Patents by Inventor Michael Schwarzbauer
Michael Schwarzbauer 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: 9517492Abstract: A transporting device transports objects in a transport direction from a loading region to an unloading region. The device includes a first conveying unit and a second conveying unit which are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction. Efficient unloading of the objects from the transporting device is achieved by providing a separating device between the first and second conveying units. The separating device is configured to separate the objects into at least two object groups dependent on at least one object property.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2014Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Schwarzbauer, Rainer Vogel, Bertram Wanner, Rolf Wiehler
-
Publication number: 20160016204Abstract: A transporting device transports objects in a transport direction from a loading region to an unloading region. The device includes a first conveying unit and a second conveying unit which are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction. Efficient unloading of the objects from the transporting device is achieved by providing a separating device between the first and second conveying units. The separating device is configured to separate the objects into at least two object groups dependent on at least one object property.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2014Publication date: January 21, 2016Inventors: MICHAEL SCHWARZBAUER, RAINER VOGEL, BERTRAM WANNER, ROLF WIEHLER
-
Patent number: 8215475Abstract: An apparatus and method separate flat articles, in particular flat mail consignments, and have built-in wear compensation. The apparatus possesses a transport element, a retention element, a displaceable mounted base and a range sensor. Either the transport element or the retention element is mounted on the base. The other element is mounted fixedly. The transport element is moved in relation to the retention element, with the result that overlapping articles are drawn apart from one another. The range sensor measures the length of a section from a fixed point to such a surface of the transport element which comes into contact with articles. In dependence on the measured section length, the base is displaced in such a way that the displacement of the base compensates for abrasion of the transport element.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Michael Schwarzbauer
-
Patent number: 8113337Abstract: An apparatus and a method separate flat objects, including flat mail items. The apparatus has a first and a second separator. Each separator extends a plurality of overlapping objects in a direction parallel to the object planes. The second separator has a transport element and a retaining element. The second separator can be operated optionally in a separating mode, in which it is capable of separating objects, and a transport mode. An overlap detection device checks whether an item which is transported by the second separator contains a single object or a plurality of overlapping objects. The overlap detection device measures the respective length of the transported item at at least two instants. If the length changes, the item contains a plurality of overlapping objects. If a plurality of objects has been detected, the second separator is switched over into the separating mode and it separates the objects.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Holger Schererz, Michael Schwarzbauer, Frank Voss
-
Patent number: 7976010Abstract: A device for singulating overlapping flat mailings in an upright position in a path of travel has several singulating sections arranged along the path of travel. Each singulating section has conveyor belts spaced apart from each other and above each other and transporting the mailings. At an opposite side of the path of travel, each singulating section has retaining elements acting on the mailings with a friction force and at a height between the conveyor belts. A speed of travel of the conveyor belts in each singulating section is higher than the speed of travel of the conveyor belts of the respective singulating section upstream in the direction of travel. Further, individually mounted deflection rollers of the conveyor belts of both adjacent singulating sections are arranged at different heights along a common axis at each transition between the singulating sections.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2004Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Erich Grögor, Hauke Lübben, Michael Schwarzbauer
-
Publication number: 20110048896Abstract: An apparatus and method separate flat articles, in particular flat mail consignments, and have built-in wear compensation. The apparatus possesses a transport element, a retention element, a displaceable mounted base and a range sensor. Either the transport element or the retention element is mounted on the base. The other element is mounted fixedly. The transport element is moved in relation to the retention element, with the result that overlapping articles are drawn apart from one another. The range sensor measures the length of a section from a fixed point to such a surface of the transport element which comes into contact with articles. In dependence on the measured section length, the base is displaced in such a way that the displacement of the base compensates for abrasion of the transport element.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: MICHAEL SCHWARZBAUER
-
Publication number: 20110048892Abstract: An apparatus and a method separate flat objects, including flat mail items. The apparatus has a first and a second separator. Each separator extends a plurality of overlapping objects in a direction parallel to the object planes. The second separator has a transport element and a retaining element. The second separator can be operated optionally in a separating mode, in which it is capable of separating objects, and a transport mode. An overlap detection device checks whether an item which is transported by the second separator contains a single object or a plurality of overlapping objects. The overlap detection device measures the respective length of the transported item at at least two instants. If the length changes, the item contains a plurality of overlapping objects. If a plurality of objects has been detected, the second separator is switched over into the separating mode and it separates the objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: HOLGER SCHERERZ, MICHAEL SCHWARZBAUER, FRANK VOSS
-
Publication number: 20110048895Abstract: An apparatus for singulating flat items has a first separator and a second separator. The two separators are connected in series. The apparatus is configured in such a way that each object to be separated first of all runs through the first separator and then through the second separator. Each separator is configured for extending a plurality of objects, which partially overlap, in each case in a perpendicular extending plane and separating them as a result. A lateral offset is set between the two separators. As a result, a spacing also occurs between the two extending planes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: HOLGER SCHERERZ, MICHAEL SCHWARZBAUER, FRANK VOSS
-
Patent number: 7832721Abstract: A method for separating objects from a stack in a stream of objects, in which the objects are removed from the stack with a removal device, and overlapping objects are separated from one another with a separating device. To achieve reliable separation with a low double removal rate, a plurality of traction devices grip both sides of the removed object and are driven in the transport direction at different forward driving speeds.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Oliver Kutzer, Hauke Lübben, Michael Schwarzbauer
-
Patent number: 7748709Abstract: A device for aligning flat objects, in particular mail items, has a base face, a side wall, and at least one spindle thread, which is let into the base face. The spindle thread is embodied to transport flat objects lying on the base face in a conveyance direction, thereby pushing them against the side wall. The spindle thread has at least one aligning region. Each aligning region is subdivided respectively into a decompression segment and a compression segment. The pitch of the spindle thread increases along the conveyance direction in each decompression segment and decreases in each compression segment.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Michael Schwarzbauer
-
Patent number: 7731014Abstract: Disclosed is a device for conveying a stack of flat objects, in particular a stack of mail items, in a conveyance direction. The conveyor device comprises a base face, a side wall, which is perpendicular to the base face, a base face conveyor facility let into the base face and a side wall conveyor facility let into the side wall. The side wall is divided into two partial side walls. The rear partial side wall—viewed in the conveyance direction—is offset outward in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction in relation to the front partial side wall. The side wall conveyor facility is let into the rear partial side wall. The base face conveyor facility is embodied to exert a force on the objects, which moves the objects toward the side wall conveyor facility.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Berdelle-Hilge, Peter Enenkel, Michael Schwarzbauer
-
Patent number: 7703769Abstract: A device for separating overlapping, flat items of mail in an upright position in a transport path has separating sections arranged in the transport path and having transport belts. A stationary retaining strip running over a length of all separating sections is attached on the transport path on a side opposite the transport belt and operates on the mail items with friction force. Pressure elements for pressing the retaining strip onto transported mail items are distributed over a length of the retaining strip. Each pressure element comprises a coupling lever, pressure rollers and an elastic belt loop. The belt loop is attached a back of the retaining strip, and guided via the pressure rollers on ends of the coupling lever running in longitudinal direction of the retaining strip. The coupling lever is displaceably supported on a pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Michael Schwarzbauer
-
Patent number: 7644915Abstract: A device for withdrawing flat items of mail from a decollating section includes conveyor belts, and guide rollers. The conveyor belts extend around guide rollers and act unilaterally upon upright items of mail. The guide rollers are individually mounted, and, at an exit of the decollating section, are rotatably disposed jointly with transfer rollers of an adjoining transfer region, which are driven independently of the conveyor belts on a common guide axle. On a side of the conveying path pressure rollers are provided at a level of the transfer rollers, which press the items against the transfer rollers. The pressure rollers are mounted pivotably at a locally fixed fulcrum, which is situated in withdrawal direction upstream thereof and laterally offset from a conveying channel, and in which rollers driven synchronously with the transfer rollers are rotatably mounted. Belts forming an inlet extend over the pressure rollers and the driven rollers.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Schwarzbauer, Oliver Kutzer
-
Publication number: 20090218751Abstract: A method for separating objects from a stack in a stream of objects, in which the objects are removed from the stack with a removal device, and overlapping objects are separated from one another with a separating device. To achieve reliable separation with a low double removal rate, a plurality of traction devices grip both sides of the removed object and are driven in the transport direction at different forward driving speeds.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIEGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Oliver Kutzer, Hauke Lubben, Michael Schwarzbauer
-
Publication number: 20090189332Abstract: An apparatus for separating overlapping parcels in a vertical position has separating sections arranged along a transport path immediately behind one another, and a drive controller for the separating sections. Drives of those separating sections, in which the most advanced upstream parcel is located are stopped immediately as soon as its front edge is detected in a reception position and a slip-free further transport is securely guaranteed. Number and length of the separating sections are selected in accordance with the range of parcel lengths and the rated transport speed so that a subsequent parcel located at a minimum gap distance is not yet located in the upstream rearmost stopped separating section. The drive of each stopped separating section is started again as soon as the rear edge of the preceding parcel has left this separating section or as soon as the subsequent parcel is located before a free separating section.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2005Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Schwarzbauer, Hauke Luebben, Oliver Kutzer
-
Patent number: 7537207Abstract: In a device for singulating vertically positioned flat mailings from a stack of mail, at least two discharge rockers are disposed on top of one another, wherein the discharge rockers are adjacent to revolving second discharge belts that are arranged in a fixed manner along the path of travel. A supporting element in relation to which the stack of mail is aligned ends at a defined distance from the undeflected discharge rockers. A flexible, elongated retaining element is arranged in a resiliently pressed manner from the end of the supporting element to the beginning of the second discharge belts located downstream of the discharge rockers and further on to the discharge rockers and to further discharge belts of successive singulating stages. The distance of the supporting element from the leading end of the second discharge belts relative to the direction of travel is greater than the maximum permissible length of a mailing.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Oliver Kutzer, Hauke Lübben, Michael Schwarzbauer
-
Publication number: 20090032369Abstract: Disclosed is a device for conveying a stack of flat objects, in particular a stack of mail items, in a conveyance direction. The conveyor device comprises a base face, a side wall, which is perpendicular to the base face, a base face conveyor facility let into the base face and a side wall conveyor facility let into the side wall. The side wall is divided into two partial side walls. The rear partial side wall—viewed in the conveyance direction—is offset outward in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction in relation to the front partial side wall. The side wall conveyor facility is let into the rear partial side wall. The base face conveyor facility is embodied to exert a force on the objects, which moves the objects toward the side wall conveyor facility.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Peter Berdelle-Hilge, Peter Enenkel, Michael Schwarzbauer
-
Publication number: 20090026698Abstract: A device for aligning flat objects, in particular mail items, has a base face, a side wall, and at least one spindle thread, which is let into the base face. The spindle thread is embodied to transport flat objects lying on the base face in a conveyance direction, thereby pushing them against the side wall. The spindle thread has at least one aligning region. Each aligning region is subdivided respectively into a decompression segment and a compression segment. The pitch of the spindle thread increases along the conveyance direction in each decompression segment and decreases in each compression segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Michael Schwarzbauer
-
Publication number: 20090008863Abstract: A device for withdrawing flat items of mail from a decollating section includes conveyor belts, and guide rollers. The conveyor belts extend around guide rollers and act unilaterally upon upright items of mail. The guide rollers are individually mounted, and, at an exit of the decollating section, are rotatably disposed jointly with transfer rollers of an adjoining transfer region, which are driven independently of the conveyor belts on a common guide axle. On a side of the conveying path pressure rollers are provided at a level of the transfer rollers, which press the items against the transfer rollers. The pressure rollers are mounted pivotably at a locally fixed fulcrum, which is situated in withdrawal direction upstream thereof and laterally offset from a conveying channel, and in which rollers driven synchronously with the transfer rollers are rotatably mounted. Belts forming an inlet extend over the pressure rollers and the driven rollers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2005Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventors: Michael Schwarzbauer, Oliver Kutzer
-
Publication number: 20080237971Abstract: A device for separating overlapping, flat items of mail in an upright position in a transport path has separating sections arranged in the transport path and having transport belts. A stationary retaining strip running over a length of all separating sections is attached on the transport path on a side opposite the transport belt and operates on the mail items with friction force. Pressure elements for pressing the retaining strip onto transported mail items are distributed over a length of the retaining strip. Each pressure element comprises a coupling lever, pressure rollers and an elastic belt loop. The belt loop is attached a back of the retaining strip, and guided via the pressure rollers on ends of the coupling lever running in longitudinal direction of the retaining strip. The coupling lever is displaceably supported on a pivot axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2006Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Michael Schwarzbauer