For An Annular Article Patents (Class 206/303)
  • Patent number: 11453040
    Abstract: A binding machine includes: an accommodation portion accommodating a reel around which a wire is wound; a wire feeding portion configured to feed the wire in a forward direction, winds the wire around a binding object, feeds the wire in a reverse direction, and wraps the wire around the binding object; and a torsion portion that twists the wire. The accommodation portion accommodates the reel such that the reel is offset in one direction along an axial direction of the reel with respect to the wire feeding portion. The binding machine further includes a restricting portion, in a wire passage between the reel and the wire feeding portion, which protrudes inward of the accommodation portion and has a restricting surface with which the wire bent in the other direction along the axial direction of the reel between the reel and the wire feeding portion comes in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: MAX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Yoshida, Hiroki Ishiguro, Terufumi Hamano, Akira Kasahara
  • Patent number: 11447318
    Abstract: A wax ring tray configured to store a wax ring therein includes a base, a first flexible member and a second flexible member. The first and second flexible members are positioned radially outward from a center of the base, and extend from the base to respective first and second ends. The first flexible member and the second flexible member are configured to transition between respective first positions and second positions. In the first position of the first flexible member, the first end of the first flexible member is positioned radially outward relative to the first end in the second position. In the first position of the second flexible member, a second end of the second flexible member is positioned radially outward relative to the second end of the second flexible member in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: OATEY CO.
    Inventor: Alexander Lee Davis
  • Patent number: 11351814
    Abstract: An aircraft wheel hub protector is adapted to engage an aircraft wheel including an aircraft tire on a rim. The aircraft wheel hub protector having two or more cover sections with a protective protrusion and coupling mechanism guide extending from the a first cover section and passing through a bearing race and internal surface within a hub of the rim of the aircraft wheel in such a fashion so as to provide a void within the protective protrusion. The second cover section is engaged with an opposed side of the aircraft wheel from the first cover section. A coupling mechanism passes through the void in the protective protrusion without having contact with the bearing race and internal surfaces within the hub of the rim and coupling the first cover section and securing the aircraft wheel hub protector to the aircraft wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Bill Thomas Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Ordonez, Neil Waldron
  • Patent number: 11345511
    Abstract: An Artist's implement container and base mount having a plurality upper hexagonal cells with a recess therein. The cells have double parallel linear hooks and single linear lips and a coupling strip, with a hole there through. There is a plurality of lower hexagonal cells with a recess therein. The lower cells have plurality of double parallel linear hooks and single linear lips and a coupling strip, with a hole there through. Lastly, there is a base mount comprising a base portion and a bayonet connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Travis Franklin
  • Patent number: 11185187
    Abstract: A wire chafing stand of embodiments of the disclosed technology has an upper enclosed rim, a lower enclosed rim, and a detachable sign. The detachable sign has an elongated planar structure with front and rear sides. The front side has visible indicia. The rear side has an attachment mechanism sized to be removably attachable to the lower enclosed rim. This detachable sign is at an acute angle to a plane which is circumscribed by the lower enclosed rim in some embodiments of the technology. The sign has a bottom and top side between the front side and rear side. In some embodiments of the technology, this bottom side is adapted to rest against a same surface as the wire chafing stand rests, allowing the sign to be held/to rest at an acute angle while simultaneously being attached to and/or resting on the lower enclosed rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventor: Robert J. Skvorecz
  • Patent number: 11111963
    Abstract: Provided is a transport jig to be packed together with a double-row self-aligning roller bearing having an intermediate flange when the double-row self-aligning roller bearing is transported. The transport jig is formed in a ring shape having inner and outer diameters that allow the transport jig to be radially accommodated between an outer circumferential surface of an end portion of an inner ring and an inner circumferential surface of an end portion of an outer ring of the double-row self-aligning roller bearing, has a shape such that one side surface of the transport jig comes into contact with an end surface of each rolling element of the double-row self-aligning roller bearing and another side surface of the transport jig protrudes beyond end surfaces of the inner and outer rings, and is formed from a material softer than the rolling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Natsumi Miyata
  • Patent number: 11002317
    Abstract: A system having a rolling bearing providing at least an outer ring, at least an inner ring and at least a seal, which seals an inner space of the rolling bearing on a first axial end of the rolling bearing against ingress of liquids and dust. The system further provides a transportation safety device, which is attached to the rolling bearing and restricts swiveling of the inner ring relative to the outer ring in comparison to a state of the rolling bearing in which the transportation safety device is detached from the rolling bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Anna Isabella Flodstrom, Niclas Thim
  • Patent number: 10980702
    Abstract: A portable compression system for preventing deep vein thrombosis is provided. The portable compression system includes an inflatable apparatus comprising a monitor unit and at least one inflatable air cell. The portable compression system further includes an outer cuff comprising a pocket configured to receive the inflatable apparatus, the outer cuff configured to be wrapped around a portion of a patient's body where prevention of deep vein thrombosis is desired. The portable compression system further includes a disposable sleeve barrier configured to provide a physical barrier between the outer cuff and the portion of the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: DJO, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Moore
  • Patent number: 10940659
    Abstract: Stock material units that may be used in a dunnage conversion machine. For example, stock material units include sheet material that may be fed into the dunnage conversion machine and may be converted thereby into dunnage. The stock material unit includes one or more material sheets that form a three-dimensional body and a strap assembly wrapped about the three-dimensional body. The strap assembly includes a base sheet that defines a first face of the strap assembly, a reinforcement member secured to the base sheet and extending along at least a portion of a length thereof, and an adhesive securing a first end of the strap assembly to an opposite, second end of the strap assembly to retain the dunnage in the stock material unit configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging LLC
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Eric Charles Wright
  • Patent number: 10894691
    Abstract: An apparatus for installing cable that includes an outer box. Some embodiments include a reel, the cable, multiple components for installing the cable, and an inner packaging component that holds the components. Some embodiments include tie holes (e.g., two that line up) for passage of a zip tie for attachment of the apparatus to an identical box or anchoring object when pulling the cable. Boxes may include a left side with side flaps connected to front and back sides and cable holes in each flap line up when the box is assembled for passage of cable from the apparatus. The reel may be loose inside the box, which acts as a brake to keep the reel from over spinning when (e.g., communications) cable is pulled. Some outer boxes include certain sides, bends, flaps, tabs, or slots. The inner packaging component may be held in position by an elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Automated Systems Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin R. Kiziah
  • Patent number: 10832927
    Abstract: An interlocking ring wafer separator for reducing particles during shipment of integrated circuit wafers has a wafer shelf, an interlocking tab which prevents the edge of the wafer from coming into contact with the inner wall of the wafer shipping container, and an interlocking slot into which the interlocking tab of a second interlocking ring wafer separator may be inserted locking the two interlocking ring wafer separators together in the coin stacked wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Albert Winston Dulay Escusa, William Casuga Nisperos, Lorence S. Pareja
  • Patent number: 10818530
    Abstract: Carrier, container or other system that provides a separation and protection for substrates, wafers, etc. for before, during or after processing or storage through the use of a membrane integral to the carrier or container respectively. This includes for use with Tec-Cell systems with high and low density configurations as well as other standardized systems, such as FOUPs. Includes protection for contamination brakeage chafing, through isolation and containment. Additional features are included such as the membrane providing guides or otherwise increasing efficiency or presence of airflow, such as laminar airflow over each substrate, wafer, etc. being held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventors: Fachri Atamny, Gerhard Dovids, Yves Fenner
  • Patent number: 10814672
    Abstract: A packaging system having an outboard guard and an outboard retainer cap. The outboard guard includes an outboard guard opening having a hole through the planform of the outboard guard, an engagement portion having an annular surface radially surrounding the outboard guard opening, an outboard bearing protector portion having an annular surface radially surrounding the engagement portion of the outboard guard, and an outer rim having an annular surface radially surrounding the outboard bearing protector portion. The outboard retainer cap is configured to be removably affixed to the outboard guard and includes an outboard alignment protrusion having a circular surface, an engagement portion having an annular surface radially surrounding the outboard alignment protrusion, and a retaining flange having an annular surface radially surrounding the engagement portion of the outboard retainer cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: KIC, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Lemen, Pengchong Li
  • Patent number: 10784135
    Abstract: A substrate container with a substrate retainer mounted to a biased actuation linkage, and a door assembly with latch assist. Various configurations for biasing the substrate retainer in a substrate non-engagement position are disclosed. The biasing helps prevent the substrate retainer from hanging up due to friction that might otherwise counter the gravitational force that is otherwise relied upon for disengagement. The assembly may also include retention clips that positively secure the substrate retainer to the actuation linkage. The latch assist provides springs that deliver stored energy to assist in latching and unlatching the door assembly from the substrate carrier. The latch assist further provides off-center forces that bias the latching mechanism in either an unlatched or a fully latched configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: ENTEGRIS, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony Mathius Tieben, Christopher Strickhouser
  • Patent number: 10696476
    Abstract: A cassette for packing waste material into an elongated tube of flexible material is provided. The cassette includes a ring-shaped receptacle defining a central opening and a storage area for receiving the elongated tube of flexible material. The cassette also includes a cover at a top portion of the storage area and a plurality of projecting elements extending from a periphery of the cassette and being configured to support the cassette in a waste storage container. Also provided is a cassette which includes a lip having a variable projection width. A waste storage container is also provided including a cassette holder having a hollow area for removably receiving a cassette, the cassette being configured to matingly fit into the hollow area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL REFILLS COMPANY LTD.
    Inventor: Michel Morand
  • Patent number: 10655355
    Abstract: A method of forming a post sleeve within a post hole in the ground to include a post receiving cavity to insertably receive and support a post is provided. The method includes positioning a post sleeve core within the post hole with the aid of an elongate installation member and depositing uncured material into the post hole to at least partially surround the post sleeve core while the post sleeve core is attached to the elongate installation member. The method further includes allowing the uncured material to harden around the post sleeve core to form at least a portion of the post-receiving cavity of the post sleeve and removing the post sleeve core from the hardened material to expose the post receiving cavity to receive and support the post. Other related methods of forming post sleeves are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 10643876
    Abstract: A substrate carrier stack includes substrate carriers of only one type which are stacked or stackable on each other and carry a respective plate-shaped substrates within an inner accommodation space of the substrate carrier stack. The substrate carriers each include positioning formations. Positioning formations of each pair of an upper substrate carrier and a lower substrate carrier are mutually engaged or engageable, if the upper substrate carrier and the lower substrate carrier are properly positioned relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventors: Thomas Schober, Bernd Rahrbach, Christian Wohanka, Yves Fenner, Gerhard Dovids, John Fiddes
  • Patent number: 10573545
    Abstract: A substrate carrier stack includes substrate carriers which are stacked or stackable on each other and carry substrates within an inner accommodation space of the substrate carrier stack. The substrate carrier stack includes at least one first purging channel and at least one second purging channel, which extend vertically parallel to the inner accommodation space at opposing sides thereof, and purging structures which enable horizontal purging flows within the substrate carrier stack through spaces between substrates held by the substrate carriers. The substrate carriers each include an outer carrier frame provided with a seat to carry a substrate, wherein the outer carrier frame extends around the first and second purging channels and the inner accommodation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventors: Thomas Schober, Bernd Rahrbach, Christian Wohanka, Yves Fenner, Gerhard Dovids, John Fiddes
  • Patent number: 10486841
    Abstract: A method for producing a pack from containers includes arranging containers into a container group, applying adhesive to the containers, placing an opening thread in the adhesive, attaching an engagement element to the opening thread, and joining the containers, the adhesive, the opening thread, and the engagement element, thereby forming the pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Düpper
  • Patent number: 10468280
    Abstract: A package assembly for thin wafer shipping using a wafer container and a method of use are disclosed. The package assembly includes a shipping container and a wafer container having a bottom surface and a plurality of straps attached thereto placed within the shipping container. The package assembly further includes upper and lower force distribution plates provided within the shipping container positioned respectively on a top side and bottom side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Damyon L. Corbin, Charles F. Musante
  • Patent number: 10436380
    Abstract: A collapsible hanger and adapter combination apparatus consisting of a single piece of material configured when folded to form a hanger including a top with an adapter receiving section and an object connection section connected with the top. An adapter is configured for selective insertion and removal from the adapter receiving section where the adapter includes a tapered front and a top and a bottom. A means for removably connecting the top of the hanger with a surface is provided as well as a means for removably connecting the top of the adapter with the hanger when the tapered front of the adapter is inserted into the adapter receiving section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Louis Shawbitz
  • Patent number: 10403526
    Abstract: The system, method and apparatus described relates generally to a device related to substrate storage and processing. In one example embodiment to methods, apparatus, and systems of a substrate storage and processing module improving upon existing devices used in one or more instances for substrate transportation, sorting, and cleaning. The single piece design system may contain and support substrates in a method, reducing strain on its contents by utilizing an innovative support system without the use of standard clamping techniques and, in this or other iterations, such stacking methods may minimize chaffing of surfaces. Thus the device is vastly improved in its ability to preserve pristine conditions of contained substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventors: Thomas Schober, Bernd Rahrbach, Christian Wohanka, Yves Fenner, Gerhard Dovids
  • Patent number: 10245409
    Abstract: A device and method for holding coils of medical tubing is provided to simplify packaging and organizing the various coils of medical tubing needed for a medical device. This will make it easier for the patient to manipulate each coil of tubing, particularly in a home setting involving a home dialysis machine operated by the patient. The tube holding device advantageously reduces the probability of entanglement and groups the coils of tubing individually. It also mitigates and/or eliminates the need for tape to bundle the coils. Specifically, benefits of the tube holding device according to the system described herein include: reduced cost; ease-of-use; prevention of entanglement of coils of tubing; ease of packaging and shipping; and does not require packaging tape to bundle tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik A. Quiroz, Anina Cooter
  • Patent number: 10207420
    Abstract: A method and tooling for fabricating a thin plastic plate of large format and of large thickness and including a card of small format and of small thickness that is detachable from the plate. The method, which may be implemented using the tooling, includes operations for making a spotface in a face of the plate to a depth equal to the difference between the large thickness and the small thickness; punching in the spotface zone along a leveling direction facing another face of the plate opposite from the first face, to a leveling stroke (en) equal to the depth of the spotface, in order to bring the bottom of the spotface level with the first face of the plate; and pre-cutting an outline of the card within the leveled zone, in order to make the card detachable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: IDEMIA FRANCE
    Inventors: Olivier Bosquet, Mickael Huet
  • Patent number: 10179697
    Abstract: A waste disposal system with a compact footprint. The waste disposal system device accepts a cassette having a length of tubular liner film. The waste disposal device and cassette can have similar cross-sectional geometry. The waste disposal device and/or cassette comprise a first wall, a second wall, and a first included angle defined therebetween between about sixty and about one-hundred twenty degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Chenvainu, Robert F Rosasco, III
  • Patent number: 10081489
    Abstract: A waste-disposal unit comprises a bin having an open top end for accessing an inner cavity of the bin. A support in the bin is adapted to support a bag unit at the open top end for waste to be received in the bag unit in the inner cavity of the bin. A covering device is removably positioned on the bin at the open top end. The covering device comprises a body for covering at least a portion of the bag unit when installed on the top open end. A downward projection on the covering device, the downward projection adapted to have at least a tip thereof positioned lower than an uppermost edge of the bag unit, and inward of an outermost edge of the bag unit in the inner cavity of the bin. A method for inserting a bag unit in the bin is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL REFILLS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Michel Morand
  • Patent number: 10077147
    Abstract: A package for holding one or more cup-contained comestible units in a vertical column, whereby the package is thermoformed of plastic in two mating flanged thin-walled clam-shell halves. The clam-shell halves together form one or more comestible compartments, each with an intermediate cup retainer ring for overlying the upper edge of a cup(s) to restrain the cup-wrapped comestible unit(s) from movement, and enabling clean insertion and removal of the comestible units without hand contact with toppings. Each compartment has a lower section for containing the cup, an upper section for containing topping above the cup, and an intermediate retainer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventors: Abagale Stone, Garrick S. Stone
  • Patent number: 10072326
    Abstract: A holder for securing at least one rod-shaped substrate body having a variable cross-section along the substrate body has a substrate body region BQ1 comprising a surface to be treated. The holder comprises at least one perforated wall as the front wall, the wall having at least one opening, and also comprises a support element and a retaining element. The support element is constructed and/or secured in the opening in such a way that at least part of the substrate body can be arranged longitudinally and obliquely in the support element and the retaining element is constructed and/or secured in the opening in such a way that the retaining element can retain the substrate body at a point between the region BQ1 and the remainder of the substrate body such that the region BQ1 protrudes from the holder through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: OERLIKON SURFACE SOLUTIONS AG, PFAFFIKON
    Inventors: Max Siebert, Remo Vogel, Karl Wolfgang Jotz
  • Patent number: 10029871
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that forms an image on a sheet material based on a sheet material setting relating to the sheet material. The image forming apparatus includes an accepting unit configured to accept a selection of a sheet material type, a thickness measurement unit configured to measure a thickness of the sheet material, and a setting determination unit configured to determine the sheet material setting that relates to the thickness of the sheet material based on the sheet material type accepted by the accepting unit and the thickness of the sheet material measured by the thickness measurement unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keita Maejima, Shingo Nishizaki, Yuji Ikeda, Takuya Murata, Kazuho Satoh
  • Patent number: 10018594
    Abstract: A fixing device for acoustic emission test sensors for rock damage testing, the device including: a fixing frame, installation bases operating to accommodate the acoustic emission test sensors, respectively, fixing assemblies operating to fix the acoustic emission test sensors in the installation bases, and installation mechanisms operating to install the installation bases on the fixing frame. The fixing frame is an integrated loop-shaped frame. Each of the installation bases is a cylinder structure which includes: a cavity corresponding to an outer edge of each of the acoustic emission test sensors, and a wall including a gap for leading out wires of each sensor. The installation mechanisms are adapted to automatically and axially adjust positions of the installation bases. The installation mechanisms are four in number. The four installation mechanisms are disposed on a same section plane of the fixing frame and every two installation mechanisms are oppositely disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: SICHUAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jianfeng Liu, Heping Xie, Yang Ju, Lu Wang, Huining Xu, Jianping Zuo, Yangmengdi Xu, Hang Zou, Zhiwei Zhou, Yue Zhuo
  • Patent number: 9944409
    Abstract: An aircraft brake assembly container having a base or container portion with feet extending therefrom. A further base portion is provided and mounted atop the base portion. A spacing is provided between the base and further base portions and this spacing is filled by a spacing container portion or member. The spacing container portion allows for lower profile base and further base portions while accommodating larger diameter new and used brake assemblies. A method of using same is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Bill Thomas Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Ordonez, Neil Waldron
  • Patent number: 9747638
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein for processing one or more sheets of sheet material in a deposit include various systems and processes. The systems and processes include receiving a sheet in a sheet-accepting device. Further, the systems and processes include detecting, by a sensor, characteristic information about the sheet. The characteristic information indicates whether the sheet is anomalous. The systems and processes also include encoding, by an encoding device, the sheet based on the characteristic information detected by the sensor. The encoding includes encoding the sheet with anomaly information when the characteristic information indicates that the sheet is anomalous. The anomaly information identifies a reason for indicating that the sheet is anomalous. Moreover, the systems and processes include disposing the encoded sheet in a container for further processing when the characteristic information indicates that the sheet is anomalous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Gieseke & Devrient America, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Marquardt, Roy Dunlap
  • Patent number: 9718614
    Abstract: A sealing mechanism for a waste storage container includes a waste storage container that has a body, a lid and a cartridge adapted to be positioned in the body. The cartridge has a continuous length of storage film therein. The storage film emanates through a gap between a rim and a core tube of the cartridge and is folded down through a core opening in the core tube into an interior space of the body of the waste storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC.
    Inventors: Richard S Chomik, Mark Yoho, Stuart Leslie, Taek Kim, Aidan Petrie, Joe Sejnowski
  • Patent number: 9651898
    Abstract: A belt module including a replacement belt member to be supported by a supporting portion of an image forming apparatus includes an endless belt member, and a protecting sheet, provided along an inner peripheral surface of the belt member, for suppressing deformation of the belt member by an external force and for protecting the inner peripheral surface of the belt member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Fukashi Hatano
  • Patent number: 9643761
    Abstract: A child-resistant container includes a lid and a base. The lid includes a peripheral flange that defines a lifting tab. The base includes an upper peripheral rim. A skirt extends downwardly from the upper peripheral rim to a lower edge thereof. A bend line extends between two adjacent sides of the base to define a corner portion of the base that accommodates the lifting tab when the container is closed forming a child-resistant opening mechanism. The bend line facilitates bending of the corner portion of the base to gain access to the lifting tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Inline Plastics Corp.
    Inventors: Sameh Guirguis, Victor Ivenitsky
  • Patent number: 9505348
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus providing a first component having a circular opening with an interior chamfered edge and a second component positioned within the circular opening. The apparatus also provides a magnetic feature at a circular bottom surface of the first component, where the magnetic feature provides a magnetic pull force in a first direction to secure the second component within the circular opening. The second component is configured to break away from the circular opening when a contact force to the breakaway component causes a force in a second direction opposite of the first direction and greater than the magnetic pull force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Kim, Kenneth Ryan Loo, David Gordon Duff
  • Patent number: 9405269
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided, including a plurality of rollers; an endless belt mountable to the plurality of rollers from a proximal side of the image forming apparatus in an axial direction of the plurality of rollers; a first side plate to support one end of the plurality of rollers at the proximal side of the image forming apparatus in the axial direction; and a plurality of guide members, disposed at a more proximal side than the first side plate in the axial direction, to guide the belt to be mounted to the plurality of rollers with the guide members contacting the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junpei Fujita, Kenji Sugiura, Seiichi Kogure, Junichi Ichikawa, Kazuki Yogosawa
  • Patent number: 9349416
    Abstract: An optical disk apparatus and a disk magazine. Optical disks are stacked and contained in the disk magazine without a gap between adjacent disks. A disk holding member for preventing the optical disks from being rubbed and damaged in the disk magazine is provided in the disk magazine. The optical disk apparatus using the disk magazine has a disk holding portion for holding a plurality of optical disks in a lump. When the Nth optical disk from the top disk in the disk magazine is conveyed to a disk drive, the stacked N optical disks are held by the disk holding portion, the holding of only the Nth optical disk by the disk holding portion is cancelled and the target optical disk is conveyed by a disk drive portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignees: HITACHI—LG DATA STORAGE, INC., HITACHI CONSUMER ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomomi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 9233513
    Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a media insert with an energy source to an ophthalmic lens. The energy source is capable of powering a component included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast molded from a silicone hydrogel and the component includes an electro-optical lens portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Frederick A. Flitsch, Daniel B. Otts, James Daniel Riall, Adam Toner
  • Patent number: 9221397
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus providing a first component having a circular opening with an interior chaffered edge and a second component positioned within the circular opening. The apparatus also provides a magnetic feature at a circular bottom surface of the first component, where the magnetic feature provides a magnetic pull force in a first direction to secure the second component within the circular opening. The second component is configured to break away from the circular opening when a contact force to the breakaway component causes a force in a second direction opposite of the first direction and greater than the magnetic pull force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Kim, Kenneth Ryan Loo, David Gordon Duff
  • Patent number: 9173710
    Abstract: A packaging system and method for use with a fiber, and in particular, an optical fiber of the type typically used for surgical procedures, in order to protect the fiber during storage and shipping and also allow the fiber to be easily dispensed in a controlled manner by an end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: ACCUTECH MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Van Zuylen, Richard Grant Dobrowney
  • Patent number: 9108796
    Abstract: A waste storage device includes a waste storage cassette receiving chamber for receiving a cassette rotatable within the chamber and containing tubing for enveloping waste. The chamber includes a rotatable portion (602) mounted on a fixed portion (604) of the device, the rotatable portion (602) being rotatable with the cassette. The device further comprises a deformable portion (601) mounted on the fixed portion (604) and moveable between an undeformed position to prevent rotation of the cassette and a deformed position to allow rotation of the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Sangenic International Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Cudworth
  • Patent number: 9085404
    Abstract: A cassette for use in dispensing a pleated tubing. The cassette includes an annular body having a generally U shaped housing with an open central cylindrical core. The annular body includes an inner wall, an angular wall a bottom wall and an outer wall. The annular cover has an outer wall and a ledge that extends radially inward from the outer wall and over the annular body that defines a gap between an inner edge of the ledge and the inner wall of the annular body. An inter-engagement mechanism is provided on the annular body and on opposite edges of the annular cover that cooperates to secure the cover to the body. At least one aperture is provided in the angular wall to enable ventilation of the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc
    Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Kevin Douglas Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150136801
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rubber band dispenser suitable for use in homes, offices and industrial settings which is capable of repeatedly dispensing single rubber bands from a multiplicity of rubber bands. A version is disclosed in which a queue of rubber bands is continually pressed against a flange by means of a spring mechanism or the force of a weight with one or more gaps in an outer housing placed over the core of rubber bands. A guide may be used in the areas of the gap to urge distortion of one or more sections of the rubber band and cause it to form a graspable portion. In another variation, a mechanical ejector is actuated by the user to push against one rubber band, causing it to flex and form a graspable portion protruding from an orifice in a housing. Actuation may be by direct mechanical linkage to an operator-moved element, or by an electric powered actuator. Sequential queuing of rubber bands may be accomplished by means of a spring mechanism or using a weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Paul Cary Fisher, JR., Jeffrey L. Kelsoe
  • Patent number: 8973881
    Abstract: A modular support assembly is provided for supporting a useful and/or decorative article. Each module of the assembly adheres to adjacent module(s) via a magnetic force attraction. The height of the modular assembly can be adjusted, as desired, by the addition/removal of various modules to/from the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Miodrag Mihajlovic
  • Patent number: 8959880
    Abstract: A film-supporting device is used with a waste-disposal unit. The device comprises an annular body. The annular body has an annular wall. The inward radial surface of the wall defines a central opening of the body. The outline of the central opening in a transverse plane of the device has variable diametrical dimensions with a first diameter of greater dimension than the second diameter. The outline has two of the first diameter of generally equal dimension and two of the second diameter of generally equal dimension. The device has tubular film about an outward radial surface of the annular body. A free annular end is dispensed outwardly from the annular wall. The free annular end is closed to form a bag. The opening of the bag is accessible through the central opening and is of optimized shape via the central opening for the disposal of waste. A method for disposing of waste on a scooping tool is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: International Refills Company Limited
    Inventor: Michel Morand
  • Publication number: 20140326625
    Abstract: Packaging for a wound coil is formed from a single piece of cardboard or plastic. The packaging includes a central support having a width substantially equal to the width of the coil, first and second side elements attached to and rotatable relative to the central support and defining cutouts so that the side elements may rotate to extend over a portion of the wound coil with a portion of the side elements meeting and being fastened to each other at a location substantially half-way along the width of the coil, and a handle section with first and second handle portions attached and rotatable relative the side elements. The handle section can assume a first position defines a hand-hold, and a second position substantially parallel to the central support. With the packaging, one package and coil assembly can be stacked atop another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: REELEX Packaging Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Copp, Brian Moore
  • Publication number: 20140326624
    Abstract: Packaging for a wound coil is formed from a single piece of cardboard or plastic. The packaging includes a central support having a width substantially equal to the width of the coil, first and second side elements attached to and rotatable relative to the central support and defining cutouts so that the side elements may rotate to extend over a portion of the wound coil with a portion of the side elements meeting and being fastened to each other at a location substantially half-way along the width of the coil, and a handle section with first and second handle portions attached and rotatable relative the side elements. The handle section can assume a first position defines a hand-hold, and a second position substantially parallel to the central support. With the packaging, one package and coil assembly can be stacked atop another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: REELEX Packaging Solutions, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8863956
    Abstract: The packaging system includes an enclosure having an interior volume. A wafer stack, comprising plural wafers and separators in contact with the wafers, is located in the interior volume. The separators have raised bumps extending from each side. The bumps create spaces that allow air to flow therethrough. The separator film intercepts and captures airborne molecular contaminants belonging to organic and inorganic chemical families. In addition, the film is dissipative to static discharge. Furthermore, the bumps provided by the separators protect the fragile wafers from damage due to mechanical shock. The separators are also provided with a peripheral ring or embossment, which contacts the wafer edges and further protects the wafers from damage to mechanical shock. Air cushions can be provided in the wafer stack, which cushions are provided with bands to regulate the compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventors: Ray G. Brooks, Timothy Wayne Brooks
  • Patent number: RE45179
    Abstract: A case for a portable electronic device such as cell phones, cameras, MP3 players and PDAs wherein said case includes material at the corners to provide protection to the electronic device. To reduce bulk at the corners and allow the material forming the case to conform with the contours of the device, the protection at the corners includes strips of material defining apertures there between. The apertures provide reduction in bulk and allow the case to conform to the corners of the device therein. Alternately, the protection at the corners can be provided by other structures co-molded into the corners of the cases. Such structures include material that is of a reduced thickness than other material used in the case, or structures that are formed to conform to the corners of the case. Such structures can be joined to the material forming the panels of the case by co-molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Speculative Product Design, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick M. Bodkin, Gregg Flender, Mike Tracz