Patents by Inventor Jon A Hocker
Jon A Hocker 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: 11883974Abstract: A conveyor system 24 carries work items, such as flexible, pliable, food products 22, through a scanning system 28 which generates data pertaining to various physical parameters of the food products. Thereafter, the food products are transported through a processing station which may be in the form of a portioning system 30. Next, the portioned food products are transported to a harvesting system 32 utilizing a actuator 34 to unload the food product portions 36 by vacuuming the portions into a nozzle 90. Such food products are transported to one or more desired locations through a hose/tube connected to a nozzle or may be launched through the air in a trajectory aimed at the desired placement location.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2020Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: John Bean Technologies CorporationInventors: Jon A. Hocker, George R. Blaine, Harrison T. Gill, Jonathan Keogh, Erick A. Sorenson
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Patent number: 11641863Abstract: A method for processing food products (12) includes transporting the food products by a first conveyor (11), an X-ray unit (13) positioned between the intake end and the discharge end of the first conveyor to acquire a first set of product-specific data relating to the food product transported. At least one first optical camera (17), assigned to the first conveyor, is used to acquire a second set of product-specific data relating to the food product. A control unit (18) is used to receive and integrate the first and second data sets to analyze the composition of the food product and determine parameters for the food product. Based on the determined parameters of the food product, the food product is cut with a cutting unit, under the control of the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignees: John Bean Technologies Corporation, Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH + Co. KGInventors: George R. Blaine, Jon A. Hocker, Alexander Steffens
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Patent number: 11498235Abstract: A processing system (10) and corresponding method (158) are provided for processing workpieces (WP), including food items, to cut and remove undesirable components from the food items and/or portion the food items while being conveyed on a conveyor system (12). An X-ray scanning station (14) is located on an upstream conveyor section (20) to ascertain size and/or shape parameters of the food items as well as the location of any undesirable components of the food items, such as bones, fat or cartilage. Thereafter the food items are transferred to a downstream conveyor (20) at which is located an optical scanner (102) to ascertain the size and/or shape parameters of the food items. The results of the X-ray and optical scanning are transmitted to a processor (18) to confirm that the food item scanned by the optical scanner is the same as that previously scanned by the X-ray scanner.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignees: John Bean Technologies Corporation, Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH + Co. KGInventors: George R. Blaine, Jon A. Hocker, Alexander Steffens
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Publication number: 20200345043Abstract: A method for processing food products (12) includes transporting the food products by a first conveyor (11), an X-ray unit (13) positioned between the intake end and the discharge end of the first conveyor to acquire a first set of product-specific data relating to the food product transported. At least one first optical camera (17), assigned to the first conveyor, is used to acquire a second set of product-specific data relating to the food product. A control unit (18) is used to receive and integrate the first and second data sets to analyze the composition of the food product and determine parameters for the food product. Based on the determined parameters of the food product, the food product is cut with a cutting unit, under the control of the control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2020Publication date: November 5, 2020Applicants: John Bean Technologies Corporation, Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH + Co. KGInventors: George R. Blaine, Jon A. Hocker, Alexander Steffens
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Publication number: 20200254641Abstract: A conveyor system 24 carries work items, such as flexible, pliable, food products 22, through a scanning system 28 which generates data pertaining to various physical parameters of the food products. Thereafter, the food products are transported through a processing station which may be in the form of a portioning system 30. Next, the portioned food products are transported to a harvesting system 32 utilizing a actuator 34 to unload the food product portions 36 by vacuuming the portions into a nozzle 90. Such food products are transported to one or more desired locations through a hose/tube connected to a nozzle or may be launched through the air in a trajectory aimed at the desired placement location.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Applicant: John Bean Technologies CorporationInventors: Jon A. Hocker, George R. Blaine, Harrison T. Gill, Jonathan Keogh, Erick A. Sorenson
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Publication number: 20200238556Abstract: A processing system (10) and corresponding method (158) are provided for processing workpieces (WP), including food items, to cut and remove undesirable components from the food items and/or portion the food items while being conveyed on a conveyor system (12). An X-ray scanning station (14) is located on an upstream conveyor section (20) to ascertain size and/or shape parameters of the food items as well as the location of any undesirable components of the food items, such as bones, fat or cartilage. Thereafter the food items are transferred to a downstream conveyor (20) at which is located an optical scanner (102) to ascertain the size and/or shape parameters of the food items. The results of the X-ray and optical scanning are transmitted to a processor (18) to confirm that the food item scanned by the optical scanner is the same as that previously scanned by the X-ray scanner.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Applicants: John Bean Technologies Corporation, Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH + Co. KGInventors: George R. Blaine, Jon A. Hocker, Alexander Steffens
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Patent number: 10721947Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (10), designed and configured to acquire and analyse product-specific data for products (12) of the food processing industry, comprising a conveyor (11), which is gap-free in the transport plane, for transporting separated products (12) in transport direction T from an intake end to a discharge end, an X-ray unit (13) having at least one X-ray source (14) and at least one X-ray camera (15) for acquiring product-specific data, wherein X-ray source (14) and X-ray camera (15) are assigned to the conveyor (11) in such a manner that the products (12) can be guided along between the X-ray source (14) and the X-ray camera (15), as well as a control unit (16) which is connected to the X-ray unit (13) and is designed and configured to receive and analyse the product-specific data, forming a first data set, acquired by said X-ray unit (13), which is characterised in that at least one optical camera (17) is assigned to the same conveyor (11) between its intake end and discharge end,Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignees: John Bean Technologies Corporation, Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH + Co. KGInventors: George R. Blaine, Jon A. Hocker, Alexander Steffens
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Patent number: 10654185Abstract: A processing system (10) and corresponding method (158) are provided for processing workpieces (WP), including food items, to cut and remove undesirable components from the food items and/or portion the food items while being conveyed on a conveyor system (12). An X-ray scanning station (14) is located on an upstream conveyor section (20) to ascertain size and/or shape parameters of the food items as well as the location of any undesirable components of the food items, such as bones, fat or cartilage. Thereafter the food items are transferred to a downstream conveyor (20) at which is located an optical scanner (102) to ascertain the size and/or shape parameters of the food items. The results of the X-ray and optical scanning are transmitted to a processor (18) to confirm that the food item scanned by the optical scanner is the same as that previously scanned by the X-ray scanner.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignees: John Bean Technologies Corporation, Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH + Co. KGInventors: George R. Blaine, Jon A. Hocker, Alexander Steffens
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Patent number: 10602759Abstract: A thermal processing and control system (300) includes a thermal processing station (312) for receiving food products (14) being carried on a conveyor system (316). A first scanning station (318) is located upstream from the thermal processing station (312) for scanning the food products being carried by the conveyor (316). An actuator (420) automatically connects temperature measuring devices (402) with selected food products (14). A diverter conveyor (324) diverts selected food products (14) from the conveyor (316) to a transverse conveyor (326) for either further processing or alternative processing, depending on how system (300) is configured. The temperature measuring devices (402) are automatically removed from the food products at station (329).Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2016Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: John Bean Technologies CorporationInventors: Jon A. Hocker, John R. Strong, Ramesh M. Gunawardena, Richard D. Stockard
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Patent number: 10471619Abstract: Calibrating the operation of a cutter used in a portioning system to cut workpieces into portions, wherein the workpiece is carried along a driven conveyance device past a scanner and then to a cutting apparatus. The calibration method employs a correction algorithm to correct for variables or limitations in the condition of one or more components of the portioning system and/or variations or limitations in the operation or operational capabilities of the portioning system. The correction algorithm may also factor in the physical condition, configuration, or composition of the workpieces being portioned, as well as whether the workpieces move on the conveyance device prior to and/or during the portioning operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2016Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Jon A. Hocker, Richard D. Stockard, George R. Blaine
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Patent number: 10310493Abstract: A system for measuring physical properties of a workpiece in motion which includes a conveyance assembly for conveying the workpiece, a scanning assembly for scanning the workpiece, and a measurement assembly for measuring at least one physical property of the workpiece while the workpiece is in motion.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: John Bean Technologies CorporationInventors: Jon A. Hocker, George R. Blaine, Craig E. Pfarr
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Patent number: 10123557Abstract: A thermal processing and control system (10) includes a thermal processing station (12) for receiving food products (14) being carried on a conveyor system (16). A first scanning station (18) is located upstream from a similar processing station (12) for scanning the food products being carried by the conveyor (16). A second scanning station (20) is located downstream of the thermal processing station (12). A diverter conveyor (24) diverts selected food products (14) from the conveyor (16) to a transverse conveyor (26) which is capable of positioning the diverted food product onto a temperature measurement station (28), whereat the temperature of the food product is measured, either manually or automatically.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2016Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: John Bean Technologies CorporationInventors: Jon A. Hocker, John R. Strong, Ramesh M. Gunawardena
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Publication number: 20180029246Abstract: A processing system (10) and corresponding method (158) are provided for processing workpieces (WP), including food items, to cut and remove undesirable components from the food items and/or portion the food items while being conveyed on a conveyor system (12). An X-ray scanning station (14) is located on an upstream conveyor section (20) to ascertain size and/or shape parameters of the food items as well as the location of any undesirable components of the food items, such as bones, fat or cartilage. Thereafter the food items are transferred to a downstream conveyor (20) at which is located an optical scanner (102) to ascertain the size and/or shape parameters of the food items. The results of the X-ray and optical scanning are transmitted to a processor (18) to confirm that the food item scanned by the optical scanner is the same as that previously scanned by the X-ray scanner.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2017Publication date: February 1, 2018Applicants: John Bean Technologies Corporation, Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH + Co. KGInventors: George R. Blaine, Jon A. Hocker, Alexander Steffens
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Publication number: 20180027848Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (10), designed and configured to acquire and analyse product-specific data for products (12) of the food processing industry, comprising a conveyor (11), which is gap-free in the transport plane, for transporting separated products (12) in transport direction T from an intake end to a discharge end, an X-ray unit (13) having at least one X-ray source (14) and at least one X-ray camera (15) for acquiring product-specific data, wherein X-ray source (14) and X-ray camera (15) are assigned to the conveyor (11) in such a manner that the products (12) can be guided along between the X-ray source (14) and the X-ray camera (15), as well as a control unit (16) which is connected to the X-ray unit (13) and is designed and configured to receive and analyse the product-specific data, forming a first data set, acquired by said X-ray unit (13), which is characterised in that at least one optical camera (17) is assigned to the same conveyor (11) between its intake end and discharge end,Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2016Publication date: February 1, 2018Applicants: John Bean Technologies Corporation, Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH + Co. KGInventors: George R. Blaine, Jon A. Hocker, Alexander Steffens
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Publication number: 20170210023Abstract: Calibrating the operation of a cutter used in a portioning system to cut workpieces into portions, wherein the workpiece is carried along a driven conveyance device past a scanner and then to a cutting apparatus. The calibration method employs a correction algorithm to correct for variables or limitations in the condition of one or more components of the portioning system and/or variations or limitations in the operation or operational capabilities of the portioning system. The correction algorithm may also factor in the physical condition, configuration, or composition of the workpieces being portioned, as well as whether the workpieces move on the conveyance device prior to and/or during the portioning operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2016Publication date: July 27, 2017Applicant: JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Jon A. Hocker, Richard D. Stockard, George R. Blaine
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Publication number: 20170108855Abstract: A system for measuring physical properties of a workpiece in motion which includes a conveyance assembly for conveying the workpiece, a scanning assembly for scanning the workpiece, and a measurement assembly for measuring at least one physical property of the workpiece while the workpiece is in motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Applicant: John Bean Technologies CorporationInventors: Jon A. Hocker, George R. Blaine, Craig E. Pfarr
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Publication number: 20160286845Abstract: A thermal processing and control system (300) includes a thermal processing station (312) for receiving food products (14) being carried on a conveyor system (316). A first scanning station (318) is located upstream from the thermal processing station (312) for scanning the food products being carried by the conveyor (316). An actuator (420) automatically connects temperature measuring devices (402) with selected food products (14). A diverter conveyor (324) diverts selected food products (14) from the conveyor (316) to a transverse conveyor (326) for either further processing or alternative processing, depending on how system (300) is configured. The temperature measuring devices (402) are automatically removed from the food products at station (329).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: John Bean Technologies CorporationInventors: Jon A. Hocker, John R. Strong, Ramesh M. Gunawardena, Richard D. Stockard
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Publication number: 20160282191Abstract: A thermal processing and control system (10) includes a thermal processing station (12) for receiving food products (14) being carried on a conveyor system (16). A first scanning station (18) is located upstream from a similar processing station (12) for scanning the food products being carried by the conveyor (16). A second scanning station (20) is located downstream of the thermal processing station (12). A diverter conveyor (24) diverts selected food products (14) from the conveyor (16) to a transverse conveyor (26) which is capable of positioning the diverted food product onto a temperature measurement station (28), whereat the temperature of the food product is measured, either manually or automatically.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Applicant: John Bean Technologies CorporationInventors: Jon A. Hocker, John R. Strong, Ramesh M. Gunawardena
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Patent number: 9366579Abstract: A thermal processing and control system (10) includes a thermal processing station (12) for receiving food products (14) being carried on a conveyor system (16). A first scanning station (18) is located upstream from a similar processing station (12) for scanning the food products being carried by the conveyor (16). A second scanning station (20) is located downstream of the thermal processing station (12). A diverter conveyor (24) diverts selected food products (14) from the conveyor (16) to a transverse conveyor (26) which is capable of positioning the diverted food product onto a temperature measurement station (28), whereat the temperature of the food product is measured, either manually or automatically.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: John Bean Technologies CorporationInventors: Jon A. Hocker, John R. Strong, Ramesh M. Gunawardena
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Patent number: 9366580Abstract: A thermal processing and control system (300) includes a thermal processing station (312) for receiving food products (14) being carried on a conveyor system (316). A first scanning station (318) is located upstream from the thermal processing station (312) for scanning the food products being carried by the conveyor (316). An actuator (420) automatically connects temperature measuring devices (402) with selected food products (14). A diverter conveyor (324) diverts selected food products (14) from the conveyor (316) to a transverse conveyor (326) for either further processing or alternative processing, depending on how system (300) is configured. The temperature measuring devices (402) are automatically removed from the food products at station (329).Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: John Bean Technologies CorporationInventors: Jon A. Hocker, John R. Strong, Ramesh M. Gunawardena, Richard D. Stockard