Patents Issued in August 6, 1996
  • Patent number: 5542529
    Abstract: A high barrier sealable packaging material and a high barrier heat sealed package for smoking articles, such as cigarettes and the like, are disclosed. The packaging material comprises a base layer of a polymeric film, such as a biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film which has been metallized on one surface thereof with a layer of metal, such as aluminum. The metallized film is then imprinted with ink with a design and/or printed matter on either the metallized or unmetallized surface. Subsequently to or concurrently with the printing, a heat seal layer is applied to the printed and/or unprinted surface for forming a heat seal about which the material is wrapped. In one embodiment, the high barrier packaging material is used as an overwrap for a cigarette package having a tear tape for removing one end of the overwrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Carl C. Hein, III, Matthew S. Koschak, Mark S. Powell, Peter P. Shearer, Milly M. L. Wong
  • Patent number: 5542530
    Abstract: Adjustable shelving which may be suspended from a cross-member includes a plurality of shelves suspended at desired levels from at least four vertical suspenders. Each shelf has at least four apertures through which respective vertical suspenders pass. For each shelf, a set of adjustable shelf fasteners is used to support the shelf by releasably attaching fasteners to respective suspenders at the desired location to support respective corners of the shelves. The vertical suspenders may include a pair of ropes which may be inserted into a pair of apertures in the fasteners. The shelving may be enclosed in an exterior garment bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Richard's Homewares, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Freelander
  • Patent number: 5542531
    Abstract: A case for holding two compact discs or the like includes a front cover part (12), a rear cover part (14) and a carrier part (18). The front and rear cover parts are pivotally coupled along one wall of the case, and the carrier part is pivotally mounted between the cover parts near or at the above one edge of the case. The case when closed has approximately the same thickness as a standard single CD case. The carrier part has retaining tabs (44a, 44b) for retaining a compact disc adjacent each of two opposite faces (38, 40) of the carrier part. The front and rear cover parts may comprise the front and rear parts of a standard single CD case, with the conventional fixed CD carrying part omitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Encore Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Choi K. Yeung
  • Patent number: 5542532
    Abstract: A container includes an angled sidewall with a non-overlapping thread. A lid has a lid sidewall set at the same angle as the container sidewall. The angle is between 12.degree. and 18.degree. from vertical and creates a strong connection when the two pieces are screwed together. In one embodiment, the container is a compact disc holder capable of holding a compact disc free from interference and damage. A top piece (lid) of the compact disc holder screws down on a bottom piece but maintains pressure on the compact disc to hold the disc between a pedestal on the bottom piece and a stabilizer disposed on the top piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: David C. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5542533
    Abstract: A scalpel cradle with a floor and four outwardly inclined sidewalls, with two convex elevations in the floor extending from one lateral side of the cradle to the other side of the receptor and with a rectilinear cap the anterior portion of which is in the shape of a symmetrical letter Y which is compressibly elastic in the vicinity of the leg component of the anterior portion such that the bipartite leg component of the anterior portion is amenable to receipt of the handle of a surgical scalpel resting therein on its bottom side, and with a outwardly directed curvaceous extension affixed to the anterior portion and in the shape of a downwardly directed u-shaped curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph H. Vargas, III
  • Patent number: 5542534
    Abstract: A packaging system for a film roll containing, inter alia, a highly sensitive film web is disclosed. The system is made up of at least two end walls, with centrally arranged cylindrical plug-on protuberances or centering protuberances for receiving the winding sleeve which bears the film web, and are connected in a releasible, but sealing manner to the end walls via tensioning elements and sealing elements. The system further includes an inner winding sleeve and an outer protective sleeve, and thus, together with the end walls, sealing elements and tensioning elements, forms a closed packaging around the film roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Dinter, Klaus J. Gleffe
  • Patent number: 5542535
    Abstract: A carrier assembly for transporting and supporting fluorescent lamps, the carrier assembly comprising a container including a flexible bag having open and closed ends, the bag having a length between the open and closed ends, and the bag defining a volume; and the container including a tube support, the tube support including first and second parallel spaced apart surfaces, the first and second surfaces being perpendicular to the length of the bag, the first surface having an array of lamp receiving apertures therethrough, the second surface having an array of lamp receiving apertures therethrough which are aligned with the apertures through the first surface, the tube support being attached to the open end of the flexible bag to support and arrange a plurality of fluorescent lamps in spaced apart relation wherein portions of respective lamps extend into the volume in the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Square Peg Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John Dalton
  • Patent number: 5542536
    Abstract: A wrap-around carrier including partial end panels extending up from the bottom panel for covering the pricing code on the end articles in the package. The partial end panels are locked in place by gusset panels extending between an adjacent end article and the bottom panel and by side panel locking flaps extending between an adjacent end article and a connected side panel. Upper and lower corner restraint panels are also connected to the side panel locking flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 5542537
    Abstract: Arranging a group of articles to be packaged so as to include a space for the insertion of a different article. All the articles except one are arranged in upright position. The one article is positioned on its side, between other articles. This creates a space above the one article into which a different article is inserted prior to packaging the articles in a multipack carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Colin Ford
  • Patent number: 5542538
    Abstract: A system of waste material recycling involving the formation of bales of recyclable waste, the bales consisting essentially of recyclable waste material and waste storage containers therefor, wherein the waste storage containers are filled by the individual consumer with the recyclable waste material prior to the formation of the bales and are formed of material that is compatible for recycling with the waste material. The waste storage containers are preferably obtained simultaneously with, and as a component of, the goods which ultimately become the recyclable waste material stored in the containers. In the preferred embodiment, the waste storage container comprises a compactly packaged storage container which is compatible for recycling with newsprint and obtained simultaneously with, and as a component of, a single edition of a newspaper, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Theodore A. Lutz
  • Patent number: 5542539
    Abstract: A thermoformed blister package for a surgical instrument. The package has a tray having at least one cavity having at least one undercut and pads for quickly releasing the instrument from the cavity and package without touching the instrument. The package also has an interlocking projection for efficiently storing packages in a dispenser container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Early
  • Patent number: 5542540
    Abstract: A pizza box lid has a plastic support device centrally mounted to its underside. The device has a mounting portion adhesively attached to the lid, and a post portion which is originally coplanar with the mounting portion and flat against the underside of the lid. The post portion has two panels, one of the two panels being hinged to the mounting portion and the other panel being hinged to the one panel. The entire support is formed from one homogeneous piece of material which is appropriately scored to define the hingedly connected mounting and panel portions. The post portion is folded about the hinge relative to the mounting portion and away from the lid to an erect position generally perpendicular to the lid, and then one panel is folded relative to the other panel so as to prop the panels perpendicular to the lid whereby they serve as a support post to prevent the lid from sagging when the lid is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventors: Edward R. Knapp, Edward R. Knapp, II, Miranda A. Knapp
  • Patent number: 5542541
    Abstract: A multi-sided collapsible container is provided in combination with a pallet. The container preferably has an octagonal shape. The upright portion of the container is formed from a plurality of side panels, end panels, and corner panels. A bottom to the container is formed from a combination of bottom flaps and floor panels. Floor panels are affixed to the pallet for securing the container thereto. A plurality of transverse fold lines in combination with a plurality of lateral fold lines enable the container to move between an open upright use position and a plurality of collapsed storage positions contained within the confines of the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Four M Manufacturing Group of CPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn M. Smith
  • Patent number: 5542542
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for continuously sampling a process stream, or reservoir of aqueous cellulosic pulp and detecting oversize contaminants in the sampled stream. This serves the overall objective of estimating the level of contamination in the process stream or reservoir during a given period of production; the method may include the following stages: 1) a continuous sample stream is drawn from the process or main stream, 2) the stream is passed through a centrifugal device which divides the sampled stream according to density, 3) the stream with the higher level of contaminants from the centrifugal device is passed to a screen which isolates the contaminants, and 4) the contaminants are flushed from the screen so that they can be quantified; these measurements are used to assess the purity of the material being produced. One useful application of this invention is to assess the presence of trace amounts of plastic contaminants in the production of the cellulosic pulp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada
    Inventors: John D. Hoffmann, Robert W. Gooding, Norman Roberts, Robert S. Hart
  • Patent number: 5542543
    Abstract: There is disclosed an electrostatic separation and classification apparatus (20) which includes a pair of electrode unit mechanisms (21, 22) having spaced electrodes (28, 29), insulative endless belts (30, 31) covering opposite surfaces of the electrodes (28, 29) and opposed to each other for feeding in circulation, and deposit scratching members (38, 39) remote from a position in which an electrostatic field produced between the electrodes (28, 29) works and in contact with outer surfaces of the endless belts (30, 31) throughout their width, respectively, thereby increasing the rate of operation and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Yasukuni
  • Patent number: 5542544
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating low density solids from an airflow where a first airflow containing low density solids moves through a first conduit at a predetermined velocity and pressure and flows into a separating chamber wherein it is changed into a second airflow at a substantially reduced velocity and pressure to separate a substantial portion of the low density solids and moves out of the separating chamber through one of a second or third conduits as a third airflow at a velocity and pressure substantially the same as that of the first airflow and also passes through filtering apparatus in the second or third conduits to separate additional low density solids out of the third airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Coors Brewing Company
    Inventors: Cliff Merkle, John Burns, Gordon Laib, Jim Willis, Scotty Mitchel, Dennis Erickson
  • Patent number: 5542545
    Abstract: A process is described for separation of oxidic minerals, such as phosphate. The process is a froth flotation process utilizing a novel collector, which is comprised of:1. tall oil or any other commercial fatty acids that may contain rosin;2. fuel oil;3. N-substituted-N-mixed alkyoxy-propylmaleimic acid derivative;4. fatty acid sulfonate;5. alkyl alcohol ether sulfate;6. alkyl alcohol sulfate;The collector is added to the aqueous slurry of phosphate ore to be conditioned in a conventional manner. The conditioning reagents include alkaline pH modifiers, such as sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate or ammonia. The conditioning pH value is controlled at 7.0-11.5. After conditioning, the reagentized slurry is transferred into a flotation cell and flotation is conducted in a traditional process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Ying Xue Yu
    Inventor: Ying X. Yu
  • Patent number: 5542546
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for pneumatic flotation include thinning a conditioned and gassified pulp and then forming them in the separation chamber into an enclosed free jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Kali und Salz GmbH
    Inventors: Jost Gotte, Harald Schnez, Arno Singewald
  • Patent number: 5542547
    Abstract: A document sorting section for sorting flat documents wherein a plurality of primary document conveying paths are interposed between rows of opposing document stacking elements and document diverters are positioned in the primary paths. Each of the primary conveying paths are in conveying communication with separate diverters and corresponding sorting paths, such as angularly disposed sorting paths, wherein each of the sorting paths is in conveying communication with either of the primary conveying paths, but not both. A primary pivotal diverter, located upstream from the first and second primary conveying paths, diverts documents from the main transport path to either of the primary conveying paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Phillipsburg Company
    Inventor: Mario Ricciardi
  • Patent number: 5542548
    Abstract: A screening system having a resiliently mounted frame with a screen extending thereacross. The frame is vibrated by a low frequency vibratory drive using eccentric weights. About the peripheral frame of the screen, a high frequency drive or drives is employed to vibrate the screen in the range of 20,000 Hz. The high frequency vibration is generated at the peripheral frame about the screen. The screen is responsive to the high frequency vibrations in a plate-like manner rather than as a membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Sweco, Incorporated
    Inventor: Nagabhusan Senapati
  • Patent number: 5542549
    Abstract: A lightweight extremely versatile cross-connect frame and associated stand-off brackets are presented. This cross-connect frame comprises few components with integrally designed hole patterns to retain communication connector blocks and other standard products that require the dimensions of an EIA standard relay rack. The enhanced manufacturing and assembly produce clean sturdy frames which can be mounted either directly or with compatible stand-off brackets to a wall or 19" EIA relay rack. Additionally, these frames, with or without stand-off brackets, minimize the mounting space required by being both an even RMS (Rack Mount Space) in length and end stackable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: The Siemon Company
    Inventors: John A. Siemon, Christopher H. Cox
  • Patent number: 5542550
    Abstract: A storage rack for articles having predetermined, substantially identical thicknesses comprises a body having opposite ends and at least one generally horizontal slot formed in the enclosure for receiving at least one edge of one of the articles to releasably hold the article generally horizontally. The slot having opposing first and second edges, portions of which lie in first and second boundary planes to releasably hold the article. The remainder portions of the first and second edges lie outside the first and second boundary planes and provide for easy initial insertion of the edge of the article in the slot. The body is adapted to stand erect on one of its ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Dionisis Kakavoulis-Perera
    Inventors: Dionisis Kakavoulis-Perera, Chris Minichiello
  • Patent number: 5542551
    Abstract: An erectable display stand includes a generally planar back panel, a generally planar shelf for supporting objects, and at least one generally planar supporting wall. The shelf and the supporting wall are connected to the back panel for movement relative thereto between their collapsed positions in which they extend in substantial parallelism with one another and with the back panel in close proximity of the latter, and an erected position in which they extend substantially normal to the back panel and parallel to each other in large-area surface-to-surface contact with one another for the supporting wall to support the shelf from below when the stand is in use. The supporting wall may have a rearward extension that transfers the area of ground contact to behind the stand proper, so that the latter may assume a rearwardly tilted attitude when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Arrow Art Finishers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerrold A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5542552
    Abstract: A display and dispensing rack having a pair of front-to-back slidingly interfitted trays with product pusher which travels front-to-back over both trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: P.O.P. Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Yablans, Anthony Chan
  • Patent number: 5542553
    Abstract: A ladder caddy comprising a housing formed with a generally vertical side wall, a container mechanism coupled to a central extent of the side wall for holding tools therein, and a handle mechanism coupled to and extended upwards from the side wall; and a coupling mechanism for removably coupling the side wall to the legs of a ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: William E. Penniman
  • Patent number: 5542554
    Abstract: An illuminated, kiosk type, display stand designed for use in holding and attractively displaying various articles of merchandise or other items or materials. The stand is formed of a pair of hollow, molded plastic, front and rear units that are secured to each other and mounted on a separate base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Michael Resnick
  • Patent number: 5542555
    Abstract: A cap for use with bottled water dispensing systems. The cap includes a main outer cap and an inner cap. The main outer cap has a central sleeve which receives and seals against a probe. The inner cap moves into and out of a sealing engagement with the central tube as the bottle is raised and lowered over the probe. The seal between the inner cap and the central tube is located on the outside surface of the central tube. The inner cap has a guide sleeve which centers the inner cap about the central tube, which is particularly important to achieve a proper attachment of the inner cap to the central tube during removal of the bottle from its support. The locations of the various components of the cap allow the cap to have effective differentials between the forces which are necessary to achieve proper sequencing of the formation of the various seals and connections which occur during use of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventors: Walter E. Hidding, Douglas J. Hidding, Robert D. Hidding
  • Patent number: 5542556
    Abstract: An internal thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of a skirt wall in a container closure of a plastic. The cross-sectional shape of the internal thread is defined by an upper side edge extending radially inwardly in an axially downwardly inclined manner, a lower side edge extending radially inwardly in an axially upwardly inclined manner, a front edge extending substantially vertically, two concave arcs, and two convex arcs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Japan Crown Cork Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiko Ohmi, Tateo Kubo, Tomoya Igarashi
  • Patent number: 5542557
    Abstract: A container closure comprising a container closure shell and a resin liner applied to the inner surface side of the shell, wherein the resin liner is constituted by an upper layer portion which is composed of a resin composition containing such additives as disoxidation agent, drying agent, deodorant, antibacterial agent and thermo color agent and which forms a panel portion on the inside of the hermetically sealing portion, a lower layer portion which is composed of a thermoplastic resin having cushioning property and elasticity and which is interposed between the upper layer portion and the top surface of the shell to join them together, and a hermetically sealing portion which is formed on the outer peripheral side of the panel portion integrally with the lower layer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayasu Koyama, Yasuhiro Oda, Hiroaki Kikuchi, Muneki Yamada
  • Patent number: 5542558
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing micro-mechanical components in which a structure is produced on a silicon layer, which is to be undercut in a further step. The silicon is selectively anodized for this undercutting operation. Thus, the method enables the manufacturing of micro-mechanical components that can be integrated together with bipolar circuit elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Benz, Jiri Marek, Martin Willmann, Frank Bantien, Horst Muenzel, Franz Laermer, Michael Offenberg, Andrea Schilp
  • Patent number: 5542559
    Abstract: In order to prevent any possible electrical discharge between a lower electrode and a grounded member through a backside gas supply conduit when performing a plasma treatment with a supply of a backside gas such as He gas to the backside of a semiconductor wafer being held by an electromagnetic chuck on the lower electrode for the generation of a plasma within a plasma treatment chamber, the gas supply conduit is fitted therein with cylindrical flowpath members made of two types of electrically insulating materials each having a multiplicity of axially extending small-diameter conduction holes, at a position within an electrically insulating body disposed between the lower electrode and a grounded member. The small diameter conduction holes in the backside gas flowpath serve to increase an electrical discharge start voltage for the prevention of electrical discharge. The formation of the multiplicity of conduction holes provides a large conductance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoru Kawakami, Tsuyoshi Suzuki, Junichi Arami, Yoichi Deguchi
  • Patent number: 5542560
    Abstract: A protective and warming bonnet for food having two, preferably, semi-circularly curved braces 1,2 whose ends are connected to hinges (5,6). These braces may be pivoted from 0.degree. to a maximum of 180.degree. in relation to one another. A folding bellows 4 is arranged between the two braces 1,2 such that when pivoted apart, the braces 1,2 form a bellows-like dome. In one embodiment, the protective and warming bonnet has a continuous base 14 in the form of a serving platter on which the braces 1,2 rest during use. A carrying handle 13 of round-steel or a tube is hooked to the hinges 5,6 on the braces 1,2. This carrying handle 13 rests in a notch or a slot at the hinge 5,6 so that it is no longer pivotable in relation to the base while under the pressure resulting from carrying such.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventors: Peter Gerster, Kurt Zimmerli
  • Patent number: 5542561
    Abstract: A compact or other container creates, when closed, an airtight closure for holding, storing or packaging material, such as cosmetics. The cap of the container screws onto the jar portion of the container via complementary threads, but the cap is permanently connected to the jar by a collar which allows the cap to freely rotate. The cap of the container contains a liner which is forced against the lip of the jar, thereby forming an airtight seal. Also disclosed is a compact or other container which need not have an airtight closure but with a cap that is permanently connected to the jar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Jerhel Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Slink, Anna Mecca
  • Patent number: 5542562
    Abstract: The vessel includes a fluid container or conduit. First and second magnets are situated on opposite sides of the vessel wall and are encircled by a metallic band or collar. The vessel may have an open mouth defined by a rim. In one embodiment, magnets are suspended by hangers form a rim of a cup. The cup and magnets are received in an exterior container with a removable lid. Other embodiments include oxygen tanks, oxygen tubes and containers for intravenous liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Ben Oratz
  • Patent number: 5542563
    Abstract: A flexible insert adapted for simple installation within and simple removal from a container of generally rectangular configuration having a generally planar floor wall, a roof wall, a pair of generally planar side walls, a generally planar front end wall and a generally planar closeable rear door wall, the container having cargo rings mounted about the periphery thereof. The insert including insert portions structured to fit within the container and be unfolded into a floor portion facing the floor wall, a roof portion facing the roof wall, a pair of said wall portions facing the side walls, a front end portion facing the front end wall, and a rear end door portion facing the rear door wall. The insert is constructed to secure at least one of the insert portions to a facing container wall to prevent relative movement therebetween, and including at least one reinforcing strap connected to and extending from the rear end door portion of the insert to at least one of the walls of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Carlos J. D. Matias
  • Patent number: 5542564
    Abstract: A potpourri assembly includes a decorative display hat. The hat is generally of the straw type, with a dome-like crown and a substantial brim. The assembly is preferably displayed with its brim vertical and its crown facing forward. The assembly may be secured in this position by means of a loop, of ribbon or similar material, that lies flush to the rear of the brim at the top of the hat. Potpourri sits within the crown of the hat, and is secured by a circular fabric covering. The fabric covering is attached to the outer edge of the crown opening. Preferably, the circular fabric covering includes two approximately semicircular, approximately equal pieces of fabric, one upper piece and one lower piece. The straight edge of the lower piece overlaps the straight edge of the upper piece to form an insertion opening for the potpourri. A circumferential piece of fabric lies atop the curved edge of the circular fabric covering in order to provide a finished look.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Erlene Wright
  • Patent number: 5542565
    Abstract: A soup plate comprised of a plate having an open circular top end, a closed circular lower end, and an intermediate side wall therebetween. The intermediate side wall slopes inwardly from the open circular top towards the closed circular lower end. The closed circular lower end slopes slightly downwardly towards a front portion thereof. The front portion of the closed circular lower end has an oval reservoir formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Miguel A. Hidalgo-Lopez
  • Patent number: 5542566
    Abstract: A reusable dispenser and a plurality of disposable mitt wipes contained therein. The dispenser includes a tub body having a tub interior and a tub opening, a lid member joined to the tub body and being movable between a closed position and an open position, a sealing means between the lid member and the tub body, and a positive latching device for latching the lid member to the tub body. The lid member includes a replaceable access strip member that permits the mitt wipes to be dispensed one at a time, and is replaceable to close and seal the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Frank S. Glaug, Christopher P. Olson, Kathleen I. Ratliff, Donald A. Sheldon, Valerie V. Finch, L. Warren Collier, IV
  • Patent number: 5542567
    Abstract: The combination of zig zag folded tissue stack has separate portions of the tissue defined by lateral perforations. The tissue is a moisturized tissue and is retained in a special rectangular container with the free end of the tissue fitted through a slit which frictionally retains the tissue unless it is manually moved through the slit. The slit is fashioned in a manner which facilitates tearing of the portions of the tissue along the perforations after it is withdrawn through the slit. A cap for the slit is designed to keep the exposed portion of the tissue moist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Nice-Pak Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Julius
  • Patent number: 5542568
    Abstract: The combination of zig zag folded tissue stack has separate portions of the tissue defined by lateral perforations. The tissue is a moisturized tissue and is retained in a special rectangular container with the free end of the tissue fitted through a slit which frictionally retains the tissue unless it is manually moved through the slit. The slit is fashioned in a manner which facilitates tearing of the portions of the tissue along the perforations after it is withdrawn through the slit. A cap for the slit is designed to keep the exposed portion of the tissue moist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Nice-Pak Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Julius
  • Patent number: 5542569
    Abstract: A stack of condiment packages is loaded into a tube, and the tube is inserted into a receiver. The first package rests on a support platform, and the receiver holds the tube at a position to secure all of the packages above the first. A push block on the end of a piston rod pushes the first package out from under the tube, and then retracts to allow the stack to fall to the support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Simplyfry Inc.
    Inventor: Marty R. Millar
  • Patent number: 5542570
    Abstract: A transparent thermoplastic housing has an upper and a lower compartment divided by a ramp. The lower compartment houses a battery, motor and drive mechanism for turning a candy dispensing screw in communication with the upper compartment. The lower compartment is hidden by an outer opaque label. Candy pieces of like dimensions are stored in the upper compartment and fed serially to the screw by a first channel formed with the ramp. A second channel next to the screw along its length maintains the candy received from the first channel aligned serially. The screw displaces the candy from the first channel to the second channel and to a dispensing port at the top of the housing. A clutch in the drive mechanism permits the screw to be turned manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Cap Toys, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Jr., Patrick W. Brown, Jerzy Perkitny
  • Patent number: 5542571
    Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing relatively flat, thin articles, and particularly for dispensing valuable articles such as debit cards and tickets. A blocking bar is mounted adjacent the outlet of the dispensing mechanism and is adjustably but firmly positioned to positively block the issuance of more than one ticket at a time in response to the action of a pusher member. A device preferably comprising one or more rollers is provided near the entrance to the blocking bar so as to bear down on and flatten curved cards or tickets to insure that they will not jam against the blocking bar due to their lack of flatness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Lottery Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Belka
  • Patent number: 5542572
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser having a quickly removable drain tray. The drain tray having a perimeter edge depending to a bottom surface. The bottom surface angled in a direction towards a drain thereof. The drain having a short extended portion for cooperative insertion into a drain tube. The drain tube secured to the beverage dispenser, and the beverage dispenser including a drain tray receiving portion and a drain tray clearance area. The drain tray easily removed from or placed into the beverage dispenser by vertical translation for removing or inserting the extended portion within the drain tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.
    Inventor: Harlan R. Davis
  • Patent number: 5542573
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an under-counter ice storage apparatus for dual-sided dispensing of ice above the counter for use in a food service establishment which delivers particulate ice from a single ice storage receptacle to two ice discharge chutes on opposite sides of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises an ice retaining receptacle for storage of ice, an ice elevator for elevating a quantity of ice from a level inside the ice storage receptacle to a dispensing level, and a pair of generally back-to-back facing ice dispensing chutes. A single user or two users simultaneously may obtain particulate ice from the two back-to-back facing ice delivery chutes by actuation of a switch associated with that user's delivery chute. The ice storage and dispensing apparatus may further comprise a bank of beverage dispensers adjacent to each ice dispensing chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Follett Corporation
    Inventor: James Frantz
  • Patent number: 5542574
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portioning arrangement for portioning out liquid foodstuffs. For quick and easy disassembly of the portioning arrangement for cleaning of the parts thereof interlarded with foodstuff, a dispensing device (10) forming part of the portioning arrangement is releasable from a drive piston (17) driving the device (10), and the dispensing device (10) is also retractable or removable from a portioning chamber (11) of a dispensing unit (38), whereby the dispensing device (10) and the portioning chamber (11) can be easily cleaned separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Leif E. Stern
  • Patent number: 5542575
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is a sealed fluent material container having a chamber with an opening provided with a manually operable primary closure mechanism and a secondary closure mechanism that may be operated either manually or automatically. Manual removal of the primary closure mechanism from the chamber opening allows the secondary closure mechanism to extend a laterally moveable tongue from a horizontal guide recess on the top of the container to a normally closed position covering the opening. An engagable tab on the secondary closure permits the retraction of the moveable tongue against the biasing means to expose the chamber opening. The container has particular utility for use in automated chemical dispensers, analyzers and related equipment for the analysis and testing of blood, physiological fluids and other biological samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Dade Interantional Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Stark, Ernest H. Pfadenhauer
  • Patent number: 5542576
    Abstract: Apparatus for preventing spillage or leakage from at least one friction resealable container, such as a paint can-type container during air transport, includes elastomeric gasket sealing the lid of the container, top and bottom braces engaging the container lid, and the bottom of the container, and a plurality of clamps connecting the two braces together. The clamps urge the braces together to compress the gasket, seal the container and hold the lid onto the container during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Elton D. Arment
  • Patent number: 5542577
    Abstract: A vessel support and plate which allows the user to carry a plate, napkin, and drinking vessel in one hand. The assembly includes a drinking vessel support member, a napkin holding member, a plate member and a means to grasp the assembly. The vessel support member has a recess to receive the base of a drinking vessel. This recess has a mouth extending from its periphery to its center, allowing the supporting member to cradle stemware by its bowl, with the stem suspended therefrom. A tilted grip member attached to the plate allows the user to hold the device with minimal effort. A bulge cooperating with the grip member on the bottom surface of the plate allows the user to comfortably cradle the plate in the palm of the hand. The assembly further includes a member to detachably receive a napkin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Peter W. Friedrich
  • Patent number: 5542578
    Abstract: A drive linkage (22) connects to pumps (24, 26) and is movable by an actuator (28) for operating those pumps to pump a constant ratio output. The ratio is precisely controlled by adjustment mechanisms (140, 164). Also provided is a dispensing gun (32) that is easy to operate and includes mechanisms (202) for reducing the cure time of the mixed components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Viking Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph M. Buckles