Elongated Members (e.g., Leaf Spring, Radiating Arms) Acting Between Face Of Closure And Opposed Abutments Or Walls Of The Container Patents (Class 220/323)
  • Patent number: 7722095
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lid unit for closing the container body 2 that is transported with thin-plates such as semiconductor wafers or the like accommodated therein. Simplified attaching/detaching mechanisms 32 for the production line are provided at the centers of the respective sides opposing with respect to each other. The simplified attaching/detaching mechanism 32 for the production line includes a locking plate 34 for locking the second fitted portion 21 and a drive-out member 35 for allowing the drive-out member 35 to rise and set by being engaged with the locking plate 34. A locking arm 57 for fixing the drive-out member 35 is provided on the drive-out member 35 at the end in the direction of rotation. A supporting rail 56 for controlling the rising and setting movement of the locking plate 34 is provided on the drive-out member 35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Miraial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Hyobu, Chiaki Matsutori, Tadahiro Obayashi
  • Publication number: 20100065560
    Abstract: A modular packaging system of containers each having a generally tubular, hollow container body of a fiber-reinforced composite material with cooperative mating interlocking elements extending axially along its length. The interlocking elements allow the containers to be stacked and palletized in a stable manner. An interface between a closure mechanism and the container body provides a good seal and prevents fraying or brooming of the fiber-reinforced composite material at the end face of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: KaZak Composites, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert A. DaSilva, Jerome P. Fanucci
  • Patent number: 7677393
    Abstract: A container for holding a plurality of wafers in an axially aligned, generally parallel spaced apart arrangement includes an enclosure portion having a top, a bottom, a pair of opposing sides, a back and an open front. At least one wafer support is provided in the enclosure along with a kinematic coupling on the bottom of the enclosure. The container has a door for sealingly closing the open front which includes a chassis and an operable latching mechanism on the chassis. The latching mechanism includes a cam selectively rotatable to shift the latching mechanism between a first favored position and a second favored position and at least one vibration dampener for dampening vibrations generated when the latching mechanism is shifted between the first and second favored positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: John Burns, Matthew A. Fuller, Jeffery J. King, Martin L. Forbes, Mark V. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100059518
    Abstract: A closure having a stopping mechanism whereby a stop lug is positionable between a flexed and unflexed position relative to a spring gap. The stop lug may project from a skirt of the closure top wall. The spring gap is positioned adjacent the stop lug to provide an area for the stop lug to travel when outside forces are applied to the stop lug and subsequently return back to the unflexed position. The stop lug may have a substantially vertical support rib in combination with a plurality of annularly spaced ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Brian Brozell, Kiran M. D'Silva, C. Edward Luker, J. Nathan Marret, John D. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7665485
    Abstract: A closing system for pressurized pipes, includes an annular supporting structure, designed to be secured to one end of the pipe, a closing hatch mounted on the annular support, and elements for locking the hatch including a locking ring inserted into an annular cavity in the support to lock the hatch, wherein the inside edge of the hatch is tapered to form an inclined wall for coupling to a corresponding inclined wall in the annular support. The collapsible ring includes a number of sectors, one of which is fixed and integral with the hatch, while the others are hinged to the adjacent sectors, so that they can rotate on a plane parallel with the hatch until they exit from the annular seating and allow the hatch to open. The hatch is opened and closed simply by rotating it around a hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Fulgosi S.r.l.
    Inventor: Davide Fulgosi
  • Patent number: 7651002
    Abstract: A closure device for a container, particularly a bottle, has a stopper called the service cap, arranged at the end thereof, on which a closing flap pivots. The closure device is provided with a locking system and cooperates with a hole in the sealed closure, or can be opened by pivoting. The closing flap has an opening device to guarantee the complete pivoting of the closing flap on opening, by a constant force and a constant movement without manual action of the user, immediately after the same has carried out a voluntary manual operation on the closing flap which is limited to releasing the locking system thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Plastohm S.A.
    Inventors: Pascal Hennemann, Philippe Lautre, Dominique Rusconi
  • Patent number: 7648041
    Abstract: A uniquely shaped gasket (6) suitable for a container for storage of substrate plates requiring precision packaging. When such plates are stored into a container body (2), and a container lid (3) is closed and then a lid lock is applied, a gasket's outward ledge (6b, 6c, 6d) is pressed downward by an outward adjacent surface (3f) and deformed; consequently, the end of the ledge's tip (6d) will extend to fall in a seal channel (2d), in other words, to abut on a sectionally downward concave (2d), wherein the gasket (6) still keeps its elastic resiliency. As a result, if an air pressure difference occurs, the tip end (6d) will shift its abutting point. While the tip end (6d) moves, a minimum gap between the tip end (6d) and the channel surface (2d) occurs, and this gap will act as ventilation route to equalize the air pressure difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daihachikasei
    Inventors: Shigeaki Ueda, Yasuyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7549552
    Abstract: A storage container comprises: a container main body having an opening through which a stored object is placed in or taken out; a lid which fits the opening; a latch mechanism provided on the lid, the latch mechanism having a rotating body rotatably supported by the lid and a pair of longitudinally slidable latch arms operably connected to the rotating body; and a lock mechanism which locks the rotating body when the lid is bolted by the latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Hasegawa, Hiroshi Mimura
  • Publication number: 20090145904
    Abstract: A closure 10 is provided for retaining fluid pressure within a vessel, and comprises a hub 12 having an access opening to the vessel, with the hub having a circumferential stop 17 and one or more recesses 50 each extending radially outward from an adjacent inner surface 26 of the hub. A door 22 is positioned between the stop surface and the vessel, and a latch member 30 brings the door into sealing engagement with the stop member. One or more lugs 24 each extend radially outward from an exterior surface of the door, which may be tilted from a closed position to an open position then back to the closed position by a pair of cables extending from the door to outside the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Michael J. Guidry, JR.
  • Patent number: 7506778
    Abstract: A modular packaging system of containers each having a generally tubular, hollow container body of a fiber-reinforced composite material with cooperative mating interlocking elements extending axially along its length. The interlocking elements allow the containers to be stacked and palletized in a stable manner. An interface between a closure mechanism and the container body provides a good seal and prevents fraying or brooming of the fiber-reinforced composite material at the end face of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Kazak Composities, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert A. DaSilva, Jerome P. Fanucci
  • Patent number: 7487879
    Abstract: This invention provides a fuel filler cap that can release an outer cap from an inner cap without influences of direction of the external force when it applied. The fuel filler cap 1 comprises the outer cap 11 constructed by an upper face portion 112, a skirt portion 113 extending from the outer circumference of the upper face portion 112 and a plurality of wedge-shaped projection 111 formed on the inner face of the skirt portion 113, the pressing plate 15, and the inner cap 13 constructed by a supporting plate 14 having annular slants 142 formed downward by chamfering the peripheral edge of its upper face intermittently, a seal ring 12 and a plurality of annular groove 146 defined by the individual annular slants 142 of the supporting plate 14 and by the lower face of the pressing plate 15 laid over the supporting plate 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Asteer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Yoshida, Takami Ono
  • Patent number: 7455181
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lid unit having a latching mechanism for firmly fixing the lid unit to a container body for containing semiconductor wafers and the like, which latching mechanism can be easily disassembled for cleaning and drying of its components, and to a wafer presser for retaining the semiconductor wafers in position when the container is shaken. The latching mechanism includes a locking member which, when projected, secures the lid unit to the container body; an actuator for moving the locking member between projected and retracted positions; a tip-side cam for pressing a tip portion of the locking member in one direction relative to the lid unit when the locking member is projected by the actuator; a base-end lower cam for pressing a base-end of the locking member in a second direction, opposite the one direction; and a base-end upper cam and a cam projection follower for pressing the base-end in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Miraial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiaki Matsutori, Tadahiro Obayashi, Takaharu Oyama
  • Patent number: 7168587
    Abstract: A wafer container with a door, the door has at least one latching mechanism, wherein the latching mechanism has a spring member that holds the latching mechanism at one or more desired positions that preferably correspond to latch-open and latch-closed conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the spring member has an over-center condition that urges the latching mechanism towards the favored positions, thereby resisting unintended actuation of the latching mechanism. Moreover, in preferred embodiments, the latching mechanism has soft stops at the latch open or latch closed condition that minimizes abrupt snapping into position of the latching mechanism. Preferred embodiments utilize a rotatable member configured as a cammed member with an elongate rigid plastic member having at least one node, forming a plastic spring. The spring is pivotally mounted on the rotatable member and pivotally mounted to the door structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn D. Eggum
  • Patent number: 7048127
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lid unit for closing a container body used to transport thin-plates such as semiconductor wafers or the like accommodated therein. Simplified attaching/detaching mechanisms are provided at the centers of the respective sides of the lid unit. The attaching/detaching mechanism includes a locking plate, for locking within a second recess, a lid receiving portion of the container body and a drive-out member for raising and locking the locking plate. A locking arm for fixing the drive-out member is provided on its leading side in the direction of engaging rotation. A supporting rail for guiding the raising and locking/unlocking movement of the locking plate is provided on the drive-out member. The locking plate is mounted for pivoting and sliding movement, and is provided with a holding claw for engagement within a second recess at the distal end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Kakizaki Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Hyobu, Chiaki Matsutori, Tadahiro Obayashi
  • Patent number: 6955382
    Abstract: A wafer container, and methods of constructing a wafer container. The wafer container has an enclosure portion with at least a top, a bottom, a pair of opposing sides, a back, an open front, and a door to close the open front. The door includes a door chassis with at least a first latching mechanism. The latching mechanism has a rotatable cam member and at least one latching arm. The latching arm has a bifurcate cam follower portion that engages with the periphery of the cam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn D. Eggum
  • Patent number: 6901632
    Abstract: One or more coupling assemblies are located at each opposite end of a first part and a second part. Each coupling assembly includes an elongated slot formed in the first part and a corresponding latch device which projects from the second part and which is releasably receivable by the slot. The latch device includes a tab and a pair of spaced-apart fingers projecting from the second part. The tab is positioned between the fingers. The fingers project generally linearly and parallel with respect to each other, and define a plane. The tab has a base, a first leg and a second leg. The base extends generally parallel to the fingers. The first leg extends away from the plane and from a first end joined to the base to a second end joined to the second leg. The second leg and extends towards the plane and away from the second end of the first leg. The first and second legs form an apex which is spaced apart from the plane of the fingers. The first part forms a pair of ramp surfaces adjacent to the ends of each slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Dean Arden Boyce
  • Patent number: 6884325
    Abstract: A sealable lid assembly for a vacuum distillation apparatus has a lid pivotally and telescopically mounted to the vacuum distillation apparatus. Spaced-apart wheels are rotatably mounted to the lid. Tracks are disposed on the vacuum distillation apparatus in a position to engage the wheels and raise the lid vertically above a manhole of the vacuum distillation apparatus upon pivotal movement of the lid, which is initiated by nominal physical exertion of a single operator. Extending outwardly from and adjacent the manhole is a flange. The flange has a channel to receive a gasket. A protrusion extends outwardly from a bottom of the lid in a position to extend into the channel and sealably engage the gasket when the wheels disengage the tracts. Clamp assemblies are provided to releasably engage the lid with the flange and draw the protrusion into sealable, releasable engagement with the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: IHS Solvent Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Mabry, Donald R. McAllister
  • Patent number: 6881271
    Abstract: An electric heater is placed so as to cover an upper opening of a crucible. Then, a plurality of angle members are disposed along the side portions of the electric heater and are pressed and fixed by clamps. The clamp includes, at its bottom, a curved portion formed by bending a plate-like spring member into a convex shape, and generates pressing force between the curved portion and corresponding claw portions at the upper edge, thereby clamping the crucible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ochiai, Hirotoshi Iwase, Seizo Kato, Tetsuro Endo
  • Patent number: 6880718
    Abstract: A wafer container having a door with at least one latching mechanism, wherein the latching mechanism has a spring member that holds the latching mechanism at one or more favored positions that preferably correspond to latch-open and latch-closed conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the spring member has an over-center condition that urges the latching mechanism towards the favored positions, thereby resisting unintended actuation of the latching mechanism. Moreover, in preferred embodiments, the latching mechanism has soft stops at the latch open or latch closed condition that minimizes abrupt snapping into position of the latching mechanism. Preferred embodiments utilize a rotatable member configured as a cammed member with an elongate rigid plastic member having at least one node, forming a plastic spring. The spring is pivotally mounted on the rotatable member and pivotally mounted to the door structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn D. Eggum
  • Patent number: 6854616
    Abstract: A protective cap for a threaded valve stem includes a generally cylindrical portion including a closed end, an open end and a cylindrical wall portion therebetween. A plurality of locating ribs are located on an internal surface of the cylindrical wall portion. A plurality of fingers project radially inward from the internal surface between the locating ribs. A tear strip formed by two frangible members, and a pull tab are formed on an external surface of the cylindrical wall portion. Each finger is located between a pair of the locating ribs and has a flexible portion adjacent the internal surface for locating the fingers in unlocked state and a locked state. The fingers in the unlocked state are inclined toward the open end, and the fingers in the locked state curl toward the closed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Alliance Plastics
    Inventor: Daniel J. Steffan
  • Patent number: 6815199
    Abstract: A lid body 200 is divided, on its front side, into three parts, that is, a pair of first movable parts 220 in the form of curved plates on both sides of the body and a second movable part 230 in the form of a flat plate in the middle of the body. A container body 100 is provided with a front engagement member 131 which is displaceable in front and in the rear of the body 100. The first movable parts 220 have front engagement members 221 formed at their front ends to be engageable with the front engagement member 131. While, the second movable part 230 has a disengagement member 231 formed at the front ends. The first movable parts 220 on elastic deformation are engaged with the front engagement member 131. When the second movable part 230 is subjected to depression of its upper face at the front end so that the disengagement member 231 causes the front engagement member 131 to be displaced forward, the engagement of the front engagement member 131 with the front engagement members 221 is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Sakura Finetechnical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomisada Kubota
  • Patent number: 6811691
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a point-of-use water treatment system unit (10). The unit (10) includes a filter housing assembly (60) having a filter tank assembly (66) and a closure (64) which utilizes a handle and (152) cammed reciprocating lock blades (146, 150) to secure the closure to the filter tank assembly (66). A UV tank assembly (300) includes a planar baffle (322) and a vaned baffle (324) to induce plug flow about a UV lamp assembly (280). The UV lamp assembly (280) is used which simultaneously electrically and sealingly mounts to UV tank assembly (300) and electrical cap assembly (290) using a bayonet mount. A bi-planar manifold assembly (40) is used to interconnect components of the WTS unit and to provide an envelope for accommodating a water pipe assembly (34). The bi-planar manifold assembly (40) enhances the compactness of the design of the WTS unit (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: James A. Woodard, Jr., Dale Aberegg
  • Patent number: 6793084
    Abstract: Collection, transportation and storage container (10) for liquid and/or solid substances, having a container body (12) which is of double-walled form in the base and circumferential regions as a result of an inner container inserted into the outer container and continuously cylindrical from the base to the filling aperture, and has at its top a filling aperture which is of circular outline in plan view and can be hermetically sealed by a pivotable lid (14) with an annular seal. The inner container has a continuous cylindrical shape from the base to the filling aperture, and the lid (14) is circularly defined, at least in a part-region on the container side in the closed state, so that it can be pivoted to fit into the inner container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Claus Wunsch
  • Patent number: 6789691
    Abstract: A sealable casing having a quarter-turn closing arrangement including a tubular body defining an orifice at one end having radially projecting arcuate members and clearances formed along an inner periphery thereof. The casing further includes a cap having radially projecting arcuate members and clearances formed along its inner periphery that are complementary to arcuate members and clearances of the tubular body. A hoop member is connected to the cap and includes a plurality of extensions that are biased by at least one resilient member connected to the cap so as to press against the inner Periphery of the tubular body. The extensions are connected to a drive handle mounted underneath a bail of the cap and cooperate with the at least one resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Snecma Moteurs
    Inventors: Michel Jean Martin, Philippe Roger Rouix
  • Patent number: 6763967
    Abstract: A locking lid and method for a valve box. The locking lid has a closure and surrounding external seal, which fit into the valve box opening and close/seal it. The locking mechanism of the locking lid preferably consists of an actuator spindle that extends through the closure, and that is received in an actuator follower positioned therebelow. The actual follower is in pivotal engagement with a plurality of locking pawls, such that turning of the actuator spindle causes movement of the actuator follower and thus pivoting of the locking pawls—moving the locking pawls into a locked or unlocked position relative to a lid seat within the valve box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: L. Rodger Calder
  • Publication number: 20040056031
    Abstract: A closure assembly 10 contains positive and/or vacuum pressure within a pressure vessel 16 having a neck 12. A circumferential locking member 22 supported on a door 20 locks the door to the neck, and is radially moveable between an open position and a closed position. A seal 26 between the neck and the door maintains fluid-tight integrity. A lever or other hand powered operator may be used for moving the locking member between the open position and the closed position. The locking member may include locking segments interconnected to form the circumferential locking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas J. McGuire
  • Patent number: 6705350
    Abstract: A plug for a pipeline fitting is provided and includes a cylindrical body having an annular sealing groove, an O-ring fitted in the annular sealing groove, an expanding plate having an outer edge inserted into an annular locking groove of the pipeline fitting, and an expanding device connected to a plugging machine to insert the expanding plate into the locking groove of the fitting. The expanding plate is divided into two half plates and has a central opening with a minor axis in the direction of expansion and a major axis perpendicular to the expansion direction. The expanding plate has elongated holes and pins formed at positions symmetrical with respect to the dividing line of the expanding plate. The cylindrical body has threaded holes formed at positions corresponding to the elongated holes of the expanding plate. Screws are screwed into the threaded holes through the elongated holes to couple the expanding plate to the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body has a central circular recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Woo Kag Lee
  • Publication number: 20040020930
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lid unit for closing the container body 2 that is transported with thin-plates such as semiconductor wafers or the like accommodated therein. Simplified attaching/detaching mechanisms 32 for the production line are provided at the centers of the respective sides opposing with respect to each other. The simplified attaching/detaching mechanism 32 for the production line includes a locking plate 34 for locking the second fitted portion 21 and a drive-out member 35 for allowing the drive-out member 35 to rise and set by being engaged with the locking plate 34. A locking arm 57 for fixing the drive-out member 35 is provided on the drive-out member 35 at the end in the direction of rotation. A supporting rail 56 for controlling the rising and setting movement of the locking plate 34 is provided on the drive-out member 35.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Yukihiro Hyobu, Chiaki Matsutori, Tadahiro Obayashi
  • Publication number: 20040004081
    Abstract: A closure assembly 10 contains positive and/or vacuum pressure within a pressure vessel 16 having a neck 12. A circumferential locking member 22 supported on a door 20 locks the door to the neck, and is radially moveable between an open position and a closed position. A seal 26 between the neck and the door maintains fluid-tight integrity. A lever or other hand powered operator may be used for moving the locking member between the open position and the closed position. The locking member may include locking segments interconnected to form the circumferential locking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Doughlas J. McGuire
  • Patent number: 6622883
    Abstract: A Modified door for wafer container, includes a rotatable cammed member, two first links coupled to the rotatable cammed member and vertically aligned and moved in and out of respective first latch holes on the wafer transport module upon rotary motion of the rotatable cammed member, and two second links respectively coupled to the first links and horizontally moved in and out of respective second latch holes on the wafer transport module upon movement of the first links. The links each have a slope adapted to be moved with the respective link over a respective bearing means of the door body to force the door body inwards against the wafer transport module, keeping the wafer transport module well sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tzong-Ming Wu, Jen-Rong Huang, Muh-Wang Liang
  • Publication number: 20030146218
    Abstract: A wafer container and improved door. The wafer container door has a latch mechanism cover adapted to retain and guide the latch mechanism components. The latch mechanism cover is form fitted to the latch mechanism components and may have apertures, creating a cover with an open architecture. The open architecture is of benefit for making the area under the mechanism cover more easily cleanable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn D. Eggum
  • Publication number: 20030132232
    Abstract: A wafer container having a door with at least one latching mechanism, wherein the latching mechanism has a spring member that holds the latching mechanism at one or more favored positions that preferably correspond to latch-open and latch-closed conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the spring member has an over-center condition that urges the latching mechanism towards the favored positions, thereby resisting unintended actuation of the latching mechanism. Moreover, in preferred embodiments, the latching mechanism has soft stops at the latch open or latch closed condition that minimizes abrupt snapping into position of the latching mechanism. Preferred embodiments utilize a rotatable member configured as a cammed member with an elongate rigid plastic member having at least one node, forming a plastic spring. The spring is pivotally mounted on the rotatable member and pivotally mounted to the door structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn D. Eggum
  • Patent number: 6457598
    Abstract: A module cover is equipped with at least one door latch transmission mechanism for closing the entrance of a wafer transport module, each door latch transmission mechanism includes a door latch supported on a roller at the module cover, a latch bolt pivotally coupled between one end of the door latch and a part of the module cover, and a driving wheel coupled to the module cover and rotated to move the door latch forwards and backwards and to further turn the latch bolt in and out of a through hole on the module cover and a respective latch hole on the wafer transport module to lock/unlock the module cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Prosys Technology Integration, Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Yu Hsieh, Jone Nan Chen
  • Publication number: 20020134784
    Abstract: A module cover is equipped with at least one door latch transmission mechanism for closing the entrance of a wafer transport module, each door latch transmission mechanism includes a door latch supported on a roller at the module cover, a latch bolt pivotally coupled between one end of the door latch and a part of the module cover, and a driving wheel coupled to the module cover and rotated to move the door latch forwards and backwards and to further turn the latch bolt in and out of a through hole on the module cover and a respective latch hole on the wafer transport module to lock/unlock the module cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Chang Yu Hsieh, Jone Nan Chen
  • Patent number: 6439415
    Abstract: A closure is shown for an equipment sub having a generally cylindrical aperture leading to a bore and a bore stop. The closure is a circular body having a O-ring seal on a peripheral flange. A common actuating means moves spaced arcuate segments located on the circular body outwardly into contact with the bore stop provided in the bore of the equipment sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Perry Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Abu Salim, Marney Dunman Perry, Jr., John A. Krogue
  • Patent number: 6391946
    Abstract: Carbonated beverages can have a substantially reduced concentration of water soluble materials derived from biaxially oriented thermoformed beverage containers. Such containers can comprise a permeant barrier and an active trap for water soluble materials that can be removed from the thermoplastic by extraction into the carbonated beverage. The improved container material comprises a blow molded thermoplastic polyester web comprising a compatible modified cyclodextrin material having pendent moieties or substituents that render the cyclodextrin material compatible with the container thermoplastic. The cyclodextrin material, after it is added to the polymer material, acts as a barrier and to trap extractable materials as they permeate through the thermoplastic polyester. The cyclodextrin molecule has a large center cavity having properties that increase the likelihood that organic molecules will be absorbed and trapped in the center pore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Cellresin Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Willard E. Wood, Neil J. Beaverson
  • Patent number: 6367639
    Abstract: A safety container incorporates a slidable locking pin with an integral but separately lockable locking tab. The locking pin is internally biased by an integral S-spring which, in cooperation with the lid on the container, urges the pin to slide in a slideway in the lid of the container. The locking pin may be locked into a closed position, however, by rotation of the locking tab into a flexed position. In this position, the locking tab cannot slide within a mating slot in the hinge lid and thus the locking pin cannot slide in the slideway in the lid. Alternatively, the locking tab may be rotated into a non-flexed position in which the locking tab can be urged to penetrate the mating slot in the lid and allow the locking pin to slide in the slideway in the lid. By use of the locking pin, the safety container can be set to require the user to engage in at least distinct hand motions in order to open the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Bob Mar
  • Patent number: 6286553
    Abstract: A closure for an opening extending through a tubular member, the opening having a first cylindrical surface of a first internal diameter and a second cylindrical surface of an enlarged internal diameter providing a circumferential ledge, and, in the second cylindrical surface an increased internal diameter circumferential slot, the closure being formed of a cylindrical plug removably positioned within the tubular member and in engagement with the circumferential ledge and including an expandable snap ring having a collapsed and an expanded condition and receivable when in the expanded condition within the circumferential slot to capture the plug between the circumferential ledge and the snap ring. In one embodiment the snap ring is a unitary circumferential member having opposed, spaced apart first and second ends and wherein the snap ring is radially inwardly collapsed by moving the first and second ends towards each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Morgan
  • Patent number: 6245229
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a point-of-use water treatment system unit. The unit includes a filter housing assembly having a filter tank assembly and a closure which utilizes a handle and cammed reciprocating lock blades to secure the closure to the filter tank assembly. A UV tank assembly includes a planar baffle plate and a vaned baffle plate to induce plug flow about a UV lamp assembly. A UV lamp assembly is used which simultaneously electrically and sealingly mounts to a UV tank assembly and electrical cap assembly using a bayonet mount. A bi-planar manifold assembly is used to interconnect components of the WTS unit and to provide an envelope for accommodating a water pipe assembly. The bi-planar manifold assembly enhances the compactness of the design of the WTS unit. Also, a support plate is disclosed which provides support to subcomponents of the WTS unit while also dissipating heat from a UV tank assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis J. Kool, Roy M. Taylor, Jr., James A. Woodard, Jr., Dale Aberegg, Greg Snyder, Dan Goetz
  • Patent number: 6109823
    Abstract: A method of replacing an outwardly opening manhole cover that provides access to the interior of a tank or the like with an inwardly opening cover that includes the steps of removing the outwardly opening cover from the bolting flange of a tank installed manway and attaching a mounting flange to the manway bolting flange. A pair of hinges are connected to the mounting flange and an inwardly opening cover assembly is rotatably mounted on the hinges. The cover of the assembly is arranged to close and seal against either the mounting flange or the inner rim of the existing manway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Stebbins Engineering & Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Halferty, Mark D. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6059135
    Abstract: A safety container is described which can simultaneously store and secure containers of liquid and solid medications without any mingling of the two types of medications occurring. The safety container can also store and secure medical equipment and supplies used in the administration of medications, as well as other items. The lid of the safety container is secured to the receptacle of the safety container by a slidable elongated bolt which engages a flange located on the receptacle. The slidable elongated bolt can be held in place by a lock. Multiple units of the safety container can be joined together through a tongue-and-groove configuration located on opposing walls of the receptacles. In another embodiment, a safety container is described which allows the lid to move horizontally with respect to the receptacle. The lid is prevented from being raised upwardly be at least one flange which abuts at least aperture located on one sidewall of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: John James
    Inventors: John James, Wendy Gilhula, Linda Gullette Hudson, Donna Poling
  • Patent number: 5941016
    Abstract: A sporting game counting receptacle for retaining and maintaining a running count of captured game. The present invention provides a receptacle having an opening therein wherein a door is connected to the receptacle for movement between a closed position, wherein the door provides closure of the opening, and an open position, wherein a passageway is formed through the opening and into the receptacle. The door is biased toward the closed position and operatively connected to a counter wherein movement of the door from the closed position to the open position indexes the counter to provide a running count of the game placed in the receptacle. The receptacle may comprise an insulated cooler, a live well or any receptacle capable of holding captured game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: William J. Welcher
  • Patent number: 5915575
    Abstract: A threaded closure assembly includes a first member having an outer surface including a first outwardly directed thread, and an inner surface including a second inwardly directed thread. A unitary closure member for covering an access opening in the first member includes a first inwardly directed thread engageable with the first outwardly directed thread on the first member, and a second outwardly directed thread engageable with the second inwardly directed thread on the first member. A locking mechanism is provided between the closure member and the first member for permitting rotation of the closure member in a first direction, and preventing rotation of the closure member in a second opposite direction. A third set of threads may be provided between the first member and the closure member. The first member can be an open head container, with the closure member formed as a one-piece lid. The threads between the first member and the closure member are synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: M&M Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn H. Morris, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5913612
    Abstract: A replaceable toilet tank cover is provided having a base member with a top surface and a bottom surface. A lip is defined around the sides of the cover. At least two post members are disposed on the bottom surface and are set off from the lip a predetermined distance so that a tank wall of the toilet tank can fit between the post members and the lip. A resilient retaining device is disposed on the bottom surface adjacent from and set off from the lip. The retaining device has at least two spring arms resiliently movable in a plane generally parallel to the bottom surface for resiliently pressing against the inside surface of the toilet tank wall thereby clamping the tank wall between the lip and the spring arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: J Ray Manufacturing
    Inventor: James R. Turner
  • Patent number: 5857308
    Abstract: A double lid system is provided with an electric motor (44) to actuate mechanisms to release the lid (20) from a drum (18) and simultaneously clamp the lid (20) to a door (14) of a port (or vice versa), and with an electric motor (74) to withdraw the door (14) from the port to open the port (or to close it). The system is monitored by sensors (60,62,64,82) associated with an electronic logic interlock to ensure the correct sequence of operations of the motors (44,74). The sensors (60,62,64,82) and the motors (44,74) are readily demountable for remote maintenance or replacement. The door-opening motor (74) may he a linear actuator cooperating with a part-helical slot (80) to open the door (14) and then swing it clear of the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: AEA Technology plc
    Inventors: Timothy John Dismore, Donald John Michael Drew
  • Patent number: 5749491
    Abstract: A cover for drinking containers, and which includes a generally flat, circular disk-shaped body having two laterally projecting seal flanges. A firm body portion is sized smaller than the interior diameter of an applicable drinking container while the outward projecting annular seal flanges extend to make the overall body slightly larger in diameter than the interior diameter of the drinking container to serve as fluid seals and as frictionally adhesive members which engage the interior sidewall of the container to assist in stabilizing the cover. The top surface of the body is affixed with two oppositely disposed outward projecting flexible extending arms which extend outward beyond the sealing flanges. The arms each support a terminal end stop hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventors: Robert N. Wylder, Martin C. Steinbrecher
  • Patent number: 5743424
    Abstract: A sealable container for accommodating semiconductor wafers, which includes a hollow main body having an opening for receiving or removing the semiconductor wafers, a lid member for plugging the opening, a lock for locking and releasing the lid member in the opening of said main body, and a pressure-equalizing mechanism for allowing an interior portion of the main body to be communicable with an exterior portion thereof in cooperation with the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanao Murata, Tsuyoshi Tanaka, Teruya Morita
  • Patent number: 5732843
    Abstract: Cover to place on a door (5) with unlocking by means of rotation as to slightly open it and making it possible to appropriately sterilize the entire inside of the receptacle it closes, whilst enabling bactericide vapors to easily reach the surfaces adjacent to the door. In order to do this, the cover includes a fixed dome portion (20) flanged on the receptacle around the door, and a handling device (40 to 42) created through the dome and able to grip the door so as to slightly lift it up without breaking its imperviousness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: La Calhene
    Inventors: Charles Glachet, Jean-Pierre Simon
  • Patent number: 5711450
    Abstract: There is disclosed a door for closing an access opening of a hyperbaric or other pressure chamber in which access may be had to the interior of a vessel in which a patient is received through an opening and which, when in closed position, is releasably locked to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Raymond Paul Reneau
  • Patent number: RE36557
    Abstract: A push-on filler neck cap for a fill passageway of a tank. The cap is provided with a push top and a dependent housing sized to fit within the fill passageway and with a fill passageway seal that is located at the lower inserted end of the housing and wherein the .[.can.]. .Iadd.cap .Iaddend.is also provided with a restraining mechanism located between the push top and the fill passageway .[.seat.]. .Iadd.seal .Iaddend.for securing the cap to the passageway in a sealed manner. The restraining mechanism is defined by a plurality of lugs which: 1) engage into a recess in the fill passageway; 2) pivot outward from the housing to engage the recess in response to movement of a spring biased lever pivotedly mounted to the push top with the recess; and (3) are biased to pivot outwardly for engagement with the recess by a spring located within the housing, which spring also urges the seal into its sealing relationship within the fill passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Brown