By Means Controlling The Operation Of A Timing Means Patents (Class 118/682)
  • Patent number: 11769421
    Abstract: The present invention is a simulator for skill-oriented training. The simulator includes a work piece platform having a sensor, a head-mounted display unit (HMDU) including a camera, a speaker and a sensor providing visual and audio output to an operator, and a controller having a controller sensor. The simulator includes a processor that executes algorithms to simulate a virtual training environment depicting a work piece rendered on the work piece platform. The controller sensor, the HMDU sensor and the platform sensor output signals to the processor representing spatial positioning, angular orientation and movement data of the controller relative to the work piece to render a virtual powder coating spray pattern including a stream having particles charged and emitted from the controller and a powder coating coverage as applied to the work piece during one or more passes of a powder coating spray process performed by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: VRSIM, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Wallace, David Zboray, Alejandro Fudge, Katerine Anderson, Joshua Armour, Paul Ong, Jay Poulin, Zachary Lenker, Vasily Shishkin, Sara Blackstock, Shawn Kennedy, Claude Manville
  • Patent number: 11749133
    Abstract: A welding training system includes one or more welding operator device which provides positional feedback relevant to a quality weld. The positional feedback is analyzed and, when the positional feedback is outside of a predetermined range, a signal is provided to the welding operator. In one embodiment, tactile feedback is provided in a welding gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Gerald Batzler, Bruce Patrick Albrecht, William Joshua Becker
  • Patent number: 11355025
    Abstract: The present invention is a simulator for skill-oriented training. The simulator includes a work piece platform having a sensor, a head-mounted display unit (HMDU) including a camera, a speaker and a sensor providing visual and audio output to an operator, and a controller having a controller sensor. The simulator includes a processor that executes algorithms to simulate a virtual training environment depicting a work piece rendered on the work piece platform. The controller sensor, the HMDU sensor and the platform sensor output signals to the processor representing spatial positioning, angular orientation and movement data of the controller relative to the work piece to render a virtual powder coating spray pattern including a stream having particles charged and emitted from the controller and a powder coating coverage as applied to the work piece during one or more passes of a powder coating spray process performed by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: VRSim, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Wallace, David Zboray, Alejandro Fudge, Katerine Anderson, Joshua Armour, Paul Ong, Jay Poulin, Zachary Lenker, Vasily Shishkin, Sara Blackstock, Shawn Kennedy, Claude Manville
  • Patent number: 10996474
    Abstract: A virtual reality system includes a first information processing device, a virtual reality headset, a biometric data acquisition device, a first sensor, and a second sensor. The first information processing device creates virtual reality content. The virtual reality headset is worn by the user and displays the virtual reality content received from the first information processing device to the user. The biometric data acquisition device acquires biometric data of the user. The first information processing device adds an image making the user recognize the position and the direction of the biometric data acquisition device to the virtual reality content on the basis of position and direction information created by the first sensor and the second sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: BRAINY INC.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Shibukawa, Masashi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10792818
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assembling a pizza, including a pizza sauce spreading station, a cheese spreading station and a pepperoni applying station. A robot including a stationary base and an articulating arm having a gripper attached to the end is operable to grip a pizza pan having pizza dough therein to allow said robot to move the pan throughout the pizza sauce spreading station, and to a rotary dial system including the cheese spreading station and the pepperoni applying station. The robot arm manipulates the pizza pan in the sauce spreading station and the rotary dial system manipulates the pizza pan in the cheese station and the pepperoni applying station to properly distribute the cheese and pepperoni on the pizza.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Cathryn Fritz-Jung, David Scrivano, David Strother, Amanda B. Thomas, Sean M. Heslip, Kent A. Deemter, Tyler W. Mccoy, Bret A. Hoeksema
  • Patent number: 10528898
    Abstract: A production management system 100 includes an operating state acquisition apparatus 20a and a production management apparatus 10. The operating state acquisition apparatus 20a includes a detector 21a that is retrofitted to be mounted on a production equipment 31 disposed on a manufacturing line L1 or retrofitted to be disposed in a vicinity of the production equipment 31, and which outputs a detection signal indicating an operating state of the production equipment 31, and includes a transmitter 22a that transmits the detection signal. The production management apparatus 10 includes a generator for generating information on production state of the manufacturing line L1 by use of the detection signal received from the operating state acquisition apparatus 20a, and includes a display device for displaying the generated information on production state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: i Smart Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Kimura
  • Patent number: 9858833
    Abstract: A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of importing data into the virtual reality welding system and analyzing the data to characterize a student welder's progress and to provide training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: David Anthony Zboray, Matthew Alan Bennett, Matthew Wayne Wallace, Jeremiah Hennessey, Yvette Christine Dudac, Zachary Steven Lenker, Andrew Paul Lundell, Paul Dana, Eric A. Preisz
  • Patent number: 9836995
    Abstract: A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of importing data into the virtual reality welding system and analyzing the data to characterize a student welder's progress and to provide training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: David Anthony Zboray, Matthew Alan Bennett, Matthew Wayne Wallace, Jeremiah Hennessey, Yvette Christine Dudac, Zachary Steven Lenker, Andrew Paul Lundell, Paul Dana, Eric A. Preisz
  • Patent number: 9818311
    Abstract: A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of importing data into the virtual reality welding system and analyzing the data to characterize a student welder's progress and to provide training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: David Anthony Zboray, Matthew Alan Bennett, Matthew Wayne Wallace, Jeremiah Hennessey, Yvette Christine Dudac, Zachary Steven Lenker, Andrew Paul Lundell, Paul Dana, Eric A. Preisz
  • Patent number: 9818312
    Abstract: A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of importing data into the virtual reality welding system and analyzing the data to characterize a student welder's progress and to provide training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: David Anthony Zboray, Matthew Alan Bennett, Matthew Wayne Wallace, Jeremiah Hennessey, Yvette Christine Dudac, Zachary Steven Lenker, Andrew Paul Lundell, Paul Dana, Eric A. Preisz
  • Patent number: 9779636
    Abstract: A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of importing data into the virtual reality welding system and analyzing the data to characterize a student welder's progress and to provide training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: David Anthony Zboray, Matthew Alan Bennett, Matthew Wayne Wallace, Jeremiah Hennessey, Yvette Christine Dudac, Zachary Steven Lenker, Andrew Paul Lundell, Paul Dana, Eric A. Preisz
  • Patent number: 9761153
    Abstract: A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of importing data into the virtual reality welding system and analyzing the data to characterize a student welder's progress and to provide training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: David Anthony Zboray, Matthew Alan Bennett, Matthew Wayne Wallace, Jeremiah Hennessey, Yvette Christine Dudac, Zachary Steven Lenker, Andrew Paul Lundell, Paul Dana, Eric A. Preisz
  • Patent number: 9754509
    Abstract: A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of importing data into the virtual reality welding system and analyzing the data to characterize a student welder's progress and to provide training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: David Anthony Zboray, Matthew Alan Bennett, Matthew Wayne Wallace, Jeremiah Hennessey, Yvette Christine Dudac, Zachary Steven Lenker, Andrew Paul Lundell, Paul Dana, Eric A. Preisz
  • Patent number: 9384675
    Abstract: A simulator for skill-oriented training is presented. The simulator includes a platform having a sensor and provides an immersive virtual training environment. The simulator includes a display unit worn by the operator. The unit includes a camera, a speaker and a unit sensor. The camera and the speaker provide visual and audio output to the operator. The simulator includes a controller and a data processing system. The controller includes a sensor. The sensors cooperate to provide to the processing system signals representing spatial positioning, angular orientation and movement data of the controller relative to the platform and a work piece. In response, the processing system renders the work piece, a virtual coating spray pattern, a virtual coating as applied to the work piece and performance guidance in the training environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: VRSIM, INC.
    Inventors: David Zboray, Matthew Bennett, Andy Lundell, Jeremiah Hennessey, Zach Lenker, Matthew Wallace, Jon Kallen, Rebecca McKnight
  • Patent number: 8770141
    Abstract: A substrate coating device is provided which is capable of reducing non-uniform film thickness areas that take place in a coating start portion and a coating end portion during coating using a slit nozzle coater. The substrate coating device (10) includes at least a slider driving motor (4), a pump (8), a delivery state quantity measuring section (82), and a control section (5). The slider driving motor (4) scans a slit nozzle (1) over a substrate (100) at an established velocity relative to the substrate (100). The pump (8) controls the supply of the coating liquid to the slit nozzle (1). The delivery state quantity measuring section (82) is configured to measure a state quantity indicative of a delivery state of the coating liquid from the tip of the slit nozzle (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Tazmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ikagawa, Mitsunori Oda, Minoru Yamamoto, Takashi Kawaguchi, Hideo Hirata, Masaaki Tanabe
  • Patent number: 8642136
    Abstract: A substrate processing method includes performing a deposition process of depositing a thin film on the substrate while depressurizing the inside of the processing chamber and introducing the gas thereinto; and, while the deposition process is being performed, irradiating light, which is transmitted through a monitoring window installed at the processing chamber, toward the inside of the processing chamber through the monitoring window, and monitoring a reflection light intensity of reflection light by receiving the reflection light through the monitoring window. The substrate processing method further includes measuring a temporal variation in the reflection light intensity during the deposition process and calculating a termination time of the deposition process based on a measurement value of the temporal variation; and terminating the deposition process by setting the termination time as an end point of the deposition process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Masato Kushibiki, Eiichi Nishimura, Akitaka Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7981479
    Abstract: A system and method for use in applying a coating of a desired material onto one or more medical implant components. The system may include one or more thermal sprayers and a rotatable holding fixture having a plurality of mounting stations each operable to hold at least one medical implant component. The fixture may be operable to rotate about a central axis and each mounting station may be operable to rotate about a respective mounting station axis. The fixture may be arranged adjacent to one or more thermal sprayers so that during operation one or more desired materials may be sprayed by the one or more thermal sprayers upon an outer surface of each of the medical implant components while the fixture rotates about the central axis and while simultaneously therewith each of mounting stations having a respective medical implant component rotates about the respective mounting station axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignees: Howmedica Osteonics Corp., Inframat Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel E. Lawrynowicz, Aiguo Wang, Zongtao Zhang, Jay Krajewski
  • Patent number: 7954451
    Abstract: An apparatus and method use closed loop control processes to automatically adjust a command signal used to change an operating state of a fluid dispensing gun. Proportional, integral and/or derivative control processes are used to determine an operating parameter comprising on time compensation, off time compensation and/or a fluid pressure compensation. An adjustment is made to the operating parameter if a number of consecutive measurements of an adhesive bead characteristic are outside of a predetermined tolerance range. A sensor for producing a feedback signal is used to communicate a measurable difference between an actual and a desired bead characteristic. The feedback signal applied in real time is used when determining the operating parameter, reducing substrate waste and increasing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Richard G. Klein
  • Patent number: 7935389
    Abstract: A printer is provided which sprays ink from nozzles to print recording paper P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takanori Takahashi, Kenji Okamoto, Soichi Kuwahara, Yuji Yakura, Shinichi Horii, Yoshiaki Haba, Hiromitsu Takeda
  • Patent number: 7913643
    Abstract: A film forming apparatus is provided which includes a device A that generates liquid fine particles having controlled particle diameters; a device B including a via for guiding the generated liquid fine particles while controlling a temperature thereof; a device C that sprays the guided liquid fine particles; and a device D including a space for forming a transparent conductive film by coating the sprayed liquid fine particles onto a subject to be processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Goto, Takuya Kawashima, Nobuo Tanabe, Yasuo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7867576
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the quality of a pattern of fluid beads applied to a moving substrate measures time delays between the passage of a reference point on a substrate element and leading and trailing edges of a bead, the quality of which is to be measured. A time delay ratio is generated, and compared to a reference ratio. The result of the comparison is indicative of variations in the quality of the measured bead. The invention has utility in a variety of industries, including industries in which adhesive beads are applied to a substrate, such as the envelope and box industries. An apparatus in accordance with the invention may conveniently utilize non-contact sensors to monitor the passage of the substrate and beads, and further may advantageously monitor the leading edge of the substrate and leading and trailing edges of the beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventors: Leonard Levin, Sophia Levin
  • Patent number: 7836847
    Abstract: A system and method for use in applying a coating of a desired material onto one or more medical implant components. The system may include a thermal sprayer and a rotatable holding fixture having a plurality of mounting stations each operable to hold at least one medical implant component. The fixture may be operable to rotate about a central axis and each mounting station may be operable to rotate about a respective mounting station axis. The fixture may be arranged adjacent to the thermal sprayer so that during operation the desired material may be sprayed by the thermal sprayer upon an outer surface of each of the medical implant components while the fixture rotates about the central axis and while simultaneously therewith each of mounting stations having a respective medical implant component rotates about the respective mounting station axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignees: Howmedica Osteonics Corp., Inframat Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Lawrynowicz, Aiguo Wang, Zongtao Zhang, Jay Krajewski
  • Patent number: 7793611
    Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a solid film onto a substrate from a reagent solution includes a reservoir of solution maintained at a low temperature to inhibit homogeneous reactions. The solution contains multiple ligands to control temperature stability and shelf life. The chilled solution is periodically dispensed onto a substrate positioned in a holder having a raised peripheral structure that retains a controlled volume of solution over the substrate. The solution is periodically replenished so that only the part of the solution directly adjacent to the substrate is heated. A heater maintains the substrate at an elevated temperature at which the deposition of a desired solid phase from the solution may be initiated. The apparatus may also dispense excess chilled solution to cool various components within the apparatus and minimize nucleation of solids in areas other than on the substrate. The apparatus is particularly suited to forming films of II-VI semiconductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Sisom Thin Films LLC
    Inventor: Isaiah O. Oladeji
  • Patent number: 7784425
    Abstract: A droplet ejecting apparatus includes a stage which holds a substrate; R (red), G (green), and B (blue) head groups for ejecting droplets of the R, G, and B colors, respectively, each of the head groups including at least one head; and a carriage which holds the R, G, and B head groups. In the apparatus, droplets of the R, G, and B colors are ejected to R, G, and B colored portions on the substrate from the R, G, and B head groups, respectively, during movement of the carriage relative to the stage in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoichi Matsumoto, Takashi Okusa
  • Patent number: 7770538
    Abstract: Printed sheets are delivered from a printer to a coating machine which feeds the sheets successively to a coating nip formed between a coating cylinder and an impression cylinder. A transport mechanism advances the sheets through the coating nip. The arrival of each sheet is sensed, and a control unit determines a speed necessary for each sheet to be initially fed in order to reach the coating nip simultaneously with an image area of the coating cylinder and with grippers of the transport mechanism, as well as at a speed equal to a surface speed of the coating cylinder. Independently driven rollers advance each sheet at that sheet's determined speed (e.g., acceleration or deceleration).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Max W. Dahlgren
  • Publication number: 20100077959
    Abstract: A virtual coatings application system realistically simulates airless spray painting. The system generally includes a display screen on which is defined a virtual surface that is intended to be virtually painted or coated by the user. The user operates the instrumented airless spray gun controller which is instrumented with a tracking device and an electronic on/off switch for the trigger. The system also has a motion tracking system that tracks the position and orientation of the airless spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface defined on the display screen. Simulation software generates virtual spray pattern data in response to the setup parameters and the position and orientation of the airless spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface. Virtual spray pattern images are displayed in real time on the display screen in accordance with the accumulation of virtual spray pattern data at each location on the virtual surface. The primary purpose of the system is to enhance training.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Jeremiah G. Treloar, Christopher A. Lampe, Jason M. Ebensberger, Michael J. Bolick, John Whiting, Richard J. Klein, II, Eric C. Peterson, Chad J. Zalkin, Warren C. Couvillion, JR., Stephen R. Gray
  • Patent number: 7687099
    Abstract: A spray coating apparatus comprises a spray gun (12) operable to deposit a sprayed coating via a spray nozzle (18) onto a surface, a mapping means (22) associated with the spray gun (12) operable to ascertain and store topographical characteristics of the surface, a position sensor (28) operable to ascertain the position of the spray gun (12) relative to the surface, a coating thickness monitor (26) operable to ascertain the thickness of a coating applied to the surface, and a nozzle control means (24) operable to control the deposition of the sprayed coating, wherein the nozzle control means (24), in use, control the deposition of the sprayed coating in response to information provided by the position sensor (28), the coating thickness monitor (26) and the mapping means (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: BAE Systems PLC
    Inventor: Paul Edward Jarvis
  • Patent number: 7553375
    Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a functional device mounting board comprises a holder for holding a substrate on which functional devices are to be formed, a jet head for ejecting a droplet containing a functional material onto the substrate, and a data input unit for supplying droplet ejection information to the jet head. The jet head ejects the droplets onto the substrate based on the droplet ejection information so as to form the functional device in the functional device forming area. The functional device is formed by allowing a volatile ingredient of the droplet, while allowing a solid component of the droplet to remain on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuro Sekiya
  • Patent number: 7422768
    Abstract: The invention provides a film forming method that improves throughput in a preliminary discharge. The film forming method according to the present invention can include a preliminary discharge step of preliminarily discharging liquid droplets from a head and a liquid droplet discharge step of relatively moving the head and the work to discharge the liquid droplets onto the surface of the work from the head. The preliminary discharge of the liquid droplets is carried out while the head and the work are moved relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Minoru Koyama
  • Publication number: 20070209586
    Abstract: A virtual coatings application system has several features to enhance the realism of simulated spray painting. The system generally includes a display screen on which is defined a virtual surface (such as a truck door) that is intended to be virtually painted or coated by the user. Alternatively, the system includes a head-mounted display unit that displays a virtual spray painting environment in which the virtual surface is defined. The user operates an instrumented spray gun controller that outputs one or more signals representing data as to the status of the controls on the spray gun controller. The system also has a motion tracking system that tracks the position and orientation of the spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface. Simulation software generates virtual spray pattern data in response to at least the data from the spray gun controller and the position and orientation data received from the tracking system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jason M. Ebensberger, Michael J. Bolick, Jeremiah G. Treloar, Richard J. Klein, Eric C. Peterson, Chad J. Zalkin, James B. Fisher, Leslie C. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6918962
    Abstract: An electrical cable coating apparatus provides a coating layer on an outer surface of an electrical cable which is moving along a predetermined direction. A coating liquid jet unit jets a given amount of a coating liquid at regular intervals to provide a coating layer on the outer surface of the electrical cable. A storage device stores a pattern for depositing the coating liquid on the outer surface of the electrical cable. A detection device determines the moving speed of the electrical cable, and a control unit controls the coating liquid jet unit to jet a coating liquid to deposit the coating liquid on the outer surface to define the pattern based on the electrical cable moving speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kamata, Keigo Sugimura, Shigeharu Suzuki, Kiyoshi Yagi
  • Patent number: 6849130
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating a fluid dispensing gun to dispense a fluid onto a substrate moving relative to the dispensing gun. The apparatus has a sensor that produces a sensor feedback signal in response to the fluid dispensing gun changing operating states. A control is connected to the sensor and provides first signals causing the fluid dispensing gun to change operating states. The control has a detector producing a compensation signal representing a difference between the occurrences of one of said first signals and the sensor feedback signal. The control then adjusts a subsequent first signal in response to the compensation signal. Thus, the control automatically compensates the operation of the fluid dispensing gun in real time for changes in the switching time of the fluid dispensing gun required to change its operating states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Peter W. Estelle
  • Patent number: 6824813
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus comprises a chamber 28 capable of processing a substrate 20. A radiation source 58 provides radiation that is at least partially reflected from the substrate in the chamber. A radiation detector 62 is provided to detect the reflected radiation and generate a signal. A controller 100 is adapted to receive the signal and determine a property of the substrate 20 in situ during processing, before an onset of during or after processing of a material on the substrate 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Materials Inc
    Inventors: Thorsten B. Lill, Michael N. Grimbergen, Jitske Trevor, Wei-Nan Jiang, Jeffrey Chinn
  • Publication number: 20040194700
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an operation of a fluid dispensing gun dispensing a pattern of fluid onto a substrate moving with respect to the dispensing gun. The dispensing gun changes operating states in response to transition signals. A sensor is disposed adjacent the substrate and provides feedback signals in response to detecting edges of the fluid dispensed onto the substrate. A diagnostic monitor is responsive to the transition and feedback signals and automatically measures delays between occurrences of the transition signals and detecting corresponding edges of the fluid deposited onto the substrate resulting from the transition signals. The delays are measured by correlating the feedback signals to the transition signals. A method for measuring the delays is also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Peter W. Estelle
  • Patent number: 6770142
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an operation of a fluid dispensing gun dispensing a pattern of fluid onto a substrate moving with respect to the dispensing gun. The dispensing gun changes operating states in response to transition signals. A sensor is disposed adjacent the substrate and provides feedback signals in response to detecting edges of the fluid dispensed onto the substrate. A diagnostic monitor is responsive to the transition and feedback signals and automatically measures delays between occurrences of the transition signals and detecting corresponding edges of the fluid deposited onto the substrate resulting from the transition signals. The delays are measured by correlating the feedback signals to the transition signals. A method for measuring the delays is also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Peter W. Estelle
  • Publication number: 20030180444
    Abstract: A coating process method in which a coating liquid is discharged onto the surface of a target substrate to be processed while rotating the target substrate so as to expand the coating liquid radially outward on the target substrate and, thus, to form a coated film comprises the step of detecting that the actual discharging of a coating liquid from a coating liquid discharging nozzle is started, and the step of controlling based on a signal of the detection at least one of the driving timing of a pump for allowing the coating liquid to be discharged from the coating liquid discharging nozzle, the operation timing of a valve mounted to a pipe for supplying the coating liquid into the coating liquid discharging nozzle, and the rotation starting or stopping timing of the target substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Takashi Takekuma, Yasuyuki Kometani, Yoshiteru Fukuda, Junya Minamida
  • Publication number: 20020189541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a glue dropping machine mainly comprising an air-compressing source, a main air-compressing circuit designed with a pressure-adjusting valve, a pressure meter and a tri-valve; said main air-compressing circuit is connected to a soft tube at the other end, a secondary air-compressing circuit designed with a pressure-adjusting valve and a diverging tube perpendicular to the secondary air-compressing circuit. The diverging tube is connected to the top of the tri-valve at the other end and the secondary air-compressing circuit is opened to the air such that the diverging tube produces a negative pressure; a gun pistol using the power of the pressure to allow flow of glue through the needle head. A timing controller to control the tri-valve at the left-right valve and at the right valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Lily Chao
  • Publication number: 20020174832
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a circumferential deposition thickness distribution on a substrate includes a motor that rotates the substrate and a positioning sensor that senses an angular position of the substrate. At least one deposition thickness sensor senses the deposition thickness of the substrate at multiple positions on a circumference of a circle centered about an axis of rotation of the substrate. At least one controller drives a vapor source used to emit material for a deposition on a substrate. The at least one controller is coupled to the positioning sensor and the deposition thickness sensor. The controller synchronously varies an emission rate of material from the vapor source with respect to the angular position of the substrate to control the circumferential deposition thickness distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: 4Wave, Inc.
    Inventors: David Alan Baldwin, Todd Lanier Hylton
  • Patent number: 6374160
    Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for monitoring lacquer consumption per can in a lacquer application unit. The device includes a counter providing can number data on the number of cans being applied with lacquer in the application unit; a tank for intermediate storage of lacquer; a lacquer feeder for feeding lacquer from a lacquer reservoir to the tank through an inlet pipe; and a lacquer feeder for feeding lacquer from the tank to the application unit. A valve is provided in the inlet pipe for intermittent movement between a closed position and an open position, in which lacquer is admitted into the tank. A flow meter is arranged to provide flow rate data on the amount of lacquer flowing into the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Rexam AB
    Inventor: Walter Forjahn
  • Patent number: 6139639
    Abstract: A coating apparatus which comprises a feeding means to feed a coating liquid, a coating liquid applicator having a slot extending in one direction to discharge the coating liquid fed by the feeding means, and a conveying means to move at least either the coating liquid applicator or a substrate to be coated with the coating liquid relatively one to the other, comprising: (a) a first control means which comprises (a-1) a position detecting means to detect positions of the coating liquid applicator or the substrate which is moved by the conveying means, and (a-2) a controller capable of stopping the coating liquid applicator or the substrate which is moved by the conveying means at a position detected by the position detecting means such that a start-of-coating line of the substrate is in register with the slot of the coating liquid applicator and capable of starting the movement of the coating liquid applicator or the substrate which is stopped at the position; and (b) a second control means which comprises a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kitamura, Hideo Ido, Tetsuo Suzuki, Kazuhiko Abe, Hiromitsu Kanamori, Tetsuya Goto, Takayoshi Akamatsu, Masaharu Tooyama, Toshihide Sekido
  • Patent number: 6120604
    Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting parts through a plurality of processing areas. The conveyor system comprises a plurality of conveyors, each of the conveyors for transporting parts through an associated one of the processing areas. Each of the conveyors are driven by a motor. Each of a plurality of sensors are associated with one of the plurality of processing areas. Each of a plurality of control interfaces are associated with a device in one of the plurality of processing areas. Each of a plurality of control circuits are associated with one of the plurality of processing areas and coupled to corresponding sensors and corresponding interfaces. At least one operator interface is coupled to the plurality of control circuits. Wherein, the operator interface can modularly control and monitor devices within the plurality of processing areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: George Koch Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Thomas Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6051070
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a material to a substrate. A material application station includes a shutter assembly having at least one horizontally extending blade which is rapidly displaceable from a closed configuration in which an outlet path of the shutter assembly is obstructed to an open configuration in which the outlet path is open. While the blade of the shutter assembly is in the closed configuration, a coating material is applied to a first predetermined area on an upper surface of the shutter assembly. A substrate is located beneath the shutter assembly in the outlet path. The blade of the shutter assembly is rapidly opened so that the coating material falls onto the substrate over a second predetermined area on an upper surface of the substrate. The second predetermined area is substantially equal to the first predetermined area. The resulting deposit is of a controlled diameter. A rapid opening of the blade allows the deposit to fall a short distance onto a substrate such as a pizza base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Adrian M. Sunter
  • Patent number: 5938848
    Abstract: A first embodiment includes a control system which operates a spray gun to apply an even coating of flux to a circuit board or a plurality of different length circuit boards irrespective of the speed that the circuit board(s) move through a coating chamber. In a second embodiment, the control system pulses the spray gun on and off with a pulsing pattern that coats a plurality of zones of a circuit board with spray patterns of different length and thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick T. Hogan, Kenneth Zalewski, John P. Byers, James Powell, Drew Roberts, Richard G. Christyson
  • Patent number: 5807449
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for treating a workpiece such as a shoe component. The workpiece treating apparatus preferably includes a transporter for transporting a workpiece along a predetermined path of travel and a storage device for storing a plurality of predetermined parameters of each of a plurality of workpieces. A workpiece identifier is positioned responsive to the storage device for identifying the workpiece during travel along the predetermined path. A workpiece treatment applicator is positioned adjacent the transporter and responsive to the workpiece identifier for applying a treatment a workpiece being transported along the predetermined path of travel. A workpiece treatment position determiner preferably is positioned responsive to the workpiece identifier for continuously determining the position of the workpiece treatment applicator along a predetermined trajectory during treatment of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Hooker, James E. Spencer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5759278
    Abstract: An image forming substance removing apparatus for preventing an unstabilizing liquid from being excessively applied to a sheet material unnecessarily, preventing a bad state of transporting the sheet material, and not requiring a long time for drying the sheet material is provided. In the above-mentioned apparatus, an unstabilizing liquid supplying unit applies the unstabilizing liquid to the transfer material and is constructed with an applying roller for pumping up the unstabilizing liquid by an action of its rotation, a restriction roller for bringing the applying roller into contact with the transfer paper, and others. And further, in order to move the restriction roller between a position of coming into contact with the applying roller and a position of departing therefrom, a tip end sensor for sensing the tip end of the transfer paper, a spring, and a solenoid, etc. are provided in the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidenori Tomono, Eriko Chiba, Hiromichi Komai, Toshio Kawakubo, Tohru Maruyama, Masatoshi Saitou
  • Patent number: 5685910
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for coating an electromagnetic coil, particularly stator coils for an electric motor, with an insulating catalyzed resin material. The catalyzed resin material is a two component material comprising an epoxy resin and a catalyst. The catalyzed resin material is a free flowing liquid at a first temperature and begins to cure rapidly at a second elevated temperature. The stator coils are first heated by supplying current to the stator coils to raise the temperature of the stator coils to the first temperature. The free flowing liquid catalyzed resin material is dispensed through nozzles onto the stator coils as the stator coils and the nozzles move relative to each other. After the liquid catalyzed resin material has been dispensed in a predetermined amount, at predetermined locations, for predetermined times, the catalyzed resin material is allowed to penetrate the stator coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Industrial Company
    Inventors: James L. Thigpen, Walter G. Stiffler, James B. Keys, David T. McKinney, Sidney Bell
  • Patent number: 5560537
    Abstract: The automatic soldering of printed circuit boards wherein different boards can be simultaneously processed at different stations, e.g. a fluxing station, a preheating station and a soldering station. An identification station in advance of the fluxing station controls various parameters at the processing stations in response to board type as the boards are indexed through the various stations. Parameters such as location of application, time of application, pump speed etc. may be controlled in response to board type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: VLT Corporation
    Inventors: Steven P. Sadler, Patrizio Vinciarelli
  • Patent number: 5538570
    Abstract: A book binding process and apparatus are shown wherein polyurethane adhesive (PUR) attaches a crepe portion of a book binding to a book block and hot glue attaches the crepe portion to the book cover. The PUR delivery system includes an inclined trough positioned adjacent a polyurethane adhesive delivery roll. A polyurethane adhesive source delivers polyurethane adhesive upon the inclined surface of the trough and the polyurethane adhesive is metered onto the roller as a function of the separation of the leading edge of the trough and the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: John C. Tooker
  • Patent number: 5531832
    Abstract: A pan oiler for spraying oil into cavities in pans moving on a conveyor including a stationary center nozzle assembly and spaced outer nozzle assemblies. The outer nozzle assemblies are mounted on opposite ends of a drive screw having right hand threads formed on one end and left hand threads formed on the other end for moving the outside nozzle assemblies in unison relative to the stationary center nozzle assembly. A pair of electrically charged electrodes are positioned adjacent the nozzle assemblies for setting up an electric field across the spray paths of the nozzle assemblies for reducing overspray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Burford Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy I. McCalip, Jimmy R. Frazier, John E. Fagan
  • Patent number: 5482553
    Abstract: A system for pin-point injection or application of a viscous, hot-melt conformal coating which is injected or applied onto a surface of an article and is readily removable from the surface to provide a temporary mask to selected areas of the article. The system includes a material supply unit which can accept the coating in at least one of granular, flake, chunk or block form and can heat the coating to transform the coating into a substantially viscous form for pumping out of the unit by a pump member. A heatable hose is also included having first and second opposite ends, the first end being connected for operable communication with the pump member and the hose including a heating element controlled by the supply unit and positioned along the length of the hose for maintaining a desired temperature within an interior of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Joe F. Loftin, James E. Roberson, Wayne A. Wood