Patents Examined by Christopher Harmon
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Patent number: 9764526Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank of sheet material is provided. The blank includes a reinforcing panel assembly for forming a reinforcing corner assembly. The machine includes a hopper station for storing the blank in a substantially flat configuration and a forming station for forming the blank into the container. The forming station includes an initial forming station that rotates a first portion of the reinforcing panel assembly with respect to a second portion of the reinforcing panel assembly, and a secondary forming station having male and female forming members with shapes corresponding to an interior shape and an exterior shape of the reinforcing corner assembly, respectively. The male and the female forming members are configured to form the reinforcing corner assembly by compressing together the first and second portions of the reinforcing panel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLCInventors: Amer Aganovic, Thomas Dean Graham, Kenneth Charles Smith, John Hershcel Conley, Robert Bradley Teany, Gregory Scott Gulik, Paul Andrew Spurlock
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Patent number: 9747480Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods, and devices for consumers using RFID-tagged items for multichannel shopping using smartphones, tablets, and indoor navigation, preservation of consumer's privacy related to RFID-tagged items that they leave a retail store with, and automatically reading and locating retail inventory without directly using store labor. Robots and aerial mobile automated RFID reading devices are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: ADASA Inc.Inventor: Clarke William McAllister
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Patent number: 9738405Abstract: A method is disclosed for packaging a curable resin composition and a catalyst composition that react with each other when mixed, comprising providing a partitioned tube for receiving the resin composition and the curing agent in separate compartments; delivering a stream of a resin composition into one compartment of the tube; delivering a stream of a curing agent in the other compartment of the tube; advancing the partitioned tube and constricting and sealing the partitioned tube at spaced apart intervals and severing the sealed tube to produce a package partitioning the resin composition from the catalyst composition. Solid particulate is continuously added into the stream of at least one of the catalyst composition and the resin composition and mixing the solid particulate and stream to produce a mixed composition; and the relative amount of solid particulate in the mixed composition is controlled by continuously determining the mass of solid particulate added to the mass of the stream.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: J-LOK Co.Inventors: John G. Oldsen, Walter John Simmons, W. Neal Simmons, Robert McGinnis
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Patent number: 9734653Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing one or more elongated coin souvenirs in a single payment transaction embossed with any or all available images. A user interface displays the available images and instructions on how to operate the apparatus. Once a user makes a selection and completes a payment transaction, the apparatus begins to press and emboss coins with chosen image or images. If multiple elongated coins are purchased, an electronic control system causes a delivery of a first coin and causes a pressing mechanism to elongate and emboss the first image onto the coin. Upon completion of this action, a delivery of a second coin to the pressing mechanism is impressed with the next image. These steps are then be repeated until all of the images purchased by the user are impressed onto coins and delivered to the user.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Inventor: Alexander William Hughson
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Patent number: 9725195Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a load may include a film dispenser for dispensing a film web including a film dispensing drive. The apparatus may also include a rotational drive system for providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser during a wrapping cycle. The apparatus may further include a controller configured to operatively couple the film dispensing drive and the rotational drive system such that, for any portion of a revolution of the film dispenser relative to the load during the wrapping cycle, the film dispenser dispenses a selected length of the film web corresponding to the portion of the revolution.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2009Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Lantech.com, LLCInventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, Robert D. Janes, Sr., Michael Mitchell, Thomas Harris, Richard L. Johnson
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Patent number: 9714108Abstract: A packaging machine includes a product belt, and an adjustment mechanism disposed at the product belt. The adjustment mechanism includes at least one hub movable about an axis of rotation, at least one support operably connected to the at least one hub, and at least one wrapping wand operably connected to the at least one support and movable by the support about the axis of rotation. The at least one wrapping wand is configured and disposed to position a wrapping material about an article to be wrapped. At least one adjustment mechanism is disposed at the axis of rotation. The adjustment mechanism is configured and disposed to alter a path of the at least one wrapping wand about the axis of rotation such that the path of the at least one wrapping wand maintains a constant distance from a product conveyed by the product belt.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: STANDARD KNAPP INC.Inventor: J. Michael Weaver
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Patent number: 9709273Abstract: Portable Charcoal Starting Grill (FIG. 4) has a built in replaceable/interchangeable heating element in the grate (FIG. 3) that is used to start the charcoal briquettes. Electric current to power the electric heating element (FIG. 2) comes from an interchangeable/rechargeable battery (FIG. 5) that is built on the side railing 12 of the grill (FIG. 4). Predetermined configuration of the heating element will start the charcoal briquettes on fire in a more uniform evenly manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Inventor: Charles Neuman
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Patent number: 9689373Abstract: Pocket and cup sails formed from flexible materials, especially such sails formed with excess material, have spar like supports attached at their deepest point to maintain the depth of the said sails when the wind fills them so that the sails expand to maximize resistance to the wind coming into the openings of the sails and so that the sails deflate when the wind is coming from the back of the sails to minimize resistance to the wind, the said sails being attached to rotor arms on rotary devices to provide torque, the torque being used to rotate decorative structures including the sails themselves, generate electricity, bring airplane tires up to speed before landing, and/or measure wind speed, and sails optionally having cuffs on the inside to help the sails inflate and/or maintain inflation by minimizing spillage of air.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Inventors: Nicholas Aruhn Aylor Suetrong, Robert Benson Aylor
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Easy open and reclosable package with discrete laminate, with die-cut, anchored to second side panel
Patent number: 9656784Abstract: An easy-open and reclosable package includes a pouch including a discrete laminate including a tape including a base strip coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive, and a panel section having a die cut defining a die cut segment, the panel section adhered by the PSA to the base strip; the panel section anchored to a first side panel; the second surface of the base strip anchored to the inner surface of a second side panel; and a product in the pouch. The die cut segment is so arranged with respect to the pressure sensitive adhesive that when the package is opened, the package can be reclosed by adhering the pressure sensitive adhesive to the first side panel.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2014Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.Inventor: Andrew W. Moehlenbrock -
Patent number: 9650163Abstract: A bag loading apparatus for removably supporting a cartridge of wicketed bags. The bag loading apparatus comprises a front slider plate having a wicket slot therein. The wicket slot is adapted to receive and removably retain the wicket arms of a cartridge of wicketed bags. In an embodiment, a second slider plate is spaced apart from the front slider plate. In an additional embodiment, a wicket retaining arm retains the cartridge of wicketed in bags in place. In a further embodiment, a bag retaining means holds each bag in an open position as it is being filled.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2011Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Packing House Services, Inc.Inventors: Todd D. Odman, Alberto Soto
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Patent number: 9635979Abstract: A pizza oven may include an upper portion, a lower portion, and cooking surface apparatus located between the upper portion and the lower portion. The pizza oven may be configured to provide a consistent and an even cooking environment in an enclosed region defined by the upper portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Inventors: John Luther Abrams, Matthew Charles Goeden, Abran James Kean, Christopher David Hill
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Patent number: 9630730Abstract: A pneumatically actuated strapping apparatus for strapping plastic tape around a packaging item including a motorized tensioning device and a motorized welding device for the plastic tape. The tensioning device and the welding device are driven by the same pneumatic motor. The direction of rotation of the pneumatic motor can be inverted. The pneumatic motor is connected to the devices by two freewheeling mechanisms releasing the devices in opposite directions. In order to keep power consumption for evacuating non-operational air low, in a particularly preferred embodiment, switching valves which automatically discharge the nonoperational air to the exterior are integrated into the air intake ducts that are used as evacuation ducts for the non-operational air when the direction of rotation is inverted.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: FROMM HOLDING AGInventor: Klaus Leppert
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Patent number: 9624063Abstract: An apparatus for folding products includes a conveying member adapted to convey the product, an oscillating member disposed adjacent the conveying member, and a folding roll disposed adjacent the conveying member and the oscillating member. The oscillating member is adapted to grasp and lift a first portion of the product from the conveying member while the product is being conveyed by the conveying member. The oscillating member is moveable in a first direction away from the conveying member and in a second direction toward the conveying member. The folding roll is adapted to receive the first portion of the product from the oscillating member and to place the first portion of the product into engagement with a second portion of the product such that the product is in a folded configuration.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2013Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Joseph Daniel Coenen, Gerald Sosalla, Gregory J. Rajala, John Soosai Alphonse, Mohammed Shafi Khurieshi, Mahendra Mittapalli
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Patent number: 9625143Abstract: A tool box includes a box with a base and a cover. A positioning member is located in the reception recess of the base and has multiple insertion holes. Each insertion hole is cooperated with a bit type indication which is light permeable. A back-light plate is located between the inside of the reception recess and the positioning member. A light source is located on one of sidewalls of the reception recess. The back-light plate changes paths of light beams generated from the light source toward the bit type indications so that the bit type indications are illuminated when the cover is opened.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2014Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Inventor: Shao-Hsien Hsu
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Patent number: 9609809Abstract: The invention relates to a wrapping device for enveloping or packing in particular agricultural crop bales, including a wrapping floor for receiving and rotating the pressed crop bale and a guide frame for at least one wrapping material carrier for wrapping the bale on the wrapping floor with wrapping material in the form of webs, wherein the guide frame is height adjustable, in order to set the center of the wrapping material approximately at the location of the center of the crop bale to be wrapped. In order to be able to adapt wrapping devices having a guide frame to bales of different bale diameters, the guide frame should be pivotable about a horizontal axle which is situated parallel to the axis of rotation of the crop bale.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: LELY PATENT N.V.Inventor: Willem Jacobus Reijersen Van Buuren
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Patent number: 9603752Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to minimize waste and improve quality and production in web processing operations. The apparatus and methods provide defect detection both before and after application of component patches to a traveling web to create a product. Web defect detection may be provided by way of at least one visual inspection station located upstream from the patch applicator. Patch defect detection may be accomplished by way of a visual inspection station located proximate the patch applicator. If defects are detected in either the traveling web or the component patch prior to patch application, patch application may be prevented until both a satisfactory web and patch are provided. If defects are detected after patch application, the resulting product may be culled. Furthermore, the apparatus may be provided with diagnostic software to warn against extant or imminent machine complications.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Curt G. Joa, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey D Brown, Dennis J Faucher, Jeffrey W Fritz, Gottfried J Hohm, Adam D DeNoble, Ryan M Ferguson
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Patent number: 9597067Abstract: A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture. The method includes the steps of providing a containment compartment molded from a polymeric resin comprising a polymeric material and an antimicrobial agent, positioning a suture within the containment compartment, the suture comprising one or more surfaces; covering the containment compartment having the suture in an outer package cover having an inner surface, and subjecting the outer package, the containment compartment and the suture to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to vapor transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the containment compartment to the suture, while retaining an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent on the containment compartment, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the suture and the containment compartment. A packaged antimicrobial suture is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Mehmet Reyhan, Robert Cerwin
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Patent number: 9597072Abstract: A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture comprising the steps of providing a containment compartment that is substantially free of an antimicrobial agent; positioning a suture within the containment compartment, said suture comprising one or more surfaces having an antimicrobial agent disposed thereon, said antimicrobial agent being selected from the group consisting of halogenated hydroxyl ethers, acyloxydiphenyl ethers, and combinations thereof; placing the containment compartment having the suture in an outer package; and subjecting the outer package, the containment compartment and the suture to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the suture to the containment compartment, while retaining an effective amount of said antimicrobial agent on the suture, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the suture and the containment compartment.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Howard Scalzo, Jerome A. Fischer, Stephen Rothenburger, Robert Cerwin, James R. McDivitt
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Patent number: 9586788Abstract: A reel system includes a hinged crank handle portion that turns a frame portion on an axis for winding and unwinding a coilable portion. The handle portion folds into the frame inner area, forming a flat surface on the flange, to allow for facilitated storage of a plurality of reel systems in a five gallon bucket. A frame portion rotates on an axis for winding and unwinding a coilable portion. The frame portion includes a frame outer area for engaging the coilable portion. The frame portion further includes a frame inner area for receiving and securing a terminal portion of the coilable portion. The terminal portion passes from the frame outer area to the frame inner area through a central aperture. A rod extends across the diameter of the frame inner area, forming a surface to grip the reel system.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Inventor: David Soto
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Patent number: 9567157Abstract: A flexible container includes a container body and a flexible cover. The container body defines an interior volume and includes a side wall that defines an opening. The opening is configured to receive a bulk material therethrough such that the bulk material can be disposed within an interior volume of the container body. The flexible cover can be coupled to the side wall about the opening. The cover is configured to fluidically isolate the interior volume from a volume substantially outside of the flexible container.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2012Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Intermodal Sciences, LLCInventors: Erik D. Scudder, Shonagh Eva Adelman