Patents by Inventor Richard D. Carwile

Richard D. Carwile 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).

  • Segmented conveyor and air film chute
    Patent number: 8376663
    Abstract: A package sorting system. The package sorting conveyor system includes a conveying track, at least one unloading station and an air-film lubricated entrance chute upstream of the unloading station to receive the package. In one embodiment, the entrance chute includes a plenum including a plurality of spaced apart apertures and an opening for communicating with an air supply; and a segmented conveying surface in communication with the apertures, wherein the segmented conveying surface includes at least one air-film lubricated bottom surface and at least one air-film lubricated side wall substantially perpendicular to the at least one bottom surface. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a positioner assembly for selectively positioning the outlet of the entrance chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Mantissa Corporation
    Inventors: David Patrick Erceg, Leroy A. Winkler, III, Gonzalo Sotelo, Richard D. Carwile
  • SEGMENTED CONVEYOR AND AIR FILM CHUTE
    Publication number: 20110222972
    Abstract: A package sorting system. The package sorting conveyor system includes a conveying track, at least one unloading station and an air-film lubricated entrance chute upstream of the unloading station to receive the package. In one embodiment, the entrance chute includes a plenum including a plurality of spaced apart apertures and an opening for communicating with an air supply; and a segmented conveying surface in communication with the apertures, wherein the segmented conveying surface includes at least one air-film lubricated bottom surface and at least one air-film lubricated side wall substantially perpendicular to the at least one bottom surface. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a positioner assembly for selectively positioning the outlet of the entrance chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: David Patrick Erceg, Leroy A. Winkler, III, Gonzalo Sotelo, Richard D. Carwile