Patents by Inventor James R. Kalb
James R. Kalb 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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Patent number: 10836050Abstract: A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton
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Patent number: 10823235Abstract: An assembly comprising a first member, a second member, and a clutch plate. The second member is maintained in a spaced apart relationship from the first member. The clutch plate has radially extending engagement structures and is disposed between the first member and the second member. The clutch plate has a first half and a second half that are slidably rotatable with respect to one another. The first half and the second half of the clutch plate rotate in opposite directions when axial pressure is applied to the first member.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: James R. Kalb, Edwin E. Marttinen
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Publication number: 20190009416Abstract: A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2018Publication date: January 10, 2019Applicant: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton
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Patent number: 10105855Abstract: A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton
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Patent number: 9981391Abstract: A modular tooling receiver includes a housing having a wall and a port, and an engaging member movably disposed in the port. A lock actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position. The release lever is connected to the housing and is engageable with the lock actuator for causing movement of the lock actuator from the first position toward the second position. An anti-release mechanism is connected to the release lever and is movable between an engaged position, in which the anti-release mechanism engages the housing to restrain movement of the release lever to prevent movement of the lock actuator from the first position to the second position, and a disengaged position, in which the anti-release mechanism disengages the housing to allow movement of the release lever.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton
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Publication number: 20170232620Abstract: A modular tooling receiver includes a housing having a wall and a port, and an engaging member movably disposed in the port. A lock actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position. The release lever is connected to the housing and is engageable with the lock actuator for causing movement of the lock actuator from the first position toward the second position. An anti-release mechanism is connected to the release lever and is movable between an engaged position, in which the anti-release mechanism engages the housing to restrain movement of the release lever to prevent movement of the lock actuator from the first position to the second position, and a disengaged position, in which the anti-release mechanism disengages the housing to allow movement of the release lever.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2017Publication date: August 17, 2017Applicant: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton
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Publication number: 20170159721Abstract: An assembly comprising a first member, a second member, and a clutch plate. The second member is maintained in a spaced apart relationship from the first member. The clutch plate has radially extending engagement structures and is disposed between the first member and the second member. The clutch plate has a first half and a second half that are slidably rotatable with respect to one another. The first half and the second half of the clutch plate rotate in opposite directions when axial pressure is applied to the first member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2016Publication date: June 8, 2017Applicant: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: James R. Kalb, Edwin E. Marttinen
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Patent number: 9651192Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a workpiece includes a master template, a locking assembly and a plurality of substantially planar gauge slice templates. The master template includes a plurality of positioning features. The locking assembly is connected to the master template and is movable with respect to the master template between a locked position and an unlocked position. The gauge slice templates are each associated with a workpiece engaging structure that is engageable with the workpiece for supporting the workpiece. Each gauge slice template releasably engages at least one positioning feature of the master template. Each gauge slice template engages the locking assembly, wherein the gauge slice templates are not moveable with respect to the master template when the locking assembly is in the locked position, and the gauge slice templates are moveable with respect to the master template when the locking assembly is in the unlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2013Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Scott R. McCallum, Timothy John Key, James R. Kalb, Michael A. Filipiak
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Patent number: 9522421Abstract: A tool support structure includes a tool rail that extends in an axial direction, a first mounting portion that is connected to the tool rail, and a second mounting portion that is connected to the tool rail at a location along the tool rail that is spaced from the first mounting portion in the axial direction. The second mounting portion includes a lug and an aperture. The lug has a shaft portion and a head portion that is located outward from the shaft portion. The shaft portion is receivable within a slot on the base and the head portion restrains transverse removal of the lug from the slot when the shaft portion is disposed within the slot. The aperture is adapted to receive a pin on the base to resist rotation of the tool rail with respect to the base.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Corey Chappus, James R. Kalb, Michael A. Filipiak
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Publication number: 20160318193Abstract: A modular tooling apparatus providing orbital adjustment of a modular tool. The modular tooling apparatus includes a base coupling, a first linkage member, and a second linkage member. The base coupling is connectible to a manipulator. The first linkage member is adjustably connected to the base coupling for rotational adjustment about a first axis. The second linkage member is adjustably connected to the first linkage member for rotational adjustment about a second axis. The rotational adjustment of the first linkage member about the first axis and the rotational adjustment of the second linkage member about the second axis combine to provide more orbital positions than the rotational adjustment of the first linkage member about the first axis or the rotational adjustment of the second linkage member about the second axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2016Publication date: November 3, 2016Applicant: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Ronald Andrew Kotula, Donald Van Zile, III, Brandon Scott Jacobi, Michael A. Filipiak, James R. Kalb, Keith M. Price
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Patent number: 9441884Abstract: An apparatus for automatically drying wet floors includes a controller, a moisture detector that is operable to detect the presence of moisture at a first location and transmit a moisture detection signal to the controller in response to detecting the presence of moisture at the first location, and a blower. The blower is operative to turn on and off for drying the wet floors by directing moving air toward the first location in response to an operating signal from the controller. The controller outputs the operating signal to the blower based on the moisture detection signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Scott R. McCallum, Timothy John Key, James R. Kalb, Richard Daniel Koski, John D. Begin
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Patent number: 9429187Abstract: A modular tooling apparatus includes a first coupler portion and a second coupler portion that are rotationally adjustable with respect to one another. A locking member has a bore that extends through the locking member, a third contoured surface, a widened portion of the bore that is located behind the third contoured surface and has a larger diameter than the third contoured surface, and a fourth contoured surface. The locking member is moveable to a locked position in which the third contoured surface of the locking member engages a first contoured surface of the first coupler portion and the fourth contoured surface of the locking member engages a second contoured surface of the second coupler portion to restrain the first coupler portion from rotating with respect to the second coupler portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Ronald Andrew Kotula, Donald Van Zile, III, Brandon Scott Jacobi, Michael A. Filipiak, James R. Kalb, Keith M. Price
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Publication number: 20160236357Abstract: A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element that biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper that controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2016Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton
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Patent number: 9395032Abstract: A modular tooling apparatus having serrated teeth for providing orbital and linear adjustment of a modular tool. The modular tooling apparatus includes a mounting member and a base coupling having mating contoured surfaces for providing linear adjustment of the base coupling relative to the mounting member. A spacer is provided having contoured surfaces wherein the contoured surfaces matingly and adjustably connect to a contoured surface of the base coupling for rotational adjustment of the modular tool about a longitudinal axis. The modular tool has a contoured surface that matingly and adjustably connects to the contoured surface of the spacer for rotational adjustment about the longitudinal axis. A biasing member engages the spacer and the modular tool for biasing the spacer toward the base member and away from the modular tool.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Ronald Andrew Kotula, Michael A. Filipiak, James R. Kalb, Keith M. Price
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Publication number: 20150285298Abstract: A modular tooling apparatus includes a first coupler portion and a second coupler portion that are rotationally adjustable with respect to one another. A locking member has a bore that extends through the locking member, a third contoured surface, a widened portion of the bore that is located behind the third contoured surface and has a larger diameter than the third contoured surface, and a fourth contoured surface. The locking member is moveable to a locked position in which the third contoured surface of the locking member engages a first contoured surface of the first coupler portion and the fourth contoured surface of the locking member engages a second contoured surface of the second coupler portion to restrain the first coupler portion from rotating with respect to the second coupler portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2015Publication date: October 8, 2015Inventors: Ronald Andrew Kotula, Donald Van Zile, III, Brandon Scott Jacobi, Michael A. Filipiak, James R. Kalb, Keith M. Price
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Publication number: 20150226374Abstract: A tool support structure includes a tool rail that extends in an axial direction, a first mounting portion that is connected to the tool rail, and a second mounting portion that is connected to the tool rail at a location along the tool rail that is spaced from the first mounting portion in the axial direction. The second mounting portion includes a lug and an aperture. The lug has a shaft portion and a head portion that is located outward from the shaft portion. The shaft portion is receivable within a slot on the base and the head portion restrains transverse removal of the lug from the slot when the shaft portion is disposed within the slot. The aperture is adapted to receive a pin on the base to resist rotation of the tool rail with respect to the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2014Publication date: August 13, 2015Applicant: NORGREN AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS, LLCInventors: Corey Chappus, James R. Kalb, Michael A. Filipiak
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Patent number: 9095946Abstract: A modular tooling apparatus includes a first coupler portion, a second coupler portion, a locking member, and a friction member. The first coupler portion and the second coupler portion are rotationally adjustable with respect to one another. The locking member is moveable to a locked position wherein the locking member engages the first coupler portion and the second coupler portion to restrain the first coupler portion from rotating with respect to the second coupler portion. The friction member engages the first coupler portion and the second coupler portion to resist rotation of the first coupler portion with respect to the second coupler portion when the locking member is not in the locked position.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Ronald Andrew Kotula, Donald Van Zile, III, Brandon Scott Jacobi, Michael A. Filipiak, James R. Kalb, Keith M. Price
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Publication number: 20140317954Abstract: An apparatus for automatically drying wet floors includes a floor mat; a controller; a detector mat that is positioned adjacent to the floor mat, the detector mat having at least one moisture sensing element that is operable to detect moisture and transmit a moisture detection signal to the controller in response to detecting the presence of moisture at the first location, and a floor dryer that is operative to turn on and off for drying the floor mat by directing moving air toward the floor mat in response to an operating signal from the controller, wherein the controller outputs the operating signal to the blower based on the moisture detection signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: Scott R. McCallum, Timothy John Key, James R. Kalb, Richard Daniel Koski, John D. Begin
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Publication number: 20130334379Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a workpiece includes a master template, a locking assembly and a plurality of substantially planar gauge slice templates. The master template that includes a plurality of positioning features. The locking assembly is connected to the master template and is movable with respect to the master template between a locked position and an unlocked position. The gauge slice templates are each associated with a workpiece engaging structure that is engageable with the workpiece for supporting the workpiece. Each gauge slice template releasably engages at least one positioning feature of the master template. Each gauge slice template engages the locking assembly, wherein the gauge slice templates are not moveable with respect to the master template when the locking assembly is in the locked position, and the gauge slice templates are moveable with respect to the master template when the locking assembly is in the unlocked position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Inventors: Scott R. McCallum, Timothy John Key, James R. Kalb, Michael A. Filipiak
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Patent number: D898879Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2017Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton