Separate Inlet And Outlet Openings Patents (Class 232/43.1)
  • Patent number: 11793340
    Abstract: Present embodiments relate to a revolving mailbox cluster and central package delivery system. More specifically, without limitation, present embodiments relate to a revolving mailbox cluster that includes: substantially circular layers stacked vertically, where a second layer sits atop a first layer, and wherein each substantially circular layers includes: vertically opposed bottom top plates, divider plates perpendicular to the bottom and top plates, and a center ring, where the bottom and top plates, dividers, and center ring define individual mailbox units, each of which has an opening disposed opposite the center ring; a first motor for moving the substantially circular layers vertically; and a second motor for rotating the substantially circular layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventor: Clarence Brent Likins
  • Patent number: 11641965
    Abstract: Millions of packages get shipped and stolen from home door steps, with mail often getting placed in wrong mailboxes and sometimes the mailman or package carrier needs to speak to someone at or from the residence. Video Smart Package Pillar was created with all of these issues of the world in mind, combining the idea of a Pillar, compartmentalized, with two compartments, a mail compartment and package compartment, and one to two doors in a rear to obtain packages that have been delivered; while leaving an original mail pull down opening for the mail being delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Inventor: Richard Allen Prince, II
  • Patent number: 10702439
    Abstract: A soft transfer case for contaminated material is provided. The transfer case includes a film-laminated, woven textile exterior layer as a pouch. The cylinder is capable of being clamped at each end of the cylinder. An open end elastomeric bladder for containing the contaminated material is contained by the exterior layer. The bladder includes a seam to seal the open end with the material contained therein. Upon pressurization of the bladder, the exterior layer expands and a restraining force is generated between the textile layer and the clamps. A variant of the soft transfer case provides soft end terminations formed by fold-over regions at fold lines in the exterior layer. The exterior layer is fitted with matching locking straps affixed along a longitudinal exterior. The locking straps mechanically lock together. Lifting handles are also affixed to the exterior strength layer to ease transport of the transfer case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Inventors: Paul V Cavallaro, Andrew W Hulton, Gregory J Gudejko, Dustin T Green, Fred W. A. H. Geurts, Michael G. Hainsworth, Thomas W Kloehn, Lucienne R Simone
  • Patent number: 10093454
    Abstract: Described is an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) payload receiving apparatus that may be secured to a side of a structure, such as a human residence, and positioned such that a UAV can deliver a payload into the UAV payload receiving apparatus without the UAV having to land or navigate into an area that includes objects that could be harmed by the UAV and/or harm the UAV. The UAV payload receiving apparatus may include a plurality of securing members for securing the UAV payload receiving apparatus to the structure. A top frame is coupled to the securing members, positioned in a substantially horizontal direction when the UAV payload receiving apparatus is secured to a structure, and forms an opening of a size sufficient for a payload to pass through when the payload is released by a UAV positioned above the UAV payload receiving apparatus. The UAV payload receiving apparatus also includes a payload retainer, such as a net or bag, that is coupled to and extends in a downward direction from the top frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Atishkumar Kalyan, Lauren Marie Kisser, Sheridan Leigh Martin
  • Patent number: 9930802
    Abstract: An example device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing to guide the device for attachment onto a computing system. A board is mounted in the housing and includes a first connector facing along a first direction. A hinge is to enable at least a portion of the board and the first connector to move along the first direction and engage a second connector for installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventors: Arlen L Roesner, Dave Mayer
  • Patent number: 9617063
    Abstract: A bin (101, 201, 301) that holds articles sorted out by a sorter has an inlet opening (102, 202, 302) for delivering the articles to an interior of the bin and a discharge device (103, 203, 303) for removing the articles therefrom, the discharge device being normally arranged below the inlet opening. The discharge device has a flap (104, 204, 304), pivotally supported for rotation about an axis (105, 205, 305), as well as two sidewalls (106, 206, 306), attached laterally to the flap. The bin includes a motion-guiding arrangement in which a guide track (107, 207, 307) and a pin (108, 208, 308) are arranged for complementary engagement in an operating state of the bin. Either the pin or the guide track is arranged on one of the sidewalls, with the other part arranged on a side of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo Garvens GmbH
    Inventor: Florian Schwanitz
  • Patent number: 9279610
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to storage systems for milk bags. A storage system for milk bags receives milk bags and management of the stored milk bags. The milk bags are stored in compartments for easy storage and retrieval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventors: Tina Ting-Yuan Wang, Chih-Cheng Tai, Michael Clair Houston
  • Patent number: 9080561
    Abstract: A hydraulic aggregate, particularly for supplying conveyor and lifting devices with pressurized fluid, has a tank (1) on the end side relative to a main axis of the device and functional components mounted on it. The functional components are a hydraulic pump (5) and a coupling body (3) having a valve device and a line arrangement for drawing in and returning hydraulic fluid to and from the tank (1). Configured as a reversing aggregate, the inlet end (19) of the suction line (15) of the line arrangement is disposed at a location within the tank (1) where the bottom of the fluid present in the tank (1) is located when the aggregate is operated with the main axis vertical and when the aggregate is operated with the main axis tilted relative to the vertical, preferably perpendicular to the vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: HYDAC FLUIDTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Harald Klahm, Frank Liedtke
  • Patent number: 9016558
    Abstract: An access opening closure device is provided for enabling passage of food or medication into a confined space without providing direct access from within the confined space to outside of the confined space. The device includes a housing assembly including a body and a cover, and a slide assembly including an access door and a frame. The body defines a receptacle and first and second openings. The housing assembly is pivotally coupled to the slide assembly and is movable from an operative position to a stowed, non-operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Thomson Alexander
  • Publication number: 20150021385
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cash box (100, 500) that comprises a housing (106) in which two roll storage systems (102, 104) for storing bank notes are held.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: WINCOR NIXDORF INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Andre Michels, Guenter Baitz, Uwe Krueger, Wolfgang Malke
  • Patent number: 8769734
    Abstract: A remote-controlled vehicle for collecting and transporting bio-waste that is capable of compacting bio-waste, dumping the waste in a variety of ways, and that has a rechargeable battery, among other functions, is disclosed. A system for collecting the bio-waste material also is provided. The system includes a plurality of collection receptacles associated with a structure, each of the plurality of collection receptacles receiving the bio-waste material without the use of water as a carrier. A transport network extends from each of the plurality of collection receptacles to at least one storage receptacle located at the structure. A plurality of vehicles, or carts, is disposed within the transport network and collect the bio-waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Vincent Paul Schaaf
  • Patent number: 8540143
    Abstract: A cassette for an automatic teller machine (ATM) is provided, which is capable of returning a paper medium disposed at an entrance of the cassette into the cassette using a moving force of a shutter that closes the entrance, during separation of the cassette from a cassette receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Nautilus Hyosung Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Hwan Cha, Won Joon Lee, Dong Sik Lee
  • Patent number: 8266739
    Abstract: A remote-controlled vehicle for collecting and transporting bio-waste that is capable of compacting bio-waste, dumping the waste in a variety of ways, and that has a rechargeable battery, among other functions, is disclosed. A system for collecting the bio-waste material also is provided. The system includes a plurality of collection receptacles associated with a structure, each of the plurality of collection receptacles receiving the bio-waste material without the use of water as a carrier. A transport network extends from each of the plurality of collection receptacles to at least one storage receptacle located at the structure. A plurality of vehicles, or carts, is disposed within the transport network and collect the bio-waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Vincent Paul Schaaf
  • Patent number: 8141735
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel container (1) for holding foodstuffs. The container is of the type used for a holding bulk food product to be dispensed by a self serving customer in the bulk food section of a supermarket or health food establishment. The container includes a self closing lid (2) and is specially shaped to avoid the existence of a “dead space” which can lead to product in that portion becoming stale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Durapod System Limited
    Inventors: Timothy Paul Woods, Lawrence Basil Hart
  • Patent number: 8056759
    Abstract: The bird carcass container includes a closed container body adapted to be mounted to a sidewall of a facility. A tubular extension or inlet extends from a side of the container body to the interior of the facility. The inlet includes an access door accessible from the facility interior so that users may deposit dead carcasses into the container body. A trap door is disposed on the bottom of the container body and selectively opened by a bracket actuator attached to the trap door. The door is maintained in a closed position by a system of counterweights. The bracket actuator is operated on by the bucket of a skid steer to open the trap door. The interior of the container includes sloping sides forming a chute towards the bottom of the container body. The rear side of the container may also include an access door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Randy Spence
  • Publication number: 20110248082
    Abstract: A container for fluid which includes: an inlet; and a catchment surface for draining the fluid from an exterior of the container into the container through the inlet when the container is in a prone condition, wherein the container is moveable from the prone condition to a carrying condition, and wherein the inlet is positioned so as to be elevated above a contained fluid when the container is in either the prone condition or the carrying condition. The container can include a collecting wall, wherein the collecting wall includes a flow obstacle for slowing a flow of the fluid on the exterior of the container. The flow obstacle can be provided by ribs on the catchment surface. The container can include an outlet adapted to substantially resist fluid flow when in the prone condition, and adapted to allow fluid flow when in a pouring condition for draining the fluid from the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: LYNMARDEN PTY LTD
    Inventors: Denis William Treacy, Lyndon Thomas Treacy
  • Patent number: 7721660
    Abstract: A deal drawer apparatus includes a mechanism coordinating movement of the drawer between retracted and extended positions with movement of a panel that controls access to a holding area of the drawer, between open and closed positions. The mechanism includes a clutch assembly that may be disengaged to allow independent movement of either the drawer or the access panel. Subsequent movement of the drawer or the access panel may re-engage the clutch assembly. The clutch assembly includes a housing, a detent plate rotatably mounted to the housing, and a detent mechanism. When the housing and the detent plate are in an aligned position, the clutch assembly is in an engaged configuration. When the housing and the detent plate are offset from the aligned position, the clutch assembly is disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven R. Davis
  • Patent number: 7669704
    Abstract: A device that holds money within a secure box which is constructed of a chute body of elongated shape having a sealed and an open end, the sealed end has a money drop aperture on a top surface while the open end body being sealed by a locked door, the chute body being fixedly installed in a wall with the sealed end exposed in an open-access space and the open and exposed in a restricted-access space; and a bottom wall of the chute body being sloped downwardly from the sealed end toward the open end by at least 30° to facilitate money dropped through money drop aperture to roll down the slope toward the open end of the chute body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Harley Rayne
  • Patent number: 7635401
    Abstract: This system provides an air-ventilating and cleaning element positioned within a housing. The housing contains multiple vents in the housing walls. The vents serve as channels that enable air to flow into and out of the air-ventilating device. The air-ventilating and cleaning element can vary and can range from a simple air ventilator to and an air purifier. The cleaning element can contain a filter element to further facilitate cleaning of the air. The cleaning element can be positioned in the housing on a track or pin to allow for movement of the cleaning element within the housing. Movement of the cleaning element may be desired in order to more efficiently clean air channeled through the device. Because of the ability to move the cleaning element, air flow through the device can be adjusted depending on a particular cleaning application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Dan L. Dietz
  • Publication number: 20090020598
    Abstract: A post office box (2) including an enclosed space (3) defined by a front surface (7) with an opening (20) fitted with a sealing device (21) that includes a first sealing element (31) movable between an open position in which the space is accessible via the front opening, and a closed position in which the front opening (20) is substantially sealed, and which includes a locking device (50) for locking the first sealing element (31). The box (2) comprises a locking element (41) movable along a rear surface (8) and connected to the first sealing element (31) via a connection (49) for transmitting a movement proportional to the movement of the first sealing element (31), said locking device (50) being mounted on the rear surface (8) and engageable with the locking element (41). A post office box system (1) including a plurality of such boxes is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Antoine Mercier, Florence Hirel
  • Publication number: 20080083301
    Abstract: An improved removable single housing bottle opener and cap catcher, the improvement being a hinged bottom door, and a door latching means for enabling convenient, sanitary disposal of collected bottle caps with a first part of the door latching mechanism disposed along at least one edge of the hinged bottom door and a second part disposed near the bottom of the single housing wherein the second part is sized and located to mate with the first part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Sharon C. Messina
  • Publication number: 20080073421
    Abstract: A donation receptacle is described including a collection inlet, a proceeds bin, and at least one perforated section. The collection inlet is configured to receive monetary donations. The proceeds bin is configured to store the monetary donations received via the collection inlet. A donation path is at least partially defined between the collection inlet and the proceeds bin such that the monetary donations received via the collection inlet move along the donation path to the proceeds bin. The at least one perforated section is positioned along the donation path and is configured to separate the monetary donations from undesired refuse also received via the collection inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Bradley C. Nordgren, Nathaniel R. Hallee
  • Patent number: 7252219
    Abstract: A food and/or treat dispenser comprises an enclosed container having at least one aperture for insertion and dispensing of food stored therein. The dispenser comprises a top portion, a base portion and a central portion therebetween, wherein at least one aperture is provided in the top or base portion. The aperture is selectively openable and returnably resilient. A plurality of ribs are provided to facilitate selective opening of the aperture. The top and base portions include a perimeter encircling a concavity, the perimeter of a relatively flat configuration so that the top and/or base portions are positionable in a free standing configuration on a flat or planar surface. The dispenser may also include a variety of means for securing the dispenser to varying objects during transport or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Our Pet's Company
    Inventor: Steven Tsengas
  • Patent number: 7204407
    Abstract: A device for the collection of articles, such as waste, dirty laundry and the like, has a carrying frame with several cutouts, into which can be inserted in each case a bag-like receptacle produced from a plastic film, from a textile fabric, from paper or the like. The receptacles are fastenable to the carrying frame. The carrying frame is formed all-round, at the edgings surrounding the cutouts, with a clamping contour in the form of projecting strips, grooves, or the like, into which frame-shaped or ring-shaped, elastically deformable holding shackles assigned to the bag-like receptacles and at least virtually closed on themselves can be inserted. The upper edges of the bag-like receptacles can be clamped between the holding shackles and the clamping contour on the carrying frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Karl Laher
  • Patent number: 7182027
    Abstract: A deal drawer apparatus (16) is used in carrying out transactions by transporting items between a service provider and a customer. The deal drawer apparatus includes a movable drawer (92). Movement of the drawer is operative to open and close a door (22). When the drawer is extended, a customer is enabled to access the interior area of the drawer. When the drawer is retracted, a service provider accesses the interior area of the drawer through an opening (40). Access through the opening is controlled by at least one movable panel (42). A panel interlock (158) may enable movement of the panel to an access position responsive to movement of the drawer. A drawer interlock (226) may operate to prevent movement of the drawer when the movable panel is in the access position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Diebold Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark DePietro
  • Patent number: 7175071
    Abstract: A secure package receptacle comprising a parallelepiped box having a flushly fitted lockable access door hingedly attached within the front of the box, a recessed handle within the access door, a lid pivotally secured and flushly fitted to the box top, the lid beveled edge fitting a coplanar beveled edge of the top, a recessed handle within the lid and a lid lock accessible from the box interior, the recessed handles having handle surrounds preventing inclement weather invasion, whereby received packages are securely retained within the interior of the box until accessed from the access door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventors: David E. Slagle, Jerry E. Baxtron
  • Patent number: 7175069
    Abstract: A food and/or treat dispenser comprises an enclosed container having at least one aperture for insertion and dispensing of food stored therein. The dispenser comprises a top portion, a base portion and a central portion therebetween, wherein at least one aperture is provided in the top or base portion. The aperture is selectively openable and returnably resilient. A plurality of ribs are provided to facilitate selective opening of the aperture. The top and base portions include a perimeter encircling a concavity, the perimeter of a relatively flat configuration so that the top and/or base portions are positionable in a free standing configuration on a flat or planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Our Pet's Company
    Inventor: Steven Tsengas
  • Patent number: 7051921
    Abstract: A security mailbox includes a housing having front and rear walls defining upper and lower compartments therebetween and front and rear access doors mounted to the front and rear walls. The housing further has top and bottom surfaces secured to the front and rear walls. The front access door has a fulcrum axis extending along a width thereof and a weight member secured to same and extending along the fulcrum axis for conveniently maintaining the front access door at a closed position. The mail box also includes L-shaped brackets secured to inner surfaces of the front and rear walls and a support shelf positionable within the housing. The rear access door is disposed adjacent the lower compartment and includes a lock attached thereto for allowing only authorized users to access mail therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald L. Borgognone
  • Patent number: 6994247
    Abstract: A waste storage device includes an inlet aperture and a length of flexible tubing passing through the inlet aperture from a cassette. The flexible tubing is pinched by a pair of rollers which can have continuous surfaces or multiple paddles. The waste product is placed into the aperture and the rollers rotate drawing the waste product down into the device and pinching the storage bag above it. The operation can be manually or motor driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Melrose Products Limited
    Inventor: David Charles Richards
  • Patent number: 6920835
    Abstract: A collection safe is provided, especially for charitable donations, for installation in a wall of a building. The collection safe has a rectangular box formation and includes a first door on one side of the box for receiving donations and a second door on the opposing side of the box to provide access to the interior. The first door is connected to a pair of side walls which extend into the interior of the box. A baffle extends and is connected to the side walls so that the baffle is oriented 90° relative to the first door. The baffle has a free end with a jagged edge such as sharp teeth that terminates less than one inch from the first door to deter the retrieval of the donations from the first door. The space between the jagged edge of the baffle and the first door provides a slot for receiving the donation past the baffle to the floor of the collection safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Perma-Vault Safe Co.
    Inventor: Robert Johnson
  • Patent number: 6886739
    Abstract: A food and treat dispenser comprises an enclosed container fabricated from a relatively soft pliable polymeric material having at least one aperture to permit food or treats to be inserted into and removed from the enclosed container. More preferably, the food and treat dispenser is fabricated as an enclosed container having a base portion, an elongated central portion and a top portion. The base portion includes a selectively openable self-closing second aperture to allow food or treats to be removed from the integral one-piece enclosed container. Preferably, the top portion also includes a selectively openable self-closing first aperture to allow food or treats to be inserted through the first aperture into the enclosed container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Steven Tsengas
  • Patent number: 6719194
    Abstract: A waste storage device includes an inlet aperture and a length of flexible tubing passing through the inlet aperture from a cassette. The flexible tubing is pinched by a pair of rollers which can have continuous surfaces or multiple paddles. The waste product is placed into the aperture and the rollers rotate drawing the waste product down into the device and pinching the storage bag above it. The operation can be manually or motor driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Melrose Products Limited
    Inventor: David Charles Richards
  • Patent number: 6651876
    Abstract: A self-latching slide door apparatus for food/cuff passes on prison doors is disclosed. The apparatus includes a main body connected to a front panel. The front panel includes slide doors that cover an aperture in the front panel when in a closed state. The slide doors have self-latching devices that lock the doors when in the closed position, therefore requiring no additional locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Habersham Metal Products Company
    Inventor: Carl T. Scott
  • Patent number: 6644542
    Abstract: An enhanced-security delivery receptacle includes an upper compartment, a lower compartment, and a divider wall between the upper and lower compartments. A divider wall opening is sealed by an inner panel to provide enhanced security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventors: Bobbie J. Cox, Charles W. Langley, David E. Rankin, David S. Wick, Oscar P. Roper, Dale R. Westerfield
  • Patent number: 6629634
    Abstract: A rural type mailbox having transparent windows formed through the front and rear thereof, a slidable transparent window, which allows the user to open the window to access the interior from the side of the mailbox to remove or enter mail when desired. The mailbox further includes a mail-in-box indicator LED to let the user know when mail has arrived, the LEDs illuminate inside the mailbox to enabling a user to see inside the mailbox at night using a remote control. The mailbox includes a solar panel for housing rechargeable batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Brenda Ann Simmons
  • Patent number: 6598546
    Abstract: An access opening closure device is provided for enabling passage of food or medication into a confined spaced without providing direct access from within the confined space to outside of the confined space. The device includes a housing defining a receptacle, an access door and a top cover. The top cover and the access door are independently movable between open and closed positions to provide access to within the receptacle. An engagement member is provided adjacent the access door to selectively lock the access door at a plurality of different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Thomson Alexander
  • Patent number: 6588655
    Abstract: A non-contact food/cuff pass apparatus and system is disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a hollow body adapted to be affixed to a prison door aperture. The hollow body includes a door on one end. The other end is open to be affixed to the prison door aperture. A locking lever is connected to the main body. The locking lever is adapted to lock the body to the prison door. The interior of the body is used to place items to be passed to and from a prisoner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Habersham Metal Products Company
    Inventor: James Alford Stapleton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6490893
    Abstract: A portable lock-box for storing and safekeeping valuables including money and credit cards. The portable lock-box includes a hand-held container having a front wall, a back wall, side walls, and end walls with one of the end walls having a slot disposed therethrough and with an opening being disposed through the back wall for accessing any contents in the hand-held container; and also includes a cover removably and lockingly disposed over the opening for securing the contents contained in the hand-held container; and further includes a door assembly including a door member being biasedly and hingedly closed over the slot; and also includes a carrying assembly for carrying the hand-held container; and further includes a lock assembly for locking the cover over the opening in the back wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Jessie K. Benion
  • Patent number: 6460761
    Abstract: A child-proof storage receptacle including a canister and-a preferably funnel-shaped insert detachably secured to the canister at an open top of the canister. The funnel-shaped insert is detachably secured to the canister by a child-proof locking mechanism. The funnel tapers to an opening sized to receive the objects to be retained within said canister. In one embodiment, a plate is positioned within the canister and spaced below the funnel-shaped insert opening, and above the canister bottom wall to intercept objects deposited into the funnel-shaped insert that pass through the opening. The plate is preferably circular and inclined. The plate includes a lip about its periphery. In other embodiments the funnel-shaped insert includes a cap or flap pivotably mounted adjacent the opening to close off the opening, at least when the canister is inverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventors: Esteban Eduardo Fraga, Alfredo Mauricio Fraga
  • Patent number: 6416451
    Abstract: A safety output chute for a cushioning conversion machine includes a chute having an input end and an output end, the input end including an opening for receiving a flexible cushioning product from an outlet of the cushioning conversion machine; and a plurality of rollers situated inside the chute, the rollers being oriented such that the flexible cushioning product must follow a non-linear path from the input end of the chute to the output end of the chute. Other embodiments of a safety output chute are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Richard O. Ratzel, Joseph J. Harding, Dirk Johannes Siekmann, Edward W. Lintala
  • Patent number: 6390360
    Abstract: A coin container (12) for a coin-dispensing apparatus (10) comprises a portable enclosure (22) for enclosing a plurality of randomly-arranged loose coins. The enclosure includes a closeable coin input opening and a closeable coin output opening. The enclosure (22) is adapted to be releasably engaged with a coin-dispensing apparatus (10) with the coin output opening in communication with a coin input of the coin-dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: David W. Wallace
  • Patent number: 6347737
    Abstract: A specialized receptacle accommodates secure delivery of mail and small packages. The receptacle has a loading door hinged on the receptacle structure. The loading door has a main section and a secondary section that telescopes out of the main section as the loading door is opened. The telescoping section supports packages as they are delivered and prevents unauthorized access to the storage compartment of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Tony O. Madruga
  • Patent number: 6302325
    Abstract: An access opening closure device is provided for enabling passage of food or medication into a confined spaced without providing direct access from within the confined space to outside of the confined space. The device includes a housing defining a receptacle, an access door and a top cover. The top cover and the access door are independently movable between open and closed positions to provide access to within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Thomson Alexander
  • Patent number: 6279822
    Abstract: A molded plastic collection bin with transparent front and rear panels receives entry blanks introduced through a slot in a covering counter. The collection bin is supported on two side frames which are formed of tubular aluminum with riveted plastic sheets. Front and rear plastic panels extend between the two side frames and are engaged on protruding fasteners. The counter, the side frames, and the collection bin each have aligned holes which receive two connecting carriage bolts. A bungee cord resiliently extends between the carriage bolts within the collection bin, retaining the assembly in a connected orientation. An information display has a metal frame with retractable threaded tubes which engage with the counter. Printed elements such as posters are clasped between plastic sheets and engaged with C-channels on the frame. A bent metal door selectively covers an access opening in the rear plastic wall of the collection bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Bertram Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Bertram
  • Patent number: 6267461
    Abstract: A ball storage apparatus is provided for storing a sport ball. The ball storage apparatus includes a ball container defined by a wall and having an upper portion and a lower portion. The ball container is arranged and configured to accommodate the ball to be stored in the apparatus. A mouth, arranged and configured for a ball of the type to be stored in the ball storage to pass therethrough, is disposed toward the upper portion of the ball container. An opening, arranged and configured for the ball of the type to be stored in the ball keeper to pass therethrough, is disposed in the wall and toward the lower portion of the ball container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventors: James L. Dunagan, Janice C. Dunagan
  • Patent number: 6250546
    Abstract: A combined photofinishing storage, display, and ordering merchandising unit. The unit includes an order workstation having a front wall, and a writing surface extending from the wall. A dispenser for dispensing order envelopes, and a collection bin for receiving filled order envelopes. A pair of display sections are provided for displaying of merchandise, one display section being placed on each side of the order workstation and positioned so as to define a storage area between the pair of display sections and workstation. At least one of the display sections is movable so as to allow access to the storage area. A display tower disposed adjacent the shelf which can be used for highlighting a featured product. One of the display sections may be movable for adjusting the width of the merchandising unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Karsten, Kiat-Cheong Toh, Frederick B. Hadtke, Inna Alesina, David W. Bradley
  • Patent number: 6247642
    Abstract: A mail box construction including a security compartment housed beneath a regular conventional mail compartment. The bottom of the conventional portion of the mail box is formed by an extension of a hinged door which is in a substantially horizontal position when the mail box door is opened and which lowers into a declined position when the mail box door is completely closed. When the door closes the mail drops into a locked safety compartment for later retrieval. An outgoing mail shelf is carried on a sidewall of the conventional mail compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Lewis Wilson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6244505
    Abstract: A security mailbox assembly includes a mail storage module enclosing a mail storage vault and a mail drop port. A mailbox is mounted on the mail storage module directly over the mail drop port. The mailbox includes a pivot door that is movable to an open position for presenting outgoing mail and for receiving incoming mail. The pivot door includes a trap door panel covering the mail drop port when the pivot door is in the open position, with the trap door panel being rotatable through the mail drop port and into the security vault as the pivot door is moved to the closed position. A mail tray is attached to the pivot door for holding outgoing mail, and a rotatable disc flag is coupled to the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventors: James W. Grimes, Rebecca Ann Grimes
  • Patent number: 6202922
    Abstract: A container with a front opening and a top opening, and a top wall preferably hinged to the container to cover the top opening. A hinged front wall covers the front opening and has a curved guide rail extending therefrom which is slidingly received in a curved guide channel formed in the left or right wall, with the rail having a knob for manually pivoting the front wall. A cross-bar assembly preferably comprises two parallel top rods with rollers, two parallel bottom rods with rollers, and two sets of two diagonal cross-rods, the rods interconnected such that the top rods move upward when the diagonal rods pivot upon the application of a force to the bottom rods. An actuator assembly preferably comprises a lever with a foot pedal coupled thereto. A linkage assembly is preferably coupled to the lever and the bottom rods, such that depressing the pedal actuates the linkage assembly to pull the bottom rods inward which moves the top rods upward against the bottom wall to raise the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventors: Carol O. Phillips, Lindsey Jasmine Phillips, Janine Marie Phillips