Patents Issued in April 24, 2001
  • Patent number: 6220436
    Abstract: A book organizer having a cloth base panel, and a plurality of individual cloth bags connected in series to a bottom side of the base panel by stitches for holding books, the cloth base panel having a reinforcing metal sheet embedded therein and a hanging hole reinforced with a metal ring for hanging, the cloth bags each having a small, transparent, plastic outside flap pocket for holding an index sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Charles Chung
  • Patent number: 6220437
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to the manufacture of lites (glass sheets) which have at least a pair of thin spacers applied thereto which maintain the lites in spaced relationship when stacked upon pallets, wrapped and shipped. The spacers are preferably only partially adhered to the lites, either by weak bonding adhesive or electrostatically, and can be readily removed during end-use applications. The spacers are applied automatically during production runs of the lites, and the spacers are applied from above or from below relative to the path of travel of the lites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Gemtron Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Lee Knoy, Jr., Aaron M. Bauer, Robert A. Moss
  • Patent number: 6220438
    Abstract: There is disclosed a container for transporting precision substrates comprising a container body having an upper open periphery, a cassette accommodated in the container body for holding a plurality of the precision substrates in parallel, a top covering which is fitted to the open periphery of the container body via a gasket, and a substrate presser attached inside the top covering, wherein the container body has a skirt flange extending from a flange portion provided around the open periphery to the vicinity of a locking means for locking the top covering, and the flange portion is provided with a through hole or slit, or wherein the container body has the skirt flange, partition ribs are provided perpendicularly to the skirt flange in a space between the skirt flange and side wall of the container body, and each portion of the flange portion corresponding to each space partitioned by the partition ribs is provided with a through hole or slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignees: Shin-Etsu Handotai Co., Ltd., Shin-Etsu Polymer, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuaki Hirohata, Takashi Betsuyaku
  • Patent number: 6220439
    Abstract: A container is provided having at least two separate container elements attached by a banner bearing a message, said container elements and banner being formed from a single flexible sheet or paper. Each of the containers has an opening in the top thereof for storage and transportation of a variety of goods. The flexible banner and container elements are formed such that the container elements are adapted to fit adjacent to each other to form a large container. This large container being bordered on all sides by the flexible banner when in the closed position. When the container elements are rotated in opposite directions relative to each other, a message imprinted on the inner surface of the flexible banner is made visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Alexander Virvo
  • Patent number: 6220440
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful gift packaging system, method and kit that includes an assortment of gifts and a decorative container and packing materials in which to present the gifts. The gift packaging system is pre-packaged together in a collapsed configuration that can be assembled into a constructed configuration. A container is provided of generally rigid material that is collapsible and constructable. When in the collapsed position, the container forms a generally rectangular, planer configuration. Further, packing material is provided in a partially overlying position with respect to the container. Gifts are also provided in a partially overlying position with respect to the container and the packing material. When in a collapsed configuration, a wrapping substantially encloses the packing material and gifts. The gift packaging kit can be constructed from the collapsed configuration upon removal of the wrapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Philip Singerman
  • Patent number: 6220441
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preserving the color, texture and visual effect of sports related items enclosed within transparent material for purposes of ornamental display. In the preferred embodiment, the sports related item is preserved by vacuum sealing or freeze-drying and encased in transparent resin. The preserved sports item may be displayed alone or in combination with photographs, descriptions, other memorabilia and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Dominick R. Cook
  • Patent number: 6220442
    Abstract: A means is provided for packaging disc drives and other information-storage devices in a manner that reduces transmittal of shock to the packaged device. The device is placed in a static-dissipative package comprising an upper and lower portion, each of which is externally ribbed to absorb shock. Further anti-impact protection is provided by internal buttresses that cushion the packaged device. The package is preferably a unitary article molded from PVC plastic sheeting, with the upper and lower portions joined at an accordion-like hinge. The upper and lower portions nest together at the peripheral edges, providing a labyrinthine path (in effect, a seal) that prevents passage of contaminants. Shock transmittal (relative to a bare drive) is reduced by a factor of approximately 5-7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Troy James Merrell, John Fredrick Hazekamp, Todd Allen Redder
  • Patent number: 6220443
    Abstract: A package that is manipulable between an encapsulating position, for shipping or storing, and a displaying position, for exposing and retaining, an object. An embodiment configured according to principles of the invention includes a main compartment with a main aperture for retaining an object. The package has one or more manipulable adjacent compartments, each with an adjacent aperture, which maintain the object in the adjacent aperture when the package is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Steve Damaskos
  • Patent number: 6220444
    Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying items, such as bottles and cans, from a first position whereat they are magnetically encoded by using magnetic energy and wherein the coded item is detected at a spaced apart second position using a magnetic sensing device such as a Hall effect sensor. The magnetic encoder can place different levels of magnetism on the container caps and the Hall effect device can detect these different levels of magnetism. By using this technique, containers may be divided into different categories by placing different levels of magnetism on them. The Hall effect device can differentiate these different levels of magnetism which allows the system to do selective sorting at the downstream station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Industrial Dynamics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fred L. Calhoun
  • Patent number: 6220445
    Abstract: A continuous-belt drilling mud separation unit is removably mounted in a box-like housing disposed in the flow path of drilling mud or drilling fluids and is operated by a motor on the housing. The separation unit includes a generally rectangular frame, a tensioning system, and a wide continuous belt in the form of a mesh screen, chain, self-cleaning chain link belt, or combination chain link belt and wire mesh screen which extends around rollers or sprockets and is driven in a continuous loop moving along the longitudinal axis of the frame. As drilling mud or drilling fluids are conducted onto the moving belt, liquids and particles smaller than the openings in the belt pass through the openings and liquids and particles larger than the openings are transported on the moving belt and are discharged off of one end as the belt completes its path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: J. Terrell Williams
  • Patent number: 6220446
    Abstract: A particle size classifier in which feed material composed of product and overs moves downwardly through a separator unit by the action of negative pressures created by a first air blower associated with the collection of product and a second air blower associated with the collection of overs. As the feed material moves downwardly, the product and the overs are separated with the product passing from within a screen unit to outside the screen unit and the screen unit preventing passage of the overs. Blowback air, applied to the screen unit from the outside cleans the cylindrical screen unit to permit continued passage of product through the screen unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: PQ Corporation
    Inventors: Reinhard H. Witt, Robert M. Holland, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6220447
    Abstract: A variable frequency screening device consisting of a pair of spaced elongated side members, a flexible screen surface supported between the side members, a frame member supported between the side members and beneath a flexible screen surface, at least one striking frame shaft rotatably mounted between the elongated side members and beneath the flexible screening material, a striking frame mounted to the striking frame shaft, a second striking frame mounted to the striking frame shaft, and a motor to rotate the striking frame shaft which, in turn, causes the first and second striking frames to alternately strike the underside of the flexible screen material. The apparatus is equipped to permit the striking frames located on additional striking frame shafts to strike the screening material at independently selected amplitudes and frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Gene F. Lambert
  • Patent number: 6220448
    Abstract: A screen assembly for a vibratory screening machine including a plurality of superimposed screens, channels on the edges of the screen assembly, and a plurality of hollow plastic channeling strips fused into the plurality of superimposed screens. The hollow channeling strips may have metal rods therein, and the plurality of superimposed screens may be bonded to an apertured plate. A method of fabricating a screen assembly for a vibratory screening machine including the steps of laying a plurality of plastic tubes into grooves of a fixture, superimposing the plurality of screens over the plastic tubes, and applying a heated platen to the screens to thereby cause the plastic tubes to fuse into the screens. The hollow plastic tubes may have metal rods therein, and the plurality of screens may be bonded to an apertured plate before the hollow plastic tubes are bonded to the screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Derrick Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Bakula, Keith F. Wojciechowski
  • Patent number: 6220449
    Abstract: A screen for a vibratory shaker for treating material flowing thereto, the screen in certain aspects having a lower support made of criss-crossed wires which define a plurality of spaced-apart holes through the lower support, the wires having top surfaces with a substantially flat portion, and screening material on the top surfaces of the wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Tuboscope I/P, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Schulte, Jr., Kenneth W. Seyffert, Thomas C. Adams, Charles N. Grichar
  • Patent number: 6220450
    Abstract: A device to separate rubber stoppers that have adhered together, typically as a result of sterilization. The device contains a hopper, a pair of rollers and a mechanism to turn the rollers. The rollers are hexagonal-shaped and each face has a scalloped concavity. The adhering stoppers are gravity-fed into the rollers from the hopper, where they are compressed and a shearing force is applied to separate the adherent stoppers. The separated stoppers are then collected for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kristian N. Weeder, Gordon D. Deacon
  • Patent number: 6220451
    Abstract: A laboratory primary sample distributor equipped with a sorter device removing receptacles containing lab samples fitted with destination coding and arriving on a conveyor belt after having code-reading, and with a sorter gripper that transfers the receptacles into one of several destination transport means intended for different destinations. The sorter gripper is designed to simultaneously pick up several receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Olympus Diagnostica GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6220452
    Abstract: In a table tennis ball-sorting device, a plurality of rails are disposed side by side in substantially a horizontal direction along the side of at least one playing surface of a table tennis table at intervals that are capable of having passed therethrough only deformed balls, and a plurality of rails are disposed side by side in substantially a horizontal direction along the rear part of the playing surface at intervals that are capable of having passed therethrough only deformed balls. The former rails are disposed to be inclined towards downstream, while the downstream side thereof is overlapped on the upstream part of the latter rails so that balls can be transferred. A table tennis apparatus using the table tennis ball-sorting device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Konami Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihisa Yamashita, Toshimitsu Oishi, Kojiro Minami, Hideki Kotani, Hirofumi Fujimoto, Katsunori Hirasawa
  • Patent number: 6220453
    Abstract: This invention provides a blood filter unit capable of obtaining a necessary volume of a plasma or serum sample from blood to be assayed easily at any place, which comprises a blood filtering material and a holder accommodating the blood filtering material and having a nozzle for sucking blood and a filtrate outlet, and the inside of the holder being kept reduced pressure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kitajima, Sigeru Tezuka, Yasuo Washizawa, Kenichiro Yazawa
  • Patent number: 6220454
    Abstract: A compact, high capacity in-tank fuel filter defines a large surface area while simultaneously occupying a relatively small space and defining a small footprint. The filter comprises a body of filtration media and an outlet fitting which is integrally molded to the filtration media and provides communication from the interior of the filter to an associated fuel pump to which it is typically mounted. The filtration media of the body is folded upon itself in a multiple accordion fold configuration and sealed along the non-folded edges. The resulting surface area to size (footprint) ratio provides improved flow capacity, reduced pressure drop and extended service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Kuss Corporation
    Inventor: Hugh G. Chilton
  • Patent number: 6220455
    Abstract: Scraper bar arrangement to be used particularly in connection with a liquid handling reservoir, such as a clarification basin or like, which comprises one or several scraper bars (1) being placed one after another in the longitudinal direction (5), transfering means (2) for moving of the scraper bar/bars (1), such as two transmission chains (2b) or like being placed side by side and being driven by means of a drive wheel and turning wheel arrangement (2a) or accordingly, in connection with which the scraper bar/bars (1) is/are attached by means of an attachment arrangement (3), preferably removably, such as by a screw joint or like. The scraper bar (1) is formed known as such of at least two first bar parts (1a), that are fixed to the transfering means (2), such as to two transmission chains (2b) placed side by side, and of at least one second bar part (1b), that has been attached between the above by means of coupling means (4), that operate preferably by quicklocking principle, and locking means (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Finnketju Invest Oy
    Inventor: Pekka Tuomikoski
  • Patent number: 6220456
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a computer chassis (12). A rack-mounted computer system is provided that includes at least two posts (16). A rail (20) is attached to each post (16). Each of the rails (20) includes two ribs (24) that together define a slot (26). One portion (28) of the slot (26) has a greater separation between the ribs (24). A computer component chassis (12) that needs to be mounted includes two faces (100,102) on its outer surface. Each face has at least one protuberance (104). The protuberances (104) are shaped to fit at least partially into the slot (26) of one of the rails (20) at the portion (28) having greater separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Ralph Warren Jensen, Steve Sands
  • Patent number: 6220457
    Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily storing manufactured items, particularly mattresses, comprising: a framework for supporting a plurality of horizontal and superimposed frames for supporting the mattresses to be stored, the framework being provided with guides for guiding the frames vertically; an actuation system for individually actuating the frames between a lowered position, in which they are mutually close so as to form a stack, and a raised position, in which they are mutually spaced by an extent which is greater than the height of the individual mattresses; a platform for receiving a mattress which lies above the upper frame of the stack; transfer elements for individually transferring and positioning the mattresses on the receiving platform and for individually removing the mattresses from the receiving platform, the transfer elements being synchronized with the actuation system for actuating the frames so that during the storage of the mattresses the upper frame of the stack is raised until the mattress i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Resta S.r.l.
    Inventor: Roberto Resta
  • Patent number: 6220458
    Abstract: A bottle rack system for storing direct dispense bottles, such as used to store and dispense ketchup, salad dressing, steak sauce, etc., in an inverted position with the bottle cap positioned below the bottle bottom so that the contents of the bottle accumulate adjacent to the dispensing opening of the direct dispense bottle so as to be readily available for dispensing. The bottle rack system includes a bottle support member, a slide-in drip tray, two small diameter neck inserts, and two medium diameter neck inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Brian K. Falor
  • Patent number: 6220459
    Abstract: An improved saxophone stand for preventing accidental damage due to rotation of the instrument while on the stand, the stand including a relatively lightweight, aluminum or polymeric , structural bar base supporting a vertical member and a pivotal diagonal support member further utilizing extended “U” shaped or “J” shaped support members, attached to the diagonal support member, at least one of which is slidably adjustable and partially surrounding both the instrument's bell portion and the principle body portion thus resisting rotation of the instrument within the stand's “U” shaped support members. A further embodiment discloses the capability of connecting a plurality of stands together as well as removable and interchangeable vertical column and disk members for supporting other wind instruments such as flute and or clarinet .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Clinton A. Runyon
  • Patent number: 6220460
    Abstract: A bathroom rack comprises a base, a holding rod, and a cover. The base is provided with a plurality of first retaining portions and through holes. The base is fastened with the bathroom wall by a plurality of bolts which are fastened onto the bathroom wall via the through holes. The holding rod has a fastening end and an article holding end. The fastening end is provided with a plurality of second retaining portions. The holding rod is fastened with the base such that the second retaining portions of the fastening end of the holding rod are engaged with the first retaining portions of the base. The cover is joined with the base such that the holding rod is located between the base and the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Sun Tai Bathroom Equipment Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Cheng Pan
  • Patent number: 6220461
    Abstract: A slant shelf system features a slatwall with slats separated by grooves. Each groove contains two or more channels. An adapter clip features two or more slits and a lip sized to engage the channels. A shelf features side, front and rear walls. The rear wall includes a flange attached to its upper end. Tabs extend down from the flange and are sized to engage the slits of the adapter clips. By selectively positioning the lip of the adapter clips in the channels of the slatwall and the tabs of the shelf into the slits of the adapter clip, the shelf may be mounted at various tilt angles with respect to the slatwall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: L.A. Darling Company
    Inventor: Robert P. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 6220462
    Abstract: A parts transporting system including a rigid rack frame, a plurality of uprights coupled to the rigid rack frame, a plurality of shelf supports coupled to the uprights, and a plurality of shelf assemblies operably coupled to the uprights and the shelf supports. Each shelf assembly is constructed of a shelf frame and an offset pivot hinge operably coupled to the shelf frame and the shelf support, allowing the shelf frame to swing open at an angle with respect to the rigid rack frame. A lid and strut assembly is operably coupled to each of the shelf frames and includes a lid, a seal covering the entire perimeter of the lid and providing a dirt and moisture resistant seal, and a strut coupled to the lid. Each shelf frame is coupled to a sling assembly which forms compartments used to hold parts. Each shelf frame is positioned directly above each lid except the top lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce F. Brockman, Joseph P. Wieczorek
  • Patent number: 6220463
    Abstract: A shelving system for allowing viewing of the contents of both the upper shelves and the lower shelves within a truck. The inventive device includes a plurality of vertical brackets that are vertically attached to the interior of the storage unit of a truck, a plurality of upward brackets are attached to the lower to middle portions of the vertical brackets, a plurality of downward brackets are attached to the upper portion of the vertical brackets, and a plurality of shelves attached to the brackets. The upper shelves are sloped downwardly to allow the user to view the contents of the upper shelves. The lower shelves are slanted upwardly thereby allowing the user to easily view and retrieve the contents thereof. The shelves preferably include a lip for preventing items from accidentally being removed. A plurality of drawers are preferably positioned within a housing below the lower shelves for increasing the utilization of space within the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Jerome A. Pullen
  • Patent number: 6220464
    Abstract: A display stand assembly comprising a plurality of display stand modules joined together. Each display stand module comprises an upper and lower base or spanner having a plurality of spanner members generally bisecting each other medially. A plurality of vertical uprights extends between the end portions of the spanner members of the upper and lower spanners and are joined to the ends of the upper and lower spanners with a plurality of wedges. A portion of each wedge fits around a clover defined on the vertical uprights and a bracket attached to each spanner member end slides over and attaches to each wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Joseph M. Battaglia, Rafael T. Bustos
  • Patent number: 6220465
    Abstract: The present invention would be fabricated from a plurality of rectangular boxes having several external slots along their outer surface. The rectangular boxes would be placed against one another, and would have a plurality of female tracks running lengthwise along each outer surface. Female tracks from adjoining boxes would join up, allowing a male track to be inserted through both female tracks, locking them in place. The present invention would include a center-mounted rectangular box which would include a hinged door. Additional rectangular boxes could be made available for use if desired, depending on the size of a particular freezer unit. The present invention would be sold as a kit, and would come in configurations to fit top mounted, side mounted, and full freezers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Herman Jones
  • Patent number: 6220466
    Abstract: A composite closure for a container has a moulded plastics band (24) closed at one end by a plastics sure disc (72) which is held captive within a recess formed around the band interior. Also on the band interior is a screw thread (44) by which the closure may attached to a container neck (12). The disc is cut from flat plastics sheet and is initially plane. However, when the closure is fitted to the container a marginal edge region 78 surrounding the container neck is deformed downwardly to generally frustoconical form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: CarnaudMetalbox (Holdings) USA Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H Hayes, Cyril Hadyn Saunders
  • Patent number: 6220467
    Abstract: A vehicle extension crate assembly for mounting at the rear of a cargo transport vehicle is provided with inter-connected bottom, back, side, top, and front lipped panels that are readily assembled into a rigid unitary structure with included overflow cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Robert M. May
  • Patent number: 6220468
    Abstract: A lift fitting for cargo containers. The lift fitting can be constructed as an intermediate lift fitting to be positioned inboard from the corners of the container. The lift fitting defines a hollow body member with apertures for receiving lifting such as a crane arm or coupling devices such as twist locks. The lift fitting also has an extension on an outside surface for attachment to the cargo container to maintain the integrity and geometry of the container and to minimize the number of welds and the associated construction costs. In a particular example, the lift fitting has both a horizontal extension and a vertical extension for attachment to a cargo container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Hyundai Precision America, Inc.
    Inventor: Sang Sig Lee
  • Patent number: 6220469
    Abstract: A hollow plastic body, particularly a plastic ball, has antistatic properties and a melting temperature above that found in floating covers of petrochemical storage tanks, therefore, enabling use of the body in flotation of oil tank covers without danger of melting and without danger of developing a static charge followed by subsequent hazardous discharge. The balls are constructed of a non-foamed high-density plastic resin, HDPE (high density polyethylene), mixed with an antistatic additive or agent. The antistatic agent is effective to convert the electrically insulating plastic to an electrically conductive material which does not develop a static electrical charge. Only a relatively small amount of the antistatic agent, less than one percent by weight, is sufficient to provide the desired antistatic property to ball while having no more than a minimal effect on the melting temperature, thereby to retain the integrity of the flotation in the presence of the elevated temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Alexandre F. Basseches
  • Patent number: 6220470
    Abstract: A closure member for an open end of a container includes a main body segment secured to edge portions of the container and a flap segment pivotally mounted to the main body segment. The main body segment defines a discharge port through which fluid discharges from the container; and the flap segment moves between a first position in which is covers the discharge port and a second position away from the discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: American National Can Company
    Inventors: Robert J. McHenry, Thomas T. Tung, Colleen M. Schwingel
  • Patent number: 6220471
    Abstract: A resealing overcap is provided for fitting over a top end of a cylindrical container and an easy-open top end closure thereon which includes an end ring having an inside circular downwardly and inwardly curved bead defining a central opening and closed by a removable membrane positioned thereon. The resealing overcap includes a circular central portion having an outer periphery and adapted to extend radially of the container when positioned thereon for covering the top end closure. The overcap further includes a downwardly depending flange integrally extending from and around the central portion outer peripheral area and adapted to extend axially of the cylindrical container when positioned thereon to provide a friction fit around the end ring of the container end closure when positioned thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Lowry
  • Patent number: 6220472
    Abstract: A baffle (1) for reducing hydraulic ram pressure in a liquid in a tank (5,9) in which it is located resulting from impact of a projectile on an external surface (6,10) of the tank, includes at least two outer walls (2) spaced apart to define therebetween at least one cavity (3) and a compressible gas or gaseous mixture at reduced, atmospheric or enhanced pressure contained in the cavity (3). The baffle outer walls (2) are sufficiently strong to withstand the pressure of the gas or gaseous material contained in the cavity (3) are sufficiently strong to resist the hydrostatic pressure of liquid in a tank (5,9), when the baffle (1) is located in the liquid in the tank (5,9), and are spaced apart by an amount sufficient to provide the cavity with a volume sufficient to allow a shock wave or waves in the liquid resulting from compression of the liquid by impact of a projectile on the tank external surface (6) to be reduced by expansion of the compressed liquid into the cavity volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventors: David Townsend, Serguei T Zavtrak, Rognvald S McEwen
  • Patent number: 6220473
    Abstract: A soft-sided, collapsible insulative container having a flexible casing, a base, peripheral sidewalls extending from the base, and a lid. The sidewalls fold upward from the base at a fold hinge and releasably attach at their vertical edges to form an enclosure. The lid fits the top of the enclosure. Each of the sidewalls, the base and the lid are formed of a sealable pocket having a compressible insulation lining for receiving block insulation. The flexible casing extends tightly around the container in a fully-closed position, exerting a uniform pressure on the container to improve the thermal seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Thermo Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Lehman, Linda Siders, Dwight Musgrave, Mark W. Krivoruchka, Stephen D. Prodoehl
  • Patent number: 6220474
    Abstract: This container is designed for receiving a liquid through a filler neck (1), then for delivering this liquid under pressure via a nozzle (3), said container being formed by a case (5) with extensible capacity subjected to transforming means which displaces it, in opposition to elastic means, from an inoperative position to a storing position. The invention is characterised in that these means comprise a mechanical member (6) having a structure with linear development comprising a seat (7) and a head (8) and capable of taking up, by control means external to the case, either an expanded position, or a retracted position in which the seat (7) and the head (8) are brought closer and for which the case (5) is urged in its inoperative state by the effect of the elastic means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Bedon
  • Patent number: 6220475
    Abstract: Metal can blanks comprising a cylindrical side wall expanded by any known method so that the side wall of the resultant can includes a regular pattern (2) of individual pattern elements. In one example the pattern elements are diamond in outline and are formed over a central region of the can side wall by about 2.25% expansion. Further expanded margins (3, 4) are provided above and below this pattern. The pattern elements are arranged in rows and columns so that the pattern comprises at least two rows and at least two columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Sudesh Kumar Nayar, Bruce John Munn
  • Patent number: 6220476
    Abstract: A lid for a beverage container, the lid comprising a top wall having a generally circular periphery, an annular side wall depending from the top wall about its periphery, a drinking opening in the top wall adjacent to the circular periphery, a barrier which extends from the annular side wall generally parallel to the top wall to prevent direct flow of a beverage from the beverage container through the drinking opening or a drinking spout formed in the top wall and adjacent to the annular side wall, the spout having a barrier formed in and perpendicular to the sloped side wall to prevent direct flow of the beverage from the container through the drinking opening or a fluid channel formed in the top wall wherein the channel comprising a fluid path and at least one barrier to prevent direct flow of the beverage from the container through the drinking opening, and an annular mounting portion at the bottom of the side wall for sealingly engaging the lid of the beverage container enabling mobility without spillage
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: David B. Waller
  • Patent number: 6220477
    Abstract: A flip-handle (20) for cookware including a mounting bracket (30, 130) attached to one side of the cookware, a handle (35, 135) vertically rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket (30, 130), and a locking assembly (65, 165) selectively engaging the handle (35, 135) and the mounting bracket (30, 130) to prevent rotation of the handle (35, 135) with respect to the mounting bracket (30, 130). Whereby, the handle (35, 135) may be selectively rotated between and locked in at least substantially horizontal and vertical positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Mark H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6220478
    Abstract: The invention comprises trunk lock apparatus for locking a trunk having a rectangular bottom with upright front and rear and side panels, with a rectangular lid pivotally mounted at its rear edge to the top of the rear panel of the receptacle bottom of the trunk. The trunk lock apparatus has a horizontal latch panel pivotally mounted to the front panel of the receptacle near the top of the front panel which is pivotally mounted its top edge to pivot in an arc about its bottom edge forward toward the front panel and rearward away from the front panel with spring means urging the latch panel rearward. The lid has a downward projecting flange mounted to the underside of its forward edge and projecting downward therefrom with a forward projecting lip portion at the bottom of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Sidney D. Ingerson, Jerol H. Staael
  • Patent number: 6220479
    Abstract: A confectionery dispensing device that dispenses gum balls or other confectioneries at a point remote from the user's hand with a popping sound and action. Confectioneries are stored in a container with a spring, gravity, or other biasing means which delivers a plurality of confectioneries to a conduit serially. A plunger ejects the confectioneries one at a time through the conduit so that the confectionery gently pops out of the device. A face or other figure can be placed around the ejecting end of the flexible finger tube, which face can remain permanently open, or open in a door or jaw-like manner upon ejection of the confectionery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Toycept, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Fishman
  • Patent number: 6220480
    Abstract: A pill dispenser for dispensing pills is provided that has a container for holding the pills to be dispensed. The container is closed at one end and open at the opposite end. The container is slidably received in a sleeve. The dispenser has an outlet through which a pill can pass from the container and a gate for closing the outlet to prevent a pill from passing through the outlet. The arrangement is such that the gate is opened when the container is moved in the sleeve, so that a pill can pass through the open end of the container to the outlet to be dispensed from the dispenser. The dispenser may be arranged so that one and only one pill is dispensed at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: A. Nelson & Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Philip Stankus, Paul Gocher
  • Patent number: 6220481
    Abstract: A chip component feeder which has high feeding efficiency feeds chip components individually in stable orientations. The separating feeder of the present invention includes a scattering disk disposed so that the top surface thereof is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, a transferring groove formed on the scattering disk and a cavity formed at an outer peripheral end portion of the scattering disk. When the scattering disk is rotated, chip components are dropped into the transferring groove and are aligned in a predetermined direction. After the chip components are accommodated in the cavity by gravitational force (i.e., by upward rotation of the transferring groove), separation of the chip component in the cavity from the chip components in the transferring groove can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 6220482
    Abstract: By providing an adapter which is mountable to a product retaining container and incorporating seal cutting means, a dispensing system for chemical products retained in sealed containers is achieved which is capable of opening the sealed container and producing the transfer of concentrated chemical products from the storage container to a dilution vessel or tank in a completely closed, spill-free manner. Furthermore, the entire contents of the container can be transferred or, if desired, repeated transfer of measured dosage can be made in order to assure the dispensing of a precise quantity of product from the storage container to the dilution vessel. In the preferred embodiment, a product dispensing valve assembly, constructed for being opened by only mating authorized equipment, is securely affixed to the adapter which is mounted to the sealed container within which the desired chemical product is retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Link Research and Development Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 6220483
    Abstract: Dispensing assembly for dispensing two liquid components, comprising an outer piston pump concentric with an inner piston pump provided with resetting means, in which the inlet and outlet of the piston chambers comprise pre-tensioned non-return valves, in which the inner piston has a small free stroke relative to the other parts of the assembly, a stationary stroke limiting part with a stop is present in the outer piston chamber of the outer piston pump, which stroke limiting part under friction can interact with a stop on the inner piston, in order to limit the movement distance thereof and permit the movement thereof only under friction, and the outer piston and the inner piston comprise carrier bevelled collars which can interact in a sealing manner with each other and form an active non-return valve for the outlet of the outer piston chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Airspray International B.V.
    Inventor: Edgar Ivo Maria van der Heijden
  • Patent number: 6220484
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing device includes a dispensing spout disposed at the mouth of a bottle. A single-piece, disposable security strap is used to secure the spout to the bottle to prevent unauthorized removal of the spout to dispense drinks. The spout has a distal portion with a spout opening and a proximal shoulder larger in cross-sectional than the distal portion. The security strap includes a strap ring having an opening configured to surround and capture the proximal shoulder of the spout. The strap further includes at least a pair of connecting portions extending from the strap ring. Each connecting portion has an affixing member at an end. At least one of the affixing members has a self-adhering surface for adhering to the exterior of the bottle. To dispense the beverage, the strap is broken and discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Martindale
  • Patent number: 6220485
    Abstract: An improved piggyback dispensing feature for extended dispensing devices of tile type having a housing with a downwardly extending handle, a trigger pivoted to the handle, an extension bracket attached forwardly of the housing, a barrel assembly attached to the extension bracket opposite the housing, and a piston rod slidably supported in the housing and extension bracket and protruding into the barrel assembly. The improvement comprises an interchangeable push-disk piston mounted on the distal end of the piston rod, and a smaller barrel assembly adapted to be seated inside the other larger barrel assembly to accommodate a smaller-sized cartridge. The smaller barrel assembly piggybacks in the larger, and the push-disk piston swaps out, thereby making it possible to use one extended gun for at least two different-sized cartridges, such as the typical ¼ gallon cartridges and {fraction (1/10)}th gallon cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Peter J. Chang