Patents by Inventor Robert C. Buchanan
Robert C. Buchanan 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).
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Patent number: 12320185Abstract: The invention provides automated spacer processing systems and methods. The systems and methods involve at least one robot arm that is configured to process spacers for multiple-pane insulating glazing units. In some embodiments, the systems also include an insulating glazing unit assembly line and a spacer conveyor system. Additionally or alternatively, the systems may include a sealant applicator.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2022Date of Patent: June 3, 2025Assignee: Cardinal IG CompanyInventors: Robert C. Buchanan, Michael J. Milewski, Daniel Todd Butson
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Patent number: 12030237Abstract: Machines are provided for removing masking from regions of glazing panes. Also provided are methods of removing masking from regions of glazing panes. The machines can include a head assembly and a processing station. The head assembly can have various combinations and/or configurations of features, including one or more of a plurality of cutters, a plurality of belts, and at least one pressurized gas nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2021Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: CARDINAL IG COMPANYInventors: Eric E. Vosters, Michael J. Milewski, Robert C. Buchanan
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Publication number: 20230383590Abstract: The invention provides automated spacer processing systems and methods. The systems and methods involve at least one robot arm that is configured to process spacers for multiple-pane insulating glazing units. In some embodiments, the systems also include an insulating glazing unit assembly line and a spacer conveyor system. Additionally or alternatively, the systems may include a sealant applicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2022Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Robert C. Buchanan, Michael J. Milewski, Daniel Todd Butson
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Publication number: 20230032065Abstract: Machines are provided for removing masking from regions of glazing panes. Also provided are methods of removing masking from regions of glazing panes. The machines can include a head assembly and a processing station. The head assembly can have various combinations and/or configurations of features, including one or more of a plurality of cutters, a plurality of belts, and at least one pressurized gas nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2021Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Eric E. Vosters, Michael J. Milewski, Robert C. Buchanan
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Patent number: 11536083Abstract: The invention provides automated spacer processing systems and methods. The systems and methods involve at least one robot arm that is configured to process spacers for multiple-pane insulating glazing units. In some embodiments, the systems also include an insulating glazing unit assembly line and a spacer conveyor system. Additionally or alternatively, the systems may include a sealant applicator.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2020Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: CARDINAL IG COMPANYInventors: Robert C. Buchanan, Michael J. Milewski, Daniel Todd Butson
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Patent number: 11198206Abstract: A seaming station and method of seaming utilizing two robot arms with seaming heads coupled thereto to seam a large lite by working in conjunction with one another or simultaneously seaming two lites independently of one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: CARDINAL IG COMPANYInventors: Curt L. Queck, Michael J. Milewski, Robert C. Buchanan, Erik W. Carlson, Jonathan D. Wyman
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Publication number: 20210363813Abstract: The invention provides automated spacer processing systems and methods. The systems and methods involve at least one robot arm that is configured to process spacers for multiple-pane insulating glazing units. In some embodiments, the systems also include an insulating glazing unit assembly line and a spacer conveyor system. Additionally or alternatively, the systems may include a sealant applicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2020Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: Robert C. Buchanan, Michael J. Milewski, Daniel Todd Butson
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Patent number: 11111086Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for robotically stacking sheets. The systems and methods involve a robot arm and a conveyor line. The robot arm has attached thereto a suction frame. In some embodiments, the systems and methods involve first and second robot arms. In such embodiments, the system and method facilitate and involve a sequentially alternating unloading operation such that the system has a first position in which the first robot arm is elevated and has the first suction frame loaded with one or more sheets while the second robot arm is lowered and has the second suction frame unloaded and the system has a second position in which the second robot arm is elevated and has the second suction frame loaded with one or more sheets while the first robot arm is lowered and has the first suction frame unloaded.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: CARDINAL IG COMPANYInventors: Robert C. Buchanan, Karl T. Chic
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Publication number: 20210139254Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for robotically stacking sheets. The systems and methods involve a robot arm and a conveyor line. The robot arm has attached thereto a suction frame. In some embodiments, the systems and methods involve first and second robot arms. In such embodiments, the system and method facilitate and involve a sequentially alternating unloading operation such that the system has a first position in which the first robot arm is elevated and has the first suction frame loaded with one or more sheets while the second robot arm is lowered and has the second suction frame unloaded and the system has a second position in which the second robot arm is elevated and has the second suction frame loaded with one or more sheets while the first robot arm is lowered and has the first suction frame unloaded.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2019Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: Robert C. Buchanan, Karl T. Chic
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Patent number: 10214366Abstract: A drop batch builder is provided for organizing a plurality of glass sheets into a desired batch arrangement on a conveyor. The drop batch builder includes an upper conveyor line and a lower conveyor line. The upper conveyor has a drop region configured to drop a first glass sheet from the upper conveyor line downwardly onto the lower conveyor line, whereupon the lower conveyor line is configured to convey the first glass sheet along the lower path of substrate travel to the overpass region where the first glass sheet is positioned under the upper conveyor line. Methods of using a drop batch builder are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: Cardinal IG CompanyInventors: Michael J. Milewski, Robert C. Buchanan, Jonathan D. Wyman
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Publication number: 20180290842Abstract: A drop batch builder is provided for organizing a plurality of glass sheets into a desired batch arrangement on a conveyor. The drop batch builder includes an upper conveyor line and a lower conveyor line. The upper conveyor has a drop region configured to drop a first glass sheet from the upper conveyor line downwardly onto the lower conveyor line, whereupon the lower conveyor line is configured to convey the first glass sheet along the lower path of substrate travel to the overpass region where the first glass sheet is positioned under the upper conveyor line. Methods of using a drop batch builder are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2017Publication date: October 11, 2018Inventors: Michael J. Milewski, Robert C. Buchanan, Jonathan D. Wyman
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Publication number: 20180207765Abstract: A seaming station and method of seaming utilizing two robot arms with seaming heads coupled thereto to seam a large lite by working in conjunction with one another or simultaneously seaming two lites independently of one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2018Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Curt L. Queck, Michael J. Milewski, Robert C. Buchanan, Erik W. Carlson, Jonathan D. Wyman
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Patent number: 9925634Abstract: A seaming station and method of seaming utilizing two robot arms with seaming heads coupled thereto to seam a large lite by working in conjunction with one another or simultaneously seaming two lites independently of one another.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: CARDINAL IG COMPANYInventors: Curt L. Queck, Michael J. Milewski, Robert C. Buchanan, Erik W. Carlson, Jonathan D. Wyman
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Patent number: 9556666Abstract: The invention provides a sealant applicator machine for dispensing sealant onto an insulating glazing unit. The insulating glazing unit may include two panes separated by a spacer having a spacer width. The sealant may be dispensed around a periphery of the insulating glazing unit. In certain embodiments, the sealant applicator machine includes both a fixed width sealant-dispensing head comprising a fixed width dispensing nozzle, and an adjustable sealant-dispensing head having a plurality of adjustable dispensing nozzles. The fixed width sealant-dispensing head and the adjustable sealant-dispensing head may be operably coupled to one or more sealant supplies.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Cardinal IG CompanyInventor: Robert C. Buchanan
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Publication number: 20160303701Abstract: A seaming station and method of seaming utilizing two robot arms with seaming heads coupled thereto to seam a large lite by working in conjunction with one another or simultaneously seaming two lites independently of one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2015Publication date: October 20, 2016Inventors: Curt L. Queck, Michael J. Milewski, Robert C. Buchanan, Erik W. Carlson, Jonathan D. Wyman
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Patent number: 8101039Abstract: Some methods, and corresponding apparatus, for manufacturing photovoltaic subassemblies cause a plurality of desiccant beads to be adhered to an adhesive surface of sheet-like material; the sheet-like material is then, preferably, adhered to an exposed surface of a flexible and electrically non-conductive film, that covers a photovoltaic coating of a first substrate of the subassembly, such that the desiccant beads are held between the sheet-like material and the exposed surface. Some other methods, either alternatively or in addition to the above, include steps for applying the film, that covers the photovoltaic coating, wherein an opening, through the film, is cut, and then aligned, with lead wires of the photovoltaic coating, in the midst of applying the film.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Cardinal IG CompanyInventors: Curtis L. Queck, Jacobus P. C. Pretorius, Robert C. Buchanan, Robert C. Grommesh
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Publication number: 20100164175Abstract: A bag toss game is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventor: Robert C. Buchanan
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Patent number: 7717166Abstract: The invention relates to a fin stock material having aluminum, where the material also has a tensile strength of between approximately 14,000 and approximately 26,000 psi, an elongation of less than 30%, and a hardness of between approximately 50 and approximately 70 on a Rockwell 15T scale.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: United Aluminum CorporationInventor: Robert C. Buchanan
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Publication number: 20090255627Abstract: Some methods, and corresponding apparatus, for manufacturing photovoltaic subassemblies cause a plurality of desiccant beads to be adhered to an adhesive surface of sheet-like material; the sheet-like material is then, preferably, adhered to an exposed surface of a flexible and electrically non-conductive film, that covers a photovoltaic coating of a first substrate of the subassembly, such that the desiccant beads are held between the sheet-like material and the exposed surface. Some other methods, either alternatively or in addition to the above, include steps for applying the film, that covers the photovoltaic coating, wherein an opening, through the film, is cut, and then aligned, with lead wires of the photovoltaic coating, in the midst of applying the film.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2008Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: CARDINAL IG COMPANYInventors: Curtis L. Queck, Jacobus P. C. Pretorius, Robert C. Buchanan, Robert C. Grommesh
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Patent number: 5016516Abstract: Preforms and composite articles from carbon fiber reinforced matrix resins braided to shape on a mandrel and then converting to a final composite article by fully or partially curing in a mold followed by post curing if required.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1989Date of Patent: May 21, 1991Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Donald C. Aldrich, Robert C. Buchanan, John F. Sollinger