US 11273944

This analysis summarizes US patent 11273944, "Adaptive container loading assembly," based on the provided patent text and current search capabilities. As of April 26, 2026, no specific cases related to patent 11273944 were found in the CAFC 2026 dockets through targeted searching. Therefore, all information below is derived directly from the patent document itself.

US Patent 11273944: Concise Summary

• Title: Adaptive container loading assembly
• Assignee: JLS Automation LLC
• Inventor: Gary Pickett
• Filing Date: 2019-08-29
• Issue Date (Publication Date): 2022-03-15
• Abstract: An adaptive container loading assembly is disclosed, comprising a container forming assembly, a container shuttle assembly, and a product transport assembly. The container forming assembly produces various sized containers. The container shuttle assembly, positioned next to the container forming assembly, features a linear synchronous motor (LSM) guideway in an endless loop. This guideway carries multiple transport vehicles, each consisting of a leading and a trailing shuttle, spaced to accommodate different container sizes. The product transport assembly, located adjacent to the container shuttle assembly, utilizes a robot arm to place products into the containers.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

Independent Claim 1:
This claim describes an adaptive container packaging assembly designed to handle different sized containers. It includes three main parts:

1. Container Forming Assembly: This part creates various sizes of containers.
2. Product Transport Assembly: This part is next to the container shuttle assembly and has a robot arm that puts products into the containers.
3. Container Shuttle Assembly: This part is next to the container forming assembly and features:
   • A track (guideway) that uses linear synchronous motors (LSM) and forms a continuous loop.
   • Multiple "transport vehicles" that move along this track. Each transport vehicle is made up of several "shuttles" that can be spaced apart to fit different sized containers.
   • Each individual shuttle has an upper body connected to two sets of guide rollers (first and second guide rollers).
   • A "carrier assembly" is attached to the top of the shuttle's upper body. This carrier assembly has two parallel "first carrier sections" and a "second carrier section" located between and parallel to the first sections.
   • A "holding block" extends across the width of the carrier assembly and perpendicular to the first carrier sections.
   • Each of the first carrier sections includes both a pair of "leading extension members" and a single "trailing extension member," all extending outward from its center.