Article Handling Patents (Class 700/213)
  • Patent number: 7262685
    Abstract: A pick/put to display (PTD) device includes an image display that allows the PTD device to display images related to a product, such as a picture of the product, a barcode or an instructional video. By having the capability to display images of the product, the PTD device is able to reduce the risk that the wrong product will be picked or placed in a storage location. Multiple barcodes can be scanned rapidly without the need to re-aim the scanner. The image display further allows the PTD device to display arrows that can point in a multitude of directions. With the capability of having arrows point in numerous directions, a single PTD device is able to service multiple storage locations, thereby reducing the number of PTD devices needed. The PTD device is further capable of downloading and playing sound files for a product so that audio instructions or alerts can be played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: ASAP Automation, LLC
    Inventor: William A. Bastian, II
  • Patent number: 7257463
    Abstract: A travel distance-measuring unit measures optically a distance to a stacker crane by a travel distance-measuring sensor provided at a reference measuring position between the stacker crane that can travel on a predetermined route along a travel rail and a ceiling rail and the reference measuring position set on the ground side. A lift distance-measuring unit measures optically a distance to a lift table by a lift distance-measuring sensor provided at the reference measuring position via reflectors between the lift table 26 provided movably to the stacker crane, the reflectors provided to the lift table, and the reference measuring position P set on the fixed side. A ground side controller calculates a position of the stacker crane and a position of the lift table based on distance data derived by the travel distance-measuring unit and the lift distance-measuring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Taguchi, Yuichi Ueda
  • Patent number: 7251545
    Abstract: The present invention provides a production system capable of further improving production efficiency and quality. The ring management system comprises size measurement unit 300 for measuring size (l, t) of the ring w, first convey unit 400 for moving the ring w whose size has been measured, a first stocker 500 having a plurality of storage positions for storing rings conveyed in by the first convey unit 400, a second convey unit 700 for conveying out the rings from the first stocker 500 means for stacking, and a control unit 900.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Takada, Takaji Mukumoto, Hideshi Sato, Osamu Takenaka, Tetsuo Sugizono, Katsumune Inaki, Hiroki Tahira, Koji Saito, Katsuyuki Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7248942
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, the present invention pertains to a system for detecting airflow in a room. The system includes an airflow indicating device having a movable component whose movement substantially corresponds to airflow in a vicinity of the airflow indicating device. The system also includes cooling system components and a computer system configured to control the cooling system components substantially based upon movement of the movable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Cullen E. Bash, George Forman, Ratnesh Sharma
  • Patent number: 7245988
    Abstract: A laundry inventory management system comprises several components in combination. A structure has a computer system with a program to store data with the computer being coupled to an electrical source. A pair of trolley rails with each rail having a set of indicia and rail supports. A trolley coupled to the computer has a shuttle track, a plurality of rail wheels, an indicia reading means and a motor. A shuttle with a motor and a pick-up gripper with a motor are coupled to the computer. A power source and a power means drive the trolley motor and the shuttle motor and the pick-up gripper motor. A computer program controls the movement of trolley, shuttle and pick-up gripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen Edward Terepka
  • Patent number: 7240465
    Abstract: A transfer system for food products (P) having a product conveyor (11); a first support conveyor (13) suitable for moving supports (12) in equicurrent with the food products (P); a plurality of pickers (R1, R2, R3) situated in series along the run of the products (P) and supports (12) for individually collecting the products (P) from the product conveyor (11) to arrange them on the supports (12) translated from the first support conveyor (13); presence and position surveying devices (C1, C2) of which at least one is situated upstream with respect to the food products (P), of a first picker (R1) of the plurality of pickers (R1, R2, R3) suitable for detecting the presence, number, position and orientation of each product (P); an electronic image with a presence and position surveying device (C3), also connected to an electronic image identification and data processing system (34), wherein the pickers (R1–R4) are equipped with handlers (22) with an individual grip of the sucker type, with an anti-crash system an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: C.T. Pack S.r.l.
    Inventors: Daniele Davi', Daniele Mezzaro, David Rosignoli
  • Patent number: 7243001
    Abstract: A computer software facility for generating and implementing a temporal map depicting a relationship between locations in a warehouse or distribution center is described. The facility tracks the movement in the warehouse, including the time it takes for mobile elements to move between a pair of identifiable locations. Based on the tracking, the facility produces movement time records for multiple location pairs in the warehouse. The facility then generates a map of the warehouse. Where information for specific pairs of identifiable locations is not available, the facility may derive movement time information based on actual movement times for related location pairs. The generated map can be used as part of a computer application for tasks such as scheduling the picking of items, evaluating employee performance, organizing the storage of items in the warehouse, and other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philipp K. Janert, Jonathan J. Shakes, Nicholas M. Hanssens, Dennis R. Hodge
  • Patent number: 7239939
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vacuum stage device that moves a substrate to be processed in a vacuum environment. In a substrate transfer device in accordance with the present invention, a wafer mounted to a wafer platen is moved in a vacuum processing chamber. This substrate transfer device includes a first driving mechanism for moving the wafer platen in a Y1 direction, and a second driving mechanism that is provided in the vacuum processing chamber and linearly reciprocates the wafer platen in X1 and X2 directions at a high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiko Mori, Yoshiyuki Tomita, Kazutoshi Sakaki
  • Patent number: 7236851
    Abstract: An RFID reading apparatus includes a frame. The RFID reading apparatus also includes an RFID interrogator, coupled to the frame, for triggering transponders in picked cases and receiving and decoding replies. The RFID reading apparatus further includes at least one vertically movable antenna mount coupled to the frame, at least one antenna mounted to the antenna mount and coupled to the interrogator, and at least one object sensor adjacent to at least one antenna. The RFID reading apparatus also includes a control unit coupled to the interrogator for initiating interrogation of transponders and accepting decoded replies, to the antenna mount for controlling the level of the antenna mounted on the mount, and to the object sensor for detecting the presence of cases adjacent to the object sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: EPC4ROI Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Harold Charych
  • Patent number: 7233840
    Abstract: A system and method for manipulating articles includes providing a bed having at least one conveying surface. The conveying surface is adapted to move articles in a direction of conveyance from an upstream end to a downstream end of the bed. At least one sensor is provided to determine the position of any articles on the bed. Selected articles are moved in the direction of conveyance at a speed that is generally higher than articles traveling on the bed that have yet to be manipulated and the articles are selectively rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricardo N. Schiesser, Michele Vitalini
  • Patent number: 7233838
    Abstract: A transfer and positioning apparatus includes a positioning assembly located between the tracks of a dual lane conveyor and upstream of a lane changer. The positioning assembly includes a retractable shaft for stopping a carrier along a first conveyor adjacent the assembly. A pair of gripper arms are pivotally mounted to move between an open position permitting the carrier to pass along the conveyor track, and a closed position with forward ends in contact with a specimen container on the carrier to position the container in a reference location for direct processing. The lane changer includes a shuttle depending from an overhead support with a pair of arms for receiving and shifting a specimen carrier from one conveyor to a second conveyor of a dual-conveyor track. The shuttle is operable to retain a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor and to release a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Douglas Barry, Thomas L. Bybee, Adrian Chan, John Fuller, Ray Puseman, Greg Rothman, Don R. Simms, Michael Turner, Jay Woods, Inna M. Zevakina
  • Patent number: 7233241
    Abstract: A low product stock display system for detecting at least one of fully stocked, partially stocked, and empty (no stock) shelf has been described. The presence/absence of stock can be detected by conductive contact sensors, inductance sensors, weight sensors, optical sensors, and, in the preferred embodiment, with an RF transmission line. The data from a sensor is wirelessly relayed to an external server for processing across a plurality of facilities, and can provide alerts to personnel or systems responsible for reordering or restocking the particular shelf or display at the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Goliath Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Overhultz, Gordon E. Hardman, John W. Pyne
  • Patent number: 7233839
    Abstract: According to the invention, an insertion system for collating sheets of printed material for insertion into an envelope is disclosed. The insertion system includes an insertion machine, application software and an operating system. Included in the application software is a first function and a second function, where the first function performs tracking for each packet and the second function controls operation of the insertion machine. Each packet includes a plurality of pieces of printed material that may ultimately be sealed in an envelope. The operating system runs the application software at any given instant and executes the first and second functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: Scott J. Smith, Jeffery G. Nowlin, Jay E. Greene, III, Mark T. Tonack
  • Patent number: 7231278
    Abstract: In an automated data storage library having a plurality of accessors which access portable data storage media with respect to storage shelves and data storage drive(s) along a path, a controller, in response to detection of restricted movement of an accessor at a position along the path, determines a range of motion of another accessor along the path which avoids interfering with the accessor having the restricted movement. The controller also determines a limit to commands of a work queue of commands for operating the accessors, the limit extending from and past the position of the accessor having the restricted movement, along the path; and prevents execution of the limited commands. The limited commands may be failed with a “hardware” error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Khanh Vi Ngo
  • Patent number: 7216014
    Abstract: The invention provides a paper money discriminating device which is simplified in structure and can be manufactured less expensively and therefore can contribute to cost reduction and productivity improvement. Thus, a first detecting member and a second detecting member are released from contact with each other, the second detecting member performs a prescribed action and the action of the second detecting member is detected by a detector when a paper money accommodating unit is taken off a discriminating device body, when an openable member is opened, or when paper money accommodated in the paper money accommodating unit has reached or surpassed a prescribed quantity, a state in which the paper money accommodating unit is taken off, a state in which the openable member is opened and a state in which paper money accommodated in the paper money accommodating unit has reached or surpassed the prescribed quantity can be detected by a single detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Iwai
  • Patent number: 7206662
    Abstract: A crane installation, especially a container crane, includes at least one hoist mechanism provided with at least one motor for lifting and lowering a load suspended from the hoist mechanism. The operation of the hoist mechanism is controlled by a control unit which receives load-specific information signals from a device. The load-specific information signals are determined on the basis of load-dependent measuring signals generated by a load measuring assembly associated with the hoist mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ernst Sparenborg, Stephan Wöbse
  • Patent number: 7203570
    Abstract: A storage and retrieval system is provided that automates the process of handling a mixed inventory of palletized and containerized items. The invention is particularly useful in handling cargo and weapons within a ship's hold or magazine. When used on a ship, the invention provides for the stowing and unstowing of loads quickly and efficiently, to automatically secure such payloads for sea and to achieve high stowage density, while retaining the capability to select and retrieve any ordered payload, move it to and load it on elevator trays under computer control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: James P. Karlen
  • Patent number: 7200466
    Abstract: A parts assembly management system includes a parts assembly management apparatus to be installed in an assembly line, and a plurality of storage vessel identifying apparatuses to be installed in a plurality of storage vessels. The parts assembly management apparatus includes a reading apparatus, and a first processing unit. The reading apparatus contactlessly reads a product identifier identifying the product from an IC tag attached to the product. The processing unit extracts a vessel identifier associated with the product identifier identifying the product from an assembling table. Each of the storage vessel identifying apparatuses includes a receiving unit, a second processing unit, and an output unit. The receiving unit receives the extracted vessel identifier from the parts assembly management apparatus. The processing unit performs comparison between the associated vessel identifier received by the receiving unit and a specific vessel identifier identifying the associated vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Honda
  • Patent number: 7191033
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus having a recipe storage section, a transfer control section and a transfer schedule changing section which, when delivery of an n-th substrate from a transfer art to the previous module is delayed by “m” cycles, changes a transfer schedule so as to move each of n-th and subsequent substrates (including the n-th substrate) in the transfer schedule to a module to which an “m”-th substrate following the substrate has been allocated, and transferring the changed transfer schedule data to the transfer control section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Makio Higashi, Akira Miyata
  • Patent number: 7189046
    Abstract: A transport (1) or an associated trailer (2) with a loadable swap body (3, 4) having a support frame and support legs (5) attached to the frame and moveable between a resting position and a support position wherein that the swap body (3, 4) can be set on the ground without the transport/trailer. At least one support leg (5) is allocated an element (6, 16) for automatically moving the support leg (5) from the resting position into the support position and/or vice versa. A control device (8, 10, 11) disposed on the transport/trailer (1, 2) transmits a control signal to an actuating element (17, 18, 19, 20), secured to the transport/trailer (1, 2), that cooperates with the support leg (5) to move the leg into the support or resting position, and the control device (8, 10, 11) is connected to at least one further locking actuator for determining whether the swap body (3, 4) is secured to the transport during travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Ottmar Gehring, Harro Heilmann, Andreas Schwarzhaupt, Gernot Spiegelberg, Armin Sulzmann
  • Patent number: 7185774
    Abstract: An intelligent assist method and apparatus are disclosed. The intelligent assist method includes imparting a manual force to a suspended object, determining an angle at which the suspended object is manually forced, generating motorized power to move the object in accordance with the angle at which the suspended object is forced, and inputting a signal to continue the motorized power and enable the object to continue moving on accordance with the angle at which the suspended object is manually forced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: J. Edward Colgate, Paul F. Decker, Stephen H. Klostermeyer, Alexander Makhlin, David Meer, Julio Santos-Munne, Michael A. Peshkin, Michael Robie
  • Patent number: 7184855
    Abstract: A container storage and delivery system includes an individual container storage and delivery system. A palletizer is provided for forming a group of containers from the individual container storage and delivery system into a layer or a partial layer, and placing this layer or partial layer onto a pallet. A high speed pick station provides access for manual retrieval of high throughput case types from each storage location. An individual container placement station is also provided for placing individual containers onto a pallet. A conveyor system conveys containers and pallets from the individual container storage and delivery system, the palletizer, the high speed pick station, and the individual container placement station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventors: Frederick J. Stingel, III, Jeffrey W. Stingel, James N. Smith
  • Patent number: 7181312
    Abstract: A method and system for a quay container crane with container code recognition of a container identified by a container code with container positional identification is disclosed. The system and method are capable of performing these tasks without the use of non-standard container tagging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Paceco Corp.
    Inventors: Toru Takehara, Maxwell W. King, Chingyei Chung
  • Patent number: 7167774
    Abstract: A device for sample handling directly illuminates the sample in sample compartment 36 with its corresponding image 22 on display panel 18. The device contains a sample tray 30, a computer 10 installed with custom software, and a visual display panel 18. The device supports defining, testing, and executing a sample handling protocol with high accuracy, efficiency, and flexibility. The device is also portable and inexpensive to build. A user can transfer samples from source locations to destination locations under the guidance of this device without memorizing the protocol or reading instructions on a printed material. A user can also record data for certain characteristics of samples under the guidance of this device. With the invented device, the risk of locating a wrong sample or placing a sample at a wrong location can be minimized and sample handling operations become more efficient and less stressful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Ping Du
  • Patent number: 7162327
    Abstract: A method of distributing railroad ties or other materials in variable quantities at randomly spaced intervals. GPS coordinates are recorded for individual use locations where ties or materials are required. From the coordinates of these use locations, drop locations are selected at which materials can be conveniently dropped for subsequent use or installation. Capture of the use location coordinates is done by separate equipment from the distribution equipment, so that the data capture and distribution crews can work at their own efficiencies. The apparatus can be built into new railroad equipment or the like, or can also be manufactured in such a fashion as it can be retrofit. Computer software for the optimization and location of the drop locations is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Brandt Road Rail Corporation
    Inventor: Trevor Crozier
  • Patent number: 7162330
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and device for transporting and sorting postal deliveries. The method includes verifying whether postal deliveries are to be delivered to an electronic parcel compartment system. Furthermore, the method includes determining whether several of the postal deliveries are to be delivered to the same electronic parcel compartment system. Still further, the method includes common transportation and subsequent distribution to individual parcel compartments of postal deliveries to the same electronic parcel compartment system, for at least a part of the transport route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventor: Boris Mayer
  • Patent number: 7162328
    Abstract: A tracking device for transported grain. A tracking device for grain comprises a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag dimensioned to have a size approximating surrounding grain. The tag comprises a memory and an RF communication channel. Data is stored in the memory, comprising at least a time when the RFID tag was handled with surrounding grain and information sufficient to determine a location of handling at the time when the RFID tag was handled with the surrounding grain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Robert H. Hornbaker, Volodymyr Kindratenko, David Pointer
  • Patent number: 7155304
    Abstract: Apparatus for reading RFID tags of picked goods as they are loaded onto a picked pallet, and a method of picking and tracking goods using the device. The invention is mounted on a pallet support on a pallet conveyance, and has an RFID interrogator connected to at least one antenna mounted on a vertically movable antenna mount. The interrogator triggers the transponders in the goods and sends the decoded replies to the control unit. An object sensor adjacent to the antenna senses the presence of goods, and a control unit controls the movable antenna mount to raise the antenna mount above the goods. A computer having a display visible to an operator loading the pallet conveyance is used to communicate with the operator, confirming the loaded goods are the correct ones, and tracking inventory loaded on the conveyance. A barcode reader may be located on the antenna mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Harold Charych
  • Patent number: 7146244
    Abstract: A method of generating command instructions for a distributed mass data storage library comprises the steps of receiving an operator request from an operator, determining at least one command for at least one intelligent library component in response to the operator request, forming at least one command message containing the at least one command, and sending the at least one command message to the at least one intelligent library component for carrying out actions requested by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Digital Information Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Byers, Bruno H. Hald, Carsten H. Prigge, Scott M. Rockwell, Joerg Stohrer
  • Patent number: 7142936
    Abstract: A production system including a production line having a series of pieces of production equipment each of which has a parts supply unit. The production system includes: an NC management apparatus that is connected with each piece of the production equipment via a local-area network and acquires therefrom NC data used for operating each piece of the production equipment; and a scheduling apparatus that generates a production schedule and transmits the generated production schedule to the NC management apparatus via the local-area network. Here, the NC management apparatus generates, for each piece of the production equipment, data that is required to perform production according to the production schedule, obtains, for each piece of the production equipment, values that represent differences between current NC data that has been most recently acciuired and the generated data, and outputs the values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Yokomori, Keiji Hanada, Kouichi Kanematsu, Takuya Harada
  • Patent number: 7140830
    Abstract: An electronic control system for a machine having a boom assembly and an implement assembly. A microprocessor is provided having an input and generating first and second output signals. A first electrohydraulic valve is connected to receive the first output signal from the microprocessor, and connected to position the boom assembly in response to the first output signal. A second electrohydraulic valve is connected to receive the second output signal from the microprocessor, and connected to position the implement assembly in response to the second output signal. A boom position sensor is disposed on the boom assembly or the implement assembly and connected to send a boom position input signal to the microprocessor, the microprocessor being connected to receive the boom position input signal and generate at least one of the first output signal and the second output signal, thereby controlling a position of the implement assembly relative to the boom assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John G. Berger, John R. Haupt
  • Patent number: 7139638
    Abstract: A thermal processing unit is connected to a substrate position detector, which is in turn connected to a bake unit controller. The thermal processing unit includes a temperature control plate and a lifting device. The temperature control plate and lifting device are connected to the bake unit controller. The operations of the temperature control plate and lifting device are controlled by the bake unit controller. A pressure measuring pipe is provided at a lower part of at least one of a plurality of pin inserting holes in the temperature control plate. The pressure measuring pipe is connected to a low differential pressure sensor. The low differential pressure sensor detects the pressure in an airflow exhausted from a space surrounded by a substrate and an upper face of the temperature control plate via the pressure measuring pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Nakajima, Mitsuhiro Masuda, Yasuhiro Shiba, Yasuhiro Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 7133740
    Abstract: Automated closet systems and related methods that use digital imagery, RFID/barcode identification of garment hangers, and computer-controlled conveyors, to provide for image-based garment storage and retrieval. Digital garment photographs are stored in a database. Hangers have a unique RFID/barcode tag and hold garments. The RFID/barcode tag of each hanger is correlated to a garment photograph to which the hanger is assigned. A storage closet has a storage conveyer on which hangers are disposed. A pickup and loading station has a conveyer coupled to the storage conveyer that is used to transfer hangers to and from the storage conveyer. A control unit, such as a wireless touchscreen, is used during storage to initiate photographing, scanning, and transfer of garments to the storage closet. During retrieval, a user searches through digital images displayed on the control unit to find a stored garment for retrieval. Selection of a particular garment identifies a particular RFID/barcode tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventors: Joel Stenson, Engle Hendricks
  • Patent number: 7130716
    Abstract: A system for wafer handling employing a complex numerical method for calculating a path of wafer travel that controls wafer acceleration and jerk, and results in maximum safe speed of wafer movement from a first point to a second point. Motion is begun along a straight line segment while accelerating to a first path velocity. During this acceleration, the system computer calculates a series of straight line segments and interconnecting sinusiodally shaped paths over which the wafer is to be guided to the second point. The straight line segments and sinusiodally shaped paths are calculated so as to minimize total path length and the time required to move the wafer from the first point to the second point. The system computes the point of entrance and exit to and from each straight and sinusoidal path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Berkeley Process Control, Inc.
    Inventors: John Rogers, Prasad Padmanabhan, Paul Sagues
  • Patent number: 7123987
    Abstract: A receiving apparatus for a filter cigarette making machine comprises a rotatable catcher drum (2). The drum (2) has receiving grooves (6) in its outer circumferential surface, for each receiving a cigarette rod (CR). A rod (CR) received in the groove (6) moves forward into a braking area therein. In the braking area, the rod (CR) receives braking force due to suction and is stopped. A pair of limit sensors (40, 42) are arranged outside the drum (2). The sensors (40,42) optically detect a rear end of the rod (CR), and on the basis of the result of this detection, whether a stop position at which the rod is stopped is within a tolerance area or not is determined. On the basis of the result of this determination, a controller (38) regulates the braking force exerted on rods (CR) to thereby control the stop position of the rods (CR). Then, a pusher (26) pushes the rod (CR) from its stop position back to a normal position, in each of the grooves (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Okamoto, Syozo Horikawa
  • Patent number: 7116230
    Abstract: An asset location system comprising a plurality of location tags, each having: a location tag transmitter for controlled range transmission of a location identifier; a plurality of asset tags, each being affixed to an asset and each having: a receiver for receiving a location identifier from any of the location tags; a memory for storing at least an asset identifier and a location identifier; a transmitter for transmitting an asset signal, the asset signal including at least the asset identifier and the received location identifier; and an asset location retrieval unit, the retrieval unit having: a receiver for receiving the asset signal from any of the asset tags; a memory; a power unit; and an output means for outputting asset locations based on the received asset signal from any of the plurality of asset tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: VeriChip Corporation
    Inventor: Greg Klowak
  • Patent number: 7117063
    Abstract: A method for sorting integrated circuit (IC) devices of the type having a fuse identification (ID) into those devices requiring enhanced reliability testing and those requiring standard testing includes storing fabrication deviation data, probe data, and test data in association with the fuse ID of each of the devices indicating each of the devices requires either enhanced reliability testing or standard testing. The fuse ID of each of the devices is then automatically read before, during, or after standard testing of the devices. The testing process requirement data stored in association with the fuse ID of each of the devices is then accessed, and the devices are sorted in accordance with the accessed data into those devices requiring enhanced reliability testing and those requiring standard testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Micro Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond J. Beffa
  • Patent number: 7107117
    Abstract: A method for sorting integrated circuit (IC) devices of the type having a fuse identification (ID) into those devices requiring enhanced reliability testing and those requiring standard testing includes storing fabrication deviation data, probe data, and test data in association with the fuse ID of each of the devices indicating each of the devices requires either enhanced reliability testing or standard testing. The fuse ID of each of the devices is then automatically read before, during, or after standard testing of the devices. The testing process requirement data stored in association with the fuse ID of each of the devices is then accessed, and the devices are sorted in accordance with the accessed data into those devices requiring enhanced reliability testing and those requiring standard testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond J. Beffa
  • Patent number: 7107121
    Abstract: A storage system or subsystem, method of locating components in the storage system and program product therefor. Storage system components have fiducial marks identifying component location. A sensor is located at an expected fiducial location and a first pass search for the fiducial is conducted along a search path. A second pass search, if needed, begins at a position located, horizontally, between the first pass start position and the system accessor home location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventors: James Arthur Fisher, Nicholas James Pakidis, Kerri Renee Shotwell
  • Patent number: 7099739
    Abstract: A method for operating a plurality of stockers, comprises the steps of: monitoring utilization of the plurality of stockers, each stocker capable of storing a plurality of wafer, LCD or reticle containers; and automatically transferring a first wafer, LCD or reticle container from a first one of the stockers to a second one of the stockers if the utilization of the first stocker is greater than a predetermined thereshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Chi Chen, Wei-Yu Lai, Yung-Chang Peng
  • Patent number: 7093351
    Abstract: A system for assembling wire harnesses with their connectors utilizes a compact computer-based system that is linked to an engineering data base. The data base contains component information, such as harness number, associated wires, and pin location to connector. An integrated tool contains a light panel that is linked to a dummy connector. The dummy connector has a mating end for the connector being pinned. The connector is mated to the dummy connector such that pin holes in the connector align with the light rods in the dummy connector. The wires are identified by voice recognition, bar code, and/or optical character recognition. Once a wire has been identified, the system illuminates the appropriate pin location on the selected connector, thereby providing a visible point of light in which the selected wire is to be terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Kelley, Richard A. Malleck, Richard G. Lyons
  • Patent number: 7096161
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical hazardous waste identification and management system integrates disparate information regarding pharmaceuticals to provide an indication of which pharmaceuticals are hazardous wastes as defined by respective national, international and state regulations and/or which are hazardous materials as defined by the US OSHA regulations. A subset of this information offers a global repository with respect to the occurrence, concentrations, and ecotoxicologic data of pharmaceuticals based on peer reviewed data provided by environmental toxicologists and related scientists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: PharmEcology Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Charlotte A. Smith, James R. McCauley
  • Patent number: 7079921
    Abstract: In a communications network, such as the Internet system and method for arranging the transportation of baggage for airline passengers. Flight information and baggage information from a user is received via the communications network. Typically this is accomplished via a combination of information capture from an online travel provider (e.g., airline) and user input at a Web page. The baggage to be transported is identified and transported from an origin airport to a destination airport. The baggage is delivered to the user specified destination location. The method may further comprise collecting the baggage from an origin location other than the origin airport (e.g., residence, office, hotel, etc.). Travelers may access updated information concerning the location of their baggage from a desktop or laptop computer, a hand-held communication device, a cellular telephone with Internet access, or other suitable communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: BaggageDirect.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Quackenbush, William H. Montgomery, Brett C. Twitty
  • Patent number: 7076326
    Abstract: A system, method, and/or program that enables a material handling system to proactively stage lots at ideally located stockers. Input containing the lots to be processed on a process machine is entered into a manual order queue (“MOQ”). The system, method, and/or program then proactively determines the location for the staging of the lots to be processed based at least in part on the state of the stockers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Johnny Hsiang Wu, Bo Li
  • Patent number: 7076327
    Abstract: A technique for simultaneously processing media requests is disclosed. It is determined whether a removable storage media resource required to service a first request is currently associated with a second request that is currently being serviced. In the event that the resource is currently associated with a second request, it is determined whether the first request can be interleaved with the second request. In the event it is determined that the first request can be interleaved with the second request, the first request is interleaved with the second request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Ravindranath S. Desai, Bruce Voorhees
  • Patent number: 7076325
    Abstract: A modular information handling system includes an upper chassis having a display and a power supply, and a lower chassis having a motherboard, memory, a processor, and a number of drive bays. The upper and lower chassis are interdependent, neither capable of functioning without the other. The upper and lower chassis are separately manufacturable, separately serviceable, and separately shippable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Gateway Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Rapaich, Elisa E Zappacosta
  • Patent number: 7072736
    Abstract: A media handling system comprises a configuration of N linked modules. Each module has an order based on the module's linkage in the configuration. Thus, a first module of order 1 links to a second module of order 2, the second module links to a third module of order 3, etc., and an (N?1)th module of order (N?1) links to an Nth module of order N. A feeder module feeds a sheet of media to downstream modules. Each downstream module sends a reporting message to an included controller. The reporting message includes the time the module processed the sheet and the module's reported type. For each reporting module, the controller determines the module's order and type based on the reported time and reported type in the module's reporting message. The controller validates the configuration by determining when the order and the type for the reporting modules match a predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Dale T. Platteter, Robert S. Westfall
  • Patent number: 7052007
    Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for controlling paper pickup in an image forming system. The method comprises (a) setting a number of re-attempts of pickup of paper and a number of no-load operations of a transfer belt, respectively, and (b) performing a paper pickup operation repeatedly in accordance with the set number of re-attempts of pickup of paper and the set number of no-load operations of the transfer belt when paper pickup is not successfully performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheol-Ju Yang, Jun-bae Jeon
  • Patent number: 7054707
    Abstract: This invention is directed to prevention of setting a component feeding unit set with other storage member than a storage member storing same type of components as components in shortage in an electronic component mounting apparatus. A component mounting apparatus sends notice information about component shortage to a control computer when a number of electronic components in a storage member reduces and reaches a level for sending the notice information of component shortage during mounting operations. The control computer stores the notice information, and sends the notice information to a monitor computer to display this information on a monitor. A new storage member having the corresponding components is set in the component feeding unit based on the displayed notice information, and an operator inputs information A about which component feeding unit is set with the storage member and which components are stored in the storage member set in the component feeding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Instruments Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Moriya, Tomise Koyama, Hiroshi Nakamura, Manabu Okamoto, Kenichi Hayashi, Toshio Azuma
  • Patent number: 7043337
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for eliminating instability in intelligent assist devices are disclosed. The intelligent assist device includes an overhead motorized moveable trolley, a support that extends downwardly from the trolley to a payload, and a sensor operatively coupled to the support to sense a characteristic of motion imparted by a human operator to the device. A controller is operatively coupled with the sensor and the trolley to control movements of the trolley. The controller estimates an amount of oscillation in the support that does not correspond to the motion imparted by the human operator and adjusts movements of the trolley based thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: J. Edward Colgate, Alexander Makhlin