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).

  • Patent number: 12320185
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: Cardinal IG Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Buchanan, Michael J. Milewski, Daniel Todd Butson
  • Patent number: 12030237
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: CARDINAL IG COMPANY
    Inventors: Eric E. Vosters, Michael J. Milewski, Robert C. Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20230383590
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Robert C. Buchanan, Michael J. Milewski, Daniel Todd Butson
  • Publication number: 20230032065
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Eric E. Vosters, Michael J. Milewski, Robert C. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 11536083
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: CARDINAL IG COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert C. Buchanan, Michael J. Milewski, Daniel Todd Butson
  • Patent number: 11198206
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: CARDINAL IG COMPANY
    Inventors: Curt L. Queck, Michael J. Milewski, Robert C. Buchanan, Erik W. Carlson, Jonathan D. Wyman
  • Publication number: 20210363813
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Robert C. Buchanan, Michael J. Milewski, Daniel Todd Butson
  • Patent number: 11111086
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: CARDINAL IG COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert C. Buchanan, Karl T. Chic
  • Publication number: 20210139254
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Robert C. Buchanan, Karl T. Chic
  • Patent number: 10214366
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Cardinal IG Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Milewski, Robert C. Buchanan, Jonathan D. Wyman
  • Publication number: 20180290842
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Michael J. Milewski, Robert C. Buchanan, Jonathan D. Wyman
  • Publication number: 20180207765
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Curt L. Queck, Michael J. Milewski, Robert C. Buchanan, Erik W. Carlson, Jonathan D. Wyman
  • Patent number: 9925634
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: CARDINAL IG COMPANY
    Inventors: Curt L. Queck, Michael J. Milewski, Robert C. Buchanan, Erik W. Carlson, Jonathan D. Wyman
  • Patent number: 9556666
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Cardinal IG Company
    Inventor: Robert C. Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20160303701
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Curt L. Queck, Michael J. Milewski, Robert C. Buchanan, Erik W. Carlson, Jonathan D. Wyman
  • Patent number: 8101039
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Cardinal IG Company
    Inventors: Curtis L. Queck, Jacobus P. C. Pretorius, Robert C. Buchanan, Robert C. Grommesh
  • Publication number: 20100164175
    Abstract: A bag toss game is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Robert C. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 7717166
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: United Aluminum Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20090255627
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: CARDINAL IG COMPANY
    Inventors: Curtis L. Queck, Jacobus P. C. Pretorius, Robert C. Buchanan, Robert C. Grommesh
  • Patent number: 5016516
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Donald C. Aldrich, Robert C. Buchanan, John F. Sollinger