Internal Closure-like Member Which Rests On The Unused Contents Of A Container Patents (Class 220/578)
  • Patent number: 11248985
    Abstract: A production method and system performing the production method, the method includes detecting integrity of a hermetic seal of a container that is being transported by a conveyor, the container including an elastically deformable cup containing a product and a fluid, and having an open mouth and a deformable lid attached around the open mouth of the cup, the detecting including squeezing the cup to pressurize the fluid contained in the container; and determining with a detector whether the squeezing caused the lid to deform; and when it is determined that the squeezing failed to deform the lid, removing the container from the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventor: Eugene Schreiber
  • Patent number: 11077980
    Abstract: A vacuum-sealed container wherein a large negative pressure is applied inside the container without using a pump, making it possible to store food for a long time; the container can be sealed without using a packing. The vacuum-sealed container includes: a container body having a lid coupling groove formed along the periphery of the upper end portion of an opening and arranged along a closed path; a lid body formed to be convex upward using an elastic material, the lid body having a sealing portion formed thereon such that the same is inserted into the lid coupling groove along the periphery thereof so as to seal the inside of the container body; and a valve installed on the lid body so as to provide a passage, through which air inside the container body is discharged to the outside, and so as to expose/cover the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: JCHIGLOBAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang Woo Hwang
  • Patent number: 10568464
    Abstract: The invention relates to a strainer for a food container that comprises apertures suitable for allowing liquids to drain therethrough, which is provided with at least two holes through which two fingers of a user can be inserted to a level below the strainer's plane, said strainer being bendable by the action of forces applied by said fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: DRYCAN SOLUTIONS 2015 LTD.
    Inventors: Matan Koch, Gal Argaman
  • Patent number: 10279104
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for controlling, regulating, altering, transforming or otherwise modulating the delivery of a substance to a delivery site. The devices, systems and methods optimize the delivery of the substance to an intended site, such as a vessel, vascular bed, organ and/or other corporeal structures, while reducing inadvertent introduction or reflux substance to other vessels, vascular beds, organs, and/or other structures, including systemic introduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Osprey Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew M. Burns, Tuan M. Doan, Rodney L. Houfburg, David M. Kaye, Daniel R. Mans, Todd J. Mortier
  • Patent number: 9575311
    Abstract: A magnifying container apparatus including a generally cylindrical member and one or more magnifying lenses is provided for magnifying, viewing, and carrying items. A magnifying lens is detachably connected to the lower end of the cylindrical member to close the lower end. The magnifying lens magnifies the items present below the magnifying lens. The cylindrical member accommodates and carries the items within a space defined by a generally cylindrical wall and between an open upper end and the closed lower end of the cylindrical member. The magnifying container apparatus further includes a threaded rod, a threaded wheel, and a generally cylindrical sieve member. The sieve member drains a predetermined amount of an extraneous element from the magnifying container apparatus, when the threaded rod, in communication with the threaded wheel, traverses the magnifying lens from the lower end of the cylindrical member toward a lower end of the sieve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Seneca S. Cooper
  • Patent number: 9533817
    Abstract: In combination with a container having predetermined shape, the improvement comprising an apparatus for evacuating air from the container and for sealing the container so as to prevent air from returning in order to better preserve contents of the container. The apparatus includes a lid member for insertion into such container, the lid member having each of a predetermined shape and a predetermined size and formed of a predetermined material and at least one rim member formed on an outer edge of the lid member for contacting an inside wall of the container. The at least one rim member being sufficiently thin so as conform to the inside walls of said container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Dale O. Smallwood
  • Patent number: 8973771
    Abstract: A sealed floating roof for a storage tank, comprising a frame and roof panels, in which the frame provides a guide for directing an automatic welder along said structure to allow for automated welding of the roof panels to the frame, and a method of forming such a roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: HMT LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Doxey, Richard P. King
  • Patent number: 8910832
    Abstract: Device for the preservation of substances to be kept separate until their application includes a container (2), which is provided with an at least partially deformable body (6), and a delivery mouth (4), on which there is provided a delivery element for delivering the mixture. A watertight chamber (5) is arranged between the delivery mouth and the body of the container and is provided with a connection mouth (12) for the connection to the body (6), which is closed by cap means (20). A component of the substance to be delivered is contained in the watertight chamber (5), whereas another component is contained in the body (6). The communication between the two components is established by removing said cap, by interference between the walls of the cap and the walls of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Inge S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alessio Nobbio
  • Patent number: 8844743
    Abstract: A compressible container (200) has a cap (100) configured to engage therewith. The cap (100) includes a first valve (150), preferably in the form of first and second disks (112,120), one above another, each disk having at least one hole (113,122) therethrough. The disks are rotatable with respect to one another The holes (113,122) of the first and second disks (112,120) align in a first position to create channel therethrough and misalign in the second position to close the channel. The cap (100) may also include a second valve (130) connected to the channel. The second valve (130) may comprise a ball (134) inside a conic section tube (132). The ball (134) is designed to float on the liquid (300) so that any liquid (300) attempting to exit the container cap (100) will be prevented from doing so as the second valve (130) will be closed when the liquid forces the ball (134) into engagement with the conic section tube (132).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Giuseppe Costa
  • Patent number: 8820551
    Abstract: A fluid preservation system for use with a container containing both fluid and gas where there exists a transition between the fluid and the gas and where the container has an opening with a first inside diameter and a first inner surface and a body with a second inside diameter and a second inner surface. The fluid preservation system comprises an elongated member with a proximal end and a distal end, an expandable sealing member near the distal end of the elongated member, where the expandable sealing member has an expanded state and a compressed state. Means to change the expanded sealing member between the expanded state and the compressed state is located near the proximal end of the elongated member. The expandable sealing member in the expanded state is in contract with the second inner surface of the container near the transition between the fluid and the gas. The expandable sealing member in the compressed state is able to pass through the first inside diameter of the opening of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Smart Assets, Inc.
    Inventor: Michelle Arney
  • Patent number: 8727112
    Abstract: Methods and articles of manufacture for storage and shipping of nanowires are disclosed. One disclosed method includes: (a) providing a nanowire suspension including nanowires suspended in a liquid; and (b) disposing the nanowire suspension in a container for storage and shipping, where the container is configured to inhibit agglomeration of nanowires from the nanowire suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Innova Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Eugene Young, Arjun Daniel Srinivas, Matthew R. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8708190
    Abstract: An anti-sloshing apparatus comprising: a plurality of buoyant members having buoyancy to be floated on the surface of liquid; a foam member having open cell structure to absorb the liquid and covering the buoyant member; and a connecting member to connect the adjacent buoyant members one another, allows effectively preventing liquid cargo sloshing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Heavy Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Eon Chun
  • Patent number: 8708201
    Abstract: A modular platen assembly comprises an annular hub, a wiper ring assembly and a coupling ring. The annular hub is for connecting to a ram of an inductor pump. The wiper ring assembly includes an annular wiper for sealing with a container. The coupling ring is independently joined to the hub and the wiper ring assembly at first and second connections, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Derek R. Shaw, Paul R. Quam
  • Patent number: 8662342
    Abstract: A method and device for releasably sealing a material into a container is disclosed. The device has a plug handle and a flexible plug body with an exterior edge that conforms to the contours of the interior wall of the container. The plug body is inserted into the container and is positioned to the surface of the material within the chamber using the plug handle. The plug body exerts resistance pressure against the interior wall of the container. The resistance pressure releasably seals the material in the chamber. In certain embodiments, while the plug body is inserted into the container, the resistance pressure squeezes the material from at least a portion of the interior wall of the container down to a pool of the material in the chamber of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew John DeTolla
  • Patent number: 8646642
    Abstract: A floating cover roof for a storage tank has a frame assembly and multiple floating units. The frame assembly has a holding frame and an outer rim. The holding frame has multiple longitudinal beams and transverse beams. Each longitudinal beam has a connecting seat, a first holding segment and a second holding segment. Two of the transverse beams are connected to two adjacent longitudinal beams to form a locating area between the beams. The floating units are mounted in the locating areas of the frame assembly, are connected to the beams of the holding frame and each has an outer casing and a body. The outer casing is mounted in one of the locating areas of the holding frame, is connected to the adjacent beams and has a casing body and a top board. The body is mounted in the outer casing between the casing body and the top board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Float-Tek International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Fa Su
  • Patent number: 8540109
    Abstract: A stowing mechanism for a laptop or other device can secure different devices with varying thicknesses and widths within a compartment. The mechanism includes a cover which serves as the actuator for a jack mechanism. A pressure plate pivotally attached to the jack mechanism pushes against the device when the lid is closed, thereby securing the device within the compartment. The device can be released from the secure position by opening the cover. A buffer spring operating in conjunction with the jacking mechanism allows the mechanism to secure devices having different thicknesses and widths, while the pivotal pressure plate allows the plate to conform to devices having different shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark V. McPeek, Roger D. Eller, Josh M. Roe, Stephen R. Blair
  • Patent number: 8365931
    Abstract: The specification discloses a device (10) insertable into a wine bottle (12) after opening, the device (10) being intended to float on the surface (21) of wine remaining in the bottle (12) and minimize deterioration of the remaining wine, said device (10) including a core structure (11) having a thin spring plate (11a) capable of being deformed when the device (10) is inserted into the bottle (12) and capable of recovering its shape once inserted into the bottle (12), the core structure (11) further having at least one floatation means (11b) and said device (10) including a liquid impervious outer sheath (18) having upper and lower walls (14, 15) sealed to one another to retain the core structure (11) therein, the outer sheath (18) being of a material that is non reactive with wine and including a flexible outer peripheral edge zone (42) with cuts or the like (49) formed therein, the outer peripheral edge zone (42) being adapted, in use, to contact the internal surfaces of the wine bottle (12) while floating
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventors: Barry Maxwell Rees, Malcolm McKenzie
  • Publication number: 20120091145
    Abstract: A modular platen assembly comprises an annular hub, a wiper ring assembly and a coupling ring. The annular hub is for connecting to a ram of an inductor pump. The wiper ring assembly includes an annular wiper for sealing with a container. The coupling ring is independently joined to the hub and the wiper ring assembly at first and second connections, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Derek R. Shaw, Paul R. Quam
  • Patent number: 7874446
    Abstract: A trash container has a flexible, corrugated baffle attached to or integrated into the lid of the container. The baffle may have a handle and a compacting plate attached to it, and it allows a user to compact trash inside the trash container. Specifically, the flexible design of the baffle allows the compacting plate to compact trash inside the container when the baffle is extended into the container. After the trash inside the container is compacted, the baffle may spring back into its original shape. The lid structure, including the baffle, may be incorporated into the container, which may have other features, such as a foot pedal to raise and lower the lid. The baffle allows trash in the trash container to be reduced in size, allowing more trash to be placed in the container, while maintaining a simple design and keeping the user clean and safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Base Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Spivey, Kenneth C. Kreafle
  • Patent number: 7753000
    Abstract: A hay feeder allows a horse to eat from the feeder at a controlled speed in order to help prevent choke as well as overeating. The feeder uses a receptacle that has one or more guide posts extending between a closed bottom and an open top. A plate has first openings that each receive a respective post in order to allow the plate to slide up and down within the receptacle, the plate also having a series of second openings. Hay is placed into the receptacle and the plate is positioned on top of the hay. The horse eats the hay through the series of second openings and the plate gravitationally falls with the depleting stock of hay guided downwardly along the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Julie Turner
  • Patent number: 7628284
    Abstract: A combination of a container body, an opening in said container body, an inner wall on said container body, a basket, a plurality of fingers on said basket engaging said inner wall, and a sorbent body in said basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hurley, Thomas H. Powers
  • Patent number: 7503463
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing easier, more ergonomic access to parts stored in a shipping container to be used in a manufacturing environment. Shipping containers having trays with packaging cells for containing production parts may be accessed by a person whose responsibility it is to remove the parts from the container for use on an assembly line, for example. By enabling the trays containing packaging cells to be moved forward as parts are removed from the container, the person's job is rendered easier to access parts that would have otherwise remained at the rear of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the packaging cells or packs are arranged to slidably move closer to the person removing the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michael L. Stefanik, Carrie S. Simpson, John Detwiler
  • Publication number: 20090008396
    Abstract: A partition, which has a perforate body part (1) and radially extending ligulate projections (5,6) around the body, with preferably a peripheral ring (27) joining the distal ends of the ligulate projections. The partition may be flat or cup shaped and is used in the field of containment of produce, in particular where produce is contained in a closed container immersed in a liquid. A primary example of an application of the invention is in containment of natural produce such as fruit and vegetables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: R. Hopkins
  • Publication number: 20080210582
    Abstract: Paint in a container is inhibited against skinning by providing a layer of a barrier material comprising an inhibiting composition having a boiling point of at least 250° C. and optionally water on the upper surface the bulk paint in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY
    Inventors: Donald Lee Betz, James Michael Cameron, Norbert Erwin Graff
  • Publication number: 20070272698
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cylindrical container, preferably glass or plastic, comprising a top threaded end and a bottom threaded end and two threaded lids adapted to screw onto the top and bottom threaded ends, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Desmond C. Brown, Josh Nicolaysen
  • Publication number: 20070215624
    Abstract: In combination with a container having predetermined shape, the improvement comprising an apparatus for evacuating air from the container and for sealing the container so as to prevent air from returning in order to better preserve contents of the container. The apparatus includes a lid member for insertion into such container, the lid member having each of a predetermined shape and a predetermined size and formed of a predetermined material and at least one rim member formed on an outer edge of the lid member for contacting an inside wall of the container. The at least one rim member being sufficiently thin so as conform to the inside walls of said container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventor: Dale O. Smallwood
  • Patent number: 7255244
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a device for sealing paint in a can. The device or fluid cover includes a circular disk having an outer edge with the diameter of the edge being smaller than the inner diameter of the can. The cover includes a side wall that extends outwardly and upwardly and a lip that extends radially outwardly from the side wall. The diameter of the lip is greater than the inner diameter of the can. Upon insertion of the cover into the can the side wall flexes to allow the cover to be inserted into the can, whilst the lip frictionally engages the can inner surface. The fluid cover further includes a handle defining an upward cavity that can be compressed to expel air from the cavity and assists in sealing the fluid cover on top of paint by providing a partial vacuum. The side wall may be of an arcuate shape and have several sections extending radially outwardly at different angles to the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Clifton Leigh Miller
  • Patent number: 7225942
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil storage tank equipped with a floating bed type inner floating roof. The oil storage tank structure has a tank body and an inner floating roof which lies on the liquid surface inside the tank. The inner floating roof includes filling bags and a resilient sealing tube. The filling bags, separated by isolation sheets, are filled with floating plates. The resilient sealing tube is disposed around the entire circumference of the filling bags, and is in contact with and biased against the inner wall of the tank body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Zhenqi Song
  • Patent number: 7159736
    Abstract: A device for preserving freshness of contents, such as but not limited to, coffee, paint, nuts, etc., of a container. The device includes a body and a handle. The body is free of venting bores, comes to rest on the contents of the container, and substantially engages the inner side surface of the container, to preserve the freshness of the contents of the container by blocking virtually all air in the container from contact with the contents of the container. The handle extends foldably from the body so as to self-fold onto the body and prevent interference of the handle with the lid of the container when the contents of the container are at such a level in the container that the handle would, in its normal upward position, be interfered with by the lid of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Torelli
  • Patent number: 7017768
    Abstract: A floatable barrier suitably adapted for use with a beverage container having a circular base and a cylindrical wall extending vertically therefrom. The floatable barrier comprising top and bottom planar surfaces for displaying advertising material thereon and for floatingly engaging a substantial portion of a comestible liquid contained in the beverage container, respectively; an outer wall integrally connecting the top and bottom planar surfaces along the periphery thereof principally serving as means to space apart and maintain a parallel relationship of the surfaces to form an inner chamber possessing thermal retaining and buoyancy characteristics; and a plurality of apertures collectively located along the periphery of and extending from the top planar surface to the bottom planar surface, through the inner chamber, to assist in promoting the condition of laminar flow over the floatable barrier as the beverage container is being filled with the comestible liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Randy Jerome Iskierka
  • Patent number: 6910595
    Abstract: A holder assembly for use with a flexible liner is provided having a holder with a longitudinal slot and a plunger. The plunger has a disk and a positioner joined to the disk. The positioner engages the longitudinal slot to mount the disk slidably in the holder. The plunger is readily adapted for assembly and disassembly with the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Playtex Products Inc.
    Inventor: Charles J. Renz
  • Publication number: 20040238544
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a device for sealing paint in a can. The device or fluid cover includes a circular disk having an outer edge with the diameter of the edge being smaller than the inner diameter of the can. The cover includes a side wall that extends outwardly and upwardly and a lip that extends radially outwardly from the side wall. The diameter of the lip is greater than the inner diameter of the can. Upon insertion of the cover into the can the side wall flexes to allow the cover to be inserted into the can, whilst the lip frictionally engages the can inner surface. The fluid cover further includes a handle defining an upward cavity that can be compressed to expel air from the cavity and assists in sealing the fluid cover on top of paint by providing a partial vacuum. The side wall may be of an arcuate shape and have several sections extending radially outwardly at different angles to the disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Clifton Leigh Miller
  • Publication number: 20040226955
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an insert for covering an upper surface of material in a container. The insert has a disc-shaped central body portion with generally planar upper and lower surfaces and at least one finger grip extending upwardly from the upper planar surface. An annular sidewall extends around a periphery of the central portion and an annular hinge extends around the sidewall. An annular flange extends around the sidewall and is connected to the sidewall by the hinge. A removable hang tab having an aperture formed therein extends from a free edge of the flange. At least one annular groove is formed in the planar upper surface to define an area for forming a hole through the central body portion. A plurality of radially extending score lines are preferably formed in the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Dale A. Frantz
  • Patent number: 6779921
    Abstract: Reclosable bags, plastic film for making the bags, and a method and apparatus for making the bags are disclosed. The bag has a reclosable fastener (26) connected to a single wall of the bag, and the film (55) has a reclosable fastener (26) connected to one side thereof which does not require attachment to any other portion of the film (55) when making a bag. The fastener (26) has a tamper-proof member attached thereto to indicate if the bag has been previously opened. The film (55) can be wound into a roll (54) suitable for use on conventional bag making machines including form, fill, and seal machines or a chain of coilable reclosable bags can be produced therefrom since the fasteners (26) are connected to the web preferably transversely to the bags longitudinal formation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Innoflex Incorporated
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Publication number: 20030218016
    Abstract: A floatable barrier suitably adapted for use with a beverage container having a circular base and a cylindrical wall extending vertically therefrom. The floatable barrier comprising top and bottom surfaces for displaying advertising material thereon and for floatingly engaging a substantial portion of a comestible liquid contained in the beverage container, respectively; an outer wall integrally connecting the top and bottom surfaces along the periphery thereof principally serving as means to space apart and maintain a parallel relationship of the surfaces to form an inner chamber possessing thermal retaining and buoyancy characteristics; and a plurality of apertures located along the periphery of and extending through the top and bottom surfaces to assist in promoting the condition of laminar flow over the floatable barrier as the beverage container is being filled with the comestible liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Randy Jerome Iskierka
  • Patent number: 6619494
    Abstract: A package for tablet products that includes a container having an interior volume for holding the tablet products and a closure secured to a cylindrical finish of the container. A product hold-down device has an axially resilient central portion, a lower portion for engaging the upper surface of the product within the container, and an upper portion for securement within the container finish to hold the device in place within the finish, with the closure removed from the finish, against the axially resilient forces applied to the device by engagement of the lower portion with product in the container and resilient compression of the central portion of the device. Thus, the hold-down device can be inserted into the container and secured to the container using automatic packaging equipment, and the container closure then applied to the container. In use, the closure is removed from the container, and the device is removed and discarded by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Brozell, Stephen A. Eilertson
  • Patent number: 6554153
    Abstract: A storage pocket for storing flat items in a motor vehicle, has a support for flat items; a pressure element; a guide provided for guiding said pressure element and guiding said pressure element back and forth between a position close to said support or abutting said support and a position spaced from said support; a force-applying spraying element which presses said pressure element toward said support; and a holding device which holds said pressure element against a force of said force-applying spraying element releasably in the position spaced from the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignees: fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG., Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Daniel Heine, Ruediger Widulle
  • Patent number: 6467641
    Abstract: A container device with an adjustable volume is provided for holding and immobilizing solder spheres used in manufacturing printed circuit boards and other electronic assemblies. The container device includes a hollow containing portion having a first terminal end and a second terminal end with a side wall connecting the first and second terminal ends and a removable sealing mechanism connected to the first terminal end. An adjustable piston is positioned within the containing portion having a length and a width such that when the piston is inserted into the containing portion of the container device, the piston exerts a sufficient pressure against the side wall of the containing portion to rigidly position the piston within the container device. The pressure exerted by the piston forms a seal between the piston and the side wall of the containing portion, thereby preventing solder spheres contained therein from slipping between the piston and the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Fry's Metals, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard R. Minogue
  • Patent number: 5993096
    Abstract: An applicator and receptacle sealer, the applicator for applying a viscous liquid stored in a receptacle and the sealer for sealing the receptacle which is open at the top for removal of the liquid, the applicator and receptacle sealer comprising: a substantially circular member of a flexible, semi-rigid material having a diameter which is selectively adjustable and having a marginal annular edge for sealably engaging the interior wall of a receptacle, the selectively adjustable diameter of the circular member formed by providing annularly in the marginal annular edge scored lines for removing a selected outer portion of the marginal annular edge from the circular member, thereby reducing the diameter of the circular member; and, an elongated handle member mounted to the upper surface of the circular member for imparting vertical movement thereto when the circular member is positioned within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: John D. Martelli
  • Patent number: 5887715
    Abstract: A tool case with a storage space which is accessed from the underside of the tool case. The storage space may be fitted with various pre-assembled snap-in storage modules to provide the user with the flexibility of storing a wide variety of items in a wide variety of ways, depending on the user's needs. For example, the compartment may be fitted with a snap-in module comprising a series of rotating storage containers according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Alternatively, the snap-in modules can comprise a series of sliding drawers, or a single rotating storage container, or any other tool or component holder. In the invention, a rectangular opening is defined within the bottom surface of the box portion of the tool case. Interior walls project upwardly from the edge of the opening to preferably define a storage space which accommodates a snap-in module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Maxtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Kailash C. Vasudeva
  • Patent number: 5878899
    Abstract: A holder assembly, for use with disposable baby feeding liners, includes a holder having a longitudinal slot and a member. The member has a disk and a finger-operated attachment joined to the disk at a single location. The attachment engages the longitudinal slot to mount the disk slidably within the holder. The attachment is readily adapted to assembly and disassembly. The holder, preferably, has a dual set of markings for determining the volume of liquid entering into the liner and the volume of liquid remaining in the liner as the baby is feeding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis X. Manganiello, Aiden John Petrie
  • Patent number: 5845567
    Abstract: A manual trash compactor is provided including a box having an open top. A hand operated compactor assembly includes a compactor with a member integrally coupled thereto and extending upwardly therefrom for gripping by a user, whereby the compactor may be manually depressed within the box for allowing the compacting of trash therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Edmund Fischer
  • Patent number: 5823381
    Abstract: Bread boxes that automatically seal the loaf wrapper after slices of bread are consumed. In both embodiments a rigid bottom, base that is adapted to be disposed upon a supporting surface has a pair of parallel, vertical sides that terminate at a back piece. The sides are spaced to fit a loaf of bread between them. A self closing door system closes the front of the box. With a loaf of bread disposed between the sides upon the base, the front door presses against the exposed wrapper end to seal the loaf. In a first embodiment the door is pivotally suspended between follower slots defined in the sides. Suitable followers on opposite sides of the door align it as it slides in and out. These followers are entrained within the elongated slots so jamming is prevented. In a second embodiment, a resilient, slidable handle traverses the box top and suspends and pivots the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Bread Shed Inc.
    Inventors: Todd H. Ashley, Charles R. Wood
  • Patent number: 5794813
    Abstract: A storing tank, in which the storage space can be multiplied to a suitable extent, and the area occupied by it can be reduced. It has a lower tank member, an access gate, a pushing mechanism, an upper tank member and an outlet. Material put in the access gate falls onto the pushing mechanism to be pushed upwardly into the lower tank member. When the latter is full, the upper tank member is moved upwardly by the increasing material to increase the receiving space until the upper tank member is moved to the highest position. When the outlet is opened, the material can automatically fall down along a bevel guiding surface in the lower tank member and out of the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Chien-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 5732848
    Abstract: A container for storing adhesive and sealant materials comprising (a) a container having a closed bottom end and an open top end, (b) an insert in the form of a disk interposed between the closed bottom end of the container and the adhesive and sealant materials contained in the container, the disk having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the container, and (c) a sheath superimposed over one face of the disk to provide overlapping perimeter edges which are folded onto an exposed face of the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Teroson GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Grab, Siegbert Papzien
  • Patent number: 5626266
    Abstract: A container assembly includes a central connecting member that extends to an attached support plate at the bottom of the container. After opening the top of the container, lifting of the connecting member results in the contents of the container being pulled up by the support plate for ease of use. The use of the assembly is particularly useful for materials having a thick consistency such as dog food or cat food or spackling paste which are difficult to remove from their containers. In the preferred embodiment the support plate includes openings to drain any liquid from the contents of the container as the contents are being lifted from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Patent number: 5626257
    Abstract: A paint bladder including a bladder that has an exterior surface and a top portion with a cylindrical extent. The extent has an external portion with a notch and an internal portion with a valve lip that is connected by a hinge. A cap capable of slidable engagement of the external portion of the cylindrical extent for closure. Included is a hollow inner core that is accessible through the cylindrical extent, and for air containment. A rigid tube is positioned within the cylindrical extent. The tube has a first end opening that is sealed by the valve lip and a second end opening. Lastly, the tube operates as an air valve when the second end opening receives an amount of air therethrough and into the hollow for expansion of the bladder when the cap is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Leonard E. Carlson
  • Patent number: 5519901
    Abstract: A cover for a pool is retained in position by a plurality of water-filled enclosures, each including a container and a lid formed of a substantially rigid, plastic material having a specific gravity of less than one. The elongated, watertight container has a continuous flange about its upper, open end with openings at spaced intervals to receive locking pins integral with the lid. The lid has a pyramidal-shape to prevent water and debris from collecting thereon. The lid outer perimeter has lip engaging the marginal edge of the container flange to retain its shape without bowing due to the expansion of freezing water. The containers and lids are nestable and stackable when not in use. The container flange openings extend downwardly along an tipper portion of the side walls to prevents overfilling. The lid may be hingedly connected to the container, while retaining the nestable, stackable capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Jerome Friedman
  • Patent number: 5460291
    Abstract: A transport container for textile packages, especially sliver, includes a vertically displaceable bottom element and a wall surrounding the bottom element and having a given length. The wall is formed of at least two joined-together wall parts being extended over all of the given length. The wall has guide gaps formed therein over large portions of the given length, for guidance of the bottom element. The transport container preferably has a rectangular outline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: W. Schlafhorst AG & Co.
    Inventor: Peter Kerstiens
  • Patent number: 5411156
    Abstract: A content immobilizer includes an immobilizing medium, such as cotton, and a plastic integrally formed pull member, operatively coupled through the immobilizing medium, wherein the pull member has a flexible portion adapted to resiliently extend above an upper rim surface of the mouth of a bottle after removal of the closure. The pull member may also laterally compress and expand to frictionally engage with an interior wall surface of the bottle to secure the pull member in a predetermined position. A method for forming the content immobilizer includes inserting the pull member through the immobilizing medium, inserting the content immobilizer into the bottle such that at least a portion of the pull member extends out through the mouth of the bottle, and applying a closure, such as a tamper evident seal, a cap and/or both, over the mouth such that the portion of the pull member resiliently couples to a bottom surface of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Christopher J. Reckamp