Patents by Inventor Eric Gregg Benjamin

Eric Gregg Benjamin 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).

  • Container unloading system with auto-unload capability
    Patent number: 9008825
    Abstract: A container unloading system that is adapted to automatically unload containers from carts while the containers and carts reside in an unloading station. The containers may be off-loaded onto a conveyor. The system includes a frame that is movable along the path of ingress/egress of the carts, and a vertically and horizontally movable lifting device that is supported on the frame and adapted to engage and lift the containers. A number of sensors may be present to gather information about the carts and/or containers and to send corresponding signals to a controller that is programmed to automatically operate the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Logistics North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Gregg Benjamin, Masahiko Minamikawa
  • CONTAINER UNLOADING SYSTEM WITH AUTO-UNLOAD CAPABILITY
    Publication number: 20140297023
    Abstract: A container unloading system that is adapted to automatically unload containers from carts while the containers and carts reside in an unloading station. The containers may be off-loaded onto a conveyor. The system includes a frame that is movable along the path of ingress/egress of the carts, and a vertically and horizontally movable lifting device that is supported on the frame and adapted to engage and lift the containers. A number of sensors may be present to gather information about the carts and/or containers and to send corresponding signals to a controller that is programmed to automatically operate the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Midwest Express Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Gregg Benjamin, John Campbell, Masahiko Minamikawa, Toshihide Tanaka, David Wayne Hicks
  • Pack end tool
    Patent number: 8109550
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a grasping and lifting device for moving a plurality of different-sized containers. The device contains a set of clamps which securely attach to a plurality of different-sized containers and allow them to be quickly lifted and relocated by an operator. A toggle device may also be used to hold the clamps in the open position for added security and efficiency. A hoisting device with a translating mechanism provides lift and motion assistance to the operator so that the risk of repetitive motion injury is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Midwest Express Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Gregg Benjamin, Masahiko Minamikawa, Toshihide Tanaka, John Campbell, David Wayne Hicks
  • Pick end tool
    Patent number: 8083277
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a grasping and lifting device for moving a plurality of different-sized containers. The dimensions of the grasping device do not have to be adjusted prior to engaging a container which allows an operator to move a variety of different-sized containers in a short period of time. A hoisting device with a counter weight provides lift and motion assistance to the operator so that the risk of repetitive motion injury is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Midwest Express Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Gregg Benjamin, Masahiko Minamikawa, Toshihide Tanaka, John Campbell, David Wayne Hicks