Patents Issued in August 2, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180215510
    Abstract: A package assembly that includes a bag having front, back and first and second side panels, and a puck made of a noodle product. A bottom portion of the bag defines a bottom platform that is configured to rest on a flat surface. The bottom portion includes a bag depth dimension between the front and rear panels and a bag width dimension between the first and second side panels. A bag height dimension is defined between the bottom platform and a top of the bag and is greater than the bag width dimension and the bag depth dimension. The puck includes a puck width dimension between first and second side surfaces, a puck depth dimension between front and rear surfaces and a puck height dimension between bottom and top surfaces. The puck height dimension is greater than or equal to the puck depth dimension and the puck width dimension. The package assembly can stand upright when the bottom platform is placed on a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Rita E. Vinnicombe, Michael L. Vinnicombe
  • Publication number: 20180215511
    Abstract: A tube squeeze device is provided with: a body; a handle extending from the body; an operation lever axially supported by the body via a rotation shaft such that the operation lever is disposed facing the handle, the operation lever being capable of turning in two directions within a prescribed range of movement; a first gear axially supported by the body via the rotation shaft so as to be capable of rotating; a one-way clutch for linking the operation lever and the first gear; a second gear axially supported by the body; a main roller joined with the second gear so as to rotate synchronously with the second gear; and an auxiliary roller for squeezing a tube T together with the main roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi UNO, Yasuyuki MIYANAGA
  • Publication number: 20180215512
    Abstract: A container closure system comprises a container 100 comprising a neck 120 having an outer surface, the neck including a plurality of snap ring segments 140 alternating with a plurality of snap ring voids 160 positioned around a circumference of the outer surface. The length of the circumference at which snap ring voids exist is 25% or more of the total length of the circumference. The plurality of snap ring segments is positioned at regular increments around a circumference of the outer surface. The system further includes a cap 14 comprising, among other things, a base 26 that comprises a plurality of snap prongs 16 arranged so as to engage and disengage the plurality of snap ring segments when the cap is rotated on the neck of the container. The plurality of snap prongs are configured to hold the cap on or release the cap from the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Cologate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Kiat-Cheong Toh
  • Publication number: 20180215513
    Abstract: A package for a powdered nutritional product comprises a container for receiving the nutritional product, having a base and a peripheral wall. A lid assembly comprises a circumferential rim, defining an access opening, for connection to the container and a lid, pivotably attached to the rim by at least one hinge having a hinge axis. The lid has an open position and a closed position in which it closes the access opening. The hinge comprises a rim portion, integral with the rim, and a lid portion, integral with the lid, that can be engaged to each other to join the lid to the rim. The hinge is are arranged such that the lid portion can only be engaged with the rim portion in the open position of the lid. In the closed position of the lid, the lid portion is locked to the rim portion, preventing separation of the lid portion from the rim portion. The hinge is also arranged to prevent opening of the lid beyond a point at which the package is unstable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: N.V. Nutricia
    Inventor: Franck Perek
  • Publication number: 20180215514
    Abstract: A lid assembly for a beverage container includes a lid housing, a seal arm, a trigger button, and a pin, which are configured such that, upon pivoting the trigger button about a button hinge, a cam finger presses the pin radially against a lever arm and actuates the seal arm by pivoting the seal arm downwardly from the sealed position to the open position. The pin may be a vent pin having an inner vent seal disposed on in inner side of a lid housing and an outer vent seal disposed on an outer side of the lid housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: IGNITE USA, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel M. Wodka, Robert C. Coon, Edward Naguit Abante
  • Publication number: 20180215515
    Abstract: A closure (100) for a container comprises a base (102) and a cap (104) comprising a top member (104A) and a body member (104B); and a connecting member (110) extending between and connecting said base (102) and said cap (104), said cap (104) being mobile between a first, closed position and a second, opened position, said body member (104B) further comprising a recess (114) in said body member (104B) where said connecting member (110) is fastened along a first hinge (112) to said recess (114) at a side (115B) thereof proximate to said top member (104A), such that when said cap (104) is disposed in said first, closed position the connecting member (110) lies within said recess (114) substantially flush with an exterior surface of said body member (104B); said connecting member (110) being capable of rotating through at least 90° about said first hinge (112) in which the connecting member (110) comprises a plurality of intermediate hinge (116) providing rotation of said connecting member (110) over a deflection
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Cerveny
  • Publication number: 20180215516
    Abstract: A container for fluids having a body, a first fluid passage, a second fluid passage, and a control mechanism is disclosed. The control mechanism is for controlling flow through the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage and is in the preferred construction a ball valve having a first aperture and a second aperture, such that both of the passages are simultaneously controlled by the ball valve. The first fluid passage is for allowing egress of a fluid stored in the chamber of the container, and the second fluid passage is for allowing air return to avoid negative pressure in the chamber. The container has a spout which is oriented in coordination with the second fluid passage so as to avoid liquid flow through the second fluid passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Dwayne R. Hershberger
  • Publication number: 20180215517
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic container having a tamper evident lid and methods therefor, and particularly to a plastic container having a two-component pull-tab attached to part of the lid at its edge which is used to pull the lid off the container, where the pull-tab has a frangible break line where the act of pulling the pull-tab breaks an outer section away from an inner locked down tab, and once the frangible section is broken, provides evidence that the container was opened, since both parts of the pull-tab are now separated and the outer one bent upwards at an angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: TERRY VOVAN, JANE VOVAN
  • Publication number: 20180215518
    Abstract: Presented herein is a biodegradable personal care system including a biodegradable housing, a biodegradable airtight container positioned in the biodegradable housing, and biodegradable moist wipes positioned inside the biodegradable airtight container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: On The Go Products Co.
    Inventor: Luke Erlebach
  • Publication number: 20180215519
    Abstract: A method of producing a container for retaining fluid, the method comprises the steps of: providing a blank which, when assembled, forms a container; folding the blank along one or more fold lines across the blank's width to form a substantially rectangular side wall such that first and second ends of the substantially rectangular side wall are brought into close proximity; sealing the first and second ends of the substantially rectangular side wall to one another; deforming one or more deformable portions which span across the one or more fold lines such that the deformable portions are disposed inwardly in order to force the remainder of the side wall outwards to create an opening within the blank; and sealing a base around the circumference of a first edge of the side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Ian WEBB
  • Publication number: 20180215520
    Abstract: The invention relates to a blister pack (1) for a button battery, comprising a blister foil (4) designed to form at least one housing for receiving at least one button battery, and integral with a base (2). According to the invention, the blister pack comprises, between the base (2) and the blister foil (4), a reinforcing foil (6) which has inter alia a tensile strength of between 1,200 kg/cm2 and 3,100 kg/cm2according to the ASTM D 882 standard. Moreover, an orifice opening into the hosung is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Renata AG
    Inventors: Thomas MEIER, Eric WEBER, Urs RENGGLI
  • Publication number: 20180215521
    Abstract: A closure device for re-closing an opening on a packaging container, which opening having been initially opened within an opening area. The closure device comprises at least a first closure device part arranged on a first side of a first fold axis of the packaging container, and at least a second closure device part arranged on a second side of the first fold axis. The first closure device part is arranged between the opening area and the first fold axis. Further, the first and second closure device parts are provided with mutual lockable members such that the first and second closure device parts may be releasably locked to each other upon folding the packaging container along the first fold axis thereby re-closing the opening in the packaging container. Also, disclosed is a packaging container with a closure device as well as a method of manufacturing the packaging container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Bengt HÅKANSSON, Jens PERSSON
  • Publication number: 20180215522
    Abstract: A multilayer film: an adhesive layer A: an extrudable hot-melt self-adhesive composition; a complexable thin layer B; and a heat-sealable and cleavable layer C of a linear copolyester C1 obtained by polycondensation of a composition of monomers: at least one diol (i), at least one compound (ii) chosen from terephthalic acid or a diester derivative and at least one compound (iii) chosen from an aromatic or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or a diester or anhydride derivative; the amounts of the monomers (i), (ii) and (iii) used in the polycondensation such that the softening temperature of C1 is below 190° C. A process for producing the multilayer film by co-extrusion blow-molding. A resealable packaging comprising a PET-based receptacle and a seal of said multilayer film, the heat-sealable and cleavable layer (C) of which is heat-sealed on the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: BOSTIK SA
    Inventors: Christophe ROBERT, Marc BRESTAZ, Ludovic SALLET, Jeremie PEYRAS-CARRATTE
  • Publication number: 20180215523
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing compostable food containers which preserve the quality of a food product for an extended duration of time, and which optionally allow for cooking of the food product therein. In some implementations, the food containers are sturdy, stackable, insulating, and require minimal or no manual labor to assemble. In some implementations, the food container includes a base and a cover which cooperate to form a closed chamber for supporting, protecting, insulating and optionally cooking a food product, such as a pizza. The base and cover may each be formed of a single layer of material including, but not limited to, molded sugarcane fiber (“bagasse”), molded wood fiber, molded bamboo fiber, molded paper or plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Casper W. Chiang, Douglas J. Minkler, Julia Collins, Alexander John Garden, Chester Wajda
  • Publication number: 20180215524
    Abstract: A dual fluid cartridge assembly includes a cartridge, a flange, and a piston tube. The cartridge defines a channel and includes an flange. The flange defines a cavity that extends from a cavity opening to a cavity base. The cavity opening is positioned within the channel of the cartridge, and the cavity base is positioned external to the cartridge. The piston tube has an extended end, and is positioned at least partially within the channel. The extended end is positioned within the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Robert W. SPRINGHORN
  • Publication number: 20180215525
    Abstract: An insulating shipping system may include six outer walls configured into a six-sided container; an insulating layer positioned within the outer walls and formed by a plurality of insulating members; and a thermal mass layer positioned within the insulating members and made from a plurality of thermal mass members. The thermal mass members may contain a thermal energy absorbing material. The container also may have a thermal buffer layer configured to fit within the thermal mass layer. All together, these layers form a passive, thermally stabile cargo cavity for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: EKOPAK, Inc.
    Inventors: Lonny Vogel, Christopher Edward Hall
  • Publication number: 20180215526
    Abstract: A system for operating a tamper proof storage container for pills, where the storage container has a shutter mechanism that is locked by the combination of a biometric fingerprint lock and digital combination lock. The shutter is opened only upon signal from a personal or remote computer, which allows operation of the fingerprint biometric lock and the digital combination lock. The shutter will dispense only the number of pills prescribed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: John Hsu
  • Publication number: 20180215527
    Abstract: A shaker has an outer container and an inner container moveable inside the outer container. The outer container side wall has an opening through which a first portion of the inner container side wall can be grasped. A space between the outer container side wall and the inner container side wall accommodates an energy accumulator. The inner container, at rest, is pressed with the first portion of the inner container side wall against the opening in the outer container side wall by the energy accumulator and covers the opening. The inner container is movable, counter to the energy accumulator force, transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer container into a displacement position. The inner container has a discharge opening which, when the inner container moves away from the rest position, is moved across a sieve provided in the dispensing opening of the outer container floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Alex Dumler, Florian M. Witt, Johanna Königsberger, Matthias Hecker, Thorsten Plate, Andrew Ferrier
  • Publication number: 20180215528
    Abstract: A dispensing adapter valve including a support structure, a valve stem, a nozzle cap, a tube and an actuator. The a support structure being capable of securably attaching to an aerosol container containing aerosol contents. The valve stem including an inlet and an outlet, and being capable of depressing a pressure valve on the aerosol container allowing the aerosol contents to enter the valve stem through the inlet. The nozzle cap including a nozzle. The tube connecting the nozzle cap to the valve stem. The valve stem, tube and nozzle cap defining an airflow passage capable of allowing the flow of the aerosol contents from the inlet, through the outlet, through the tube, through the nozzle cap and out of the nozzle. The actuator capable of closing or opening a controlled portion of the airflow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Starzyk, II
  • Publication number: 20180215529
    Abstract: Processor tray for displaying tubular meat products in an arcuate configuration, and designed to help guide the packer to mold and place curved meat products in the tray. The filled tray is wrapped in film, and the configuration of the filled tray maintains the film taut to avoid leakage. The tray includes a rectangular upper shaped cavity, and a plurality of curved recessed pockets extend below the upper cavity to define a lower cavity. The tray is designed to provide structural rigidity that resists warping and breakage, thus enabling the overwrapped tray to be handled, shipped, and displayed with minimal leakage or breakage. In some embodiments the tray includes features that facilitate de-nesting of a stack of empty trays, and is adapted to facilitate movement of the wrapped package on a moving conveyor line. The tray is easy to manufacture and provides a lightweight and cost effective packaging product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Mark A. Bergeron, Babu Kuruvilla
  • Publication number: 20180215530
    Abstract: There is provided a container (10) for consumer goods, the container (10) comprising an outer housing comprising a box portion (12) and a lid portion (14) depending from the box portion (12) along a hinge line. The container (10) further comprises a plurality of consumer goods (18) received within the box portion (12) and an inner frame (16) slidably received within the outer housing. The inner frame (16) comprises an inner frame front wall (22) underlying a box portion front wall (17) and a tab portion (28) positioned between a box portion bottom wall and an end of each of a selection of the consumer goods, the tab portion (28) depending along a first weakening zone (30) from the inner frame front wall (22). The tab portion (28) is arranged so that sliding the inner frame (16) away from a box portion bottom wall engages the tab portion (28) with the selection of consumer goods and lifts them away from the box portion bottom wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A.
    Inventor: Lucas Chatelain
  • Publication number: 20180215531
    Abstract: A rigid package for tobacco articles with a hinged lid having: a group of tobacco articles; an inner container which houses the group of tobacco articles; an outer container which houses the inner container in a movable manner, so as to allow the inner container itself (3) to move relative to the outer container; a hinged lid; and a moving mechanism, which moves the inner container relative to the outer container using the rotation movement of the lid and has a rigid connection tab, which connects a wall of the inner container inner to a wall of the lid; a lower wall of the inner container has an extension that is coplanar to the lower wall and extends from the opposite side of the rear wall of the inner container relative to the lower wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Roberto Polloni, Marco Ghini, Giuseppe Marchitto, Luca Federici
  • Publication number: 20180215532
    Abstract: To guard against injury to persons engaging the trim edges of a hinged container, a protective flap extends from the lid on either end of the axial hinge. The flaps extend from the corners of the lid adjacent respective trim edges of the hinge. The flaps have a rounded bottom portion which is extended past the axial hinge line. The curved structure of the protective flaps helps to gently deflect objects, such as fingers, away from any sharply angled trim edges of the hinge, thereby guarding handlers from accidental injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Babu Kuruvilla, Mark A. Bergeron
  • Publication number: 20180215533
    Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable container (1) for single dose or multi-dose administration of beverages by injecting a fluid solution, under pressure through a preparation, said biodegradable container (1) comprising: a tubular body (2) having a side wall (22), a first opening (40), and a second opening (23), opposite to said first opening (40); a first surface (21) coupled to said tubular body (2) in correspondence of said first opening (40), said tubular body (2) and said first surface (21) forming a chamber for containing said preparation; and a second surface (3) coupled to said tubular body (2) in such a way as to obstruct said second opening (23) and prevent the escape of said preparation, said biodegradable container (1) being characterized by comprising reinforcement means (4, 42, 49) associated with said side wall (22), and configured to oppose resistance to pressure acting on said biodegradable container (1) during the injection of said fluid solution under pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Matteo ROSSOMANDO
  • Publication number: 20180215534
    Abstract: A cargo carousel system for shipping containers is provided that can include a frame configured to fit within a shipping container and a cargo carousel mechanism in the frame that can move cargo pod platforms, configured for holding cargo pods, in a continuous loop path in the frame. The system can further include two frames side-by-side in the shipping, each frame with its own cargo carousel system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Glen Munholland
  • Publication number: 20180215535
    Abstract: A system for controlling an environment within a fuel tank is provided. The system includes a conduit with a plurality of vents, wherein the conduit defines a path through the fuel tank, and wherein the conduit is configured to direct a flow of air along the path and out the plurality of vents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Jonathan Christopher Heath
  • Publication number: 20180215536
    Abstract: An in-ground apparatus includes a receptacle and a liner into which the receptacle can be placed and removed. The liner may be a molded plastic liner having a tapering body to permit stacking. The lower margin includes a set of seats for anchor fittings in the form of re-bar prongs that, when installed, extend radially outwardly from the liner. The seats, and hence the prongs, are located upwardly of the bottom edge of the liner so that they are embedded above and below when concrete is poured around the bottom of the liner. The bottom edge of the liner is folded upwardly and inwardly to form a V-shaped channel. The seats for the anchor fittings extend across the channel. The seats may include a cylindrical wall sealed from the inside of the liner. The liner may have intermediate stiffening ribs between bottom and top. The top of the liner may have a seat for the receptacle, and an external concrete break.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: David HALLMAN
  • Publication number: 20180215537
    Abstract: A receptacle comprising a container and a lid is disclosed. The container may include one or more walls and a pair of gussets extending from a top end of the container, wherein each of the pair of gussets includes a cavity facing an opposing gusset of the pair of the gussets. The lid may include a pair of hinge components, each of the pair of hinge components including a pivot pin and a stop pin, the lid being hingedly coupled to the container via a coupling of the hinge components and the pair of gussets. Further, the stop pin of each of the pair of hinge components may be configured to contact the corresponding gusset when the lid is opened to a predetermined angle and prevent the lid from opening beyond the predetermined angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Joshua Gensicke, Jesus J. Pena, Rishi Saran, Patricia Nelson
  • Publication number: 20180215538
    Abstract: An adjustable rack assembly includes a base frame defining an upper end and an open front side and an extension frame defining an upper end, a bottom end and an open front side. The extension frame is slidably mounted to the base frame. The assembly further includes an actuator coupled between the base frame and the extension frame and operable to move the extension frame between a collapsed position and an extended position. A compartment unit is supported by the extension frame and is at least partially collapsible to accommodate the movement of the extension frame between the collapsed position and the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Diverse Global Industrial Solutions
    Inventor: Robert Schaftenaar
  • Publication number: 20180215539
    Abstract: A shelf transport system comprising a shelf transport vehicle transporting a shelf having shelf legs, the shelf transport vehicle comprising: a distance sensor measuring a distance to an obstacle; a shelf leg candidate detection module detecting shelf leg candidates, which are candidates for the shelf legs; a shelf arrangement candidate calculation module calculating shelf arrangement candidates, in each of which the shelf is virtually arranged on the shelf leg candidates; an excess/deficiency calculation module calculating, for each of the shelf arrangement candidates, the excessive and the deficient number of shelf leg candidates; a shelf arrangement determination module determining a shelf arrangement from among the shelf arrangement candidates based on the excessive and the deficient number of shelf leg candidates; and a movement destination determination module determining a shelf to which the shelf transport vehicle is to be moved based on the shelf arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Nobutaka KIMURA, Fumiko BENIYAMA, Keisuke FUJIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180215540
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a variable article holding device includes a first base part, a first holder, a second base part, a first driving mechanism, a protruding member, and a second driving mechanism. The first holder holds an article and is provided on the first base part. The second base part rotatably supports the first base part about a rotary axis. The first driving mechanism rotates the first base part. The second driving mechanism moves the protruding member in a direction crossing the rotary axis and is provided on the first base part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Junya TANAKA, Akihito OGAWA, Atsushi SUGAHARA, Hideichi NAKAMOTO, Takafumi SONOURA, Haruna ETO
  • Publication number: 20180215541
    Abstract: A production line comprises one or more assembling stations and at least one module for carrying containers for supplying to the assembling stations parts which are necessary during the execution of a working cycle. In one example, the module includes a paternoster conveying system including a plurality of drawings for containing the parts. The module includes two endless lateral chains and two lateral guide rails engaged with each drawer. The paternoster system and guide rails selectively position the drawers to downwardly angularly rotate toward the workstation when facing the workstation to increase ergonomic access to the parts for the assembling station operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Simone Belardinelli, Ugo Ghirardi
  • Publication number: 20180215542
    Abstract: A warehousing and shipping operation support system stores first coded information contained in an optical recognition code attached to each of a plurality of objects, acquires the first coded information contained in an optical recognition code attached to a target object out of the plurality of objects, automatically acquires location information of a working radio communication terminal, and associates the stored first coded information with the acquired location information of the working radio communication terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: SATO HOLDINGS KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki UEDA, Yoshimasa UEDA
  • Publication number: 20180215543
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed relating to an automated store or system including an automated fulfillment section having a storage structure for storing fungible and/or non-fungible goods. The fungible and/or non-fungible goods may be retrieved from storage in response to a customer order. The system and method of the present technology allows retrieved fungible and/or non-fungible goods to be sorted and packed in accordance with stored customer preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: ALERT INNOVATION INC.
    Inventors: John G. Lert, JR., William J. Fosnight
  • Publication number: 20180215544
    Abstract: Described in detail herein is an automated fulfilment system including a computing system programmed to receive requests from disparate sources for physical objects disposed at one or more locations in a facility. The computing system can combine the requests, and group the physical objects in the requests based on object types or expected object locations. Autonomous robot devices can receive instructions from the computing system to retrieve a group of the physical objects and deposit the physical objects in storage containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Donald High, David Winkle, Brian Gerard McHale, Todd Davenport Mattingly
  • Publication number: 20180215545
    Abstract: Described in detail herein is an automated fulfillment system with automatic exception handling. A computing system can transmit instructions to an autonomous robot device to retrieve physical objects disposed in facility. An autonomous robot device can navigate to the location of the physical objects and pick up a first quantity of physical objects. The autonomous robot device can pick up the physical objects and can determine a set of attributes associated with the picked up physical objects. The autonomous robot device detect an error with the physical objects picked up by the autonomous robot device based on the set of attributes. The autonomous robot device can resolve the error with the physical objects that were picked up by the autonomous robot device. For example, autonomous robot device can discard the physical objects. The autonomous robot device can pick up replacement physical objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Donald High, David Winkle, Brian Gerard McHale, Todd Davenport Mattingly
  • Publication number: 20180215546
    Abstract: Described in detail herein is an autonomous fulfillment system. The system includes the first computing system, with an interactive display. The first computing system can transmit a request for physical objects from a facility. A second computing system can transmit instructions autonomous robot devices to retrieve the physical objects from the facility. The second computing system can control the image capturing device of the autonomous robot device to capture a live image feed of the at least one physical object picked up by the at least autonomous robot device. The second computing system can switch an input feed of the first computing system to display the live image feed on the display of the first computing system. The second computing system, instruct the autonomous device to discard the physical objects picked up by the at least one autonomous robot device and to pick up a replacement physical object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Donald High, David Winkle, Brian Gerard McHale, Todd Davenport Mattingly
  • Publication number: 20180215547
    Abstract: A carriage for a conveyor comprising a carriage body which is configured for embracing a running rail and which comprises a first and a second leg which are connected by a connection portion, wherein the first leg has first rollers which are attached to the internal side of the first leg, and the second leg has second rollers which are attached to the internal side of the second leg, and the connection portion has third rollers which are attached to the internal side of the connection portion, it is provided according to the invention that the first and the second rollers are vertically disposed, and the third rollers are horizontally disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: FERAG AG
    Inventors: Roberto FENILE, Erich KAELIN
  • Publication number: 20180215548
    Abstract: A system, and associated method, for launching and delivering separated food product in organized groups to a robotized packaging station for the product. The system initiates the delivery via a metered hopper of food product delivering the product to a launch V-belt that aligns the product end to end. A successive singulator belt, positioned adjacent to and receiving product from the launch belt, further organizes the product into a single file alignment. An optional separator belt may follow the singulator belt to create gaps between successive product units. The product is then delivered to a pick belt for product to be provided to the packaging robot. The system product information is from a single (per product delivery line) sensor, enabling intergrated end-to-end control from hopper to robot, and a nearly continuous motion of said pick belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Nicholas J. MILO, Keith W. HOPKINS, George E. REED
  • Publication number: 20180215549
    Abstract: A peristaltic transport device comprising a tube member having an inner space to receive material, the member includes a series of repeating sections wherein each of the sections includes a plurality of bladders to selectively occlude portions of the inner space according to a defined peristaltic sequence to transport the material through the inner space. An actuator assembly is coupled to the tube member to control the selective occlusion of the inner space by selectively expanding and contracting ones of the plurality of bladders according to the defined peristaltic sequence. The actuator assembly simultaneously controls corresponding ones of the plurality of bladders across the series of repeating sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Eidon, LLC
    Inventor: Roger N. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20180215550
    Abstract: A roller including a roller body in a cylindrical form. The roller body comprises at least partially of a borosilicate glass material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Schott AG
    Inventor: Klaas W. Roelfsema
  • Publication number: 20180215551
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to automatically balance and buffer the return of empty containers or other totes to a plurality of areas. In some embodiments, a control circuit employs a logic system in which empty totes are directed along primary, secondary, or tertiary paths depending on information gathered from sensors regarding the availability of space for empty totes at a plurality of potential destinations. In this way, the return of empty totes to one or more points of origin may be buffered to balance the number of empty totes in one or more areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Nicholas O. Thomas, Jason Scott Coyle, Jessica L. Solana, Mustafa A. Harcar
  • Publication number: 20180215552
    Abstract: Disclose herein are an automated article singulator and a method thereof. The singulator according to one embodiment includes a measuring unit configured to measure positions and postures of articles being transferred, an arranging unit configured to receive randomly supplied articles, transfer the articles using a transfer apparatus, and change moving directions of the articles using a plurality of direction changing apparatuses, and a control unit configured to control the direction changing apparatuses one at a time or in groups to arrange flows of the articles according to information measured by the measuring unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Gachisoft Inc.
    Inventor: Hoyon KIM
  • Publication number: 20180215553
    Abstract: A food patty aligning and separating apparatus with a conveyor belt having horizontal cleats extending through a hopper beneath patties. Dividers extend longitudinally through the hopper to form lanes. The conveyor belt's cleats urge patties along lanes up a vertical span of the conveyor, thereby aligning the patties horizontally in a line. The patties pass over a peak and slide down a curved plate to distance the aligned group of patties from a next upstream group of patties. Guide members are spaced from the conveyor belt on hopper side to shear combined patties or pivot outward and cause combined patties to roll back into the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Clifford E. Fitch, III, Cory Richard Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20180215554
    Abstract: An article-diverting modular conveyor belt employs a transverse article diverter comprising rollers. The rollers are formed in a transverse diverting belt wrapped around a module or embedded in the module. The rollers can be activated by contact, motorization or linear induction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Mark Costanzo
  • Publication number: 20180215555
    Abstract: An article conveying device, capable of selecting and taking out an appropriate article, even when plural articles are conveyed while overlapping each other. The device has: a supplying section for conveying articles; a position/orientation detecting section for detecting 3-D position/orientation of the article on the supplying section; a movement amount detecting section for detecting an amount of movement of the supplying section; a working section for taking out the article while following a conveying motion of the supplying section, based on the detected 3-D position/orientation and based on the detected amount of movement; and an article selecting section for, when the articles are conveyed while being overlapped with each other, selecting an article to be taken out, on which another article is not overlapped on the object in a determined take-out direction, and outputting a command to the working section for taking out the selected article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masafumi Ooba
  • Publication number: 20180215556
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer apparatus, and the transfer apparatus includes: a first transfer module holding an object to be transferred on the top thereof and transferring the object to be transferred at a first speed in a longitudinal direction; a second transfer module disposed in parallel with the first transfer module and holding the object to be transferred on the top thereof and transferring the object to be transferred at a second speed in the longitudinal direction; and a blowing module causing air to flow upward/downward below at least one of the first transfer module and the second transfer module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: ACE MACHINARY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chul LEE
  • Publication number: 20180215557
    Abstract: A blister package stacker having a nest inlet for reception of blister packages from a conveyor, a nest assembly for holding one of the blister packages, and a blister package collection tower for storing a stack of the blister packages. The nest assembly is configured to insert one blister package at a time upward into a bottom of the blister package collection tower. The blister package stacker may have a push arm which pushes the stack of the blister packages from the collection tower into storage tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: REMEDI TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Bobby Owen Archer, Bruce Scott Dunn, Jan Bohlmann
  • Publication number: 20180215558
    Abstract: A magazine extraction system includes a carrier, an extractor, and a catch element. The carrier is disposed below the magazine. The extractor is configured to move an article out of the magazine and along the carrier. The catch element is configured to move the article away from the magazine and along a platform. The extractor is configured to move at a first velocity, which is less than a velocity of the catch element. The extractor is also configured to move at a second velocity, which is greater than the first velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Frank Michael Ernst, Alex de Klein
  • Publication number: 20180215559
    Abstract: A sweep auger system having a driveshaft with auger flighting and a backboard extending a length from an inward end to an outward end. An input of a gearbox is connected to an outward end of the drive shaft and a sweep wheel having a plurality of notches, arms and feet is connected to an output of the gearbox. A drive shield is placed around a rearward side of the sweep wheel that forms a channel that is configured to capture grain agitated by the drive wheel. A guide plate is connected to the gearbox and covers a portion of the gearbox. The guide plate angles from an upper outward edge downward and forward to a lower inward edge that is configured to urge the grain captured within the channel of the drive shield to move in front of the sweep auger system reducing grain left in the grain bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Ryan Thomas Olson