Patents by Inventor Robert Dam
Robert Dam 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: 11287831Abstract: There is provided an electrically-powered material-transport vehicle having a vehicle-charging contact on one side of the vehicle, and a second vehicle-charging contact on the opposite side of the vehicle. The vehicle has a load-bearing cap that covers the top of the vehicle, and a cap elevator for raising and lowering the cap. The cap can be raised and lowered to a transit position, a payload-engagement position, a charging position, and a maintenance position. In the transit position and payload-engagement position, the cap covers the vehicle-charging contacts so that they are not exposed. In the charging position, the cap is raised so that the vehicle-charging contacts are exposed. The vehicle can enter a charging-dock with the cap in the charging position in order to recharge the vehicle's battery.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2019Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Clearpath Robotics Inc.Inventors: Ryan Christopher Gariepy, Matthew Allen Rendall, John Duncan Edwards, Aaron Wilson, Simon Drexler, Scott Waters, Aaron Gerlach, Mark Podbevsek, Michael Irvine, Vaibhav Kumar Mehta, Peiyi Chen, Amritpal Saini, Robert Dam, Michael O'Driscoll, Arsalan Alim
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Publication number: 20220055877Abstract: An augmentation module is described for an automated guided vehicle (AGV) deployed in a facility and including a control module for controlling a drive mechanism based on navigational data received from a navigation sensor. The module includes a inter-module communications interface connected to the control module; a memory; and a processor connected to the communications interface and the memory. The processor is configured to: obtain an operational command; generate control data to execute the operational command; convert the control data to simulated sensor data; and send the simulated sensor data to the control module.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2021Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventors: Ryan Christopher Gariepy, Andrew Dobson, Jesse Tebbs, Robert Dam, Roydyn Clayton
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Patent number: 11167964Abstract: An augmentation module is described for an automated guided vehicle (AGV) deployed in a facility and including a control module for controlling a drive mechanism based on navigational data received from a navigation sensor. The module includes a inter-module communications interface connected to the control module; a memory; and a processor connected to the communications interface and the memory. The processor is configured to: obtain an operational command; generate control data to execute the operational command; convert the control data to simulated sensor data; and send the simulated sensor data to the control module.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2020Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Clearpath Robotics Inc.Inventors: Ryan Christopher Gariepy, Andrew Dobson, Jesse Tebbs, Robert Dam, Roydyn Clayton
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Publication number: 20200346907Abstract: An augmentation module is described for an automated guided vehicle (AGV) deployed in a facility and including a control module for controlling a drive mechanism based on navigational data received from a navigation sensor. The module includes a inter-module communications interface connected to the control module; a memory; and a processor connected to the communications interface and the memory. The processor is configured to: obtain an operational command; generate control data to execute the operational command; convert the control data to simulated sensor data; and send the simulated sensor data to the control module.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2020Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: Ryan Christopher Gariepy, Andrew Dobson, Jesse Tebbs, Robert Dam, Roydyn Clayton
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Patent number: 10662045Abstract: An augmentation module is described for an automated guided vehicle (AGV) deployed in a facility and including a control module for controlling a drive mechanism based on navigational data received from a navigation sensor. The module includes a inter-module communications interface connected to the control module; a memory; and a processor connected to the communications interface and the memory. The processor is configured to: obtain an operational command; generate control data to execute the operational command; convert the control data to simulated sensor data; and send the simulated sensor data to the control module.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: CLEARPATH ROBOTICS INC.Inventors: Ryan Christopher Gariepy, Andrew Dobson, Jesse Tebbs, Robert Dam, Roydyn Clayton
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Patent number: 10612274Abstract: A thermally actuated lock for an appliance incorporates a fusible material that holds a spring-loaded bolt in retraction. Temperatures that would indicate an appliance fire allow the bolt to extend between the housing and appliance door to lock the appliance door in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Kurt A. Kuehn, Karl S. Morgan, Michael W. Davis, Richard R. Herzog, Chong B. Wong, Robert Dam, John G. Drelicharz
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Publication number: 20190366867Abstract: There is provided an electrically-powered material-transport vehicle having a vehicle-charging contact on one side of the vehicle, and a second vehicle-charging contact on the opposite side of the vehicle. The vehicle has a load-bearing cap that covers the top of the vehicle, and a cap elevator for raising and lowering the cap. The cap can be raised and lowered to a transit position, a payload-engagement position, a charging position, and a maintenance position. In the transit position and payload-engagement position, the cap covers the vehicle-charging contacts so that they are not exposed. In the charging position, the cap is raised so that the vehicle-charging contacts are exposed. The vehicle can enter a charging-dock with the cap in the charging position in order to recharge the vehicle's battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2019Publication date: December 5, 2019Inventors: Ryan Christopher Gariepy, Matthew Allen Rendall, John Duncan Edwards, Aaron Wilson, Simon Drexler, Scott Waters, Aaron Gerlach, Mark Podbevsek, Michael Irvine, Vaibhav Kumar Mehta, Peiyi Chen, Amritpal Saini, Robert Dam, Michael O'Driscoll, Arsalan Alim
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Publication number: 20170233231Abstract: An augmentation module is described for an automated guided vehicle (AGV) deployed in a facility and including a control module for controlling a drive mechanism based on navigational data received from a navigation sensor. The module includes a inter-module communications interface connected to the control module; a memory; and a processor connected to the communications interface and the memory. The processor is configured to: obtain an operational command; generate control data to execute the operational command; convert the control data to simulated sensor data; and send the simulated sensor data to the control module.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2017Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Ryan Christopher Gariepy, Andrew Dobson, Jesse Tebbs, Robert Dam, Roydyn Clayton
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Publication number: 20150013998Abstract: A thermally actuated lock for an appliance incorporates a fusible material that holds a spring-loaded bolt in retraction. Temperatures that would indicate an appliance fire allow the bolt to extend between the housing and appliance door to lock the appliance door in a closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Kurt A. Kuehn, Karl S. Morgan, Michael W. Davis, Richard R. Herzog, Chong B. Wong, Robert Dam, John G. Drelicharz
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Publication number: 20120140440Abstract: An inductive lighting assembly for an appliance is provided. The appliance includes a cabinet, a liner installed in the cabinet, and at least one shelf mounted in the cabinet. The inductive lighting assembly includes a coil locator channel recessed into the cabinet, a primary coil mounted proximate to the coil locator channel, a shelf having a projection coupled thereto; the projection configured to be at least partially inserted into the coil locator channel to separate a metallic object placed on the shelf from the primary coil by a predetermined distance, and a secondary coil mounted in the projection, the primary coil transferring power to the secondary coil through inductive power transfer, the secondary coil being electrically connected to a light assembly installed in the appliance. A refrigerator including an inductive lighting system is also provided herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Robert Dam, Michael W. Hartley, Karl S. Morgan, Richard R. Herzog, Chong B. Wong, John G. Drelicharz
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Patent number: 8173924Abstract: A dual function switch assembly includes a switch housing part containing multiple switches at different elevations and a rotor having cam surfaces aligned with the switches for operating the switches. A mounting part is connected to the switch housing part and provides mounting features for attachment in a desired installation.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Tegel, Robert Dam, Michael W. Hartley, Richard D. Gjerde, Richard R. Herzog, David R. Nowak, Ronald R. Hostert, Theodore James John Veselsky, Juan J. Barrena
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Patent number: 8123313Abstract: A system for dampening an opening motion of a door includes a frame, an access door and at least one dampening member. The access door is rotatably secured to the frame. The access door is configured to be moved with respect to the frame between closed and completely open positions. The at least one dampening member is secured to the access door or the frame. The dampening member(s) dampens movement of the access door toward the completely open position over a range of motion.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Karl S. Morgan, Robert Dam, Richard R. Herzog, Kurt A. Kuehn, Alberto Bassi
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Patent number: 8118332Abstract: A latch device including a latch strike retention assembly adapted for press-fit insertion into a panel opening and retention within the panel opening upon melting of any plastic components. The latch strike retention assembly includes a generally “U” shaped spring member having spring legs operatively connected to bushings arranged in converging opposing relation to one another and adapted to engage and retain a strike member disposed in opposing relation to the strike retention assembly. The spring member is held within a bracket member of substantially “U” shaped cross section. The bracket member is disposed in transverse orientation to the spring member.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Karl S. Morgan, Robert Dam, Mike Davis
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Patent number: 7673845Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a leveling assembly configured to be secured to an appliance. The leveling assembly supports the appliance on a floor, and includes a base having a column integrally connected to a ledge, which is integrally connected to a stem. The assembly also includes a spring positioned around the stem, and a sleeve secured to the stem and positioned around the spring. The spring exerts equal and opposite forces into the sleeve and the ledge, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Robert Dam, Chong B. Wong
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Publication number: 20090321231Abstract: A dual function switch assembly includes a switch housing part containing multiple switches at different elevations and a rotor having cam surfaces aligned with the switches for operating the switches. A mounting part is connected to the switch housing part and provides mounting features for attachment in a desired installation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2007Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Robert G. Tegel, Robert Dam, Michael W. Hartley, Richard D. Gjerde, Richard R. Herzog, David R. Nowak, Ronald R. Hostert, Theodore James John Veselsky, Juan J. Barrena
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Publication number: 20090300884Abstract: A system for dampening an opening motion of a door includes a frame, an access door and at least one dampening member. The access door is rotatably secured to the frame. The access door is configured to be moved with respect to the frame between closed and completely open positions. The at least one dampening member is secured to the access door or the frame. The dampening member(s) dampens movement of the access door toward the completely open position over a range of motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: KARL S. MORGAN, Robert Dam, Richard R. Herzog, Kurt A. Kuehn, Alberto Bassi
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Publication number: 20090260198Abstract: A latch device including a latch strike retention assembly adapted for press-fit insertion into a panel opening and retention within the panel opening upon melting of any plastic components. The latch strike retention assembly includes a generally “U” shaped spring member having spring legs operatively connected to bushings arranged in converging opposing relation to one another and adapted to engage and retain a strike member disposed in opposing relation to the strike retention assembly. The spring member is held within a bracket member of substantially “U” shaped cross section. The bracket member is disposed in transverse orientation to the spring member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: KARL S. MORGAN, ROBERT DAM, MIKE DAVIS
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Patent number: 7425128Abstract: A gas appliance control assembly includes a gas valve and a reed switch operated simultaneously by rotation of a single shaft. The reed switch opens and closes a circuit including an electronic ignition module and a spark igniter so that spark is provided as the gas valve is adjusted to a burner igniting condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Richard D. Gjerde, Robert Dam, Massimo Aleardi
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Patent number: 7404649Abstract: The invention relates to devices configured and adapted to give a fluid stream the appearance of being lighted. Different colors of light, such as those provided from LEDs, may be used to generate an aesthetically pleasing effect of flowing colored fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid illumination may be accomplished by a light source directed towards a fluid stream from an external angle, for example. Alternatively, the light source may be pointed in the direction of the fluid stream, lighting it substantially internally. In yet other embodiments, the fluid illumination may be enhanced with the employment of reflective surfaces that bounce light around and through the fluid stream. To increase the appearance of being lighted, the reflective fluid surface area may be increased by generating turbulent flow. In certain embodiments, turbulent flow is achieved with the use of a separator to separate a single fluid stream into a plurality of micro-streams.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Anatoly Gosis, David R. Nowak, Robert Dam, Abram Cervantes, Chuck Esposito
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Publication number: 20080003532Abstract: A gas appliance control assembly includes a gas valve and a reed switch operated simultaneously by rotation of a single shaft. The reed switch opens and closes a circuit including an electronic ignition module and a spark igniter so that spark is provided as the gas valve is adjusted to a burner igniting condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2007Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventors: Richard D. Gjerde, Robert Dam, Massimo Aleardi