Patents Issued in April 28, 2020
  • Patent number: 10633188
    Abstract: A segment or a strip for a segment of a conveying device, having at least one end face, which faces a segment adjoining the segment or faces a strip on an adjoining segment, optionally a rear side and parallel ribs which extend on a top side of the segment or of the strip in the conveying direction. An end region of the ribs is beveled in the region of the end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Innova Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Pavel Vlasak, Jiri Drencko
  • Patent number: 10633189
    Abstract: Described is a sorting machine comprising: a plurality of carriages (2), each carriage (2) comprising a loading-unloading device (3) which can be selectively activated for loading-unloading an object (O) from the carriage (2) and an electronic unit (4) configured to receive and analyse a loading-unloading signal and actuate the loading-unloading device (3) as a function of an operating mode, selected from a plurality of operating modes and uniquely associated with the loading-unloading signal; a plurality of loading stations (9) and a plurality of unloading stations (10) positioned along a sorting direction (X) comprising respective actuating units (11) configured to generate the loading-unloading signal. Each carriage (2) comprises a permanent magnet (4c) which generates a stationary magnetic field and each actuating unit (11) comprises a Hall effect transducer (12) configured to detect the presence of the stationary magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet (4c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: FIVES INTRALOGISTICS S.P.A. CON SOCIO UNICO
    Inventors: Matteo Fumagalli, Lorenzo Chierego, Riccardo Macchi
  • Patent number: 10633190
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting an article during transport is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support surface oriented to support an underside of an article to be transported. The apparatus also includes a plurality of pins distributed over at least a portion of the support surface and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the plurality of pins being urged into the extended position such that a lateral retaining portion of each pin protrudes above the support surface. The underside of the article, when received on the support surface, causes a first portion of the plurality of pins underlying the article to be depressed into the retracted position while a second portion of the plurality of pins remain in the extended position such that the lateral retaining portions of pins disposed adjacent to the article constrain the article to prevent movement of the article on the support surface while being transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Advanced Intelligent Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Farhang Bidram, Atabak Pouya, Vahid Mehrabi, Shahram Pourazadi, Seyed Mehdi Mirsadeghi
  • Patent number: 10633191
    Abstract: A movable platform for a skillet conveyor system of a vehicle assembly line, the movable platform comprising rotation means for rotating a body of a vehicle, said rotation means being fixed to the movable platform and completely integrated with said movable platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: C I E M—Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventors: Massimiliano Galimberti, Mario Vizzaccaro
  • Patent number: 10633192
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tray-and-tableware flipping device being capable of flipping and sorting trays and tableware including dishes and bowls without causing damage to the tableware attributable to collisions. The flipping device also reduces the labor needed for dishwashing by automatically flipping the trays and tableware. Further disclosed is a dishwashing system including a first conveyer transportation unit, the tray-and-tableware flipping device, a flipping device driving unit, a tray transportation conveyer belt, a tableware transportation conveyer belt, and a monitoring or detection sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: PRIME.CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Hyun Kim, Sung Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 10633193
    Abstract: A brick layering system includes an infeed conveyor that brings layers of bricks, one or more brick layer compacting systems that remove unwanted gaps in the layers of bricks, an outfeed carousel for receiving compacted piles of bricks and a robot arms that moves the brick layer between the infeed, outfeed and compacting systems. The brick layer compacting system includes a table top having a generally flat surface for receiving the brick layer; and two mechanical stops secured to the table top on the generally flat surface so as to define two straight edges on the table top that are perpendicular to each other. The table top is oriented so that a virtual intersection of both straight edges is lower than any other parts of the two straight edges. Bricks received on the flat surface are moved by gravity towards the virtual intersection of the two straight edges, thereby removing gaps between the bricks and indexing the bricks relative to both straight edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Slab Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: Benoit Slavinski, Ludovic Legendre
  • Patent number: 10633194
    Abstract: Techniques regarding a conveyance system with variable speed rollers are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise an apparatus, which can comprise a roller attached to a support member that is operatively coupled to a first gear. The first gear can drive a conveyance of the support member and the roller in a first direction. The apparatus can also comprise a shaft that can operatively couple the roller to a second gear. The second gear can drive a rotation of the roller in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Thermal Product Solutions
    Inventor: Barry J. Opdahl
  • Patent number: 10633195
    Abstract: A system for transferring units to/from a rail-guided suspended conveyor system includes a transfer conveying device with one or more first conveying units and a conveyor system with a plurality of second conveying units. The first and second conveying units each have a rack with tines and form a receptacle for bearing a unit. The system is configured such that in a transfer zone a rack of a first conveying unit of the transfer device and a rack of a second conveying unit of the conveyor system penetrate by meshing so with movement of the first and the second conveying unit relative to another either a unit initially on the rack of the first conveying unit remains on the rack of the second conveying unit, or a unit initially on the rack of the second conveying unit remains on the rack of the first conveying unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: FERAG AG
    Inventor: Urs Gadliger
  • Patent number: 10633196
    Abstract: A divider system for diverting objects from an infeed lane into one or more discharge lanes includes a dividing screw set, a discharge screw set, and a diverting mechanism. The dividing screw set conveys a sequence of objects to an output end of the screw set where the objects are divided by rotation of the dividing screw set and outputted alternately to first and second discharge screws of the discharge screw set to form a first series of objects conveyed by the first discharge screw and a second series of objects conveyed by the second discharge screw. The divider system includes a diverting mechanism which can be selectively actuated to divert objects from one discharge screw to the other discharge screw to form a diverted group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Morrison Timing Screw Co.
    Inventors: Nick Lynn Wilson, Mark Burk
  • Patent number: 10633197
    Abstract: A handling device includes a support element, a support plate fixed to the support element, a drive shaft, a rotation plate hinged to the drive shaft and an elastic return element. Clamps connect to the rotation plate and include first and second jaws, each having a handling portion and a drive portion. A conduction wheel connects to the drive portion of the first jaw. The second jaw drive portion has a slot with a pressure surface. The second jaw drive portion connects to the first jaw drive portion. A cam profile at a peripheral area of the support plate provides for opening. The first jaw opens when the conduction wheel rotates on the cam profile. A wheel mounts onto the first jaw drive portion inserts inside the slot. The second jaw opening couples to the first jaw opening by the wheel, which acts on the pressure surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: SMI S.P.A. CON SOCIO UNICO
    Inventor: Angelo Nava
  • Patent number: 10633198
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a transfer operation of items of laundry to be automated by a handling device, which is designed for example in the form of a handling robot. Up until now, items of laundry have been transferred usually manually from a supply conveyor to loading conveyors of, for example, feeding machines. This is work-intensive and time-consuming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Bringewatt, Engelbert Heinz, Jürgen Sielermann
  • Patent number: 10633199
    Abstract: A process for pressurizing bulk material in an apparatus for pressurizing bulk material in a hopper; wherein the hopper is configured as a lock hopper containing a bulk material, wherein the apparatus comprises a source of pressurized gas, lines to convey the pressurized gas from the source of pressurized gas to one or more inlets of the lock hopper, a valve arrangement arranged in the lines, wherein the process is characterized in that said valve arrangement comprises at least two valves arranged in parallel, each valve being connected to a downstream Laval tuyere, and in that said valves are controlled to open in an operating sequence to provide pressurizing gas with an adjusted gas flow rate to the lock hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: PAUL WURTH S.A.
    Inventors: Louis Schmit, Ben Muller
  • Patent number: 10633200
    Abstract: When being sealed, insulating glass blanks (5) are held in a sealing station (2) gripped at the base by grippers (17) of a gripper arrangement (16) and/or by suction heads (15) and rest at the top against a roller beam (7) fitted with rollers (8). As the insulating glass blank (5) is sealed, only the nozzle (11) of a sealing assembly (10) moves along the outer edge of the insulating glass blank (5), which is stationary during the sealing process. When the lower edge of an insulating glass blank (5) is sealed, grippers (17) engaging the lower edge are released and move away downwards. Sealed insulating glass is removed from the sealing station (2) by a removal robot (24) onto the side opposite the sealing assembly (10), moved to a temporary store and placed therein on A-bearing supports (29) and fan frames (30) sorted according to production lots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: LISEC AUSTRIA GMBH
    Inventor: Leopold Mader
  • Patent number: 10633201
    Abstract: A conveyor sled assembly is utilized to supply proppant in support of oilfield hydraulic fracturing operations. The conveyor sled assembly includes precisely positioned components where tolerances between components are so small as to prevent significant spillage at component junction boundaries. This manner of fitting proppant pods onto the conveyor sled assembly increases predictability of which pods will discharge their proppant load first. This enhances reliability of the overall proppant delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Proppant Express Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Mark John D'Agostino, Scott Joseph D'Agostino, Chad Michael McEver, Marc Kevin Fisher
  • Patent number: 10633202
    Abstract: An automated truck unloader for unloading/unpacking product, such as boxes or cases, from trailers and containers is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement subassembly, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, an industrial robot having a suction cup-based gripper arm selectively removes boxes from the trailer and places the boxes on a powered transportation path. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon a perception-based robotic manipulation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Wynright Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher D. McMurrough, Pavlos Doliotis, Matthew B. Middleton, Alex Criswell, Samarth Rajan, Justry Weir
  • Patent number: 10633203
    Abstract: A sheet accommodating device includes a regulating member that regulates end portions of sheets and a moving member movably provided in a body of the sheet accommodating device. The regulating member is detachably provided on the moving member. A moving region of the moving member includes a size regulation region where the end portions of the sheets are regulated and a predetermined non-size regulation region excluding the size regulation region. The sheet accommodating device is configured to permit the regulating member to be attached to and detached from the moving member in a predetermined attaching and detaching position of the non-size regulation region and prohibit the regulating member from being detached from the moving member in a detachment prohibition region of the moving region excluding the attaching and detaching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Haruhisa Furumoto, Kohji Aoki
  • Patent number: 10633204
    Abstract: Apparatus for automatically unstacking a pallet on which at least two stacks of blanks are arranged. The apparatus comprises an unstacking station which is configured for receiving a pallet on which are arranged at least two stacks of blanks in collapsed condition. The unstacking station is further configured for taking off one by one individual blanks from the at least two stacks of blanks which are on a pallet received in the unstacking station. The apparatus further includes a feed track for conveying pallets. The feed track links up by a discharge end with the unstacking station for the purpose of feeding a pallet with stacks of blanks to be unstacked to the unstacking station. Further, the apparatus includes a blank main discharge assembly for discharging individual blanks to a further processing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: BUHRS PACKAGING SOLUTIONS B.V.
    Inventors: Benedictus Johannes Maria Verheij, Nicolaas Gerardus Geelkerken
  • Patent number: 10633205
    Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet supporting portion including a supporting surface, an abutment portion against which a leading edge of the sheet abuts, a feeding rotator configured to feed the sheet, and a first friction member provided on the supporting surface so as to face the feeding rotator. The first friction member includes a first friction surface having a static friction coefficient greater than that of the supporting surface, a trailing end supporting portion configured to support a trailing end portion of the sheet curved upward, and a second friction member disposed upstream of the first friction member in the sheet feeding direction on the supporting surface. The second friction member includes a second friction surface which has a static friction coefficient greater than that of the supporting surface and is configured to be in contact with the sheet supported by the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Wataru Murata
  • Patent number: 10633206
    Abstract: A paper feeding device includes a lower cover, an upper cover pivotally connected to the lower cover, at least one motor mounted to the lower cover, a feeding roller assembly and a paper skew judging module. The feeding roller assembly is pivotally connected to the lower cover and connected with the at least one motor. The paper skew judging module disposed to the lower cover, has an infrared light emitter, an infrared light receiver, a cantilever arm rotatably assembled to the lower cover, a sensing roller pivotally connected with the cantilever arm, and a lens. The infrared light emitter is mounted to the lower cover. The infrared light receiver is mounted to the lower cover and is disposed opposite to the infrared light emitter. The lens is fastened to the cantilever arm, and disposed between the infrared light emitter and the infrared light receiver. The lens has different photopermeabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Foxlink Image Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei Xiang Tsai
  • Patent number: 10633207
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting a discrete element. A preferably rotatably driven vacuum commutation zone (or internal vacuum manifold), preferably internal to a preferably independently driven porous vacuum roll or drum is disclosed. The vacuum manifold applies vacuum through pores in the driven porous vacuum roll or puck in order to hold material against an external surface of the vacuum roll or puck. By independently controlling the vacuum commutation zone and the driven porous surface, unique motion profiles of the vacuum commutation zone relative to the driven porous surface can be provided. Micro vacuum commutation port structures are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Curt G. Joa, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon Allen Pelland
  • Patent number: 10633208
    Abstract: An example disclosed output hopper includes a cavity to receive media units from an output of a media processing device, the cavity to cause the media units to form a stack in a first direction; a first door pivotably movable between a closed position and an open position, the first door to retain the media units in the cavity when in the closed position; a second door movable between the closed position and the open position, the second door to retain the media units in the cavity when in the closed position; wherein the first door is configured to pivot on a first axis substantially parallel to the first direction; and the second door is configured to pivot on a second axis substantially parallel to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Graham Marshall, Konstantinos Tsiopanos, Thomas R. Helma, Noel R. Bankston
  • Patent number: 10633209
    Abstract: A tape dispenser is disclosed. The tape dispenser may include a pair of spools that are configured to carry tape and a spring disposed between the spools. The spring is preferably arranged to form a claw having two distal ends biased towards each other. The distal ends may each include a roller rotatably attached thereto. The spring may be configured to open responsive to a force on the roller resulting from a shaft coming between the rollers such that the rollers rotate to travel around the shaft to apply the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Caye
  • Patent number: 10633210
    Abstract: A cutting device includes a fixed blade and a movable blade that slides past the fixed blade during cutting, and a cleaning tool with an adhesive removing element that comes into contact with a surface of the movable blade that faces the fixed blade during the cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Jun Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 10633211
    Abstract: A creel, such as may be used to supply fiberglass roving to a production process, includes an enclosure and a number of rotatable axles held within the enclosure. Each of the axles is of a shape and size to be inserted into a bobbin of roving. The creel also includes a drive mechanism coupled to each of the plurality of rotatable axles, the drive mechanism synchronizing the rotation of the axles. Bobbins of roving may be stacked on the axles and connected to provide continuous roving. As roving is drawn from the creel, the rate of rotation of the axles may be selected to counteract twisting of the roving that would otherwise result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventor: Daniel P. De Kock
  • Patent number: 10633212
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the rapid deployment of a fracturing water transferring system, along with the rapid picking up and storage of such system after use. In different embodiments the method in includes the use of a tensioning system to retrieve one or more segments of lay flat hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: TETRA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Novotny, Scott Richie, Reza Talabi, Yannick Harvey
  • Patent number: 10633213
    Abstract: A yarn tensioning system (1) for keeping at least one yarn (2) which is taken from a yarn storage system (3) to a yarn take-off system (4) of a weaving machine under tension, comprising a brake roller (5) around which the yarn (2) is at least partially wound and a motor (6) for supplying a torque to the brake roller (5), which is actuable in generator operation to keep the yarn (2) under tension between the brake roller (5) and the yarn take-off system (4). In addition, a weaving machine comprising such a yarn tensioning system (1) and a method for keeping at least one yarn (2) under tension which is taken from a yarn storage system to a yarn take-off system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: NV MICHEL VAN DE WIELE
    Inventors: Charles Beauduin, Geert Debuf, Hans Desmet, Koen Bruynoghe, Karl Wyseur
  • Patent number: 10633214
    Abstract: A spool includes a tube for winding a material. The outer surface of the tube is provided with a step portion along the axial direction thereof. The step portion is as high as the thickness of the material. A cutting groove is provided on a side, close to the axial centre of the tube, of the step portion. A resilient clip for clamping the material is fixed in the cutting groove, the upper end of the resilient clip is connected to a notch on one side of the cutting groove, and the lower end thereof is inclined towards the other side of the cutting groove. The spool positions a cutter by means of the cutting groove, and the resilient clip clamps the cut material in the cutting groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Suzhou Tianyu Plastic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiaoren Qian
  • Patent number: 10633215
    Abstract: A hose reel 1 comprising a rotatable hub 2 and a stationary stand 4, wherein rotatable hub is arranged to roll on or roll off a hose. A swivel arrangement 3 forms an axis around a central axis of the rotatable hub, wherein the swivel arrangement comprises a rotatable part connecting to the rotatable hub and a stationary part connecting to the stationary stand, and wherein the swivel arrangement forms a passage for fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Joh. Mourik & Co. Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Paul Timmer
  • Patent number: 10633216
    Abstract: An earphone cable holder comprises a base having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion, wherein the central portion is sufficiently flexible that the first end portion can be folded over the second end portion and wherein the central portion is sufficiently wide and sufficiently rigid to allow an earphone cable to be wound around it. The earphone cable holder further comprises a magnet on the first end portion and a material on the second end portion that is attracted to the magnet. A cable connecting mechanism is positioned on the central portion. In use, an earphone cable may be connected to the cable connecting mechanism and the first end portion and the second end portion may clasp onto a material positioned therebetween by magnetic attraction. In another version, a material on the central portion exerts a grabbing effect on a cable passing through the central portion. The earphone cable holder may also include a decorative member on which a decorative feature can be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Kegham Tamamian
  • Patent number: 10633217
    Abstract: A badge reel device is attachable to a user via a lanyard or an attachment clip. The badge reel device includes a housing, a retractable cord partially disposed within the internal volume of the housing and extending through the aperture of the housing for attachment to a badge, an attachment clip on the housing (with the attachment clip being configured for attachment to the user to wear the badge reel device in a first wearing mode), and a lanyard attachment structure on the housing (with the lanyard attachment structure being configured for attachment to a lanyard, for the user to wear the badge reel device in a second wearing mode).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Zhipeng Hong
  • Patent number: 10633218
    Abstract: A reel device is provided, including a shell body; a rotating shaft, movably and rotatably disposed in the shell body along an axial direction, the rotating shaft including a head section, an exterior circumferential face of the head section circumferentially having a plurality of engaging teeth circumferentially disposed thereon and extending radially; a ratchet assembly, including a first ratchet portion and a second ratchet portion meshed with the first ratchet portion, the first ratchet portion being fixed on the shell body, the second ratchet portion being rotatable relative to the first ratchet portion unidirectionally, the second ratchet portion comovably connected with the rotating shaft; a reel unit, rotatably disposed on the shell body for being connected to at least one rope, the reel unit having a meshed hole extending in the axial direction, the plurality of engaging teeth being radially detachably engaged with the meshed hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Yu-Chien Wang
  • Patent number: 10633219
    Abstract: A retractable cord reel houses contacts that connect autonomously when the user aligns the spool to lock it from retracting. The spool and housing contains high quality, sensitive contacts for high speed data and other critical signals that engage when indexed by the user. The design is flexible for adaptation to a variety of applications and scalable based on cable type and length as well as the number of contacts required. The contacts are engaged when the user allows an indexing dog to engage a spool indexing housing causing the dog to shift and force a mating lever to make the electrical connection. Decoupling occurs instantly when the spool is slightly rotated by the user. The user's only action throughout the process is to pull the cable. Without this intentional action of the user, the spool, rotates freely and the contacts are not engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventors: John Arthur Hale, Phillip Andrew Hale
  • Patent number: 10633220
    Abstract: A monitoring system for pneumatic shafts and pneumatic shaft adapters. A sensor assembly is physically joined in operative engagement with the bladders of pneumatic shafts and adapters. Sensed data is wirelessly transmitted to a remote receiver for processing and display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Van Deurse, Greg Sandford
  • Patent number: 10633221
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for using an elevator system in a building having several vertically spaced floors served by an elevator system, particularly by one or more vertically traveling elevator cars of an elevator system, said floors comprising at least a first floor, a second floor, and a plurality of intermediate floors positioned vertically between the first and second floor, the elevator system being configured to have several modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an evacuation operating mode, in which normal operating mode a car of the elevator system is used to serve a first set of floors, and in which evacuation operating mode said elevator car is used to serve a second set of floors different from said first set of floors; the method comprising evacuating passengers from the first floor to the second floor, the evacuating comprising changing the mode of the elevator system from the normal operating mode to the evacuation operating mode; and determining the second set of floo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ilpo Haipus
  • Patent number: 10633222
    Abstract: An elevator car door system is provided, the system including an elevator car door panel (502, 600, 704) having a first retention member (510, 604, 720) and a suspension (504, 602, 706) having a second retention member (512, 606, 718) configured to releasably engage with the first retention member (510, 604, 720) to retain the elevator car door panel (502, 600, 704) in a first position. The elevator car door panel (502, 600, 704) is movable relative to the suspension (504, 602, 706) to a second position, wherein the second position is configured to enable the elevator car door panel (502, 600, 704) to be removed from the suspension (504, 602, 706).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Aurelien Fauconnet, Amine Badaoui
  • Patent number: 10633223
    Abstract: A spreader bar apparatus provides a bar member having a bar length and first and second bar end portions. A plurality of stops (e.g., transverse bar openings) are spaced between the bar and end portions. A first bar lifting portion or link assembly is movable relative to the bar and into different positions. A second bar lifting portion or link assembly is movable relative to the bar and into different positions. Each bar lifting portion or link assembly has a trunnion sleeve fitted with multiple links. One or more lifting lines are each attachable to the lifting portions such as to an upper link or lower link. Each lifting member includes an upper link, a lower link, and a trunnion sleeve, wherein the trunnion sleeve has a bore that is sized and shaped to receive the bar, wherein the upper and lower links are rotatably mounted to the trunnion sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: VERSABAR, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Alan Cain, Brian Lloyd Freese
  • Patent number: 10633224
    Abstract: A clamping device for lifting and moving objects can include a fixed and rotatable jaw facing a movable and rotatable jaw, which is activated by an arm assembly coupled to a fixed body. The clamping device can include a hand-free mechanism for switching between a clamping action and a jaw opening action for inserting the object. The clamping device can include a guiding mechanism for guiding an object to the space between the jaws, effectively enlarging the jaw opening for ease of clamping on thicker objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Nhon Hoa Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10633225
    Abstract: An information presentation system includes: an overload preventing device that derives a load factor which is an index of a load applied to a rope; a data logger that accumulates data on the load factor derived by the overload preventing device and data on a time length for which a load corresponding to the derived load factor has been applied to the rope, the data on the load factor and the data on the time length being associated with one another, and generates lifting rope statistical information and raising rope statistical information indicating a relationship between the load factor and the cumulative time for each rope; and a presenting unit that presents the lifting rope statistical information and the raising rope statistical information generated by the data logger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Hirate, Eiji Miya, Keisuke Fukumoto, Toru Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 10633226
    Abstract: A flange cover mounting and dismounting device, which comprises: a base part, comprising a fastener element with a fastener hole array, and being fastened on a flange cover mounting surface by the fastener hole array; and a jib arm assembly, having a first end being pivotally connected to the fastener element, and a second end being connected to the flange cover. The flange cover mounting and dismounting device can be fixed to the flange cover mounting surface having a corresponding fastener hole array, which is convenient for mounting and dismounting a flange cover. In addition, under most circumstances, the fastener hole array on the flange cover mounting surface is intrinsically owned by the devices, which originally can be applied to connect modules of each device or used for other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keli Dong, Michael A. Stark
  • Patent number: 10633227
    Abstract: Disclosed is a technique of executing: a fixing step of coupling a pulling-raising rope 171 to a vicinity of a distal end 73 of a strut 70; a first raising step of pulling the pulling-raising rope 171 rearwardly to cause a swingable portion 78 of the strut 70 to swing upwardly and rearwardly; a second raising step of pulling the pulling-raising rope 171 rearwardly until a strut body portion 76 has a rearwardly inclined posture with respect to a vertical direction; a strut returning step of pulling a pulling-returning rope 23a forwardly to a position where a forward swinging movement of the swingable portion 78 with respect to the strut body portion 76 is restricted; and a coupling step of coupling the swingable portion 78 and the strut body portion 76 to each other in a non-swingable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Detlef Brueckner
  • Patent number: 10633228
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a crane, in particular to a revolving tower crane, having a boom rotatable about an upright slewing gear axis by a slewing gear drive and having an out-of-operation brake which allows and brakes rotary movements of the boom in the out-of-operation state. In accordance with the invention, the out-of-operation brake is configured as working electrodynamically and comprises an electric motor of the slewing gear drive which can be operated as an electric-motor brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Liebherr-Components Biberach GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Münst, Gerhard Schmid, Harald Wanner
  • Patent number: 10633229
    Abstract: Winches with integrated lighting, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative winch with integrated lighting can include a frame, a cable drum rotatably supported by the frame, a drive motor operatively connected to the cable drum, and an electrical module. The electrical module can include a housing with first and second end caps coupled to the housing. An elongate light guide can be mounted to the housing between the housing and the cable drum with one or more drum light sources connected to the elongate light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Westin Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob August, Ron Dennis, Timothy Frazier, Jon Mason, Scott Salmon, Ty Hargroder, David Scuito, David Burns, Brent Nasset
  • Patent number: 10633230
    Abstract: A hoist controller for a rescue hoist collects hoist operating data from one or more sensors during operation of the rescue hoist. The hoist controller compares the hoist operating data to a maintenance parameter stored in a memory of the hoist controller and determines a maintenance task status based on the comparison of the hoist operating data and the maintenance parameter. The hoist controller automatically initiates maintenance routines where the maintenance task status indicates that maintenance is required, and the hoist controller provides the maintenance routines to the user via a user interface. The hoist controller can confirm that the maintenance task was successfully completed based on maintenance data received from the one or more sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Bryson, Robert Humble, Bejan Ijadi-Maghsoodi
  • Patent number: 10633231
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for use in monitoring product placement within a shopping facility. Some embodiments provide an apparatus configured to determine product placement conditions within a shopping facility, comprising: a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications; a product monitoring control circuit coupled with the transceiver; a memory coupled with the control circuit and storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to: obtain a composite three-dimensional (3D) scan mapping corresponding to at least a select area of the shopping facility and based on a series of 3D scan data; evaluate the 3D scan mapping to identify multiple product depth distances; and identify, from the evaluation of the 3D scan mapping, when one or more of the multiple product depth distances is greater than a predefined depth distance threshold from the reference offset distance of the product support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. High, Shuvro Chakrobartty, Robert C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10633232
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a floor conveyor include a sensor device and a control unit, wherein the control unit is operable to control the travel functions of the floor conveyor, wherein the sensor device is arranged to be able to provide the control unit with sensor data, wherein the sensor device is arranged such that it can detect objects in a plane. The plane is arranged to a have a follow section and a steer away section. And the floor conveyor is arranged such that it can determine an object to follow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Material Handling Manufacturing Sweden AB
    Inventors: Göran Valfridsson, Terence Rogers
  • Patent number: 10633233
    Abstract: A pallet jack includes forks which can be removably attached to the base for positioning in a horizontal use position or a vertical storage position. The base includes forwardly open sockets for receiving the forks in the use position and upwardly open sockets for receiving the forks in the storage position. A lock mechanism locks the wheels in the use position. In an alternative embodiment, the base is eliminated, with each fork having an actuator for raising and lowering the fork wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventors: James Mathes, Justin Mathes
  • Patent number: 10633234
    Abstract: A modular observation assembly and method of use are presented herein. The assembly includes a portable base member that can roll along the ground. The base member defines an interior volume used for storage of various members and portions of the assembly. The assembly also includes an elevating platform in communication with the base member. The elevating platform operates between a lowered position and an elevated position. The assembly is stabilized by one or more jacks and a hitch attachment assembly configured to secure the base member to the neighboring vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventors: Aaron Christopher Meyer, Roger Bernard Meyer
  • Patent number: 10633235
    Abstract: Embodiments in the present description are provided for a lever adapter device for use in lifting a vehicle or other heavy objects. Additional embodiments in the present description are provided for a Bi-pod rescue strut system for use in stabilizing a vehicle or other object. The lever adapter device includes stabilizing feet and one or more support legs. The lever adapter device further includes a hinge disposed at an end of each support leg. The lever adapter device further includes a rotatable attachment link that enables options for the orientation of a lifting device to assist in lifting the vehicle or the other heavy objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Red Rescue, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Randall
  • Patent number: 10633236
    Abstract: A can opening system and method for removing the contents of a plurality of cans. The can opening system includes a housing adapted to receive a can and shield an operator from equipment within the housing, a top clamping assembly within the housing adapted to clamp onto a top edge of the can, a bottom clamping assembly within the housing configured to clamp against a lower side of the can, a punch cutter above the top and bottom clamping assemblies for extracting and retaining a lid of the can, and a punch tip within the housing adapted to puncture a bottom of the can and dispense the remaining contents of the can. The can opening system is adapted to remove up to about 90% of contents of a can for materials having a viscosity up to about 250,000 Centipoise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Absolute Machine Enterprises, Incorporated
    Inventors: Charles M. Harris, Jared P. Harris, Joshua E. Harris, Levi Z. Harris
  • Patent number: 10633237
    Abstract: A filling system for filling a container with a pourable product, in particular a pourable product having an electrical conductivity below 15 ?S, comprising: a tank filled, in use, with a pourable product; at least one filling valve selectively available in a configuration in which it allows the filling of the container with the pourable product; and at least one duct interposed between the tank and the filling valve; the system comprises a vortex flowmeter interposed along the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: SIDEL S.P.A. CON SOCIO UNICO
    Inventor: Enrico Cocchi