Patents by Inventor Michael Thomas Charlton

Michael Thomas Charlton 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: 10836050
    Abstract: A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton
  • Publication number: 20190009416
    Abstract: A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Applicant: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton
  • Patent number: 10105855
    Abstract: A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton
  • Patent number: 9981391
    Abstract: A modular tooling receiver includes a housing having a wall and a port, and an engaging member movably disposed in the port. A lock actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position. The release lever is connected to the housing and is engageable with the lock actuator for causing movement of the lock actuator from the first position toward the second position. An anti-release mechanism is connected to the release lever and is movable between an engaged position, in which the anti-release mechanism engages the housing to restrain movement of the release lever to prevent movement of the lock actuator from the first position to the second position, and a disengaged position, in which the anti-release mechanism disengages the housing to allow movement of the release lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton
  • Publication number: 20170232620
    Abstract: A modular tooling receiver includes a housing having a wall and a port, and an engaging member movably disposed in the port. A lock actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position. The release lever is connected to the housing and is engageable with the lock actuator for causing movement of the lock actuator from the first position toward the second position. An anti-release mechanism is connected to the release lever and is movable between an engaged position, in which the anti-release mechanism engages the housing to restrain movement of the release lever to prevent movement of the lock actuator from the first position to the second position, and a disengaged position, in which the anti-release mechanism disengages the housing to allow movement of the release lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton
  • Publication number: 20160236357
    Abstract: A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element that biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper that controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton
  • Publication number: 20160116919
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a mechanical coupler portion and a pneumatic detection valve that is connected to the mechanical coupler portion, connectable to a source of pressurized air, and is moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the pneumatic detection valve prevents communication of the pressurized air with atmosphere in the first position, prevents communication of the pressurized air with atmosphere in the second position, and leaks the pressurized air to atmosphere when in an intermediate position between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Charlton, Prabath Wijesekara Arachchige
  • Publication number: 20090297319
    Abstract: A composite support arm for an automated handling device includes an elongated tubular body having an outer metal layer and an inner fibrous reinforcement layer adjacent to the outer metal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton
  • Patent number: D898879
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Kalb, Michael Thomas Charlton