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).

  • Publication number: 20220162020
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
  • Patent number: 11247854
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
  • Publication number: 20210277699
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas C. POTTER, Scott R. BOMBAUGH, Terry M. GINGELL, Anthony TAYLOR, Christopher M. STRATTON, Benjamin SCHWIND
  • Publication number: 20210229930
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas C. Potter, Daniel Mark
  • Patent number: 10913621
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
  • Publication number: 20200354169
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
  • Patent number: 10822185
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
  • Patent number: 10722921
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
  • Publication number: 20200070208
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
  • Patent number: 10471475
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
  • Publication number: 20190263605
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
  • Publication number: 20190091728
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
  • Patent number: 10202248
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
  • Publication number: 20190009997
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter, Wayne R. Perry-Eaton
  • Patent number: 10144038
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
  • Patent number: 10112216
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: United States Postal Services
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
  • Publication number: 20170354993
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
  • Publication number: 20170354994
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
  • Patent number: D804822
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Christopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
  • Patent number: D924675
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventors: Thomas C. Potter, Scott R. Bombaugh, Terry M. Gingell, Anthony Taylor, Christopher M. Stratton, Benjamin Schwind