Patents by Inventor Gerald R. Richert
Gerald R. Richert 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: 20230405638Abstract: An apparatus for sorting and related methods are described and include acquiring a multiplicity of synchronized image signals of a product stream which is to be sorted; generating a multiplicity of fused sensor signals; forming an image model previously acquired from the objects to be sorted; identifying objects in the product stream, and generating object presence and defect signals; determining a spatial orientation of the objects in the product stream; detecting the defects and removing the defects from the product stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: KENNETH J. McGARVEY, GERALD R. RICHERT, ELLIOT T. BURCH, BRET J. LARREAU
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Patent number: 11745224Abstract: An apparatus for sorting is described and includes acquiring a multiplicity of synchronized image signals of a product stream which is to be sorted; generating a multiplicity of fused sensor signals; forming an image model previously acquired from the objects to be sorted; identifying objects in the product stream, and generating object presence and defect signals; determining a spatial orientation of the objects in the product stream; detecting the defects and removing the defects from the product stream.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth J. McGarvey, Gerald R. Richert, Elliot T. Burch, Bret J. Larreau
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Publication number: 20230015809Abstract: An apparatus for sorting is described and includes acquiring a multiplicity of synchronized image signals of a product stream which is to be sorted; generating a multiplicity of fused sensor signals; forming an image model previously acquired from the objects to be sorted; identifying objects in the product stream, and generating object presence and defect signals; determining a spatial orientation of the objects in the product stream; detecting the defects and removing the defects from the product stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventors: KENNETH J. McGARVEY, GERALD R. RICHERT, ELLIOT T. BURCH, BRET J. LARREAU
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Patent number: 11446707Abstract: A method of sorting is described and which includes a step of acquiring a multiplicity of synchronized image signals of a product stream which is to be sorted; generating a multiplicity of fused sensor signals; forming an image model previously acquired from the objects to be sorted; identifying objects in the product stream, and generating object presence and defect signals; determining a spatial orientation of the objects in the product stream; detecting the defects and removing the defects from the product stream.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth J. McGarvey, Gerald R. Richert, Elliot T. Burch, Bret J. Larreau
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Publication number: 20200188961Abstract: A method of sorting is described and which includes a step of acquiring a multiplicity of synchronized image signals of a product stream which is to be sorted; generating a multiplicity of fused sensor signals; forming an image model previously acquired from the objects to be sorted; identifying objects in the product stream, and generating object presence and defect signals; determining a spatial orientation of the objects in the product stream; detecting the defects and removing the defects from the product stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2019Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Kenneth J. McGarvey, Gerald R. Richert, Elliot T. Burch, Bret J. Larreau
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Publication number: 20190369307Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation detector assembly is described and which includes an optical scattering mirror which optically interacts with a source of bulk and/or surface scattered electromagnetic radiation coming from the direction of an object of interest so as to function, at least in part, as a bulk scattered and/or surface scattered spatial input filter; and electromagnetic radiation detectors are provided and which are oriented in fixed locations relative to the optical scattering mirror so as to detect, with an improved signal-to-noise ratio, the bulk and/or surface scattered electromagnetic radiation; or another source of electromagnetic radiation coming from the direction of the object of interest, and then generate a resulting image signal having improved contrast.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2018Publication date: December 5, 2019Applicant: KEY TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Johan Calcoen, Gerald R. Richert, Bert Dirix
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Patent number: 10486199Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting is described, and which includes an arrangement for controllably and operably coupling to a controller, and then selectively energizing each of a background element; laser scanner; first and second electromagnetic radiation detectors; line scan imaging assembly; and selectively energizable radiators, so as to improve the detection of individual products and/or other objects of interest forming a product stream by increasing the contrast of the respective products or specific characteristics thereof, and/or objects of interest in a multiplicity of electrical signals which are received, and then processed by the controller, as the product stream passes through an inspection station.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Timothy L. Justice, Johan Calcoen, Gerald R. Richert, Bert Dirix
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Patent number: 10478863Abstract: A method of sorting is described and which includes a step of acquiring a multiplicity of synchronized image signals of a product stream which is to be sorted; generating a multiplicity of fused sensor signals; forming an image model previously acquired from the objects to be sorted; identifying objects in the product stream, and generating object presence and defect signals; determining a spatial orientation of the objects in the product stream; detecting the defects and removing the defects from the product stream.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth J. McGarvey, Gerald R. Richert, Elliot T. Burch, Bret J. Larreau
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Patent number: 10478862Abstract: An apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while intentionally creating and utilizing known signal interference to enhance contrasts when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2019Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Timothy L. Justice, Johan Calcoen, Gerald R. Richert
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Publication number: 20190299254Abstract: An apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while intentionally creating and utilizing known signal interference to enhance contrasts when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2019Publication date: October 3, 2019Applicant: KEY TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: TIMOTHY L. JUSTICE, JOHAN CALCOEN, GERALD R. RICHERT
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Patent number: 10363582Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while intentionally creating and utilizing known signal interference to enhance contrasts when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2017Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Timothy L. Justice, Johan Calcoen, Gerald R. Richert
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Publication number: 20190210068Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting is described, and which includes an arrangement for controllably and operably coupling to a controller, and then selectively energizing each of a background element; laser scanner; first and second electromagnetic radiation detectors; line scan imaging assembly; and selectively energizable radiators, so as to improve the detection of individual products and/or other objects of interest forming a product stream by increasing the contrast of the respective products or specific characteristics thereof, and/or objects of interest in a multiplicity of electrical signals which are received, and then processed by the controller, as the product stream passes through an inspection station.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2018Publication date: July 11, 2019Applicant: KEY TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Timothy L. Justice, Johan Calcoen, Gerald R. Richert, Bert Dirix
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Patent number: 10293379Abstract: An object detection method includes an electromagnetic radiation emitter, and an electromagnetic radiation detector on a first side of an inspection zone, a reflective background on a second side of the inspection zone and a controller operably connected to the emitter and the detector to measure/determine a first time of travel for emitted electromagnetic radiation waves/pulses to travel from the emitter, to the reflective background, and return to the detector, and to measure/determine a second time of travel for emitted electromagnetic radiation waves/pulses to travel from the emitter of electromagnetic radiation to objects of interest passing through the inspection zone along an unsupported path of travel and to be reflected to the electromagnetic radiation detector, and any determined time of travel which varies from the first time of travel is evidence there is an object within the inspection zone and between the emitter and the reflective background.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2017Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Timothy L. Justice, Johan Calcoen, Dirk Adams, Gerald R. Richert
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Patent number: 10195647Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding internal and external features and characteristics and qualities of products being inspected.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Key Technology, IncInventors: Timothy L. Justice, Johan Calcoen, Dirk Adams, Gerald R. Richert
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Publication number: 20180369872Abstract: A method of sorting is described and which includes a step of acquiring a multiplicity of synchronized image signals of a product stream which is to be sorted; generating a multiplicity of fused sensor signals; forming an image model previously acquired from the objects to be sorted; identifying objects in the product stream, and generating object presence and defect signals; determining a spatial orientation of the objects in the product stream; detecting the defects and removing the defects from the product stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2017Publication date: December 27, 2018Applicant: KEY TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: KENNETH J. McGARVEY, GERALD R. RICHERT, ELLIOT T. BURCH, BRET J. LARREAU
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Publication number: 20180369870Abstract: An object detection method includes an electromagnetic radiation emitter, and an electromagnetic radiation detector on a first side of an inspection zone, a reflective background on a second side of the inspection zone and a controller operably connected to the emitter and the detector to measure/determine a first time of travel for emitted electromagnetic radiation waves/pulses to travel from the emitter, to the reflective background, and return to the detector, and to measure/determine a second time of travel for emitted electromagnetic radiation waves/pulses to travel from the emitter of electromagnetic radiation to objects of interest passing through the inspection zone along an unsupported path of travel and to be reflected to the electromagnetic radiation detector, and any determined time of travel which varies from the first time of travel is evidence there is an object within the inspection zone and between the emitter and the reflective background.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2017Publication date: December 27, 2018Applicant: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Timothy L. Justice, Johan Calcoen, Dirk Adams, Gerald R. Richert
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Publication number: 20180056334Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while intentionally creating and utilizing known signal interference to enhance contrasts when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Timothy L. Justice, Johan Calcoen, Gerald R. Richert
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Publication number: 20180029085Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding internal and external features and characteristics and qualities of products being inspected.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2017Publication date: February 1, 2018Applicant: KEY TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Timothy L. JUSTICE, JOHAN CALCOEN, DIRK Adams, GERALD R. RICHERT
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Patent number: 9795996Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventors: Dirk Adams, Johan Calcoen, Timothy L. Justice, Gerald R. Richert
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Patent number: 9573168Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Key Technology,. IncInventors: Dirk Adams, Johan Calcoen, Timothy L. Justice, Gerald R. Richert