Patents by Inventor L. Foster
L. Foster 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: 20240394808Abstract: A multi-tenant, cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) manufacturing platform offers a variety of industrial applications to end customers-including but not limited to MES, ERP, quality management, supply chain management, and customer relationship management (CRM)—and implements associated architectural features that address a number of issues relating to data sharing, security, scalability, and other concerns.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2023Publication date: November 28, 2024Inventors: Daniel A. Vanbrocklin, Matthew G. White, Joshua Searles, Andrew M. Wilber, Jason W. Malzahn, Alex G. Castle, Scott A. Gaskins, Michael J. Pantaleano, Jerry L. Foster
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Publication number: 20240394719Abstract: A multi-tenant, cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) manufacturing platform offers a variety of industrial applications to end customers—including but not limited to MES, ERP, quality management, supply chain management, and customer relationship management (CRM)—and implements associated architectural features that address a number of issues relating to data sharing, security, scalability, and other concerns.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2023Publication date: November 28, 2024Inventors: Daniel A. Vanbrocklin, Matthew G. White, Joshua Searles, Andrew M. Wilber, Jason W. Malzahn, Alex G. Castle, Scott A. Gaskins, Michael J. Pantaleano, Jerry L. Foster
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Publication number: 20240327178Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for receiving a part from another system. An apparatus includes a platform configured to receive a first part and a second part to be unloaded from another apparatus. The apparatus further includes a first guide member and a second guide member. The first guide member and the second guide member are configured to engage with, respectively, a first engaging member and a second engaging member on another apparatus and enable the first part and the second part to be unloaded. The first guide member and the second guide member may be configured to contact, respectively, the first engaging member and the second engaging member to actuate a first gate member connected to the first engaging member and a second gate member connected to the second engaging member to move to open positions to enable the first part and the second part to be released.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2023Publication date: October 3, 2024Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Lloyd R. Holland, Scottie L. Foster, Bradley J. Garcia, Michael C. Greenlee, Jeffrey L. James, Annetta L. Allen, Ronnie G. Kiser, JR., Andrew B. Novian
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Publication number: 20240307962Abstract: A three-dimensional metal printing process includes forming a melt mix of a thermoplastic curable polymer resin with particles of metal, ceramic, or both. The melt mix is fed into an extruder forming a composite filament mixture. The composite filament mixture is fed into a fused filament fabrication printer configured to deposit layers onto a printing surface for building a desired shape. The layers of the composite filament form a green part and are cured by a UV source as the layers are deposited. A thermal de-binding of the green part occurs to remove the thermoplastic cured polymer resin and allows the mixture of metal or ceramic particles to set and hold shape as a metal skeleton structure. The metal skeleton is then sintered forming a metal part.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2024Publication date: September 19, 2024Applicant: 3DFoundri, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth L Foster, Hoa Xuan Nguyen
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Publication number: 20240308764Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for delivering a part to another system. An apparatus includes a platform. The platform includes a plurality of holding stations configured to hold a plurality of parts to be delivered to another system. The plurality of holding stations include at least a first holding station and a second holding station. The apparatus further includes a first gate member and a second gate member. The first gate member is coupled to the first holding station and a first engaging member and is configured to move to an open position when the first engaging member is engaged with a first guide member coupled to another apparatus. The second gate member is coupled to the second holding station and a second engaging member and is configured to move to an open position when the second engaging member is engaged with a second guide member coupled to another apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2023Publication date: September 19, 2024Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Lloyd R. Holland, Scottle L. Foster, Bradley J. Garcia, Michael C. Greenlee, Jeffrey L. James, Annetta L. Allen, Ronnie G. Kiser, JR., Andrew B. Novian
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Publication number: 20240268984Abstract: A head and arm restraint support cuff for shifting individuals from one location to another is disclosed. The support cuff comprises a head loop or upper large loop connected with one or more arm loops or lower smaller loops for receiving the head and wrist of any individual. Further, the support cuff is an adjustable support cuff. The adjustable support cuff includes a padding with an adjustable strap. The padding further includes one or more insertion clips and pull loops at each end. The adjustable strap is pulled through the insertion clips to increase or decrease the overall length of the padding. Further, one or more receiver clips are attached to the hand loops to accommodate the hands of any individual. The receiver clips are attached facing upwards for receiving the insertion clips. Further, the support cuff is made of any kind of flexible or elastic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2023Publication date: August 15, 2024Inventors: Herbert W Rock, Denise L. Foster, Mary A. Foster
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Patent number: 12060097Abstract: A delivery dolly includes a carousel that is rotatably mounted on a support column. The carousel includes a recess on an underside of the carousel. A locking mechanism is biased toward a locked position. The locking mechanism includes a locking wheel on which the carousel rotates until the carousel reaches a preselected angular position. The recess aligns with the locking wheel at the preselected angular position and, due to a bias force, the locking wheel extends into the recess to inhibit rotation of the carousel until the carousel is spun manually, forcing the carousel to rotate and the locking wheel to retract until the locking wheel encounters the recess again.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2022Date of Patent: August 13, 2024Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Scottie L. Foster, Bradley J. Garcia, Lloyd R. Holland, Michael C. Greenlee, Annetta L. Allen, Johnny O. Boarman, IV, Jeffrey L. James
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Patent number: 12039504Abstract: Methods and systems for remote check deposit are disclosed. A check image captured by an image capture device of a mobile device in response to receiving a user actuation causing the image capture device to capture the check image is received. The mobile device is caused to perform optical character recognition (OCR) on the check image to generate OCR data. The OCR data generated from the check image is verified to determine whether it includes required predetermined check data to process the check for remote deposit. The OCR data is provided to a financial institution server for validation processing. In response to receiving a confirmation from a user, the check image is provided to the financial instruction server with instructions to process the check for remote deposit. The mobile device receives a deposit receipt notification from the financial institution server after the check is deposited.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2023Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: U.S. Bank National AssociationInventors: Marlen L. Foster, Connie K. Yung, Vijay Narayanan, Raj M. Bharadwaj, Soumitri Naga Kolavennu, Jessica G. Winberg, Balasubramanian Narayanan, Hima Rama Subrahmanyam Vishnubhotla
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Publication number: 20240227154Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering a work part to an assembly line worker using a dolly assembly in a first configuration and retrieving the work part from the dolly assembly by the assembly line work while the dolly assembly is in a second configuration. According to some embodiments, a dolly assembly is provided comprising a base assembly having a support member and a mobility mechanism, the support member positioned obliquely with respect to a horizontal plane. The dolly assembly also includes a part-carrying member rotationally connected to the support member and having a part-holding structure for receiving a work part. The part-carrying member extends downward at an angle below the horizontal plane when in a first configuration, and extends upward from at an angle above the horizontal plane when in a second configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2022Publication date: July 11, 2024Applicants: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: LLOYD R. HOLLAND, SCOTTIE L. FOSTER, BRADLEY J. GARCIA, MICHAEL C. GREENLEE, JEFFREY L. JAMES, ANNETTA L. ALLEN, JOHNNY O. BOARMAN 4TH, DAVID A. LAJOICE
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Patent number: 11987453Abstract: A method of automatically moving a dolly apparatus from an initial location to a downstream location is provided. The method includes engaging a component being carried along an elevated conveyor with a synchronization arm of a dolly apparatus such that the dolly apparatus moves with the component. The dolly apparatus includes a base frame and an actuation member movably mounted to the base frame. A synchronization arm is movably mounted to a top of the base frame. The actuation member is operatively connected to the synchronization arm such that actuating the actuation member lowers the synchronization arm to a disengaged position. The actuation member is actuated thereby lowering the synchronization arm to a disengaged position and releasing the component.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2022Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Scottie L. Foster, Bradley J. Garcia, Lloyd R. Holland, Michael C. Greenlee, Annetta L. Allen, Johnny O. Boarman, IV, Jeffrey L. James
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Patent number: 11987459Abstract: A method of transporting a vehicle engine wire harness from a component preparation location to a component pick location is provided. The method includes placing the vehicle engine wire harness on a hook of a component hanger. The component hanger with vehicle engine wire harness is directed along a supply track assembly through a heated enclosure to the component pick location at a vehicle assembly line.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2020Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Lloyd R. Holland, Bradley J. Garcia, Scottie L. Foster, Michael C. Greenlee, Eric F. Cornett, Randall L. Johnson, Michael P. Meyer, Steven R. Johnson
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Publication number: 20240151837Abstract: A method of calibrating a light-curtain system of an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) is provided. The method includes providing a scanner set at a height above a ground surface and outputting a laser scanning beam downwardly reflect from at least one mirror; providing and/or determining initial mirror angles, mirror positions, and lidar height; calculating a lidar height from scanner data; determining a gradient vector as a byproduct of the lidar height calculating; adjusting mirror angles, mirror positions, and lidar height in a direction opposite of the gradient vector; assessing of the adjusted mirror angles, mirror positions, and lidar height are equal to or less than thresholds; and if so, storing the mirror angles, mirror positions, and lidar height and/or values representing a ground plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2023Publication date: May 9, 2024Inventor: Erich L. Foster
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Publication number: 20240131680Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering a work part to an assembly line worker using a dolly assembly in a first configuration and retrieving the work part from the dolly assembly by the assembly line work while the dolly assembly is in a second configuration. According to some embodiments, a dolly assembly is provided comprising a base assembly having a support member and a mobility mechanism, the support member positioned obliquely with respect to a horizontal plane. The dolly assembly also includes a part-carrying member rotationally connected to the support member and having a part-holding structure for receiving a work part. The part-carrying member extends downward at an angle below the horizontal plane when in a first configuration, and extends upward from at an angle above the horizontal plane when in a second configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2022Publication date: April 25, 2024Applicants: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: LLOYD R. HOLLAND, SCOTTIE L. FOSTER, BRADLEY J. GARCIA, MICHAEL C. GREENLEE, JEFFREY L. JAMES, ANNETTA L. ALLEN, JOHNNY O. BOARMAN 4TH, DAVID A. LAJOICE
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Patent number: 11963523Abstract: A fly trap configured to contact a window surface includes a frame and a cover. The frame includes a top surface and a bottom surface. A portion of the bottom surface is configured to contact the window surface, and the frame defines an interior and an ingress for permitting flies to enter the interior from a side of the frame. The cover includes an adhesive fly capture surface configured to face the window surface and attach the cover to the top surface of the frame. The cover enclosing the interior at the top surface of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.Inventors: Ervin Kovacs, Alan L. Vaudry, Mark L. Foster, John H. Borden
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Publication number: 20230356961Abstract: A method of automatically moving a dolly apparatus from an initial location to a downstream location is provided. The method includes engaging a component being carried along an elevated conveyor with a synchronization arm of a dolly apparatus such that the dolly apparatus moves with the component. The dolly apparatus includes a base frame and an actuation member movably mounted to the base frame. A synchronization arm is movably mounted to a top of the base frame. The actuation member is operatively connected to the synchronization arm such that actuating the actuation member lowers the synchronization arm to a disengaged position. The actuation member is actuated thereby lowering the synchronization arm to a disengaged position and releasing the component.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2022Publication date: November 9, 2023Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Scottie L. Foster, Bradley J. Garcia, Lloyd R. Holland, Michael C. Greenlee, Annetta L. Allen, Johnny O. Boarman, IV, Jeffrey L. James
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Publication number: 20230347955Abstract: A delivery dolly includes a carousel that is rotatably mounted on a support column. The carousel includes a recess on an underside of the carousel. A locking mechanism is biased toward a locked position. The locking mechanism includes a locking wheel on which the carousel rotates until the carousel reaches a preselected angular position. The recess aligns with the locking wheel at the preselected angular position and, due to a bias force, the locking wheel extends into the recess to inhibit rotation of the carousel until the carousel is spun manually, forcing the carousel to rotate and the locking wheel to retract until the locking wheel encounters the recess again.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Scottie L. Foster, Bradley J. Garcia, Lloyd R. Holland, Michael C. Greenlee, Annetta L. Allen, Johnny O. Boarman, IV, Jeffrey L. James
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Publication number: 20230312979Abstract: The disclosure relates to brush compositions for magnetic field-assisted finishing (MAF). In particular, the disclosure relates to brush compositions for MAF including a carrier fluid, optionally a solid lubricant dispersed in the carrier fluid, abrasive particles dispersed in the carrier fluid, and magnetic particles dispersed in the carrier fluid. The solid lubricant can be in the form of solid lubricant nanoplatelets or other nanoparticles. The disclosure also relates to systems, methods, and uses of the brush composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2021Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: Haseung Chung, Patrick Kwon, Kenneth L. Foster
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Publication number: 20230072292Abstract: This invention provides a catalyst composition characterized in that the catalyst composition comprises one or more rare earth oxophosphorus components.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2020Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Min Li, Edward L. Foster
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Publication number: 20220194759Abstract: A method of transporting a vehicle engine wire harness from a component preparation location to a component pick location is provided. The method includes placing the vehicle engine wire harness on a hook of a component hanger. The component hanger with vehicle engine wire harness is directed along a supply track assembly through a heated enclosure to the component pick location at a vehicle assembly line.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2020Publication date: June 23, 2022Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Lloyd R. Holland, Bradley J. Garcia, Scottie L. Foster, Michael C. Greenlee, Eric F. Cornett, Randall L. Johnson, Michael P. Meyer, Steven R. Johnson
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Publication number: 20220174930Abstract: A fly trap configured to contact a window surface includes a frame and a cover. The frame includes a top surface and a bottom surface. A portion of the bottom surface is configured to contact the window surface, and the frame defines an interior and an ingress for permitting flies to enter the interior from a side of the frame. The cover includes an adhesive fly capture surface configured to face the window surface and attach the cover to the top surface of the frame. The cover enclosing the interior at the top surface of the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2021Publication date: June 9, 2022Inventors: Ervin Kovacs, Alan L. Vaudry, Mark L. Foster, John H. Borden