Patents Examined by Mickey Yu
  • Patent number: 9278616
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operating fluid container for a motor vehicle, said container including a container body which is assembled from at least two injection-molded shells of thermoplastic plastics material which are complementary to each other. The shells are provided in each case with integrally molded structures which extend into the free container volume in such a manner that they bring about a restriction of a fluid surge created, for instance, in the container. At least some of the structures on each of the two shells are welded together at least in part or in a punctiform manner approximately in the joining plane of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Kopiec
  • Patent number: 9272820
    Abstract: A container with a detent mechanism is disclosed. In one embodiment, a container comprises a housing comprising a side wall, a lid comprising a top surface and a lip depending from the top surface, and a detent mechanism disposed between the lip and the side wall. The lid is pivotably coupled with the housing and is configured to rotate between a first position covering an open end of the housing, a second position substantially exposing the open end, and an intermediate position between the first and second positions. The detent mechanism is configured to arrest the rotation of the lid at each of the positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Apex Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Henry Cowie
  • Patent number: 9272814
    Abstract: A bulk material container and method for its use is provided. In one or more embodiments, the bulk material container includes: a lid with a lid reinforcement frame positioned substantially at least around the perimeter of said lid, a vertical stop on the exterior of the walls of said container that contacts a projection from an interior wall of said container when one of said bulk material containers is stacked in another, a modular design in which the walls and base of the bulk material container are detachable and replaceable, a stiffening ring positioned around the perimeter of the container walls near their vertical top, and a lid having a lateral motion restraining a system to restrain the lateral motion of one container stacked on another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: R3 Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy J. Carver, David J. Burken, Mark A. Post, Aron Rutin, Brig W. Vanderwoude
  • Patent number: 9266650
    Abstract: A lid-opening/closing device includes a device body on which a pod including a container body, a lid portion defining a bottom portion openable and closable relative to the container body, and a locking mechanism performing unlocking and locking of the lid portion with respect to the container body is placed; a plurality of moving units that perform unlocking to cause the locking mechanism to perform unlocking and locking to cause the locking mechanism to perform locking by moving engaging pins configured to engage with the locking mechanism; a linkage unit that causes the moving units to perform unlocking by moving the moving units in conjunction with each other when causing the locking mechanism to perform unlocking, and causes the moving units to perform locking by moving the moving units in conjunction with each other when causing the locking mechanism to perform the locking; and an air cylinder that simultaneously drives the moving units and the linkage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventor: Noriyuki Kuratsu
  • Patent number: 9266428
    Abstract: A fuel filler assembly for a vehicle includes a main flap unit connected to a fuel filler pipe adjacent a filling end thereof and a main flap pivotally disposed on the main flap unit for selectively closing access to the filling end of the fuel filler pipe. The fuel filler assembly further includes a shutter unit connected to the fuel filler pipe adjacent the filling end thereof and engaging the main flap unit, and a shutter pivotally disposed on the shutter unit for selectively closing access to the filling end of the fuel filler pipe. Cooperative engagement (e.g., an interference fit) between the main flap unit and the shutter unit seals the main flap unit and the shutter unit together and prevents fuel from leaking therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9268365
    Abstract: A protecting cover detachably disposed at an electronic device is provided. The electronic device has an arc side and a first magnetic element disposed in the arc side. The protecting cover includes a covering part and a pivot part. The pivot part is connected to the covering part, and the pivot part includes an arc area and a second magnetic element disposed in the arc area. The outer line of the arc area corresponds to the arc side, and the first magnetic element is magnetically attracted with the second magnetic element to make the pivot part detachably connected to the arc side. The protecting cover uses the second magnetic element in the pivot part to attract the electronic device with the first magnetic element in the arc side, and thus the protecting cover can be fixed at the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
    Inventor: Chun-Che Chang
  • Patent number: 9266651
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing device for a container having an opening and an outer projection, including: a septum for closing said opening, a cap having a retainer capable of switching from a first position, in which the retainer does not limit the axial movement of said cap with respect to said container, to a second position, in which the retainer limits the axial movement of the cap, and a sleeve receiving said cap and movable axially with respect to said cap between a distal position, in which said sleeve does not exert a radial inward force on said retainer, and a proximal position, in which said sleeve exerts a radial inward force on said retainer. The sleeve includes a guiding element capable of cooperating directly or indirectly with said outer projection, so as to limit rotation of said sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France
    Inventor: Romain Lanier
  • Patent number: 9267521
    Abstract: A batten joint for an internal floating roof of a fluid tank. The floating roof has at least a first panel having a first panel edge and a second panel having a second panel edge. The batten joint comprises a first panel retainer or retaining means adapted for retaining the first panel edge, a second panel retainer or retaining means adapted for retaining the second panel edge, and at least one batten engaging the first and second panel retainer or retaining means in a spaced apart configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Baillie Tank Equipment Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Robert James Baillie
  • Patent number: 9259960
    Abstract: A paint can assembly that prevents spilling and seeping of paint. The assembly includes a receptacle, a liner bag for holding the paint, a mounting ring, and a removable lid. The mounting ring has several projections along its periphery that are aligned with holes in the liner bag. The holes in liner bag are sized to fit over the projections of the mounting ring that holds the liner in place within the reservoir of the receptacle. After paint is poured into the liner bag, a lid that has slots to fit the projections of the mounting ring is placed over the projections and rotated to lock the lid to the mounting ring and receptacle, and sandwiching the liner to prevent paint from seeping out of the liner bag. The liner bag may have bulges near its top periphery that rest within recessed threading in the mounting ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventors: Johnny Tepsi, Fadi Tepsi
  • Patent number: 9248932
    Abstract: A container for storing a food product, the container including a top opening for receiving a material, a side portion extending between the top opening and a bottom of the container. The container provides an inward projecting rib disposed on the side portion having an upper portion having a radius of curvature smaller than a bottom portion of the rib. The rib provides for increased hoop strength and facilitates product evacuation below the rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: RING Container Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Gamber, Daniel M. Futral, Doug Dygert
  • Patent number: 9248210
    Abstract: A package for a refill for dispensing a volatile material is disclosed that includes a wall portion and a cartridge refill removably attached to the wall portion. Attachment means removably attach the cartridge refill to the wall portion. The package in a first state is substantially planar in structure. The cartridge refill may be removed from the package for use in a separate dispenser or the package may be used as a dispenser for the volatile material held within the cartridge refill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Kunesh
  • Patent number: 9248935
    Abstract: A dispensing container is provided, the container including an outer shell comprising a top, a bottom, sidewalls extending between the top and bottom, and two ends, at least one end being open; an inner tray, slidably received within the outer shell, comprising at least one storage compartment adapted for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, and comprising at least one depressible detent, the detent comprising a raised surface that abuts the outer shell; wherein, in a closed configuration, the detent holds the inner tray within the outer shell, and wherein the at least one detent may be depressed by pressure to allow the inner tray to slide relative to the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Ryan A. Bailey, John A. Gelardi
  • Patent number: 9248695
    Abstract: Provided is a mosaic piece having a body contour inscribed within a circle, and being formed with at least one projection having a projection contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: DOOP MUSZAKI ES FORMAFEJLESZTO KFT.
    Inventor: Gabor Radvanyi
  • Patent number: 9241715
    Abstract: A jaw restraint is provided to temporarily secure an anvil assembly relative to a cartridge assembly during shipping. The jaw restraint generally includes a body portion having an upper arm for releasably securing the anvil assembly and a lower arm for releasably securing the cartridge assembly. An inwardly projection is provided between the upper and lower arms. The anvil assembly is secured between the upper arm and the inwardly directed projection and the cartridge assembly is secured between the lower arm of the inwardly directed projection. One or more finger members extending proximally from the body portion may be provided to facilitate biasing the upper arm away from the lower arm to release the anvil and cartridge assemblies from the jaw restraint. The jaw restraint may be provided with structure for engagement with shipping packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Dino Kasvikis, Russell Estrella, David Farascioni, Gregory Pappas
  • Patent number: 9242769
    Abstract: Container includes a base and a lid. The base has a base rim forming a base channel including a bottom wall, an inner sidewall, and an outer sidewall to define a channel space, a lock projection extending into the channel space from a first portion of the base rim, and a lever projection extending substantially outwardly from a second portion of the base rim. The lid has a lid rim forming a lid channel including a bottom wall, an inner sidewall, and an outer sidewall. The lid has a closed position in which the lid channel is aligned with and disposed at least partially within the channel space. The lever projection is configured to pivot upon application of an external force to cause the lock projection to move out from the channel space and to urge at least a portion of the lid rim out of the base channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: PACTIV LLC
    Inventors: Mark R. Gartz, H. Bernard Kirkland, Francisco Diaz
  • Patent number: 9242552
    Abstract: A filler neck insert to be removably attached to a capless fuel tank filler neck of a motor vehicle so that a source of pressure or a source of vacuum can be coupled to the fuel tank in order to test the fuel tank for leaks. The filler neck insert includes a hollow tubular body to be received through the open fuel-mouth and suspended within the throat of the fuel tank filler neck and a base extending across the tubular body. An adapter which is connected to the filler neck insert has an outer rim mated in surrounding sealing engagement with the base of the insert and an inlet tube connected to the source of pressure or vacuum. Accordingly, a flow path is established from the pressure or vacuum source to the fuel tank by way of the adapter, the insert and the filler neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: STAR EnviroTech, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. McCollom
  • Patent number: 9242757
    Abstract: A system for catching and containing a spill of a liquid from a rail tank car consisting of a series of catch pans attached end-to-end and placed between the rails of a railroad track is provided. The end walls of each catch pan are shorter than its side walls, with the catch pans located at either end of the series having an end wall extension attached to raise the height of the end wall to that of the side walls. A sealing gasket is placed between adjacent catch pans, and at least one opening extends through the end walls and the sealing gasket between adjacent catch pans. A drain is located in the bottom of at least one of the catch pans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Southwire Company, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald R. Martin, Zachary W. Butterworth, Joel R. Dicks
  • Patent number: 9237805
    Abstract: A storage system including a first component (102), and an extendable component (130) slidably mounted on the first component. The extendable component includes a pair of side members (132) spaced apart to accommodate a container (150) in use and at least one base member (132) arranged to support a lower surface of the container in use. The extendable component includes a first fixing arrangement (138) located at or adjacent one end of the extendable component and a second fixing arrangement (134) located at or adjacent another end, in use, the first and second fixing arrangements being configured to releasably engage with members on a container supported by the extendable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Inventor: Allan Grainger
  • Patent number: 9238300
    Abstract: A container for storing multiple saw blades includes: a base, a cover and a plurality of positioning units. The cover has one side pivotally fixed to the base, another side clasped to the base by a clasp, and a covering portion between the two sides of the cover. The covering portion is smaller than the base. The positioning units each include a stop piece and a central positioning block which are disposed on the base in a spaced manner. The stop pieces are located at different distances from the peripheral wall and have different heights with respect to the bottom of the base, the heights of the saw blades are proportional to the distances of the stop pieces to the peripheral wall of the base, and the central positioning blocks are disposed on the covering portion or the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Inventor: Eupin Wang
  • Patent number: 9233790
    Abstract: A container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse has a metal frame, tracks having horizontal and vertical portions attached to opposite sides of the frame, and a plurality of support member assemblies extending between the tracks. Each support member assembly includes end members located at the ends of a tubular support, the end members being movable in the tracks. The support member assemblies support dunnage for supporting products for storage or shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Bradford Company
    Inventors: Judson A. Bradford, Allen L. Burns, Matthew S. Sanger, Brian T. Dobrinski