Patents by Inventor James Knebel

James Knebel 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: 10287108
    Abstract: Systems and apparatus with circuits that are configured to detect fallen containers upstream or proximate an intake zone suitable for automated evaluation apparatus using different sensors, including at least one lower sensor and at least one upper sensor which is positioned to project an optical signal at a height corresponding to a top portion of an upright container to thereby allow an increased reliability in detection of different orientations and positions of fallen containers. An optional second lower sensor may be used which is longitudinally spaced apart from the first lower sensor and the lower sensors can transmit optical signals across the container travel path that do not intersect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: bioMérieux, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Wilson, James Knebel, Thierry Vivet
  • Publication number: 20180297791
    Abstract: Systems and apparatus with circuits that are configured to detect fallen containers upstream or proximate an intake zone suitable for automated evaluation apparatus using different sensors, including at least one lower sensor and at least one upper sensor which is positioned to project an optical signal at a height corresponding to a top portion of an upright container to thereby allow an increased reliability in detection of different orientations and positions of fallen containers. An optional second lower sensor may be used which is longitudinally spaced apart from the first lower sensor and the lower sensors can transmit optical signals across the container travel path that do not intersect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: Mark S. Wilson, James Knebel, Thierry Vivet
  • Patent number: 10023398
    Abstract: Methods, systems, computer program products, apparatus and circuits are configured to detect fallen containers upstream or proximate an intake zone suitable for automated evaluation apparatus using different sensors, including at least one lower sensor and at least one upper sensor which is positioned to project an optical signal at a height corresponding to a top portion of an upright container to thereby allow an increased reliability in detection of different orientations and positions of fallen containers. An optional second lower sensor may be used which is longitudinally spaced apart from the first lower sensor and the lower sensors can transmit optical signals across the container travel path that do not intersect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: bioMérieux, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Wilson, James Knebel, Thierry Vivet
  • Publication number: 20170001813
    Abstract: Methods, systems, computer program products, apparatus and circuits are configured to detect fallen containers upstream or proximate an intake zone suitable for automated evaluation apparatus using different sensors, including at least one lower sensor and at least one upper sensor which is positioned to project an optical signal at a height corresponding to a top portion of an upright container to thereby allow an increased reliability in detection of different orientations and positions of fallen containers. An optional second lower sensor may be used which is longitudinally spaced apart from the first lower sensor and the lower sensors can transmit optical signals across the container travel path that do not intersect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Mark S. Wilson, James Knebel, Thierry Vivet
  • Patent number: 9470510
    Abstract: Methods, systems, computer program products, apparatus and circuits are configured to detect fallen containers upstream or proximate an intake zone suitable for automated evaluation apparatus using different sensors, including at least one lower sensor and at least one upper sensor which is positioned to project an optical signal at a height corresponding to a top portion of an upright container to thereby allow an increased reliability in detection of different orientations and positions of fallen containers. An optional second lower sensor may be used which is longitudinally spaced apart from the first lower sensor and the lower sensors can transmit optical signals across the container travel path that do not intersect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Wilson, James Knebel, Thierry Vivet
  • Publication number: 20130260448
    Abstract: Methods, systems, computer program products, apparatus and circuits are configured to detect fallen containers upstream or proximate an intake zone suitable for automated evaluation apparatus using different sensors, including at least one lower sensor and at least one upper sensor which is positioned to project an optical signal at a height corresponding to a top portion of an upright container to thereby allow an increased reliability in detection of different orientations and positions of fallen containers. An optional second lower sensor may be used which is longitudinally spaced apart from the first lower sensor and the lower sensors can transmit optical signals across the container travel path that do not intersect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Wilson, James Knebel, Thierry Vivet