Patents Issued in February 6, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200039739
    Abstract: A transport container (vehicle) used to transport, lift, and transfer approved IBCs containing dangerous goods (including liquids) in Open Seas environments. The transport container meets all criteria specified by DNV-GL for certification of offshore containers intended for transport of approved IBCs for dangerous goods in Open Seas and has been certified by DNV-GL as such. It also provides a (solid) full enclosure of the IBC which provides protection an all sides, top and bottom. An offset hinge, rolling, or retractable, top lid provides a top opening for vertical loading of the IBC, while also providing complete protection of the top, when closed. A hinged door panel provides for front protection while allowing for lateral loading of the IBC. The transport container also incorporates guidance features to ensure the IBC is properly positioned inside the container when loading, and a catch well to contain drips or accidental spillage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventor: Regan Robichaux
  • Publication number: 20200039740
    Abstract: A shipping container storage system includes mounting posts that are mountable within the inner or outer channels along the corrugated side walls of a shipping container for supporting various load supporting accessories releasably along the mounting posts. A first mounting bracket configuration allows one or both ends of the mountings posts to be fastened to a perpendicular end surface at the top or bottom end of a channel receiving the mounting post therein. A second mounting bracket configuration includes a hook that allows the mounting posts to be suspended from a rigid anchor loop at a top end of a channel in the shipping container side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventor: Duane Lucht
  • Publication number: 20200039741
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and a device for collecting garbage. The method includes acquiring a garbage type of garbage to be collected; determining a garbage collector for recycling garbage of the garbage type; and controlling the garbage collector to output a first prompt message to prompt a user to put the garbage to be collected into the garbage collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ximing ZHANG, Han Wang, Jin HAN
  • Publication number: 20200039742
    Abstract: A sealing mechanism for a waste storage container includes a waste storage container that has a body, a lid and a cartridge adapted to be positioned in the body. The cartridge has a continuous length of storage film therein. The storage film emanates through a gap between a rim and a core tube of the cartridge and is folded down through a core opening in the core tube into an interior space of the body of the waste storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Richard S. Chomik, Mark Yoho, Stuart Leslie, Taek Kim, Aidan Petrie, Joe Sejnowski
  • Publication number: 20200039743
    Abstract: A modular automatic warehouse comprising at least one module having a parallelepiped shape delimited by respective vertical uprights is provided. The module comprises a first and a second element, each element comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal seats or guides defined by structural flanks for the introduction and/or extraction of a respective plurality of shelves or drawers adapted to contain articles to be stored. The first and second elements being opposite to each other and separated by a compartment inside which at least one lift operates. The lift is able to translate from a lowered position to a raised position in order to move to a location of the drawers. The warehouse may further comprise a means for translating at least one at a time of the drawers towards further similar adjacent modules in turn provided with a means for translating the drawers to be displaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: TOR.MEC AMBROSI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Thomas Ambrosi
  • Publication number: 20200039744
    Abstract: A warehouse storage and retrieval system including an array of multilevel storage racks having at least one transfer deck, picking isles and storage areas disposed along picking isles, the storage areas being configured to hold differing loads, and a controller including a management module configured to variably size the storage areas of the array of multilevel storage rack modules and assign each of the variably sized storage areas to a corresponding one of the differing loads, wherein the storage and retrieval system is arranged to transport the differing loads for placement in the variably sized storage areas assigned by the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: John Lert, Stephen Toebes, Robert Sullivan, Foster D. Hinshaw, Nathan Ulrich, Eric Peters
  • Publication number: 20200039745
    Abstract: A method of order fulfillment, and system for carrying out the method, includes presenting individual items for multiple orders to an automated put wall and segregating the individual items for each order at a location on the put wall that is assigned to that order. Individual items for an order are removed together from the automated put wall and transported together to a packing function. Preferably individual items are stored as inventory items in an automated storage and retrieval system and retrieved from the automated storage and retrieval system in response to an order for those inventory items. The retrieved inventory items are sorted into order batches and automatically inducted to the automated put wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Michael S. Khodl, Philip J. Puite
  • Publication number: 20200039746
    Abstract: An automated decant system is disclosed for processing pallets of cased goods received at a facility, extracting packaging for the cases and transferring eaches within the cases to totes, possibly organized by SKU in sub-totes within the tote.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: ALERT INNOVATION INC.
    Inventors: John G. Lert, JR., William J. Fosnight, Charles W. Su, Christopher Hofmeister
  • Publication number: 20200039747
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a human picker on a picker automated vehicle (PAV) along with its vertical tote conveyors (VTCs) having totes to a successive plurality of inventory stock bins arranged in rows and columns along aisles to move the human picker both horizontally and vertically to successively retrieve each of a plurality of stock items from the bins and place the respective pp items in a preselected ones of totes. Items are later optionally transferred to shipping containers based on each customer order. In some embodiments, horizontal aisle conveyors (HACs) move totes from a configurator along the aisles to the moving PAVs, then back after tote loading by the picker. Totes are transferred from the HACs to upward VTCs, then crossover to downward VTCs, are loaded with stock items by the picker on upward or downward paths, and then transferred back to the HACs to move to shipping station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Robert D. Ahmann, David L. Takes, Gregory H. Gasch, William D. Starnes, Neil D. Bultz
  • Publication number: 20200039748
    Abstract: A method of order fulfillment, and system for carrying out the method, includes storing individual items as inventory items in an automated storage and retrieval system and retrieving inventory items from the automated storage and retrieval system in response to an order for those inventory items. The retrieved inventory items are sorted into order batches and transported to an automatic induct for an automated put wall. The order batches are automatically inducted to the automated put wall as individual items. The individual items are segregated for each order at a location on the put wall that is assigned to that order. Individual items for an order are removed together from the automated put wall and transported together to a packing function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Michael S. Khodl, Philip J. Puite
  • Publication number: 20200039749
    Abstract: Methods and systems for thermal energy storage and enhanced oil recovery are described herein. In some embodiments, natural gas may be injected down a well which has been previously hydraulically fractured to store thermal energy and to stimulate the well to greater hydrocarbon production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Chad Augustine, David Levi Young, Henry Ellis Johnston, JR.
  • Publication number: 20200039750
    Abstract: A skate wheel conveyor system includes a pair of frame sides of a frame assembly. A plurality of preassembled rollers is received between the pair of frame members. Each of the rollers includes a plurality of wheels interposed between a plurality of spacers and a shaft receiving the plurality of wheels and the plurality of spacers. A quick assembly system retains the rollers between the pair of frame members and minimizing deflections of the preassembled rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Gerald T. Guerra, Albert E. Sparling, Mark Bosley, Justin Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20200039751
    Abstract: A continuous bar conveyor includes a plurality of bars, constrained at their ends by chains having links adapted to be engaged by motorized toothed wheels, so as to move the conveyor along fixed guides, and a plurality of spirals wrapping the bars in pairs, the links of the chains and the spirals limiting the maximum distance between adjacent bars, but also allowing their reciprocal movement, wherein, between adjacent successions of at least two bars wrapped by a spiral, there is at least one bar that is not wrapped by spirals, and to which a sheet of plastic material is constrained, having an elevated resistance to the operating temperature of the conveyor and a smooth, non-stick surface, the sheet resting on the upper surface defined by the spirals and having a dimension in the advancing direction of the conveyor smaller than the distance between successive bars not wrapped by spirals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventor: Leopoldo Lago
  • Publication number: 20200039752
    Abstract: A conveyor track assembly section for a mechanical chain comprises a base plate, a wear track profile and a securing member. In some embodiments, the securing member has two arms forming an L shape, and in other embodiments, the securing member has three arms forming a C shape. The securing member is used to secure the wear track profile to the base plate. The mechanical chain is received within the wear track profile. A conveyor track assembly section may further comprise a plurality of placement pins and a plurality of securing members to secure and align the wear track profile and the base plate. Multiple conveyor track assembly sections may be assembled together to form a conveyor track assembly for the mechanical chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventor: George W. Massey, JR.
  • Publication number: 20200039753
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a screw transport apparatus for bottles, comprising: —a support structure, which extends longitudinally between a bottle inlet 1a and a bottle outlet 1b of the apparatus, and —a spiral-shaped helical body, which is associated with the support structure and extends axially parallel to the support structure between two own axial ends. The above spiral-shaped helical body can be rotated on itself about its own longitudinal axis to move bottles in cooperation with the support structure. The spiral-shaped helical body comprises at least two spiral-shaped seats, which extend coaxially between the two axial ends. They are angularly offset from each other and differ from each other by the shape and/or dimensions of the relative bottle housing compartment defined by each of them. The two spiral-shaped seats are intended to be used alternatively to the other for the transport of bottles having different shapes and/or dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Giuliano BOSCARO, Alessandro TICINELLI
  • Publication number: 20200039754
    Abstract: A method for generating a control signal to a conveyor system, the conveyor system configured to serve at least a plurality of robots, includes receiving, in a control entity, a service call for a first robot, the service call being associated with a priority of the first robot; determining, by the control entity, the priority of the first robot; and generating, by the control entity, a control signal to the conveyor system to serve the service call for the first robot in accordance with the determined priority of the first robot. A control entity, a robot and a system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: KONE Corporation
    Inventors: Jere Vuorenala, Niko Elomaa
  • Publication number: 20200039755
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to systems and methods for emptying and/or cleaning a tray within in an assembly line grow pod. In one embodiment, a sanitizer component for cleaning a tray coupled to a cart in an assembly line grow pod is disclosed. The sanitizer component is coupled to a track such that the cart and the tray are received in the sanitizer component via the track. The sanitizer component comprises a first actuator arm positioned underneath the track and extendable through an opening in the track and an aperture at a bottom end of the cart to contact the tray such that the tray rotates in a first direction. The sanitizer component further includes an actuator motor coupled to the first actuator arm for extending the first actuator arm and a controller. The controller is communicatively connected to the actuator motor in the sanitizer component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Gary Bret Millar, Mark Gerald Stott, Todd Garrett Tueller, Michael Stephen Hurst, Alan Ray Bentley, Taylor John Woodbury
  • Publication number: 20200039756
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method handling moved piece goods. The apparatus comprises a manipulator for the piece goods, at least one transport device transporting the moved piece goods to a seizing range of the at least one manipulator and at least one horizontal conveying device assigned to the seizing range and/or to a movement range of the at least one manipulator, via which horizontal conveying device the moved piece goods are transported in the seizing range of the at least one manipulator. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises at least one detection device for obtaining space coordinates and/or position data and/or contour data of piece goods to be seized by the manipulator, wherein the at least one horizontal conveying device and the at least one transport device are calibratable and/or controllable based on the space coordinates and/or position data and/or contour data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: KRONES Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Manuel KOLLMUSS, Erhard BEER, Michael ASTNER, Arsalan MEHDI
  • Publication number: 20200039757
    Abstract: A distribution system for storing and conveying a supply of material is described. The distribution system includes a bin for storing and conveying a supply of material. The bin includes a housing defining an internal chamber configured to receive the material, at least one outlet configured to direct the material from the bin, a plate defining a lower end of the internal chamber and supporting and directing the material to the at least one outlet, an agitation device attached to the plate, and a gasket disposed between the plate and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Enes Ramosevac, Charles P. Ganzer
  • Publication number: 20200039758
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a goods to operator workstation for presenting a container of articles to an operator for picking. The goods to operator workstation includes a container presenting mechanism having laterally movable arms positioned at a first predetermined distance from each other to create a first space to receive and present the container to the operator for picking. A lifting unit moves vertically upwards into the first space to receive the picked container, the laterally movable arms move outwardly away from each other to be positioned at a second predetermined distance from each other, and the lifting unit moves vertically downwards through the at least two laterally movable arms to transfer the picked container onto the discharge conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher QUAGLIA, Darius SCOTT, Joseph JOICE
  • Publication number: 20200039759
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for transferring products (1) from an accumulation surface (2) to an outlet conveyor (3) configured to convey products in a longitudinal direction using an intermediate conveyor (4) arranged between, and flush with, said accumulation surface (2) and said outlet conveyor (3), and a pushing means (5), the method comprises decelerating the intermediate conveyor (4) and transferring the products (1) between the accumulation surface (2) and the intermediate conveyor (4) by said pushing means (5) and accelerating the intermediate conveyor (4) and transferring the products from the intermediate conveyor (4) to the outlet conveyor (3). The present invention also relates to a device for transferring products (1) from an accumulation surface (2) to an outlet conveyor (3), in particular one that is capable of carrying out the method according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventor: Julien BERGER
  • Publication number: 20200039760
    Abstract: A paddle bracket with superior durability and a grain elevator chain including such a paddle bracket are disclosed. The paddle brackets are used to connect paddles for moving the grain to the chain. Each paddle bracket has a brace portion for giving additional support to the intermediate portion of the bracket between the portion of the paddle bracket that connects to the other links in the chain and that portion of the paddle bracket that attaches to the paddle. An austempering process for forming a bainitic microstructure in the paddle bracket to further enhance the strength of the paddle bracket is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventor: Andrew J. Binford
  • Publication number: 20200039761
    Abstract: A supporting device for receiving, securing, and supporting at least one gripping mechanism comprises at least one gripper arm pair of a first and second gripper arm for gripping, holding, and guiding containers, a circular or circular-segmented support plate including a first receiving opening to accommodate and secure a first gripper arm pivot axis, a second receiving opening to accommodate and secure a second gripper arm pivot axis, and a third receiving opening to rotatably receive a cam control shaft for opening or closing the gripping mechanism configured for each gripping mechanism in the axial direction, and a fourth receiving opening to receive and fix a locking pin to rotatably secure the cam control shaft for each gripping mechanism, the fourth receiving opening extending inwardly from an outer lateral surface of the support plate toward the third receiving opening and at least partly projecting into same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: TYROLON-SCHULNIG GMBH
    Inventors: Elmar SCHULNIG, Ludwig SCHULNIG
  • Publication number: 20200039762
    Abstract: A height-adjusting device for a gripping and transporting mechanism for containers having a lifting cylinder comprises a cylinder base, a cylinder tube, a piston arranged sealingly slidable in the cylinder tube, a cylinder cover, and at least one first piston rod connected to the piston. The first piston rod is guided out of the cylinder tube through the cylinder cover in a sealing sliding manner by its end opposite from the piston, is arranged in the cylinder tube, and has at least one first and/or second fluid path. The first fluid path is pressurized by a pressurized fluid at the end of the first piston rod opposite from the piston, the first piston rod passes through the piston and communicates with a first cylinder interior at the cylinder base-side of the piston and/or the second fluid path communicates with a second cylinder interior at the cylinder cover-side of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: TYROLON-SCHULNIG GMBH
    Inventors: Elmar SCHULNIG, Ludwig SCHULNIG
  • Publication number: 20200039763
    Abstract: Disclosed is a carriage, for moving bottle products from one station to another of a processing line for processing the products, the carriage being movable on a floor and including a self-contained drive configured to allow it to move from one predefined station to another predefined station. The carriage includes a plate, provided with a receiving surface suitable for receiving a plurality of products, and a shuttle, provided with the self-contained drive and a unit for engaging with/disengaging from the plate. Also disclosed is a corresponding processing line and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventor: Jean-Claude WAELDIN
  • Publication number: 20200039764
    Abstract: A suction gripping device includes a support arm and a head with at least one suction gripping element mounted translatably along the support arm. The head has an inlet and a channelling system to place the inlet and the gripping element in communication. The device further includes a manifold maintained in depression, a seal along a side of the device to maintain the inside of the manifold in depression, and a fluid distributor group interposed between the inlet in the head and the side and borne by the head so as to be slidable along the side. A spacer is provided for distancing and keeping a portion of the seal distanced from the side so as to maintain the channelling system in depression for activation in suction of the gripping element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: GIMA S.p.A
    Inventors: Gianluca FORTINI, Massimo PACIFICI
  • Publication number: 20200039765
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Kirill K. PANKRATOV, David EHRENBERG, Larry M. SWEET
  • Publication number: 20200039766
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method for transporting cargo using smart palettes includes determining receipt of a first cargo onto a platform of a first smart palette at a first distribution hub. The method includes generating one or more signals that control a loading of the first smart palette and the first cargo onto a trailer located at the first distribution hub. The method includes determining a coordination with one or more second smart palettes associated with the trailer to determine a first position inside the trailer for the first smart palette and the first cargo. The method includes generating one or more signals that position the first smart palette and the first cargo at the first position inside the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Philipp Haban, Daniel Adam Kanitz
  • Publication number: 20200039767
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic loading apparatus including a loading platform and a transfer plate. The transfer plate includes a rolling portion and a ramp portion. The rolling portion includes plural roller modules. Each of the roller modules includes a metal frame and plural upper rollers and lower rollers disposed in the metal frame. An upper surface of the transfer plate is made up of the upper rollers, and a lower surface of the transfer plate is made up of the lower rollers. The ramp portion is connected to the rolling portion and arranged on one end of the transfer plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Yu-Feng HUANG, Ting-Wang YI, Yi-Chien CHEN
  • Publication number: 20200039768
    Abstract: A feeding system for carton blanks is disclosed, comprising a pivotable linkage, a gripper head connected to the pivotable linkage at a first rotational axis. The feeding system comprises a magazine configured to store a plurality of stacked carton blanks in a stacking direction. The carton blanks are confined in a cassette being dimensioned so that the carton blanks are confined to extend between proximal and distal internal surfaces of the cassette along a cassette direction which is perpendicular to the stacking direction and the first rotational axis. The proximal internal surface is arranged to align proximal edges of the carton blanks in a proximal alignment plane being perpendicular to the cassette direction, the proximal alignment plane extending between the gripper head and said first rotational axis. The first rotational joint is positioned in relation to the magazine such that there is a separation distance between the proximal alignment plane and the first rotational axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventor: Richard Persson
  • Publication number: 20200039769
    Abstract: A used paper supply device includes a first paper feed unit and a second paper feed unit for feeding used paper and cleaning unit for cleaning a surface of a roller of the paper feed units, in which when the used paper is fed from the first paper feed unit, the surface of the roller of the second paper feed unit is cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventor: Yoichi MIYASAKA
  • Publication number: 20200039770
    Abstract: A feeder module for a multi-function product including a tray having a first axial direction and a second axial direction, at least two first sensors disposed at the tray in the second axial direction, a clamping member movably assembled to the tray in the second axial direction, and a control unit is provided. A document placed on the tray is driven to move into the multi-function product in the first axial direction. The clamping member has at least two shielding pieces moving in the second axial direction. The first sensors located on moving paths of the shielding pieces generate different sensing states according to whether the first sensors being shielded by the shielding pieces or not. A control unit electrically connected to the first sensors determines a width of the document according to the sensing states of the at least two first sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: Kinpo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-His Chiang, Hung-Huan Sung
  • Publication number: 20200039771
    Abstract: A medium feeding device includes a medium feeding mechanism switching between a first state in which the medium is fed from the feeding tray and a second state in which the medium is not fed from the feeding tray, a feeding roller rotationally driven in a forward rotation direction, and a separation roller that is rotationally driven in the reverse rotation direction when the feeding roller is rotationally driven in the forward rotation direction, wherein when the separation roller is rotationally driven in the forward rotation direction, the feeding roller is configured to be passively rotatable with respect to the separation roller, and wherein a rotation direction of the first motor when the cam member switches the medium feeding mechanism from the first state to the second state is the same as a rotation direction of the first motor when the separation roller rotates in the forward rotation direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Hiroyuki TAJIMA, Koji MIGITA
  • Publication number: 20200039772
    Abstract: A sheet suction device includes a sheet carrier, a suction unit, and a rotary body. The sheet carrier has a carrying region. The carrying region includes a plurality of suction openings. The sheet carrier is configured to rotate while holding a sheet. The suction unit is configured to communicate with the plurality of suction openings and suck air via the plurality of suction openings. The rotary body is disposed between the plurality of suction openings and the suction unit. The rotary body is configured to rotate to change a number of suction openings that communicate with the suction unit, among the plurality of suction openings of the sheet carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki MIYAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20200039773
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to prevent printing processing from being performed in a case where a printing medium is not placed correctly on a tray because of an erroneous operation of a user, or the like. The present invention is a printing apparatus including: a conveyance unit configured to convey a tray on which a printing medium is placed; a printing unit configured to perform printing on a print surface of a printing medium on the tray based on a print job; and a first detection unit configured to detect a relative position relationship between the tray and a printing medium placed on the tray, and the printing apparatus has a first notification unit configured to give a notification of an error indicating that a placing position of the printing medium is not an appropriate position based on detection results by the first detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Fujino
  • Publication number: 20200039774
    Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes an ultrasonic element that performs at least one of transmitting an ultrasonic wave along a first axis and receiving the ultrasonic wave input along the first axis, and a protective member that is provided on the first axis and covers the ultrasonic element, in which the protective member has a plurality of pores through which the ultrasonic wave traveling along the first axis passes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Masayoshi YAMADA, Hikaru IWAI, Kanechika KIYOSE
  • Publication number: 20200039775
    Abstract: A medium feeding apparatus includes a curved path that is a medium feeding path formed between a first pair of feeding rollers and a second pair of feeding rollers. The medium is transported along the curved path while being curved downward. The medium feeding apparatus further includes an accommodating portion formed outside a curve of the curved path and configured to accommodate a deformed part of the medium at the curved path. The first pair of feeding rollers is provided at a center area in a medium width direction intersecting with a medium feeding direction. The accommodating portion has a pushing member configured to push the deformed part of the medium upstream in the medium feeding direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Masahiro ISONO, Keiichiro FUKUMASU, Koji MIGITA
  • Publication number: 20200039776
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sheet conveying device includes a conveying path forming unit and an orthogonal movement permitting part. The conveying path forming unit forms a path for conveying a sheet. The orthogonal movement permitting part is provided in the conveying path. The orthogonal movement permitting part conveys the sheet along the conveying direction. The orthogonal movement permitting part allows the sheet to move in a conveying orthogonal direction orthogonal to the conveying direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Yuichi Saito, Toshiaki Oshiro
  • Publication number: 20200039777
    Abstract: A paper-making machine and process, in which a paper web passes over a pope roller to a main roll and a new roll can be brought into contact with the pope roller when the main roll becomes a full roll, is improved by arranging at least two paper cutting tools to cut a paper web from each of two outer lateral edges to form two or more leader portions. A tail of the paper web formed on the full roll is symmetric and the leader portions on the new roll are also symmetric. Adhesive spray or tape can be applied to the paper web in the area of the leader portions. Air jets can also be used to bias the leader portions towards a surface of the new roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Dieter H. HILKER, Alfred NEUMAYER
  • Publication number: 20200039778
    Abstract: A switching device (130) for transferring and ejecting a plate element (20) in a sorting unit (100), comprises: transport means (132), capable of transporting (A) the plate element (20) from upstream to downstream; a pivot (134), positioned in an upstream portion of the transport means (132), and allowing the transport means (132) to tilt relative to a horizontal transverse axis (R2); and raising means (135), secured in a downstream portion of the transport means (132), for tilting the downstream portion of the transport means (132) between a high first position and a low second position, and vice versa, so as to switch the plate element (20), respectively upward and downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventor: Pascal MARCIANO
  • Publication number: 20200039779
    Abstract: According to examples, a printing apparatus may include an output bin that is laterally translatable between a retracted position and an extended position. The printing apparatus may also include a sensor to detect a height of a stack of media on the output bin while the output bin is in the retracted position and a controller. The controller may determine whether the detected height of the stack of media on the output bin exceeds a certain level and in response to a determination that the detected height of the stack of media exceeds the certain level, laterally translate the output bin from the retracted position to the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Arthur H Barnes, Jody L Clayburn, Francisco Javier Gomez Maurer, Kevin Lo
  • Publication number: 20200039780
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sliver can (1) for accommodating a strand-shaped fiber material (2), comprising a peripheral, at least partially transparent side wall (3), via which an accommodating space (4) for the fiber material (2) is delimited, comprising a can base (5), which is preferably vertically movable within the accommodating space (4), and comprising at least one display element (6) for displaying the quantity and/or at least one property of the fiber material (2) located in the sliver can (1). According to the invention, the display element (6) is arranged in such a way that it is visible through the side wall (3) from outside the accommodating space (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Werner Schmolke, Markus Hillerbrand
  • Publication number: 20200039781
    Abstract: A drum assembly includes a support bar, expandable spokes extending away from the support bar, drum segments mounted to the expandable spokes, support brackets disposed on the support bar, a primary mechanical actuator extending between the support brackets, and secondary mechanical actuators extending from the support brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander Ryan Barnett, Matthew Allen Hegler
  • Publication number: 20200039782
    Abstract: A core for winding sheet material is proved. The core comprises a cylindrical tube having a longitudinally oriented slot formed therein, and a strip of soft material located in the slot. Because of the geometry of the slot and the strip, the strip may be softer in the central region but firmer where the core transitions from the relatively soft strip to the relatively hard tube. The leading edge of the sheet material imbeds itself into the soft central region of the strip as additional layers are wound around the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, John Wrenn
  • Publication number: 20200039783
    Abstract: A method of operating a dispatcher of an elevator group of a building elevator system having a plurality of elevator systems organized into multiple elevator groups including: receiving an elevator call, the elevator call including a desired destination; transmitting elevator status data from the elevator group to one or more other elevator groups of the building elevator system; receiving elevator status data from each of the one or more other elevator groups of the building elevator system; determining a verdict depicting whether an elevator car of the elevator group is best to serve the elevator call in response to the elevator status data of each of the one or more other elevator groups of the building elevator system; and calling an elevator car in response to the verdict.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel S. Williams, Jannah A. Stanley
  • Publication number: 20200039784
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method and system for detecting mechanics in an elevator system. The system includes a controller configured to communicate with one or more anchors, and a tag configured to transmit a signal, wherein the signal includes an identifier and location information. The system also includes one or more anchors, wherein the one or more anchors are configured to detect the signal from the tag, wherein the controller is configured to execute a safety action response to detecting the signal from the tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Stella M. Oggianu, Ankit Anand Gupta, Tadeusz Pawel Witczak, Craig Drew Bogli, Vineet Srivastava
  • Publication number: 20200039785
    Abstract: Embodiments include a system, method and controller for tracking service mechanic status. The embodiments include a controller of an elevator system that is operably coupled to an elevator, wherein the controller is configured to control the elevator and detect a status of the elevator, and a processor operably coupled to the controller and a memory, wherein the memory is configured to store responder information, wherein the processor is configured to receive responder information from the memory and generate notification information based at least in part on the responder information. In addition, the embodiments include an interface unit for transmitting the notification information, and a notification unit operably coupled to the elevator and is configured to provide the notification information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Ramasivam Natarajan, Bradley Armand Scoville, Matthew Sean Morrison, Enrique Ramos Ibarra, ZhenXing Peng, Lang Hu, Tao Mu, Donvy Dong
  • Publication number: 20200039786
    Abstract: A mechanism that allows a ladder to be moved to either a use position or a retracted position. The ladder can be moved from the retracted position to the use position with a minimal effort, and the ladder moves by itself from the use position to the retracted position. A pit ladder apparatus for an elevator according to the present invention includes a position change means to be provided in a fixing metal frame fixed to the hoistway and allowing a ladder to be moved to either the use position when the ladder is used or the retracted position for retracting the ladder when it is not used so as not to interfere with operation of the elevator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Hironobu KAMADA
  • Publication number: 20200039787
    Abstract: A governor assembly is provided including a sheave rotatably mounted on a shaft and a ratchet disc mounted on the shaft. Rotation of the ratchet disc is restricted. An overspeed assembly includes a swing jaw mounted to the sheave. The swing jaw is movable between a normal position and a tripped position. The swing jaw is biased into the tripped position. When the swing jaw is in the tripped position, rotation of the sheave in a first direction is restricted. A tripping lever is pivotally mounted to the sheave and is configured to cooperate with the swing jaw. Rotation of the sheave in a second, opposite direction is configured to automatically move the swing jaw against its bias to the normal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Randall S. Dube, Aayush Desai
  • Publication number: 20200039788
    Abstract: A frictional damper for an elevator system includes one or more friction pads configured to move between a first position, and a second position defined by engagement of the one or more friction pads to the guide rail. An actuation unit urges the one or more friction pads into and out of engagement with the guide rail. The actuation unit includes a hydraulic actuator operably connected to the one or more friction pads to urge movement of the one or more friction pads into and out of engagement with the guide rail via hydraulic fluid pressure. The hydraulic actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder containing a volume of hydraulic fluid and a hydraulic piston located in the hydraulic cylinder and operably connected to the one or more friction pads. An electromagnetic actuator selectably urges hydraulic fluid to apply a force to the hydraulic piston, urging the movement of the friction pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Tadeusz Pawel Witczak, Cezary Jedryczka, Wojciech Szelag, Adam Marian Myszkowski