Patents by Inventor Zachary Francis

Zachary Francis 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).

  • Powder dispensing fixture
    Patent number: 11598660
    Abstract: A fixture for dispensing a powder is disclosed. The fixture has a base and a beam with a first end, a second end, and a fulcrum disposed between the first and second ends and coupled to the base. The fixture also has a load transfer beam having a first end and a second end that is fixedly coupled to the base. A force sensor is coupled to the load transfer beam. The beam can rotate about the fulcrum with respect to the base and the second end of the beam makes a point contact with the first end of the load transfer beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: K2R2 LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Kay, Eric Plambeck, Zachary Francis
  • POWDER DISPENSING FIXTURE
    Publication number: 20220155123
    Abstract: A fixture for dispensing a powder is disclosed. The fixture has a base and a beam with a first end, a second end, and a fulcrum disposed between the first and second ends and coupled to the base. The fixture also has a load transfer beam having a first end and a second end that is fixedly coupled to the base. A force sensor is coupled to the load transfer beam. The beam can rotate about the fulcrum with respect to the base and the second end of the beam makes a point contact with the first end of the load transfer beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: K2R2
    Inventors: Robert L. Kay, Eric Plambeck, Zachary Francis
  • Powder dispensing fixture
    Patent number: 11268843
    Abstract: A module for dispensing a powder is disclosed. The module has a channel having an entry port, a hopper coupled to the entry port and configured to receive the powder, and a piston partially disposed within the channel and configured to reciprocate within the channel. The piston has a retracted position configured to allow the powder to move from the hopper through the entry port into the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: K2R2 LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Kay, Eric Plambeck, Zachary Francis
  • POWDER DISPENSING FIXTURE
    Publication number: 20210404851
    Abstract: A module for dispensing a powder is disclosed. The module has a channel having an entry port, a hopper coupled to the entry port and configured to receive the powder, and a piston partially disposed within the channel and configured to reciprocate within the channel. The piston has a retracted position configured to allow the powder to move from the hopper through the entry port into the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Robert L. Kay, Eric Plambeck, Zachary Francis
  • Feeder for a robotic workcell
    Patent number: 10800601
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the acceptance of loose components and feeding of individual components in a known position and orientation are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Elite Robotics
    Inventors: Zachary Francis, Anthony Vanni
  • Positioner for a robotic workcell
    Patent number: 10802475
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the positioning of a feature of a tray such that a robot may place a component in the feature are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Elite Robotics
    Inventors: Zachary Francis, Robert Kay
  • POSITIONER FOR A ROBOTIC WORKCELL
    Publication number: 20200019149
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the positioning of a feature of a tray such that a robot may place a component in the feature are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Applicant: Elite Robotics
    Inventors: Zachary Francis, Robert Kay
  • FEEDER FOR A ROBOTIC WORKCELL
    Publication number: 20190389652
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the acceptance of loose components and feeding of individual components in a known position and orientation are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: Elite Robotics
    Inventors: Zachary Francis, Anthony Vanni
  • Equipment enclosure
    Patent number: D898742
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Elite Robotics
    Inventors: Patricia Kay, Robert Kay, Zachary Francis, Samuel Palmer