Patents Issued in May 15, 2018
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Patent number: 9969552Abstract: An automated warehouse storage system including a multilevel storage array is provided. Each aisle has a set of storage levels and each level has storage locations distributed along the aisle. The guideway network extending through the multilevel storage array is configured for autonomous vehicles to move along the guideway network within the multilevel storage array. The guideway network including an inter-aisle guideway spanning at least two of the multiple aisles and a set of guideway levels extending in an aisle of the multiple aisles and disposed so that each guideway level is at a different one of the storage levels and the vehicles on the guideway level can access the storage locations distributed along the aisle. Each set of guideway levels is connected to the inter-aisle guideway forming a common guideway path so that a vehicle can move between inter-aisle guideway and each guideway level along the common guideway path.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Alert Innovation Inc.Inventor: John Lert, Jr.
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Patent number: 9969553Abstract: A hopper apparatus comprises a movable wall comprising opposing walls movably connected to a support assembly and oriented at acute angles relative to a central vertical axis of the support assembly, and movement control devices configured and positioned to move the opposing walls along the support assembly to control dimensions of a discharge outlet at least partially defined by converging ends of the opposing walls; a liner assembly comprising liner structures at least partially overlying inner surfaces of the opposing walls and configured to remain at least partially stationary relative to the opposing walls during movement of the opposing walls; and pressure sensors between the inner surfaces of opposing walls and portions of the liner structures thereover. A bulk solids processing system and a method of processing a bulk solid are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Tyler Lott Westover, John Chadron Benjamin Ryan, Austin Colter Matthews, Sergio Hernandez
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Patent number: 9969554Abstract: Provided are embodiments of a chute for articles, in particular packages and/or consignments, having a chute base for the article to slide down and comprising at least two chute-base sections is described, wherein the at least two chute-base sections form a height offset between one another, wherein at least one guiding device is provided between the at least two chute-base sections in order to guide the article from one chute-base section to the next chute-base section, wherein the at least one guiding device has a vertically adjustable free end that points in the direction of the next chute-base section, and wherein the guiding device has, transversely to the chute base, a plurality of finger elements that are arranged alongside one another and are at least in part vertically adjustable independently of one another.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Deutsche Post AGInventors: Bernd Hartmann, Wolfram Grafe
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Patent number: 9969555Abstract: The stair-mounted roller wheel device is a device that is adapted for use with at least one stair. Moreover, the stair-mounted roller wheel device is adapted to be positioned onto a stair tread as well as a riser surface of the at least one stair. The stair-mounted roller wheel device includes a base that rests on the stair tread as well as the riser. A roller member is rotatably engaged at a top, front corner of the base. The roller member is adapted to be parallel with the stair tread and the riser. Ideally, in a situation where a plurality of stairs of a staircase is provided, a plurality of the stair-mounted roller wheel devices would be positioned on each of the plurality of stairs such that the object is adapted to be rolled up or down the staircase.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventor: Marlon Prado
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Patent number: 9969556Abstract: A conveyor belt module of the type having eye parts projecting outwardly from both sides of a central spine, where a plurality of interconnected belt modules define a transport plane, where the eye parts are offsetly spaced along the spine on either side of the spine, said spine defining a central line laterally on each module, such that eye parts on one belt module may be interfitted between eye parts on an adjacent module and mutually connected in a hinge-like manner, characterized in that the belt module comprises at least two types of eye parts: a first type of eye parts arranged on one side of the spine having a central opening in a direction orthogonal to the transport plane with parallel sides delimiting the eye part, and a second type of eye parts arranged on the other side of the spine having a central opening in a direction orthogonal to the transport plane with parallel sides delimiting the eye part, where adjacent the distal end of the second type of eye parts, cams, projecting away from the sidesType: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Ammerall Beltech Modular A/SInventor: Kenneth Westergaard Andersen
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Patent number: 9969557Abstract: A cart-type transporting device has a first endless chain and a second endless chain that move in conjunction with and parallel to one another in a lifting/lowering pathway section, and the first and second endless chains have engaging parts. A transporting cart has engaged parts that engage with the engaging parts of the first endless chain in a horizontal pathway section In the first endless chain, the engaging parts are provided at regular intervals, and the engaging parts of the first endless chain and the engaged parts of the transporting cart are detachably fitted together such that the transporting cart can be attached/detached in the vertical direction in the horizontal pathway section.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Ishibashi, Junichi Muranaga, Shigeru Baba, Yukichi Tamura, Shigeyuki Kusuhara
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Patent number: 9969558Abstract: A portable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly that includes a feeder conveyor configured to transport a construction material toward a distal end of the feeder conveyor and a main conveyor boom assembly including a plurality of main conveyor boom sections. The plurality of main conveyor boom sections may include a proximal main conveyor boom section and a distal main conveyor boom section that is rotatably coupled to one of the plurality of main conveyor boom sections about a revolution joint, has a second main conveyor belt spanning from a first end of the distal main conveyor boom section to a second end of the distal main conveyor boom section, and is operably configured to independently revolve approximately 360° about the revolution joint. The first and second main conveyor belts are operably configured to transport the construction material toward the second end of the distal main conveyor boom section.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: NEXT ERA BELTING, INC.Inventor: Walter Bynum
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Patent number: 9969559Abstract: A roll-formed steel slat for use in a reciprocating floor slat conveyor system. The roll-formed steel slat is formed in a manner so as to have an upper, load-carrying surface, and a pair of downwardly depending side legs. Each side leg terminates in a foot. One foot is vertically offset from the other to provide a “hold-down” function that prevents the slat from vertically rising as the slat reciprocates back-and-forth.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Keith Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Daniel W. Jackson, Randall Mark Foster, Nathan Keeley, Victor Matthews, Scott Delamarter
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Patent number: 9969560Abstract: In a walking floor conveyor, an arrangement of panels lined longitudinally in a side-by-side fashion are organized into at least two correlating groups of panels. At least two panels within each group. Each panel grouping is propelled and retracted in a reciprocating manner, each by a hydraulic cylinder. The panels comprising wheel receptacles underneath the panels and at least one wheel fitted within a wheel receptacle to allow for forward and backward movement along a wheel support beam. These reciprocating panels supported by a series of wheel support beams, interior support beams and side support beams. These side support beams are at their tallest in the back and shortest in the front to provide a slant allowing for a flow of cargo and liquid runoff captured within a plurality of panel drains located between the panels towards a frontally placed auger designed for the assistance of cargo discharge.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventor: Hani Toma
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Patent number: 9969561Abstract: The invention relates generally to conveying systems, for moving work pieces from work station to work station including conveyors which generally move at a constant speed and include load carrying units which can be coupled for movement therewith between work stations and uncoupled from the conveyor so that they will be stationary at the work stations while work is done on a work piece carried by the load carrying units. More particularly, the present invention pertains to improved systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing locomotion and control to a conveyor system including surface-mounted drive system and adjustable, automatic take-up system with floating drive chassis. The present invention also pertains to elevated conveyor systems comprising many of the same components as the surface-mounted conveyor systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: RSI, Inc.Inventor: Arthur Bernard Rhodes, II
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Patent number: 9969562Abstract: An apparatus for folding articles advancing in a machine direction including a rotatable roll having a roll surface, at least one protrusion that defines an outermost surface of the roll and at least one pocket that defines an innermost surface of the roll. The apparatus also includes a first and second vacuum conveyor assembly, each comprising two vacuum conveyors. The roll and the vacuum conveyor assemblies are cooperatively configured to fold an article.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Yoichiro Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9969563Abstract: An automated method and system for transitioning a bottle from a horizontal belt conveyor to the entrance of an air conveyor, and vice versa, from an air conveyor to a horizontal belt conveyor. An indexer in a circular arrangement moves around 180 degrees clockwise until the bottle drops into the air conveyor (e.g., pneumatic tube). This motion controls the bottle's movement; otherwise, the bottle would free-fall off the conveyor. The indexer rotary device provides control of the vial transition, keeping it vertical so it goes into the tube in a controlled manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: HUMANA INC.Inventors: Michael Mahar, Toan Trinh
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Patent number: 9969564Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems of transferring proppant for fracking to reduce risk of production and release of silica dust at a well site are provided. An embodiment of a method can include positioning a plurality of containers each having proppant for fracking contained therein onto a conveyor at a well site, downwardly discharging proppant from each respective container of the plurality of containers, funneling proppant from the one or more outlets of each of the plurality of containers through a plurality of conveyor hoppers, receiving proppant onto the conveyor belt, conveying proppant on the conveyor to a chute, and depositing the proppant into the chute for use in a blender or other location at the well site.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: OREN TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: John Oren, Joshua Oren
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Patent number: 9969565Abstract: Article packaging apparatus includes a multiple lane article infeed, first and second transfers, an intermediate article orientation station and an article group discharge conveyor. The first and second transfers have respective article grippers expansible and contractible toward and away from one another while the intermediate article orientation station includes article rotating trays spaced further apart then the lanes of the article infeed.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: R.A Jones & Co.Inventor: Thorsten Simm
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Patent number: 9969566Abstract: A singulator is provided for orienting, sorting and conveying at least one rail fastener, from a bulk supply of such fasteners, and includes a frame defining a lower end and an upper end. A plurality of transverse magnet bars is connected to an endless conveyor system disposed on the frame to move from the lower end to the upper end. A ramp is disposed on the frame, has an underside facing the magnet bars, and an opposite sorting surface opposite the underside and receiving the fasteners. At least one deflector assembly is associated with the ramp and is constructed and arranged for sorting fasteners drawn along the ramp by the magnet bars from the lower end to the upper end so that single fasteners are delivered at the upper end.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: NORDCO INC.Inventors: Julio Enrique Payan, Philip Strydom
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Patent number: 9969567Abstract: In transferring and conveying an article between rotation conveyance bodies, the rotation conveyance bodies (1, 2) are placed so as to have a prescribed gap between pitch circles thereof, and the article is conveyed along a transition curve whose curvature continuously varies from the pitch circle curvature of a rotation conveyance body (1) before the transfer to the pitch circle curvature of a rotation conveyance body (2) after the transfer between both the pitch circles, whereby the article is transferred and conveyed with acceleration smoothly varying and without a change in the distance between the axes of the rotation conveyance bodies.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: TOYO SEIKAN CO., LTD.Inventor: Kazuyuki Kurosawa
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Patent number: 9969568Abstract: A method for delivering items in a pneumatic delivery system includes receiving delivery information corresponding to an item to be delivered from a first workstation of a plurality of workstations to a second one of the workstations, configuring a first one of a plurality of blowers and a corresponding workstation diverter corresponding to the first workstation to create a path from the first workstation to the first blower, operating the first blower to generate suction drawing the item to the first blower, configuring a subset of the plurality of diverters of the system to create a continuous path from the first blower to the second workstation and routing, when the first and second workstations are in separate subsystems of the pneumatic delivery system, the item through an inter-subsystem exchange unit so that the item is delivered to the second workstation using only the first blower.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: PEVCO SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Namquoc Nguyen, William Powder
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Patent number: 9969569Abstract: A pneumatic distribution system for pneumatically distributing material in an agricultural vehicle is described. In one example, the pneumatic distribution system comprises an air source having an outlet with different air pressures defining a pressure gradient across the outlet, and a plurality of inlet ports configured to receive air from the outlet for a plurality of distribution streams, comprising at least a first distribution stream with a first pressure loss value and a second distribution stream with a second pressure loss value that is greater than the first pressure loss value. The inlet ports for the first and second distribution streams are located relative to the pressure gradient such that the second distribution stream receives a higher air pressure than the first distribution stream.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Stanley R. Borkgren
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Patent number: 9969570Abstract: A system for transporting containers between different stations is presented. The containers are accommodated in container carriers. The system comprises a control unit for controlling the transport of the container carriers, a transport area divided into subareas and on which the container carriers can be movably arranged, and a drive. The drive is activated by the control unit and each subarea is assigned a respective drive. Each drive applies a drive force to an associated container carrier.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2012Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Michael Heise, George Teodorescu
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Patent number: 9969571Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, a system and method for improving the stacking of containers on or in a transportation unit. In some implementations, a stacking configuration may be planned that identifies containers and a position for those containers in the stacking configuration. The stacking configuration may be planned based on dimension values of the containers such that when stacked the stacking configuration remains stable. In addition, to improve the efficiency at which containers may be stacked, the disclosure describes that containers and/or the picking of items for those containers may be sequenced so that the containers, when packed and routed, arrive in a manner that allows efficient stacking.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Sebastian Lehmann
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Patent number: 9969572Abstract: An automated palletizer includes an automated package pick device capable of moving packages from a package deposit section to a pallet to form a pallet load from packages, a controller that is operably connected to the automated pick device, the controller having a pallet load generator configured to determine a pallet load structure of mixed packages, the pallet load generator being programmed so that it determines the load structure from mixed package layers overlaid over each other at least one of the mixed package layers being formed of stacks of mixed packages, top and bottom surfaces of the stacks corresponding to the at least one mixed package layer respectively forming top and bottom surfaces of the at least one mixed package layer that are substantially flat. The controller generates commands for the pick device to build the pallet load from the load structure determined by the pallet load generator.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Symbotic, LLCInventors: Kirill K. Pankratov, David Ehrenberg, Larry M. Sweet
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Patent number: 9969573Abstract: A robotic carton unloader for automatic unloading of cartons from a carton pile stacked within a trailer. In various embodiments, a robotic carton unloader may comprise a conveyor system, a manipulator movably attached to an end of a robotic positioner and configured to dislodge one or more cartons from a carton pile; and a frame comprising a bumper configured to be pressed against the carton pile below one or more cartons being dislodged from the carton pile by the manipulator to stabilize the carton pile below the one or more cartons being dislodged; and a shelf configured to catch the one or more cartons dislodged from the carton pile and guide the one or more cartons dislodged from the carton pile onto the conveyor system.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Intelligrated Headquarters, LLCInventors: Michael Girtman, Matthew Wicks
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Patent number: 9969574Abstract: A wheelbarrow carrier provides transportation and dumping from a connection to a standard trailer hitch or tractor three-point mount. A pivoting ramp is used to load the wheelbarrow and a locking mechanism locks the wheelbarrow foot in place and the ramp in an upward position, once the wheelbarrow has been rolled onto the ramp and the ramp has pivoted from a downward position to an upward level position. The ramp pivots once the wheel of the wheelbarrow has rolled past the pivot point sufficiently to tip the ramp. Once the wheelbarrow is locked in the upward (level) position, a motor is activated to rotate a boom to which the ramp is attached with respect to a frame that is connected to the vehicle mount.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventor: Donald E. Robert
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Patent number: 9969575Abstract: A trailer restraining device comprising a portable frame having mounted thereto a tail hook and a king pin receiver that includes at least one of a receiver hydraulic cylinder, a receiver pneumatic cylinder, a receiver electric actuator, and a receiver winch.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventor: Thomas Terrence Kimener
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Patent number: 9969576Abstract: Inflatable weather barriers for loading docks are disclosed. An example weather barrier includes an upper bellows defining a header air chamber between a top portion and a bottom portion of the upper bellows. A blower is in fluid communication with the header air chamber and the blower is selectively activated to discharge a pressurized air into the header air chamber to urge the upper bellows from a raised position toward a lowered position. The weather barrier includes a first extension spring that is under a first extension spring tension, a first pulley, and a first elongate member that is pliable. The first elongate member is under a first elongate member tension that urges the upper bellows toward the raised position.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Charles J. Ashelin, Collin Thole, Frank Heim, Timothy J. Schmidt
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Patent number: 9969577Abstract: A sheet feeder, which is included in an image forming apparatus, includes a pair of first regulators and a pair of second regulators. The pair of first regulators is disposed movable in a width direction of a recording medium loaded on the sheet loader and is configured to contact a side end of the recording medium and regulate a position of the recording medium in the width direction. The pair of second regulators is configured to be detachably attachable to multiple attachment positions of the sheet tray selectably.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Yosuke Eguchi
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Patent number: 9969578Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a first tray on which sheets are stacked, a sheet feeder, a second tray on which sheets to be supplied to the first tray are stacked, wherein the second tray is disposed adjacently to the first tray, a sheet mover, an abnormality detector, and a controller. The sheet feeder feeds the sheets stacked on the first tray. The sheet mover moves the sheets stacked on the second tray. The sheet mover is movable between a first position for stacking sheets on the second tray and a second position for supplying the sheets stacked on the second tray to the first tray. The abnormality detector may detect an abnormality in the sheet mover. When the abnormality detector detects an abnormality in the sheet mover, the controller inhibits the sheet mover from operating and permits the sheet feeder to feed a sheet.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeshi Kinoshita
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Patent number: 9969579Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus includes first and second conveyance rollers, a holding member configured to rotatably hold the second conveyance roller, and an urging member to urge the holding member in a pressing direction. In addition, a reduction portion reduces a force applied to an openable member by the urging member when the openable member is opened or closed. The reduction portion includes a swingable member swingably supported by the openable member and movable to a first position, at which the swingable member causes the second conveyance roller to be pressed against the first conveyance roller, and a second position at which the swingable member causes the second conveyance roller to be separated from the first conveyance roller. The urging member is disposed between the swingable member and the holding member and urges the swingable member to swing toward an abut portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Daisuke Yamabe, Hisanori Iwasaki
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Patent number: 9969580Abstract: A conveyance apparatus includes a conveyance device including a sheet-bearing member having a curved sheet-bearing surface, the conveyance device conveying a sheet by bearing the sheet with the curved sheet-bearing surface of the sheet-bearing member, and a blower to blow air onto the sheet. The carved sheet-bearing surface of the sheet-bearing member is formed by a plurality of wires defining gaps through which the blower blows air.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kohki Asada, Masato Ogawa
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Patent number: 9969581Abstract: A paper feed device includes: a sensor unit that includes a coil substrate and a conductive plate which is opposite the coil substrate, that outputs an output value corresponding to a position of the conductive plate; a first cursor link mechanism which moves the first conductive plate according to the position of the first cursor in the longitudinal direction of the first coil substrate; a storage unit which stores first sheet size data; and a control unit which recognizes the magnitude of the first output value of the sensor unit and which recognizes, based on the recognized magnitude of the first output value and the first sheet size data, the size of the set sheets.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.Inventor: Tomoyuki Kikuta
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Patent number: 9969582Abstract: A sheet conveyance device includes a pair of separable contact rollers configured to convey a sheet, a contact/separation mechanism configured to support the pair of separable contact rollers in such a manner that the pair of separable contact rollers are able to come into separable contact with each other, and a solenoid configured to operate the contact/separation mechanism. The solenoid is driven so that the contact/separation mechanism causes the pair of separable contact rollers to come into pressure contact with each other, and driving of the solenoid is cancelled so that the contact/separation mechanism causes the pair of separable contact rollers to be separated from each other. Pulse width modulation duty control is performed on the solenoid while the pair of separable contact rollers are in pressure contact with each other when a plurality of the sheets are conveyed one by one at an interval.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasumasa Morimoto, Hironori Ogasawara
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Patent number: 9969583Abstract: A deskew module of a valuable media depository is selectively controlled ejection processing. Upon detection of a jammed item of media within the deskew module, angled drives are activated to lift a jammed corner of the item off a track base of the deskew module and free the item's jammed corner. Next, straight drives are activated to eject the item from the deskew module.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Benjamin T. Widsten, Sandeep Singh Gill, Jason Michael Gillier
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Patent number: 9969584Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a winding device (10), comprising the following steps: Displaying of a schematic illustration of functional units (20) of the winding device (10) on a display device (30), Detection of at least one operating parameter (40) of at least one functional unit (20) of the winding device (10), Displaying of the at least one detected operating parameter (40) on the display device (30) next to the schematic illustration of the corresponding functional unit (20).Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Windmöller & Hölscher KGInventors: Michael Ostendorf, Frank Hoffmann
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Patent number: 9969585Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a hopper which is provided with a mounting surface on which a medium is set, and which is provided to be capable of swinging between a first posture in which the mounting surface of the medium is in a fallen state, and a second posture in which the mounting surface is in an uplifted state, a first pathway that delivers rolled paper, as the medium, to the hopper from an upstream side thereof, a second pathway that delivers cut form paper, as the medium, to the hopper from an upstream side thereof, and a first sensor that detects the medium in the first pathway, wherein the hopper swings from the first posture in a direction that assumes the second posture on the basis of detection of the medium by the first sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Narihiro Oki, Shinji Kanemaru, Shintaro Miyamoto, Keisuke Sasaki
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Patent number: 9969586Abstract: The invention relates to a reel-up 3 for receiving and winding into a roll 4 a paper web W that arrives from a drying cylinder 2 in a paper making machine and which drying cylinder 2 is located upstream of the reel-up 3 and which paper web W follows a path of travel from the drying cylinder 2 to the reel-up 3. The reel-up 3 comprises a rotatably mounted reel spool 5 onto which a paper web W can be wound to create a paper roll 4 of increasing diameter and an endless flexible belt 6 mounted for rotation along a predetermined path of travel such that the flexible belt 6 forms a loop. The flexible belt 6 is positioned adjacent to the reel spool 5 to engage the paper web W against the reel spool 5 during winding. The reel-up 3 is arranged to receive the paper web W at the end of a path of travel of the paper web W which ends in a point of contact P with the flexible belt 6 where the paper web W meets the flexible belt 6 such that a wedge-shaped space WS is formed between the flexible belt 6 and the paper web W.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Valmet AktiebolagInventors: Per-Olof Malmqvist, Lars-Erik Oennerloev
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Patent number: 9969587Abstract: An unwind apparatus for obtaining, loading, splicing, and unwinding convolutely wound rolls of web material and forwarding the web material unwound from each of the convolutely wound rolls uninterruptedly to a downstream apparatus is disclosed. The unwind apparatus provides for a multi-axis robot and an end effector operatively connected to the multi-axis robot. The end effector provides for a stationary motor, a rotational coupling mechanically coupled to the stationary motor, and, a mandrel mechanically coupled to the rotational coupling. The mandrel is capable of releasably engaging the convolutley wound rolls of web material.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Matthew Joseph Macura, Rong Deng, Craig Allen Powell
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Patent number: 9969588Abstract: A sheet alignment device includes a driven roller, a drive roller, a displacement driving device, an information acquisition portion, and a displacement control portion. The drive roller is configured to rotate in a first rotation direction and in contact with an upper surface of each of sheets conveyed onto a tilt tray, to feed the sheets toward a base end portion of the tilt tray. The drive roller is configured to rotate in a second rotation direction and in contact with an uppermost surface of the sheets, to discharge the sheets from the tilt tray. The displacement control portion is configured to, when the drive roller rotates in the first rotation direction, control a holding position of the drive roller in accordance with the number of the sheets on the tilt tray and thickness information of each of the sheets acquired by the information acquisition portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.Inventors: Terumitsu Noso, Takeshi Matsuo
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Patent number: 9969589Abstract: A delivery processing apparatus includes: a plurality of stackers configured to stack delivery objects; a conveyer configured to transport the delivery objects to a designated stacker out of the plurality of stackers; a first detector configured to detect that a monitored stacker out of the plurality of stackers is in an overflow state in which more than a predetermined amount of delivery objects have accumulated; a second detector configured to detect that a monitored stacker out of the plurality of stackers is in an empty state in which all delivery objects have been retrieved from the stacker; and a main controller configured to specify a regular stacker that is a stacker out of the plurality of stackers and serving as a sort destination of the delivery object.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Kentaro Sezaki, Takashi Aoki
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Patent number: 9969590Abstract: A horizontal-pull coating film transferring tool may include a supply reel, a transfer head, a take-up reel, and a power transmitting mechanism. The tool may also include a base member, wherein a transfer head is attached and a rotation locking member having a supply reel engaging pawl able to lock rotation of the supply reel is disposed. The base member may be supported so as to be able to rotate. Through an elastic return mechanism, a rotational lock of the supply reel is released through rotation of the base member when the transfer head is pressed and the rotation of the supply reel is locked through the base member returning to an original position. A rotation supporting shaft for the supply reel and the take-up reel is disposed so as to be substantially perpendicular to the direction of a pressing edge portion on the front end in the transfer head.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiromichi Fujisawa
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Patent number: 9969591Abstract: There is provided a printing apparatus for conveying an envelope set in a paper feed unit and performing printing on the envelope and a method of controlling the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus determines whether or not attaching of an attachment to the paper feed unit is necessary in accordance with the type of envelope to be used, and, if it is determined that attaching of the attachment is necessary, the printing apparatus displays a message prompting attaching of the attachment.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinichi Kanematsu
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Patent number: 9969592Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes: a conveying unit configured to convey a sheet along a conveying path; a switching unit configured to switch a sheet conveying destination; a delivering unit configured to deliver the sheet on the delivery path toward a device at the sheet conveying destination; a reversing unit configured to first convey the sheet from the reversing port toward the outside of the casing to a position in which a part of the sheet protrudes and deliver the sheet from the position toward a circulation path while reversing the conveying direction of the sheet; a circulating unit configured to convey the sheet delivered toward the circulation path along the circulation path and return the sheet to the conveying path while the sheet is reversed; and a control unit configured to control the reversing unit when a jammed sheet is detected in the device at the sheet conveying destination.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.Inventors: Kazuhiko Kowase, Michio Takahashi
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Patent number: 9969593Abstract: A sheet ejection device includes: a paper ejection chain (22b) for conveying paper (W); a first pile (26) or a second pile (26b) having loading plates (27a or 27b) arranged in a multistage manner and used for loading the paper ejected from the paper ejection chain; a first beam sensor (62a or 62b), a second beam sensor (63a or 63b), and a third beam sensor (64a or 64b) for detecting an intrusion into the first pile or the second pile. The sheet ejection device further comprises: a plate upper-limit position detection sensor (58a or 58b) for detecting that the loading plate has been positioned at a plate upper-limit position (L2); and a control device (50) for, based on the detection signal of the plate upper-limit position detection sensor, neglecting (disabling) a command for stopping a driving device (printing machine), the command is issued by the first to third beam sensors.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2012Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: KOMORI CORPORATIONInventors: Tadaaki Ushigome, Soichi Nakamura, Akehiro Kusaka
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Patent number: 9969594Abstract: A retracting device and method for retracting a hose, the device comprising: a frame; at least one drive roller connected to the frame for driving the hose for retraction; a first and a second pressing element operatively connected to the at least one drive roller and suitable for pulling the hose upward in co-action with the at least one drive roller; an activating element operatively connected to the two pressing elements and suitable for activating the pressing elements such that no more than one pressing element presses against the drive roller.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2012Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: HYTRANS BEHEER B.V.Inventors: Robert Dirk Hut, Appie Veenema
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Patent number: 9969595Abstract: This invention relates to a kit and method for the joining of two separate lives and families into one. The kit and method may be used in conjunction with a marriage, civil union, vow renewal, or other such ceremony between two individuals, and involves the weaving of two individual materials together in a particular manner so as to achieve a knot, symbolizing the union of the two individuals.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventors: Priscilla Rose Wood, Aaron Vachss Buren
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Patent number: 9969596Abstract: A reel assembly includes a core, two flanges, and two end stands. The core defines a longitudinal axis and has two ends. Each of the flanges is coupled to one of the ends of the core, and at least one of the flanges includes a lock receiver. Each of the end stands is coupled to one flange, and at least one of the end stands includes a lock insert. The lock insert is configured to be inserted into the lock receiver in an axial direction. When the lock insert is within the lock receiver, contact between the lock insert and the lock receiver generates a frictional force against movement of the flanges relative to the end stands in a rotational direction orthogonal to the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Vandor CorporationInventors: Gary L. Cox, Gerald H. Davis
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Patent number: 9969597Abstract: A communication gateway device to facilitate communication between at least one elevator car, a call center system, and a third party device includes a cellular communication interface including a digital cellular interface and an analog cellular interface, a wired telephone communication interface including a digital wired telephone interface and an analog wired telephone interface, and an elevator communication interface to send and receive an elevator communication to and from at least one elevator communication device associated with the at least one elevator car, the elevator communication interface associated with the cellular communication interface and the wired telephone communication interface to send and receive the elevator communication to and from at least one of the call center system and the third party device via at least one of the digital cellular interface, the analog cellular interface, the digital wired telephone interface, and the analog wired telephone interface.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANYInventors: Brian Beloin, Luis C. Encinas Carreno, Michael Garfinkel, Derk Pahlke
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Patent number: 9969598Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to hook and chain assemblies, including those suitable for use in food processing environments. The chain passes through a hook body, where it is secured by a retaining pin when under tension or load. The chain can be quickly and easily removed for servicing, cleaning, and sanitation of the hook body.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventor: Jesus R. Oropeza
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Patent number: 9969599Abstract: A receiving assembly for receiving a seagoing vessel is provided, to be suspended from an articulated arm of a handling structure which is provided with a lifting cable that is intended to carry a seagoing vessel and to move the vessel in a vertical direction to deploy and/or recover the vessel from the sea from a floating building on which the handling structure is secured, the receiving assembly comprising a lower part which comprises receiving means of the vessel, the receiving means having a passage for the cable and defining a cavity capable of receiving the vessel when the vessel is suspended from the lifting cable and arranged to ensure blocking of rotational and translational movements in the vertical direction upward of a seagoing vessel which is generally tubular in form, in relation to the receiving means, when the seagoing vessel is received by the cavity and comes to bear.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2013Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: THALESInventor: Jean Jacques Lossec
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Patent number: 9969600Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a crane, in particular a tower crane, telescopic boom crane, harbor crane and the like, with a load hook that can be raised or lowered via movable crane elements, and moved within a crane working area by operating drive units associated with the crane elements. The crane is provided with a control unit with input means to control the drive units. According to the present disclosure, the crane uses a mobile portable target signal transmitter that can be variably positioned in the crane working area, and positioning means for automatically determining the current position of the target signal transmitter relative to the load hook and/or a crane element, and target control means for automatically controlling the drive units in response to a signal from the positioning means, such that the load hook is automatically moved to the mobile target signal transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Liebherr-Components Biberach GmbHInventors: Oliver Fenker, Roman Hofmann
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Patent number: 9969601Abstract: A vertically-adjustable gantry assembly installation adapted for removal or placement of a train bridge-span of the type which spans and is supported by two piers, comprises a gantry assembly positioned on load-bearing first ground-support locations, the gantry assembly comprising a gantry and a ground-engaging vertical support and lift system, the vertical support and lift system adapted for supporting a combined weight of the gantry and a bridge span in at least one operational vertical position above respective bridge span support-surfaces of the piers including a position corresponding to a disembarking plane in which the leg portions are extended from a stowed position to an extent at least sufficient for the gantry assembly to self-liftoff the pre-installation conveyance system onto the first ground-support locations to effect the gantry assembly installation.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Western Mechanical Electrical Millwright Services Ltd.Inventors: Mark Carney, Rob Doucet, Larry Elisses