Conveyor Belt Patents (Class 340/676)
  • Patent number: 12202678
    Abstract: A belt tear monitoring system for a conveyor belt includes an RFID tag embedded in the conveyor belt, and at least two conductor loops which are embedded in the conveyor belt and each closed. One of the at least two conductor loops is arranged within another one of the at least two conductor loops. The at least two conductor loops are short-circuited to one another at a short-circuit location, with the short-circuit location and the RFID tag being arranged in a region of belt edges of the conveyor belt which lie opposite one another in a longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt, and with the at least two conductor loops and the RFID tag being connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Inventor: Rolf Gnauert
  • Patent number: 12187546
    Abstract: A printed magnetic rip insert and system for monitoring conveyor belts using printed rip inserts is disclosed. The system includes: a plurality of printed rip insert elements on a substrate of a conveyor belt; a field generator for generating a magnetic field proximate the printed rip insert elements; and a detector for detecting an image of a magnetic field produced by the plurality of printed rip inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: ContiTech Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Jack Bruce Wallace, Andrey Minkin, Christel Bäuerle-Müller, Stavros Podias, Janosch Kneer, Juerg Schleuniger, Jacques Frederick Basson, Sebastian Seibold
  • Patent number: 12035158
    Abstract: A device for testing remote controls includes a main board, a data acquisition module (DAM), and one or more testing components. The main board communicates a testing instruction to the testing components which, then provide stimuli to a remote under test (RUT). The DAM receives, from the testing components, result data indicative of reaction(s) by the RUT to the stimuli. At least one of the stimuli is provided to the RUT and the result data is received by the DAM from the testing components. A first testing component provides a first stimuli to the RUT substantially simultaneously with a second testing component providing a second stimuli to the RUT. The first stimuli may include an acceleration of the RUT and the second stimuli may emulate a user action. The emulated user action emulates a button press, a button release, an audible input, and a touch screen action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: DISH Network L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kenneth Jones, SvitLana Trygubova, Jerome A. LaPalme, Jamie Metzger, Henry Gregg Martch
  • Patent number: 11975925
    Abstract: A system (200) for monitoring conveyor belts is disclosed. The system (200) includes a sensor loop stack (110), RFID, a transmitter (104), a detector (106), RFID-readers and circuitry (108). The sensor loop stack incorporated and/or installed (inserted) into a conveyor belt (102). The transmitter (110) is configured to generate an electromagnetic field. The detector (106) is configured to measure an induced electric field from the sensor loop stack (110). The circuitry (108) is configured to detect damage of the conveyor belt based on the measured induced electromagnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: ContiTech Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Janosch Kneer, Juerg Schleuniger, Isabell Kegel, Andrey Minkin, Sebastian Seibold, Stavros Podias, Christel Bäuerle-Müller
  • Patent number: 11858744
    Abstract: The present invention relates to conveyors, comprising at least one circulating conveyor strand (7, 8), wherein the conveyor strand has at least one clamping connection (1), wherein at least one sensor (2) is arranged in the clamping connection (1), a transmitter (3) for wirelessly transmitting data is arranged on the conveyor strand (7, 8), the sensor (2) is connected with the transmitter (3), and a receiver (4) for receiving the data transmitted by the transmitter (3) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Aumund Fördertechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Reiner Furthmann, Christian Kirschniok
  • Patent number: 11783694
    Abstract: A monitoring unit for wireless communication with a plurality of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units configured to form a network is provided. The monitoring unit includes a communication interface and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to receive, via the communication interface, a plurality of updates from each of the SCBA units where each update includes information indicating at least one communication link quality to at least one other SCBA unit. The processing circuitry is further configured to determine at least one distance from each SCBA unit to at least one other SCBA unit that is one hop away in the network based at least in part on the communication link quality. The processing circuitry is further configured to cause the determined at least one distance to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Matthew Shannon, Craig M. Parkulo, Wesley M. Barbee, Ronnie G. Durham, Dean L. Gervasi
  • Patent number: 11420826
    Abstract: A system for detecting properties of a rubber product is disclosed. The system includes a dipole antenna and circuitry. The dipole antenna is configured to obtain antenna measurements and measure for a resonance frequency of a conductive resonator (200), wherein the dipole antenna (200) is positioned at a first position (A) and a second position (B). The circuitry is configured to determine one or more resonator properties (X) based on the antenna measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: ContiTech Transportbandsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Jack Bruce Wallace
  • Patent number: 11034525
    Abstract: A conveyor belt condition monitoring apparatus is U-shaped, with two parallel arms arranged to extend across a conveyor belt from the side. The arms include ultrasonic sensors arranged to measure the distance to respective surfaces of the conveyor belt. One arm includes an eddy-current sensor arranged to measure the distance to a metallic core of the belt. The apparatus is arranged to be moved across the belt to provide a profile of belt condition across the width of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Baseline Asset Technologies Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kelvin Wright
  • Patent number: 8991594
    Abstract: A rubber magnet (3) includes a plate-like diagonal portion (21) and a plate-like parallel portion (22) which are both magnetized in a thickness direction, the diagonal portion (21) extending in a conveyor belt width direction while linearly extending, in section in a conveyor belt length direction, from an outer side end (3b), which is closer to the front-side surface (2a), to an inner side end (3a), which is away from the front-side surface (2a), while being at an angle to the front-side surface (2a), the parallel portion (22) being formed continuously from the inner side end (3a) of the diagonal portion, so as to be arranged parallel to the front-side surface (2a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoki Nakamura, Toshiki Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 8988200
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for translating, transcribing, and/or converting a printed label on a surface of an RFID tag into electronic data, which are writable to a non-volatile storage inside the RFID tag, are disclosed. In one example, the apparatus comprises an image reader for scanning a printed label on the surface of an RFID tag, a UHF antenna module, a UHF tag access module for reading from or writing into the RFID tag, and a computer interface to display various parameters and control the apparatus. A tag-holding plate containing batches of RFID tags can be brought to an access range of the image reader using a conveyor belt or another moving mechanism. Once positioned within the access range, the apparatus can read and translate a printed label on a RFID tag and write the converted electronic data into a non-volatile storage inside the RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hana Micron America, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Hyun Lee, Toan Tran
  • Patent number: 8981910
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an RFID tag issuing apparatus includes a communication instructing unit, a search unit, and a misalignment amount detecting unit. The communication instructing unit instructs a reader-writer unit to communicate with the RFID tag at a reference position that is reached when the label is carried by a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction after the specific position on the label is detected by a label position detecting unit. The search unit repeats a carrying of the label and a communication instruction to the reader-writer unit when communication cannot be established with the RFID tag, and thus searches for a communication-available range with the RFID tag. The misalignment amount detecting unit detects an amount of carrying of the label to reach the communication-available range from the reference position, as a misalignment amount of the RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kouichi Sano
  • Patent number: 8272495
    Abstract: A bottle treatment system having a safety unit that improves the operational process, including a first accessible safety region, a second accessible safety region and a shut-off device. The first safety region is delimited by a first protection in which a first machine has a drive associated with the first protective region. The second accessible protective region is delimited by a second protection direction following the first protection, with a second machine having at least one further drive associated to the second protective region. A bottle transport from the first machine to the second machine is provided via a transport device, as provided with an individual drive and exceeds the protective region. The shut-off device turns off the machine drive associated with at least one of the respective protective regions and the drive of the transport device exceeding the protective region, if access to protective region is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Thomas Zech
  • Patent number: 8253581
    Abstract: A loading device includes a feeder having a cutout and a sensor. When a sensor detects that an item is positioned in the cutout, a motor slides the feeder out of a first component to remove the item from the first component for delivery to a second component. Alternatively, the loading device is a pivotal arm which pivots to slide the item out of the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Sands, James D. Conlin, Thomas J. Franken, Andrew Paul Franklin, Randy L. Ginner, Ronald J. Glavan, Scott A. Glawe, David A. Hill, Michael J. Newberry, Jack Pellicane, Manuel Calzada, Henry Thomas Ewald
  • Patent number: 8217786
    Abstract: An apparatus for checking for the presence of objects and in particular containers, comprising a transmitting device which has a sound signal generation unit for emitting a sound signal, and a receiving device which is arranged relative to the transmitting device in such a way that a sound signal emitted by the transmitting device and transmitted through air can be received by the receiving device. According to the invention, at least the transmitting device or the receiving device has a housing, wherein at least one region of this housing is suitable for emitting or for receiving sound signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Manfred Ziegler
  • Patent number: 8111142
    Abstract: A non-contact ID tag writing apparatus capable of applying high-speed writing to a non-contact ID tag is realized. With a plurality of antennas (221 to 223) arranged along the direction in which tags (11) are transported, one antenna applies writing to one of the tags while the tags pass through the coverage area of the antenna. The antennas apply the writing to the respective tags different from one another, whereby the writing can be applied to all the tags in a row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignees: Miyake, Inc., Iwata Label Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Mizukawa, Kazuhiko Noda
  • Patent number: 8009057
    Abstract: A wireless sensor system for sensing a characteristic associated with a conveying system from which the sensor system generates operating power. The sensor system includes a transducer including an axle, a roller connected to the axle, and a link connected to the roller. The transducer may be configured to permit the roller to be positioned in contact with a conveyor belt of the conveying system so that the roller rotates about the axle or with the axle in response to translation of the conveyor belt. The sensor system also includes a power generator connected to the link, wherein the link transfers rotary motion from the roller to the generator, which generates power using the rotary motion input by the link. The sensor system further includes a sensor connected to the generator for receiving power, wherein the sensor is configured to sense the physical characteristic associated with the conveying system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven L. Smith
  • Patent number: 7868750
    Abstract: A system and method for notifying primary and second drivers about a status of a safety restraint in a vehicle is provided. A primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to the primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on each of the primary key and secondary keys. The key ignition device is adapted to generate driver status signals indicative of whether the driver the primary driver or the secondary driver. A controller is adapted to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary driver or the secondary driver based on the driver status signals. The controller is further adapted to generate restraint status signals indicative of the status of the safety restraint. The controller is further adapted to selectively control the operation of generating the restraint signals based on whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary or secondary driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Andrew D. Sarkisian, Matthew J. Dalebout, Lawrence Daniel Cepuran, Anthony Dwayne Cooprider, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Kevin Thomas Hille, Karl William Wojcik, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Terry Thomas Cwik
  • Patent number: 7864067
    Abstract: A wireless sensor system for sensing a characteristic associated with a conveying system from which the sensor system generates operating power. The sensor system includes a transducer including an axle, a roller connected to the axle, and a link connected to the roller. The transducer may be configured to permit the roller to be positioned in contact with a conveyor belt of the conveying system so that the roller rotates about the axle or with the axle in response to translation of the conveyor belt. The sensor system also includes a power generator connected to the link, wherein the link transfers rotary motion from the roller to the generator, which generates power using the rotary motion input by the link. The sensor system further includes a sensor connected to the generator for receiving power, wherein the sensor is configured to sense the physical characteristic associated with the conveying system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven L. Smith
  • Patent number: 7812735
    Abstract: In a method for automatically identifying a conveyor belt in a printer as being one of a plurality of belt types, the conveyor belt is moved along a circulatory path. A start and an end of a longitudinal marking on the moving conveyor belt are detected. A distance of travel of the moving conveyor belt between the detecting of the start and the end is sensed to provide a sensed marking length. The sensed marking length is allocated to a nearest of a plurality of nominal marking lengths. Each nominal marking length is associated with a respective one of said belt types. The belt type is associated with or defined by a set of one or more printer control parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dirk Kahl, Ralph Petersen, Frank Pierel, Soenke Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7766157
    Abstract: A wear detection device for a conveyor belt capable of automatically, easily, and accurately detecting the wear amount of the conveyor belt during the operation, formed in a simple structure, and manufacturable at low cost. A rubber magnet (3) magnetized in the thickness direction is buried in the conveyor belt (2) diagonally relative to both the advancing and thickness directions of the conveyor belt. A magnetic sensor (4) detecting the change of a magnetic force due to the wear of the rubber magnet (3) resulting from the wear of the conveyor belt (2) is disposed at a position through which the rubber magnet (3) is passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Yukinobu Nishikita
  • Patent number: 7748521
    Abstract: A conveyer belt abrasion detecting apparatus which can automatically detect a conveyer belt abrasion quantity easily and accurately during operation. A plurality of magnet sheets (M1-M5) magnetized in a thickness direction are arranged so that polarities on the surface are in the same direction and are embedded deeper stepwise in a longitudinal direction of a belt main body (2). A magnetic sensor (4) for detecting changes of the magnetic forces of the magnet sheets (M1-M5) is arranged at a position where the magnet sheets (M1-M5) pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Aizawa, Kenichi Higashi, Yukinobu Nishikita
  • Patent number: 7705742
    Abstract: The present invention relates to conveyor control system and methodology that may be operatively coupled with other such systems in order to implement a control strategy for a modular conveyor system. A module and/or series of modules are provided that clamp to a cable, the modules having associated logic and inter-module communications for control. This includes relatively inexpensive power distribution, interconnection and motion logic for industrial conveyor systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Delaney, III, Barbara Janina Byczkiewicz, Anatoly G. Grinberg
  • Publication number: 20100013654
    Abstract: A self-contained monitoring and remote testing (SMART) unit for a mail conveyance machine includes a housing and a set of condition monitoring devices provided in the housing. The housing may be sized and adapted for conveyance by the mail conveyance machine. A ruggedized processor may be included in the housing. The processor may receive data from the set of condition monitoring devices during conveyance of the unit through the mail conveyance machine. The processor may be adapted to endure vibrations and impact during conveyance. Each of the condition monitoring devices of said set may be configured to measure a different property of the conveyance machine as the housing is conveyed therethrough. The measurements from the condition monitoring devices can be used to determine an operating condition of the conveyance machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Bruce A. Williams, Wayne M. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7633390
    Abstract: A system and device for use in a security area, and more particularly, a rack system and holding device for placing various objects that are processed through a security area are taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: SecurityPoint Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Joseph T. Ambrefe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7522849
    Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes a rotary belt member; a detector for detecting a position in a rotating direction of the belt member; a toner image forming device for forming a toner image at a predetermined position on the belt member based on a detection signal of the detector; and a recognition device for recognizing the type of belt member based on the detection signal. The apparatus is stopped or the information related to the belt member is notified based on the recognition result of the recognition device. Thus, by a simple configuration, failures caused by an unsuitable rotary belt member can be easily prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Suzuki, Tatsuya Goto
  • Patent number: 7518513
    Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame and a conveyor that is disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon. An antenna is disposed on the frame with respect to the path of travel so that the antenna radiates radio frequency signals into a first area through which the items pass. The antenna comprises a substrate and a plurality of patch elements disposed on the substrate in respective positions that are sequential with respect to a direction transverse to the path of travel. An electric current at each patch element drives radiation of the radio frequency signals and defines a rotating electric current pattern. Respective rotational directions of the electric current pattern at two patch elements are opposite to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Zhong-Min Liu
  • Patent number: 7515047
    Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame, a conveyor that is disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon, a first antenna, a second antenna, a radio frequency receiver, a barcode reader, and a processor. The processor associates information included in a response from a radio frequency identification tag with a first item if the processor receives the information from the receiver while at least a portion of the first item is within a first area that includes at least part of a second area into which the first antenna radiates radio frequency signals. The processor associates barcode label information from the barcode reader with the first item if the barcode label information is received during a period in which the first item is within a predetermined area on the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond R. Hillegass, Ronald M. Zsido
  • Patent number: 7492257
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing surgical instrument tray shipping totes. A control system is adapted to control a bar code reader module, an RFID module, a database module and an interface module. The control system provides functionality adapted to process incoming and outgoing surgical instrument shipping totes containing one or more RFID-enabled surgical instrument trays. A database, ERP system or other system in communication with the control system alerts the operator of the status of an incoming tote and/or trays contained in the tote to increase processing efficiency and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventors: Steven M. Tethrake, Robert Varner, Jeffrey H. Nycz, Chad Chun
  • Patent number: 7492259
    Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame, a conveyor disposed movably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon, at least one first antenna, at least one second antenna, a radio frequency receiver, and a processor. The processor is programmed to associate information included in a first signal corresponding to a response from a radio frequency identification tag with a first item if the processor receives the first signal while at least a portion of the first item is within a first area that includes at least part of a second area into which the first antenna radiates radio frequency signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James N. Cox
  • Patent number: 7492261
    Abstract: A control system for an RFID-based system for assembling and verifying outbound surgical equipment corresponding to a particular surgery. A user enters a identification number of a surgery. The control system queries a database of surgery information and outputs a list of required surgical equipment, such as surgical instrument sets. An operator uses the list to pick instrument sets for loading into a shipping tote. Each set is tagged with an RFID inventory tag that stores identification information for that set such as a set name and ID number. The shipping tote is passed through an RFID reader and identification data read from the tags is compared against the identification data for sets required for that surgery. A status indicator is activated to alert a user as to whether the surgery is complete that is, all expected sets are present, or that exception handling is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher David Cambre, Chad Wendel Chun, Robert Varner, Amy Shettler, Steven M. Tethrake
  • Patent number: 7408462
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the control of a monitored zone, in particular at transport devices for objects, wherein the monitored zone is scanned by means of at least one spatially resolving sensor, in particular a laser scanner and/or a camera system, the positions of object points in the monitored zone are determined and a contour search is carried out in at least a sub-set of the determined positions in that these positions are mathematically examined as to whether the respective object points lie on at least one model line pre-determined with respect to shape and/or length within a pre-determinable tolerance, said model line corresponding to at least a part of a contour of a permitted object in the monitored zone, with the contour search being carried out independently of the location of the positions relative to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventors: Klaus Pirkl, Manfred Haberer, Gerhard Mutter
  • Publication number: 20080061998
    Abstract: In a method for automatically identifying a conveyor belt in a printer as being one of a plurality of belt types, the conveyor belt is moved along a circulatory path. A start and an end of a longitudinal marking on the moving conveyor belt are detected. A distance of travel of the moving conveyor belt between the detecting of the start and the end is sensed to provide a sensed marking length. The sensed marking length is allocated to a nearest of a plurality of nominal marking lengths. Each nominal marking length is associated with a respective one of said belt types. The belt type is associated with or defined by a set of one or more printer control parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Dirk Kahl, Ralph Petersen, Frank Pierel, Soenke Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20070278068
    Abstract: A digital processor for use in a conveyor belt rip detector, which provides excitation signals at a selected frequency to inverted and noninverted sensor loops on a conveyor belt and then, detects corresponding received signals from the sensor loops. The digital processor then performs FFTs on the corresponding received signals to provide respective received signal frequency spectrums. Next magnitude and phase values of the selected frequency in the respective received signal frequency spectrums are used to determine a qualitative state of the sensor loops. The selected frequency has a lowest detected ambient noise level, and the magnitude value is a normalized magnitude value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY
    Inventors: Jack Bruce Wallace, John James Gartland, Richard Herman Blausey, Edward Louis Kerekes
  • Patent number: 7227469
    Abstract: A surgical instrument tray shipping tote identification system is provided. During transit to or from a medical facility, processing center, distribution center or other location, multiple surgical instruments trays are placed in an instrument tray shipping tote. Each instrument tray includes at least one RFID transponder tag storing identification information about that tray. The shipping tote has a bar coded shipping label affixed to one surface generated at the point of origin. When the tote arrives at the distribution center, it is placed on a conveyor system that includes a reading station having an RFID transceiver and a bar code reader. Information read from the RFID transponder tags and the bar code label is transmitted by a controller to an external database to check for any off-nominal status indicators. Once this check is performed, an indication is sent back to the controller and an appropriate indicator on the identification system is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Varner, Steven M. Tethrake, Jeffrey H. Nycz
  • Patent number: 7222727
    Abstract: Conveyors, chutes, skids, guides, and ways for the transporting of material are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material such that fragments of these structures can be detected by a metal detector. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The ratio of the weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers to the weight of the base resin host is between about 0.20 and 0.40. The micron conductive powders are formed from non-metals, such as carbon, graphite, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from metals such as stainless steel, nickel, copper, silver, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from a combination of non-metal, plated, or in combination with, metal powders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Integral Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Aisenbrey
  • Patent number: 7132943
    Abstract: A detection system is provided which is configured to have a transmitter capable of interacting with an object by generating a field, and a multiplicity of receivers operative to measure changes in the environment caused by the object's response to the generated field and mounted to a closed-looped belt, which is displaceable in a proximity to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventor: Carl V. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7126478
    Abstract: A method and device for activation of large quantities of security elements for the electronic article protection. The security elements are exposed to at lease one magnetic field produced by one or more coils carrying a line current subjected to sine oscillations. The coils are supplied with current pulses that are shorter than the sine oscillations. The amplitude of the current pulses diminishes as a function of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Meto International GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Rapp, Pierre Doyelle
  • Patent number: 7084755
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the area of technical rolling bodies, especially their supports, wherein the forces exerted in that area are detected with sensors in order to generate electrical energy and to detect changes in the state of the area. At least one of the sensors (2, 3, 4) arranged in the area of the technical rolling bodies is actively impinged upon with electrical energy and introduces impulses that can be evaluated in the support (1) of the sensor (2, 3, 4) working as actuator. Thus, impulses that can be evaluated can be detected at any given time by the sensors (2, 3, 4) in the area (1) of the technical rolling bodies during monitoring with an electrical evaluation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Klaus-Jurgen Nord
  • Patent number: 6965316
    Abstract: A method and device for activation of large quantities of security elements for the electronic article protection. The security elements are exposed to at least one magnetic field produced by one or more coils carrying a line current subjected to sine oscillations. The coils are supplied with current pulses that are shorter than the sine oscillations. The amplitude of the current pulses diminishes as a function of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Meto International GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Rapp, Pierre Doyelle
  • Patent number: 6831566
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring a conveyor. The conveyor comprises a conveyor belt in an elastomeric material, with a carrying side for the transported material, a backing side and embedded reinforcements, as well as other components: namely, drive pulleys, return pulleys, reverse pulleys, conveyor pulleys, mounting structures feed chutes and other components, where necessary. According to the invention the device is characterized by comprising an opto-electronic system in the area where no material is transported, which optically records and signals any damage done to the conveyor belt, optionally with an automatic switching off of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Phoenix AG
    Inventor: Bernd Küsel
  • Patent number: 6781515
    Abstract: A fault-monitoring system for a large industrial conveyor belt to detect rips or other faults. There are fault-sensing units in the belt, each comprising a conductive loop extending across the belt and a sensing circuit. First and second frequency signals are directed to the fault sensor and the fault-responsive circuit sends a response of a frequency to indicate either a fault condition or a no-fault condition. Thus, the response from the fault sensor is either an “I am here and I am okay” or “I am here, but there is a fault in the belt” signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Canada Conveyor Belt., Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Larry Kuzik, Ronald Ninnis
  • Patent number: 6715602
    Abstract: A conveyor belt includes a plurality of identification transponder chips embedded into the belt at spaced intervals. At least one conductive loop is embedded adjacent to and in electromagnetic coupled relationship with each transponder chip. The chip induces an identification signal into its respective conductor loop that is detected by a detector head and is cross-referenced by control circuitry to a specific loop and location on the belt. A second detector head may be mounted and coupled to the loop to monitor loop integrity by detecting or failing to detect the responsive identification signal from each transducer. Embedded transducer elements may further be utilized for wear rate monitoring and identification of exact locations in the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: John James Gartland
  • Patent number: 6580371
    Abstract: A conveyor vehicle delay detection circuit comprises a time counter circuit, a sensor receiver circuit, and an alarm circuit. A plurality of conveyor vehicle sensors are connected to the sensor receiver circuit and are arranged on the circuit on which the conveyor vehicles run. The flow of the conveyor vehicles is evaluated by determining whether at least one of the conveyor vehicles has passed through one of the conveyor vehicle sensors within a predetermined time interval. If within the predetermined time interval, a conveyor vehicle has not passed through at least one of the conveyor vehicle sensors, a warning signal is output to alert an operator. Immediate and adequate dispositions for reparations thus can be taken such that a normal operation of the conveyance system can quickly resume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Hung Chung
  • Patent number: 6567008
    Abstract: A method and system for determining if a mail piece contains a loose particulate matter is disclosed. The mass of each mail piece is determined twice utilizing a vibrating tray scale. During one determination, the mass of everything contained within the mail piece, including any type of loose particulate matter, is included. During the other determination, the mass of any loose particulate matter contained within the mail piece is not included. If the mail piece contains any type of loose particulate matter, there will be a difference in the masses of the mail piece as determined by the vibrating tray scale, indicating the mail piece may contain a lose particulate matter. The mail piece can then be diverted from the normal processing path for further inspection, thereby preventing cross-contamination of other mail pieces and processing equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald P. Sansone
  • Patent number: 6522260
    Abstract: A portable panel position detector for determining the orientation of panels being serially moved on a transfer line into a downstream panel treatment facility comprising a pair of support towers laterally spaced to allow the passage of line supported panels therethrough. The spaced support towers operatively mount elongated and vertically extending sensor strips in opposing spaced relationship that defines clearance-determining gating between the towers. In the event a panel moving through the restricted gate is not properly orientated on the transfer line, at least one sensor strip or a portion thereof will be deflected by physical contact with the panel moving therethrough. The displaced strip effects the triggering of an alarm that advises a transfer line attendant that the panel is improperly loaded. The panel can be appropriately repositioned on the transfer line so that it can successfully pass through the treatment facility without damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sooho Kim, David W. Poma, George L. Kilbertus
  • Publication number: 20020145529
    Abstract: A fault-monitoring system for a large industrial conveyor belt to detect rips or other faults. There are fault-sensing units in the belt, each comprising a conductive loop extending across the belt and a sensing circuit. First and second frequency signals are directed to the fault sensor and the fault-responsive circuit sends a response of a frequency to indicate either a fault condition or a no-fault condition. Thus, the response from the fault sensor is either an “I am here and I am okay” or “I am here, but there is a fault in the belt” signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Larry Kuzik, Ronald Ninnis
  • Patent number: 6366210
    Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the level of harvested cotton in a basket assembly of a cotton harvester is provided. The apparatus includes a transducer, a control circuit and an indicator. The transducer is coupled to a motor of a compaction member of a compaction assembly of the cotton harvester and measures the pressure exerted by the harvested cotton upon the compaction member. The transducer generates a pressure signal that is received by the control circuit. The control circuit generates a basket level indication signal a short time after the pressure signal indicates a predetermined pressure has been measured. Alternatively, the control circuit generates the basket level indication signal when the pressure signal indicates the basket assembly is approximately full. An indicator, such as a lamp or buzzer, receives the basket level indication signal and provides an indication to the operator of the level of harvested cotton in the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Dwight D. Lemke
  • Patent number: 6218942
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification tag exciter/reader (10) is arranged for operation in association with an article transport device (100). The radio frequency identification tag exciter/reader (10) includes a canopy assembly (12) into which an exciter antenna (22) and a reader antenna (24) are positioned. A base station (26) is further provided and is coupled to the exciter antenna (22) and the reader antenna (24). The base station (26) provides an excitation signal (36) and receives a read signal (38). The base station further communicates with a system element (34). A hand held radio frequency identification tag exciter/reader (900) includes a hand holdable housing (912) including an exciter antenna (922) and a reader antenna (924). The housing is coupled to a portable base station (926). The base station (926) provides an excitation signal (936) and receives a read signal (938). The base station further communicates with a system element (934) via radio signals (932, 933).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Allen Vega, Sebastian Thomas Kakkanad
  • Patent number: 6208259
    Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the level of harvested cotton in a basket assembly of a cotton harvester is provided. The apparatus includes a transducer, a control circuit and an indicator. The transducer is coupled to a motor of a compaction member of a compaction assembly of the cotton harvester and measures the pressure exerted by the harvested cotton upon the compaction member. The transducer generates a pressure signal that is received by the control circuit. The control circuit generates a basket level indication signal a short time after the pressure signal indicates a predetermined pressure has been measured. Alternatively, the control circuit generates the basket level indication signal when the pressure signal indicates the basket assembly is approximately full. An indicator, such as a lamp or buzzer, receives the basket level indication signal and provides an indication to the operator of the level of harvested cotton in the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Dwight D. Lemke
  • Patent number: 6169481
    Abstract: High aspect ratio filaments of magnetic material are randomly dispersed in a non-magnetic matrix such as paper or plastic for part of a critical component of a manufactured product to permit remote sensing of the manufactured product by the application of an external oscillating magnetic field and the detection of the resulting induced magnetization. The material may be incorporated into a wide variety of products that must be remotely sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Rockwell Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ira B. Goldberg, Charles S. Hollingsworth, Elik I. Fooks, Mark A. Lucak, Jonathan D. Bradford