Eric J Schaffer

Title: **Eric J. Schaffer: Innovator in Control Systems and Conveying Technologies**

Introduction

Eric J. Schaffer is an accomplished inventor based in Eden Prairie, MN, who has made significant contributions to the fields of control systems and conveyor technologies. With a total of two patents to his name, Schaffer has developed innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of various industrial applications.

Latest Patents

One of Schaffer’s notable inventions is the patent for an **Electronic CAM compensation of pressure change of servo controlled pumps**. This invention minimizes pressure fluctuations during pump changeover by sampling the pressure characteristics of the pump for each cycle. It calculates a compensating motion profile that is then applied to the motor driving the pump. This control mechanism is applicable to any pump that features positive displacement and repeating cycle characteristics whilst ensuring that the output pressure cycle curve does not fall to zero.

Another significant patent by Schaffer is the **Noncontact conveyor feeder system**. This system facilitates the transfer of randomly spaced products from an input conveyor to precise locations within the flites of a wrapper conveyor. It incorporates multiple independently driven conveyors, each with product positioning drive subsystems that associate products on their respective conveyors with target flites. The drive subsystems not only characterize positional errors relative to target flites but also adjust the velocity of the conveyors based on those errors and the fill state of associated target flites. Furthermore, spacing conveyors upstream work in tandem with the positioning conveyors, ensuring optimal product spacing through coordinated velocity control.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Eric J. Schaffer has worked with notable companies such as **MTS Systems Corporation** and **Graco Inc.** His experiences in these organizations have undoubtedly contributed to his inventive prowess and understanding of complex engineering challenges.

Collaborations

Eric has collaborated with fellow engineers and inventors, including **David J. Hanson** and **Neal A. Werner**. These partnerships have likely facilitated knowledge exchange and the enhancement of ideas, thereby fostering innovative solutions in their respective fields.

Conclusion

Eric J. Schaffer stands out as a prominent inventor whose contributions to the industry reflect a commitment to improving efficiency and operational reliability. His patents in control systems and conveyor technologies not only highlight his innovative mindset but also significantly impact the way industries manage product handling and pump control. As technology continues to evolve, Schaffer’s work will likely inspire future innovations in diverse engineering applications.