Patents by Inventor Christof Will

Christof Will 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).

  • Publication number: 20240061407
    Abstract: An apparatus for handling, transporting and inspecting containers along a predetermined transport path, having a first sensor device configured for detecting at least one value characteristic of the transported containers, having a first actuator device arranged along the transport path downstream of the first sensor device and configured for acting upon a transported container and a control device that is spaced apart from the sensor and the actuator device is configured for controlling the first actuator device, wherein at least one output by the first sensor device, as a function of the characteristic value, wherein the first sensor device and actuator are in communication with the control device via a cable using a real-time-capable fieldbus, the first sensor device is configured for outputting data, and the communication between the first sensor device, the control device and/or the control device and the first actuator device is in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Anton NIEDERMEIER, Christof WILL, Stefan PIANA, Reinhard KLINGER
  • Publication number: 20230236057
    Abstract: A method for checking the fill level of containers, wherein the containers are transported by a transporter as a container mass flow and measurement data are captured by a sensor unit, and wherein the measurement data are evaluated by an evaluation unit and the fill level of the containers is determined in each case, wherein the measurement data are evaluated by the evaluation unit using an evaluation method that works on the basis of artificial intelligence in order to determine the fill level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Stefan PIANA, Christof WILL, Judith MENGELKAMP, Anton NIEDERMEIER
  • Publication number: 20230003665
    Abstract: Inspection method for inspecting containers, such as bottles, where an image of a container moved past an inspection device is recorded by the inspection device and the recorded image is compared with a reference image, where the reference image is formed from a number of previously recorded images of containers moved past the inspection device and it is determined in dependence of the comparison of the recorded image with the reference image whether the inspection device is operational.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventor: Christof WILL
  • Publication number: 20220203597
    Abstract: A method for product guidance in a stretch blow molding and/or filling system for bottles, and a corresponding production system are described. Preform parameters of preforms provided for stretch blow molding are measured in an automated manner and initial data acquired in the process is stored. Bottle parameters of the blown empty bottles and/or subsequently filled bottles are measured and machine error states are optionally detected. Results data acquired in the process are individually associated with the preforms and stored. At least one lead-out criterion applicable in the downstream production operation is calculated for deciding whether or not to lead out faulty preforms or bottles, based on the initial data and results data. The lead-out criterion is additionally updated in an automated manner while taking into consideration the acquired initial data and results data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventor: Christof WILL
  • Publication number: 20220135387
    Abstract: A method for product guidance in a filling system for glass bottles, and a corresponding production system are described. Empties parameters for filling the empty glass bottles are measured in an automated manner. Initial data for filling a liquid product into the bottles is acquired and stored. Fulls parameters are measured when the bottles are filled, where machine error states are also detected, and respective results data acquired relating to the filling process are savored and individually associated with the empty bottles. At least one lead-out criterion applicable in the downstream production operation is calculated for deciding whether or not to lead-out faulty empty bottles or filled bottles based on the initial data and results data stored. The lead-out criterion is additionally updated in an automated manner while taking into consideration the acquired initial data and results data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventor: Christof WILL
  • Publication number: 20210048395
    Abstract: Provided is a method for inspecting containers, wherein the containers are conveyed along a predetermined transport path by a transport device and wherein an image recording device takes at least one locally resolved inspection image of at least one area of the containers during transport of the containers. A triggering of the inspection image recording of this locally resolved image is controlled, wherein this controlling takes place in consideration of a triggering image recording of an image of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Christof Will, Stefan Piana, Peter Lindner
  • Patent number: 10261029
    Abstract: A container inspection device and a container inspection method for inspecting containers are provided. The container inspection device comprises at least one light fixture for illuminating containers at a predetermined inspection instant of time for inspecting the containers, and an electrical line for connecting the at least one light fixture to an electrical energy supply and to a bus system, so that the electrical line serves both to supply the at least one light fixture with electrical energy and to connect with a real time data network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Christof Will, Anton Niedermeier, Karl Aichinger, Reinhard Klinger, Stefan Piana
  • Publication number: 20180136142
    Abstract: A container inspection device and a container inspection method for inspecting containers are provided. The container inspection device comprises at least one light fixture for illuminating containers at a predetermined inspection instant of time for inspecting the containers, and an electrical line for connecting the at least one light fixture to an electrical energy supply and to a bus system, so that the electrical line serves both to supply the at least one light fixture with electrical energy and to connect with a real time data network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Applicant: Krones AG
    Inventors: Christof Will, Anton Niedermeier, Karl Aichinger, Reinhard Klinger, Stefan Piana