Patents by Inventor Michael J. Robb

Michael J. Robb 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: 11934212
    Abstract: A handheld computer device is configured to selectively receive a plurality of fluid output values from a paint sprayer and configured to operate in an accessible mode in which the handheld computer device is in a first location where wireless connectivity, via a continuous or near continuous communication path, to at least one of a network server or the paint sprayer is accessible or operate in an inaccessible mode in which the handheld computer device is in a second location out of range of the continuous or near continuous communication path to at least one of the network server or the paint sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Lange, Nicholas A. Pagano, Benjamin R. Godding, Mark T. Weinberger, Michael J. Mansheim, Nicholas H. Reath, Andrew J. Kopel, Daniel R. Johnson, Kevin C. Robb, Robert J. Gundersen
  • Patent number: 11934210
    Abstract: A handheld computer device is configured to selectively receive a plurality of fluid output values from a paint sprayer and configured to operate in an accessible mode in which the handheld computer device is in a first location where wireless connectivity, via a continuous or near continuous communication path, to at least one of a network server or the paint sprayer is accessible or operate in an inaccessible mode in which the handheld computer device is in a second location out of range of the continuous or near continuous communication path to at least one of the network server or the paint sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Lange, Nicholas A. Pagano, Benjamin R. Godding, Mark T. Weinberger, Michael J. Mansheim, Nicholas H. Reath, Andrew J. Kopel, Daniel R. Johnson, Kevin C. Robb, Robert J. Gundersen
  • Patent number: 11934211
    Abstract: A handheld computer device is configured to selectively receive a plurality of fluid output values from a paint sprayer and configured to operate in an accessible mode in which the handheld computer device is in a first location where wireless connectivity, via a continuous or near continuous communication path, to at least one of a network server or the paint sprayer is accessible or operate in an inaccessible mode in which the handheld computer device is in a second location out of range of the continuous or near continuous communication path to at least one of the network server or the paint sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Lange, Nicholas A. Pagano, Benjamin R. Godding, Mark T. Weinberger, Michael J. Mansheim, Nicholas H. Reath, Andrew J. Kopel, Daniel R. Johnson, Kevin C. Robb, Robert J. Gundersen
  • Patent number: 7643915
    Abstract: A diagnostic system allows a service technician to diagnose a malfunction that occurs during operation of a wheel alignment system after the malfunction has occurred and is no longer apparent. The system, which includes one or more cameras for gathering images of the alignment, gathers information in real time about the alignment of a plurality of wheels. The images include reflections from a target mounted on each wheel, and a processing system in communication with the cameras receives the images and generates analysis data based on them, the analysis data providing an analysis of the alignment of the wheels. A memory device stores the images and the analysis data, and a storage control causes the memory device to store the images and the analysis data in response to activation of the storage control by the operator during the occurrence of the malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Jackson, Michael J. Robb, Patrick B. O'Mahony
  • Patent number: 7254469
    Abstract: A system and a machine-implemented method for rendering, on a display device, a first data graph concerning data received from a first data source. A second data graph concerning data received from a second data source is rendered on the display device, and superimposed onto the first data graph to generate a superimposed data graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael J. Robb, William Welch, James Panko
  • Patent number: 7069660
    Abstract: In a machine vision system utilizing computer processing of image data, an imaging module incorporates the image sensor as well as pre-processing circuitry, for example, for performing a background subtraction and/or a gradient calculation. The pre-processing circuitry may also compress the image information. The host computer receives the pre-processed image data and performs all other calculations necessary to complete the machine vision application, for example, to determine one or more wheel alignment parameters of a subject vehicle. In a disclosed example useful for wheel alignment, the module also includes illumination elements, and the module circuitry provides associated camera control. The background subtraction, gradient calculation and associated compression require simpler, less expensive circuitry than for typical image pre-processing boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael J. Robb, Steve L. Glickman, Patrick Brendan O'Mahony, Manjula Gururaj, David A. Jackson, George M. Gill, Eric F. Bryan
  • Patent number: 6968282
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating machine vision measuring systems that have more than one camera are disclosed. A first calibration target is mounted in a fixed relationship to a first camera of the machine vision measuring system. A third camera mounted in a fixed relationship to a second camera of the machine vision measuring system. Second and third calibration targets are mounted in a fixed relationship to one another and viewable by the first camera and by the third camera. A data processor is programmed to compute calibration of the first camera and the second camera, based on a position of the second calibration target relative to the third calibration target and a position of the first camera with respect to the third camera. The apparatus and method provide a way to continuously measure the positions of the cameras used in the measuring system to calibrate the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Jackson, Michael J. Robb, Donald L. Walchuk
  • Patent number: 6959253
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating machine vision measuring systems that have more than one camera are disclosed. A first calibration target is mounted in a fixed relationship to a first camera of the machine vision measuring system. A third camera mounted in a fixed relationship to a second camera of the machine vision measuring system. Second and third calibration targets are mounted in a fixed relationship to one another and viewable by the first camera and by the third camera. A data processor is programmed to compute calibration of the first camera and the second camera, based on a position of the second calibration target relative to the third calibration target and based on a position of the first camera with respect to the third camera. The apparatus and method provide a way to continuously measure the positions of two or more cameras used in the measuring system, and to use such measurements to calibrate the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Jackson, Michael J. Robb, Donald L. Walchuk
  • Patent number: 6931340
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating machine vision measuring systems that have more than one camera are disclosed. A first calibration target is mounted in a fixed relationship to a first camera of the machine vision measuring system. A third camera mounted in a fixed relationship to a second camera of the machine vision measuring system. Second and third calibration targets are mounted in a fixed relationship to one another and viewable by the first camera and by the third camera. A data processor is programmed to compute calibration of the first camera and the second camera, based on a position of the second calibration target relative to the third calibration target and based on a position of the first camera with respect to the third camera. The apparatus and method provide a way to continuously measure the positions of two or more cameras used in the measuring system, and to use such measurements to calibrate the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Jackson, Michael J. Robb, Donald L. Walchuk
  • Patent number: 6871409
    Abstract: In a machine vision system utilizing computer processing of image data, an imaging module incorporates the image sensor as well as pre-processing circuitry, for example, for performing a background subtraction and/or a gradient calculation. The pre-processing circuitry may also compress the image information. The host computer receives the pre-processed image data and performs all other calculations necessary to complete the machine vision application, for example, to determine one or more wheel alignment parameters of a subject vehicle. In a disclosed example useful for wheel alignment, the module also includes illumination elements, and the module circuitry provides associated camera control. The background subtraction, gradient calculation and associated compression require simpler, less expensive circuitry than for typical image pre-processing boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael J. Robb, Steve L. Glickman, Patrick Brendan O'Mahony, Manjula Gururaj, David A. Jackson, George M. Gill, Eric F. Bryan
  • Publication number: 20040128844
    Abstract: In a machine vision system utilizing computer processing of image data, an imaging module incorporates the image sensor as well as pre-processing circuitry, for example, for performing a background subtraction and/or a gradient calculation. The pre-processing circuitry may also compress the image information. The host computer receives the pre-processed image data and performs all other calculations necessary to complete the machine vision application, for example, to determine one or more wheel alignment parameters of a subject vehicle. In a disclosed example useful for wheel alignment, the module also includes illumination elements, and the module circuitry provides associated camera control. The background subtraction, gradient calculation and associated compression require simpler, less expensive circuitry than for typical image pre-processing boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. Robb, Steve L. Glickman, Patrick Brendan O'Mahony, Manjula Gururaj, David A. Jackson, George M. Gill, Eric F. Bryan
  • Publication number: 20030225536
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating machine vision measuring systems that have more than one camera are disclosed. A first calibration target is mounted in a fixed relationship to a first camera of the machine vision measuring system. A third camera mounted in a fixed relationship to a second camera of the machine vision measuring system. Second and third calibration targets are mounted in a fixed relationship to one another and viewable by the first camera and by the third camera. A data processor is programmed to compute calibration of the first camera and the second camera, based on a position of the second calibration target relative to the third calibration target and based on a position of the first camera with respect to the third camera. The apparatus and method provide a way to continuously measure the positions of two or more cameras used in the measuring system, and to use such measurements to calibrate the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Jackson, Michael J. Robb, Donald L. Walchuk
  • Publication number: 20030065466
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating machine vision measuring systems that have more than one camera are disclosed. A first calibration target is mounted in a fixed relationship to a first camera of the machine vision measuring system. A third camera mounted in a fixed relationship to a second camera of the machine vision measuring system. Second and third calibration targets are mounted in a fixed relationship to one another and viewable by the first camera and by the third camera. A data processor is programmed to compute calibration of the first camera and the second camera, based on a position of the second calibration target relative to the third calibration target and based on a position of the first camera with respect to the third camera. The apparatus and method provide a way to continuously measure the positions of two or more cameras used in the measuring system, and to use such measurements to calibrate the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Jackson, Michael J. Robb, Donald L. Walchuk