Patents Issued in April 2, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200102116
    Abstract: A can closure includes a body with a center panel and a peripheral curl. The can closure body has one of a reduced panel depth, a very reduced panel depth, an extremely reduced panel depth, or a beverage can reduced panel depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Applicant: Butcher Design, LLC
    Inventor: GREGORY H. BUTCHER
  • Publication number: 20200102117
    Abstract: An end closure for food and beverage containers provides controlled opening characteristics to prevent the unintentional missiling of a tear panel. The end closure comprises a score line that defines a portion of the tear panel, and the end closure may comprise one or more anti-missile features that inhibit the propagation of a fracture down a score line, which reduces the likelihood that a tear panel will inadvertently detach from the end closure and injure the user or another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: Dennis K. Frank
  • Publication number: 20200102118
    Abstract: A top cap guard is provided. The top cap guard includes a sheet having opposed first edges and opposed second edges and defining first and second apertures along each of the first edges and each of the second edges, respectively, and first and second rigid members respectively disposable along one of the first and second edges, respectively. The top cap guard further includes first and second flaps. The first flaps are respectively attached to one of the first edges. Each first flap is configured to wrap around the corresponding first rigid member and includes first tongues respectively securable in corresponding ones of the first apertures. The second flaps are respectively attached to one of the second edges. Each second flap is configured to wrap around the corresponding second rigid member and includes second tongues respectively securable in corresponding ones of the second apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: RYAN ANDERSON, Benjamin Luedeman, JUSTIN MELBY
  • Publication number: 20200102119
    Abstract: A collection system for removable attachment to a work surface includes a container portion having an interior defined by a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, and first and second sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls each including a first portion of a securement mechanism. The collection system also includes a first and second clamp arm assemblies that are configured to releasably attach to the first and second side walls, respectively. Each of the first and second clamp arm assemblies includes an upper clamp arm, a wall portion coupled to and extending downwardly from the first upper clamp arm, a lower clamp arm coupled to the wall portion, and a second portion of the securement mechanism that is configured to releasably engage the first portion of the securement mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: Keith Cyzen
  • Publication number: 20200102120
    Abstract: A reusable holder includes a single length of durable elastic material, circular in cross-section, fashioned to form a first loop, a second loop, and a middle section handle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: Gregory G. Spangler Spangler
  • Publication number: 20200102121
    Abstract: A tap and solvent container assembly includes a container having an upper wall, a bottom wall and a side wall connecting the upper wall and said bottom wall. A bung hole is formed in the side wall and a threaded bung assembly is mounted within the bung hole. The threaded bung assembly has a threaded member and a tap assembly is threadedly mounted to the threaded member. The container has an inner reservoir for containing liquids such as solvents, paint, thinners, reducers, etc. The top assembly is used to dispense the liquids from the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Applicant: PRO FORM PRODUCTS LIMITED
    Inventor: James H. Speck
  • Publication number: 20200102122
    Abstract: A cartridge for a material to be dispensed includes a rigid head part having a dispensing outlet and a flexible film forming a cartridge wall, with the film bounding a cartridge chamber for the material to be dispensed, extending at least partially in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge and having a front end that is connected to the head part, wherein the head part has an outer circumferential surface. An inner surface of the front end of the film is sealingly and non-releasably connected to the outer circumferential surface of the head part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Philipp SEILER, Richard LAVELANET, Tobias BODENMÜLLER
  • Publication number: 20200102123
    Abstract: An elongated tubular housing adapted to receive an adjustable external compression device introduced on one end of the tubular housing distal from the opening releasing the contents, and retained in position by a member engaging a grooved strip that is integrated with and/or retained on the housing surface material with a strip surface of like material, providing a reliable, economic and functional outer compression member retention apparatus and method. Further embodiments according to the present invention include a dispenser having regions provided for ease and comfort of gripping, grooved strip end-stop to retain compression device, and grooved strip dimensional and placement details to provide functional, manufacturable and economic material dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Yuriy Chernov, Gennady I. Kleyman
  • Publication number: 20200102124
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a liquid dispensing tap and an associated or integrated measuring cap/cup. The dispensing tap and cap/cup are configured such that the cap/cup is assembled with the tap prior to installation onto a container, and stays assembled with the tap during installation onto the container at the filling line, and which can later be removed for use and then reattached to the tap or container after use by the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Applicant: Silgan Dispensing Systems Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Driskell, Leah Smalley, Robert Good, Brian Van Houton, Linn Wanbaugh, Thanhhung Le, Daniel Choi, Joseph Dodd, Zachary Tyler, Bryan Fields, Brandon Ramsuer
  • Publication number: 20200102125
    Abstract: Provided is a resin container lid in which a trouble such as a crack is prevented while maintaining easiness in opening even under a refrigerating or freezing environment, the resin container lid configured to be fitted to and detached from a resin container, the resin container lid including a flange part configured to be fitted to a container, the flange part being formed at a peripheral edge of the resin container lid, and an opening tab for detachment from the container, the opening tab projecting into an outer periphery from the flange part, with the tab having a flexural strength of 50 to 80 N under an environment of ?30° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Applicant: Asahi Kasei Home Products Corporation
    Inventor: Hisaaki KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20200102126
    Abstract: A storage container includes a base having an interior storage volume, a lid, and a latch configured to move between an unsecured position in which the lid is movable from the closed position and a secured position in which the lid is retained in the closed position. The latch is configured to extend through an aperture defined by the lid and the base. The latch includes an extended edge to prevent the latch from passing entirely through the aperture. The latch is captured by the lid and floats within the lid portion of the aperture. The latch also includes a resilient portion configured to engage an opening in the base portion of the aperture to selectively retain the lid and the body in the closed position when the latch is in the secured position. The latch is not permanently attached to the base or to the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: JONATHAN H. GUERDRUM, MARINA OKADA, JOSEPH A. PRIZZI, JASON SAGEN, JOSHUA R. CORNISH, PETER GOLDSMITH
  • Publication number: 20200102127
    Abstract: A lid assembly including a camming lever and a sealing member for selectively sealing and unsealing a drinking aperture of a lid main body. The camming lever is rotatably to selectively move the sealing member between a sealed position adjacent to and an unsealed position spaced apart from the drinking aperture. The camming lever includes a lever arm extending from two cams having a cam axle extending therebetween. The cam axle is pivotally attached to the sealing member, which is pivotally attached to the lid main body. The cams engage an upper surface of the lid main body. A stub axle extends laterally outward from each cam and engages a ledge which limiting upward movement of the cams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: Evan Michael Choltco-Devlin
  • Publication number: 20200102128
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a lid component for use with a jar and a band. The jar and band may be a mason jar and a band for a mason jar. The lid component is made of an air-impermeable material and is dimensioned and configured to be releasably attachable to the jar by the band and to seal a wide mouth opening of the jar in an air-tight manner. The lid component comprises a one-way valve adapted to allow gas to escape from the jar while, at the same time, prevent air from entering the jar, when the lid component is releasably attached to the jar. The one-way valve comprises a bottom opening and a protruding top wall. The lid component further comprises a sealing wall that extends radially outwardly from the bottom opening. The sealing wall is substantially flat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Bacher, Philip D. Baron
  • Publication number: 20200102129
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container for containing tissue, comprising at least one receiving space for tissue and at least one information surface for arranging data, wherein the information can be arranged by means of a laser. The invention also comprises a device provided with a laser for arranging information on such a container. The invention moreover also comprises a method for arranging information on such a container using a laser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: Ronald Johannes Wilhelmus KUSTERS
  • Publication number: 20200102130
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cap 101 and a plastic multilayer container 601 for solvent cement products. Further, the cap 101 comprises a cavity 102. The cavity may be configured to accommodate a metal dauber applicator comprising a metal dauber applicator wire 104, wherein the wire 104 comprises a first end 302 and a second end 304, wherein the first end 302 may be fitted with cotton blob 105. Further, the second end 304 may be shaped. The system 600 may comprise a holding means 103, molded over at second end 304. Further, the holding means 103 is configured to be press fitted in the cavity 102, thereby forming the cap 101 and the metal dauber assembly. Further, the cap 101 may comprise internal threads 106, which enables the cap 101 to be screwed onto a plastic multilayer container 601.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: Madhukar Balvantray PAREKH
  • Publication number: 20200102131
    Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations, and more particularly to formulations containing cannabinoids for administration via a pump action spray. In particular, the invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations, for use in administration of lipophilic medicaments via mucosal surfaces, comprising: at least one lipophilic medicament, a solvent and a co-solvent, wherein the total amount of solvent and co-solvent present in the formulation is greater than 55% wt/wt of the formulation and the formulation is absent of a self emulsifying agent and/or a fluorinated propellant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Applicant: GW Pharma Limited
    Inventor: BRIAN ANTHONY WHITTLE
  • Publication number: 20200102132
    Abstract: A packaging backer card has features running along at least one edge thereof to create rigidity in the card. The features imparting rigidity may be integral with the backer card and may lie flat, in the same plane as the backer card, in a flattened configuration. The features imparting rigidity may be formed by folding at least a portion of the backer card along at least one side, where one or more tabs may be used to retain and lock the folds in the folded configuration. The folded configuration may create one or more longitudinal fold lines that contribute to reducing the likelihood of flexing, bending or drooping of the backer card. The backer card may be used to secure an item, such as a medical device, thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Tyler Bell, Alfredo Pineda, Job Yeo, Alex Solano, Paul Lacanlale, Andrew Kim
  • Publication number: 20200102133
    Abstract: A packaging backer card has features running along at least one edge thereof to create rigidity in the card. The features imparting rigidity may be integral with the backer card and may lie flat, in the same plane as the backer card, in a flattened configuration. The features imparting rigidity may be formed by folding at least a portion of the backer card along at least one side, where one or more tabs may be used to retain and lock the folds in the folded configuration. The folded configuration may create one or more longitudinal fold lines that contribute to reducing the likelihood of flexing, bending or drooping of the backer card. The backer card may be used to secure an item, such as a medical device, thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Tyler BELL, Alfredo PINEDA, Job YEO, Alex SOLANO, Paul LACANLALE, Andrew KIM, Aaron CAMPBELL, Edward A. GENTILE
  • Publication number: 20200102134
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a pallet shipper. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an insulated pallet shipper for containers. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a fully recyclable insulated pallet shipper with an outer shroud, a top assembly, a bottom assembly, a plurality of insulating panels, a plurality of thermal resistive assemblies, and a plurality of thermal buffer pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER EDWARD HALL, DAVID M. BARTHOLOMEW
  • Publication number: 20200102135
    Abstract: A tote assembly has a tote and a lid. The tote has a sealing channel formed in a lip that extends around a perimeter of a tote opening. At least one drain is formed in the lip and is adapted to direct a fluid away from the sealing channel. The lid has a center portion, a collar disposed around the center portion forming a perimeter of the lid, and a sealing rib formed in the collar that extends around the perimeter of the lid. The collar forms an interference fit with the lip of the tote. The sealing rib is configured to be disposed in the sealing channel to form a fluid tight seal. The fluid-tight seal between the tote and lid ensures the contents of the tote remain dry in an otherwise wet environment or conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Nickolas Reinhart, Jacob H. Whitta
  • Publication number: 20200102136
    Abstract: A bottle insert and a kit. The bottle insert may include one or more skip prevention elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Neta Moshe Cohen, Oded Golan, Ephraim Ulmer, Jonathan Schanin, Haim SHOMRAT
  • Publication number: 20200102137
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing bottle cap includes a cap body having a closed top end and an open bottom end. A hollow reservoir is positioned within the interior space of the cap body and is accessible via an aperture that extends through the top end of the cap body. The reservoir is constructed from a resilient material and has a slit along the bottom end for discharging a stored liquid. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a dispensing valve that is positioned within the reservoir body to release a measured amount of the stored liquid upon receiving a pressing force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Jonathan Merjuste, Jacqueline Merjuste
  • Publication number: 20200102138
    Abstract: Cosmetic containers configured to hold and dispense a cosmetic product. The container may store and dispense cosmetic products from two different cavities, or it may be configured to dispense a cosmetic product from a single cavity in two different manners. A first dispensing outlet can be used by adjusting the container to a first configuration and tilting the container. A second dispending outlet is used by actuation of a pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Applicant: HCT GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: NOLAN QUENTIN ENG, ADRIAN APODACA
  • Publication number: 20200102139
    Abstract: A tub for a container includes an inner tub and an outer tub, each formed of a solid compostable or recyclable sheet formed primarily of plant fiber. Both the inner tub and the outer tub include a floor, a plurality of side walls that are coupled to the floor along common edges and each coupled to two adjacent side walls along common edges, and a rim provided at a top of the side walls. The rim of the inner tub rests on and is secured to the rim of the outer tub such that the side walls of the inner tub extend downwardly into the space between the side walls outer tub, with the side walls of the outer tub surrounding and spaced apart from the side walls of the inner tub. A volume between the side walls of the inner and outer tub provides a cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: Darrell Jobe
  • Publication number: 20200102140
    Abstract: A dispenser apparatus may include a housing and a delivering structure at least partially enclosed by the housing. The dispenser apparatus may dispense desired sizes or pieces of tablets, pills candy, mints, chewing gum or the like. The dispenser apparatus is refillable when a cover or lid is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: Yang Li
  • Publication number: 20200102141
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising: a body (100) that is provided with a dispenser orifice (110); a reservoir (1) containing fluid and a propellant gas; and a metering valve (20) that is assembled on said reservoir (1); said reservoir (11) being movable in said body (100) so as to actuate the metering valve (20) and dispense a dose of fluid through said dispenser orifice (110), said metering valve (20) including a valve member (30) that slides in said metering valve (20) during actuation; said device further comprising at least one sealing element (40, 41, 42) so as to form a leaktight seal, at least one sealing element (40, 41, 42) of said device comprising Cyclic Block Copolymer (CBC).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Applicant: APTAR FRANCE SAS
    Inventor: Patrice LEONE
  • Publication number: 20200102142
    Abstract: A container for the shipment and display of a product includes a four-sided, corrugated sleeve that is selectively enclosed by a pair of opposing plastic trays. The inner surface of each tray includes an outer flange and an inner flange which together define a continuous peripheral groove which is dimensioned to fittingly receive either the open top end or the open bottom end of the sleeve during the assembly process. The continuous nature and depth of the peripheral groove simplifies the orientation of components during assembly and additionally minimizes the risk of any considerable bulging of the sleeve upon the loading of product therewithin. In its assembled state, the container adequately protects the product during shipment while maintaining adequate ventilation. Upon completion of shipment, the top tray and sleeve can be removed, leaving the product displayed on the bottom tray at the point-of-sale without any direct handling required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Fred Dowd, Jeffrey Alan Senkler
  • Publication number: 20200102143
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting vehicles one above the other during transport or storage, the structure comprising a base frame having four corner posts extending generally vertically when in use to support a separate upper frame on which an upper vehicle can be supported in an elevated transport position, and one or more separate lower frames arranged to be positioned within the base frame when in use on which a lower vehicle can be supported. The upper frame is guided up the corner posts when the upper vehicle is raised to its upper transport position and support means associated with the corner posts fasten the upper frame in its transport position relative to the corner posts. The base frame, upper and lower frames are transportable in a collapsed state when not in use by folding the corner posts down and collapsing the base frame, upper frame and lower frame so that they occupy less space with the upper, and lower and base frames in a nested configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Wesley Payne, Martin Clive-Smith
  • Publication number: 20200102144
    Abstract: A brewing container for use with brewing machines, the container including a distribution outlet for dispersing the injected water in at least 3 directions away from vertical within the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: Robert Bao VU
  • Publication number: 20200102145
    Abstract: A grabber assembly includes a carriage, an adapter assembly, and a grabber arm. The adapter assembly is coupled to the carriage and includes a pin, a first member, a second member, and a sleeve. The first member is configured to receive a first end of the pin and removably fixedly couple with the first end of the pin. The second member is configured to receive a second end of the pin and removably fixedly couple with the second end of the pin. The sleeve extends co-cylindrically with the pin. The grabber arm includes a bushing. The bushing is fixedly coupled with the grabber arm and is pivotally coupled to the pin. The sleeve is positioned within a central bore of the bushing, between the bushing and the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Nelson, John Kuphal, Jeffrey Gerhart
  • Publication number: 20200102146
    Abstract: A method of sequencing loads in an automated distribution system having sources, at least one destination, a collector having successive nodes, and a control system to process customer orders. The method includes, for an analyzed node, injection including, to decide whether a load C having a sequential order number of destination for a given destination can be injected into the collector: creating, among the loads to be collected by at least one node downstream to the analyzed node, a list LI1 of loads having an order number of destination lower than the given order number of destination and a list LI2 of loads that are interposed between a load of the list LI1 and the collector; determining whether “the list LI1 is empty” and/or “the list LI1 is not empty and the list LI2 is empty”; if one of the two conditions is verified, then injection of the load C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Collin
  • Publication number: 20200102147
    Abstract: A configurable modular robotic autonomous guided vehicle having an engine module and multiple different ones of selectably interchangeable logistic or material handling accessory modules. The engine module has motors, sensors and a control system integrated with each other for autonomous navigation freely throughout a travel area forming a logistic space. A module interface is located at one end of the engine module for modular coupling of the engine module with a handling accessory module of the vehicle. Each of the handling accessory modules has a different predetermined logistic or material handling characteristic that on integral coupling with the engine module define a different logistic or material handling autonomous guided vehicle type. Selectable coupling of the handling accessory module with the engine module configures the vehicle so as to change the vehicle type from a first vehicle type to a second vehicle type different than the first vehicle type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Sullivan, Justin Holwell, Paul Perry, William Fannin
  • Publication number: 20200102148
    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: December 3, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Nicholas J. MILO, Keith W. HOPKINS, George E. REED
  • Publication number: 20200102149
    Abstract: A conveying system, comprising a modular conveyor belt supported on a conveyor track so that top surfaces of the modules of the conveyor belt present a conveying face that in use moves along the track in a conveying direction, and at least one plastic bottle supported at its bottom on the conveying face via one or more textured surfaces at a bottom of the bottle. The disclosure also includes a method of conveying bottles, wherein plastic bottles are supported with their bottoms on a moving conveying face of a conveyor, and wherein the conveying face and the bottom of the bottle are conveyed via one or more textured surfaces at a bottom of the bottle. The disclosure further includes use of at least one textured bottom surface of a plastic bottle for conveying, and a blow mold for blow molding a plastic bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Cornelis Hendrik Mijndert MENKE, Leonardus Adrianus Catharinus CORNELISSEN
  • Publication number: 20200102150
    Abstract: A vehicle body tracking system of a vehicle assembly line provided at a conveyor unit for transferring a vehicle body may include: a mounting frame to be installed at a power rail of the conveyor unit; a pair of rotating bodies installed at the mounting frame; a driven chain to be combined to the pair of rotating bodies and combined with a drive chain that travels along the power rail; and an encoder sensor installed at the mounting frame and connected to at least one rotating body of the rotating bodies. In particular, the driven chain travels on an endless track, and the encoder sensor detects a rotation amount of the at least one rotating body to output the detected rotation amount to a controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sangduck HAN
  • Publication number: 20200102151
    Abstract: A motor-driven conveying roller for conveying installations for conveying containers, pallets and the like, having a roller body, of which the outer circumferential surface constitutes a bearing surface for articles, having a drive unit, which is arranged within an interior of the roller body, and having a coupling unit, which is designed to transmit a torque from the drive unit to an inner circumferential surface of the interior of the roller body and has a coupling bushing, which has a drive portion, connected to the drive unit, and an outer peripheral output portion, wherein the coupling bushing is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the roller body in a frictionally fitting and/or integral manner, for torque-transmitting purposes, only at certain points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Applicant: INTERROLL HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Harry Lindemann, Dominik Langensiepen, Reinhold Weichbrodt
  • Publication number: 20200102152
    Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring alignment of a transverse member conveyor. The member is attached transversely at opposite end portions to two parallel endless chains includes two position sensors affixed and located transversely adjacent to each chain and each other. One or more targets are attached to link(s) of each chain, and at predetermined distances from the member. The position sensors inductively or magnetically sense the relative position of the target(s) on each chain with respect to the respective position sensor adjacent the chain, and send a signal comparing the target and sensor proximity with respect to the target on each chain. This allows determination of whether the opposite end portions of the member attached to the respective chains are aligned transversely within predetermined tolerance limits. Another aspect is monitoring a single position on an endless chain. Another aspect monitors chain catenary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Frank M. Kulick, III, Peter Rye, Luke Ellis Habermehl, Jason C. Ruch, Christopher Stephan Fredericks, Alex Ivanovich Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20200102153
    Abstract: A system for sorting and delivering packages to one of a plurality of loading points includes a first movable cart positioned adjacent a first conveyor in a receiving position to receive packages from the first conveyor, a second movable cart positioned in a staging position, the second movable cart being empty, and a vehicle selectively engageable with the second movable cart to move the second movable cart from the staging position to the receiving position while simultaneously abutting and displacing the first movable cart from the receiving position to a transfer position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Michael D. Carpenter, Francisco Grupp
  • Publication number: 20200102154
    Abstract: A processing system including a singulation system is disclosed. The singulation system includes a conveying system for moving objects to be sorted from a source area along a first direction, a detection system for detecting objects at the conveying system, and for selecting certain selected objects for removal from the conveying system, and a removal system for removing the certain selected objects from the conveying system for providing a singulated stream of objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, Christopher Geyer, Thomas Koletschka, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi, Thomas Allen
  • Publication number: 20200102155
    Abstract: An apparatus and method, configured for transferring articles of the fish and meat processing industry in a predetermined end position, including a continuous conveying device with a plurality of transport sections for individually receiving the articles and movable in the conveying direction, which transport sections comprise in the conveying position a transport element pair forming two article support surfaces. Each transport element is configured to be controllably pivotable about axles, running in the edge region of the respective transport section, so that the articles (10) are transferred to the predetermined end position, under the effect of gravity, in a plane lying below the conveying plane by controlled pivoting of both transport elements while retaining the article orientation or by controlled pivoting of one of the respective transport elements of one of the respective transport element pairs while changing the article orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Applicant: NORDISCHER MASCHINENBAU RUD. BAADER GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Ulf JACOBSEN, Ib Verner DALGAARD-NIELSEN
  • Publication number: 20200102156
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a sortation system has a conveyor system and mobile drive units. The conveyor system has a conveyor surface that carries payloads along a direction that extends from a first conveyor end to a second conveyor end. The conveyor system has support structure that supports the conveyor surface above a floor so as to define a space between the conveyor surface and the floor. The space is sized so that the mobile drive units can drive under the conveyor surface towards the second conveyor end. The conveyor system has sensors supported that are positioned to detect positions of the mobile drive units under the conveyor surface. The conveyor system moves at least a portion of the conveyor surface based on the sensors detecting the presence of each mobile drive unit so as to synchronize movement of the payloads from the conveyor surface to the mobile drive units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Racha Lwali, Andrew Gawne, Bruce Leardi
  • Publication number: 20200102157
    Abstract: A diverter system includes a diverter arm and an actuator assembly for operating and moving the diverter arm, wherein the diverter arm and the actuator assembly are configured such that the diverter arm is moveable between a retracted dwell position and a plurality of extended dwell positions within an impact dwell range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: Angelo Vanigli
  • Publication number: 20200102158
    Abstract: Implementations of an automated round tube loading machine are provided. In some implementations, the automated round tube loading machine comprises a tube pickup mechanism, a tube stacking mechanism, and a tube loading mechanism. In some implementations, the automated round tube loading machine may further comprise a front side conveyor, a back side conveyor, and/or a computer system. In some implementations, a method of operation of the automated round tube loading machine comprises the machine receiving, picking up, moving, dropping off, stacking, and loading a plurality of round tubes into a box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Rodney B. Winkler, Robert K. Winkler, Ricky L. Davis
  • Publication number: 20200102159
    Abstract: A cellular wheel sluice for granulate bulk product has a housing in which a cellular wheel is rotatably mounted, wherein the housing has an inlet duct for the bulk product, wherein at least two raised granulate roofs are arranged at the inlet duct, wherein a granulate groove is arranged respectively at the transition between two granulate roofs and/or at the transition between one granulate roof and an inlet edge, wherein two granulate grooves in each case run together at an intersection point in the rotation direction of the cellular wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Holger Adomeit, Michael Walter, Bruno Zinser
  • Publication number: 20200102160
    Abstract: A linear motor system has multiple modular track sections joined end-to-end to form a track along which movers may be displaced by the control of magnetic fields generated by coils disposed in each track section. A curved track section is provided that includes a non-constant radius of curvature that is a non-linear function of the run length along the curved track section. The curved track section may have a number of different radii of curvature, and one or more of them may be based on a non-linear function of the run length. The resulting curvature provides improved dynamic performance of movers driven along the curved track section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: Oliver C. Haya
  • Publication number: 20200102161
    Abstract: A monorail tray conveyor in which a tray having magnets is driven along a single rail of a tray conveyor segment by stator coils housed in the rail. Carriage monorail segments including carriages that are driven along monorails have transfer rails that align with the rails of tray conveyor segments to transfer trays atop the carriage transfer rails between tray conveyor segments. The carriage monorail segments include horizontal translator segments, elevator segments, diverter segments, and filter segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: Bryant G. Ragan
  • Publication number: 20200102162
    Abstract: A storage area for containers having at least one storage region arranged between two travel paths for the gantry crane, such that the gantry crane can be moved over the storage region on the travel paths, and where a transfer region is arranged between the travel paths at an end of the storage region pointing in the travel direction of the gantry crane, which can be reached by the gantry crane and a transport vehicle to transfer containers into and out of the storage area. An intermediate region is provided between the transfer region and the storage region; the transfer region and the intermediate region are designed and arranged such that a passage through the transfer region and travel in the intermediate region is possible for a transport vehicle, and the travel in the intermediate region is possible before or after the passage through the transfer region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Armin Wieschemann, Stefan Aldejohann, Heiko Schulz, Jan Philipp Schmidt-Ewig, Heinz-Christoph Eichner
  • Publication number: 20200102163
    Abstract: A grain bin sweep apparatus includes a plurality of elongated grain impellers positioned adjacent a floor of a bin and having an inner ends rotatably supported at a central area of the bin and having an outer ends connected to an endless drive chain mounted in a guide track extending about an outer periphery of the bin and a drive motor engaged with the chain and operable to cause the chain to angularly sweep the impellers about the bin floor to thereby move the grain toward a grain exit of the bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: Brent J. Bloemendaal
  • Publication number: 20200102164
    Abstract: A manipulator apparatus for manipulating an article is disclosed. The apparatus includes an arm including a connecting end and a working end, an arm actuator coupled with the connecting end by an arm linkage, a lift actuator coupled with the connecting end, an end effector coupled with the working end by a rotatable connection, the end effector having an engagement orientation relative to the working end, and at least one cable coupled between the connecting end of the arm and the rotatable connection. The arm actuator is operable to cause the arm linkage to move the working end until the end effector engages an article in the engagement orientation; the lift actuator is operable to cause the connecting end to lift the working end, the end effector, and the article; and the cable is coupled to transmit movement of the connecting end to the rotatable connection to maintain the engagement orientation of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Farhang Bidram, Mohammadreza Yavari, Vahid Mehrabi, Amirmasoud Ghasemi Toudeshki, Seyed Mehdi Mirsadeghi, Thomas Julian Havens
  • Publication number: 20200102165
    Abstract: A control panel is configured to operate one or more dock devices in a loading dock environment. The control panel can be supported at least in part by a bollard disposed in the loading dock environment. In one form, the bollard is configured to contain portions of the control panel and dock devices including sensors, lights, and the like. In one form, the control panel and one or more dock devices are mounted to a preexisting bollard to add functionality to the loading dock environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Robert John Olmsted, Casparus Cate, Randall Lee Planck