With Indicator (i.e., Variable Information Exhibiting Means) Patents (Class 206/459.1)
  • Publication number: 20140346074
    Abstract: A packaging structure to package a target includes: a tag with a first portion being adhered to the target and a second portion wrapping the target; and a film wrapping and sticking the second portion of the tag. When the film is torn, the second portion of the tag is torn as well and the tag cannot be used to re-package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: USERSTAR INFORMATION SYSTEM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YIN-HUNG TSENG
  • Publication number: 20140345382
    Abstract: A container handling system may include force sensors and acceleration sensors to be attached to a container handling device, an electronics unit of the system, an oscillation device and the software, user interfaces, encrypted and wireless data transmission traffic, ID cards/readers as well as identifier number keyboards of the system. Using the container handling system, in different container handling stages can be created a code based on oscillation that identifies and secures the container and the container contents. Using container handling devices coupled to the system and using the container security system, in the logistics chain, it is possible to secure and inspect containers to be moved in different container handling stages and the container contents as well as the condition of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Teuvo Heikkilä
  • Publication number: 20140339119
    Abstract: Beverage cups and beverage lids that visibly warn a consumer when the cup's lid is ajar. This invention is especially beneficial for the safe consumption of scalding hot drinks such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate where spillage can cause serious burns to the face and body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Julie Ann Smit, Thomas John McGuigan
  • Publication number: 20140332433
    Abstract: A beverage server includes a removable lid with a display adapted to be viewed from a distance, the display equipped with LEDs that flash information to users with respect to a freshness and fluid level of a beverage in the server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: WILBUR CURTIS COMPANY
    Inventors: Lucian Hite Lyall, III, Karol Zbigniew Renau, Kevin Robert Curtis
  • Publication number: 20140326627
    Abstract: A container for holding contents, wherein the container comprises a display surface comprising an information means for displaying one or more locations for filling the container with the contents. And a label adapted for mounting to the display surface of the container wherein the label comprises information data corresponding to the one or more locations for filling the container with the contents. In one embodiment, the container is a bottle, the contents is water, and the one or more locations include one or more water replenishing facilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Janine Manzana
  • Publication number: 20140313176
    Abstract: Provided is a cup to which a transparent display is applied, the cup including a body comprising a display unit capable of showing contents in the body or displaying content; and a support being attached to or detached from the body, generating a control signal so as to control the content displayed on the display unit, and transmitting the control signal to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Yoo-Ra KIM, Hyun-Gu KANG, Jae-Moon KIM, Su-Yeon YUN
  • Publication number: 20140311937
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions directed to resealable containers and methods directed to making and using resealable containers. Also disclosed are methods of containing an article. The resealable containers can include a thermotropic adhesive sealing composition to aid in opening and sealing the containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Georgius Abidal Adam, Scott Andrew Needham
  • Patent number: 8865379
    Abstract: Generally, polymeric members and laser marking methods for producing visible marks on polymeric members, such as on thin and/or curved surfaces. The laser marking methods can include methods of laser marking straws with the step of matching laser source properties to the properties of straws being marked or with the step of laser marking straws having photochromic dyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Inguran, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Charles Sharpe, Thomas B. Gilligan, Richard W. Lenz, Juan Moreno
  • Patent number: 8863969
    Abstract: Feeding bottle (10) comprising a neck to which a teat (14) is attached, characterized in that it comprises at least two visual marks (20, 22) located on one and the same circumference near the neck or near the teat and separated from one another about the axis of the feeding bottle, one of these marks (20) defining an angular position of the feeding bottle (10) about its axis for which the other mark (22) indicates a point through which the free surface (24) of the liquid contained in the feeding bottle needs to pass in order for the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid at an outlet orifice (16) of the teat (14) to be substantially zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Chantal Lau
  • Publication number: 20140305847
    Abstract: A device and a method for sorting cards, has a card supply, a card output and an intermediate memory with addressable intermediate memory locations. A device for combining cards and card supports and/or for sorting and/or handling cards use a card-specific database containing information sorted according to types and styles of cards, and uses visual information and/or location information relating to assemblies of the card of at least one card type and/or a card style. The device has a reversible intermediate memory with at least one intermediate storage station. The database contains card-specific information relating to a stored card in the intermediate memory location, and a magazine for cards with at least one input and/or output and having a card memory having a plurality of card locations. The card locations relative to the input and/or output can be displaced by a drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: BOEWE SYSTEC GMBH
    Inventor: Heiner Kudrus
  • Publication number: 20140305828
    Abstract: A theft prevention device is provided for being mounted to a package housing an item. The device comprises a controller, at least one microphone and an alarm device. The controller provides for identifying at least one predetermined sound signal indicative of unauthorized access into the package. The microphone is in communication with the controller for capturing ambient sound and providing a sound signal indicative of the ambient sound to the controller. The alarm device is in communication with the controller for being controlled thereby. The controller provides for comparing the sound signal indicative of the ambient sound with the sound signal indicative of unauthorized access into the package in order to identify a match and thus activating the alarm device to signal an alarm associated with the match.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Giovanni Salvo
  • Publication number: 20140291188
    Abstract: A product package assembly formed from a blank has walls for containing contents and a printed circuit. The printed circuit is connected to more than one of the interior surfaces of the walls. When assembled, one wall of the product package can be moved between an open position allowing access to contents in the product package via an opening and a closed position. The printed circuit extends across the opening such that in the closed position the printed circuit is connected, and in the open position the printed circuit connection is broken. If a wall is severed or torn, the printed circuit can also be broken. A security device can be removably connected to the package and provided in electrical communication with the printed circuit. The security device has an alarm adapted to provide an alert when conductivity of the printed circuit is broken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Sean G. Maddox, Mark Marriott, Chris Donnelly
  • Publication number: 20140291390
    Abstract: Disclosed is an RFID tag to be attached to a metal member including a slit, the RFID tag including conductive members attached to a surface of the metal member at corresponding sides of the slit in a width direction of the slit through an isolator; and an IC chip that receives power through the conductive members. When a frequency of radio waves is f, the power induced between the sides the slit is Wa, voltage induced between the sides of the slit is V, an area of each of the conductive members is S, thickness of the isolator is d, a dielectric constant of the isolator is ?r, a dielectric constant of vacuum is ?0, and a minimum value of the power required for the IC chip to operate is Wmin, an inequality Wmin?Wa?4?f·S·?0·?r·V2/d is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Tsutomu Kawase
  • Publication number: 20140262899
    Abstract: A recharging cap to maintain the carbonation and freshness of a beverage. The cap may include a gas injection valve and a pressure relief valve. Carbonation may be injected through the gas injection valve. The pressure relief valve may remove any gasses from the beverage container that may have a negative impact on the freshness of the beverage. The pressure relief valve may be activated by an activation component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Mociak
  • Publication number: 20140262900
    Abstract: A container (100 and 600) has a sealed top formed from adhered sealing panels at a top of the container that keeps contents of the container sealed until ready for use. A top of the container is provided with a day of opening reminder (131 and 631). The day of opening reminder includes tabs (163, 563 and 663) made of a same material as the container. Each tab includes a different symbol that corresponds to a name of a day of the week. The day of opening reminder includes perforations (134 and 634) or cuts between each tab thereby allowing one of the tabs to be moved into a different position relative to the other tabs, thereby conveying information about the day of week that the container was first opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: David Lawrence SHALKOP
  • Publication number: 20140262898
    Abstract: A package includes a container, a product carried within the container, a closure coupled to the container, and a use indicator coupled to at least one of the container or the closure so that, upon removal of the closure from the container or upon removal of the product from within the container, a coloration of the package changes irreversibly to indicate to a user that the package has been used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140262901
    Abstract: A theft-proof packaging system includes a product package having a compartment configured to encapsulate a product, wherein the compartment is pneumatically pressurized above a surrounding environment. A pressure sensor assembly is located within the compartment. The pressure sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor, a power source electrically connected to the pressure sensor and a transmitter electrically connected to the power source. The transmitter is configured to send a signal. A receiving unit is located outside the compartment of the product package and disposed remote from the product package. The receiving unit includes a receiver configured to receive the signal from the transmitter and an alarm electrically coupled to the receiver. The pressure sensor assembly is configured to detect a change in pressure inside the compartment and then send the signal to the receiving unit activating the alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Marc G. Martino
  • Publication number: 20140262897
    Abstract: A container may include a wall and a medal retained to the wall by container material of integral one-piece construction with the wall and extending over at least a portion of the medal. The medal and one or more portions of the container adjacent the medal have a shared unique appearance. A package may include a flaccid loop coupled between a closure and a container to which the closure is coupled, and a medal coupled to the flaccid loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventor: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140261872
    Abstract: Blood collection apparatus includes a blood collection container and a mix detection unit operatively coupled to the blood collection container. The mix detection unit includes a device to produce a data signal indicative of the extent to which the blood collection container is moved in a manner to promote mixing of blood collected into the container and an anti-coagulant also present in the container. A method described herein provides for filling a blood collection container with blood, inverting the blood collection container by hand to mix the blood with an anti-coagulant, and viewing or listening to an indication generated by a mix detection device attached to the blood collection container, wherein the indication provides information about the appropriate amount or mixing for the blood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: George S. Cembrowski
  • Patent number: 8833553
    Abstract: A secure carrier assembly for media devices and media content. The assembly includes a carrier having a front panel, a rear panel, and an intermediate panel. At least one panel of the carrier comprises a durable polymeric material, such as a lens sheet assembly including a lens sheet, and an image layer. The carrier with lens sheet assembly provides enhanced security features, increased durability, and eye-catching features compared to traditional carrier or packaging assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Travel Tags, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Corey, Shelle B. Pascua
  • Publication number: 20140251851
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a system and a method for pharmaceutical packaging with an audio warning and/or instruction. In accordance with one aspect of the approach, an sound generating pharmaceutical package includes a medical container having an interior space, a cover for preventing unauthorized access to the interior space, a sound module affixed to the medical container, the sound module containing a pre-recorded digital medical notice and a means for playing the digital warning; and a trigger mechanism configured to cause the sound module to play the medical notice when the cover is moved to allow access to the interior of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Susan B. Huntley
  • Publication number: 20140251850
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems, methods and apparatus for container conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Jiandong Huang, Jason Jianzhong Chang
  • Patent number: 8814216
    Abstract: A pharmacy bottle for prescription medication is shown that conveys information thereon to the patient that is clear and understandable. Colored rings are attachable to the cap of the pharmacy bottle to convey general information. Increased surface area of the pharmacy bottle is provided for more specific information to be conveyed to the patient via the label adhered thereto. Further, more detailed information about the prescription is conveyed to the patient by ancillary information sheet(s) inserted through slot(s) into space formed in walls of the pharmacy bottle. One end of the ancillary information sheet(s) forms a tab extending from the slot(s) that may be pulled by the patient to remove the ancillary information sheet from the space via the slot(s) for review by the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Brian J. Estep
  • Publication number: 20140221528
    Abstract: The invention involves the incorporation and enablement of multiple interactive elements into high-volume consumables products to increase utility, function and features of the consumable product at minimal incremental cost and adjustment to production and manufacturing processes. The invention further reports processes and compositions that enable consumable products with differentiating features which product would otherwise be deficient for their intended use and application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Hans O. Ribi
  • Publication number: 20140209495
    Abstract: A resealable closure for packages is provided which has a package integrity feature. The closure includes a two-ply material having an inner film layer and an outer film layer, forming a top of container. The outer film layer has a sealing panel completely covering a first panel and a second panel of the inner film layer. The sealing panel is permanently attached to the first panel and is releasably affixed a portion of the inner film layer around the perimeter of the first panel to form an opening in the top when the sealing panel with affixed first panel is peeled back from the top. The sealing panel is resealable against the top to seal the opening when the sealing panel is moved back against the top. The package integrity feature comprises the second panel of the inner layer which separates from the sealing panel to indicate that the container has been previously opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Intercontinental Great Brands LLC
    Inventors: Carole Anne Vogt, Gladys Odette Moncayo, Jeffrey Thomas Weber, Elizabeth A. McDermott, Douglas H. Philipsen
  • Publication number: 20140210280
    Abstract: A packaged article arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement includes an article including an article energy source and an article transmitter unit for transmitting electromagnetic radiation; and a package that at least partly envelopes the article. The package includes an electronic circuit that includes a package receiver unit arranged for receiving the electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the article transmitter unit, the electronic circuit being arranged for using the received electromagnetic radiation as sole or additional power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Braun GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Simeth
  • Patent number: 8783003
    Abstract: Sterilization wraps have a first side colored at least a first color and an opposing second side colored at least a second color that is different than the first color. These sterilization wraps are then paired such that each of the pairs of sterilization wraps has the aforementioned first sides of the sterilization wraps that comprise the pair of sterilization wraps facing one another. By one approach these pairs of sterilization wraps are un-bonded and hence are not physically connected to one another. By another approach the sterilization wraps that comprise a given pair can be coupled to one another (for example, by an intermingling of the materials that comprise the two sterilization wraps). A plurality of such pairs of sterilization wraps can then be placed in a suitable container to facilitate handling, storage, and shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis A. Czajka, Jr., Dixit Gandhi, Alan E. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20140190976
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cargo container that is light weight, strong, which forms an ultraviolet light, weather/dust particle barrier and which controls the climate inside the cargo container to protect the integrity of the cargo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: AIRDEX INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Rick D. Imbrecht
  • Publication number: 20140183077
    Abstract: A security packaging (10) provides multi-layer laminate structure for providing evidence of package tampering. The packaging may include a first panel (12) having an opening (18) therein in planar contact with an insert member (16) and a film layer (20). The film layer (20) may include a pattern layer (32) that may be adhered to the film layer (20) via an adhesion layer (48). A second adhesion layer (52) may be placed onto the pattern layer (32) to adhere the pattern layer (32) to the insert member (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Eric A. Rosendall, Kenneth Glinert
  • Publication number: 20140178540
    Abstract: The invention provides a container for cooking ramen style block noodles, the container comprising a main body having a generally rectangular base, two generally parallel and spaced side walls connected to the base and two generally parallel and spaced end walls connected to the base and to the side walls, the tops of the side walls and the end walls forming an upper rim. The container is dimensioned so that between about 7 and about 9 ounces of water will fill a container holding a typical 3 ounce mass of ramen style block noodle to a level equal to the top of the noodle mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher Johnson
  • Patent number: 8754006
    Abstract: It is disclosed a packaging material for a pharmaceutical product. The packaging material comprises a colored element which at about 38° C. discolors partially, revealing a marking. The element is formed by a first portion forming the marking printed with conventional ink, and a second portion printed with thermochromic ink. The thermochromic ink is colored below about 38° C. and becomes colorless when this temperature is reached or exceeded. The two portions are arranged so that the first portion is invisible below about 38° C., but becomes visible when this temperature is reached or exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Aziende Chimiche Riunite Angelini Francesco A.C.R.A.F. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Masciambruni
  • Publication number: 20140158574
    Abstract: A tether or insert carries a conductive trace. The tether, or insert is positioned inside a package and a security module attached to a portion of the tether or insert exposed to the outside of the package. Product conducts are attached to the tether or insert within the package. Removal of the product breaks the conductive trace and causes the security module to generate an alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Joel E. FORBES
  • Publication number: 20140158573
    Abstract: A fluid tank has a housing that has an upper end wall, a side wall, and a lower end wall that together define a cavity. A flexible diaphragm is connected to the side wall within the cavity and separates the cavity into an upper portion, which is sealed to contain a pressurized gas, and a lower portion, which is sealed to contain a pressurized fluid. An indicator is positioned in the upper wall of the housing and has an indicator arm and a visual indicator. The indicator arm is not visible and the visual indicator is visible with the indicator in a first position and the indicator arm is visible and the visual indicator is not visible with the indicator in a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: AMTROL LICENSING INC.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Van Haaren
  • Patent number: 8747929
    Abstract: The present invention relates to adhesive labels for use in food safety labeling systems and methods of using the adhesive labels to enhance food safety and food rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: J. Michael Milliorn
  • Patent number: 8739972
    Abstract: The insulated beverage holder with integrated alcohol beverage counter includes an insulated beverage holder that is outfitted with a beverage counting mechanism. The beverage counting mechanism is able to count the number of times a beverage is consumed by counting the number of times a beverage container is replaced thereby informing the end user of the number of alcohol drinks consumed. A perimeter surface of the insulated beverage holder is adorned with a diagram that correlates the number of drinks to the applicable weight of the end user in order to calculate the approximate blood alcohol percentage. The beverage counting mechanism includes a switch in wired communication with a processing member. The processing member counts the number of times a signal is transmitted from the switch, and is further wired to a powering member, reset button, and a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Anthony J. Schall
  • Publication number: 20140141129
    Abstract: A disposable container for use with a system for dispensing a predetermined amount of a liquid. The container is filled with a dry beverage or the like and sealed, and has printed thereon using a metallic ink a plurality of lines or rings, each configured to generate a distinctive response to an imposed electromagnetic signal as a data bit detectable by a sensor proximate to the container. The sensor outputs to a processor a plurality of bits as a series of sequential bits. The processor initiates an action based on the sequence of bits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Morton Greene
  • Publication number: 20140138275
    Abstract: A package having a first part configured for supporting an apparatus and a second part configured to fit on or around the first part for closing the package. The first part and the second part are configured to be movable relative to each other and the package comprises an element for generating a signal in response to the first part and the second part being moved from a closed position to an open position. The apparatus comprises a display, a processor, and a sensing element. The processor is configured to cause detecting the signal with the sensing element, powering up the apparatus in response to the signal, and automatically displaying information on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Birgir Magnusson, Juhani Valdemar Kari, Timo Tapani Toivola
  • Publication number: 20140137979
    Abstract: A fuel storage device (10) having at least one tank (15), the tank (15) having a casing (20) extending upwards from a bottom (21) to a top wall (22). The storage device (10) is provided with at least one inflatable bag (25) arranged inside said casing, said device including inflation/deflation means (35) for inflating each inflatable bag (25) at least in part so as to reach an inflated volume prior to filling the tank, and for deflating said inflatable bag after filling in order to guarantee the presence of an expansion volume inside said tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER
    Inventors: Roland Meillat, Stephane Mougin
  • Publication number: 20140138276
    Abstract: A product includes an indicator at least a portion of which is carried by a container and responsive to a change in at least one state of the container to irreversibly modify a visual characteristic visible from outside the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventor: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140138274
    Abstract: A product includes a container, a photosensitive material carried by the container and responsive to ultraviolet light, and a UV protector carried by the container to protect the photosensitive material from exposure to UV light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventor: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
  • Patent number: 8722575
    Abstract: It is disclosed a packaging material (1) for a pharmaceutical product. The packaging material comprises a colored element (2) which at a predetermined temperature, below which the pharmaceutical product must be kept, discolors partially, revealing a marking. The element is formed by a first portion forming the marking (2?) printed with conventional ink, and a second portion (2?) printed with thermochromic ink. The thermochromic ink is colored below the predetermined temperature and becomes colorless when this predetermined temperature is reached or exceeded. The two portions are arranged so that the first portion is invisible below the predetermined temperature, but becomes visible when this temperature is reached or exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Aziende Chimiche Riunite Angelini Francesco A.C.R.A.F. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Masciambruni
  • Patent number: 8720686
    Abstract: A lidded container assembly includes a container having a lid that rotates between a closed position to close the container and an opened position to open the container. A coupling assembly joins a flag and the container to allow rotation of the flag between lowered and raised positions. When the container is moved from an upright position to an inverted position, gravity moves the lid from the closed position to the open position, and the lid acts on the flag positioned over the lid to overcome friction between the coupling assembly and the container to rotate the flag from the lowered position to the raised position. When the container is returned to the upright position, gravity moves the lid from the open position to the closed position, and the friction between the coupling assembly and the container automatically holds the flag in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Keith E. Shuman
  • Patent number: 8720690
    Abstract: A musical pizza box includes a box material foldable into a pizza box having a lid hingedly attached to a base and a pizza box audio module. The pizza box audio module preferably includes a speaker, a microchip board capable of receiving a microchip mounted on the microchip board, at least one power source, electrical wiring electrically connecting the speaker, the microchip board, and the power source, and an activation mechanism. When the box material is folded to form the pizza box, the microchip is mounted to the microchip board, and the lid is moved from a closed state to an opened state, the activation mechanism is triggered to cause any recorded audio message stored on the microchip to be emitted by the speaker. Methods of manufacturing a musical pizza box and methods of advertising are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Gaetano Francesco Ruggiero
  • Publication number: 20140124398
    Abstract: A system verifying an item in a package comprises a package producer and a verifier. The package producer produces a package with a label, wherein the package includes an item each with one or more selected tag identifiers that are placed in a location on the item. The verifier verifies the item using 1) the one or more selected tag identifiers as detected using a spectral measurement or 2) a location or a shape of the one or more selected tag identifiers on the item, and 3) the label as read using a label reader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: TruTag Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Learmonth, Michael P. O'Neill, Peter Pearson, Ting Zhou
  • Publication number: 20140124397
    Abstract: A system for vacuum loss indication includes a rigid inner container, a flexible outer container, a sliding block, and a bias mechanism. The rigid inner container includes a receptacle with an open proximal end and a closed distal end. The flexible outer container surrounds the inner rigid container and includes a semi-transparent portion. The sliding block is within the receptacle and visible through the semi-transparent portion and includes a pressure indicator. The bias mechanism biases the sliding block to a first position under a first level of vacuum and a second position under a second level of vacuum. A first portion of the pressure indicator is visible through the semi-transparent portion in the first position and a second portion is visible through the semi-transparent portion in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven BOGGS, Daniel Dunifer
  • Patent number: 8714355
    Abstract: A container system includes a plurality of containers, a plurality of container receiving regions, a plurality of base unit latches, and a base unit. Each base unit latch is arranged to latch an associated one of the containers at least partially within an associated one of the container receiving regions. The containers may be transported separately from the base unit, and may be used to store tools and other accessories. In one embodiment of the container system, each base unit latch comprises a resilient latch member connected to the base unit. The resilient latch member is biased into a lock position to engage a lock engagement portion on an associated one of the containers. The resilient latch member may be movable against the bias to a release position wherein the associated container is able to be removed from the associated container receiving region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventor: Jin Chi Huang
  • Publication number: 20140116009
    Abstract: A product includes a dissolvable dispense indicator carried by a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventor: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
  • Patent number: 8709518
    Abstract: A system for managing the fluid intake of a person is disclosed. The system consists of multiple containers of various volumes, a common lid configured to incorporate a flow control valve, multiple flow control valves having varying flow rates, a date indicator ring incorporated circumferentially on said containers, a content indicator disposed on said lid, a chiller insert, and an optional slip on handle. The user selects a container based on the fluid needs of a person and a flow control valve based on the drinking ability of the person. The user fills the container with a drinkable fluid, and indicates the nature of the contents with the content indicator and the date of filling with the date indicator ring. The chiller insert allows the user to cool the contents without the possibility of dilution as with standard ice cubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Diane Young Jones
  • Patent number: 8689976
    Abstract: An improved sealable pouch has an interior volume for receiving products for sterilization and an integral, foldable flap sealable to the pouch to provide a fully enclosed interior volume. Included on one or more portions of the pouch are indicia, preferably at least a first and second spaced apart indicia, to aid in proper folding of the flap. The indicia provide alignment means so that when the flap is properly folded to provide a leak proof seal, a predetermined portion of the indicia is covered by the flap. An improper seal can be visually determined to exist if all of the indicia or none of the indicia is visible after the seal is made. A proper seal is evidenced by only a portion of the first and second indicia being covered by the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Dux Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Wittrock
  • Patent number: 8689988
    Abstract: An indexing cap assembly indexes visual cues or indicia during an open and close cycle so as to help users more easily track container entry as for example with regard to medications so as to ensure proper dosage. The indexing cap assembly basically incorporates six components, including a cover construction, an indexing plate or wheel, a compression coil or spring, a push plate construction, a gear tray or swing plate construction, and an assembly ring. The cover construction and assembly ring are joined together to essentially form or close the cap assembly with the other parts coaxially aligned and operable therebetween. The indexing wheel is rotatively received within the cover construction such that axial displacements of the push plate advance the indexing wheel and indicia upon its upper surface are sequentially revealed by way of the window formed in the cover construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventors: Tao Xu, Xiaojun Zhang, Linzhi Fang