Patents Issued in February 20, 2024
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Patent number: 11904454Abstract: A robot system includes a manufacturing system including a robot and peripheral equipment. There is a controller communicably connected to the robot, the peripheral equipment, and a portable information terminal. The controller includes a memory storing the operation program, operation mode setting circuitry to set an operation mode a teaching mode or a playback mode, operation controlling circuitry configured to control the operation of the robot in the teaching mode based on the operation command, and control the robot and the peripheral equipment in the playback mode in accordance with the operation program, and display controlling circuitry configured to control the portable information terminal in the teaching mode to display on a display an operation screen through which the operation command is inputted, and control the portable information terminal in the playback mode to display on the displaying part a screen different from the operation screen.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masayuki Watanabe, Toshihiko Miyazaki
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Patent number: 11904455Abstract: A proximity detection system includes a proximity sensor that is a capacitive sensor mounted on a mounting position on a robot, the proximity sensor being configured to detect proximity between the mounting position and an object; and a shield signal output unit configured to apply a shield signal for preventing the proximity sensor from detecting proximity of another position of the robot other than the mounting position.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.Inventor: Hiroshi Shigetaka
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Patent number: 11904456Abstract: Inspection robots with center encoders are described. An example inspection robot may have a housing, and a drive module, where the drive module has a wheel and a motor and is operatively coupled to the housing. The example inspection robot may also have an encoder to provide a movement value, where the encoder is positioned within a footprint of the housing. The example inspection robot may also have a controller with an encoder conversion circuit to calculate a distance value in response to the movement value, a location circuit to determine at least one of a robot location value or a robot speed value, and a position command circuit to provide a position action command in response to the robot location value or the robot speed value. The drive module may be responsive to the position action command to move the inspection robot.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Gecko Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Dillon R. Jourde, Edwin H. Cho, Mark Cho, Kevin Y. Low
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Patent number: 11904457Abstract: Grippers, such as robotic grippers, and associated methods and systems are disclosed herein. One disclosed gripper includes a first compliant gripper jaw, a first push-pull assembly having a first distal end fixed on the first compliant gripper jaw, a second compliant gripper jaw, a second push-pull assembly having a second distal end fixed on the second compliant gripper jaw, and an actuator connected to both the first push-pull assembly and the second push-pull assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Evodyne Robotics CorporationInventors: Raghav Gupta, Brandon Kane Tarter, Austin Edward Kerby, Rajath Swaroop Mulky, Brian Lim
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Patent number: 11904458Abstract: High precision end effectors for robots and adapters that provide attachment of the end effectors to a variety of robotic arms are disclosed. The combination provides for harmless break-away of the end effector on collision, and autonomous tool changer capability for mobile robots.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Onward Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Kyle Carithers, Jason Geist, Vladimir Altman, Thomas Galluzzo
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Patent number: 11904459Abstract: A robotic coupling joint system and method are discussed herein, which may be utilized with a daylighting system or photovoltaic system to track sunlight. The system may provide a spherical joint allowing axial motion about two or more axes of the spherical joint. The joint comprises a first plate with four or more sockets, a second plate, a connector, and one or more spheres positioned between the first and second plates. The connector secures the sphere between the first and second plates. The system may also include a stand, an end effector coupled to the stand by the spherical joint, and a mobility system that is capable of actuating the end effector. The mobility system includes two or more linking elements coupled to the end effector, and a motor coupled to the linking elements to actuate the end effector to track sunlight.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2019Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Texas State UniversityInventors: Ricardo Mateo Ramirez, III, Bahram Asiabanpour
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Patent number: 11904460Abstract: A robot linear-object unit includes: a first part including cables, which lead to motors, that are covered by a flexible sheath having a circular outer shape in cross section; a second part including the cables in a loose state at one end of the first part; a plurality of third parts each including one or more of the cables of the second part bundled together for a connector connected to corresponding one of the motors, the third parts being covered by flexible covering materials having circular outer shapes in cross section; and a casing that accommodates the second part and is fixed to a movable part. The casing is provided with a plurality of through holes that allow the first and the third parts to pass through the casing. Spaces between the through holes, the sheath, and the covering materials are fixed in a liquid-tight state by cable glands.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: FANUC CORPORATIONInventors: Naoki Fujioka, Yuuto Tochio
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Patent number: 11904461Abstract: Disclosed is a payload transportation device for transporting a payload, which has a low height and in which driving wheels are configured to come into constant contact with a ground surface even when the ground surface is uneven.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: MOTION DEVICE INC.Inventor: Jong Chan Lee
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Patent number: 11904462Abstract: A server 3 includes a user dynamic data recognition unit 3a1 that recognizes, during guidance, user dynamic data; a guidance request estimation unit 3c that estimates a guidance request of a user during the guidance, based on the user dynamic data; and a guidance action determination unit 3f that determines a guidance action to be taken by a robot 2 during the guidance, based on the estimated guidance request.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2019Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Haruomi Higashi
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Patent number: 11904463Abstract: A plastic robot arm link for a robot includes a body made of plastic material, a connection arranged on the body and adapted to be coupled to a further plastic robot arm link or a transmission part of the robot, and an insertion made of material with a higher strength or stiffness than the plastic material and embedded in the body and/or the connection. By embedding the material with higher strength or stiffness within the body of the robot arm link made of plastic material, the stiffness and strength of the robot arm link can be enhanced. In addition, due to the presence of highly rigid materials, the creep effect of the plastic arm is also significantly reduced, improving the accuracy of the robot.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2019Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AGInventors: Feihu Yuan, Hao Gu, Wei Song
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Patent number: 11904464Abstract: A three-dimensional measuring device includes a ball-shaped structure, an X-axis measuring module, a Y-axis measuring module and a Z-axis measuring module. The ball-shaped structure is moved and/or rotated in response to a movement of a movable object. The X-axis measuring module includes a first measuring structure and a first position sensor. The first measuring structure is movable along an X-axis direction and contacted with the ball-shaped structure. The Y-axis measuring module includes a second measuring structure and a second position sensor. The second measuring structure is movable along a Y-axis direction and contacted with the ball-shaped structure. The Z-axis measuring module includes a third measuring structure and a third position sensor. The third measuring structure is movable along a Z-axis direction and contacted with the ball-shaped structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Chi-Huan Shao, Chih-Ming Hsu, Chi-Shun Chang, Hung-Sheng Chang
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Patent number: 11904465Abstract: A mechanism is constructed by twelve-axis geometry and controlled by spherical coordinate, so that all torques in twelve axes can be parallelly integrated. Timing belts, pulleys, hollow shafts, and spur gears onto four arc-link sets are included. Via these transmission components, base arc-links can be indirectly but synchronously rotated by base driving modules and terminal arc-links can be indirectly but synchronously rotated by terminal driving modules. The final output torque can be integrated via serial linking and parallel cooperating by the twelve rotating modules. Therefore, four arc-link sets work cooperatively and effectively in group but bear no burden each other. The mechanism can be applied to a multi-axis composite machining center machine or a multi-time element detection measuring bed and shoulder joints or hip joints corresponding to robots.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Inventor: Wen-Der Trui
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Patent number: 11904466Abstract: A bearing includes an outer ring, an inner ring provided on the inner side in the radial direction of the outer ring, a rolling body provided between the outer ring and the inner ring, and a holder including a base formed in an annular shape around a center axis of the outer ring and the inner ring and a first wall section and a second wall section provided to project from the base, the holder holding the rolling body. The first wall section includes a first channel provided in the circumferential direction of the base. The second wall section includes a second channel provided in the circumferential direction of the base. The position of the first channel in the first wall section and the position of the second channel in the second wall section are different.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventor: Yuya Kataoka
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Patent number: 11904467Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that enable model predictive control of a robot based on a latent dynamics model and a reward function. In many implementations, the latent space can be divided into a deterministic portion and stochastic portion, allowing the model to be utilized in generating more likely robot trajectories. Additional or alternative implementations include many reward functions, where each reward function corresponds to a different robot task.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2019Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: GOOGLE LLCInventor: Danijar Hafner
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Patent number: 11904468Abstract: A method for operating a transport robot includes receiving image data representative of a group of objects. One or more target objects are identified in the group based on the received image data. Addressable vacuum regions are selected based on the identified one or more target objects. The transport robot is command to cause the selected addressable vacuum regions to hold and transport the identified one or more target objects. The transport robot includes a multi-gripper assembly having an array of addressable vacuum regions each configured to independently provide a vacuum. A vision sensor device can capture the image data, which is representative of the target objects adjacent to or held by the multi-gripper assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Mujin, Inc.Inventors: Hironori Mizoguchi, Rosen Nikolaev Diankov
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Patent number: 11904469Abstract: A machine learning device for a robot that allows a human and the robot to work cooperatively, the machine learning device including a state observation unit that observes a state variable representing a state of the robot during a period in that the human and the robot work cooperatively; a determination data obtaining unit that obtains determination data for at least one of a level of burden on the human and a working efficiency; and a learning unit that learns a training data set for setting an action of the robot, based on the state variable and the determination data.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignees: FANUC CORPORATION, PREFERRED NETWORKS, INC.Inventors: Taketsugu Tsuda, Daisuke Okanohara, Ryosuke Okuta, Eiichi Matsumoto, Keigo Kawaai
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Patent number: 11904470Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for robotic learning and execution of skills. A robotic apparatus can include a memory, a processor, sensors, and one or more movable components (e.g., a manipulating element and/or a transport element). The processor can be operatively coupled to the memory, the movable elements, and the sensors, and configured to obtain information of an environment, including one or more objects located within the environment. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to learn skills through demonstration, exploration, user inputs, etc. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to execute skills and/or arbitrate between different behaviors and/or actions. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to execute skills and/or behaviors using cached trajectories or plans. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to execute skills requiring navigation and manipulation behaviors.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2023Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Diligent Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Andrea Lockerd Thomaz, Vivian Yaw-Wen Chu, Peter Worsnop, Reymundo Gutierrez, Lauren Hutson, Shuai Li, Anjana Nellithimaru, Frank Mathis
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Patent number: 11904471Abstract: The disclosed systems for suspending cable (e.g., fiber optic cable) from an overhead powerline may include a payload subsystem for housing and dispensing a cable, a rotation subsystem for winding the cable around the powerline, an extension subsystem for raising at least a portion of the payload subsystem vertically upward from the powerline, a stabilization subsystem for stabilizing the system at least when the payload system is extended away from the powerline by the extension subsystem, and a drive subsystem for driving the system along the powerline. Various other related systems, devices, mechanisms, and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Meta Platforms, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Blake Elandt, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, Jonathan M. Kuriloff
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Patent number: 11904472Abstract: A humanoid robot control method, a mobile machine using the same, and a computer readable storage medium are provided. The method includes: mapping posture information of leg joints of a human body to leg joint servos of a humanoid robot to obtain an expected rotation angle and an expected rotation angular velocity of non-target optimized joint servos of the leg joint servos and an expected rotation angle and an expected rotation angular velocity of target optimized joint servos of the leg joint servos; obtaining an optimization objective function corresponding to the target optimized joint servos of the leg joint servos; optimizing the expected rotation angle and the expected rotation angular velocity of the target optimized joint servos to obtain a corrected expected rotation angle and a corrected expected rotation angular velocity of the target optimized joint servos; and controlling each of the leg joint servos of the humanoid robot.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP LTDInventors: Jie Bai, Ligang Ge, Yizhang Liu, Youjun Xiong
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Patent number: 11904473Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for performing transformation mode switching in a robotics control system.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2019Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Intrinsic Innovation LLCInventors: Sean Alexander Cassero, Michael Beardsworth
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Patent number: 11904474Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a system or assembling a collection of components, in particular a user-specific collection of components used in aviation and astronautics or in the automobile industry or other industries, wherein a collection of multiple components is assembled in a packaging unit or in a tray, and each of the individual components of the collection of components is assigned an identifier which allows the corresponding component to be tracked.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2019Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Fairchild Fasteners Europe—VSD GMBHInventors: Birte Berlinecke, Jan Dohmeyer, Jurgen Rosing, Torsten Timpe
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Patent number: 11904475Abstract: A robot and an operating system, a control device, a control method and a storage medium thereof, wherein the robot includes a processor configured to execute the following operation commands: controlling the robot to move to a designated position corresponding to an interaction scenario, wherein the interaction scenario is a scenario in which the robot interacts with a user; controlling the robot to perform an operation corresponding to an operation of the user in the interaction scenario, thereby realizing the robot can perform a complex interaction with the user based on the colorful interaction scenario and solving the technical problem of the prior art that the interaction scenario and the interactive content between the user and the robot are excessively monotonous.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2019Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: BEIJING MAGIC PAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Peng Liu
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Patent number: 11904476Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cookware handling in varied environments including that in robotic systems, production lines, automated cooking and ingredient collection systems, washing and sanitizing manual or automated systems. The method involves use of electromagnetic force to generate friction that translate into gripping force for the cookware or likewise. The electromagnetic force may be generated by degaussing electromagnets.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Inventor: David Ben David
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Patent number: 11904478Abstract: A simulation device includes an image sensor which captures an image of a real space including an actual robot and a peripheral device arranged at the periphery of the actual robot, an augmented reality display section which displays a virtual robot overlaid on the actual robot shown in the captured image, a workpiece management section which manages a position of a moving workpiece, and a motion control section which controls a motion of the virtual robot on the basis of the position of the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: FANUC CORPORATIONInventors: Masafumi Ooba, Taiki Katagiri
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Patent number: 11904479Abstract: In a method for operating a computer having a user interface, e.g., a graphical and/or interactive user interface, a robot, which has members, e.g., arms, rotatable relative to each other and a tool and/or a load, are displayed graphically. One of the members is selectable from an indicated set of members, and a value of an inertial characteristic, e.g., a value of the mass, of this member is able to be inputted. The value of the mass of the member, the position of the center of mass of the member, and both the magnitude and the direction of each of the principal axes of inertia of the selected member are displayed graphically.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2019Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KGInventor: Dominik Marten
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Patent number: 11904480Abstract: An automated gas supply system includes a gas cylinder transfer unit configured to transfer a cradle in which one or more gas cylinders storing a gas therein are stored; a gas cylinder inspection unit configured to check properties of the gas stored in the gas cylinder transferred from the gas cylinder transfer unit and check whether the gas leaks from the gas cylinder; a storage queue configured to receive the gas cylinder from the gas cylinder inspection unit by a mobile robot and configured to classify and store the transferred gas cylinders according to the properties of the gas stored in the gas cylinder; and a gas cabinet configured to receive the gas cylinder from the storage queue by the mobile robot and fasten a gas pipe, which is connected to a semiconductor manufacturing process line, to a gas spray nozzle, which is disposed at one side of the received gas cylinder, to supply the gas stored in the gas cylinder to the semiconductor manufacturing process line, wherein the gas cabinet includes a residType: GrantFiled: February 7, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Min Sung Ha, Kwang-Jun Kim, Jong Kyu Kim, Hyun-Joong Kim, Jin Ho So, Chi-Gun An, Ki Moon Lee, Hui Gwan Lee, Beom Soo Hwang
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Patent number: 11904481Abstract: A remote control system includes: an imaging unit that shoots an environment in which a device to be operated including an end effector is located; a recognition unit that recognizes objects that can be grasped by the end effector based on a shot image of the environment shot by the imaging unit; an operation terminal that displays the shot image and receive handwritten input information input to the displayed shot image; and an estimation unit that, based on the objects that can be grasped and the handwritten input information input to the shot image, estimates an object to be grasped which has been requested to be grasped by the end effector from among the objects that can be grasped and estimates a way of performing a grasping motion by the end effector, the grasping motion having been requested to be performed with regard to the object to be grasped.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takashi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 11904482Abstract: A mechanical arm calibration system and a mechanical arm calibration method are provided. The method includes: locating a position of an end point of a mechanical arm in a three-dimensional space to calculate an actual motion trajectory of the end point when the mechanical arm is operating; retrieving link parameters of the mechanical arm, randomly generating sets of particles including compensation amounts for the link parameters through particle swarm optimization (PSO), importing the compensation amounts of each of the sets of particles into forward kinematics after addition of the corresponding link parameters, to calculate an adaptive motion trajectory of the end point; calculating position errors between the adaptive motion trajectory and the actual motion trajectory of each of the sets of particles for a fitness value of the PSO to estimate a group best position; and updating the link parameters by the compensation amounts corresponding to the group best position.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Jun-Yi Jiang, Yen-Cheng Chen, Chung-Yin Chang, Guan-Wei Su, Qi-Zheng Yang
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Patent number: 11904483Abstract: A work robot system including a conveying apparatus that conveys an object, a robot that performs a predetermined task on a target portion of the object being conveyed by the conveying apparatus, a controller that controls the robot, a sensor that is attached to the robot and successively detects a position, relative to the robot, of the target portion of the object being conveyed by the conveying apparatus, and a force detector that detects a force generated by a contact between the object and a part supported by the robot. When the robot is performing the predetermined task, the controller performs force control based on a detection value of the force detector while controlling the robot by using a detection result of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: FANUC CORPORATIONInventor: Masafumi Ooba
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Patent number: 11904484Abstract: A knife including a handle, a blade, and an enclosed blade action is configured to have an optimized weight ratio of the blade to the handle when the blade is extended, the handle can be kept relatively smaller and lighter with a slimmer profile, but without sacrificing rigidity and durability. The slimmer and lighter handle allows a longer blade but without the increased weight resulting from a bulkier handle typically necessitated by the longer blade.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Benchmade Knife Co., Inc.Inventor: Mark Delplanche
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Patent number: 11904485Abstract: A drive cap uses snap fasteners to couple with the housing assembly of a hair clipper. The drive cap uses joining structures, such as protrusions and recesses, to align with the upper and lower housings of the housing assembly. Once correctly aligned, snap fasteners enable a snug fit and enhance the fit and finish of the hair clipper. The snap fasteners can be located on an inner surface of the drive cap, lower housing, and/or upper housing. A snap detent is located on the inner surface of an adjacent surface to receive the snap fastener. Using a combination of protrusions, extensions, voids, and recesses, in addition to the snap fasteners ensures a secure fit for the drive cap between the upper and lower housings. The snap fasteners couple the drive cap to upper and lower housings seamlessly along the outer surface of the hair clipper and facilitate quick release of the drive cap for maintenance or cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Andis CompanyInventor: John Harlan Peterson, Jr.
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Patent number: 11904486Abstract: The present disclosure relates to safety blades for use in utility knives, related assemblies and methods of manufacturing. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to safety blades for use in utility knives, related assemblies and methods of manufacture which limit user exposure to associated cutting edges.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Klever Kutter LLCInventor: Matthew J. Jacobs
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Patent number: 11904487Abstract: In some examples, a pile cutting device includes a first pile positioning unit, a cutting unit for cutting at least one sheet pile, and a bearing device including a first pile bearing surface. The first pile positioning unit includes an upper rotary plunger that can be pivoted about a pivot axis and moved with respect to a vertical direction, and also includes a first horizontal drive for moving a sheet pile in and/or counter to a horizontal direction. The first pile positioning unit further includes two upper pressing elements that differ from the upper rotary plunger, and that are movable with respect to the vertical direction. A first one of the upper pressing elements is movable in and/or counter to the horizontal direction by the first horizontal drive. A second one of the upper pressing elements is movable in and/or counter to the horizontal direction by a second horizontal drive.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: KOENIG & BAUER AGInventors: Jann Neumann, Martin Palme, Jens Sauer
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Patent number: 11904488Abstract: A beverage vending machine with a stirrer dispenser configured to form and dispense disposable stirrers from a strip made of food-grade material, preferably biodegradable or compostable and preferably plastic-free and waterproof. The stirrer dispenser comprises a detaching device configured either to detach, or to allow manual detachment of, an end piece of the strip with such a length as to be usable as a stirrer.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: EVOCA S.P.A.Inventor: Dan Alexie Sirbu Villa
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Patent number: 11904489Abstract: A cutting device includes a placement member on which an object to be cut is placed and a mounting portion to which a cutting blade is mounted. The cutting device detects, in the course of the mounting portion moving, a pressure correspondence value corresponding to a pressure applied to the mounting portion, and a movement amount of the mounting portion, decides a cutting pressure correspondence value that is the pressure correspondence value corresponding to a cutting pressure, on the basis of the pressure correspondence value and the movement amount after the cutting blade has come into contact with the object to be cut, and acquires cutting data. The cutting device further applies in accordance with the acquired cutting data, the cutting pressure corresponding to the decided cutting pressure correspondence value to the mounting portion, and cuts the object to be cut, using the cutting blade mounted to the mounting portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kentaro Sugiyama, Yukitoshi Watanabe
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Patent number: 11904490Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are optimized for cutting sealing elements on packages using optical radiation. Packages can pass through a cutting device that applies the optical radiation to damage, vaporize, or cut the sealing element (e.g., tape) on the package. The systems and methods control several aspects of the cutting process to adjust throughput, improve efficiency, and reduce line stoppages. Systems can include an in-feed conveyor that orients packages and rejects packages that are out of specification, which can lead to issues such as jamming or damage to the equipment. Systems can include a variable-speed cut conveyor controlled by a computing system to dynamically adjust the speed of packages based upon historical cut quality, environmental measurement data, and height data related to a vertical dimension of the package.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: Bryan Hawkins, Joseph David Blackner, John Marshall Jones, Santos Cerda, Jr., Geoffrey Michael Miller
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Patent number: 11904491Abstract: A blank separating device includes at least one upper blank separating module, the at least one upper blank separating module having a first relief, the first relief comprising at least three separating elements and/or contact elements, each including an operative surface and/or contact surface. The at least three operative surfaces and/or contact surfaces are individually arrangeable to at least three different distances in a vertical direction with respect to a carrier plate within which the at least three separating elements and/or contact elements are mounted. The blank separating device further includes at least one lower blank separating module that has a second relief comprising a plurality of supporting elements. The second relief matches, at least in complimentary vertical positioning, the first relief of the at least one upper blank separating module.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: KOENIG & BAUER AGInventors: Erik Bormann, Jun Mizutani
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Patent number: 11904492Abstract: The present invention is configured such that an adjustment nut for fixing spacers and blades repeatedly fitted to a shaft is provided with at least two concentricity adjustment screws, and, with the spacers and the blades fixed by the adjustment nut, the spacers and the blades are pushed by the concentricity adjustment screws in the direction of the shaft to enable concentricity adjustment, and thus, without causing defects, the blades are protected and can be used for a long time. In particular, according to the present invention, while one side shaft with respect to a diagnostic sheet is elastically supported, position adjustment in the longitudinal direction thereof is possible, and also projections are formed on the peripheries of the surfaces of the spacers facing the cutting edges of the blades thus to provide extra spaces for the blades in which the blades move, thereby preventing the deformation of cut strips and the damages on the blades.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Inventors: Seokhyun Lee, Wonha Lee
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Patent number: 11904493Abstract: A die press system includes a die press device including a fixed platen and a moving platen, and accessory parts to be installed on the die press device. The accessory parts include a cutting blade set comprising a first cutting blade having a first tooth profile, and a second cutting blade having a second tooth profile, wherein one of the first cutting blade or the second cutting blade is to be installed on the fixed platen, and a pad set comprising a first padding block comprising a first padding layer composed of a first padding material having a first Shore value, and a second padding block comprising a second padding layer composed of a second padding material having a second Shore value, where the first Shore value is different from the second Shore value.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2023Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Inventors: Richard Putch, Robert Weidhaas, Jr.
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Patent number: 11904494Abstract: A high-pressure cylinder of a liquid jet cutting system can include a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central bore configured to receive a plunger. The first end portion can have a first tapered surface configured to form a seal with a mating surface of a check valve when the high-pressure cylinder is in a first orientation, and a first annular surface configured to bear against a mating surface of a pump when the high-pressure cylinder is in a second orientation rotated 180 degrees end-over-end from the first orientation. The second end portion can have a second annular tapered surface configured to form a seal with the mating surface of the check valve when the high-pressure cylinder is in the second orientation, and a second annular surface configured to bear against the mating surface of the pump when the high-pressure cylinder is in the first orientation.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventor: David Osterhouse
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Patent number: 11904495Abstract: A log handling device, having a rotatable rotor provided with a log handler, and a feeder attached to the rotor for conducting an operating medium to the log handler. The feeder is arranged to wind around the rotor when the rotor is rotated in a first direction, and which feeder is arranged to unwind from around the rotor when the rotor is rotated in a second direction. The log handling device includes a rotatable second rotor to which the feeder is attached, and an operating device for rotating the second rotor synchronously with the rotor, such that the feeder is arranged to wind around the second rotor when the rotor is rotated in the second direction, and such that the feeder is arranged to unwind from around the second rotor when the rotor is rotated in the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: VEISTO OYInventors: Juha Leppänen, Marko Marttila
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Patent number: 11904496Abstract: A process for the production of OSB wood-based panels including: a) producing wood strands from suitable wood logs; b) treating at least part of the wood strands with steam at a temperature between 80° C. and 120° C. and a pressure between 0.5 bar and 2 bar; c) drying the steam-treated wood strands; d) gluing the steam-treated and dried wood strands and, optionally, gluing the non-steam treated wood strands with at least one binder; e) scattering the glued wood strands onto a conveyor belt; and f) pressing the glued wood strands into an OSB wood-based board. The steam treatment takes place after the wood strands have been produced and made available, or after the wood strands have been sifted and separated according to the use of the wood strands for the middle and top layers of the panel. Also, an OSB wood-based panel made using the process.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: SWISS KRONO Tec AGInventor: Norbert Kalwa
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Patent number: 11904497Abstract: The invention is directed to a machine for compacting agricultural fibrous matter into a board, comprising a hopper for receiving the agricultural fibrous matter; an extruder comprising an extrusion passage downstream of the hopper; and a ram configured for moving in a reciprocal manner along the extrusion passage; wherein the extrusion passage further comprises a movable wall configured for moving between a feed position, opening the extrusion passage to the hopper, and an extrusion position, closing the extrusion passage.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: FIBIOTEX S.A.Inventor: Aleksandr Frolov
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Patent number: 11904498Abstract: A receiving table 100 for supporting a side surface of a honeycomb formed body, the side surface being parallel to a cell extending direction. The receiving table 100 comprises: a body portion 10 having a groove 11 extending in one direction; a support portion 20 comprising: a flexible sheet substrate 21 in contact with a surface of the groove 11 of the body portion 10; and a foam layer 22 attached to the flexible sheet substrate 21, the foam layer 22 being brought into contact with the side surface of the honeycomb formed body; and fixing members 30 for fixing the support portion 20 to the body portion 10. The support portion 20 is provided in a non-adhesive state to the body portion 10.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.Inventors: Hirotada Nakamura, Nobuyuki Kuroki
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Patent number: 11904499Abstract: A device for producing concrete blocks, in particular concrete paving slabs, having a mold for filling with a concrete mixture, wherein the mold has at least one mold cavity for receiving the concrete mixture, and wherein the upwardly open mold cavity has walls as lateral boundaries, and wherein the at least one mold cavity can be filled with the concrete mixture by means of a filling device, and wherein the mold with the at least one mold cavity and the filling device are movable relative to one another in a filling axis. The filling axis is oriented obliquely to an axis of symmetry of the at least one mold cavity, with the result that preferably all of the walls of the mold cavity extend neither perpendicularly nor parallel to the filling axis, but at an angle.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Franz Carl Nüdling Basaltwerke GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Bernhard Klöppner, Bernd Büttner, Steffen Mothes
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Patent number: 11904500Abstract: An apparatus for making and depositing bricks includes a nozzle having an inlet opening, an outlet opening, and a plurality of walls surrounding the outlet opening. At least one of the walls is configured to retract relative to the other walls. When a first brick is deposited, all of the nozzle walls are in the extended position. When subsequent bricks are deposited, one or more of the nozzle walls are retracted so that the form for the subsequent bricks is provided by the walls that are in the extended position and the sides of the already-deposited bricks. In this manner, the nozzle is configured to deposit the bricks directly adjacent to each other without any space or intervening material between them. The bricks may be deposited in a heated state and they meld together as they cool. The nozzle is particularly advantageous for paving autonomously in otherwise inaccessible locations, such as surfaces on the moon or other planets.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Astroport Space Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Samuel Ximenes, Isaac Olson, Ronald Wells, John Michael Berringer
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Patent number: 11904501Abstract: A mobile aggregate hopper for a volumetric and gravimetric mixer having arcuate longitudinal walls for holding and isolating aggregate. The mobile aggregate hopper has a base integral with the arcuate longitudinal walls with an aggregate transfer conveyor capable of attachment to a trailer or chassis having wheels. The single sheet structure of the longitudinal arcuate side walls minimizes welding and mechanical joints during manufacturing and provides a hopper with high strength and capacity and low overall weight.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Bay-Lynx Manufacturing Inc.Inventors: Greg Koppelaar, Kevin Koppelaar, Mark Pennings, Ron Dorombozi, Gregory D. Gall, Nathan den Hollander
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Patent number: 11904502Abstract: A process and system are provided for introducing chopped and dispersed carbon fibers on an automated production line amenable for inclusion in molding compositions, including the debundling of many carbon fibers collectively forming a tow into dispersed chopped carbon fibers that form a filler that undergoes plasma treatment prior to introducing coating silanes to uniformly increase bonding sites for coupling to a thermoset matrix. By exposing carbon tow to a plasma discharge, the carbon tow debundles and is used to form sheets of molding compositions with chopped dispersed fibers added to the composition, as the sheets move along a conveyor belt on the automated production line and at least one plasma generator mounted above the conveyor belt ionizes the carbon fibers. With resort to deionized air to mix plasma-treated chopped fibers, still further dispersion results.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2017Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Teijin Automotive Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Probir Kumar Guha, Michael J. Siwajek, Philippe Bonte, Marc-Philippe Toitgans, Dominique Boyer
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Patent number: 11904503Abstract: In the field of tire production, the invention relates to methods and systems for creating unvulcanized rubber batches prior to mixing them in a rubber mixer, including selecting at least one batch for mixing in the mixer, wherein each batch corresponds to a selection of rubber bales (AI, BI, CI) each corresponding to a rubber nature (A, B, C) having predefined characteristics, in order to obtain a proportion corresponding to a predetermined proportion, a target weight to attain a difference between (a) the required weight of the batch and (b) the sum of the weight of the bales (AI, BI, CI) and the weight of the pieces (AIJ, BIJ, CIJ).Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2018Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELINInventors: Aurelien Tournebize, Sebastien Lafond, Jean-Claude Sabatier
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Patent number: 11904504Abstract: A device for mixing at high-pressure two or more reactive liquid components or resins includes a head-body provided with a mixing chamber with inlet and outlet openings for the injecting and recirculating reactive components; a single-piece tubular element, for delivering the mixture; a valve member with longitudinal recirculation slots; the tubular element is removably inserted into a pass-through hole of the head-body, having annular shoulder zone, separated and distant from the transversal hole; fixing elements removably lock the annular shoulder zone at the head-body for holding the tubular element in the aforesaid hole; a clearance gap between the tubular element and the pass-through hole of the head-body is provided such that the forces are exchanged through the annular shoulder zone; sealing and centering elements avoid leakages of polymeric mixture. Deformation-detecting elements detect the deformation conditions which the tubular element is subjected.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Inventors: Marco Volpato, Maurizio Corti, Fabio Fini, Luca Campi, Samuele Zampini