Patents Issued in December 19, 2000
  • Patent number: 6161685
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved modular chain link used for constructing a modular conveyor chain. The chain link includes a plastic body having a plurality of spaced link ends which are adapted to intermesh with complementary link ends projecting from a link or links in an adjacent row. The link ends include axially aligned openings that are adapted to receive a connecting pin. The connecting pin extends through the openings in the link ends of the intermeshing links and fastens the adjacent links together such that the links can pivot with respect to each other. The improved modular chain link further includes a support member that is molded within the plastic body of the chain link. The support member increases the strength of the modular chain link and minimizes the thermal expansion and contraction that occurs when the chain link is subjected to a temperature change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventor: James C. Stebnicki
  • Patent number: 6161686
    Abstract: A garment-concealable jewelry case having a front opening with a front cover panel portion that can be either moved or configured to reveal a plurality of parallel-running isolated storage compartments each having an interior storage space which is accessible through a front opening revealed when the front cover panel is removed or reconfigured. Through the front opening of each storage compartment, one or more necklaces, pendants, bracelets or other strands of jewelry can be securely hung on a pair of jewelry support posts adapted for spatial separation on the back wall portion of the storage compartment in order to accommodate the length of jewelry strands being supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Gemini Marketing Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Simon, Lisa Simon
  • Patent number: 6161687
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging container designed to transport an inner container containing a liquid. The packaging container has at least one sealing multi-layer comprising a first water soluble film and an absorbent material. The inner layer of the packaging container is the water-soluble film that forms the boundary between the cavity that hold the inner container and the packaging container. When the liquid leaks from the inner container while in the packaging container, the liquid passes through the water-soluble film. When the liquid contacts the absorbent material, the absorbent material absorbs and immobilizes the liquid material. This immobilization prevents the liquid from escaping from the packaging container. The present invention also includes a security feature, an apparatus to identify where or whom the liquid was obtained from and/or tests to be conducted, and/or the ability to extract the liquid from the absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Technicor, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Hacikyan
  • Patent number: 6161688
    Abstract: An arrangement to provide electrical and/or optical components in a gas-tight packaging, which includes a film that at least partially covers the electrical and/or optical components, to provide a very simple manufacturing result. The arrangement provides an optimal protection of the components enclosed in the packaging. In addition, the film can be constituted as a film-type wrapping which completely encloses the electrical and/or optical components and their leads and which is filled with a pressurized protective gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Weber
  • Patent number: 6161689
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device for safely storing and transporting saw blades 18 and related tools 34 for installation thereof. The present invention discloses a flat base plate 12 having a spindle 40 centrally located which has threaded fasteners 14 on both sides of the flat plate 12 so that saw blades 18 can be fastened onto both the front and rear face of the base plate 12. The base plate 12 also discloses spacers 22 on its rear side which serve to space the plate away from an object 48 upon which it is mounted. The plate 12 is also equipped with a tool holder 26 attached thereto which provides a compartment 30 for installation tools 34 to mount the blade onto the piece of machinery upon which the blades 18 are to be used. The base plate 12 also provides a carrying handle 24 for easily carrying the base plate 12 and saw blades 18 from one location to another. The present invention also discloses an upper and lower mounting bracket 50, 52 upon which the base plate 12 can be mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Frederick C Reithel
  • Patent number: 6161690
    Abstract: A disk cartridge case for containing therein a flat disk cartridge includes a case body and a lid member which are hinged together at their one side edges to be opened and closed. A protrusion is provided on the inner surface of at least one of the case body and the lid member to restrain the disk cartridge contained in disk cartridge case from moving in the direction of thickness of the disk cartridge case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Isozaki
  • Patent number: 6161691
    Abstract: A mount for securing a putter in a golf bag has a bracket seatable on and securable to the mouth of the golf bag and an elongated open-top receptacle pivotally mounted proximate its longitudinal center to and above the bracket. The receptacle has a bottom wall opening through which the putter shaft extends into the golf bag and side walls contoured to receive the head of the putter with at least a portion of the top of the putter head resting on the bottom wall of the receptacle. The pivotal angular relationship between the receptacle and the bracket is adjustable to a position in which the putter shaft is aligned approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the golf bag when the putter head is resting on the bottom of the receptacle. The receptacle can be interchanged to accommodate either blade or mallet style putters. The same receptacle accommodates both left and right handed putters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventors: William R. Ratcliff, Terrell W. Harrison
  • Patent number: 6161692
    Abstract: A Multi-Purpose Golf Bag includes a rigid storage tube for protecting golf clubs, and includes a number of smaller tubes sized to receive the golf club shafts. Each individual tube holds one golf club and keeps that club from banging and rattling against the other clubs. The Multi-Purpose Golf Bag also includes a rigid lid which may be securely fastened to the rigid storage body. The Multi-Purpose Golf Bag may also be equipped with a carrying strap and handles for carrying the Multi-Purpose Golf Bag. The Multi-Purpose Golf Bag may also include a removable wheel assembly and a removable storage bag which may be strapped to the Multi-Purpose Golf Bag during use, yet removed when traveling on an airplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Hector Lizarraga
  • Patent number: 6161693
    Abstract: A reusable package is provided for displaying and storing a display item, such as a cutting blade. The package includes front and rear body portions hingedly interconnected with each other. Closure portions are formed in the front and rear body portions and are mutually engageable in a gripping and releasable relationship through a central aperture on the display item when the body portions are in their closed position. At least one of the body portions includes an anti-rotation lug that is engageable with a surface discontinuity on the display item, such as a space between adjacent teeth on a cutting blade, thus preventing the display item from rotating when the package is closed. Preferably the other body portion includes a second anti-rotation lug located at a different location relative to the closure portions so that the package can be used to display and store at least two different, but similar display items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Findle, David A. Evans, Sr., Dennis L. Chyba
  • Patent number: 6161694
    Abstract: The invention relates to a unit pack for a linear lamp. The pack is desig as a single-piece tubular folding box. It has four side walls (10, 11, 12, 13) which form a tubular sleeve of trapezoidal cross section. At its top end, the folding box is provided with an integrally formed hanging tab (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fuer elektrische Gluehlampen mbH
    Inventor: Horst Gedack
  • Patent number: 6161695
    Abstract: A method is provided for protectively packaging sterilizable materials. A product to be packaged is placed within a semi-rigid, foldable packaging tray to form a package insert. The package insert is then placed within a heat-sealable container, such as a polymeric film envelope. Vacuum force is applied to evacuate the vacuum sealable container and to seal the packaging insert within the vacuum sealable container. The vacuum sealed container may then be placed within an outer, flexible packaging container and heat sealed therein. The entire package is generally sterilized after heat sealing within the outer, flexible package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Depuy Orthopaedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence B. Nicolais
  • Patent number: 6161696
    Abstract: A base and a plurality of containers is described. The base may have a plurality of receptacles, each of the plurality of receptacles having a first dimension. Each of the plurality of containers may correspond to one of the plurality of receptacles. Each container may have a first dimension which is about the same as the first dimension of its corresponding receptacle. The base may have a top surface and each of the plurality of receptacles may be comprised of a plurality of walls, each of which extends upward from the top surface of the base. Each of the plurality of containers may have a lid which can be sealed and unsealed. The plurality of receptacles can be arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. Each of the plurality of containers may have protrusion at its top and a recess at its bottom so that a first container can be stacked on a second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Natalie Lashley
  • Patent number: 6161697
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for dispensing thermoplastic inserts, or other identical pieces, in a manner in which orientation of the individual inserts is properly maintained. The apparatus includes a hollow tube having an internal cavity for housing and guiding a plurality of the inserts aligned one after another therein. The hollow tube has a central axis. A receiving assembly is positioned at an inlet end of the hollow tube and has at least one pivotable blocking member for selectively blocking the inlet end of the hollow tube. A weight assembly is positioned within the hollow tube. The weight assembly has a lower contact surface spanning substantially the entire width of the cavity and abutting against the one of the inserts nearest the inlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Howard J. Van Laeken
  • Patent number: 6161698
    Abstract: A golf bag carrying case with club head protection and method for using same, for use in transporting a golf bag having golf clubs with clubheads. The carrying case includes an outer covering having a first end and second end and a cavity formed therein for storing the golf bag and a protective member disposed within the cavity near the top end for protecting the clubheads in the golf bag. In its preferred form, the protective member has a first end attached to the outer covering and the second end which is free and capable of being wrapped around the clubheads and shafts in the golf bag, thereby reducing or eliminating damage to the clubheads and shafts from impact during transport. The invention also includes a new zipper opening design which allows easy access to a golf bag stored within the carrying case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Team Effort, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Bradshaw, Brian Walker
  • Patent number: 6161699
    Abstract: An improved child resistant blister package for medicaments in pill form includes a blister sheet having a pattern of blisters formed therein for receiving individual pills and a rupturable lidding foil laminated to the blister sheet covering and sealing the blisters. A reinforcing card having a corresponding pattern of punch-outs formed therein by weakened score lines is laminated to the lidding foil with a punch-out overlying each blister, and a reinforcing film of high strength flexible material is laminated to the card using a low peel adhesive. The reinforcing film covers the punch-outs and an area of the card surrounding each punch-out, and has weakening score lines formed therein separating the areas overlying each punch-out to enable the reinforcing film to be peeled from the portion of the package overlying the individual punch-outs without disturbing the portion overlying the remaining punch-outs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: ProClinical, Inc.
    Inventor: Candace J. Gartland
  • Patent number: 6161700
    Abstract: A screening screen having openings in the warp direction which are longer than these openings in the woof direction including warp wires and woof wires of the same maximum size extending at substantially maximum warp and woof crimp angles relative to each other which will not permit the warp wires and the woof wires to slide relative to each other. A method of fabricating a screening screen of the above type including the steps of determining the size of the openings in the woof direction and determining the maximum wire size of the warp and woof wires which will produce a maximum woof crimp angle which will not permit the woof wires to slide relative to the warp wires in the woof direction, and determining the length of the openings in the warp direction which will produce a substantially maximum warp crimp angle which will not permit the warp wires to slide relative to the woof wires in the warp direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Derrick Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Bakula
  • Patent number: 6161701
    Abstract: The invention provides for an apparatus for separating particulate dispersed in a liquid phase from the major volume of the liquid. The separator comprises a substantially cylindrical member formed of a flexible material and adaptable to nest or be seated in a receptacle, such as a pail of sufficient size to hold enough liquid or cleaning solution and to accommodate the washing accessory such as a sponge. The separator has an annulus or rim which has at least one opening so that when the separator is inserted into a pail of water or other liquid, air will not be trapped beneath the separator and force it from its seat or to the surface of the liquid. The cylindrical member has an integrally formed concave surface disposed substantially horizontally when the separator is in use, in that this surface is configured as an inverted cone. The concave surface is provided with a centrally disposed opening to allow for the passage of particulate therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Andrei C. Biesinger
  • Patent number: 6161702
    Abstract: A bicycle-lifting system and method for storing a bicycle above the ground in an enclosure such as a storage house, or a garage comprises a reel and a pair of straps mechanically attached to the reel. A bicycle may be lifted and stored above the floor in the enclosure when the pair of straps are wound around the reel. The system may be operated either mechanically with a crank or electrically with a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Dale R. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6161703
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for holding and displaying a plurality of hats or other objects, by suspending those objects from flexible cords. The apparatus includes a mounting plate that can be mounted to the ceiling or an elevated point on a wall. A plurality of flexible cords extend from the mounting plate. Each of the flexible cords has a first end that is joined to the mounting plate and a second end that hangs free. An attachment mechanism is coupled to the second end of each of the flexible cords. The attachment mechanism is a clip or hook that is capable of selectively engaging a hat or other object. By attaching hats to each of the flexible cords, the hats hang suspended from the mounting plate in a configuration that is easily viewed, space efficient and not harmful to the hats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas Mihok
  • Patent number: 6161704
    Abstract: A file folder rack includes a left side wall including a left rear section at a first height, and a left support section connected with the rear section and being at a much lower height than the rear section, the support section having an upper surface with a plurality of first recesses therein, with the first recesses being staggered at different heights which increase from a front to a rear of the rack and a highest one of the recesses being at a much lower height than the rear section; a right side wall including a right rear section at the first height, and a right support section connected with the right rear section and being at a much lower height than the right rear section, the right support section having an upper surface with a plurality of second recesses therein, with the second recesses being staggered at different heights which increase from a front to a rear of the rack and a highest one of the second recesses being at a much lower height than the right rear section, and the first and second r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: David M. Stravitz
  • Patent number: 6161705
    Abstract: A death care merchandise display unit comprises two vertical, parallel, spaced wing wall panels, a vertical back wall means having lateral edges secured to the rear edges of the wing wall panels and optionally at least one decedent confinement chamber positioned between the two vertical spaced wing wall panels with a drawer slide means for rolling the chamber outward or a cornice display structure projecting from the vertical back wall of the merchandise display area or securement means for affixing death care merchandise selected from coffins, caskets, vaults, urns, sectionals or miniatures thereof and materials for decorating the same onto the merchandise display area. The securement means may consist of drawers adjacent to the decedent confinement chamber for exhibiting casket adornment materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: The York Group
    Inventors: Dennis J. Riga, Douglas E. Kellogg
  • Patent number: 6161706
    Abstract: The installation comprises, along a vertical frame (1), locations for gas cylinders, these locations being partially defined by a rack that can be used for transporting the cylinders (7), each location comprising, on the frame, a holding device (9, 10) that can be swung between a lockable closed configuration preventing the insertion or extraction of a cylinder, and an open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Anthony Mc Cord
  • Patent number: 6161707
    Abstract: A hanger rack has a metal plate, a plastics plate, a plurality of male fasteners and female fasteners. The metal plate has a plurality of oblong holes, a plurality of through holes, and two flanges. A plurality of hanging hooks are formed on the plastics plate. A plurality of through apertures are formed on the plastics plate. Each of the hanging hooks has two positioning holes. Each of the hanging hooks is inserted through the respective oblong hole. Each of the male fasteners and each of the female fasteners fasten two of the hanging hooks together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Tsong-Yow Lin
  • Patent number: 6161708
    Abstract: A system (10) of displaying merchandise (24) adjacent to a wall (12) of a retail fixture (11) includes support arms (16) carried by the wall (12). Tubes (19, 20) are carried by the arms (16) and have a plurality of regularly spaced apertures (21) therein. Hoops (22) are positioned through selected of the apertures (21) to define areas that divide items of merchandise (24) from other items of merchandise (24). Frames (25) have legs (28) received through selected of the apertures (21) and also have adjusting wires (29, 30, 31). Support brackets (26) include hoops (32) to maintain the merchandise (24) in the area defined by the hoops (22). The support brackets (26) each also have hooks (34) which engage selected of the wires (29, 30, 31) so that the size of the area for the merchandise (24) may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Darko Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffry A. Myler
  • Patent number: 6161709
    Abstract: A suspended shelf system for suspending one or more shelf members beneath an associated supporting structure includes a pair of shelf support brackets, and first and second pairs of vertically oriented upright elements which are each suspended from a respective end of one of the upper support brackets. Each support bracket includes at least one pair of upwardly extending teeth which are respectively positionable in openings defined by the upright elements. The shelf mounting system further includes at least one pair of shelf support brackets which respectively extend between the first and second pairs of upright elements in spaced apart, parallel relationship. Each of the shelf support brackets includes at least one pair of downwardly extending teeth, which are configured for cooperative engagement with the opening defined by the upright elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: John Sterling Corporation
    Inventors: Richard G. Kluge, John R. Sterling, William H. Trimble
  • Patent number: 6161710
    Abstract: An improved natural nipple baby feeding apparatus includes detachable inner and outer membranes which both extend substantially across a distance larger than the diameter of a standard baby bottle to which the nipple apparatus may be attached. The membranes have a width approximately double that of the height of the nipple apparatus. The apparatus functions as a training device for an infant by requiring the infant to correctly "latch-on" to the apparatus by grasping the apparatus outwardly of the central nipple area and stretching the outer membrane upwardly so that it contacts the inner membrane which facilitates the flow of fluid from the bottle through both the membranes and out of the nipple. The nipple apparatus may be used in conjunction with, or as an alternative to, breast-feeding of an infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventors: Mary F. Dieringer, Fernando Suarez
  • Patent number: 6161711
    Abstract: A closure and container system for storing prescription or over-the-counter medications is disclosed that is reversible between child-resistant and non-child resistant modes of use. The system includes a pair of endless beads, one on each of the container neck and closure, to improve moisture-barrier protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Tri State Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Miceli, Joseph A. Miceli
  • Patent number: 6161712
    Abstract: A closure for sealing the open end of body fluid collection, transport or storage containers or tubes. The closure includes a ball and socket arrangement, wherein the ball rotates within the socket to align a passageway through the ball with the opening in the tube. To close the closure, a tab or protrusion extending from the ball is pushed to rotate the ball and orient the passageway perpendicular to the opening of the tube. When the closure is in the closed position, the ball and socket form a liquid tight seal to prevent liquid in the tube from leaking out of the tube, evaporating or being contaminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Steven Robert Savitz, David Robert Schiff, Karl Dallas Kirk, III
  • Patent number: 6161713
    Abstract: A bottle for storing and dispensing contents comprises a grip portion for improving a user's grip on the bottle. The grip portion is situated on a side of the bottle and extends at least partially along the height of the bottle. The grip portion comprises a recessed panel having a concave shape, formed in the first side of the bottle and adapted to receive the user's fingers. In addition, the grip portion further comprises a grip panel situated on the recessed panel and comprising a plurality of ribs projecting radially outward from the recessed panel. The ribs are oriented substantially vertically to improve the vertical strength of the bottle in the area of the grip portion and spaced-apart so as to form depressions therebetween to receive the user's fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Krich
  • Patent number: 6161714
    Abstract: A cargo container which has sufficient strength and rigidity. The container includes side walls, a roof and a base, wherein at least the side walls are made of FRP (fiber reinforced plastics) plates, and wherein adjacent two sides of the plates are made of an integrally formed continuous FRP panel. The cargo container is suited for use in an aircraft, ship, freight train or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Masashi Matsuura, Nobuhiko Shimizu, Masayoshi Yamagiwa, Hiroshi Ohnishi
  • Patent number: 6161715
    Abstract: A pallet bin comprises a generally rectangular base having a generally planar support surface. A pair of opposite side panels and a pair of opposite end panels between the side panels each stand vertically at one side of the rectangular base to define a parallelepiped interior space. Each of the side panels and end panels comprises a planar outer wall and a planar inner wall and an internal rib structure connecting the outer wall spaced from the inner wall to define hollow portions therebetween. A tubular column is supported on the base within the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Michael D. Stolzman
  • Patent number: 6161716
    Abstract: The closure has a bung-type socket (10) of soft elastic material with a flange-like outer bearing portion (12), a circumferential sealing portion (16) sealingly receiving the rim of the hole, and a circumferential snap-action portion (18) engaging the inside of the rim of the hole from behind. In the sealing portion (16) and the snap-action portion (18) of the bung-type socket (10) there is embedded a coaxial reinforcing ring (20) of hard plastic, which is radially rippled over the circumference and thereby is covered by the soft-elastic material in thickness varying over the circumference. The bung-type socket (10) has a central orifice (24), in which a manually adjustable valve element (26) of the pressure-compensating valve occupies a sealing closed position and a pressure-compensating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventors: Kurt Oberhofer, Karl Batschied, Udo Schreiner
  • Patent number: 6161717
    Abstract: The present invention provides an end closure for a container having a central panel wall with a displaceable opening panel defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment. A tab is attached to the panel wall by a rivet, the tab having a nose extending over a first area of the opening panel, the remainder of the opening panel which is exposed from the tab defining the second area of the opening panel. A deboss bead resides in the opening panel, formed in the second area. The deboss bead being curvilinear in shape, formed as a narrow channel in the opening panel. The narrow channel preferably being formed as a U-shaped bead with a first wall and a generally opposed second wall, with the first and second wall being joined by an arcuate intermediate segment. The end closure further has a deboss panel residing in a plane below the remainder of the panel, the deboss bead extending below the plane of the deboss panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: American National Can Company
    Inventors: Randy G. Forrest, Randy N. Caudill
  • Patent number: 6161718
    Abstract: A utensil basket for holding and organizing utensils. The utensil basket includes a bottom wall with a perimeter wall upwardly extending around the bottom wall. The perimeter wall comprises spaced apart first and second end walls and spaced apart first and second side walls extending between the end walls. A longitudinal dividing wall is upwardly extended from the bottom wall between the end walls. Spaced apart first, second, and third lateral dividing walls are upwardly extended from the bottom wall between the longitudinal dividing wall and the second side wall. A secondary dividing wall is upwardly extended from the bottom wall between the first lateral dividing wall and the second end wall through the second and third lateral dividing walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Ophelia B. Monbo
  • Patent number: 6161719
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a tank including placing the tan lid on a support surface such that a surface of the lid faces downwardly, affixing first and second sides and first and second ends along and adjacent to a perimeter of the lid on an opposite surface of the lid, affixing a floor onto an edge of the first and second sides and the first and second ends opposite the lid, inverting the lid and the sides and the ends and the floor such that a surface of the floor faces downwardly, and affixing a cover over a hole formed in the floor. The hole in the floor is formed of a size suitable for allowing a human body to extend therethrough. All interior seams between the lid, the sides and the ends are welded internally. Similarly, all interior seams between the floor, the sides and the ends are welded internally. The cover has a surface which is welded solely externally to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Charles D. Madison
  • Patent number: 6161720
    Abstract: The invention is a drinking vessel that keeps coffee or other hot beverages hot, yet readily drinkable. The basic design of the invention is an inner beverage vessel and an outer beverage chamber with an insulator chamber of air between them. There is a small hole in the bottom of the inner beverage vessel which allows the contents to flow into the outer beverage chamber. When the drinker tips the cup to drink, beverage flows from the inner beverage vessel to the outer beverage surrounding the cup and pours out of a mouthpiece. The amount of liquid that fills the outer beverage chamber quickly cools enough to drink, but still remains warm. The insulator chamber keeps the beverage in the inner beverage vessel hot for a longer period of time. The lid for the cup is sealed to keep the contents warm but has a small pinhole to eliminate the build-up of a vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Benedict P. Castle
  • Patent number: 6161721
    Abstract: The preferred medicament dispensing cell (10) for use in an automatic dispensing machine (12) includes dual rotary platens (20,22). A storage platen (20) delivers medicament units (14) such as tablets and capsules from a storage section (86) to a discharge platen (22) in the discharge section (88) to deliver the units (14) to an outlet (50). In preferred forms, the platens (20,22) are sloped toward the respective peripheries in order to induce spreading of the units (14) into a single file for accurate counting during dispensing. The preferred embodiment also includes a discharge gate assembly (24) for receiving a medicament unit (14) in a gage chamber (108) to define the width of the discharge channel (110) leading to the outlet (50), and further includes an arcuate metering wall (26) shiftable into and out of the passage (84) between the storage and discharge sections (86,88) for metering medicament units (14) into the discharge section (88).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Scriptpro LLC
    Inventors: Keith W. Kudera, Lawrence E. Guerra, Ronald A. Leonard
  • Patent number: 6161722
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device including a body generally having an actuator cavity and a liquid passage. A valve seat element is connected to the body and a valve stem is mounted for movement within the body with respect to the valve seat element. Inner and outer magnetic elements are disposed around the periphery of the valve stem to couple the valve stem to the valve actuator. The inner magnetic element is connected to the valve stem for movement with the valve stem within the body. The outer magnetic element is connected with an actuator and is slidable within the body in response to, for example, pressurized air being applied against the actuator. The magnetic elements couple the valve stem to the actuator and eliminate the need for a dynamic seal between the valve stem and body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Sidney K. Sooudi, Edward C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6161723
    Abstract: A system for metering and dispensing single and plural component liquids and solids as described herein. The dispensing system has a microprocessor-based control system and progressive cavity pumps which provide a very accurate control of component ratios, shot sizes, flow rates and dispense durations. The system has numerous feedback components for accurately controlling the pressure, flow rates, fluid levels and amounts of fluids dispensed. Where a valved nozzle is used, the pressure in the flow system is used to control the pumps rather than the valve. Such a system may be used as a sprayer with compressed air added. Drum rams are associated with the supply drums and the progressive cavity pumps may be placed on the drum ram. Maintenance of a steady state in the system is accomplished with back and forth movement of the pump, with compensation for pressure changes. Absolute rotational position of the pump can be monitored when a set pressure is maintained, to diagnose system conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Fluid Research Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Timothy S. Clark, Stephen P. Gordon, Michael R. Engle
  • Patent number: 6161724
    Abstract: An indicating device for use with a dispensing device that dispenses metered dosages of a medicament from a container having a valve moveable between an open and closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the container is reciprocally moveable within the housing along a longitudinal axis. The housing preferably has a well adapted to receive a valve stem and an exhaust port. The well communicates with the port such that the metered dosage of medicament is dispensed through the port when the valve is moved to the open position. An indicator assembly comprises an indicator member that includes dosage indicia visible to a user. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator assembly is provided in an indicator module. A method for dispensing measured dosages is also provided, along with a kit capable of being assembled as an inhalation device. A delivery system having a key member and a key entry passageway is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: 1263152 Ontario Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Blacker, Daniel K. Engelbreth, James N. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6161725
    Abstract: An improved fluent product dispensing apparatus is disclosed and includes a temperature indicator so that the user may view the temperature of the fluent product components prior to and during dispensing. The apparatus includes one or more supply containers of a reactive component, a dispenser and a conduit for conveying the reactive components to the dispenser. One or more of the supply containers has a temperature indicator mounted to its exterior that is viewable through a package, or carton, that encloses the supply containers. This indicator displays the temperature of the contents of the supply container so that a user can ensure proper dispensing of the reactive components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Flexible Products Company
    Inventor: Michael Dean
  • Patent number: 6161726
    Abstract: An automatic soap dispenser (10) includes a disposable soap container including a dispensing mechanism (20) in which walls of an interior chamber (56) cooperate with a diaphragm (62) and a plunger (66) to form a transit chamber (64), which is resiliently expandable against the force of a spring (80). When a solenoid (58) permits the diaphragm (62) to move away from the outlet of a passage (50) in a flow path from the interior of a pressurized reservoir (18) to the expandable transit chamber (64), travel of the plunger (66) permits the transit chamber (64)'s pressure-relieving outlet opening to expand so that the pressure within the transit chamber (64) is determined predominantly by the force of the spring (80) rather than by the pressure within the reservoir (18). The velocity of the liquid dispensed from the transit chamber (64) through the dispensing mechanism's spout (16) is therefore relatively independent of the pressure within the reservoir (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Emanuel C. Ebner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6161727
    Abstract: A disconnectable flow connector for connecting a fluid-containing flexible bag (1) to a fluid supply line (100) is sufficiently airtight so as to allow dispensing of fluids, especially adhesives, which are highly reactive on contact with even the least quantity of air. The bag (1) has a spout (2, 3) with a pierceable membrane (5). A valve (10) has a tapering end which can pierce and then seal the membrane, an aperture (13) at the tip, and a valve plunger (14) operable so as to be retractable from the aperture (13) to an open (fluid flow) position independently of the piercing action. A fluid pressure mechanism is provided for driving fluid from the flexible bag (1) through the flow connector to the fluid supply line (100). The mechanism consists of a housing (30,31,32,33) for containing the bag (1) and a housing end wall (34) which is moveable along the length of the housing. The bag (1) has no tendency to collapse or fold in on itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Loctite (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Fergal A. Gordon, Martin J. Fitzpatrick, Alan T. Crampton
  • Patent number: 6161728
    Abstract: A dispensing closure contains a foil piercing system. By opening the closure (2), the foil piercing system (6) automatically perforates the foil seal (9) to the bottle on which the closure is mounted, releasing the bottled materials to flow through the closure's dispensing orifice. The closure also includes a tamper evident strip (7) that, unless removed, inhibits opening the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Richard C. G. Dark
  • Patent number: 6161729
    Abstract: A dual-chambered dispenser is provided including a pair of elongated hollow tubes containing separate flowable material streams, a manifold for directing the flow through separate chambers, a cap fitting over dispensing openings of the manifold and a metering valve located within the manifold downstream from the dispensing openings. The valve is present to adjust differences in flow rates between the two material streams. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes are juxtaposed along their respective flat outer walls which may include a series of ribs/depressions allowing for coupling of the tubes and strengthening the flat walls against collapse relative to other wall areas of the tubes. Advantageously the valve is a duckbill type and the tubes taper in a pear shape, the broader portion being near the open end of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco
    Inventors: James Louis Gentile, Robert Alfread Bennett
  • Patent number: 6161730
    Abstract: The apparatus for carrying out a mixing dispensing of a plurality of flowable components from a multiple chambered vessel (2) comprises the following parts:a housing (1) which can be placed onto the vessel and has an outlet opening (12), a transition part (11) which can be coupled on to the vessel and a tubular part (10) between the transition part and the outlet opening;a static mixer (4) consisting of a structure which can be pushed into the tubular part;a transition piece (3) which is arranged in the transition part, which produces separate supply passages (31, 31') from outlet openings (21, 21') of the vessel to the mixer structure (4) and which permits a flowing of the components only through these supply passages;and furthermore a coupling-on means (15) for the releasable securing of the housing to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventors: Rolf Heusser, Markus Fleischli, Thomas Grutter, Reto Maeder, Arno Signer
  • Patent number: 6161731
    Abstract: A dosing device (1, 31) comprises a storage vessel (16, 36) for a substance to be dosed and a feed means (5) which transports the substance to a discharge opening (3) of the dosing device. A storage vessel (16, 36) is connected to the feed means (5) in such a way that the vessel is sealed off from the outside on all sides and there is provided in the wall of the storage vessel (16, 36) a closure element (21, 41) which, when the storage vessel (16, 36) is emptied, is subjected to a force which is caused by the external air pressure and has the effect that the shape of the storage vessel (16, 36) can be changed in the region of the closure element (21, 41). Further there is provided indicating means (18, 38) assigned to the movement of the closure element (21, 41) with the effect that the extent of movement of the closure element (21, 41), and consequently the amount of substance discharged, can be indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: Jurgen Sigg
  • Patent number: 6161732
    Abstract: A push-button applicable to the stem (3) of a pump (4) for delivering liquids or creams under pressure. The push-button includes a cylindrical cavity into which there extends a shutter (10), the free end of which lies opposite a discharge nozzle (8) formed in an elastically flexible body (7) secured to a piston (13) movable on the shutter (10) by the effect of the pressure delivered by the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Giovanni Albini
  • Patent number: 6161733
    Abstract: This computer controlled positive displacement shutter valve dispenser comprises a piston housing, pistons, shutter valves, linear or rotational drive servomechanisms, and a computer controller. The piston housing configuration can be cylindrical or non-cylindrical. Either configuration can have multiple input or output ports selected by the travel of the shutter valve. In addition the non-cylindrical configuration can have a multitude of shapes, allowing for single piston or multiple piston designs. The multiple piston arrangement can have equal or nonequal displacements from the pump cavity of each piston. The computer controls all aspects of the dispenser, including the forward and retract distance, speed and timing of the piston and shutter valves. The amount dispensed can vary between the maximum volume of the pump cavity to a small fraction of its volume as set by the resolution of the controller and linear drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Kenyon M. King
  • Patent number: 6161734
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a viscous compound has a dispensing device and a sleeve having a first end detachably connected to the dispensing device. The dispensing device has a plunger and a rotary drive acting on the plunger for applying pressure onto the viscous compound contained in a container attached to the dispensing device for dispensing the viscous compound. The dispensing device has an actuator that couples the rotary drive to the plunger. When the sleeve is attached to the dispensing device, the actuator allows movement of the plunger in the dispensing direction of the dispensing device upon actuation of the rotary drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Ivoclar AG
    Inventor: Siegbert Winkler