Patents by Inventor Ralph McCann

Ralph McCann 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).

  • Publication number: 20180325342
    Abstract: A cleaning device may include a solution tank configured to store cleaning solution. The device delivers the cleaning solution from a pump discharge of the cleaning device to a flow meter. The device initiates a priming mode by opening a first valve associated with a bypass line of the device, closing a second valve associated with a cleaning head of the cleaning device, and delivering the cleaning solution from a discharge of the flow meter to the inlet of the solution tank through the bypass line. When the device is primed, it initiates cleaning by closing the first valve associated with the bypass line, opening the second valve associated with the cleaning head, and delivering the cleaning solution to the cleaning head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen J. Balas, Stephen D. Herr, Henry L. Hillman, JR., Victor C. Huang, Ralph McCann, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 10034590
    Abstract: A cleaning device may include a solution tank configured to store cleaning solution. The device delivers the cleaning solution from a pump discharge of the cleaning device to a flow meter. The device initiates a priming mode by opening a first valve associated with a bypass line of the device, closing a second valve associated with a cleaning head of the cleaning device, and delivering the cleaning solution from a discharge of the flow meter to the inlet of the solution tank through the bypass line. When the device is primed, it initiates cleaning by closing the first valve associated with the bypass line, opening the second valve associated with the cleaning head, and delivering the cleaning solution to the cleaning head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Balas, Stephen D. Herr, Henry L. Hillman, Jr., Victor Chi-Chih Huang, Ralph McCann, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20180140153
    Abstract: A cleaning device may include a solution tank configured to store cleaning solution. The device delivers the cleaning solution from a pump discharge of the cleaning device to a flow meter. The device initiates a priming mode by opening a first valve associated with a bypass line of the device, closing a second valve associated with a cleaning head of the cleaning device, and delivering the cleaning solution from a discharge of the flow meter to the inlet of the solution tank through the bypass line. When the device is primed, it initiates cleaning by closing the first valve associated with the bypass line, opening the second valve associated with the cleaning head, and delivering the cleaning solution to the cleaning head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen J. Balas, Stephen D. Herr, Henry L. Hillman, JR., Victor Chi-Chih Huang, Ralph McCann, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9895041
    Abstract: A cleaning device may include a solution tank configured to store cleaning solution. The device delivers the cleaning solution from a pump discharge of the cleaning device to a flow meter. The device initiates a priming mode by opening a first valve associated with a bypass line of the device, closing a second valve associated with a cleaning head of the cleaning device, and delivering the cleaning solution from a discharge of the flow meter to the inlet of the solution tank through the bypass line. When the device is primed, it initiates cleaning by closing the first valve associated with the bypass line, opening the second valve associated with the cleaning head, and delivering the cleaning solution to the cleaning head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Balas, Stephen D. Herr, Henry L. Hillman, Jr., Victor Chi-Chih Huang, Ralph McCann, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20180015398
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for preparing a fluidic cartridge for use in an analyzer device. In one non-limiting aspect, the present invention provides a method of preparing a fluidic cartridge for use in an analyzer device. The method may include controlling valves and a vacuum pump of a priming station to evacuate air from a fluidic cartridge loaded in the priming station. The method may include controlling the valves and the vacuum pump to draw priming fluid into sipper wells and channels of the loaded fluidic cartridge. In another non-limiting aspect, the present invention provides a priming station for preparing a fluidic cartridge for use in an analyzer device. The priming station may include a vacuum pump, a priming manifold assembly, and a controller. The priming manifold assembly may be configured to interface with a fluidic cartridge loaded in the priming station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Applicant: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Mull, Owen Lu, Eric Schneider, Collin Grimes, Jamie Kendall, Franklin Francis Regan, IV, Ralph McCann, Scott Sundberg, Makoto Ogusu, Sean Ison, Jared Spaniol, Shulin Zeng, Ivor Knight
  • Patent number: 9609991
    Abstract: A method of cleaning an area using an automatic cleaning device may include receiving, from a video camera, information associated with an edge located on a surface, determining, by an automatic cleaning device, a position of the automatic cleaning device on the surface relative to the edge and using the received information to move the automatic cleaning device from the determined position along a path so that the automatic cleaning device cleans the surface along the path. The path may be substantially parallel to the edge, and the edge may be located a distance from a reference point on the automatic cleaning device during movement of the automatic cleaning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry L. Hillman, Jr., David M. Knuth, Jr., Daniel M. Daly, Vinton Coffman, Ralph McCann, Stephen D. Herr, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20160360940
    Abstract: A method of causing a mobile robotic device, such as an automated cleaning device, to navigate an area includes using a video camera to collect visual information associated with an area in which a mobile robotic device is located. A system receives information from the video camera, wherein the information comprises a value associated with a detected color in the area. The system compares the value associated with the detected color to a value of a requested color, and the system determines whether the value associated with the detected color is within a tolerance range of the value of the requested color. If the value associated with the detected color is within a tolerance range of the value of the requested color, the system accepts the color. The system uses the received information to adjust a position of the mobile robotic device in the area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Henry L. Hillman, JR., David M. Knuth, JR., Daniel M. Daly, Vinton Coffman, Ralph McCann, Stephen D. Herr, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20150238060
    Abstract: A cleaning device may include a solution tank configured to store cleaning solution. The device delivers the cleaning solution from a pump discharge of the cleaning device to a flow meter. The device initiates a priming mode by opening a first valve associated with a bypass line of the device, closing a second valve associated with a cleaning head of the cleaning device, and delivering the cleaning solution from a discharge of the flow meter to the inlet of the solution tank through the bypass line. When the device is primed, it initiates cleaning by closing the first valve associated with the bypass line, opening the second valve associated with the cleaning head, and delivering the cleaning solution to the cleaning head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen J. Balas, Stephen D. Herr, Henry L. Hillman, JR., Victor Chi-Chih Huang, Ralph McCann, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9028617
    Abstract: A cleaning device may include a solution tank configured to store cleaning solution. The solution tank may include an inlet and an outlet. The cleaning device may include at least one discharge line filter in fluid communication with the solution tank and a pump having a pump intake and a pump discharge. The pump may be configured to direct cleaning solution from the solution tank outlet through the at least one discharge line filter. The cleaning device may include a cleaning head in fluid communication with the pump discharge and a bypass line in fluid communication with the pump discharge and the inlet. The bypass line may be configured to divert cleaning solution received from the pump discharge away from the cleaning head and toward the solution tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Balas, Stephen D. Herr, Henry L. Hillman, Jr., Victor Chi-Chih Huang, Ralph McCann, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140190518
    Abstract: A method of cleaning an area using an automatic cleaning device may include receiving, from a video camera, information associated with an edge located on a surface, determining, by an automatic cleaning device, a position of the automatic cleaning device on the surface relative to the edge and using the received information to move the automatic cleaning device from the determined position along a path so that the automatic cleaning device cleans the surface along the path. The path may be substantially parallel to the edge, and the edge may be located a distance from a reference point on the automatic cleaning device during movement of the automatic cleaning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Intellibot Robotics, LLC
    Inventors: Henry L. Hillman, JR., David M. Knuth, JR., Daniel M. Daly, Vinton Coffman, Ralph McCann, Stephen D. Herr, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8679260
    Abstract: A method of cleaning an area using an automatic cleaning device may include receiving, from a video camera, information associated with an edge located on a surface, determining, by an automatic cleaning device, a position of the automatic cleaning device on the surface relative to the edge and using the received information to move the automatic cleaning device from the determined position along a path so that the automatic cleaning device cleans the surface along the path. The path may be substantially parallel to the edge, and the edge may be located a distance from a reference point on the automatic cleaning device during movement of the automatic cleaning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Intellibot Robotics LLC
    Inventors: Henry L. Hillman, Jr., David M. Knuth, Jr., Daniel M. Daly, Vinton Coffman, Ralph McCann, Stephen D. Herr, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8423225
    Abstract: A method of navigating an area using a mobile robotic device may include receiving, from a video camera, information associated with an edge located on a surface, determining, by a mobile robotic device, a position of the mobile robotic device on the surface relative to the edge and using the received information to move the mobile robotic device from the determined position along a path. The path may be substantially parallel to the edge, and may be located a distance from a reference point on the mobile robotic device during movement of the mobile robotic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Intellibot Robotics LLC
    Inventors: Henry L. Hillman, Jr., David M. Knuth, Jr., Daniel M. Daly, Vinton Coffman, Ralph McCann, Stephen D. Herr, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120260948
    Abstract: A cleaning device may include a solution tank configured to store cleaning solution. The solution tank may include an inlet and an outlet. The cleaning device may include at least one discharge line filter in fluid communication with the solution tank and a pump having a pump intake and a pump discharge. The pump may be configured to direct cleaning solution from the solution tank outlet through the at least one discharge line filter. The cleaning device may include a cleaning head in fluid communication with the pump discharge and a bypass line in fluid communication with the pump discharge and the inlet. The bypass line may be configured to divert cleaning solution received from the pump discharge away from the cleaning head and toward the solution tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: INTELLIBOT ROBOTICS LLC
    Inventors: Stephen J. Balas, Stephen D. Herr, Henry L. Hillman, JR., Victor Chi-Chih Huang, Ralph McCann, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20110112714
    Abstract: A method of navigating an area using a mobile robotic device may include receiving, from a video camera, information associated with an edge located on a surface, determining, by a mobile robotic device, a position of the mobile robotic device on the surface relative to the edge and using the received information to move the mobile robotic device from the determined position along a path. The path may be substantially parallel to the edge, and may be located a distance from a reference point on the mobile robotic device during movement of the mobile robotic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: INTELLIBOT ROBOTICS, LLC
    Inventors: Henry L. Hillman, JR., David M. Knuth, JR., Daniel M. Daly, Vinton Coffman, Ralph McCann, Stephen D. Herr, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20110108064
    Abstract: A method of cleaning an area using an automatic cleaning device may include receiving, from a video camera, information associated with an edge located on a surface, determining, by an automatic cleaning device, a position of the automatic cleaning device on the surface relative to the edge and using the received information to move the automatic cleaning device from the determined position along a path so that the automatic cleaning device cleans the surface along the path. The path may be substantially parallel to the edge, and the edge may be located a distance from a reference point on the automatic cleaning device during movement of the automatic cleaning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: INTELLIBOT ROBOTICS, LLC
    Inventors: Henry L. Hillman, JR., David M. Knuth, JR., Daniel M. Daly, Vinton Coffman, Ralph McCann, Stephen D. Herr, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20080084035
    Abstract: A shopping cart includes front and rear casters, a frame supported by the front and rear casters, a tray attached to the frame and a lifting structure arranged on the tray and configured to elevate rear casters of a preceding cart upon engaging thereto. The lifting structure includes a first portion configured to elevate the rear casters of the preceding cart upon engaging thereto, a second portion adjoining the first portion and maintaining the rear casters of the preceding cart elevated upon engaging thereto, and a third portion located between the first portion and the second portion and configured to resist the preceding cart from sliding off the shopping cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher M. Johnson, Terril Porter, Ralph McCann
  • Publication number: 20050040614
    Abstract: A cart having a frame member with upright and lateral frame portions. A platform is attached to the lateral frame portion and a removable seat assembly is secured to the upright frame portion. The cart includes a coupling mechanism for coupling to an adjacent cart, of a different type, if required. The platform may be pivotally attached to the frame member. The cart may be nestable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Inventors: Christopher Johnson, Ralph McCann
  • Patent number: D521709
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Rehrig International, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Johnson, Ralph McCann
  • Patent number: D767782
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Weidong Cao, Kenton C. Hasson, Ivor T. Knight, Takayoshi Hanagata, Chris Felice, Kazuhiko Hasegawa, Ronald Kurz, Scott Sundberg, Ralph McCann, Jason Clemons
  • Patent number: D799713
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Murphy, Alex Flamm, Eric Schneider, Chris Felice, Kazuhiko Hasegawa, Ronald Kurz, Scott Sundberg, Ralph McCann, Jason Clemons