Patents by Inventor Chris Rudolf Loates

Chris Rudolf Loates 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).

  • Patent number: 8108061
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention a system and method for minimizing assembly line manufacturing including an override is provided. Each workstation is equipped with a docking station. A first database is in communication with the programmable controller and the docking station, and the docking station is also in communication with the workstation tools as well as the programmable controller. The override is disposed on a docking station. The system includes a checklist of tasks that each workstation tool is to perform. Accordingly the first database will receive the checklist for each part and will record whether or not each particular part had each of its tasks performed properly. The override may be actuated so as to allow a part to flow downstream the assembly line even though the all the tasks were not completed properly, thus minimizing manufacturing disruptions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Lee, Bruce Peter Fleming, Chris Rudolf Loates
  • Publication number: 20100256793
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention a system and method for minimizing assembly line manufacturing including an override is provided. Each workstation is equipped with a docking station. A first database is in communication with the programmable controller and the docking station, and the docking station is also in communication with the workstation tools as well as the programmable controller. The override is disposed on a docking station. The system includes a checklist of tasks that each workstation tool is to perform. Accordingly the first database will receive the checklist for each part and will record whether or not each particular part had each of its tasks performed properly. The override may be actuated so as to allow a part to flow downstream the assembly line even though the all the tasks were not completed properly, thus minimizing manufacturing disruptions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineeting & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Lee, Bruce Peter Fleming, Chris Rudolf Loates