Patents by Inventor Xiaokai Niu

Xiaokai Niu has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11858769
    Abstract: A web splice for attaching two webs, such as paper webs used in paper converting operations. The web splice comprises a non-linear butt joint. The butt joint forms an acute included angle (?) with the side edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaokai Niu, David E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 11787103
    Abstract: An improved core for mounting on one or more core engaging elements such as a pair of chucks and a method of making an improved core are provided. The core is adapted to wind and unwind material thereon. The core may comprise a high coefficient of friction coating disposed on the inner surface of the core to improve the core-chuck interaction. The inner surface may be mechanically or chemically treated to improve core-chuck interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Roland Davis, John Franklin Auten, Jr., Michael Lee Thompson, Kevin Manly Kelley, Xiaokai Niu, David E. Rhodes, Michael David Zold
  • Publication number: 20220250306
    Abstract: An improved core for mounting on one or more core engaging elements such as a pair of chucks and a method of making an improved core are provided. The core is adapted to wind and unwind material thereon. The core may comprise a high coefficient of friction coating disposed on the inner surface of the core to improve the core-chuck interaction. The inner surface may be mechanically or chemically treated to improve core-chuck interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Roland Davis, John Franklin Auten, JR., Michael Lee Thompson, Kevin Manly Kelley, Xiaokai Niu, David E. Rhodes, Michael David Zold
  • Patent number: 11365084
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting, maneuvering, winding or unwinding reels comprising a pair of devices having an elongated retractable frame having a first end and a second end which are adjustable relative to one another; a first crossbar having two opposite ends, the first crossbar being mounted to a first end of the elongated retractable frame; a second crossbar having two opposite ends, the second crossbar being mounted to a second end of the elongated retractable frame; a first roller carrier mounted on the first crossbar; a second roller carrier mounted on the second crossbar, parallel to the first roller carrier, wherein the roller rotates axially about the roller carrier; and a means for adjusting the first and second end of the elongated retractable frame relative to one another so that the first and second ends of the elongated retractable frame are moved closer together and further apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Russell Paul Grabowski, Xiaokai Niu
  • Patent number: 11279077
    Abstract: An improved core for mounting on one or more core engaging elements such as a pair of chucks and a method of making an improved core are provided. The core is adapted to wind and unwind material thereon. The core comprises a high coefficient of friction coating disposed on the inner surface of the core to improve core-chuck interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Neil Roland Davis, John Franklin Auten, Jr., Michael Lee Thompson, Kevin Manly Kelley, Xiaokai Niu, David E. Rhodes, Michael David Zold
  • Publication number: 20200354183
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting, maneuvering, winding or unwinding reels comprising a pair of devices having an elongated retractable frame having a first end and a second end which are adjustable relative to one another; a first crossbar having two opposite ends, the first crossbar being mounted to a first end of the elongated retractable frame; a second crossbar having two opposite ends, the second crossbar being mounted to a second end of the elongated retractable frame; a first roller carrier mounted on the first crossbar; a second roller carrier mounted on the second crossbar, parallel to the first roller carrier, wherein the roller rotates axially about the roller carrier; and a means for adjusting the first and second end of the elongated retractable frame relative to one another so that the first and second ends of the elongated retractable frame are moved closer together and further apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Russell Paul Grabowski, Xiaokai Niu
  • Publication number: 20200324992
    Abstract: A web splice for attaching two webs, such as paper webs used in paper converting operations. The web splice comprises a non-linear butt joint. The butt joint forms an acute included angle (?) with the side edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaokai Niu, David E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 10759627
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting, maneuvering, winding or unwinding reels comprising a pair of devices having an elongated retractable frame having a first end and a second end which are adjustable relative to one another; a first crossbar having two opposite ends, the first crossbar being mounted to a first end of the elongated retractable frame; a second crossbar having two opposite ends, the second crossbar being mounted to a second end of the elongated retractable frame; a first roller carrier mounted on the first crossbar; a second roller carrier mounted on the second crossbar, parallel to the first roller carrier, wherein the roller rotates axially about the roller carrier; and a means for adjusting the first and second end of the elongated retractable frame relative to one another so that the first and second ends of the elongated retractable frame are moved closer together and further apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Russell Paul Grabowski, Xiaokai Niu
  • Publication number: 20190270236
    Abstract: An improved core for mounting on one or more core engaging elements such as a pair of chucks and a method of making an improved core are provided. The core is adapted to wind and unwind material thereon. The core comprises a high coefficient of friction coating disposed on the inner surface of the core to improve core-chuck interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Roland Davis, John Franklin Auten, JR., Michael Lee Thompson, Kevin Manly Kelley, Xiaokai Niu, David E. Rhodes, Michael David Zold
  • Publication number: 20190210830
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting, maneuvering, winding or unwinding reels comprising a pair of devices having an elongated retractable frame having a first end and a second end which are adjustable relative to one another; a first crossbar having two opposite ends, the first crossbar being mounted to a first end of the elongated retractable frame; a second crossbar having two opposite ends, the second crossbar being mounted to a second end of the elongated retractable frame; a first roller carrier mounted on the first crossbar; a second roller carrier mounted on the second crossbar, parallel to the first roller carrier, wherein the roller rotates axially about the roller carrier; and a means for adjusting the first and second end of the elongated retractable frame relative to one another so that the first and second ends of the elongated retractable frame are moved closer together and further apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Russell Paul Grabowski, Xiaokai Niu
  • Patent number: 10273111
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device or a pair of devices for lifting, maneuvering, winding or unwinding reels, each comprising a center retractable member having an adjustable length; a first and second angularly-oriented vertical support bar, each pivotally mounted, at its proximal end, on opposite ends of the center retractable member, wherein the first and second angularly-oriented vertical support bars are pivotally joined to each other at their distal ends; a reel support member mounted on the joint of the first and second angularly-oriented vertical support bars, wherein the reel support member is adapted to removably by received by the bore of the reel; and a means for adjusting the length of the center retractable member, thereby moving the reel support member upward and downward, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Russell Paul Grabowski, Xiaokai Niu
  • Publication number: 20180170706
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device or a pair of devices for lifting, maneuvering, winding or unwinding reels, each comprising a center retractable member having an adjustable length; a first and second angularly-oriented vertical support bar, each pivotally mounted, at its proximal end, on opposite ends of the center retractable member, wherein the first and second angularly-oriented vertical support bars are pivotally joined to each other at their distal ends; a reel support member mounted on the joint of the first and second angularly-oriented vertical support bars, wherein the reel support member is adapted to removably by received by the bore of the reel; and a means for adjusting the length of the center retractable member, thereby moving the reel support member upward and downward, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Russell Paul Grabowski, Xiaokai Niu
  • Patent number: 9745167
    Abstract: A cable reel for holding a cable wound thereon that includes a cylindrical drum having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end spaced from the first end. The cable reel also includes a first flange that is coupled to the first end of the cylindrical drum and a second flange that is coupled to the second end of the cylindrical drum. The cable reel further includes a spacer that extends axially outward from the first flange. The spacer is configured to support the reel with the first flange spaced above a support surface when the longitudinal axis of the reel is in a substantially vertical orientation and with the reel being supported on the support surface by the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Xiaokai Niu
  • Publication number: 20160152436
    Abstract: A cable reel for holding a cable wound thereon that includes a cylindrical drum having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end spaced from the first end. The cable reel also includes a first flange that is coupled to the first end of the cylindrical drum and a second flange that is coupled to the second end of the cylindrical drum. The cable reel further includes a spacer that extends axially outward from the first flange. The spacer is configured to support the reel with the first flange spaced above a support surface when the longitudinal axis of the reel is in a substantially vertical orientation and with the reel being supported on the support surface by the spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Xiaokai Niu
  • Patent number: 9278827
    Abstract: A cable reel for holding a cable wound thereon that includes a cylindrical drum having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end spaced from the first end. The cable reel also includes a first flange that is coupled to the first end of the cylindrical drum and a second flange that is coupled to the second end of the cylindrical drum. The cable reel further includes a spacer that extends axially outward from the first flange. The spacer is configured to support the reel with the first flange spaced above a support surface when the longitudinal axis of the reel is in a substantially vertical orientation and with the reel being supported on the support surface by the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Xiaokai Niu
  • Publication number: 20140056683
    Abstract: A cable reel for holding a cable wound thereon that includes a cylindrical drum having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end spaced from the first end. The cable reel also includes a first flange that is coupled to the first end of the cylindrical drum and a second flange that is coupled to the second end of the cylindrical drum. The cable reel further includes a spacer that extends axially outward from the first flange. The spacer is configured to support the reel with the first flange spaced above a support surface when the longitudinal axis of the reel is in a substantially vertical orientation and with the reel being supported on the support surface by the spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Xiaokai NIU
  • Publication number: 20130186309
    Abstract: A paper-based pallet includes paper-based material top and bottom decks spaced apart by wound paperboard tubes. The decks are formed either by a single piece of paper-based material folded in C-shaped fashion or by two separate pieces of paper-based material. At least at one side of the pallet, flaps extend from the top deck and corresponding flaps extend from the bottom deck. The flaps are arranged in pairs each having a flap from the top deck overlapping a flap from the bottom deck, the overlapping flaps being secured together. Tine-receiving openings can be defined between adjacent pairs of flaps. The top deck can be reinforced at each opening by a flap hinged to the top deck and folded 180 degrees into contact with the top deck and secured thereto, thus forming a double-layer edge portion of the top deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Xiaokai Niu
  • Patent number: 8084108
    Abstract: A core having enhanced ID stiffness is provided. The core includes inner, intermediate, and outer wall zones. The intermediate zone is spring-like in that it minimizes deformation of the inner zone from a radial deflection of the outer zone by absorbing at least some of the deformation. Similarly, the intermediate zone minimizes deformation of the outer zone from a radial deflection of the inner zone by absorbing at least some of the deformation. The intermediate zone includes at least first and second intermediate layers and one or more intermediate support layers. The first and second layers include a number of plies and gaps that are offset from each other, i.e. the plies of the first layer are radially aligned with the gaps of the second layer. The intermediate support layers are between the first and second layers and extend radially across the gaps of the first and second layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaokai Niu, David E. Rhodes, Neil R. Davis
  • Publication number: 20110030588
    Abstract: A non-wood pallet includes a support sheet and at least a pair of channel members disposed on the support sheet for creating a pair of channels for receiving tines of a forklift. Each channel member is secured to the support sheet by at least one pair of tabs each formed by a generally U-shaped cut line extending through the support sheet. The cut line has spaced opposite ends between which a hinge line extends, the hinge line being formed by the support sheet being locally crushed, with resultant thickness reduction, along a path extending between the opposite ends of the cut line. Opposite ends of each cut line are curved away from each other so as to lengthen the hinge line. The tabs are fastened to the channel members by fastening devices such as elongate fastening members (e.g., adhesive tape), staples, adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Jim Baechle, Jim Lowry, Xiaokai Niu, Greg L. Powell
  • Patent number: 7874540
    Abstract: A concrete form comprises a single insert assembly or a plurality of insert assemblies within an outer tube. Each insert assembly comprises a pre-formed polymer liner sheet, a pre-formed polymer backing sheet, and a plurality of prefabricated cellular material pieces. Each cellular material piece has a first surface configured to form a portion of the non-round cross-section desired for the column and an opposite second surface formed substantially as an angular section of a cylinder. An insert assembly is constructed by affixing the liner sheet to the first surfaces of a plurality of the cellular material pieces. The cellular material pieces are arranged in a plurality of laterally adjacent rows extending lengthwise along the liner sheet for a length approximately equal to the length of the outer tube. The backing sheet is then fixed to the second surfaces of the cellular material pieces. The liner sheet and backing sheet together substantially fully envelope the cellular material pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Xiaokai Niu