Patents Issued in November 28, 2023
  • Patent number: 11827436
    Abstract: An elongate blank for forming a tubular carton, comprising a plurality of panels including a top panel (18), a first side panel (16), a second side panel (20), a first base panel (12) and a second base panel (24), said each panel being formed along either free end edge thereof with a cut-out so that said blank is provided along either longitudinal edge thereof with a plurality of tabs each interposed between adjacent ones of said cut-outs, said cut-outs including; a first major cut-out (70) struck from each of the opposed free end edges of the top panel, a second major cut-out (70A) struck from each of the opposed free end edges of the first side panel, a third major cut-out (70C) struck from each of the opposed free end edges of the second side panel, a first minor cut-out (70B) struck from each of the opposed free end edges of the first base panel, a second minor cut-out (70D) struck from each of the opposed free end edges of the second base panel, wherein the length (A2) of a portion of one of the free end
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Katsuo Shibuya
  • Patent number: 11827437
    Abstract: A container includes a container portion having a storage space in which contents are stored, a spout coupled to the container portion and through which the contents in the container portion are discharged, and a nozzle configured to discharge the contents in fixed amounts, wherein the contents enter the nozzle from the head portion, and the spout and the nozzle are integrally formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: KOLMAR KOREA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang Soo Lee, Sang In Han, Hye Jin Jung, Hee Yoon Kim
  • Patent number: 11827438
    Abstract: A tamper-evident, child-proof package having an outer package and having an inner package, the inner package being at least partially received in the outer package, and the inner package for opening and closing the package being disposed so as to be displaceable in the outer package, and the package has at least one securing structure as an anti-tamper feature for impeding or preventing the opening of the package, or the access to the products disposed in the inner package. The at least one securing structure is effective between the inner package and the outer package so as to impede or prevent the inner package being displaced in the outer package in order for the package to be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Irmin Steinkamp, Henry Buse, Gisbert Engel, Viktor Hein
  • Patent number: 11827439
    Abstract: Container insulation including a batt comprised of large paper particles, at least 90% of which by weight are greater than 10 mm in diameter. Less than 5% by weight binder fibers are used, which have a length of at least 20 mm. Most preferably, no binder fibers are used. Where the batts are faced with paper, the paper is coated with a biodegradable coating. The resulting product is repulpable and recyclable in accordance with Fiber Box Association (FBA) testing protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Cellulose Material Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Henderson, Kevin Chase
  • Patent number: 11827440
    Abstract: An assembly for holding a beverage cup is provided herein. The assembly may include a cup holder and a retainer. The cup holder may include a closed bottom, a generally cylindrical or frustoconical side wall, and an upper access opening configured to receive the beverage cup. An outer surface of the side wall of the cup holder may include a latch-engagement feature. The retainer may include a retaining ring, a skirt, a latch, and a hinge. The latch is configured to engage the latch-engagement feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: Richard Patrick Welle
  • Patent number: 11827441
    Abstract: A foldable insulated bag includes: a bag main body including a bottom surface portion and a side surface portion; a lid body attached to the bag main body; and a bottom surface insulating member and a side surface insulating member provided to the bag main body, wherein the side surface insulating member has an end portion, closer to the bottom surface insulating member, provided with a fold back portion that is configured to be provided to cover at least a part of the bottom surface insulating member during use of the insulated bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: GLOBERIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yagi
  • Patent number: 11827442
    Abstract: The medication container includes a receptacle that has an inner space for holding medications. The cap assembly is coupled with the receptacle for retaining the medications in the inner space. The cap assembly includes at least one passage that can be selectively opened and closed and includes at least one medication sensor that is configured to detect any medications travelling through the passage and out of the receptacle in a contactless manner. A microprocessor is in electrical communication with the at least one medication sensor and with a memory. The microprocessor is configured to record data to the memory in response to the at least one medication sensor detecting a medication travelling through the passage. A wireless module is in electrical communication with the microprocessor for uploading the data to an external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Hoffman, Douglas L. Vandy Bogurt, Timothy B. Clise
  • Patent number: 11827443
    Abstract: An aerosol foam dispenser for dispensing a foam antiperspirant or deodorant composition. The foam dispenser can have a pressurized container adapted for one or more propellants and a liquid deodorant or antiperspirant composition; a valve assembly, which can be a metered valve assembly, having a valve stem; an actuating mechanism in operative communication with the valve assembly, a dome with a skin contacting surface and one or more exit orifices in fluid communication with the valve stem; and a dip tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Matthew John Martin, Matthew Corey Cataudella, Scott James Murschel, Nathanial David Thulin, Laurie Michelle Taragano
  • Patent number: 11827444
    Abstract: A planter packaging arrangement is disclosed that comprises a packaging element and at least one planter mounter therein. The packaging element includes a bottom surface, a top surface and two pairs of opposing side walls collectively defining a generally enclosed space. A first opening is defined through the top surface and aligned with a second opening defined through the bottom surface of the packaging element. The at least one planter is mounted within the packaging element, with an open top end disposed within the enclosed space of the packaging element. The second opening is aligned with the open top end such that an interior of the planter is accessible through the second opening of the bottom surface of the packaging element. A portion of the body portion extends through the first opening of the top surface of the packaging element such that the bottom surface is disposed above the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: ATT Southern LLC
    Inventors: Chun Hung, Brian Leahy, Patrick Guillory, Phillip Lemke, John Carpenter
  • Patent number: 11827445
    Abstract: Disclosed are a support mechanism and a transport container, the technical field of support and accommodation mechanism is involved, comprising at least one group of supporter, each group of the supporters comprises two opposite support plates, and two of the support plates belonging to a same group are configured to jointly form a placement opening for insertion of a mandrel, wherein a top wall of one of the support plates is provided with a positioning block, and a bottom wall of another corresponding one of the support plates is provided with a positioning slot for insertion of the positioning block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: SUZHOU HEXIN NEW MATERIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xiaoren Qian
  • Patent number: 11827446
    Abstract: In a capsule containing a substance constituted by a mass of loose, solid particles, for the preparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance by means of supplying a fluid under pressure into the capsule, a screen, permeable to water and impermeable to a predominant portion of particles of the substance is positioned between the substance and the bottom. The screen is attached to the capsule body along attachment zones spaced from the center and circumferentially spaced from each other. A beverage brewing system comprising such a capsule, a method of use of such a capsule and a method of attaching a screen into a capsule body are described as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventor: Glen Andrew Oliver
  • Patent number: 11827447
    Abstract: A telescoping container system with a first container and a second container that is configured to slide into and out of the second container. The invention includes first, second and third elongated gaskets that are configured to create various seals between the first and second containers and a wiper seal that creates a further seal between the top front rail of the first container and the top panel of the second container. The invention includes two non-pivoting guide wheels situated at the top of the rear end of the second container and two pivoting guide wheel assemblies situated on wings that extend inwardly front the front corner posts of the first container. The pivoting guide wheel assembly allows the invention to seal in each direction by pivoting backward and forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventors: Edward J. Trout, Steve Dickman
  • Patent number: 11827448
    Abstract: A storage system comprises a first grid structure of storage cells, each cell being arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins, the first grid structure having a top level. The system further comprises a first vehicle, arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the first grid structure, and a bin lift device, arranged to convey a bin in a vertical direction between the top level of the grid structure and a delivery station. The first vehicle is further arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage cell at the top level of the first grid structure and to deliver the storage bin to the bin lift device. The bin lift device is arranged to receive a bin from the vehicle at the top level of the first grid structure and to convey the bin to the delivery station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventor: Ingvar Hognaland
  • Patent number: 11827449
    Abstract: A mover according to the present disclosure includes: a body to move; a second member; a suction unit; a location detection unit; a first moving part, and a second moving part. The second member moves in a state where the second member is combined with a first member provided for an object, as the body is displaced relative to the object. The suction unit is sucked to the object in the state where the second member is combined with the first member. The location detection unit detects a location of the body with respect to the object by detecting movement of the second member. The first moving part moves the body until the state where the second member is combined with the first member is established. The second moving part displaces the body relative to the object in the state where the second member is combined with the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shirouzu, Osamu Mizuno
  • Patent number: 11827450
    Abstract: Disclosed is a robot including a travelling apparatus, a body, a containing apparatus and an item grabbing apparatus. The travelling apparatus is disposed at a bottom of the robot and configured to travel to a preset position based on a travelling path received by the robot. The body is disposed above the travelling apparatus. The containing apparatus is connected to the body and includes multiple containing positions that are interlayers stacked in a vertical direction. One of the interlayers may contain at least one target item. The item grabbing apparatus is disposed on the body and configured to, based on a task received by the robot, grab, at the preset position, a first target item from an item storage apparatus and automatically place the first target item at a containing position of the containing apparatus, or grab, at the preset position, a second target item from the containing position of the containing apparatus and automatically place the second target item in the item storage apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: BEIJING GEEKPLUS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hongbo Li, Bin Hu, Langlang Sun
  • Patent number: 11827451
    Abstract: A transfer apparatus (7) includes a first protruding/retracting unit (21), a second protruding/retracting unit (22), and a control unit. The first protruding/retracting unit (21) includes a first arm (27A) that protrudes and retracts in a transfer direction, and a first hook (31) that swings around a first axis (P1). The second protruding/retracting unit (22) includes a second arm (27B) that protrudes and retracts in the transfer direction, and a second hook (32) that swings around a second axis (P2). A spacing changing unit is configured to change a spacing between the first arm (27A) and the second arm (27B) to a first spacing (D1) that is narrower than the sum of a first intermediate-state protrusion amount and a second intermediate-state protrusion amount and is wider than the sum of a first transferring-state protrusion amount and a second transferring-state protrusion amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashige Iwata, Hirotaka Osako
  • Patent number: 11827452
    Abstract: An inventory management system includes pick stations, automated vehicles having an onboard power source, a first drive system configured to horizontally displace the vehicle, a second drive system configured to vertically displace the vehicle along a guide system, and a platform for supporting an item during displacement of the vehicle. A first plurality of storage locations store inventory items at a first zone of vehicle operation and a second plurality of storage areas store inventory items at a second zone of vehicle operation. A first pick station is closer to the first storage locations than to the second storage locations, Vehicles are configured to transfer a selected item from one of the second plurality of storage locations to the first pick station or to transfer the selected item from the second plurality of storage locations to the first plurality of storage locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventors: Alex Stevens, Joseph Valinsky
  • Patent number: 11827453
    Abstract: A method of processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of perceiving identifying indicia representative of an identity of a plurality of objects and directing the plurality of objects toward an input area from at least one input conveyance system, acquiring an object from the plurality of objects at the input area using an end effector of the programmable motion device, and moving the acquired object toward an identified processing location using the programmable motion device. The identified processing location is associated with the identifying indicia and the identified processing location is provided as one of a plurality of processing locations along a first direction. The step of moving the acquired object includes moving the programmable motion device along a second direction that is substantially parallel with the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, John Richard Amend, Jr., Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, William Hartman Fort, Christopher Geyer, Victoria Hinchey, Jennifer Eileen King, Thomas Koletschka, Michael Cap Koval, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, William Chu-Hyon McMahan, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi, Thomas Allen
  • Patent number: 11827454
    Abstract: A cleanable conveyor frame and a method for making a cleanable frame having a simplified frame design. Infeed and outfeed assemblies are movable between operating and cleaning positions. An outfeed assembly includes a drive for a conveyor belt and a position limiter-scraper assembly. The position limiter-scraper assembly comprises a roller extending between two connecting plates mounted to outfeed mounting plates, a scraper assembly having a scraper blade mounted to a mounting bar extending between the two connecting plates and a leaf spring extending rearward from the mounting bar for biasing the scraper blade into contact with the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11827455
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly is provided for use with a mobile vehicle. The conveyor assembly includes a conveyor module. The conveyor module includes a first roller assembly. The first roller assembly includes a first rotatable roller body and a second rotatable roller body. The first and second roller bodies are interconnected to each other in such a manner as to share a first rotational axis yet be at least substantially rotationally independent of each other, such that each of the first and second roller bodies can rotate without causing or interfering with rotation of the other of the first and second roller bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua M. Biro, William D. Moore
  • Patent number: 11827456
    Abstract: A hydraulic system is arranged to control a plurality of drive motors suitable for driving conveying apparatus such as a conveyor belt. The hydraulic system includes a modular master and slave hydraulic units implemented as hydraulic circuits in which pressure sensors and pressure reducing valves provide speed, torque and directional control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction G.m.b.H.
    Inventors: Stefan Hasler, Christian Umundum
  • Patent number: 11827457
    Abstract: A plate delivery system provides storage for plates in a first-in, last-out configuration. As the kitchen staff completes a meal (plated), the plate is presented to a staging area of the plate delivery system. The plate is moved into a storage area to be ready for the next plate at the staging area. After a number of plates are stored, the plate delivery system relocates from the kitchen to the eating area (e.g., restaurant table or banquet table) and each plate is sequentially presented by a delivery mechanism (e.g., telescoping arms, a robot, or a waitperson) for delivery to the table. In some embodiments, the plate delivery system is enclosed and has a cover mechanism. In some embodiments, the plate delivery system has telescoping arms with fingers for moving the plate from the staging area to the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: Dean Du Bois
  • Patent number: 11827458
    Abstract: A rotary table box manipulator, comprising: a horizontal supporting plane (1); a first rotary table (2) inscribed in and coplanar with said horizontal plane; a conveyor belt (3) arranged in a loop and movable along a longitudinal advancement direction above the supporting plane (1) and the table (2), equipped with a distribution of rotating balls (4) whose lower part is in contact with the upper surface of the plane (1) and of the table (2), so as to define an upper movable surface for supporting and transporting one or more boxes or packages of boxes (5), further comprising at least one second rotary table (6) inscribed in and coplanar with said first rotating table (2) and able to move independently from it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: PARA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Emanuele Para
  • Patent number: 11827459
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes new systems and methods for influencing the rotational speed of a roller or other conveying systems and for controlling the speed, orientation or position of objects on a conveyor through the use of hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) actuators. HASEL actuators for such systems provide distinct benefits over traditional braking systems including: electrical control, eliminated need for an external source of pressurized air or fluid to allow use in certain environments, analog control of force or displacement in order to provide variable control of speed of objects on the conveyor system, and feedback to infer information about the state of the actuators as well as the state of objects being conveyed and/or state of the conveyor rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Artimus Robotics Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy G. Morrissey, Eric Lucas Acome, Shane Karl Mitchell
  • Patent number: 11827460
    Abstract: Systems and methods capable of transferring items from a bin are described. A de-binning system includes an item transfer apparatus including a transfer conveyor configured to move a conveyor belt surface, and a bin sub-frame coupled to the transfer conveyor and configured to receive a bin. While an item-containing bin is secured to the bin sub-frame, the bin sub-frame and the transfer conveyor are inverted to transfer the items onto the transfer conveyor, which can move the items onto a second conveyor belt. Various aspects of the present systems and methods prevent damage to the surface of delicate items being transferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Advanced Farm Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan Long, Zachary Pascual, Charles Johnstone, Cedric Jeanty
  • Patent number: 11827461
    Abstract: A transport device for transferring rod-like articles, the device comprising: a first conveyor configured to transfer the rod-like articles as a multilayer stream in a first transferring direction; a second conveyor configured to transfer the rod-like articles as the multilayer stream in a second transferring direction opposite to the first transferring direction; wherein the first conveyor is located at least partially above the second conveyor; a transferring channel for transferring the rod-like articles from the first conveyor to the second conveyor in a third transferring direction, the transferring channel being formed by a first wall located at the end of the first conveyor and a second wall distanced from the first wall by a distance equal to a width of the multilayer stream of the rod-like articles, wherein the second wall is located above the second conveyor; wherein at least the first conveyor and the transferring channel are movable in a first conveyor displacing direction corresponding to the fir
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. z oo
    Inventors: Adam Gielniewski, Ryszard Siara
  • Patent number: 11827462
    Abstract: A conveying apparatus for tampon applicators has a first conveyor track, which includes two transport belts which are arranged spaced apart from each other. The transport belts each have a bearing axis. The conveying apparatus furthermore has a first conveyor drive for driving at least one of the two spaced-apart transport belts, and transport belts which are arranged spaced apart from each other in such a manner that a tampon applicator which is to be conveyed rests on the two transport belts in an intermediate space between the transport belts. The bearing axes of the transport belts are arranged parallel; in particular in the case of transport belts having the same conveying direction. Furthermore, a method conveys tampon applicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: RUGGLI PROJECTS AG
    Inventors: Samuel Schuler, Antonello Zuddas
  • Patent number: 11827463
    Abstract: A storage system for storing compressed fluid is described. The system includes an excavation made in the ground, a balloon arrangement mounted within the excavation. The balloon arrangement includes a rebar cage and an inflatable balloon arranged within the rebar cage. The inflatable balloon has a middle portion and two end portions. One end portion includes a balloon inlet port, whereas the other end portion includes a balloon outlet port. The system also includes a filling material fully surrounding the inflatable balloon and configured for providing further reinforcement in conjunction with the rebar cage to the inflatable balloon, and for anchoring the inflatable balloon to the excavation. The system also includes a gas pipe assembly including an inlet gas pipe coupled to the balloon inlet port for filling the inflatable balloon with compressed fluid, and an outlet gas pipe coupled to the balloon output port for releasing the compressed fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: AUGWIND LTD.
    Inventor: Or Yogev
  • Patent number: 11827464
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling objects being loaded or unloaded from a storage structure or vehicle, such as a trailer. In example embodiments, a plurality of parcels may be stored in or on a trailer that is attached to a cab of a delivery vehicle. Upon arrival at a deposit location, the trailer loaded with the one or more parcels may be removably secured to a an adjustable platform designed to be raised to a predetermined angle for unloading of the one or more parcels. Once the adjustable platform is raised to the predetermined angle, a plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms may be configured to pivot, allowing for the movement of a controlled volume of the one or more parcels onto the receiving platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Joel Stenson
  • Patent number: 11827465
    Abstract: A distribution device can be used to distribute items in a container. The items can fall off of a chute into the interior of the container. Some of the items may contact the distribution device. The items that contact the distribution can have their trajectories changed prior to falling into the container. The distribution device can more evenly distribute the items in the container than in the absence of the distribution device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: German Valle Gomez, Gines Garcia Garcia
  • Patent number: 11827466
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a hopper housing, a first auger, a second auger, a dividing panel, and a motor. The hopper housing holds a bulk material, with the hopper housing including a first end at which the bulk material is added to the hopper housing and a second end comprising a discharge opening at which the bulk material exits the hopper housing. The first auger is disposed proximate to the discharge opening. The second auger is disposed between the first end of the hopper housing and the first auger. The dividing panel is disposed between the first auger and the second auger and the dividing panel is coupled to the hopper housing at the first side thereof and forming a panel opening between the hopper housing and the second side thereof. The motor rotates the first auger and the second auger to move the bulk material into the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: One Pass Innovators, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan DeWind, Gregory Allen DeWind
  • Patent number: 11827467
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing debris from job sites are disclosed. Carts for receiving the debris are also disclosed. Each cart has a base, a plurality of wheels extending downwardly from the base relative to a vertical axis, and a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the base. The walls and the base of each cart cooperate to define a debris-receiving space. The carts can be engaged by a lifting apparatus that rotates along an arcuate path to position the carts in an unloading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Richard S. Burns & Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen T. Burns
  • Patent number: 11827468
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring components of a loading dock station that implement a remote monitoring and authorization system are disclosed. The systems and methods can provide information regarding the status of various components of the loading dock station to a remote monitoring and authorization control unit, where a supervisor or the like is capable of reviewing real time information regarding the status of the components and progress through and adherence to a workflow protocol. The systems and methods can also provide for authorization requests to be sent to the remote monitoring and authorization control unit, such as requests to override certain components of the docking station. The user at the remote monitoring and authorization control unit can then grant or deny requests based on status information and other data provided at the remote monitoring and authorization control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems AB
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Daryl Day
  • Patent number: 11827469
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for securely gripping objects or panels having cross sections, including heavy objects such as granite slabs to be used as counter tops, or lighter objects such as doors or windows, in order to facilitate lifting, moving, transporting, installing and/or storage thereof. A pair of jaws are provided between a rotatable turnbuckle and ratchet assembly which opens or closes the jaws around an object. The ratchet may be used to impart fine rotation to the turnbuckle in one direction to apply pressure to the jaws to firmly engage an object. Reversing the ratchet and rotating the turnbuckle in an opposite direction allows the object to be released. A handle on the ratchet facilitates lifting and moving the object gripped between the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: Gerald Gieseke, Sr.
  • Patent number: 11827470
    Abstract: The paper sheet processing device includes a bladed wheel 10, a paper sheet supply/transport unit 30, 100, a stacking tray 50 that holds paper sheets emitted from the bladed wheel one by one in a stacked state, and an extraction area 80. The stacking tray includes a first stacking part 51 that stacks thereon paper sheets being emitted when at a paper sheet stacking position P1, and is rotationally moved to a non-stacking position P2 when a predetermined number of paper sheets are stacked thereon, and a second stacking part 61 that is moved to the paper sheet stacking position to stack paper sheets thereon when being rotated by a predetermined angle from the non-stacking position, and is rotationally moved to the non-stacking position when the predetermined number of paper sheets are stacked thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: JAPAN CASH MACHINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihito Osada, Kazuya Furumachi, Yousuke Miyashita, Makoto Iwasaki, Nobuhiro Ida, Hirotaka Yamazaki, Rei Yamamoto, Takeaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11827471
    Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a storage, a discharger, an angle adjuster, and an urging body. The storage stores a sheet bundle. The discharger contacts and discharge an uppermost sheet of the sheet bundle from the storage in a sheet conveying direction in which the uppermost sheet is conveyed. The angle adjuster changes an angle according to a remaining amount of the sheet bundle in the storage. The urging body urges a trailing end of the uppermost sheet in the sheet conveying direction toward the discharger in stages according to the remaining amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuhide Fukushima
  • Patent number: 11827472
    Abstract: A medium aligning apparatus includes a load tray including a load surface on which a medium discharged from a discharge member that discharges a medium is loaded, a first aligning surface that aligns a plurality of mediums loaded on the load tray by positioning rear ends of the mediums, and a second aligning surface that aligns the mediums by positioning the rear ends of the mediums loaded on the load tray. In the medium aligning apparatus, the first aligning surface and the second aligning surface are switchable, and an angle formed between a wall surface in the discharge tray that receives the mediums discharged from the load tray, the wall surface having the rear ends of the mediums come in contact therewith, and the second aligning surface is smaller than an angle formed between the wall surface and the first aligning surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 11827473
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser of stretch wrap, comprising a main body with a first end, a second end, a first connector portion proximate to the first end, a second connector portion proximate to the second end, a first braking mechanism at the first connector portion, a second braking mechanism at the second connector portion, a tension controller terminating an end of the second connector portion, the first connector portion and second connector portion are adapted to engage two ends of an elongated core with stretch wrap film, the tension controller comprising an adjustable portion that is rotatable and in mechanical communication with a movable part located intermediate the tension controller and the second connector portion and the adjustable portion is a rotatable knob, and the movable part is a clutching mechanism connected to a shaft; characterized in that the tension controller further comprises a tension limiting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: TG Plastic Technologies SDN, BHD.
    Inventors: Ang See Hwan, Lau Tee Yeow
  • Patent number: 11827474
    Abstract: A processing line processes logs of convolutely wound web material and has upstream and downstream sections. A main accumulator has buckets that receive, hold, and release logs. An input feeder receives logs from the upstream section and conveys them to a bucket of main accumulator. A loader has a loader accumulator and loader buckets that receive, hold, and release logs. A transfer conveyor between the main accumulator and the loader receives a log from the main accumulator bucket and conveys the log a loader bucket independently of the input feeder. The loader receives a log from the transfer conveyor. The loader conveys the log in the loader bucket to a discharge of the loader. The loader discharge discharges the log from the loader bucket to the downstream section of the processing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Paper Converting Machine Company
    Inventor: Cory P. Gussert
  • Patent number: 11827475
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion, a sheet reversing roller portion, a first sheet feeding passage, a second sheet feeding passage, a sheet a guiding member forming a retraction feeding passage for guiding upward a leading end of the sheet fed from the reversing roller portion rotating in the first direction and then for guiding the sheet, guided upward, in a direction crossing a vertical direction, the guiding member having an inner surface curved to guide one side of the sheet, and a preventing member for preventing a droop of the leading end of the sheet by contact with the sheet guided in the direction crossing the vertical direction by the sheet guiding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Hayashi, Atsushi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 11827476
    Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a driving roller, a driven roller rotated by the rotation of the driving roller, a non-conductive feeding guide, a conductive frame, a conductive bearing and an urging member to urge the driven roller toward the driving roller. The feeding guide includes a supporting portion to displaceably support the rotation shaft in an urging direction. The frame includes a positioning portion to position the driven roller in the urging direction by contact with the rotation shaft in a state in which the driving roller is urged by the driven roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuki Akamatsu
  • Patent number: 11827477
    Abstract: A medium passage switching mechanism disposed on a casing of an image forming device, includes a medium tray, a guiding component and a resilient component. An entrance passage, a first exit passage and a second exit passage are formed inside the casing. The medium tray is pivoted to the casing and can pivot between a first position and a second position. The guiding component is pivoted to the casing and can pivot between a third position and a fourth position. The resilient component abuts against the guiding component and the casing. When the medium tray pivots between the first position and the second position, the guiding component can be driven by cooperation of the resilient component and the medium tray to pivot between the third position and the fourth position for guiding a medium to enter into the first exit passage or the second exit passage from the entrance passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: AVISION INC.
    Inventors: Wei-Lun Tsai, Min-Hao Chang
  • Patent number: 11827478
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suction brake for use with a sheet conveyor configured to convey a succession of flat elements in sheet form along a conveying path between a first location and a second location, the suction brake comprising: a hollow body having an interior cavity and a face that defines a plurality of suction apertures that communicate with the interior cavity; an obturator arrangement coupled to the hollow body and moveable with respect to the suction apertures; the obturator arrangement being moveable between an open position, in which the obturator arrangement exposes the suction apertures to a maximum extent, and a restricted position, in which the obturator arrangement occludes the suction apertures to a maximum extent. The obturator may rotate or be linearly translated in moving between the open and restricted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: BOBST MEX SA
    Inventors: Yann Delley, Steven Stojanovic-Roth, Jean-Claude Rebeaud
  • Patent number: 11827479
    Abstract: The sheet conveying apparatus according to the present invention includes: a conveyance roller which conveys a sheet; a roller support portion on which the conveyance roller is mounted; a roller engaging portion which is mounted on the conveyance roller; a support engaging portion which is mounted on the roller support portion and is engaged with the roller engaging portion; and a guide portion which is mounted on at least one of the roller engaging portion and the support engaging portion, the guide portion being configured to guide the roller engaging portion to a mounting position by rotating the roller engaging portion relative to the support engaging portion in an interlocking manner with a mounting operation in which the conveyance roller is mounted on the roller support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akito Sekigawa, Hiroshige Inoue
  • Patent number: 11827480
    Abstract: An automatic document feeder includes a media path to route media through the automatic document feeder, and an automated media tray to receive the media from the media path, with the automated media tray to be positioned based on input of the media to the media path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Rene O. Valenzuela-Rivas, Ryan M. Smith, Ki Jung Han, Michael V. Leman
  • Patent number: 11827481
    Abstract: A liftable transport pinch is provided with a simplified construction to enhance lifetime and productivity. This transport device includes at least one roller mounted on an arm, and an actuator connected to a frame for moving the roller between a first and second position. The arm is mounted onto the frame by means of an elastic hinge element. The elastic hinge element provides a simple, cheap, wear-resistant, and easy-to-assembly alternative to prior art solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: CANON PRODUCTION PRINTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventor: Luc Linders
  • Patent number: 11827482
    Abstract: A medium conveying apparatus includes a pair of conveyance rollers including a first roller and a second roller facing the first roller on an upward side of the first roller, to convey a medium between the first roller and the second roller, and a pair of guides including a lower guide located on an upstream side of the pair of conveyance rollers in a medium conveying direction and an upper guide facing the lower guide, to guide the medium to the pair of conveyance rollers. The upper guide is movably located upwardly according to a conveyance of the medium and the lower guide is movably located downwardly according to the conveyance of the medium so that a space between the pair of guides is changed according to the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: PFU LIMITED
    Inventors: Kiichiro Shimosaka, Hirotoshi Kakuda
  • Patent number: 11827483
    Abstract: A medium passage switching mechanism disposed on a casing of an image forming device, includes a medium tray, a guiding component and a linking component. An entrance passage, a first exit passage and a second exit passage are formed inside the casing. The medium tray is pivoted to the casing. The guiding component is pivoted to the casing. The linking component is a one-piece structure and movably connected to the medium tray and the guiding component. When the medium tray pivots relative to the casing, the medium tray drives the linking component to drive the guiding component to pivot relative to the casing, so that the guiding component can guide a medium to enter into the first exit passage or the second exit passage selectively from the entrance passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: AVISION INC.
    Inventor: Wei-Lun Tsai
  • Patent number: 11827484
    Abstract: A cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) end cap internal roller apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus can include a housing having an opening, wherein the housing can further include an interior space. In addition, the apparatus can include a roller assembly, wherein the roller assembly is at least partially disposed within the interior space of the housing and at least partially disposed through the opening of the housing. Further, the apparatus may include a grommet seal coupled to an upper region or side region of the housing, wherein the seal includes an opening. Further, the opening of the grommet seal may be at least partially aligned with the roller assembly. The roller assembly may further include a plurality of rollers or rotatable members secured between a first bracket and a second bracket, wherein the first bracket and second bracket each include an at least partial arcuate configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Omega Liner Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Homrighaus
  • Patent number: 11827485
    Abstract: In order to provide a configuration capable of suppressing reductions in productivity of sheets, a pair of regulation guides are capable of guiding opposite end edges in a sheet width direction Y of a sheet S1 conveyed by a conveyance belt and spheres, while being nipped. Further, the pair of regulation guides are capable of shifting to guide positions for guiding the opposite end edges of the sheet, and retract positions retracted from the opposite end edges of the sheet more than the guide positions. A sheet detecting sensor is disposed on the downstream side relative to the conveyance belt in a conveyance direction X to detect the presence or absence of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: CANON FINETECH NISCA INC.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Iwata, Tsukasa Kondo, Tetsuya Kawasaki, Yuuki Kubota