Patents by Inventor Paul Konrath

Paul Konrath 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: 11505288
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes acquiring positional information regarding a pallet being translated on a conveyance system with an encoding sensor disposed proximate to the conveyance system. The method also includes receiving, with at least one processor, the positional information from the encoding sensor. Further, the method includes determining timing information using the positional information. The timing information corresponds to when a substrate disposed on the pallet will be in a print zone of a print head. The method further includes controlling the print head to print on the substrate when the substrate is in the print zone and passing beneath the print head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy Kucaba, Paul Konrath, Jared Herring
  • Publication number: 20210316824
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes acquiring positional information regarding a pallet being translated on a conveyance system with an encoding sensor disposed proximate to the conveyance system. The method also includes receiving, with at least one processor, the positional information from the encoding sensor. Further, the method includes determining timing information using the positional information. The timing information corresponds to when a substrate disposed on the pallet will be in a print zone of a print head. The method further includes controlling the print head to print on the substrate when the substrate is in the print zone and passing beneath the print head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy Kucaba, Paul Konrath, Jared Herring
  • Patent number: 11072398
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes a print head, a conveyance system, an encoding sensor, and at least one processor. The print head defines a print zone, and is configured to print on objects within the print zone. The conveyance system passes through the print zone, and is configured to translate a pallet through the print zone. The encoding sensor is disposed proximate to the conveyance system, and is configured to be oriented toward the pallet and to acquire positional information regarding the pallet. The at least one processor is operably coupled to the print head and the encoding sensor, and is configured to: receive the positional information from the encoding sensor; determine timing information corresponding to when a substrate disposed on the pallet will be in the print zone; and control the print head to print on the substrate when the substrate is in the print zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Tracy Kucaba, Paul Konrath, Jared Herring
  • Publication number: 20180043971
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes a print head, a conveyance system, an encoding sensor, and at least one processor. The print head defines a print zone, and is configured to print on objects within the print zone. The conveyance system passes through the print zone, and is configured to translate a pallet through the print zone. The encoding sensor is disposed proximate to the conveyance system, and is configured to be oriented toward the pallet and to acquire positional information regarding the pallet. The at least one processor is operably coupled to the print head and the encoding sensor, and is configured to: receive the positional information from the encoding sensor; determine timing information corresponding to when a substrate disposed on the pallet will be in the print zone; and control the print head to print on the substrate when the substrate is in the print zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy Kucaba, Paul Konrath, Jared Herring