Including Means Supporting Items For Manual Sorting Or Allowing Operator To Control Item Destination Patents (Class 209/630)
  • Patent number: 11834272
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine readable media are provided for automated product sorting and coordinated delivery using autonomous delivery vehicles within a facility. In exemplary embodiments, a system scans machine readable identifiers affixed to items, and sorts the items into two or more categories. A selected item is identified as scheduled to be picked up in-facility based on the scanning of the machine-readable identifier. An optimal route within the facility from the automated sorting device to an in-facility location is determined for a selected autonomous delivery vehicle based at least in part on at least one of facility traffic patterns, locations of other autonomous delivery vehicles, a number of items to be delivered, and additional tasks that can be performed by the selected autonomous delivery vehicle while delivering the item. The selected autonomous delivery vehicle navigates along the optimal route to the in-facility location to deliver the selected item to the in-facility location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Jason D. Bellar, Jeremy L. Velten
  • Patent number: 11531957
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the methods and systems disclosed herein utilize a cloud-based service to accept measurements of commercial objects for storage in a database. In an embodiment, commercial objects are automatically grouped based on measured physical characteristics. In an embodiment, a build plan is generated to utilize the maximum amount of space possible in a shipping container based on the grouped commercial objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: FLEXPORT, INC.
    Inventors: Zoe Padgett, Phoebe Rockwood Ford, Emily Cutts Worthington
  • Patent number: 11074547
    Abstract: Methods and systems and computer-readable media are provided for dual optimization of pick walk and tote fill rates in order picking. Embodiments provide improved order picking speed and quality by optimizing pick routing with consideration of both proximity constraints and tote value constraints. Tote value constraints can include constraints on carrying capacity, volume, size in a particular dimension, or weight capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Pratosh Rajkhowa, Ameya Ajay Shendre, Shekhar Gupta, Pavan Kumar
  • Patent number: 10915859
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method can comprise retrieving an inventory layout of a facility and determining multiple pick lists at the facility. A first pick list for a first user and a second pick list of a second user each comprise a first common item. Receiving a first indication from the first mobile device that the first common item is not available at the facility. Analyzing a first set of rules of a substitute system to locate a first substitute item that is within a first predetermined percentage of a size of the first common item. After analyzing the first set of rules, automatically sending instructions to transfer the first route and the first pick list to the first mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Gaurav Agarwal, Devadas Pattathil, Rahul Ramkumar
  • Patent number: 10800608
    Abstract: With respect to a transfer facility configured to optimize package transfers therethrough, a container housing packages may be delivered to a first floor of the transfer facility. The packages may be transported to consolidation stations based on destinations associated therewith. In some examples, the packages may be bound for a single destination and thus transported to a single consolidation station. In some examples, the packages may be bound for multiple destinations and thus transported to a second floor of the transfer facility for sortation. A destination and mode of transportation associated with the package may be determined at an induction station on the second floor, as well as a consolidation station associated therewith. A drive unit may insert the package into a chute for transit down a slide to the consolidation station, where it may be placed into another container for shipment to the destination via the mode of transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen T. Campbell, Robert M Whitten, Shilpi Gupta, Ibolya Horvath, Oksana Mikhailovna Kharchenko, Justina Lakinger, Ryan Clarke
  • Patent number: 9972044
    Abstract: A fulfillment system provides an effective way to send a greeting card with gift items in a high velocity fulfillment environment. When a consumer purchases an item, an order may be sent to the fulfillment system that includes a request for the item and a greeting card. The item may be retrieved from an inventory in a warehouse facility, and transported to a sorting station within the fulfillment system. Concurrently, the greeting card is printed on-demand at a recordation station and transported to the same sorting station within the fulfillment system. At the sorting station, the fulfillment system detects the presence of the item and the greeting card and initiates a process to package the item and greeting card in a shared container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Scott Russell
  • Patent number: 9633237
    Abstract: A method tracks usage of items stored in containers. To perform the method, a sensor in a mobile electronic device receives data identifying a type of item stored in a container and a number of the type of item present in the container from a tag associated with the container. A user interface in the mobile electronic device generates a prompt requesting entry of a count of the items removed from the container. The sensor in the mobile electronic device generates a revised number of the items stored in the container and stores the revised number in the tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignees: Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH, Sortimo International GmbH
    Inventors: Christian P. Heine, Mahendra P. Srivastava, James D. Bohn, Teresa Celmer
  • Patent number: 9207013
    Abstract: A method of processing at least one garment involves a local environment with ambient moisture, a garment having a moisture content, a plurality of work stations, and a threshold amount of moisture. The plurality of work stations operate according to a plurality of parameters. The threshold amount of moisture is the amount of ambient moisture naturally absorbed by the garment. The method includes a processing step, a measuring step, a determining step and an adjusting step. The garment is processed through at least one of the work stations during the processing step. During the measuring step, the moisture content of the garment is measured. The relationship between the measured moisture content and the threshold amount of moisture is determined during the determining step. And, at least one parameter is adjusted based on the relationship between the measured moisture content and the threshold amount of moisture during the adjusting step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Cintas Corporation
    Inventors: Kasey T. Kaiser, Pawan Kumar
  • Patent number: 9038828
    Abstract: A device for loading a transporting unit provided for transporting piece goods, in particular mail deliveries, includes a first conveying unit which can be moved into the transporting unit and is provided for conveying and unloading a first stream of piece goods in the transporting unit. At least one second conveying unit is provided for conveying and unloading a second stream of piece goods in the transporting unit in order to optimize loading with respect to a transport filling density of the transporting unit, along with an increased loading throughput and increased working convenience. The piece goods are distributed among the streams of piece goods according to at least one sorting criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Enenkel
  • Patent number: 8912459
    Abstract: A system includes a robot, comprising a manipulator and a controller, with a gripper mounted on the manipulator, for picking the battery for testing and sorting, a battery holding section for receiving batteries for testing and sorting at predetermined locations in the battery holding section, and a testing section disposed within the working range of the robot, for testing an electrical condition of the battery for testing and sorting, whereby the controller controls the manipulator and the gripper to first-pick the battery for testing and sorting at the predetermined location from the battery holding section and place it to contact the testing section for testing, the testing section tests the battery and sends to the controller a signal indicating the electrical condition of the tested battery, and the controller controls the manipulator and the gripper to second-pick the battery contacting the testing section and sort it according to the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Mao Li, George Zhang, Srinivas Nidamarthi, Tuanwei Wang, Ashutosh Srivastava
  • Patent number: 8863961
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for sorting items for delivery. A smart case module includes a plurality of bins. Each bin includes a display for a sort criteria for the bin and a first indicator to indicate that the bin is active. The bin also includes an input device for an operator to use to indicate that an item has been placed in the bin. The bin further includes a second indicator to indicate that the bin contains a sufficient number of items for a shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Carpenter, James M. Pippin, Dale Redford, Floyd W. Worth, II
  • Patent number: 8649895
    Abstract: A lot of buildings have been built while it is concerned that a building material is used fraudulently. Therefore, the present invention provides a managing method of the material and a system thereof. The present invention provides a managing method including a step of attaching a sheet including a plurality of memories to each surface of a plurality of materials, a step of dividing the plurality of materials with the sheet in accordance with data in the memory, a step of constructing a building by using the divided material in accordance with the data in the memory, and a step of checking the data on the constructed building, which is stored in the plurality of memories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Asami
  • Patent number: 8463429
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for producing and loading of bundles of printed material (18, 19) corresponding to respective specified consolidated orders (20; 30; 23, 33; 26; and 36) consisting of a specified number of preferably similar types of printed material that belong to a shipment (16) allocated to a means of transportation (11, 11?), with which bundles of printed material of shipment (16) can be produced on at least two production lines (2, 3) that can be operated independently of each other according to the consolidated orders (20; 30; 23, 33; 26; 36) are conveyed to a loading station (11) and are loaded there, wherein the production lines (2, 3) are automatically controlled by the shipment data corresponding to the production of the bundles of printed material (18, 19) depending upon the individual consolidated orders (20; 30; 23, 33; 26; 36) of the shipment (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Mueller Martini Holding AG, Hergiswil
    Inventors: Michael Kramer, Thomas Kuenzli, Hans Rothenbuehler
  • Patent number: 8459466
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting a plurality of recyclable items in a single-stream materials recovery facility (SSMRF) are provided. In some embodiments, a system includes an infeed conveying system, a fiber transfer conveyor, a container transfer conveyor, and a glass sorting and conveying system. The system further includes a controller configured to obtain total weight and volume of recyclable items at the infeed conveying system. The controller estimates a percent weight of fiber items and a percent weight of non-fiber items relative to the total weight. Based on the estimates, the controller controls speed of at least one of the infeed conveying system, the fiber transfer conveyor, the container transfer conveyor, and the glass sorting and conveying system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Re Community Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Sean P. Duffy, S. Graham Stevens
  • Patent number: 8400653
    Abstract: A printing system prevents mistakes such as that a printed paper sheet printed by requesting from a PC to an image forming apparatus is left in an ejected-paper tray. The image forming apparatus transmits to the server printing execution result information that includes the serial number and the time and date of the printing. The server manages the state of unfetch of the printed paper sheet using a fetch flag in a printing record list created based on the printing execution result information, changes the fetch flag from “unfetched” to “fetched” when information indicating that the printed paper sheet has been fetched is sent from the image forming apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akinobu Fujino
  • Patent number: 8393475
    Abstract: A sorting machine for sorting mailpieces such as letters and flats, said machine having at least one row of sorting outlets (3) and a trolley for handling the mailpieces as a stack outside the sorting outlets. The trolley is mounted to slide on the machine along said row of sorting outlets and carries a deck that is substantially horizontal and that is mounted to move in rotation relative to the trolley (8) about a vertical axis so as to take up at least two angular positions that are offset from each other by 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: SOLYSTIC
    Inventors: Damien Hugues, Mathieu Bayon, Christian Duclot
  • Patent number: 8374720
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sorting articles, in particular flat mail items. The sorting plant has a feed transport path, a lead-away transport path, a plurality of connecting transport paths, a plurality of storage regions, and a sorting plan. Each connecting transport path branches off from the feed transport path and issues into the lead-away transport path. The feed transport path or the lead-away transport path is configured as a storage transport path which contains the storage regions, in the form of a sequence of successive storage regions. The sorting plan assigns a storage region, to each possible feature value of a sorting feature. The sorting plant selects a storage region for each article, using the sorting plan and as a function of the measured feature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ottmar Kechel
  • Patent number: 8348275
    Abstract: A sorting system for sorting flat objects, particularly mail items, and a method for sorting such objects. The sorting system has a discharge device and an arrangement having at least two output devices. The output devices are arranged one behind the other as viewed in a longitudinal axis. The discharge device is designed to discharge each flat object to be sorted into one of the output devices in each case in such a way that the objects discharged into the same output device form a stack. Each output device has a bottom. The bottom of each output device rises with respect to the horizontal as viewed in a rising direction. An edge appears between the bottoms of two adjacent output devices. The edge slopes downward vertically or aslant as viewed in the rising direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Zsolt Balogh, Armin Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 8260455
    Abstract: An address label rework station according to the invention includes a conveyor which can simultaneously transport a series of spaced parcels along a conveyor path in a substantially horizontal stream. The station includes a camera, A work space, a microphone is usable by an operator in the work space, a targeting device directing a human operator in the work space. Station also includes a sensor system, a labeler and a printer to print shipping information. The station also includes a computer configured to receive and recognize image and voice data, generate a label with a recognized shipping address, and control the conveyer to apply a new label to the parcel by the labeler at the position selected using the targeting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Redford, Michael D. Carpenter, James M. Pippin
  • Patent number: 8121344
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting, scanning and routing imaged documents are described. In one configuration, incoming mixed white mail is sorted and coded, then extracted and scanned using the code to separate items. The separate imaged documents are then routed using the code. In another configuration, the documents are automatically extracted from the envelopes. In yet another configuration, the intended recipient is sent an identifier used to reference the code and retrieve the imaged document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: John D. O'Connell, Peter N. Baker
  • Patent number: 8061528
    Abstract: Reprocessable medical devices that have been disposed of in a sharps container are recovered, disinfected or sterilized, sorted, and packed for reprocessing in a generally continuous process. In one embodiment, either a sharps container or at least a portion of its contents is successively and controllably conveyed, either manually or automatically, through a plurality of processing stations that are configured to perform different operations. The operations performed by the processing stations can include, for example, detecting and identifying contents, cleaning and disinfecting, opening the sharps containers, separating and sorting their contents, and disposal of contents that are non-reprocessable. Reprocessable medical devices can be sorted by type as they move along on a conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: ClearMedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg D. Bennett, Michael S. Kovacs
  • Patent number: 8025155
    Abstract: A mail cart for use in manual sorting of mail pieces according to the inventions includes a generally rectangular frame and wheels mounted on the frame for rolling support of the cart on a floor. A bottom, substantially horizontal shelf is secured to the frame along with a first inclined shelf secured to the frame above the bottom shelf and spaced from the bottom shelf in a vertical direction, which first inclined shelf extends forwardly and upwardly at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane. A second inclined shelf is secured to the frame above the first inclined shelf and spaced from the first inclined shelf in a vertical direction. The second inclined shelf extends forwardly and upwardly at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane, which angle is preferably the same as the angle of first shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Pippin
  • Patent number: 8010219
    Abstract: An automated system for the processing of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The automated system allows for the simultaneous processing of multiple individual tags through the use of multiple processing stations. A table is provided that is capable of moving the individual tags from one processing station to the next. Tables are also provided for receiving unprocessed tags for input into the system and processed tags for packaging. Individual tags are moved between the tables by a transfer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: TC License, Ltd.
    Inventors: Genaro Martinez, Jay Wells, Nelson Lewis, Gabriel Martinez
  • Patent number: 7984810
    Abstract: A recovery device and method of use to ensure that any reusable medical device that has been disposed of in a sharps container is recovered, cleaned, sterilized, and repackaged for reuse. In one embodiment, a sharps container and sorting surface are manipulated to rotate together and independently, so that the contents of the sharps container are emptied onto the sorting surface, enabling an operator to manually, safely, efficiently, and timely retrieve reusable medical devices from the sorting surface and place these medical devices into a receptacle bin. The non-reusable contents are subsequently dumped into a waste bin, whose contents will subsequently be incinerated or otherwise destroyed. The operator of the recovery device is protected by a shield and an exhaust system that minimize the operator's exposure to airborne biohazardous toxins and enable the sorting to be done without injury to the operator from sharp medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: ClearMedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg D. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20110155654
    Abstract: A method and apparatus (1) for processing soil infested with plant root material. The method comprises depositing the soil on a vibrating conveyor support (105) at a substantially constant depth, wherein the vibrating conveyor support (105) is arranged to enable the plant root material to be hand-picked. In this way, soil throughput may be maximised without compromising removal of the plant root material. Further, fragmentation of the plant root material may be minimised. The soil may be screened using a vibrating screening mesh (107) to remove smaller particles prior to it being deposited on the conveyor. The soil may be heated, and the processed soil passed under an infrared detector (119) for detecting the presence of plant root material, to thereby objectively control quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Nicolas Seal, Daniel Rudland
  • Patent number: 7959013
    Abstract: A telescopic support device for supporting a storage bin for storing mailpieces comprises a first slideway with a first slide on which the bin rests, and a second slideway with a second slide, the first slideway being hinged pivotally on the second slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Solystic
    Inventors: Raymond Chifflet, Olivier De Sousa, Fabrice Eyraud, Pierre Jourdan
  • Patent number: 7934602
    Abstract: A recovery device and method of use ensure that any reusable medical device that has been disposed of in a sharps container is recovered, cleaned, sterilized, and repackaged for reuse. In one embodiment, a sharps container and sorting surface are manipulated to rotate together and independently, so that the content of the sharps container are emptied onto the sorting surface, enabling an operator to manually, safely, efficiently, and timely retrieve reusable medical devices from the sorting surface and place these medical devices into a receptacle bin. The non-reusable contents are subsequently dumped into a waste bin, whose contents will subsequently be incinerated or otherwise destroyed. The operator of the recovery device is protected by a shield and an exhaust system that minimize the operator's exposure to airborne biohazardous toxins and enable the sorting to be done without injury to the operator from sharp medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: ClearMedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg D. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7902477
    Abstract: A test work station for testing ICs includes an output bench with sliding rails that partitions the table top of the output bench into segregated areas. ICs that pass testing are sorted according to an operating parameter, in other words binned, and placed in the appropriate segregated area. The sliding rails avoid mingling of the various categories (bins) of ICs. In a further embodiment, the test work station includes an input bench for receiving product. Failed ICs are kept on the input bench, thus segregating them from ICs that have passed testing and avoiding inadvertent mixing of bad ICs with good ICs. In a particular embodiment, the input and output benches are at a height that allows an operator to stand while working, and allows storage underneath the benches to keep the work areas clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventor: Noel A. Connolly
  • Patent number: 7828153
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for processing recyclable materials, including a header box, a plurality of routing channels connected to the header box, and a temporary storage container for each routing channel. During use, a user deposits one or more recyclable items into an intake header box, and the user then presses a selected button, corresponding to the material of the item, to control routing of the deposited item to a pre-sorted storage area. The header box includes a mirror, showing the routing channels, to allow a user to determine if the system is clear or blocked. The routing channels are made from modular units, so that the apparatus can be modified or adapted to meet the needs of different users, or the changing needs of a single user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Kim T. Wattawa
  • Patent number: 7780011
    Abstract: Mobile metal scrap recovery apparatuses and methods of operating them to remove scrap metal from scrap metal-contaminated soil are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a mobile metal scrap recovery apparatus comprises first and second wheeled components, each of which is road transportable. The first wheeled component comprises a unit for screening the metal scrap-contaminated soil into at least a coarser fraction and a finer fraction. The second wheeled component comprises a magnet separator, an eddy current separator, and a manual picking station. Methods for conducting the business of scrap metal recovery are also disclosed. Such business methods involve the use of a mobile metal scrap recovery apparatus to remove scrap metal from scrap metal-contaminated soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas F. Tuite
  • Patent number: 7762401
    Abstract: A template according to the invention is configured for manual testing of a mail piece to determine if the dimensions and stiffness of the mail piece are acceptable for passage through an associated automated mail sorting machine. The template includes a frame having a pair of spaced, curved walls defining a curved test slot. The curved slot has an open end through which a mail piece can be inserted and a removal opening for removing the mail piece from the slot. The removal opening in a preferred embodiment comprises a lengthwise slot in one of the curved walls through which the mail piece can be manually held and pushed back out of the open end of the template. The template may include a bracket for mounting the template on a secure surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan J. Stone
  • Patent number: 7745755
    Abstract: The method of handling mail items for preparing delivery rounds in a postal sorting machine having sorting outlets with interchangeable trays, in which in order to separate the mail items of two delivery rounds at one sorting outlet, the machine causes a tray to be changed at said sorting outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Solystic
    Inventors: François Madar, Bruno Cartal, Nicolas Basset
  • Patent number: 7686171
    Abstract: System and method for modular sorting stations. A sorting station may be subdivided into two or more modular bins. A modular bin may be partitioned into compartments. Each compartment may be configured to receive one order including one or more items. Modular bins may be partitioned into compartments of different sizes to receive orders of different sizes. A modular bin may be removed from a sorting station and conveyed to a packing station for packing or other sorting station to continue sorting. Picked items may be received and sorted for rebinning into the modular bins manually or using an automated sorting mechanism. A control system may direct the sorting and rebinning operation. Modular sorting stations may be located adjacent to packing stations or, alternatively, away from packing stations and, when a modular bin is complete, it may be conveyed to an appropriate packing station for packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Shakes, Nicholas M. Hanssens, Jan Bohlmann, Philipp K. Janert
  • Publication number: 20100043684
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods of converting refuse into energy production and useful gases include a sealed rotary gas kiln in which the refuse is volatized. Prior to entry into the kiln, the refuse may be conditioned by removing certain materials not suitable for volatilization and by reducing the physical size of the refuse into easily processed bundles. The sealed kiln includes a refuse inlet, a post-volatilization solids outlet, and an exhaust gas outlet. The kiln is sealed so that substantially all exhaust gas exits through the exhaust gas outlet. Additionally, the system may include an organic rankine cycle unit in which primarily generates power from the exhaust gas, while also separating some materials from the exhaust gas. The system may also include a separator which removes additional solids from the exhaust gas stream and separates usable gases from the exhaust gas. The materials collecting at each stage of the process may be reused internally or may be sold for external uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Gary Erb, David Ross Peterson
  • Patent number: 7591380
    Abstract: A recovery device and method of use ensure that any reprocessable medical device that has been disposed of in a sharps container is recovered, cleaned, sterilized, and repackaged for reuse. In one embodiment, a sharps container and sorting surface are manipulated to rotate together and independently, so that the content of the sharps container are emptied onto the sorting surface, enabling an operator to manually, safely, efficiently, and timely retrieve reprocessable medical devices from the sorting surface and place these medical devices into a receptacle bin. The non-reprocessable contents are subsequently dumped into a waste bin, whose contents will subsequently be incinerated or otherwise destroyed. The operator of the recovery device is protected by a shield and an exhaust system that minimize the operator's exposure to airborne biohazardous toxins and enable the sorting to be done without injury to the operator from sharp medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: ClearMedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg D. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20090206014
    Abstract: A storage module for flat articles, has a storage region for a stack of articles, an introduction unit for the introduction of articles from an article stream into the storage region, and a draw-off unit arranged at the same end of the stack as the introduction unit, for drawing off articles from the storage region. The storage module has a movement device for moving the stack away from the introduction unit toward the draw-off unit. The storage module thus provides for an intermediate storage of the articles, which is protective of the mail items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIEGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Peter Enenkel
  • Patent number: 7571870
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for condensing, separating and storing recyclable materials. The apparatus, in one embodiment, stores recyclable materials and melts the recyclable materials into a condensed form. The apparatus may include an enclosure with one or more openings to receive an item made from a recyclable material, a storage compartment to enable removal of stored recyclable materials, at least one heating module to melt the recyclable material into a condensed form, and a receptacle configured to retain a melted form of the recyclable material. Thus, the recyclable material may be easily and conveniently stored for reprocessing. The apparatus may further separate the recyclable material according to the type of recyclable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Jody Langston
  • Patent number: 7562836
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for condensing, separating and storing recyclable materials. The apparatus, in one embodiment, selects a type of recyclable material, alters the recyclable material to a condensed form and stores the recyclable material in a designated receptacle. The apparatus may include an enclosure with one or more openings to receive an item made from a recyclable material, a selection module, a plurality of form altering modules, a plurality of receptacles, and a director module to automatically direct a recyclable material, responsive to a selection made with the selection module, to one of a plurality of receptacles according to the type of material selected. A system, in one embodiment, includes a recycling appliance and one or more modular form altering devices. The modular form altering devices may be interchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Jody Langston
  • Publication number: 20090173669
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sorting flat mail items into delivery point sequencing include sorting the mail items into sequence and deposited them in a sorting facility with a number of F compartments. In order to achieve sorting into delivery point sequencing to a plurality of mail addresses with a comparatively small number of compartments, the mail items are presorted into a number of M storage modules, which differ from the compartments in that they have an internal withdrawal apparatus, in a presorting facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Armin Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7540385
    Abstract: A device for filling and removing containers (8, 9) for sorted mail. The containers are filled from two sorting points (2, 3) of a sorting device (1) that are arranged in two rows one above the other and can be transferred to a storage and transport device (10). A telescopic retaining mechanism (4) for holding two containers (8, 9) one behind the other is located beneath the two sorting points (2, 3) that are arranged one above the other, the mechanism being extended halfway to fill the front container (9) or completely to fill the rear container (8) or both containers (8, 9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Enenkel, Armin Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7527154
    Abstract: A storage bin for mail items comprises a plurality of side walls and a bottom. The bottom comprises two walls that are inclined one relative to the other, one of the two walls constituting a jogging wall for jogging the mail items into alignment in the bottom of the storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Solystic
    Inventors: Karim Kara, Daniel Abraham, Christian Duclot, Pierre Campagnolle
  • Publication number: 20090101548
    Abstract: A method of sorting postal items for preparing postman's walks on a postal sorting machine having an inlet and a set of sorting outlets includes loading a first batch of postal items and a second batch of postal items consecutively into the inlet of the machine, and directing the postal items of the first batch towards a first subset of sorting outlets, and the postal items of the second batch of postal items towards a second subset of sorting outlets that is separate from the first subset of sorting outlets; and while the postal items of the second batch of postal items are being directed towards the second subset of sorting outlets, reloading the inlet of the machine with the postal items taken from the first subset of sorting outlets, and, while the postal items of the first batch of postal items are being directed towards the first subset of sorting outlets, re-loading the inlet of the machine with the postal items taken from the second subset of sorting outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: SOLYSTIC
    Inventors: Francois Gillet, Guy Forella
  • Patent number: 7516852
    Abstract: A rotatable container holder for recyclable materials, such as plastic bottles and aluminum cans, having a container holder frame support and a container holder frame attached rotatably to the container holder frame support. The recyclable materials can be inspected, sorted, and transferred by a single user by placing a holding container with recyclables into the container holder frame and rotating the container holder frame so that the user can reach into the holding container and remove items, while allowing the recyclable materials to pour into a receiving container. A cover can also be placed on the container so that the container and container cover can be rotated from a vertical position towards a horizontal position or rotated yet further towards an inverted vertical position, allowing the recyclable materials to tumble back and forth, causing debris among the materials, or liquids within the materials, to fall through openings in the container and container cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Barry Rehurek
  • Publication number: 20080290006
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting a plurality of recyclable items in a single-stream materials recovery facility (SSMRF) are provided. In some embodiments, a system includes an infeed conveying system, a fiber transfer conveyor, a container transfer conveyor, and a glass sorting and conveying system. The system further includes a controller configured to obtain total weight and volume of recyclable items at the infeed conveying system. The controller estimates a percent weight of fiber items and a percent weight of non-fiber items relative to the total weight. Based on the estimates, the controller controls speed of at least one of the infeed conveying system, the fiber transfer conveyor, the container transfer conveyor, and the glass sorting and conveying system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean P. Duffy, S. Graham Stevens
  • Patent number: 7448499
    Abstract: A device (or system) and method for sorting or sequencing product in different bundles. The device includes a staging area for separating a first plurality of bundles having a first product type and a second plurality of bundles having a second product type. A sorting mechanism sorts the separated first product type with the second product type to a predetermined sort level. A product bundle mechanism forms a plurality of bundles with sorted product comprising the first product type and the second product type. A bundle sorter sorts the plurality of bundles exiting from the product bundle mechanism and directs each bundle of the plurality of bundles to a pallet building area associated with a destination of the predetermined sort level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: J. Edward Roth
  • Publication number: 20080264838
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sorting center for sorting and combining mail, comprising sorting units in particular sorting cabinets, for hand-sorting mail and combining units, in particular combining tables, for combining into a single mail flow hand-sorted and other mail which has for instance already been sorted earlier or has been machine-sorted. The combining units are then physically separated from the sorting units and can be used independently thereof, so that sorting and combining can take place independently of each other. The invention further relates to a method for sorting and combining mail, and a sorting cabinet, a buffer assembly for use in a sorting center and method according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Barbara Limpens
  • Patent number: 7441663
    Abstract: A tray assembly has a tray and a divider assembly removably connected to the tray. The tray has a base, a first side fixedly attached to the base, a second side fixedly attached to the base and the first side, a third side opposite the first side and fixedly attached to the base and the second side, and a fourth side opposite the second side and pivotally connected to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: The United States Postal Service
    Inventor: Mark Osborn
  • Patent number: 7426996
    Abstract: A system for manual delivery of mail to a series of recipients includes a stack of mail holders each comprising a front flap, a back flap and a central fold. One or more mail pieces are disposed in each holder, such that all of the mail pieces in each holder are to be delivered to the same recipient. The holders are stacked in a predetermined order for a carrier delivery route, and may be banded or otherwise secured together until the time of delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Pippin, Homer L. Dickerson, Manfred Vogt
  • Patent number: 7353955
    Abstract: A baggage screening system and method includes providing a plurality of screening subsystems, each including an automated baggage screen device and a feed conveyor for feeding bags to the screen device. A supply conveyor is provided for supplying bags to the screen subsystems. A sortation network sorts bags downstream of the screen device as a function of the screening of the bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry T. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20080078707
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for processing recyclable materials, including a header box, a plurality of routing channels connected to the header box, and a temporary storage container for each routing channel. During use, a user deposits one or more recyclable items into an intake header box, and the user then presses a selected button, corresponding to the material of the item, to control routing of the deposited item to a pre-sorted storage area. The header box includes a mirror, showing the routing channels, to allow a user to determine if the system is clear or blocked. The routing channels are made from modular units, so that the apparatus can be modified or adapted to meet the needs of different users, or the changing needs of a single user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Kim T. Wattawa