Manual Material-mover (e.g., Dispenser) Patents (Class 226/127)
  • Patent number: 11666206
    Abstract: A device that includes a body having an opening through which a wire is configured to extend; a channel defined by an upper wire guiding portion and a lower wire guiding portion; and a wire locking feature configured to immobilize a section of the wire. The channel is configured to guide the wire along a path between the body and the wire locking feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Mansfield, Michael J. Perriello, Andy K. Khin
  • Patent number: 11364050
    Abstract: A catheter placing instrument is provided. The catheter placing instrument includes an elongated body that extends in a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end. The elongated body has a top surface configured to receive a catheter extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The elongated body includes a catheter insertion section and a grip section. The catheter insertion section includes a catheter locking clamp located at the distal end of the elongated body, and the grip section includes a catheter guide. The catheter placing instrument can be used to place or implant any tubular medical device within a patient's body. A method of placing a tubular medical device at a deep location within a patient's body is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve S. Khalaj, Eric A. Schepis, Thomas D. Mina
  • Patent number: 10631900
    Abstract: An orthopedic device configured for use as a compressor or a distractor is provided. The device has two arm members and a locking sleeve for securely holding an elongated pin is attached to each of the two arm members. The locking sleeve are hingeably connected to the outer end of each of the two arm members by a biaxial hinge block, wherein the biaxial hinge block is configured to allow the locking sleeve to swivel in two different directions about two orthogonally oriented axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Thoren, Daniel McCormick, Wesley Reed, Thomas Cramer, Gary Lowery, David Harness
  • Patent number: 10610354
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described herein for anchoring a prosthetic heart valve. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a tether attachment member that includes a base member that defines at least a portion of a tether passageway through which a portion of a tether extending from a prosthetic heart valve can be received therethrough. The base member defines a locking pin channel that intersects the tether passageway. A locking pin is disposable within the locking pin channel and movable between a first position in which the locking pin is at a spaced distance from the tether passageway, and a second position in which the locking pin intersects the tether passageway and can engage the portion of a tether disposed therein to secure the tether to the tether attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Tendyne Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Vidlund, Mark Christianson, Craig Ekvall
  • Patent number: 10598310
    Abstract: A disclosed adjustable stand may include a stand base, a stand cradle rotatably coupled to the stand base, and a handle rotatably coupled to the stand cradle. The adjustable stand, when the handle is rotated to an adjustment position and the stand cradle is rotated to a rotational position with respect to the stand base, may set an angle of the stand cradle with respect to the stand base to a selected angle. The adjustable stand, when the handle is rotated to a retention position, may lock the angle of the stand cradle to the selected angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: James Henry Hallar, John Trevor Morrison, Chiu-Jung Tsen, Lawrence Stone
  • Patent number: 9956381
    Abstract: A catheter guide device configured to facilitate precise placement of a downstream end of a catheter within a patient. The catheter guide device comprises a torque assembly configured to frictionally engage an exterior surface of a catheter and a hub configured to engage a catheter sheath and thereby prevent rotation of the catheter sheath relative to the hub. The torque assembly is rotatably secured to the hub such that rotating the torque assembly relative to the hub rotates the catheter relative to the catheter sheath and thereby moves the downstream end of the catheter within the patient. The hub additionally comprises a detent mechanism configured to engage a plurality of gear teeth on an exterior surface of the torque assembly to thereby impede unintended rotation of the torque assembly relative to the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Florida Electrophysiology LLC
    Inventor: Usman Siddiqui
  • Patent number: 9919373
    Abstract: A soldering wire dispensing apparatus is provided and comprises a support frame with a motor is mounted therein. A motor axle extends from the motor and rotates upon activation of the motor. A dispenser spool is mounted within the support frame with a predetermined amount of solder wire. A dispensing axle extends from the dispenser spool. A connecting belt links the motor axle to the dispensing axle to rotate the dispensing axle with rotation of the motor axle. A flexible wire nozzle is positioned in and extends from the support frame. An adjustment housing is mounted to the support frame. An upright bar is slidably mounted within the adjustment housing. A lever is connected to the upright bar and extends through the adjustment housing. A connecting wire extends between the second end of the wire nozzle and the upright bar. Upon moving the lever downward, the connecting wire nozzle bends nozzle to a predetermined angle relative to the adjustment housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Sergio Lopez
  • Patent number: 9770272
    Abstract: An orthopedic device configured for use as a compressor or a distractor is provided. The device has two arm members and a locking sleeve for securely holding an elongated pin is attached to each of the two arm members. The locking sleeve are hingeably connected to the outer end of each of the two arm members by a biaxial hinge block, wherein the biaxial hinge block is configured to allow the locking sleeve to swivel in two different directions about two orthogonally oriented axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Thoren, Daniel McCormick, Wesley Reed, Thomas Cramer, Gary Lowery, David Harness
  • Patent number: 8302837
    Abstract: A solder feeder having a housing member with a proximal end and a distal end. A guide member fixed to an interior wall of the housing member and extending through and projecting from the housing member for receiving solder. A trigger, having in combination, a short portion having a plurality of teeth thereon and a long portion. The trigger pivotably attached to the housing member so that the short portion of the trigger extending through an opening in a wall of the housing member in alignment with and cooperating with a slot in a wall of the guide member and the long portion extending externally along a length of the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Fred De Berardinis
  • Publication number: 20120048889
    Abstract: An improvement to a feeding unit of a glue applicator is disclosed. The glue applicator includes a body having a heat chamber and a feeding unit for pushing a glue stick into the heat chamber. The feeding unit includes a sliding seat sliding in the body and allowing the glue stick to pass therethrough. A gripper pivotally fixed to the sliding seat is rotatable to engage with the glue stick, and has a projecting portion extending slantwise downward. A trigger pivotally fixed to the body automatically returns to an initial position thereof, and has a top thereof provided with a recess for receiving the projecting portion of the gripper. When the trigger is transversely drawn toward the body, the recess pushes the gripper to engage the glue stick, so the glue stick is advanced together with the sliding seat, causing the glue stick to be fed into the heat chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Huang Yung-Kuan
  • Patent number: 7347134
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing and advancing sheet material is provided. The dispenser includes a frame and a drive roller rotationally mounted to the frame. The drive roller is configured for engagement with sheet material so that rotation of the drive roller causes movement of the sheet material. A segmented gear with first and second drive segments is mounted to the frame and is in communication with the drive roller. A spring is included and is in communication with the segmented gear. The spring is configured so that rotation of the segmented gear causes the spring to store potential energy. Release of potential energy in the spring causes the segmented gear to rotate. A cutting blade is provided and is configured for cutting the sheet material in order to release potential energy. The dispenser allows for a piece of sheet material to be dispensed therefrom and subsequently presents the user with a new piece of sheet material for future removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Paul Lewis, Paul Francis Tramontina
  • Patent number: 6412655
    Abstract: The invention relates to a towel dispenser (10) such as a paper towel dispenser comprising a housing (12) in which a paper roll and an issuing device (50) are arranged. Said issuing device can AC be controlled by a sensor (38). In order to simplify the operation and to increase the reliability of the towel dispenser, the invention provides that the sensor (38) is configured as a capacitive sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Stuetzel, Andreas Heub-Schneider
  • Patent number: 6273358
    Abstract: Storage and dispensing device for elongate strand material including a spool, a tubular delivery system incorporating an integral finger-actuable friction element rotatively mounted for contact with strand material and urgement forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Leroy S. Hileman
  • Patent number: 6230478
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for manufacturing helically wound insulated conductors with filament fillers includes first and second payoff stations for paying off a plurality of insulated conductors and elongate filaments of filler materials. These cable components are guided from the payoff stations to a closing die, and are arranged in positions suitable for twisting into a cable by a double twist machine to form a cable of twisted insulated components forming radially outwardly facing helical interstices each of which is substantially filled with another one of the filaments of filler material. Differential or incremental lengths of filler material are metered upstream of the double twist machine to compensate for the differences in the radial distances of the insulated conductors and filaments of filler material on the center or cable of the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Nextrom Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul White
  • Patent number: 5879338
    Abstract: A needle-syringe for inserting a guidewire G in a patient comprises a barrel 10 and a hollow nozzle 15 opening into the interior of the barrel 10. It comprises a plunger 11 slidably mounted in the barrel 10 and a needle holder 14 slidably mounted in the longitudinal cavity of the plunger 11. A hollow guide member is mounted between the proximal ends of the needle holder 14 and the plunger 11 for guiding a guidewire G from the proximal end of the plunger 11 to the proximal end of the needle holder 14. The needle holder 14 includes a valve member for passing a guidewire G through the needle holder 14 while preventing blood from flowing between the interiors of the needle holder 14 and the hollow guide member. The guide member engages and retracts the needle holder 14 in response to relative rotational movement between the barrel 10 and the needle holder 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Sakharam D. Mahurkar
  • Patent number: 5865395
    Abstract: A paper towel supporting and dispensing system includes a paper towel supporting unit having hinged support arms releasably forced by a spring to hold a roll of paper towel for dispensing, and a dispensing mechanism having a gear transmission mechanism controlled by a spring supported lever to turn meshed cylinders in letting off the loaded roll of paper towel, the gear transmission mechanism including a transmission gear having a plain section for controlling the dispensing quantity upon each dispensing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Kuo-Wei Wei
  • Patent number: 5813591
    Abstract: A solder dispenser which includes a body portion having a sleeve thereon with a moveable shuttle extending through the sleeve. A solder holder bracket is retained on the moveable shuttle for retaining a spool of solder on the solder dispsenser. A solder gripper is carried on the body for gripping solder upon moving the shuttle to extend a length of solder from the solder spool. The solder gripper acts as a one-way cam which retains the solder as it is being extending from the spool but also allows solder to pass therethrough once it is extended from the spool. A trigger assembly is used to displace the shuttle and thereby extend a length of solder. The trigger assembly allows for dispensing a selected or desired length of solder from the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventors: David L. Quinn, Kevin M. Quinn
  • Patent number: 5598604
    Abstract: A pencil-shaped eraser comprising an elongate tube for placing a bar eraser therein, a sleeve to fit around a lower portion of the tube movably, the lower portion of the tube having a plurality of claws divided by slots and movable inward, the claws respectively having a larger diameter constricting section and a smaller diameter loosening section, the sleeve having a hollow passageway consisting of a distal smaller diameter section and a proximal larger diameter section, the distal constricting section constricting the constricting section of the tube so that the claws may be compressed inward to constrict a bar eraser a little protruding out of the claws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Kun-Chuan Ho
  • Patent number: 5551648
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the combination of a tape dispensing machine which includes an exit chute and a pressure plate assembly, and a pressure plate positioner which has at least one support member positioned between the chute and the pressure plate assembly for providing an upward force on the pressure plate assembly to reduce the frictional force on any tape which passes therebetween to prevent jamming of the tape during dispensing. In addition, the invention relates to a method for facilitating the dispensing of relatively thin tapes which comprises providing an upward force on the pressure plate assembly to reduce the frictional force on any tape which passes therebetween to prevent jamming of the tape during dispensing. This upward force is preferably provided by installing the pressure plate positioner described above between the chute and pressure plate assembly of the tape dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Central Products Company
    Inventors: Sam B. Vodoor, Jonathan B. Rivlin
  • Patent number: 5417783
    Abstract: Linerless labels in a continuous web, in roll form, are dispensed. The roll is mounted for rotation by a vertical shaft, and periodically a drive roller with conveyor tapes wrapped around it is rotated to pull the web from the roll in an amount sufficient to unwind approximately one length of label from the roll. The adhesive face of the web engages the circumferential periphery of the drive roller and the conveyor tapes past the drive roller, the exit roller effecting separation of the leading label from the conveyor tapes. An idler roller engages and tensions the web between the roll and the drive roller, and a knife blade is mounted at about the point that the web leaves the drive roller. The components are disposed so that the web engages at least about 170 degrees of the circumferential periphery of the drive roller, with the adhesive face contacting the drive roller circumferential periphery and conveyor tapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Boreali, Frank C. DeReu, Thomas P. Nash
  • Patent number: 5400941
    Abstract: Core end sleeves (22) are linked to one another in the form of a belt and in each case have a metal sleeve (70) in the front region and a plastic sleeve (71), which partially engages over the metal sleeve (70), in the rear region, via which the core end sleeves are connected to one another. The plastic sleeves are in each case provided on their rear end with a projection (72) which points to the rear and rests on an outer side of the belt. The height, running at right angles to the plane of the belt, of the projection (72) is independent of the diameter of the plastic sleeves (71). Core end sleeves (22) for different conductor cross-sections can thus be transported using one and the same core end sleeve guide track (63) which has a guide groove (67) on its one side wall (65) for the projections (72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Weidmuller Interface GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hartmut Schmode, Siegfried Storm, Helmut Thiele, Ulrich Wiebe, Bernd David, Detlev Hetland, Hans-Joachim Kornfeld, Johann-Georg Salten, Michael Schlue
  • Patent number: 5161534
    Abstract: A laterally attachable and detachable tool for manipulating a guidewire includes a cylindrical body that terminates in a collet. A nut is threaded to the collet and can be tightened to draw the collet arms inwardly. The body and the nut each include a lateral slot of a width to receive the guidewire. The slot in the nut is registrable with the slot in the body to form a continuous slot, receptive to the guidewire, along the length of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Berthiaume
  • Patent number: 5159861
    Abstract: A lockable wire guide control handle for grasping and manipulating a wire guide. The control handle includes an elongated member and a thumb slide positioned in a retention channel formed in the distal portion of the elongated member. The proximal portion of the elongated member is cylindrical having an enclosed passageway extending longitudinally therethrough, which is offset for passage of the wire guide therethrough. The distal portion of the elongated member includes a dovetail-shaped retention channel, the bottom surface includng an inclined slot for positioning the wire guide therein. The thumb slide includes a mating dovetail-shaped tenon positioned in the retention channel. Extending from the flat surface of the dovetail-shaped tenon is an inclined projection for fixedly positioning the wire guide in the inclined slot. The inclined slot and projection have a variable, uniform spacing therebetween for fixedly positioning various diameter wire guides therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Cook Incorporated
    Inventor: Burton A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4986680
    Abstract: In a hot-melt adhesive system, a glue stick is provided with a transverse cross section which is acircular. A glue gun is provided with an acircular opening in the gripper housing and an acircular opening in the heating element to accommodate a glue stick. In a preferred embodiment, the major dimension of the glue stick is approximately one-half inch while the smaller dimension is slightly more than one-quarter inch. The acircular glue stick provides excellent heat transfer in the heating chamber and permits a simpler manufacturing process. The gripper housing includes a gripper element which engages a major part of the width of the glue stick and can transmit a large advancing force without becoming embedded in the stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: Peter S. Melendy
  • Patent number: 4951846
    Abstract: A hot melt applicator has a feeding mechanism for advancing a block of solid material toward a melting chamber, and the feeding mechanism includes a retraction device for shifting the block a slight distance in a rearward direction to a retracted position subsequent to the dispensing operation. The feeding mechanism has a release device for enabling the block to float freely after moving to the retracted position in order to provide additional room for molten material in the melting chamber upon thermal expansion of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Craig D. Oster, Gerald W. Quinn, Rodney J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4944464
    Abstract: A solder dispensing apparatus having a pistol grip handle configuration housing a rechargeable power supply employed for energizing an electric motor which drives a set of pinch wheels for pulling a line of solder from an externally mounted solder spool through the dispensing apparatus and out a solder dispensing extension tip for improving the maneuverability and dispensibility of the line of solder to a designated solder joint through a maze of computer equipment printed circuit board obstructions while minimizing the probability of thermal damage to coaxial cable insulation by direct contact and permitting completion of a cleanly soldered joint on both sides of the printed circuit board within a critical time period for avoiding insulation damage caused by heat accummulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Inventor: Jerry L. Zelenka
  • Patent number: 4938388
    Abstract: A glue transporting mechanism for a molten glue discharging device essentially comprising a heating element, a transporting tube and a gear to move the introduced glue strip such that the heating element means the strip and the melted glue is delivered through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Future Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao Bin Yeh
  • Patent number: 4916289
    Abstract: A plastic welder that can be held and operated with only one hand. The supply rod or filler rod can be advanced into and through the heating tip of the welder by a trigger that can be actuated by the user with the same hand in which the grip of the plastic welder is held. No air assist is required, as a device is provided for reliably avoiding overheating of the plastic welder by intermittently interrupting the electrical current feeding the heating element at times automatically determined by a temperature setting selected by the user. The heating tip is formed of a major portion of steel infiltrated with a minor portion of copper. The temperature of the heating element with the welder in inoperative condition is maintained at a predetermined level above the temperature of the heating tip when the welder is operative and in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Suhanek
  • Patent number: 4895288
    Abstract: A facsimile device is composed of three separate units which are connected rotatably with respect to one another. A passageway for recording sheets is formed between the first and second units and can be opened and closed by rotating the second unit with respect to the first unit. Another passageway for an original document is formed between the second and third units and can be opened and closed by rotating the third unit with respect to the second unit. With the device thus structured, a jammed original as well as a jammed recording sheet can be removed quickly from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Matahira Kotani, Hiroshi Morimoto, Masafumi Matsumoto, Ryoichi Kawai, Hiroshi Shirakoshi, Takashi Shinohara
  • Patent number: 4858810
    Abstract: The pin vise is usable in connection with guidewire of the type used in medical applications, i.e., for guiding catheters. The pin vise is constructed from two parts which are assembled together to provide a handle over a guidewire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Heart Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Intlekofer, Michael W. Slota
  • Patent number: 4856693
    Abstract: This invention relates to a container for feeding a bar shaped article such as an erasing gum, a pencil lead, a crayon, a pastel, or an eyebrow stick, especially for advancing or retracting the bar shaped article. A bar shaped article (8) is inserted into an inner sleeve (2) from the rear end with the outer sleeve (1) being held by the hand, then the rear end of the inner sleeve (2) is pressed. Inner sleeve (2) moves forward and rearward against the resilient force of an elastic biasing member (3). A chuck (4) at the end of the inner sleeve (2) opens and closes repeatedly and the end of the bar shaped article (8) is fed out and can be used. When the chuck (4) holds the bar shaped article (8) in an unused state a chuck open means opens the chuck 4 slightly and loosens the securing force preventing encroachment of the chuck (4) into the article (8) allowing the chuck (4) to easily separate from the article (8) when the article (8) is fed out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Kotobuki and Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuhei Kageyama, Tadashi Yamamoto, Tadayoshi Ebinuma
  • Patent number: 4786005
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for dispensing sheet material such as paper towels. The dispensing apparatus when activated dispenses sheet material for a predetermined time which results in a predetermined length of sheet material being dispensed. The dispensing apparatus is actuated in response to the proximity of a portion of a hand of a user to the dispensing apparatus without the hand of a user contacting the apparatus. The dispensing apparatus dispenses sheet material from a roll of material by means of an electrical motor operating for a predetermined time to advance a predetermined length of the sheet material. The motor for advancing a predetermined length of the sheet material can be battery powered. The housing of the dispensing apparatus has a modular frame having a first compartment for the means for advancing the sheet material and a second compartment for the means for activating the advancing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Scott Paper Company
    Inventors: Louis S. Hoffman, William Bohmer, Ralph J. DeVito, Brian R. Langille, Richard D. Watkins, Charles B. Sanders, Martha E. Kerch, Marc Shanko
  • Patent number: 4776490
    Abstract: A glue gun having an advancing mechanism which has a longitudinally slidable carriage member with a longitudinal opening for the glue stick is provided. The carriage member has a first transverse opening in communication with the longitudinal opening and a second transverse opening in communication with the first transverse opening which is also transvers to the first transverse opening. The first transverse opening has internal peripheral bearing surfaces. A substantially T-shaped angularly displaceable gripper member is included which has an upper member defining a gripper head and a lower member defining a transverse lever. The gripper head is receivable into the first transverse opening and has a front end, a rear end, an upper end and a gripper tooth near its front and upper ends for gripping the glue stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Electro-Matic Staplers, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolf Wingert
  • Patent number: 4718588
    Abstract: In known textile towel dispensers the clean towel is manually pulled out at the front, the used towel is automatically drawn in at the rear, and the end of the towel hangs down vertically when the roll of clean toweling has been used up. The inventive towel retracting or retraction apparatus contains a towel loop loaded with a weighted roller and concealed by a cover which can be part of an enclosure. The used toweling or towel section is thereby pulled behind the cover where it can neither be seen nor reached by the user. A delay mechanism ensures that the towel loop, which is partially pulled out from the towel dispenser and partially pulled out from behind the cover, remains stationary for a few seconds before it is retracted behind the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: CWS AG
    Inventors: Sandro Arabian, Manfred Baumann
  • Patent number: 4664304
    Abstract: A metering mechanism for a paper towel dispenser cabinet is disclosed. The metering mechanism includes a metering gear which is rotatably driven by an operating mechanism of the dispenser cabinet. The metering gear has an axially extending cam portion which defines a radial cam surface extending continuously around the axis of the metering gear from a larger radius to a smaller radius and an abutment wall adjacent to the larger radius end of the cam portion. The metering gear also has an integral resilient finger adjacent to the abutment wall which is biased out of the plane of the metering gear. A release means is urged toward the axis of the metering gear and engages the abutment wall in a stopped position to inhibit rotation of the metering gear and thereby inhibit operation of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Mosinee Paper Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Wendt, Daniel R. Bullis, Jr., Alan F. Kemp, Gregory R. Suzda
  • Patent number: 4662578
    Abstract: Described is a mechanical device designed to dispense tissue paper or cloth web by gravity-actuated release gear system. The release gear system is activated by pressing a lever that is connected to the unidirectional gear release system. The gear mechanism is supported on the inside of the dispenser and has the lever extending through a side opening of the cover of the cabinet. The gear train, connected to this lever, is also connected to the axle of the towel roll through a square butt end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Inventor: Shyamal Chakravorty
  • Patent number: 4660743
    Abstract: A hot melt glue gun is described and claimed having a rod feeding mechanism (14) comprising a trigger (50) arranged to drive clamping means to grip a rod of adhesive and to move the rod towards a melt chamber (17) of the gun. The clamping means comprises a carriage (42) movable towards and away from the melt chamber and having a shaped portion (110) to accept a rod to be fed. The clamping means also comprises, pivoted on the carriage, a clamp member having a clamping arm portion (71) for gripping the rod against the shaped portion, and a crank arm portion (70). The crank arm portion has an operating portion (49) having a convex surface (64) arranged to co-operate with pressure means (207) of pivotally mounted connecting means (52). The connecting means is positioned to be operated by the trigger. By virtue of the disposition of the pivots and the clamping arm and of the shaping of the operating portion of the crank arm, there is brought about an improved usage of triggering effort to feed the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: USM Corporation
    Inventors: Joachim Speisebecher, Christian Wooge
  • Patent number: 4658991
    Abstract: An attachment adapted for use on a device for melting and dispensing thermoplastic material having a thumb operated drive assembly for driving a block of thermoplastic material into the device. The attachment comprises a lever having an upper end adapted for engagement with the drive assembly and a lower end pivotably attached to a collar adapted to be releasably attached to a handgrip of the device. With the attachment in place, a user can squeeze the lever toward the handle with his hand to dispense the thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Michael M. Dziki
  • Patent number: 4621748
    Abstract: A block of solid thermoplastic material comprising alternating sections of circular and rectangular cross section, a device for melting and dispensing thermoplastic material having a thumb operated drive assembly for driving the block into the device, and a molding mechanism including two chain like structures that move along linear path portions with molds included in the structures in face to face relationship while molten thermoplastic is injected in an inlet end of the linear path portion to continuously mold the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Michael M. Dziki
  • Patent number: 4615472
    Abstract: A slip gripping device for use with an elongated cylindrical member to selectively move that member to any desired longitudinal or rotational position. The device comprises a collet-like member including a plurality of fingers, each of which includes a gripping element at the free end thereof. The collet member is arranged to be grasped and squeezed whereupon its fingers are flexed so that the gripping elements engage the surface of the cylindrical member so that rotary motion imparted to the slip grip device causes the concomitant rotation of the flexible member so that any longitudinal movement of the device causes concomitant longitudinal movement of the member. Release of the collet-like member enables the slip grip device to be slid and rotated with respect to the cylindrial member for positioning anywhere there along.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Assignee: Intravascular Surgical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: John Nash
  • Patent number: 4595376
    Abstract: A magazine containing a plurality of retention pins for treating broken and undermined teeth which comprises a handle with a head fixed thereto at an obtuse angle. The handle is provided with a device for advancing a bar consisting of a series of retention pins separated by pre-determined breaking point, formed as portion of reduced thickness between pins. The head is provided with a triangularly formed spring for retaining the bar by capturing the portion of reduced thickness between pins. The pins are preferably longitudinally ribbed. The magazine, which acts also as handling tool, facilitates the storage and insertion of retention pins. By providing a plurality of pins in the form of a bar, waste is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Inventor: Harald E. Nordin
  • Patent number: 4523705
    Abstract: A mechanism is described which employs a safety element for preventing the application of excessive force to a linkage. In several embodiments the safety device comprises a spring which allows relative movement between a trigger and the linkage. The safety device may, however, be a mechanical fuse.The inventive safety device is embodied in a hot glue gun so that the safety device prevents the application of excessive force to the linkage which advances glue. Damage to the glue gun is thus avoided.Also disclosed is a unique return spring for a mechanism such as the glue gripper of a glue gun. The return spring allows rotation of the gripping element to occur before linear movement of the glue stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Inventors: Richard W. Belanger, Peter S. Melendy
  • Patent number: 4502621
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controllably dispensing paper tissue from a spirally wound roll on a hollow core. The apparatus is comprised of holding means having a vertically oriented front panel, a floor and two side retaining members. The paper roll is supported on the floor such that the core is disposed horizontally and perpendicularly to the side members. A paper engaging means, supported by the holding means, and adapted for reciprocal motion in a linear path, advances the paper through an opening when moved in one direction, and does not move the paper when moved in the reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Inventor: Richard E. Thatcher
  • Patent number: 4470530
    Abstract: A mailing machine including a postage meter for printing postage impressions on tape, a removable tape dispensing module, and a device for receiving the removable tape dispensing module. The removable tape dispensing module includes a support housing, a shaft translatably mounted in the housing, an advance roller slidably mounted on the inner end of and rotatably with the shaft, a paddle pivotably mounted on the housing and biased downwardly onto the advance roller to thereby clamp the tape, a cam fixedly mounted on the interior portion of the shaft, the cam being engagable with the paddle to lift the paddle away from the advance roller, a rotatable knob mounted on the outer end of the shaft and capable of rotating the advance roller, and a device for effecting translation of the cam in the direction of the axis of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Leo Wologodzew
  • Patent number: 4465217
    Abstract: A method and a mechanism in and for a fastener dispensing operation, by which a plurality of fasteners individually comprising a filament having a head and an anchor bar at one and the other ends thereof and altogether integrally formed to a fastener assembly can be fed to a fastener-severing position in a fastener dispensing device one at a time of the fastener dispensing operation by the dispensing device even in case of an irregularity or a change in the inter-fastener pitch in the fastener assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Assignees: Japan Bano'k Co., Ltd., Ben Clements & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Akira Furutsu
  • Patent number: 4456161
    Abstract: An improved system is described for attaching price tags to garments and for other joining applications using plastic fasteners dispensed through hollow, slotted needles. The system comprises a new method and tool for dispensing fasteners supplied in long lengths, together with improved fastener stock adapted for use therewith and for molding in continuous lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Dennison Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: David B. Russell
  • Patent number: 4434925
    Abstract: A motorized strip solder feeding device including a spool of strip solder which may be mounted on a soldering iron for selectively feeding strip solder to the heated tip. When the strip solder on the spool is depleted, the spool may be mechanically connected to the motor to automatically renew the solder supply. The mechanical connection between the motor and spool is formed by a short length of solder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Inventor: Joseph M. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 4380433
    Abstract: A novel hand tool for dental use for dispensing wire, pins or rod and for manipulating the dispensed material in a dental procedure. In a preferred embodiment, the dispensed material is a strip of notched pins for cementing to tooth dentin in a retentive pin procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1983
    Inventors: Alan G. Ellman, Jon C. Garito
  • Patent number: 4378076
    Abstract: A device for melting a rod-shaped member of thermoplastic material and discharging the melted material includes a casing containing a melting chamber. A transport element within the casing grips the rod-shaped member and feeds it into the melting chamber. In a mechanism for displacing the transport element and thereby feeding the rod-shaped member, an overload member is provided which discontinues the displacement of the transport element when a predetermined pressure is exceeded within the melting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1983
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Stirnweiss
  • Patent number: H17
    Abstract: In a continuous form document feeder for a copier, for incrementally feeding a computer form or the like web document from a fan-folded stack thereof to the imaging station of a copier with a web feeder, the improvement in the supply hopper in which the fan-fold web stack is stacked and from which the web is unfolded and fed out to be copied with said web feeder, wherein said supply hopper has a generally horizontal main stack supporting floor for supporting the principal portion of the stack of fan-fold web, a downstream stack edge retaining low wall extending upwardly not substantially above the maximum height of the stack of web to be fed from the supply hopper and adjacent the end of the supply hopper from which the web is to be fed out to be copied, this low wall being adapted to retain one end of the stack of fan-fold web in the supply hopper but to provide low friction and low angle feeding of the web from the stack thereover, and a raised stack floor portion adjacent the end of the supply hopper oppos
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen J. Wenthe, Jr.