Patents Examined by William Miller
  • Tamper evident storage device for items of value
    Patent number: 9290983
    Abstract: A system for storing items of value includes a lockable cassette, a door, a container, and a locking mechanism. The lockable cassette includes an opening for receiving items of value. The door is operably coupled to the cassette and is movable between an open position providing access to the contents of the cassette and a closed position preventing access to the contents of the cassette. The container is removably coupled to the cassette for securely storing items of value and includes a closure mechanism configured to restrict access to the stored items of value in the container. The locking mechanism is coupled to the door and is configured to selectively lock the door in the closed position and to selectively operate the closure mechanism. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Crane Payment Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Bane, Robin Varley, David Blasko
  • Method and apparatus for hanging an object
    Patent number: 9289086
    Abstract: A method for hanging an object and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes an apparatus comprising a track, an upper flange attached to a track, and a carrier disposed in said track. The carrier is laterally moveable along the length of the track. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a top unit and a base unit. The top unit comprises pins, a track, at least one carrier, and a lower flange. The base unit is affixed to a ceiling, and the top unit is affixed to the base unit via the pins. In one embodiment the anchors are not visible from below. Further, in one embodiment, the carrier is vertically positionable within, and removable from a channel formed by the set of flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Gretchen Seewald Atwell
  • Combination doorbumper/doorstopper
    Patent number: 9284765
    Abstract: A combination doorbumper and doorstopper includes a mounting plate, spindle, bumper, toggle bolt, and toggle bolt anchor. The doorbumper is installed on a wall so that a doorknob or door handle will engage the bumper when the door is fully opened. The spindle is positioned between the mounting plate and the bumper, and includes a narrow neck region. The door can be held in an opened position by placing a loop end of a flexible cord over the doorknob or handle on the opposite side of the door from the doorbumper, and stretching the cord so that a hook at the opposite end of the cord can be placed over the neck of the spindle. The doorbumper together with the flexible cord acts as a doorstopper to hold the door open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Robert O. Duff
  • Dual-shaft hinge for flip-up electronic product
    Patent number: 9274566
    Abstract: A dual-shaft hinge connected between a cover member and a base member of a flip-up electronic product is disclosed to include a hinge shaft set including a first hinge shaft having a spirally extended propelling groove, a second hinge shaft having a spirally extended position-limit groove, a female hinge member coupled to the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft, a sliding block set having a first protrusion and a second protrusion respectively located at two opposite sides thereof and respectively coupled to the propelling groove and the position-limit groove, and a linkage adapted to limit the rotating angle of the first hinge shaft and the turning angle of the female hinge member about the second hinge shaft, preventing errors in angular difference between the two opposite lateral sides of the cover member and the two opposite lateral sides of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: YUAN DENG METALS INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chin-Hsing Horng
  • Pinless attachment systems and methods of using the same
    Patent number: 9273502
    Abstract: A multi-purpose pinless attachment system includes a first structure having oppositely facing recesses separated by a web region. Pairs of recesses form pivot bar bearing surfaces, and a transverse pivot axis passes through the web region at a midpoint between these pairs of bearing surfaces. A second structure defines an interior pivot channel between its distal tip and a proximal shank. The tip is separated from the shank by a gap to allow the web region of the first structure to pass through the gap while the interior pivot channel is brought into bearing registration with the pivot bar. The pivot channel receives the portion of the web region separating the first and second recesses. Surface portions of the pivot channel frictionally engage at least a portion of a pivot bar bearing surface while the second structure is pivoted relative to the first structure about the transverse pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: John Richard Bell
  • Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus
    Patent number: 9272410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-function peripheral 1 that can allow a paper feeding cassette deck 3 to connect to an apparatus main body 2. The paper feeding cassette deck 3 has an opening portion 17 and handles. The opening portion 17 is provided on a connecting face 3a with respect to the apparatus main body 2. The handle is configured with at least a part of a rear reinforcing frame 21 and a front reinforcing frame 22 composing an edge of the opening portion 17, the at least parts of the frames protruding inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Keiji Matsuoka
  • Foldable table
    Patent number: 9273720
    Abstract: A foldable table includes a first tabletop panel, a second tabletop panel, a first peripheral edge rim, a second peripheral edge rim, and a foldable frame. The foldable frame includes a reinforcing frame which includes first through fourth elongated reinforcing member spacedly mounted along two longitudinal sides of the first receiving cavity and the second receiving cavity respectively, a first and a second leg frame pivotally mounted on the first receiving cavity and the second receiving cavity respectively, and a hinge arrangement. The hinge arrangement includes a first connecting joint, a second connecting joint, and a first and a second locker device coupled to the first connecting joint and the second connecting joint respectively, wherein the first locker device and the second locker device are arranged to operate between a locked position and an unlock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: Ping-Cheng Tsai
  • Removable customizable casket panel
    Patent number: 9265682
    Abstract: Caskets, cap panel assemblies for a casket, and methods for manufacturing cap panel assemblies are described. A casket may include a casket shell, at least one casket cap pivotally mounted on the casket shell, and a cap panel assembly mounted in the at least one casket cap. The cap panel assembly may include a cap panel, a puffing member attached to each edge of the cap panel, and a cap panel insert. The cap panel insert is fastened to the cap panel using pins. The cap panel insert can include a frame, fabric, filler, and a backing board. The cap panel insert can include elastic or ribbon-shaped straps positioned on a front face of the cap panel insert. The elastic or ribbon-shaped straps can be positioned in a lattice or grid-like arrangement. The cap panel insert can include a mounting bracket or a screw and wire assembly for mounting the cap panel insert on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Matthews Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Michelle Helena Denk, Yves Joseph Allard, Ronald C. George
  • Removable customizable casket panel
    Patent number: 9265683
    Abstract: Caskets, cap panel assemblies for a casket, and methods for manufacturing cap panel assemblies are described. A casket may include a casket shell, at least one casket cap pivotally mounted on the casket shell, and a cap panel assembly mounted in the at least one casket cap. The cap panel assembly may include a cap panel, a puffing member attached to each edge of the cap panel, a cap panel insert positioned in-line with the cap panel, and a plurality of resilient members positioned on a front face of the cap panel insert. The plurality of resilient members may be tensioned, for example, to hold keepsakes, memorabilia, or other types of objects on or in the cap panel insert. The cap panel insert can include a mounting bracket or a screw and wire assembly for mounting the cap panel insert on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Matthews Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Michelle Helena Denk, Yves Joseph Allard, Ronald C. George
  • Multi-joint synchronous rotary axle structure
    Patent number: 9268372
    Abstract: A multi-joint synchronous rotary axle structure includes a middle shaft and two parallel side shafts at two sides of the middle shaft. A first synchronous actuating assembly and a second synchronous actuating assembly are provided at two opposite positions of the middle shaft and the side shafts, which are connected in a reverse link relationship. The two side shafts can be rotated about the middle shaft to generate a synchronous reverse turning. A two-way shaft plate is provided between the middle shaft and each of the side shafts to provide the torsion of tuning so as to form a compact multi-joint synchronous rotary axle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventor: An Szu Hsu
  • Door closer
    Patent number: 9267316
    Abstract: A door closer has a fixing set, a bidirectional set and an extending set. The fixing set has an elongated tube. The elongated tube has two opposite sidewalls and an opening. The bidirectional set is connected to the fixing set, is movably mounted in the elongated tube and has a connecting panel formed on and protruding from the bidirectional set and extending out of the opening. The extending set is pivotally connected to the bidirectional set and has a guiding track, an extending arm, a locking board and a connecting panel. The extending arm is movably mounted in the guiding track and has a connecting end extending out of the guiding track. The locking board engages the guiding track and is connected to the extending arm to adjust a total length of the extending set. The connecting panel is connected to the connecting end of the extending arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Joy Chief Hardware Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Kun-Lin Ding
  • Shift-brake device of twin-shaft hinge
    Patent number: 9261900
    Abstract: A shift-brake device includes a locking assembly and two pivot shafts. The locking assembly includes a base seat, a pressing plate and two shaft sleeves. The pressing plate pivotally connected to the base seat is configured with two sleeve holes, and convex portions, the two shaft sleeves are respectively configured with sleeve portions. The two shaft sleeves are configured with circular flanges having concave portions. The pivot shafts arranged on the base seat and the pressing plate are linked with the shaft sleeves. When one pivot shaft is pivoted, the connected shaft sleeve is synchronically driven to cause a concave portion thereof to be deviated from a corresponding convex portion of the pressing plate, the circular flange of the shaft sleeve pushes against the convex portion of the pressing plate to incline the pressing plate, thus to cause the other shaft sleeve unable to be pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventor: An Szu Hsu
  • Hidden handle module
    Patent number: 9258915
    Abstract: A hidden handle module is adapted to a tray accommodated in a chassis. The hidden handle module includes a shaft, a handle, and first and second elastic components. The shaft is pivoted on the tray and interfered with the chassis to stop the tray moving out of the chassis. The handle is pivoted on the shaft and stopped in the tray by a stopping portion of the tray to limit the position of the shaft. The first elastic component is disposed in the tray and stops the handle moving away from the stopping portion. The second elastic portion is connected between the shaft and the tray. When the handle resists elastic force of the first elastic component and moves away from the stopping portion, the handle protrudes out of the tray by elastic force of the second elastic component, and the shaft rotates to be released by the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Zhong-Hui Mao, Peng-Cheng Zhang, Yu Chen
  • Hinge employing a ratchet for an upholstery seat
    Patent number: 9249827
    Abstract: A hinge and bracket system for a cushion seat back is provided. A bracket is attached to the side of a cushion seat back which is laying flat. The bracket is connected to a rotatable shaft, which in turn is connected to a toothed gear and a pawl. When the cushion seat back is raised upward, the toothed gear and an element of the pawl allow the cushion seat back to ratchet upwards, with the capability to lock the cushion seat back at any tooth. When the cushion seat back is raised above about 90 degrees, the pawl is forced to disengage from the toothed gear and the cushion seat back is unlocked and can be placed back in the original flat position. This hinge and bracket system may be employed in marine operations, especially for water skiing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Taco Metals, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Serocki, Samuel D. Dwello
  • Casket lid with moldings
    Patent number: 9248069
    Abstract: A casket lid assembly includes lower rails, upper rails, side panels and a top panel. Each lower rail has a lower surface configured to be received on a respective side of a casket base, and has an upper side that includes an angled notch. Each of the upper rails includes a first notch and a second notch. Each of the side panels has a first edge received within the angled notch of a respective lower rail, and an opposite second edge received within the first notch of the respective upper rail. The top panel has a first edge received within the second notch of the first upper rail and an opposite second edge received within the second notch of the second upper rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Vandor Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Cox, Gerald H. Davis
  • Method of propping a coffin lid open during transportation of a coffin
    Patent number: 9248070
    Abstract: A coffin transport block is provided. The coffin transport block includes a body portion with a top end and a bottom end. Protruding from the top end is a first node and a second node forming a top channel in between. Protruding from the bottom end is a first node and a second node forming a bottom channel in between. A method of use includes the following. The coffin lid may be opened to place the cadaver within the coffin and to prepare the cadaver. The bottom end of the coffin transport block may be placed on a coffin edge so that the coffin edge is within the bottom channel. The lid may be placed on the top end so that the lid edge is within the top channel, thereby propping the coffin in an open position. The cadaver may then be transported to the funeral with the lid of the coffin semi-opened, which prevents the preparation of the cadaver from being disturbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Inventor: Gilbert Lewis Laccitiello
  • Furniture slide assembly
    Patent number: 9237807
    Abstract: A furniture slide assembly includes a slide body with a top for supporting the furniture leg and also has a bottom surface with a substantially low coefficient of friction. A clamp assembly is affixed to and supported above the slide body assembly and includes a clamp body formed of a resilient material. The body has a first arm and an opposing second arm wherein the body, the first arm, and the second arm have an inner surface which defines a receiving aperture in the clamp body. The first arm and the second arm further define an opening therebetween. A clamp arm extends from a distal end of the first arm and is securable to the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Inventor: John L. Amber
  • Paper sheet storage container and paper sheet handling apparatus
    Patent number: 9234379
    Abstract: A paper sheet storage container and a paper handling apparatus that includes the container. The container includes an outer case, an open-closable door attached to the outer case, a lock that locks the door in a closed state with respect to the outer case, and a seal attachment portion that seals the door closed with respect to the outer case, so as to indicate that the door is closed with respect to the outer case, and to lock the door in the closed state with respect to the outer case. The paper sheet handling apparatus, includes a storage container mounting portion detachably mounted with the paper sheet storage container, which may function for storage of banknotes for handling within an outer case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: OKI ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hajime Togiya
  • Method of making coffins, sarcophagi, cinerary urns and the like
    Patent number: 9233044
    Abstract: A coffin made of a wood material, rather than being painted or finished, is temporarily covered with an attractive removable film for display purposes. The film is removed and recycled before the coffin is cremated or buried. This minimizes environmental contamination during both construction of the coffin and its disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Anima Design S.r.l.
    Inventors: Gianluca Malandra, Maria Daniela Malandra
  • Memorial urn
    Patent number: 9233045
    Abstract: A memorial urn includes a central core having at least one vessel stored therein, the vessel functioning to house and identify cremated remains. A protective outer shell having a one or more commemoratory items is positioned about the core. One or more lighted elements illuminates the outer body, and a candleholder is positioned onto the outer body. A base unit is removably secured to the bottom of the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventor: Lindsay Lynch