Collating Or Sorting Patents (Class 700/223)
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Patent number: 12246872Abstract: A device (6) for the insertion of flat good units (2, 3, 31) into a transport container (8, 81) includes an insertion module (63) for the insertion of flat good units (2, 3, 31) into a transport container (8, 81), a feed module (61) for feeding flat good units (2, 3, 31) to the insertion module (63), and a first identification module (65) for identifying flat good units (2, 3, 31). The feed module (61) includes a horizontal conveying device (613), by which flat good units can be conveyed along a conveying path. The identification module (65) is configured to determine the identity of a flat good unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2023Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: FERAG AGInventor: Markus Bretz
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Patent number: 12208963Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a goods picking and conveying device, a goods picking system and a goods picking method. The conveying device includes a container configured to accommodate goods; a track arranged on a suspended ceiling of a warehouse to guide the container to move; and a container scanning controller configured to identify the container running on the track, and obtain conveying information of the container according to an identification result, and cause the container to move to a corresponding check station according to the conveying information of the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2019Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: BEIJING JINGDONG ZHENSHI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Song Han
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Patent number: 12207413Abstract: A component supply method of supplying components scattered on a stage, includes a storage step of storing position information indicating a position of a component, posture information indicating a posture of the component, and number information indicating the number of components based on imaging data of the components scattered on the stage, and a holding step of holding the components scattered on the stage with a holding tool based on the position information and the posture information stored in the storage step.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2020Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: FUJI CORPORATIONInventor: Noriaki Iwaki
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Patent number: 12112294Abstract: Rule data sets are received. These rule sets are associated with constraints controlling how records that are associated with the goods are consolidated. These goods are to be received for importing. An estimate score indicative of the risk for inspection for a first set of goods that are to be imported is generated. Based at least in part on the rule data sets and the generated estimate, a plurality of records are consolidated to a single instance for the first set of goods. Based on the consolidating, a user interface is caused to be generated that renders information associated with the consolidating.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2023Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Grisz, Casey Mccord, Emily Richards, Carol Crawford, Jose Landeros, Ayan Das, Christopher Martin Rubio
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Patent number: 12023713Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for sorting and sequencing articles in a processing facility are disclosed. Delivery endpoints are divided and grouped into stop groups. A first sorter sorts items according to stop group and outputs the items to trays. The output trays from the first sorter are loaded to a second sorter in stop group order. The second sorter can then sort the items into output bins in delivery sequence order.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2022Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventor: Scott R. Bombaugh
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Patent number: 12006141Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a waste receptacle, the system including a camera for capturing an image, a convolutional neural network, and processor. The convolutional neural network can be trained for identifying target waste receptacles. The processor can be mounted on the waste-collection vehicle and in communication with the camera and the convolutional neural network configured for using the convolutional neural network. The processor can be configured for using the convolutional neural network to generate an object candidate based on the image; using the convolutional neural network to determine whether the object candidate corresponds to a target waste receptacle; and selecting an action based on whether the object candidate is acceptable.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2022Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Justin Szoke-Sieswerda, Kenneth Alexander McIsaac, Leo Van Kampen
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Patent number: 11911796Abstract: A package sort cell includes a robot with an end of arm tool for transporting packages from an in-feed conveyor to a selected one of a plurality of out-feed conveyors or bins, the robot receiving instruction from the package reader as to which of the plurality of conveyors or bins to hand-off the package. An end of arm tool may be in the configuration of a conveyor which may be aligned with the out-feed conveyor on a bottom up movement. The end of arm tool may also be in the configuration of a hanging carriage frame suspending a conveyor in a top down movement. A worker platform may be provided which may be movable between in-use and out-of-use positions whereby upon robot downtime, the platform may move into the in-use position for a worker to temporarily takeover the transfer functions of the robot. A plurality of sort cells may be arranged in side by side relation adjacent a like plurality of package delivery points (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: InTunes Products, LLCInventors: Michael Marseglia, Michael Fisher, Scott Baube, Christopher Angevine, Greggory Bartoo, Dennis O'Neill, Austin Smith
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Patent number: 11845110Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a method for sorting items transported along a conveyance direction on an item carrier of a sorting system, the item carrier comprising a charging zone, a first detection zone, an item orientation-changing zone, a second detection zone and a sorting zone, the method comprising sequentially: loading the items on the item carrier in the charging zone; capturing a first image of the items in the first detection zone; changing an orientation of the items in the item orientation-changing zone, located downstream of the first detection zone; capturing a second image of the items in the second detection zone, located downstream of the first detection zone; identifying nonstandard items amongst the items from information derived from the first and second images; and isolating the identified nonstandard items in the sorting zone. It also concerns a corresponding sorting system.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2021Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: PREMIER TECH TECHNOLOGIES LTÉEInventor: Billy Lapointe
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Patent number: 11842592Abstract: A medium processing device includes a main body unit that counts a medium and that is configured to be connectable to at least one medium processing unit that accommodates the medium. The main body unit includes: a plurality of power supply lines including first and second power supply lines, the first and second power supply lines being independent of each other and supplying electric power toward the at least one medium processing unit, and an output part that outputs a control signal toward the at least one medium processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2019Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignees: LAUREL BANK MACHINES CO., LTD., LAUREL MACHINERY, LAUREL PRECISION MACHINES CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroaki Takahashi, Masashi Ohba
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Patent number: 11833548Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting items for delivery to delivery points, using delivery point compression. Items can be sorted and sequenced for delivery by a sorting machine having a finite number of sorting destinations. For routes having more delivery points than the number of sorting destinations, delivery point compression allows sorting destination assignments that eliminate delivery points not likely to receive any items. Sorting destination assignments can be performed by a processor of the sorting machine based on expected item information and delivery point item frequency scores.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2022Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventor: Scott R. Bombaugh
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Patent number: 11826898Abstract: A virtual creature control system, including: a communication unit configured to receive information of current states of a plurality of virtual creatures and transmit a signal for controlling operations of the plurality of virtual creatures, at least one virtual creature among the plurality of virtual creatures being hardware; and a control unit configured to generate a signal for controlling an operation of the at least one virtual creature among the plurality of virtual creatures such that the plurality of virtual creatures are not visually recognized at a same time by a specific user and control the communication unit such that the signal is transmitted to the one virtual creature. The virtual creature control system and virtual creature control method can control the plurality of virtual creatures in conjunction and promote indirect communication among a plurality of spots using the virtual creatures.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Hideyuki Ono
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Patent number: 11823519Abstract: An arrangement for processing of value documents at a preparation station, prior to their processing by means of a value document processing apparatus, involves inserting the value documents into a container divided into several storage regions. The value documents of the respective deposit are removed at the preparation station from delivery containers which respectively include a unique deposit identification. A monitoring device automatically captures into which storage region of the value document container the value documents are inserted.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2019Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: GIESECKE+DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBHInventor: Andreas Jakobs
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Patent number: 11769246Abstract: A pistachio sorting device capable of accurately detecting BGY fluorescence emitted from a fluorescent material adhered to a shell of an in-shell pistachio to perform pass/fail determination and sort out defective products at high speed is provided. The pistachio sorting device comprises a lighting device 11 for irradiating in-shell pistachios which are objects to be sorted in an inspection region with ultraviolet light having a maximum peak wavelength within a range of 345 nm to 390 nm, an optical filter 12 for selectively transmitting light within a wavelength range of 500 nm to 600 nm, a sensor 13 for detecting a two-dimensional intensity distribution of the fluorescence transmitted through the optical filter 12 to generate two-dimensional image data indicating a two-dimensional intensity distribution of fluorescence in the inspection region, and a determining device for determining a pass/fail of for each object to be sorted 10 based on the two-dimensional image data.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: TOYO NUT CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuya Ishihara, Hiroto Nakajima
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Patent number: 11679604Abstract: Certain examples described herein relate to a buffer unit for a printing system. In certain cases, a measurement device is used to obtain measurement data representing an optical property of a printed image on a substrate. A buffer unit receives the substrate downstream of the measurement device and places the substrate in a queue. In certain cases, a controller determines, based on the measurement data, whether the printed image comprises a defect. Responsive to determining that the printed image does not comprise a defect, the controller causes the substrate to be moved from the buffer unit to an output stack. Responsive to determining that the printed image comprises a defect, the controller causes the substrate to not be moved to the output stack.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2017Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.Inventor: Yechiam Koloditsky
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Patent number: 11656680Abstract: A method of operating a virtual image generation system comprises allowing an end user to interact with a three-dimensional environment comprising at least one virtual object, presenting a stimulus to the end user in the context of the three-dimensional environment, sensing at least one biometric parameter of the end user in response to the presentation of the stimulus to the end user, generating biometric data for each of the sensed biometric parameter(s), determining if the end user is in at least one specific emotional state based on the biometric data for the each of the sensed biometric parameter(s), and performing an action discernible to the end user to facilitate a current objective at least partially based on if it is determined that the end user is in the specific emotional state(s).Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2020Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: George Alistair Sanger, Samuel A. Miller, Graeme John Devine
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Patent number: 11623250Abstract: A sorting system for inspected parts includes a storage assembly, a conveyance system, and a controller. The storage assembly has a plurality of bins configured to receive and store the inspected parts. The conveyance system is configured to deliver the inspected parts to the storage assembly. The controller programmed to, assign part types to each of the plurality of bins. The controller is further programmed to operate the conveyance system to deliver each of the inspected parts to one of the plurality of bins having a matching part type. The controller is further programmed to, in response to a full condition of the storage assembly, empty the inspected parts from a first the plurality of bins.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: General Inspection, LLCInventors: Michael G. Nygaard, Nathan Andrew-Paul Kujacznski, Christopher Michael Alexander, Laura L. Poletti, Gregory M. Nygaard, James W. St. Onge
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Patent number: 11560001Abstract: An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus, a first conveyance path, a sheet feeding unit, a sheet post-processing unit, and a controller. The image forming apparatus has a first feed portion, and an image forming portion. The sheet feeding apparatus has a sheet stacking portion, a second feed portion, a relay conveyance portion, and a remaining amount detecting portion. When, during continuous printing, the existing number of recording sheets present in a conveyance passage from a confluence portion to the first feed portion is more than the constituting number of recording sheets contained in one bundle of sheets and in addition the sensing result of the remaining amount sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the controller controls first feed portion such that the existing number of the recording sheets is less than the constituting number of recording sheets.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.Inventor: Seiichi Shirasaki
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Patent number: 11527072Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a waste receptacle, the system including a camera for capturing an image, a convolutional neural network, and processor. The convolutional neural network can be trained for identifying target waste receptacles. The processor can be mounted on the waste-collection vehicle and in communication with the camera and the convolutional neural network configured for using the convolutional neural network. The processor can be configured for using the convolutional neural network to generate an object candidate based on the image; using the convolutional neural network to determine whether the object candidate corresponds to a target waste receptacle; and selecting an action based on whether the object candidate is acceptable.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: MCNEILUS TRUCK AND MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Justin Szoke-Sieswerda, Kenneth Alexander McIsaac, Leo Van Kampen
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Patent number: 11503757Abstract: A system for sorting seeds based on their resistance to a stress is disclosed. Batches of purified seeds sorted using the system are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2018Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: SeedX Technologies Inc.Inventors: Mordekhay Shniberg, Elad Carmon, Sarel Ashkenazy, David Gedalyaho Vaisberger, Sharon Ayal
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Patent number: 11433430Abstract: An article discharge system includes a placement unit in which the article group is placed, plural grippers, a movable member, a robot that moves the movable member, weight acquisition units, and a control unit. The plural grippers grip some articles with gripping member. The plural grippers are attached to the movable member. The weight acquisition units acquire weight values of the articles that each of the grippers grips. The control unit moves the movable member, brings the plural grippers closer to the placement unit, causes the plural grippers to grip some of the articles of the article group placed in the placement unit, and, based on the result of a combination calculation using the weight values of the articles that each of the grippers grips and which the weight acquisition units have acquired, causes predetermined grippers among the plural grippers to release the articles and thereby discharge the articles.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2020Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: ISHIDA CO., LTD.Inventors: Shuichi Maeda, Yujiro Obayashi, Masaaki Hojo
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Patent number: 11325780Abstract: A method and a device for sorting cargo. The method includes: acquiring a to-be-allocated order; determining, for each target sorting unit, at least one of: a number of to-be-sorted orders of the target sorting unit, a number of types of to-be-sorted cargo, or a coincidence number of types of cargo between the target sorting unit and the to-be-allocated order; selecting a target sorting unit based on at least one of following items of each target sorting unit: the number to-be-sorted orders, the number of types of to-be-sorted cargo, or the coincidence number of types of cargo; and allocating the to-be-allocated order to the selected target sorting unit, such that the selected target sorting unit sorts out the cargo indicated by the to-be-allocated order.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2018Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Beijing Jingdong Zhenshi Information Technology Co., LtdInventor: Kun Chen
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Patent number: 11254011Abstract: Systems and methods are described, and an example system includes a transport bin configured to carry a baggage item and having spatial reference frame marking detectable by electromagnetic scan and by machine vision. The system includes a robotic arm apparatus at an inspection area, and includes a switched path baggage conveyor that, responsive to electromagnetic scan detection of an object-of-interest (OOI) within the baggage item, conveys the transport bin to the inspection area. The electromagnetic scan generates OOI geometric position information indicating geometric position of the OOI relative to the spatial reference frame marking. The robotic arm apparatus, responsive to receiving the transport bin, uses machine vision to detect orientation of the spatial reference frame marking, then translates OOI geometric position information to local reference frame, for robotic opening of the baggage item, and robotic accessing and contact swab testing on the OOI.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2021Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland SecurityInventor: Mark A. Fry
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Patent number: 11219925Abstract: A parcel-sorting facility for sorting parcels (115) comprises a conveyor (110) and receptacles (118) situated at sorting outlets (117) and corresponding to destination addresses of the parcels. Each sorting outlet is shared between a plurality of receptacles, only one of which is in a position (P0) for receiving parcels. A receptacle exchanger device (119) for exchanging receptacles is assigned to each outlet, and is configured for exchanging the receptacle in the receiving position at a given outlet with another of the receptacles sharing the outlet, and the sorting facility anticipates the arrival of a parcel at the outlet by placing the receptacle associated with the destination of this parcel in the receiving position whenever necessary.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2020Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: SOLYSTICInventors: Luc Chirol, Bruno Volta
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Patent number: 11179751Abstract: A package sort cell includes a robot with an end of arm tool for transporting packages from an in-feed conveyor to a selected one of a plurality of out-feed conveyors or bins, the robot receiving instruction from the package reader as to which of the plurality of conveyors or bins to hand-off the package. An end of arm tool may be in the configuration of a conveyor which may be aligned with the out-feed conveyor on a bottom up movement. The end of arm tool may also be in the configuration of a hanging carriage frame suspending a conveyor in a top down movement. A worker platform may be provided which may be movable between in-use and out-of-use positions whereby upon robot downtime, the platform may move into the in-use position for a worker to temporarily takeover the transfer functions of the robot. A plurality of sort cells may be arranged in side by side relation adjacent a like plurality of package delivery points (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2020Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: InTunes Products, LLCInventors: Michael Marseglia, Michael Fisher, Scott Baube, Christopher Angevine, Greggory Bartoo, Dennis O'Neill, Austin Smith
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Patent number: 11176628Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a system for providing visual feedback to an associate when stowing packages into containers. As an associate carries a package towards a container, a camera disposed over the container captures an image of the package that a computer vision system uses to identify a barcode on the package. Using the barcode, the system can determine the desired destination of the package and whether the container the associate is approaching is the correct destination of the package. If so, the feedback system can activate a directional light on above the container which outputs a first color (e.g., green), thereby informing the associate that the container she is approaching is the correct container. However, if container is not the correct destination of the package, the directional light outputs a different color light (e.g., red) which informs the associate the container is the wrong destination for the package.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Vikram Raghavan, Darren E. Canavor, Patrick Conlon, Ryan Conroy, Kallie Ryan
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Patent number: 11158395Abstract: A reliability evaluation apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided with a housing and a board insertable into the housing. A plurality of sockets are provided on the board. Semiconductor devices are respectively attachable to socket. The plurality of sockets have electrodes electrically connectable to terminals of the semiconductor devices. A heater is provided inside the housing. A controller is connected to the plurality of sockets and to the heater. The controller controls a voltage to be applied to the terminal of the semiconductor device and controls an output of the heater. A plurality of electromagnets are arranged inside the housing so as to be positioned above or below the plurality of sockets when the board is inserted into the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATIONInventors: Kazuyo Ishii, Hiroaki Maekawa
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Patent number: 11009860Abstract: A preparation schedule creating method includes: an information acquiring step of acquiring production schedule information including a production sequence, a commenceable time point, and a production deadline time point, member information related to the members, arrangement means information related to a state of arrangement means attached to production equipment and a state of equipment detached arrangement means detached from the production equipment, work quantity information related to a work quantity of arrangement work of arranging members on the arrangement means, worker information related to the number of workers that performs the arrangement work; a usable arrangement means selecting step of selecting a usable arrangement means based on the production schedule information and the arrangement means information; and a preparation work schedule determining step of determining the selected usable arrangement means as the usable arrangement means for one model in the preparation work schedule.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2019Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Hirokazu Takehara, Hiroki Sagara
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Patent number: 10868637Abstract: A message retransmission apparatus, method, and system. The method includes transmission of a multicast message to a plurality of nodes by a network communication device, receipt by the network communication device of return status messages from the plurality of nodes during a predetermined period of time, and retransmission by the network communication device of the message that was multicast by unicast to at least one of the plurality of nodes, that node having provided a state that does not correspond with the command included in the multicast message.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2019Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: California Eastern Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: James Paul Hartman
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Patent number: 10859926Abstract: A method of defect validation for a device manufacturing process, the method including: obtaining a first image of a pattern processed into an area on a substrate using the device manufacturing process under a first condition; obtaining a metrology image from the area; aligning the metrology image and the first image; and determining from the first image and the metrology image whether the area contains a defect, based on one or more classification criteria.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2016Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Hunsche, Rafael Aldana Laso, Vivek Kumar Jain, Marinus Jochemsen, Xinjian Zhou
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Patent number: 10860975Abstract: The subject innovation relates to a system for optimizing collection trips and/or delivery trips of a courier service, comprising a computer system with a database for storing address data records and for providing the address data records for a navigation system which can at least be read in at least one of the courier vehicles belonging to the courier service, has a display screen for navigation information and comprises an input system in the courier vehicle, which input system is connected to the computer system and is intended for the input of at least one item of additional information relating to at least one address data record, wherein the computer system is suitable for inserting the additional information into the stored address data records. The subject innovation also relates to a method for using this system.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2011Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: DEUTSCHE POST AGInventors: Boris Paul, Verena Wild, Thomas Schulte-Hillen, Keith Ulrich
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Patent number: 10838343Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a storage unit to store recording sheets, an image forming unit, an insertion unit, including an interleaving sheet tray on which an interleaving sheet is to be stacked, and to insert the interleaving sheet fed from the interleaving sheet tray between recording sheets conveyed from the image forming unit. The control unit selects between a first mode and a second mode to execute based on a detected remaining amount of recording sheets in the storage unit. The first mode is a mode for feeding the interleaving sheet, which is to be inserted, from the interleaving sheet tray regardless of whether a presence of the recording sheet in the storage unit is detected. The second mode is a mode for feeding the interleaving sheet from the interleaving sheet tray based on that presence of the recording sheet in the storage unit is detected.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Yumoto, Satoru Yamamoto, Toshiyuki Miyake, Katsuya Nakama, Riki Fukuhara, Akihiro Kawakita, Yutaka Ando, Akihiro Arai, Yuichiro Oda
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Patent number: 10823687Abstract: A system and method for detecting, measuring, and analyzing for metallic impurities in pharmaceutical drugs and compounds utilizes an x-ray fluorescence system. The system and method may be co-located with a pharmaceutical manufacturing process for in-line continuous monitoring of metal impurities. The pharmaceutical products may be in a form selected from a powder, slurry, pill, tablet, and gel.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: UHV Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Nalin Kumar, Manuel Gerardo Garcia, Jr.
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Patent number: 10691055Abstract: An image forming apparatus configured to change an interleaf control mode from a not confirmed sheet-feeding mode to a sheet-presence confirmed sheet-feeding mode when a remaining amount of recording sheets is less than a first threshold, wherein the image forming apparatus has a first mode of changing a feeding origin of a recording sheet, according to detection of absence of a recording sheet in a storage unit by a sheet presence/absence detection unit during execution of an image forming job, and a second mode of changing a feeding origin of a recording sheet, according to detection of a recording-sheet remaining amount of the storage unit less than a second threshold during execution of an image forming job, and wherein the second threshold is larger than the first threshold for changing an interleaf control mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akihiro Arai, Yutaka Ando, Toshiyuki Miyake, Riki Fukuhara, Yuichiro Oda
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Patent number: 10565629Abstract: Methods and systems for computerized valuation of electronic equipment. The computerized valuation method includes receiving an accurate identification of an asset, receiving a current value of the asset, and outputting the accurate identification of the asset and the current value of the asset to a user device. The receiving of the accurate identification of the asset includes receiving a computerized inventory of the asset.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: CARRIER SERVICES GROUP, INC.Inventor: Richard Lee Hartman
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Patent number: 10168693Abstract: The disclosure provides systems and methods of use in the analysis, collection, resource allocation, and tracking associated with the sale of commodities. Embodiments include a vibratory-and-optical analysis and collection system that may be incorporated into a collection and storage machine. The analysis and collection system and/or the collection and storage machine may be associated with a consumption-based resource-allocation system that determines a payment price for a batch of commodity sold and then digitally allocates all transaction resources to the relevant stakeholders to the commodity sales transaction occurring at the analysis and collection system and/or the collection and storage machine. A commodity-to-consumer tracking system may be provided to track the batch of commodity sold from the point of harvest and sale through to the end consumer. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Bext Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Dean Michael Kingston, Daniel Paul Jones, Corey Baker Kashiwa
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Patent number: 10118200Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting an electronic device undergoing a final test operation in accordance with a test program, into one of a plurality of bins. In one embodiment, an evaluator defines the binning of the electronic device while the device is still socketed, and the defined binning may or may not concur with the binning assigned by the test program.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: OPTIMAL PLUS LTDInventors: Reed Linde, Gil Balog
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Patent number: 10055667Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to generating a model for an object encountered by a robot in its environment, where the object is one that the robot is unable to recognize utilizing existing models associated with the robot. The model is generated based on vision sensor data that captures the object from multiple vantages and that is captured by a vision sensor associated with the robot, such as a vision sensor coupled to the robot. The model may be provided for use by the robot in detecting the object and/or for use in estimating the pose of the object.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLCInventors: Kurt Konolige, Nareshkumar Rajkumar, Stefan Hinterstoisser
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Patent number: 10022753Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for an automated mailbox system. The automated mailbox system includes a personal device configured to manage a robot. The robot includes a base that forms a foundation for the robot and is coupled to a post. The robot includes a mailbox having a door. The mailbox is configured to receive documents when in the open position. The robot includes a transportation component that moves the robot in multiple directions among multiple locations. The transportation component is configured to move the robot in a first direction to a first location.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Suhas E. Chelian, Allison Thackston, Douglas Moore
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Patent number: 10001738Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image on a sheet while conveying the sheet at an image forming speed, a discharge roller pair to discharge the sheet, a conveyance roller pair to convey the sheet from the image forming unit to the discharge roller pair, and a control unit to control a motor to switch a speed of the conveyance roller pair and the discharge roller pair between a first speed corresponding to the image forming speed and a second speed higher than the first speed. In first control, the speed is switched from the second to the first speed at timing at which a trailing end of the sheet reaches a first position. In second control, the speed is switched from the second to the first speed at timing at which a leading end of a subsequent sheet reaches a second position.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2016Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Eiko Mori
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Patent number: 9809333Abstract: A box-packing system having a first conveyor, a first robot that applies suction, holds, and transports a package, and a control device. The package includes soft packaging material, and is conveyed by the first conveyor. The control device operates the first robot to move the package to a box-packing preparation area. The first robot has a suction part applying suction the package from above, an arm that moves the suction part in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, and a servomotor. The servomotor drives the arm so that the suction part can apply suction to the package at a predetermined vertical location. An acquisition part of the control device acquires thickness information of the package. The determination part determines the predetermined height location based the thickness information. The command generation part drives the servomotor in response to the predetermined height location determined by the determination part.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: ISHIDA CO., LTD.Inventors: Shizuo Minamino, Kousuke Watanabe
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Patent number: 9800746Abstract: Generally, a job management apparatus of the present embodiment which sends a print job to an image forming apparatus comprises a communication section and a controller. The communication section communicates with the image forming apparatus and a delivery apparatus configured to deliver a sheet printed by the image forming apparatus to a delivery destination. The controller calculates printing time relating to completion of execution of the print job by the image forming apparatus and first arrival time when the delivery apparatus reaches the image forming apparatus and enables the image forming apparatus to execute the print job at a timing when the image forming apparatus can complete the execution of the print job by the first arrival time.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takahiro Sasaki
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Patent number: 9599572Abstract: An optical inspection system including a first multiplicity of cameras operative to image a second multiplicity of regions on an object, a third multiplicity of illumination sources and at least one illumination manager operative to combine illumination from the third multiplicity of illumination sources and thereafter to direct illumination therefrom to the second multiplicity of regions, the at least one illumination manager including a beam distributor receiving a composite input beam of a multiplicity of non-mutually coherent, spatially concentrated laser pulses and directing a multiplicity of composite output beams of a plurality of the non-mutually coherent, spatially concentrated laser pulses to a corresponding plurality of spatially distinct locations corresponding to the second multiplicity of regions.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Orbotech Ltd.Inventors: Ronen Levy, Ofer Saphier, Ariel Danan
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Patent number: 9569714Abstract: A system and method is described for an automated RFID quality control process. The method may include configuring an RFID manufacturing press with quality control specifications, manufacturing a batch of RFID inlays, executing a performance test on each RFID inlay, comparing the results of the performance test to the quality control specifications, and determining a pass or fail status for the batch of RFID inlays based on the results of the performance test. The system may include an RFID manufacturing press having at least one lane, at least one interrogator antenna, and programmable control logic for the RFID manufacturing press, wherein the programmable control logic is adapted to execute a performance test on each RFID relay of a batch of RFID relays output by the manufacturing press, compare the results of the performance test to user-configurable quality control specifications, and determine whether the batch of RFID relays meets the specifications.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES, LLCInventors: Chris Marcus, Edward A. Armijo
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Patent number: 9463492Abstract: A method of merging postal articles (11) for delivery together with mailpieces (2) sorted in a machine (1) into relevant delivery rounds, the method comprising the following steps: entering data into the sorting machine that is representative of the delivery addresses of the postal articles to be merged; in the sorting machine, simulating an ordered sequence of mailpieces for delivery on the relevant delivery round, and, on the basis of said data, determining in this simulated sequence respective locations for said postal articles to be merged; sorting said mailpieces into sorting outlets of the machine for delivery on relevant delivery rounds, and, while each mailpiece is being machine-sorted, detecting whether said mailpiece is a mailpiece adjacent to a postal article to be merged in said simulated sequence; and responding to each said detection by inserting a separator (10) into the sorting machine so as to direct it automatically towards the sorting outlet of the machine that corresponds to the deliverType: GrantFiled: January 13, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: SOLYSTICInventor: Olivier Roch
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Patent number: 9376287Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes a conveying roller provided on an inner side of a curved part of a conveying path of a sheet; a driving unit configured to rotate the conveying roller; a drive control unit configured to control a rotation speed of the conveying roller by the driving unit; a rotation speed detecting unit configured to detect the rotation speed of the conveying roller; a conveying unit configured to convey the sheet laid across the conveying roller and the conveying unit; a conveying speed detecting unit configured to detect a conveying speed of the sheet; and a sheet thickness detecting unit configured to detect a thickness of the sheet based on the conveying speed of the sheet detected by the conveying speed detecting unit and the rotation speed of the conveying roller detected by the rotation speed detecting unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2012Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Yoshihiro Asano, Minoru Takahashi, Takahisa Koike
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Patent number: 9321083Abstract: A method of sorting mailpieces into a sorting frame having sorting slots where, in a sorting pass, and in a memory of a monitoring/control unit with a display screen, recording digital images of mailpieces to be sorted, each image including a delivery address; on the basis of each digital image of a mailpiece, generating a sorting code identifying a sorting slot of the sorting frame, and, in the memory, organizing the mailpieces into virtual stacks of images, each virtual stack of images corresponding to a stack of mailpieces placed in a stack in a sorting slot of the sorting frame and the images in each virtual stack of images being sequenced in the same order as the mailpieces in said stack of mailpieces; and in a subsequent sorting pass, displaying on the screen the images and a sorting code of said mailpieces organized in a virtual stack.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: SOLYSTICInventors: Bruno Volta, Emmanuel Miette
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Patent number: 9296561Abstract: A device for providing items for more than one order from a warehouse according to each particular order comprises at least one temporary storage device linked with the warehouse for temporarily storing items of at least one order, at least one collection zone linked with the at least one temporary storage device for collecting the items of the at least one completed order, and a separation zone having a number of delivery lines for providing the items of the at least one completed order according to the respective order.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: DÜRKOPP FÖRDERTECHNIK GMBHInventors: Michael Wend, Dirk Zajonc, Sigurd Völker, Dirk Sieksmeier
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Patent number: 9256998Abstract: A banknote handling machine according to the present invention efficiently utilizes stacking units so as to efficiently process banknotes by returning odd banknotes of a first predetermined type in every transaction whereas keeping odd banknotes of a second predetermined type in a stacking unit, and performing subsequent transaction when banknote processing including depositing, taking-in, recognizing, sorting/stacking, and bundling of banknotes and confirming the deposit amount for one transaction is sequentially performed for a plurality of transactions.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: GLORY LTD.Inventor: Osamu Ito
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Patent number: 9149843Abstract: In a sheet processing apparatus which checks sheets and sorts the sheets for a plurality of cassettes on the basis of the check result and conditions for the sheets which are assigned to the respective cassettes, conditions for sheets such as bill types and bill states which are assigned to the respective cassettes are displayed on a display unit. When an instruction to save these setting contents is issued while a cassette and conditions for sheets which are displayed on the display unit are selected, the selected conditions for sheets are assigned to the selected cassette.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2014Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventor: Toru Otsuka
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Patent number: 9111399Abstract: The present application relates to techniques and equipment for printing documents, inspecting the quality of the documents and correcting for defective printed material in a document processing environment. The present techniques and equipment detect one or more defective pages in a document and uniquely identify the defective document. Once the defective document is identified, it can be removed from a document processing system while continuing the document processing run for subsequent documents in a mailing.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Bell and Howell, LLCInventor: Michael J. McIntee