Patents by Inventor Kenneth A. McKee

Kenneth A. McKee 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).

  • Transfer of cartridges containing flat articles
    Patent number: 6390756
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically transferring and handling cartridges containing flat articles. The method and apparatus robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Dematic Postal Automation, L.P.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Isaacs, Luiz C. Harres, John W. Kulas, Joseph C. Rotenberry, Kenneth A. McKee, Lynn V. Hill, Mark L. Carlile, Richard C. Hickey, Charles M. Combs, Harold G. Burkett, Jr.
  • Transfer of cartridges containing flat articles
    Patent number: 6135697
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically transferring and handling cartridges containing flat articles. The method and apparatus robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens ElectroCom, L.P.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Isaacs, Luiz C. Harres, John W. Kulas, Joseph C. Rotenberry, Kenneth A. McKee, Lynn V. Hill, Mark L. Carlile, Richard C. Hickey, Charles M. Combs, Harold G. Burkett, Jr.
  • Method and apparatus for sorting flat articles
    Patent number: 6026967
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically sorting and feeding flat articles. The method stacks flat articles into cartridges in output compartments of a sorting machine, robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: ElectroCom Automation
    Inventors: Gerald A. Isaacs, Luiz C. Harres, John W. Kulas, Joseph C. Rotenberry, Kenneth A. McKee, Lynn V. Hill, Mark L. Carlile, Richard C. Hickey, Charles M. Combs, Harold G. Burkett, Jr.
  • Transferring a stack from a cartridge
    Patent number: 5993132
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a stack of flat articles from a cartridge. The method and apparatus are adapted for use in connection with a method and apparatus for automatically stacking mail into cartridges in output compartments of a sorting machine, robotically transferring filled cartridges from the output compartments to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Electrocom L.P.
    Inventors: Luiz C. Harres, John W. Kulas, Joseph C. Rotenberry, Kenneth A. McKee, Lynn V. Hill, Mark L. Carlile
  • Method and apparatus for jogging and edging of mail and other flat articles
    Patent number: 5947468
    Abstract: An improved device for edging flat products is provided having a plurality of spaced apart generally upstanding fingers, the fingers being forwardly translatable with a group of flat products between them. Each of the fingers is rockable back and forth across a vertical centerline as the fingers are forwardly translated to jostle the flat products, thereby to align the bottom edges of the flat products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Electrocom L.P.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. McKee, Harold G. Burkett, Jr.