Patents by Inventor Thomas C. Potter
Thomas C. Potter 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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Publication number: 20220162020Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2022Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
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Patent number: 11247854Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
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Publication number: 20210277699Abstract: A closure member (e.g., door) stop includes a base having a top portion opposite a bottom portion, the bottom portion being configured for affixing to an installation point associated with the closure member, a flexure extending away from the top portion, a cushion comprising an angled face and an impact face, the impact face being configured to interface with the closure member during closing of the closure member, and the angled face being configured to interface with the closure member during opening of the closure member. The flexure provides an operable, bendable connection between the cushion and the base. Also, a lever is operably connected to the cushion and the flexure and configured to move the cushion away from a swing path of the closure member. The cushion extends into a swing path of the closure member when the closure member stop is at rest in the installed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Inventors: Thomas C. POTTER, Scott R. BOMBAUGH, Terry M. GINGELL, Anthony TAYLOR, Christopher M. STRATTON, Benjamin SCHWIND
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Publication number: 20210229930Abstract: A sorting machine can include an output bin that includes a transport belt to transport a delivery item (e.g., a letter) from a distribution belt at a first speed. The output bin can include a braking roller to reduce the speed of the delivery item by operating at a second tangential speed that is slower than the first speed. The output bin can also include an auger assembly to apply a force to move at least the trailing portion of the item in a manner that clears the path to the braking roller for additional delivery items. The output bin can also include a bumper pad to stop the delivery item, where the delivery item is stopped against the bumper pad after being slowed down by contact with the braking roller. The slowed speed causes the delivery item to come to rest approximately in alignment with additional delivery items.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: Thomas C. Potter, Daniel Mark
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Patent number: 10913621Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
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Publication number: 20200354169Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
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Patent number: 10822185Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
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Patent number: 10722921Abstract: Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a divider is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICEInventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
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Publication number: 20200070208Abstract: Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a divider is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
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Patent number: 10471475Abstract: Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a divider is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
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Publication number: 20190263605Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2019Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
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Publication number: 20190091728Abstract: Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a divider is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
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Patent number: 10202248Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
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Publication number: 20190009997Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2018Publication date: January 10, 2019Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
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Patent number: 10144038Abstract: Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a divider is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
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Patent number: 10112216Abstract: Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a progressive displacement divider with amplified output for a given input is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: United States Postal ServicesInventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
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Publication number: 20170354993Abstract: Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a progressive displacement divider with amplified output for a given input is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2017Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
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Publication number: 20170354994Abstract: Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a divider is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2017Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
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Patent number: D804822Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
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Patent number: D924675Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICEInventors: Thomas C. Potter, Scott R. Bombaugh, Terry M. Gingell, Anthony Taylor, Christopher M. Stratton, Benjamin Schwind