeksema
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Patent number: 10792818Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assembling a pizza, including a pizza sauce spreading station, a cheese spreading station and a pepperoni applying station. A robot including a stationary base and an articulating arm having a gripper attached to the end is operable to grip a pizza pan having pizza dough therein to allow said robot to move the pan throughout the pizza sauce spreading station, and to a rotary dial system including the cheese spreading station and the pepperoni applying station. The robot arm manipulates the pizza pan in the sauce spreading station and the rotary dial system manipulates the pizza pan in the cheese station and the pepperoni applying station to properly distribute the cheese and pepperoni on the pizza.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Cathryn Fritz-Jung, David Scrivano, David Strother, Amanda B. Thomas, Sean M. Heslip, Kent A. Deemter, Tyler W. Mccoy, Bret A. Hoeksema
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Patent number: 10599132Abstract: An automated fastener insert installation system for composite panels is provided. A first module receives and secures a composite panel with respect to an origin of a first coordinate system, wherein the composite panel has opposed major surfaces and defines an insert-receiving orifice extending through one of the major surfaces, and is secured such that one of the major surfaces is externally accessible. A second module engages each of a plurality of fastener inserts with an installation aide. Third module determines a configuration of the orifice defined by the composite panel, selects a corresponding one of the fastener inserts engaged with the installation aide, inserts the selected fastener insert into the orifice, and dispenses an adhesive material through the installation aide and into the orifice about selected fastener insert such that the adhesive material secures the selected fastener insert within the orifice. Associated systems are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Aaron Coon, Chris G. McInelly, Bret Hoeksema, Ryan Lillibridge, Tom Allen, Steve Solack, Kevin Bowe, Gary K. Allen
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Publication number: 20190171191Abstract: An automated fastener insert installation system for composite panels is provided. A first module receives and secures a composite panel with respect to an origin of a first coordinate system, wherein the composite panel has opposed major surfaces and defines an insert-receiving orifice extending through one of the major surfaces, and is secured such that one of the major surfaces is externally accessible. A second module engages each of a plurality of fastener inserts with an installation aide. Third module determines a configuration of the orifice defined by the composite panel, selects a corresponding one of the fastener inserts engaged with the installation aide, inserts the selected fastener insert into the orifice, and dispenses an adhesive material through the installation aide and into the orifice about selected fastener insert such that the adhesive material secures the selected fastener insert within the orifice. Associated systems are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2019Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: Aaron Coon, Chris G. McInelly, Bret Hoeksema, Ryan Lillibridge, Tom Allen, Steve Solack, Kevin Bowe, Gary K. Allen
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Patent number: 10228684Abstract: An automated fastener insert installation system for composite panels is provided. A first module receives and secures a composite panel with respect to an origin of a first coordinate system, wherein the composite panel has opposed major surfaces and defines an insert-receiving orifice extending through one of the major surfaces, and is secured such that one of the major surfaces is externally accessible. A second module engages each of a plurality of fastener inserts with an installation aide. Third module determines a configuration of the orifice defined by the composite panel, selects a corresponding one of the fastener inserts engaged with the installation aide, inserts the selected fastener insert into the orifice, and dispenses an adhesive material through the installation aide and into the orifice about selected fastener insert such that the adhesive material secures the selected fastener insert within the orifice. Associated systems are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Aaron Coon, Chris G. McInelly, Bret Hoeksema, Ryan Lillibridge, Tom Allen, Steve Solack, Kevin Bowe, Gary K. Allen
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Publication number: 20190054625Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assembling a pizza, including a pizza sauce spreading station, a cheese spreading station and a pepperoni applying station. A robot including a stationary base and an articulating arm having a gripper attached to the end is operable to grip a pizza pan having pizza dough therein to allow said robot to move the pan throughout the pizza sauce spreading station, and to a rotary dial system including the cheese spreading station and the pepperoni applying station. The robot arm manipulates the pizza pan in the sauce spreading station and the rotary dial system manipulates the pizza pan in the cheese station and the pepperoni applying station to properly distribute the cheese and pepperoni on the pizza.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2018Publication date: February 21, 2019Applicant: Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Cathryn Fritz-Jung, David Scrivano, David Strother, Amanda B. Thomas, Sean M. Heslip, Kent A. Deemter, Tyler W. Mccoy, Bret A. Hoeksema
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Patent number: 9974314Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assembling a pizza, including a pizza sauce spreading station, a cheese spreading station and a pepperoni applying station. A robot including a stationary base and an articulating arm having a gripper attached to the end is operable to grip a pizza pan having pizza dough therein to allow said robot to move the pan throughout the pizza sauce spreading station, and to a rotary dial system including the cheese spreading station and the pepperoni applying station. The robot arm manipulates the pizza pan in the sauce spreading station and the rotary dial system manipulates the pizza pan in the cheese station and the pepperoni applying station to properly distribute the cheese and pepperoni on the pizza.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Cathryn Fritz-Jung, David Scrivano, David Strother, Amanda B. Thomas, Sean M. Heslip, Kent A. Deemter, Tyler W. McCoy, Bret A. Hoeksema
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Patent number: 9914223Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assembling a pizza, including a pizza sauce spreading station, a cheese spreading station and a pepperoni applying station. A robot including a stationary base and an articulating arm having a gripper attached to the end is operable to grip a pizza pan having pizza dough therein to allow said robot to move the pan throughout the pizza sauce spreading station, and to a rotary dial system including the cheese spreading station and the pepperoni applying station. The robot arm manipulates the pizza pan in the sauce spreading station and the rotary dial system manipulates the pizza pan in the cheese station and the pepperoni applying station to properly distribute the cheese and pepperoni on the pizza.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Cathryn Fritz-Jung, David Scrivano, David Strother, Amanda B. Thomas, Sean M. Heslip, Kent A. Deemter, Tyler W. McCoy, Bret A. Hoeksema
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Patent number: 9844929Abstract: An automated fastener insert installation system for composite panels is provided. A first module receives and secures a composite panel with respect to an origin of a first coordinate system, wherein the composite panel has opposed major surfaces and defines an insert-receiving orifice extending through one of the major surfaces, and is secured such that one of the major surfaces is externally accessible. A second module engages each of a plurality of fastener inserts with an installation aide. Third module determines a configuration of the orifice defined by the composite panel, selects a corresponding one of the fastener inserts engaged with the installation aide, inserts the selected fastener insert into the orifice, and dispenses an adhesive material through the installation aide and into the orifice about selected fastener insert such that the adhesive material secures the selected fastener insert within the orifice. Associated systems are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Aaron Coon, Chris G. McInelly, Bret Hoeksema, Ryan Lillibridge, Tom Allen, Steve Solack, Kevin Bowe, Gary K. Allen
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Publication number: 20170146984Abstract: An automated fastener insert installation system for composite panels is provided. A first module receives and secures a composite panel with respect to an origin of a first coordinate system, wherein the composite panel has opposed major surfaces and defines an insert-receiving orifice extending through one of the major surfaces, and is secured such that one of the major surfaces is externally accessible. A second module engages each of a plurality of fastener inserts with an installation aide. Third module determines a configuration of the orifice defined by the composite panel, selects a corresponding one of the fastener inserts engaged with the installation aide, inserts the selected fastener insert into the orifice, and dispenses an adhesive material through the installation aide and into the orifice about selected fastener insert such that the adhesive material secures the selected fastener insert within the orifice. Associated systems are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2015Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Aaron Coon, Chris G. Mclnelly, Bret Hoeksema, Ryan Lillibridge, Tom Allen, Steven Solack, Kevin Bowe, Gary K. Allen
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Publication number: 20170144425Abstract: An automated fastener insert installation system for composite panels is provided. A first module receives and secures a composite panel with respect to an origin of a first coordinate system, wherein the composite panel has opposed major surfaces and defines an insert-receiving orifice extending through one of the major surfaces, and is secured such that one of the major surfaces is externally accessible. A second module engages each of a plurality of fastener inserts with an installation aide. Third module determines a configuration of the orifice defined by the composite panel, selects a corresponding one of the fastener inserts engaged with the installation aide, inserts the selected fastener insert into the orifice, and dispenses an adhesive material through the installation aide and into the orifice about selected fastener insert such that the adhesive material secures the selected fastener insert within the orifice. Associated systems are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2015Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Aaron Coon, Chris G. Mclnelly, Bret Hoeksema, Ryan Lillibridge, Tom Allen, Steve Solack, Kevin Bowe, Gary K. Allen
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Publication number: 20120024170Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assembling a pizza, including a pizza sauce spreading station, a cheese spreading station and a pepperoni applying station. A robot including a stationary base and an articulating arm having a gripper attached to the end is operable to grip a pizza pan having pizza dough therein to allow said robot to move the pan throughout the pizza sauce spreading station, and to a rotary dial system including the cheese spreading station and the pepperoni applying station. The robot arm manipulates the pizza pan in the sauce spreading station and the rotary dial system manipulates the pizza pan in the cheese station and the pepperoni applying station to properly distribute the cheese and pepperoni on the pizza.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Cathryn Fritz-Jung, David Scrivano, David Strother, Amanda B. Thomas, Sean M. Heslip, Kent A. Deemter, Tyler W. McCoy, Bret A. Hoeksema
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Publication number: 20110209661Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assembling a pizza, including a pizza sauce spreading station, a cheese spreading station and a pepperoni applying station. A robot including a stationary base and an articulating arm having a gripper attached to the end is operable to grip a pizza pan having pizza dough therein to allow said robot to move the pan throughout the pizza sauce spreading station, and to a rotary dial system including the cheese spreading station and the pepperoni applying station. The robot arm manipulates the pizza pan in the sauce spreading station and the rotary dial system manipulates the pizza pan in the cheese station and the pepperoni applying station to properly distribute the cheese and pepperoni on the pizza.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: LITTLE CAESAR ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Cathryn Fritz-Jung, David Scrivano, David Strother, Amanda B. Thomas, Sean M. Heslip, Kent A. Deemter, Tyler W. McCoy, Bret A. Hoeksema
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Publication number: 20030146544Abstract: An improved, economical, high speed method for attaching a fibrous material to a plastic substrate involves positioning a fibrous material over a surface of a plastic substrate, directing a stream of heated air through the fibrous material and at the surface of the plastic substrate to melt the surface of the plastic substrate, compressing the fibrous material against the melted surface of the plastic substrate, and allowing the melted surface of the plastic substrate to cool and resolidify, whereby fibers of the fibrous material become embedded in the resolidified plastic.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2003Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: John A. Bearman, Bret A. Hoeksema
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Patent number: 6530773Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a fibrous material to a plastic substrate involves positioning a fibrous material over a surface of a plastic substrate, directing a stream of heated air through the fibrous material to melt the surface of the plastic substrate, compressing the fibrous material against the melted surface of the plastic substrate, and allowing the melted surface of the plastic substrate to cool and resolidify, whereby fibers of the fibrous material become embedded in the resolidified plastic. The apparatus comprises a fixture for supporting the plastic substrate and a fibrous material over a surface of the plastic substrate, a tool supported adjacent the fixture for directing heated, pressurized air toward the plastic substrate and for compressing the fibrous material against the plastic substrate, and an actuator for reciprocating the tool.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: J. R. Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John A. Bearman, Bret A. Hoeksema
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Publication number: 20020033553Abstract: An improved, economical, high speed method and apparatus for attaching a fibrous material to a plastic substrate involves positioning a fibrous material over a surface of a plastic substrate, directing a stream of heated air through the fibrous material and at the surface of the plastic substrate to melt the surface of the plastic substrate, compressing the fibrous material against the melted surface of the plastic substrate, and allowing the melted surface of the plastic substrate to cool and resolidify, whereby fibers of the fibrous material become embedded in the resolidified plastic.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2000Publication date: March 21, 2002Applicant: J.R. Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John A. Bearman , Bret A. Hoeksema
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Patent number: D691852Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Kent A. Deemter, Tyler W. Mccoy, Bret A. Hoeksema, Sean M. Heslip, Amanda B. Thomas