# US 2026/0288085 A1 · Apparatuses and methods to automate safety mechanisms for rolling system in manufacturing plants > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2026/0288085 A1 - Document ID: US20260288085A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 19/085,531 - Filed: 2025-03-20 - Published: 2026-09-24 - Earliest claimed: 2025-03-20 - Assignees: D-Riven Automotive Solutions LLC - Applicants: D-Riven Automotive Solutions LLC - Inventors: George Morrison III; Adam Nine; Timothy B. Rood; Robert Bruckman - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20260288085A1 ## CPC - G05B 9/02: electric - G05B: CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS (systems for controlling or regulating non-electric variables G05D; systems for regulating electric or magnetic variables G05F; control devices or systems insofar as characterised by mechanical features only G05G) ## Abstract The present invention relates to an automated safety mechanism for rolling systems in manufacturing plants, particularly for thermoplastic and thermoset sheet processing. The system prevents accidental roller closure during maintenance using a high-strength stop block actuated by hydraulic, pneumatic, or electromechanical mechanisms. An intelligent control system integrates sensors, feedback loops, and fail-safes to ensure precise deployment and retraction. The mechanism operates in automatic, manual, and emergency stop modes, enhancing worker safety and equipment protection. Additionally, network connectivity enables remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and diagnostics, optimizing operational efficiency while reducing downtime and the risk of injury in industrial rolling applications. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An automated safety mechanism for a rolling machine, comprising: a frame supporting at least one rollers and a hard surface; a mechanical extension mechanism configured to move the stop block between a retracted position and a deployed position; and a mounting assembly securing the stop block to the frame; wherein in the deployed position, the stop block physically prevents the roller from collapsing to the hard surface; and wherein in the retracted position, the stop block does not physically prevent the roller from collapsing to the hard surface. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The automated safety mechanism of claim 1, wherein the mechanical extension mechanism is selected from the group consisting of pistons, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, linear actuators, rotary actuators, and mechanical linkages. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The automated safety mechanism of claim 1, wherein the stop block is configured with an indentation shaped to conform to the surface of the roller. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The automated safety mechanism of claim 1, wherein the stop block is coupled to a locking mechanism that prevents unintended retraction when the rolling machine is in a maintenance state. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The automated safety mechanism of claim 1, wherein the stop block is designed to be retrofittable onto existing rolling machines. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The automated safety mechanism of claim 1, wherein the stop block is constructed with an energy-absorbing material to mitigate impact forces if the roller attempts to collapse. ### Claim 7 An electronic control system for an automated safety mechanism in a rolling machine, comprising: a processor; a memory storing control instructions for operating a stop block; an actuator controller operatively coupled to a mechanical extension mechanism for deploying the stop block; and a communication bus facilitating data exchange between the processor, memory, and actuator controller. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The electronic control system of claim 7, further comprising a sensor controller operatively coupled to at least one sensor configured to detect the real-time position of the roller and/or the stop block. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The electronic control system of claim 7, further comprising an external I/O controller configured to communicate with a user interface device for system diagnostics, firmware updates, controls, and/or operational adjustments. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The electronic control system of claim 7, wherein the actuator controller is configured to receive a fail-safe signal to lock the stop block in a deployed position in the event of system failure. ### Claim 11 (depends on 7) The electronic control system of claim 7, further comprising a wireless communication module configured to transmit system status updates to a remote monitoring device. ### Claim 12 A method for automatically deploying a stop block in a rolling machine, comprising: detecting a roller movement indicative of a maintenance state; transmitting a control signal to an actuator; activating the actuator to move a stop block from a retracted position to a deployed position; and preventing the roller from collapsing by engaging the stop block in the deployed position. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, further comprising determining a deployment condition based on sensor data monitoring the real-time position of the roller. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, further comprising transmitting an alert to an operator confirming successful deployment of the stop block. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, linear actuators, and mechanical linkages. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the stop block remains deployed until an operator acknowledges a system prompt to retract it. ### Claim 17 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, further comprising executing a safety lock mode in which the rolling machine remains inoperable until a confirmation signal is received. ### Claim 18 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, further comprising detecting an anomaly in roller movement and initiating an emergency deployment of the stop block. ### Claim 19 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the stop block deployment is triggered when the roller reaches a predetermined maintenance position. ### Claim 20 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, further comprising verifying successful deployment through a feedback loop incorporating position sensors.