Confined Within A Bowl Patents (Class 198/757)
  • Patent number: 11936272
    Abstract: A haptic transducer comprising a magnetic plate, a plurality of coils each separately couplable to a signal generator such that axis of each coil is perpendicular to the plate and all coils are on a common side of the plate, and signals may be sent from said signal generator to each coil individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: WOOJER LTD.
    Inventor: Mor Efrati
  • Patent number: 11325162
    Abstract: Provided is a bolt screening machine, including an external frame, a feeding mechanism, and a screening mechanism, wherein the feeding mechanism and the screening mechanism are combined with and mounted on the external frame, the unscreened bolts are fed into the screening mechanism through the feeding mechanism, and the screening mechanism screens and arranges the bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: SOOCHOW UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Gang Wang, Zhihua Feng, Junfang Ni, Xiangjun Lan
  • Patent number: 10991172
    Abstract: A method and system for generating motor vehicle components and/or tool for repairing a vehicle. Indication is received from a remote location that a component on a vehicle has been damaged or is to be altered. The indication includes component identifier information having identifying replacement component information in a data store associated with the particular component based upon the identifier information received. The replacement component information includes a location of a virtual model of a replacement component for the particular component. Generation is then initiated for a motor vehicle component using the received virtual model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association(USAA)
    Inventors: Charles L. Oakes, III, Rickey D. Burks, Michael P. Bueche, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9597261
    Abstract: A pill dispensing system that includes pill packages that can be used to dispense pills manually or with a dispenser system to provide enhanced functionality. The packages can be provided with information relating to the packaged pills or to the use of the packaged pills. By reading the information from the package, the dispenser system can know what is in the package, when it is to be taken and can understand and track inventory. The dispenser system provides reminders of when the pills should be taken. The dispenser system may have the ability to key a specific electronic device, such as a cell phone, to a specific user and the dispenser system may require the electronic device to be within proximity of the dispenser system before dispensing pills for that user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Sean T. Eurich, Scott A. Mollema, Cody D. Dean, Neil W. Kuyvenhoven, Matthew K. Runyon, Joseph C. Van Den Brink, Ryan D. Schamper
  • Patent number: 9452890
    Abstract: A linear wave motion conveyor is disclosed. A pan defines a conveying surface and a conveying direction. A linear drive mechanism is provided having an elongated thrust bar extending parallel to the conveying direction and a stator portion configured to drive the thrust bar in relation to said stator portion along the conveying direction. A base supporting the linear drive mechanism and the pan is provided. The thrust bar is fixed in relation to one of the base or the pan and the stator portion is fixed in relation to the other of the base or the pan. A controller is in operative communication with the stator portion to control driving of the thrust bar in relation to the stator portion. The controller is configured to cause the stator to drive the thrust bar in conformity with a cyclic pattern of motion along the conveying direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Smalley Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Spaulding, John S. Little, Jr., Edward D. Martin, Steven P. Hettmansburger
  • Patent number: 8733539
    Abstract: A vibration feeding apparatus comprises a receptacle for holding and conveying components, and first and second linear motors coupled to the receptacle. The first and second linear motors are spaced from each other and have respective coils that are aligned parallel to each other. The first and second linear motors are operative to be driven at a first operation mode whereby to impart rotary vibration to the receptacle, and at a second operation mode whereby to impart linear vibration to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: ASM Technology Singapore Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Ping Kong Choy, Chung Sheung Yung, Ho Chi Wong, Chung Yin Lau
  • Patent number: 8700208
    Abstract: Provided is a rotary type tablet dispenser in which drugs can move along a guide track. The tablet dispenser includes a main body having a space part in which tablets are accommodated and including a guide track formed upward from a bottom part along an inner wall in a spiral shape to guide movement of the tablets accommodated in the space part, a vibration part configured to vibrate the main body to move the tablets accommodated in the space part of the main body upward along the guide track, and a tablet conveyance assisting member configured to move along the guide track and convey some of the tablets which cannot be conveyed along the guide track to an upper part of the main body. Accordingly, the tablets can be smoothly conveyed along the guide track by the tablet conveyance assisting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cretem Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ho-Yeon Kim
  • Patent number: 8640852
    Abstract: A spring feeder including a conveying path and a conveying portion including a conveying groove, the conveying groove having a width approximately equal to a width of the springs. The conveying path for feeding includes a first sorting and conveying portion and a second sorting and conveying portion, the first sorting and conveying portion, the second sorting and conveying portion, and the conveying portion for connection are linked consecutively from the container side. A width of the conveying groove of the second sorting and conveying portion is narrower than a width of the conveying groove of the first sorting and conveying portion and the width of the conveying groove of the second sorting and conveying portion is narrow enough to allow only one spring to be loaded in the conveying direction in the conveying groove of the second sorting and conveying portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kanto Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Tadayoshi Seki
  • Publication number: 20130270070
    Abstract: A vibration feeding apparatus comprises a receptacle for holding and conveying components, and first and second linear motors coupled to the receptacle. The first and second linear motors are spaced from each other and have respective coils that are aligned parallel to each other. The first and second linear motors are operative to be driven at a first operation mode whereby to impart rotary vibration to the receptacle, and at a second operation mode whereby to impart linear vibration to the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Ping Kong CHOY, Chung Sheung YUNG, Ho Chi WONG, Chung Yin LAU
  • Patent number: 8517169
    Abstract: A radial distribution system includes a base member for receiving product for distribution to a plurality of conveyors, a plurality of gate members radially-spaced around the base member and configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a vibration member configured to vibrate the base member. The vibration causes product received on the base member to move on the base member in a substantially circular manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventors: Charles Denio Kirkbride, Greg Robert Lambier, Rudy Sanchez, Steve Crawford, David Hufford, James D. Ruff
  • Patent number: 8251204
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vibratory parts feeding system having an electromagnetic securement system for operatively coupling a feeder bowl, inline feeder, and/or hopper bin to their respective base drive units. The securement system includes a metallic plate and a mounting portion, wherein the metallic plate is affixed to or integrated into the feeder bowl, inline feeder, or hopper bin and the mounting portion, which includes an electromagnet, is affixed to or integrated into the base drive unit. The metallic plate and mounting portion are designed to interface with one another, and when the electromagnet is energized, the metallic plate is secured to the base drive unit by the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Service Engineering Incorporated
    Inventors: John P. Mazza, Mark F. Koester, Robert A. Jennings, Bruce E. Allen, Ryan L. Jennings, Jonathon Baumann
  • Patent number: 8123024
    Abstract: A vibrating feeder provided with a feeder ball 14a having a circular bottom wall and a conveyance path formed along the periphery of the bottom wall 141a; a feeder body 16a supporting the feeder ball 14a so as to apply torsional vibration and conveying substance supplied on the bottom wall 141a along the conveyance path; and a main body supporting member for supporting the feeder body; the conveyance path comprising an ascending rail and descending rail disposed in the downstream of the ascending rail in the conveyance direction; the main body 18a supporting member supporting the feeder body 16a on a horizontal floor so that a torsion axis C, which becomes the center of the torsional vibration, is inclined relative to the vertical direction; the ascending rail and descending rail conveying the conveyed objects upwardly or downwardly relative to the horizontal direction while the feeder body being supported by the horizontal floor via the main body supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Qualicaps Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Motohiro Yagyu, Kenichi Kasai, Ken Sato, Junsuke Yasui, Akira Nagao, Tetsuhisa Ishida
  • Publication number: 20120006843
    Abstract: Provided are an automatic tablet dispenser of an automatic medicine packing machine, and a tablet supply method thereof, which are capable of automatically packing various-shaped tablets, and accurately, cleanly and rapidly distributing the tablets without missing any. The automatic table dispenser which is installed in a medicine packing machine for automatically packing tablets, includes: a body including a space for containing the tablets therein and a guide track for guiding the tablets contained in the space upward from a bottom of the body; and a driver vibrating the body so that the tablets contained in the space of the body are transferred upward along the guide track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: CRETEM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ho-yeon Kim
  • Publication number: 20110211920
    Abstract: A system and a method for feeding a solid into a solid deposition system is described. Solid contained in a hopper is directed into a vibratory bowl. The frequency of the vibrations of the vibratory bowl can be modulated by a feedback system. The solid can then be entrained in a carrier gas which can flow to a distributor for deposition on a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Ricky Charles Powell, Andrew Kelly Gray, Todd Alden Coleman
  • Patent number: 7971704
    Abstract: A micropipette sorting and packaging system includes a base, a XY platform, a carrying platform, a vibration tray, an automatic discharge mechanism and a control unit. With the installation of the automatic discharge mechanism, a conventional sorting and packaging design adopting a robotic arm is replaced to reduce occupied space and lower installation costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Yi-Ming Chi
  • Patent number: 7789215
    Abstract: Primary and secondary housings each have a cylindrical side wall and a horizontal circular lower plate. A centrifugal assembly is formed by the secondary housing. A first motor rotates the circular plate of the secondary housing. Cleats extend upwardly from the circular plate whereby when a quantity of workpieces is placed in the secondary housing the workpieces will be projected out of the secondary housing into the primary housing by centrifugal force caused by the spinning cleats. A vibratory assembly is formed by the primary housing. A second motor reciprocates and vibrates the primary housing. A ramp is secured interiorly of the side wall of the primary housing and extends in a spiral configuration from the circular plate to the top of the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Snyder
  • Patent number: 7649287
    Abstract: A motor-fastening mechanism fastens an output shaft of a motor and an input shaft of a driven member to each other. The motor-fastening mechanism has a fastening section which fastens the output shaft of the motor and the input shaft of the driven member relatively immovably, a motor-attachment member which is attached to the motor, an engaged section which is provided on either one of the motor-attachment member and the driven member, and an engaging section which is provided on the other of the motor-attachment member and the driven member and which is engaged to the engaged section such that displacement of the output shaft in a rotating direction thereof is regulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Sankyo Seisakusho Co. (Joint-stock company of Japan)
    Inventors: Heizaburo Kato, Hideki Hotaka
  • Patent number: 7553110
    Abstract: An appearance inspecting apparatus includes a parts feeder aligning rubber stoppers in tandem by torsionally vibrating a bowl having a spiral track formed therein, an air conveying portion conveying the rubber stoppers aligned in tandem by blowing compressed air thereto, first and second conveying tables conveying rubber stoppers by suction-holding a surface not to be inspected of the rubber stoppers, an inspecting portion inspecting a surface to be inspected of the rubber stoppers conveyed by the first and second conveying tables, and a selecting portion sorting out rubber stoppers that are determined to be defective, in accordance with the result of inspection by the inspecting portion. Objects to be inspected having a complicated shape are aligned preliminarily by using a vibration parts feeder, while highly accurate appearance inspection is conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Daiichi Jitsugyo Viswill Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Minami, Koji Tsutsumi, Hiroki Makino, Norio Oita
  • Patent number: 7487868
    Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for transporting an object has a first housing wall with a first wall support and a second housing wall with a second wall support. A deck has a first lateral edge engaging the first wall support and a second lateral edge engaging the second wall support, so that the deck extends along a deck path and defines a conveyor surface adapted to receive the object. A force assembly is mechanically coupled to the deck and applies a force that bends the deck into an arcuate cross-sectional profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard B. Kraus, Kurt Christopherson, Robert Markowski
  • Publication number: 20080210524
    Abstract: A device (10) and a method for dispensing fibres into concrete or similar material comprises a container (11) with an essential cylindrical shape. The container (11) has a bottom (13), an inner side (14) having a height (15) and a spiral path (12) arranged to the inner side (14). A first end of the spiral path (12) is arranged close to the bottom (13). The spiral path (12) has a width (18) that increases with the height (15) from the bottom (13) to the top of the container (11). The angle of inclination for the spiral path (12) decreases with the height (15) from the bottom (13) to the top of the container (11). The method comprises supplying the fibres into the container (11), vibrating the container (11) for feeding the fibres along the spiral path (12) and feeding the fibres continuously from the device (10) to the concrete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: INCITE AB
    Inventor: Rikard Engblom
  • Patent number: 7383942
    Abstract: An article carrying apparatus is capable of inhibiting a force that acts on the apparatus due to vibration being applied to its carry section in order to carry an article. The article carrying apparatus includes: a carry section for restricting, to a circumferential direction, a carrying direction in which an article is carried; a cam mechanism to which a driving force is input from an input shaft and that is for applying a vibration to the carry section by transmitting, to the carry section, an oscillating motion having at least a circumferential direction component in the circumferential direction, wherein the vibration causes the article to be carried in the circumferential direction; and a balancer for inhibiting a force that acts on the input shaft due to the cam mechanism applying the vibration to the carry section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Sankyo Seisakusho Co.
    Inventors: Heizaburo Kato, Toshinao Kato
  • Publication number: 20080041700
    Abstract: Vibratory tumblers for processing workpieces and methods for manufacturing such vibratory tumblers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a vibratory tumbler includes a base, a support member movably coupled to the base, a bowl configured for removable attachment to the support member, and a motor attached to the support member for moving the bowl relative to the base. The bowl is sized and configured such that the support member and at least one-fourth of the base can be received within the bowl while the support member is coupled to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: Battenfeld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell A. Potterfield, Tim Morrow
  • Patent number: 7325671
    Abstract: A bowl for a vibratory feeder includes a wall portion having a generally circular cross section and a helical track having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The wall portion comprises a plurality of slots and the track comprises a plurality of tabs which extend from one of the inner diameter or the outer diameter. The tabs are received in corresponding ones of the slots to thereby position the track relative to the wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Super, F. Michael Schuchs, Michael K. Mihelic, Robert J. Julock
  • Patent number: 7299913
    Abstract: Drive unit for a vibrating spiral conveyor, consisting of a base part, with which an opposed-action part and a fastening part, the motion of which is coupled with that of a pot, are connected flexibly, the former over several first leaf spring elements and the latter over several second leaf spring elements, it being possible to bring the opposed-action part and the fastening part into an opposite, oscillating, torsionally vibrating movement about a central axis of rotation, characterized in that the leaf spring elements (10, 11) are disposed in such a manner that their central transverse axis (M), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, intersects a leaf spring element (10, 11) essentially in the center with respect to its length and extends parallel to the lateral surfaces of the spring, is disposed essentially radially to the axis of rotation (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Feintool International Holding
    Inventor: Sigmund Kumeth
  • Patent number: 7270229
    Abstract: A container feeding system is shown having an unscrambler having an unscrambler bowl providing a track or channel that is adjustable such that it can accommodate bottles of varying sizes. The system comprises an adjustable chute that is also adjustable and having a chute channel or track that is also adjustable to accommodate containers of varying sizes when the containers are conveyed from the unscrambling bowl, through the adjustable chute, and to a subsequent processing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: New England Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Perazzo, David P. Pletz, Michael A. Ruth
  • Patent number: 7143891
    Abstract: A vibrating spiral conveyor includes a vibrating system with a useful mass and a counter mass which can be brought into a mutually oppositely oscillating rotational vibrating movement about a central axis of rotation over at least one driving device. The useful mass and the counter mass are mounted so that they can be moved with respect to one another over spring arrangements, which are distributed about the axis of rotation, a portion of the useful mass being a pot, which is disposed detachably and exchangably. The moments of inertia (MN, MG) of the useful mass and of the counter mass are in a defined ratio to one another and the pot, which can be mounted exchangeably, is designed so that the moment of inertia (MN) of the useful mass and, with that, the ratio of the moments of inertia (MN, MG) remain essentially unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Feintool International Holding
    Inventor: Sigmund Kumeth
  • Patent number: 7128203
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a feeder bowl for receiving items to be dispensed, and a first vibration device for vibrating the feeder bowl. the dispenser also includes a plurality of dispensing paths positioned around the feeder bowl, and a rotation drive for rotating the dispensing paths. Moreover, the dispensing paths include a second vibration device for vibrating the dispensing paths proportionately to a physical characteristic of each of the items, such that the dispensing paths dispense the items singularly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Campbell Soup Company
    Inventor: John Baranowski
  • Patent number: 7128204
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a feeder bowl for receiving items to be dispensed, and a first vibration device for vibrating the feeder bowl. the dispenser also includes a plurality of dispensing paths positioned around the feeder bowl, and a rotation drive for rotating the dispensing paths. Moreover, the dispensing paths include a second vibration device for vibrating the dispensing paths proportionately to a physical characteristic of each of the items, such that the dispensing paths dispense the items singularly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Campbell Soup Company
    Inventor: John Baranowski
  • Patent number: 7073658
    Abstract: At least one solid drug form is fed into a capsule, housed inside a pocket on a first conveyor movable along an endless first path extending in a given first plane, by means of a seat on a second conveyor movable along an endless second path extending in a second plane parallel to the first plane; the seat receiving the solid form from a vibratory distributor plate, and releasing the solid form to the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: MG 2 S.R.L
    Inventors: Fabio Biancoli, Davide Frabetti
  • Patent number: 7063215
    Abstract: A control system for regulating a dispenser that includes a feeder bowl and a plurality of dispensing paths is disclosed. The control system includes a control unit for controlling a rotation drive for rotating the dispensing paths, a feeder bowl vibration device for vibrating the feeder bowl, and at least one dispensing path vibration device for vibrating the dispensing paths, such that the feeder bowl receives a plurality of items and supply the items uniformly to each of the dispensing paths, and the dispensing paths dispense the items singularly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Campbell Soup Company
    Inventor: John Baranowski
  • Patent number: 7036652
    Abstract: In a vibration type parts feeding method and a vibration type parts feeding device, welding nuts are put on a parts transportation track arranged in an inner wall of a vibration bowl of a parts feeder to be arranged in turn, and normal positioned welding nuts are sorted and transported from a parts discharging outlet at a top end portion of the track to a desired place. A sorting unit for passing only the normal positioned welding nuts is installed detachably adjacent to the parts discharging outlet of the vibration bowl, and thus, it becomes possible to adapt to sorting upward and downward-positioned welding nuts with various kinds of shapes and dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Dengensha Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Yoshimi Hayata, Shun-ichirou Katsuyama
  • Patent number: 7014031
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying parts for use with parts with projections the protruding part of which is formed on either the upper side or the lower side as seen in the direction of height, has a regulating member (17) comprising a regulating portion of a width for preventing passage of the protruding part (11) of the part (10) and a non regulating portion (19) of a width allowing passage of the protruding part (11), to prevent passage of a part placed upside down in the case where such part is transferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Aoyama, Shoji Aoyama
  • Patent number: 6997305
    Abstract: A device for singulating surgical needles from a bulk supply of needles includes a vibratory bowl for receiving the supply of needles. The bowl has a floor to receive the needles, a track extending from the floor to a needle discharge point and a selectively vibrating motor to vibrate the surgical needles into a single file along the track. A discharge device has first and second needle receiving pockets, and positions the first and the second needle receiving pockets below the needle discharge point. A controller selectively vibrates the vibratory bowl and selectively positions the first and second needle pockets below the needle discharge point, the controller singulating individual needles from the single file of needles into the first and second needle receiving pockets. A discharger discharges the singulated needles in a spaced relationship on a conveyor for subsequent imaging at an inspection station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Demarest, John F. Blanch, Timothy Lenihan, Andres Folch, William F. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040238330
    Abstract: In apparatus for sorting containers having a bowl assembly consisting of a base and an upstanding generally cylindrical sidewall, a support disc, an actuator disc overlying the support disc, a plurality of pie-shaped disc segments disposed in a circular array between the support disc and actuator discs and means operatively connecting the actuator and support disc so that relative rotation of the support and actuator discs relative to one another effects radial movement of the pie-shaped disc sections and actuator means for selectively rotating the actuator and support discs relative to one another to position the pie-shaped disc sections between inner and outer limit positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Devendra Win Shendge
  • Patent number: 6805259
    Abstract: A medication tablet dispenser has an upright casing providing a tower which is subdivided by horizontal partitions into eight compartments which individually contain removable holders each containing a charge of tablets to be dispensed. The holders have framing portions which together provide a funnel opening downwardly into a cavity of a blister sheet. The casing is vibrated back and forth about its vertical axis through a small angle to cause tablets in the holders to progress towards an outlet leading into the funnel and having an associated ejector which discharges selected tablets into the funnel when required by a computer program. Conical vibration of the casing is prevented by a connection located on its vertical axis and held stationary by a fixed arm. The ejectors operate in response to slide-rods individually reciprocated by associated solenoids controlled by the computer program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Manrex Pty LTD
    Inventors: Gerard Thomas Stevens, Jonathan Anthony Salton, Dolph Allan Meyer, Martin James Davidson
  • Publication number: 20040007445
    Abstract: A device for singulating surgical needles from a bulk supply of needles including a vibratory bowl assembly for receiving said bulk supply of needles. The bowl assembly having a floor to receive the needles, a track extending from the floor to a needle discharge point and a selectively vibrating motor to vibrate the surgical needles into a single file along the track; a discharge device having first and second needle receiving pockets, the device positioning the first and the second needle receiving pockets below said needle discharge point; a controller for selectively vibrating the vibratory bowl and selectively positioning the first and second needle pockets below the needle discharge point, the controller singulating individual needles from the single file of needles into the first and second needle receiving pockets; a discharger for discharging the singulated needles in the first and second needle pockets in a spaced relationship on a conveyor for subsequent imaging at an inspection station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Demarest, John F. Blanch, Timothy Lenihan, Andres Folch, William F. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040007444
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a feeder bowl for receiving items to be dispensed, and a first vibration device for vibrating the feeder bowl. the dispenser also includes a plurality of dispensing paths positioned around the feeder bowl, and a rotation drive for rotating the dispensing paths. Moreover, the dispensing paths include a second vibration device for vibrating the dispensing paths proportionately to a physical characteristic of each of the items, such that the dispensing paths dispense the items singularly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: John Baranowski
  • Publication number: 20040007584
    Abstract: A system for dispensing items includes a dispenser, a sensing unit, a plurality of container chutes, and a plurality of diversion chutes. The dispenser comprises a plurality of dispensing paths for dispensing the items. The sensing unit measures a physical characteristic of each of the dispensed items. The plurality of container chutes directs each of the dispensed items, the measured physical characteristic of which is within a predetermined range of physical characteristics, to containers. The plurality of diversion chutes diverts each of the dispensed items, the measured physical characteristic of which is greater than or less than the predetermined range of physical characteristics, away from the containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: John Baranowski
  • Patent number: 6651807
    Abstract: In a parts feeder driven by an electromagnet driver, the magnet core and the armature are rotationally misaligned either to adjust the lines of direct magnetic force between the electromagnet and the armature or, where the armature is magnetically charged, such that the magnetic force will exert both an attractive force between the magnet core and the armature and a relative torque between the magnet core and the armature which tends to align the poles of the armature and the magnetic core. A round baseplate design allows the unit to be simply enclosed for aesthetic or for potential air purging applications. Counterweights for tuning the parts feeder natural frequency can be bolted to the round baseplate, the counterweights having a ring segment shape to compactly fit on the round baseplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy K. Baird, Leonard Evansic
  • Patent number: 6644464
    Abstract: A device for singulating surgical needles from a bulk supply of needles including a vibratory bowl assembly for receiving said bulk supply of needles. The bowl assembly having a floor to receive the needles, a track extending from the floor to a needle discharge point and a selectively vibrating motor to vibrate the surgical needles into a single file along the track; a discharge device having first and second needle receiving pockets, the device positioning the first and the second needle receiving pockets below said needle discharge point; a controller for selectively vibrating the vibratory bowl and selectively positioning the first and second needle pockets below the needle discharge point, the controller singulating individual needles from the single file of needles into the first and second needle receiving pockets; a discharger for discharging the singulated needles in the first and second needle pockets in a spaced relationship on a conveyor for subsequent imaging at an inspection station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Demarest, John F. Blanch, Timothy Lenihan, Andres Folch, William F. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030146070
    Abstract: A component discharge portion is provided on the upper end of a non-end delivery belt having an upward inclined delivery surface and driven and rotated, and a component delivery path is connected to a component discharge portion and delivers a component in a predetermined attitude to the lower end side of the delivery belt. A component transfer portion for receiving the component delivered along the delivery path and for transferring the component to a next step with a constant directivity is provided on the downstream end side of the component delivery path. Furthermore, there is formed a component return path for coupling the downstream end of the component delivery path and the lower end delivery surface of the delivery belt. The component delivered in an abnormal attitude other than the component transferred to the next step is automatically returned to the delivery belt through the component return path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Matsuda, Hiroki Shibata, Koji Takashima
  • Publication number: 20030141169
    Abstract: A load manipulation system includes a plurality of cells arranged to form a generally planar load manipulation surface. Each cell has at least one actuator coupled to an upper surface which forms the load manipulation surface. The actuator is operable to vibrate the upper surface of the cell within a plane of the load manipulation surface. The system further includes a controller operable to receive input from a sensor and send commands to the actuators to manipulate loads on the load manipulation surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Siemens Technology-To-Business Center, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Reznik, Florian Hormann
  • Patent number: 6257392
    Abstract: A vibratory bowl defines a number of predetermined attachment locations in one side thereof adjacent to a parts discharge port defined by the bowl. One or more support plates are detachably mounted to the bowl side in a vertical position via the number of predetermined attachment locations, and each of the one or more support plates defines a horizontal support edge having a parts receiving unit detachably mounted thereto. The parts receiving unit is supported by the one or more support plates and has one end thereof positioned adjacent to the parts discharge port of the bowl and an opposite end extending away from the discharge port. The parts receiving unit may be configured to orient parts supplied by the vibratory bowl according to a desired orientation. A parts confining member is detachably mounted to one of the one or more support plates and is operable to confine parts within the parts receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: S. Neal Graham
  • Patent number: 6206180
    Abstract: In a vibratory parts-feeder including; a feeder bowl in which a spiral track is formed, a vertical exciter with first electro-magnetic coil for exciting the feeder bowl in the vertical direction, a horizontal exciter with second electro-magnetic coil for exciting the feeder bowl in the horizontal direction, horizontal leaf springs for supporting the feeder bowl so as to be vibratile in the vertical direction, and vertical leaf springs for supporting the feeder bowl so as to be vibratile in the horizontal direction, wherein there is a phase difference between the currents flowing through the first and second electro-magnetic coils and the feeder bowl is elliptically vibrated, the improvements in which a phase adjusting circuit is connected to the first or second electro-magnetic coil, voltage adjusting circuits are connected to the first and second electro-magnetic coils and the ratio of the longer axis to the shorter axis of the elliptical vibration and the inclination of the longer axis thereof are varied wi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiro Sekine, Eiji Ohki, Masanobu Tomita, Hirohiko Murata, Kazumichi Kato, Yasushi Muragishi, Tetsuyuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 6161675
    Abstract: A vibratory bowl defines a number of predetermined attachment locations in one side thereof adjacent to a parts discharge port defined by the bowl. One or more support plates are detachably mounted to the bowl side in a vertical position via the number of predetermined attachment locations, and each of the one or more support plates defines a horizontal support edge having a parts receiving unit detachably mounted thereto. The parts receiving unit is supported by the one or more support plates and has one end thereof positioned adjacent to the parts discharge port of the bowl and an opposite end extending away from the discharge port. The parts receiving unit may be configured to orient parts supplied by the vibratory bowl according to a desired orientation. A parts confining member is detachably mounted to one of the one or more support plates and is operable to confine parts within the parts receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: S. Neal Graham
  • Patent number: 6161679
    Abstract: A vibratory drive unit is modular in construction and includes a base member, a top member, a number of lower spring mounting members detachably mounted to the base member, a corresponding number of upper spring mounting members detachably mounted to the top member, a corresponding number of spring members connected between the number of upper and lower spring mounting members and means for vibrating the top member relative to the base member. The various components of the vibratory drive unit are configured provide for either clockwise or counter-clockwise operation using identical drive unit components to thereby minimize component complexity and component inventory required therefore. A vibratory bowl is further provided and includes a number of locator pins extending from a bottom surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: S. Neal Graham
  • Patent number: 6109475
    Abstract: The present invention includes a parts feeder system capable of being used in either a first mode without an auxiliary hopper or in a second mode with and auxiliary hopper. The parts feeder system includes an enclosure having an opening therein. In the first or manual-feed mode, the parts feeder system is replenished my manual filling thereof, and in the second or auxiliary hopper-feed mode the opening in the enclosure accommodates an auxiliary hopper. When the auxiliary hopper is used, the dispensing chute of the auxiliary hopper is positioned over the supply of the parts feeder. Additionally, the enclosure of the parts feeder system is configured with grooves so that it can be secured by a minimal number of fixation elements and can therefore be easily attached and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: S. Neal Graham
  • Patent number: 6044710
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is an elliptical vibratory apparatus including a first controller which includes at least a first phase shifter, a first high-gain amplifier and a first saturating element; a first power amplifier for amplifying an output of the first controller; a first vibratory exciter receiving an output of the first power amplifier for generating a horizontal vibrational force in a horizontal direction; a horizontal vibrational system of an elliptical vibratory machine receiving said horizontal vibrational force; a vibrational displacement detector for detecting a horizontal displacement of a movable part of the elliptical vibratory machine in the horizontal direction, the output of the vibrational detector being supplied to both the input of the first controller and the input of a second controller; the second controller including at least a second phase shifter, a second high-gain amplifier and a second saturating element; a second power amplifier for amplifying an output of the second controlle
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Kurita, Yasushi Muragishi, Hitoshi Yasuda
  • Patent number: 6041914
    Abstract: A vibratory bowl for fragile parts is externally dimensioned to a standard height for a particular type of fragile parts to be oriented. The vibratory bowl is configured to reduce, if not eliminate, impact damage as well as wear and tear on fragile parts. The vibratory bowl includes a base and an annular wall having a helical parts track coupled to the base. The helical parts track extends along an inner surface of the annular wall from the base to a parts discharge port of the annular wall. In a preferred embodiment, the helical parts track makes approximately one and a quarter turns or less along the inner surface of the annular wall, and the height of the base is equal to or greater than the height of the annular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: S. Neal Graham
  • Patent number: 5988359
    Abstract: A vibratory drive unit is modular in construction and includes a base member, a top member, a number of lower spring mounting members detachably mounted to the base member, a corresponding number of upper spring mounting members detachably mounted to the top member, a corresponding number of spring members connected between the number of upper and lower spring mounting members and means for vibrating the top member relative to the base member. The various components of the vibratory drive unit are configured provide for either clockwise or counter-clockwise operation using identical drive unit components to thereby minimize component complexity and component inventory required therefore. A vibratory bowl is further provided and includes a number of locator pins extending from a bottom surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: S. Neal Graham