Patents Issued in March 30, 2004
  • Patent number: 6712196
    Abstract: An empty bag supplying apparatus used in a continuous conveying type bag-filling packaging machine in which the empty bag supplying apparatus receives empty bags and transfers these empty bags to gripper pairs of the bag-filling packaging machine that are moved continuously at a constant speed. The empty bag supplying apparatus includes downward-facing bag holding members and a reciprocating movement mechanism. The bag holding members hold the upper portions of bags. The reciprocating movement mechanism causes the bag holding members to reciprocate along an arc-shaped path and keeps the empty bags held by the holding members to be parallel to the direction of movement of the gripper pairs during the reciprocating motion. In a bag transfer region established in the arc-shaped path path, the speed of the bag holding members holding the empty bags is equal to the moving speed of the gripper pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Iwao Ikemoto, Shoichi Koga
  • Patent number: 6712197
    Abstract: A process board is moved, positioned and processed by first and second upper conveyers and first and second lower conveyers, and a tool of a head is moved between the first upper and lower conveyers and the second upper and lower conveyers such that the first and second upper conveyers and the first and second lower conveyers are not damaged by the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Heian Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotoshi Kubota, Hiroyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6712198
    Abstract: An articulated-arm transport system, provided in particular for the automation of press lines and large-component transfer presses, is distinguished by a design which permits components or workpieces to be inserted or removed even when there is a small clearance between an upper and lower tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Müller Weingarten AG
    Inventors: Erich Harsch, Rainer Reichenbach
  • Patent number: 6712199
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling and monitoring a conveyor belt which is made of rubber or a rubber-like plastic material and preferably provided with embedded reinforcements. By overlapping of the longitudinal edges of the conveyor belt the belt can be closed such that it forms a tubular conveyor belt which is supported on all sides by idler wheels. The device also comprises at least the following components: at least one detectable element which is integrated into the conveyor belt and notably takes the form of several elements which in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction are positioned at distances from each other; and at least one scanning unit with which the precise position of the belt can be determined in a non-contacting manner by detection of the element or elements. The device provided for by the invention is characterized in that the detectable element is an induction loop and/or a transponder, a metal particle or a permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Phoenix AG
    Inventors: Joachim Brückner, Karl-Heinz Elvers, Wolfgang Schnell
  • Patent number: 6712200
    Abstract: An automatic centering device for a conveyor belt for industrial and/or agricultural machinery looped around at least two tensioning rollers characteristically comprises: a detection system which generates a signal correlated to a transversal movement of the belt in a direction relative to its reference position centered on the two rollers; actuator means which drive the rotation of at least one of the two rollers in a plane parallel to the main plane in which the belt lies; a control unit, with the input connected to the detection system and the output connected to the actuator means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: R.O.C. Dei Fratelli Ubaldi & C.S.n.c.
    Inventor: Raffaele Ubaldi
  • Patent number: 6712201
    Abstract: A packaging system for producing a foam-in-bag cushion upon demand includes a bag of flexible plastic film and defining therein an enclosed space which is vented to the outside of the bag, a foam precursor packet positioned at a predetermined location within the enclosed space in the bag and being formed of a barrier material. The packet includes first and second compartments with a first frangible seal separating the first and second compartments which when ruptured will permit the contents of the compartments to be mixed to form a foam cushion and a second frangible seal between one of the compartments and the enclosed space in the bag. A first foam precursor component is contained in the first compartment of the packet and a second foam precursor component is contained in the second compartment of the packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: George T. Bertram, William R. Armstrong, Lawrence J. Pillote, William J. Mahon, Robert D. Wheeler, Laurence B. Sperry
  • Patent number: 6712202
    Abstract: To produce a two-chamber arrangement having a first chamber, which is filled with a first component, and a second chamber, which is filled with a second component, two separate bags are sterilized and filled independently of each other with the first/second component. Only after the bags have been sterilized and filled are they connected to each other in such a way that the component contained in one chamber can be transferred into the other chamber so as to be able to mix the two components together. Once they have been filled, the first and second bags are preferably sealed with an openable peel seam, after which the bag ends are welded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Jorg Muller, Klaus Sommermeyer, Bernd Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6712203
    Abstract: Disclosed is a CD case. The CD case has a CD holder plate for carrying a compact disc, and a sleeve jacket. The CD holder plate has a body and a title bar which is integrally formed with a proximal end of the body. A distal end of the body of the CD holder plate possesses an upward curved edge portion so that the CD holder plate can be easily slid into the sleeve jacket. The CD holder plate is formed with a circular liner ridge. A bole is defined at a center of the CD holder plate inward of the circular liner ridge. Three spring brakes arc formed on an inner edge of the CD holder plate which inner edge defines the hole, in a manner such that they are spaced apart one from another in a circumferential direction. Clip pegs are respectively formed on free ends of the spring brakes to grasp the compact disc. Three guide pieces are formed on the inner edge of the CD holder plate which inner edge defines the hole, in a manner such that they are respectively opposed to the three spring brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Geal Hyub Chung
  • Patent number: 6712204
    Abstract: A carrier for securely retaining one or more objects is provided, cut and scored from a unitary blank of paperboard or similar foldable sheet material so that it can be folded into two overlying panels and then manually fastened so that one panel is characteristically bowed away from the other to form an interior space. This bowed panel has at least one u-shaped mouth opening into this interior space, cut through the bowed panel face and large enough to allow an object to be loosely inserted through it with one-hand and retained therein for storage or transport. This carrier can then be integrated into the design of another product. Also, the carrier can be attached to the surface of selected articles with an adhesive strip applied to the back of the carrier or by using a standard pronged fastener that extends through openings provided in the carrier's back panel or by some other suitable attachment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen M. Toussaint
  • Patent number: 6712205
    Abstract: A golf bag having a tubular body having a first open end and a second closed end, a pocket attached to the tubular body adapted to place a separate club in it, and a projection extending from an edge of the open end of the body to preclude the separated club from hitting the rest of the clubs in a set of golf clubs placed into the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Nickent Golf Equipment Company
    Inventor: Michael Lee
  • Patent number: 6712206
    Abstract: A golf club-bagging device includes a head frame, a bag and two supporting rods. The head frame includes a board extending from a lower edge thereof, a base formed on the board and two spaced pivotal seats formed on the base. The bag defines a hole. The bag is mounted on the head frame so that the pivotal seats and the base are inserted through the hole. Each of the supporting rods is pivotally connected with one of pivotal seats. The bag includes a thickness equal to that of the base so that the bag is flush with the base when the bag is mounted on the head frame. The base is integrated with the board via injection molding. The head frame pivotal seats are integrated with the base via injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Chenterlon Inc.
    Inventor: Changfu Chen
  • Patent number: 6712207
    Abstract: A container system is provided for removing a needle portion from a needle holder of a needle system. The system includes a receptacle defining an opening, a lid configured to cover the receptacle opening, wherein the lid defines an aperture having a shape configured to receive a needle system having a first configuration. The system also includes an adapter configured for engagement in the lid aperture, wherein the adapter defines an aperture having a shape configured to receive a needle system having a second configuration, and wherein the engagement of the adapter in the lid aperture resists rotation of the adapter with respect to the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Panek, Jr., John C. Japuntich, James A. Arendt
  • Patent number: 6712208
    Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette storage case (1) comprising a storage section (3) for storing a magnetic tape cassette (81), a lid section (5) for covering the storage section (3), and a connecting section (7) for connecting the storage section (3) and the lid section (5) so as to enable the open-and-closed motion; in which the storage section (3) and the lid section (5) comprise plate portion (11, 21) and sidewall portions (13, 23) provided along the outer peripheries of the flat portions (11, 21) respectively. A notch (26b) having at least the height of the sidewall portion (13) provided on the storage section (3) is formed on the inner side of the end of the sidewall portion (23) closer to the connecting section (7) of the lid section (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Shozo Onmori, Kazuo Hiraguchi, Kiyoo Morita
  • Patent number: 6712209
    Abstract: A flower sleeve, being a package for a bouquet of flowers, comprising a tube of a plastic film, open at a large end and sealed at an opposite smaller end. An opening is formed near the smaller end of the tube. One edge of a flap is adhered on an inside surface of the tube that closes off the opening when pressure is applied to the flap from inside the tube. A panel adhered to the outside of the tube forms a pocket over the opening. A pocket opening permits inserting the nozzle of a wand into the pocket to inject preservative gel through the opening into the region of the tube adjacent to the sealed end of the tube. Once the gel is injected into the tube, the flap on the inside of the tube functions like a oneway valve to prevent escape of the gel out of the tube through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Shelby G. Story
  • Patent number: 6712210
    Abstract: Novelty Date Package with a series of stepped platforms forming a base for a package, each the platform having a plurality of recesses capable of removably retaining the lower portion of a date, a date retaining member for preventing the side to side motion of the dates on each platform, a laminated plastic and paper sleeve that surrounds the front and side portions of each date, each the sleeve having a printed image of a person, each the sleeve partially covering the front each date so that the sides and top of each date are visible, a removable and replaceable clear cover that slips over said stepped platform base that helps protect and retain said dates, and a graphic card member that covers a portion of the top, bottom and sides of said date package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventors: Anna Sabath, Charles H. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6712211
    Abstract: A stationery holder comprises a body, a limb attached movably to and extending from the body, a spring interposed between the body and the limb and biasing the limb to move with respect to the body, a stationery receiver at or near a distal end of the limb, and a release mechanism for allowing the spring to move the limb with respect to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: C. C. & L Company Limited
    Inventor: Sik-Leung Chan
  • Patent number: 6712212
    Abstract: A carton, a receptacle and a blank for packaging fragile articles, each comprising an article supporting platform, and upper and lower spacer structures provided to space the platform from the base, top and sides of an outer carton in which the receptacle is disposed, wherein one or more of the upper and lower spacer structures comprises a pair of members extending mutually divergently from the platform such that each of the members terminate at an intersection of a pair of walls of the outer carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Auclair
  • Patent number: 6712213
    Abstract: A door for a wafer carrier having a latching mechanism with a rotatable actuating member. The rotatable actuating member is actuated from outside the wafer carrier using a key inserted into a key slot in the rotatable actuating member. The key slot is formed in an hourglass shape and comprised of abrasion resistant material to reduce generation of particulate contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn D. Eggum
  • Patent number: 6712214
    Abstract: A stackable display tray including a shell having a plurality of sides defined by an equal number of corners, a substantially closed bottom having bottom corners corresponding with the corners of the shell, and a top having top corners corresponding with the corners of said shell. The top includes at least two first openings each adjacent to an independent top corner, and the bottom includes at least two second openings each adjacent to an independent bottom corner. The display tray also includes a side panel member having at least two angular panels positioned within the shell adjacent at least two of the corners and including a tab projecting from the top of at least two of the angular panels. At least two of the first openings each receive the tab of one of the angular panels positioned within the shell and at least two of the second openings are each adapted to receive a tab of an angular panel of a side panel member which projects out from a top of an adjacent display tray positioned below the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Mars, Inc.
    Inventors: William Wintermute, Jason Middleton, Steve Cassin, Dave Hoffman, Frank DeBrincat, Cameron Lodi
  • Patent number: 6712215
    Abstract: A method of solvent recovery from oil sand extraction plant tailings, using 180 degree opposing steam-assisted accelerating nozzles, impacting on each other's high velocity jets, thus creating an impact area at the point of collision, creating an exceedingly large number of small droplets having a very large surface area exposed to the depressurized environment inside the vessel in which the nozzles are mounted. The diluent thus escaping from the tiny droplets is collected from the vessel space and recovered by condensation in a surface condensor and returned to the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Adolf Frederik Scheybeler
  • Patent number: 6712216
    Abstract: In a method of separating unwanted fine matter from heavier granular matter a flow of the material is produced under vacuum firstly through alternating expansion and contraction passages and then against impact surfaces to cause multiple redirections of the material and separation of the heavier granular material from the material flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Frank Van Oirschot
  • Patent number: 6712217
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flotation agent for phosphate ore, comprising a fatty acid as collector and alkoxylated alkylphenols as dispersing agents, characterized in that the alkylphenols are composed of a) 8 to 20% by weight of one or more dialkylphenols having alkyl radicals from 8 to 12 carbon atoms b) 80 to 92% by weight of one or more monoalkylphenols having alkyl radicals from 8 to 12 carbon atoms, which have been alkoxylated with 2 to 6 mol of ethylene oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Clariant International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dr. Gernot Kremer, Klaus Ulrich Pedain, Juan Balassa, Pablo Lopez
  • Patent number: 6712218
    Abstract: A soil screening device includes a screen frame having a screening surface, and a supporting frame. The supporting frame may have rearwardly disposed rigid uprights supporting the screen frame. The screen frame is pivotally mounted to a first upper member mounted at an upper end of the uprights, for pivoting between a lowered position and an elevated position. The supporting frame has a base frame extending forwardly of the uprights. Upper members of the base frame have at least one wedge selectively positionably mounted thereon, for example atop the upper member of the base frame. The wedge or wedges are positionable to engage a lower edge of the screen frame when in the lowered position bearing down on an upper inclined surface of the wedge or wedges. The wedge or wedges are selectively positionable relative to the upper members of the base frame so as to selectively adjust an angular orientation of the screen frame relative to the uprights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Klaas Nierop
  • Patent number: 6712219
    Abstract: A bill receiving and dispensing device cooperates with a bill cassette, when the bill receiving and dispensing device is replenished with bills or when bills are collected from it, in such a manner that cash is not exposed to the public eye. At the time of replenishment of bills, the bill cassette, in which a fixed number of sheets of bills are accommodated, is received at an inlet/outlet opening of the bill receiving and dispensing device, and the bills within the bill cassette are inserted into the device by a manual operation. The inserted bills are accommodated in a bill accommodation box based on the result of determinations made in a discriminating portion. At the time of collecting bills, an empty bill cassette is received at the inlet/outlet opening and bills are drawn out from the bill accommodation box and are transferred to the bill cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Kobayashi, Yukihiro Nemoto, Takashi Okada
  • Patent number: 6712220
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for packaging products, such as vegetables and fruits, utilizing a sorting machine which method includes the steps of determining per product the characteristics of the respective products, such as, for instance, determining their weight and/or their shape; comparing the characteristics with predetermined packaging requirements; on the basis of this comparison, selecting products that do not need to be packaged; supplying the other, non-selected products to a packaging unit, which packaging unit is energized only when there is a substantially uninterrupted in-feed of the products into the packaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: FPS Food Processing Systems B.V.
    Inventors: Albertus Johannes Ruigrok, Johannes Cornelis J. Tas
  • Patent number: 6712221
    Abstract: A batching of currently supplied articles with non-uniform weights into portions of a uniform target weight is effected by passing the articles through a weighing station (6, 8) to a distribution system (12), in which the articles (4) are selectively allocated to a plurality of receiver bins (14). It is known to improve the capacity of such a system by way of probability calculations based on the normal distribution of the articles in the supply flow, but according to the invention it is still better to base such calculations on a regularly updated recorded histogram (28) of the weight distribution of a relatively high number of newly weighed articles. Thereby the target calculations will rely on factual rather than just expected conditions, and a very important result is that it is possible to effect relevant batching even when the article weights in the supply flow are not normally distributed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Scanvaegt A/S
    Inventors: Thorkild Kvisgaard, John Bomholt
  • Patent number: 6712222
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water treatment tank apparatus. The apparatus is further comprised of a cover section having first and second ends, where the first end is secured to an outer tank wall and the second end positioned over the entire launder channel and radially inwards to a scum baffle and integrated mounting bracket, for preventing light from reaching interior surfaces. The cover is dimensioned to span the width of the launder channel, weir and spillway, and is comprised of a substantially opaque material, to inhibit algae growth. A support flange is provided, coupled to the tank wall, for supporting the first end of the cover section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Earle Schaller
  • Patent number: 6712223
    Abstract: A CD organization device includes a telescopic component and two supports. The user can take the target disc by using the telescopic component and a location disc. A horizontal fixed component is on the upper side and lower side, respectively, of two supports and a vertical fixed component is on the outer surface of the two supports. Using the horizontal fixed component or the vertical fixed component allows two CD organization devices to be combined horizontally or vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Hsin-Wen Kuo
  • Patent number: 6712224
    Abstract: A tool rack assembly includes a board and a tool rack detachably mounted to the board. In another embodiment, a tool try-on device is provided including a board and a rotating member rotatably mounted to the board. The rotating member is engageable with an end of a tool. The rotating member moves in a direction transverse to a plane on which the board lies when the tool engaged with the rotating member is turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Hand Tool Design Corporation
    Inventor: David Ling
  • Patent number: 6712225
    Abstract: A socket holder for providing increased holding power, rotational release, and biased position return. The socket holder including a base with a pin extending from the base. The pin has a conical section with an increasing diameter at the distal end of the pin. The conical section has a reduced curvature side and an increased curvature side such that a ball can be wedged between the increased curvature side and a socket base to hold the socket on the holder. The reduced curvature side allowing the ball to be rotated around the pin to reduce the wedge force between the ball and the socket to release the socket from the holder. A spring is used to both bias the ball against the pin and the socket base and to automatically return the holder to a state of readiness for holding a new socket once a socket is removed from the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Skideely Inc.
    Inventor: John T. McNeely
  • Patent number: 6712226
    Abstract: A wall or ceiling mountable bracket, used in pairs, for storing and displaying board-based recreational equipment includes a generally U-shaped body having structurally-reinforced elongated front and rear portions and a spacer portion extending between and rigidly interconnecting them so as to hold them in a spaced apart relationship which forms an elongated channel between them being open at one end and along opposite sides and closed at an opposite end for receiving board-based recreational equipment in the channel. The bracket also includes structures providing access through the body to facilitate fastening the body with its rear portion located against a support structure. The access providing structures define at least two bores, one through the rear portion and the other through the spacer portion and through segments of the front and rear portions aligned with and connected to the spacer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: James E. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6712227
    Abstract: A foldable merchandising strip comprises an elongated flexible strip segmented into sections by a plurality of horizontal fold lines. A hanging assembly comprising an upwardly directed retaining tab and a downwardly directed retaining tab is provided in alternate fold sections. Packages including a slot or aperture are hung on the upwardly directed retaining tab, and the downwardly directed retain tab is folded over the bottom edge of the aperture, the retaining tabs restrict movement of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Menasha Corporation
    Inventors: Kristi M. Blumreich, Chad R. Sedo
  • Patent number: 6712228
    Abstract: Mountable hanger apparatus and a kit of parts therefore for affixing preferably to door hinges. The hanger apparatus comprises an elongated member having top, intermediate, and bottom segments, all of which are longitudinally interconnectable along the axis of the elongated member. Each intermediate segment has end portions each directly interconnectable both rotatably and longitudinally with an end portion of a remaining segment. Preferably, each segment includes a tubular member having a passageway extending therethrough. All but the bottom end segment has one end portion swaged to a reduced diameter for insertion into an unswaged end portion of another tubular member. Resultantly, each intermediate segment can swivel or rotate independent of the top and bottom end segments. Support arms are fixedly attachable to each of the segments of the elongated member, and mounting brackets are fixedly attachable to the top and bottom end segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Richard B. Lowe
  • Patent number: 6712229
    Abstract: The frame attachment system is a unitary-bodied frame attachment member being selectively and removably attachable to a vertical column member for attaching shelving brackets, and attachments of the like. The frame attachment system essentially includes three portions: a bracing portion, a grasping portion, and a slot portion. The grasping portion is substantially u-shaped for attachment around the vertical column member with the bracing portion being in perpendicular opposition to the grasping portion. The slot portion is proximate the bracing portion and includes a plurality of slots capable of receiving shelving brackets such that the insertion of a shelving bracket results in the bracket flushly resting against the vertical column member and thus limiting movement of the frame attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fritsche, Dan Berg, Jason Johnson
  • Patent number: 6712230
    Abstract: A device for transporting vehicles during manufacturing is disclosed that allows for upward and downward movement of the vehicle but avoids adverse longitudinal or transverse swinging. The inventive device includes a moving carriage mounted on a fixed rail, an upper frame, a lower frame moveably connected with an elevation mechanism and at least one first pair of articulated arms for stabilizing the vertical movement of the vehicle. An additional pair of articulated arms may be provided which extend and retract in a plane that is perpendicular to the first pair of articulated arms. Additional stabilizing roller elements connected to a fixed rail are provided on a lateral arm of the upper frame to prevent swinging of the upper and the lower frames of the transporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Transportes Continuos Interiores, S.A.
    Inventor: Adelardo Lopez Alba
  • Patent number: 6712231
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement for coupling together rail vehicles such as railway carriages and locomotives consisting of a coupling head comprising a coupling housing (1) joined to the rail vehicle and having an active coupling device in the form of a plunger (2) movable between an outer and an inner position and designed to co-operate with a similar plunger in a corresponding coupling head when two coupling heads are coupled together, the plungers (2) being movable in directions that are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of the coupling heads and can be released at uncoupling. A locking device (7) is provided in the coupling arrangement and comprises a locking member (7.5) arranged to be brought into contact with the plunger (2) when this is in its outer position and to prevent the plunger (2) being displaced from this position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Dellner Couplers AB
    Inventors: Dieter F. Ernst, Lennart Wikström, Svante Lennartsson
  • Patent number: 6712232
    Abstract: A plastic container contains a liquid, such as toilet water or soy source, and is suitable for containing a refill. The plastic container (1) has a tube (2) formed by rolling a plastic laminate in a tubular shape, a bottom wall (3) formed so as to be joined to the inner circumference of a lower end part of the tube (2) by an insert injection molding process, a hoop (4) formed on the outer circumference of an upper end part of the tube (2) by an insert injection molding process and a top cover (6) provided with a spout (5) and bonded to the upper end surface of the hoop (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Hosokawa Yoko, Kamaya Kagaku Kyogo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoji Tanaka, Toru Ichikawa, Tomio Tahara
  • Patent number: 6712233
    Abstract: A plastic lid for a pail. The lid has an edge section that extends exterior to the pail, one section of the edge section forming a hinge section. The remainder of the edge section has three sections. Each of the sections extends peripherally around the edge of the lid. One section, intermediate between the other sections is integrally formed with the other sections, and tearable therefrom. The hinge section being integral with one section and has a portion of reduced thickness juxtaposed to the rim of the container. The lid is rotatable about the hinge for opening of the pail after removal of the tearable section. The lid and pail are tamper-evident, and the lid is retained on the pail after opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen H. Arshinoff
  • Patent number: 6712234
    Abstract: A fuel tank has a plurality of fuel system components therein and is formed by incorporating the fuel system components into the fuel tank as it is being formed. The fuel system components may be mounted on a carrier and then disposed with the carrier within a parison subsequently molded to form the fuel tank around the components and carrier. Desirably, all electrical, fuel and vapor lines may extend out of a single opening of the fuel tank to reduce openings in the formed fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems Technology Center GmbH
    Inventor: Albert Boecker
  • Patent number: 6712235
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a wiping material of the type comprising a housing, a cover, a drum, a cutter device built into the drum, and drum cocking and returning means incorporating, arranged on a lateral side of the drum, a crank and a cocking spring, the side plates being constructed to support the reel holder, is noteworthy in that it comprises an anti-looping device for preventing looping of the material coming from the reel (B) of material including at least on mechanism acting on the reel holder to lock it in position, this mechanism being arranged ton one of the side plates of the housing, and being actuated by a flyweight device built into the movement of the rotating drum and either causing or not causing the reel holder lock to be operated in the case of application of a large force and traction on the strip of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Maurice Granger
  • Patent number: 6712236
    Abstract: The dispensing apparatus of the invention is primarily intended to dispense frozen product from one portion containers (10), usually by extrusion through a circular outlet (13). In order that the product shape (46) after discharge is capable of being ball-shaped the receptacle (40) into which the product is discharged is located to provide resisted discharge of product over at least part of the discharge cycle. By providing resisted discharge the product shape is altered and laterally increased so that a ball-shaped portion of product is received in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: McGill Technology Limited
    Inventor: Shane Robert McGill
  • Patent number: 6712237
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided to simulate the appearance of frozen beverages, such as fruit drink slushes or frozen coffees. The composition includes a carrier fluid which comprises water, a thickening agent, and a colorant; and simulated ice crystals stably and uniformly dispersed in the carrier fluid. The simulated ice crystals are comprised of particles, preferably polymeric particles having a size between about 200 and about 400 microns. The thickening agent preferably comprises a slurry of propylene glycol alginate dispersed in propylene glycol. The colorant is selected based on the “flavor” being simulated, for example, yellow for lemonade, caramel color for coffee or cola. The polymeric particles preferably comprise a polymer such as high density polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Augusto S. Medina, Roger Whigham, John J. Fisher, Barbara Gann, Kenneth S. Weinaug, Richard Staten
  • Patent number: 6712238
    Abstract: A drywall tape and texture system for pumping fluid material from a container to a work surface includes a pump housing, a compressed air supply, a plurality of air release mechanisms, and an inflatable bladder mounted within the pump housing and held between upper and lower valves for controlling the flow of the material. The pump housing may be fully or partially immersed into a container filled with fluid material. An automatic pneumatic pressure relief valve automatically cycles open and closed whenever a control line is held closed by an operator. When the normally closed automatic air release mechanism is closed, the control line may also be closed by the operator, causing the bladder to inflate and pump fluid out of the pump housing. When the control line to the atmosphere is opened, the bladder deflates and a partial vacuum is created, thus refilling the pump through the lower valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Spraytex, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory B. Mills
  • Patent number: 6712239
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes one or more measure modules for measuring and delivering predetermined volumes of one or more different fluids. Each measure module includes a fluid inlet port, a retention vessel, an overflow aperture to allow fluid in excess of the desired volume to flow out of the vessel, and an outlet port for dispensing the retained fluid. A calibrating rod adjustably occupies a portion of the volume of the vessel to facilitate precise adjustment of the volume of fluid dispensed by the measure module. In one particular embodiment, a blender includes a plurality of measure modules whose outputs are coupled together to produce a mixture having a composition defined by the relative capacities of the vessels of the various measure modules. In another particular embodiment, one blender dilutes a chemical concentrate, and provides the diluted mixture to another blender, which further dilutes the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Chemand Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Schell, Dan C. Prince
  • Patent number: 6712240
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved structure of a piercing drain device used on a sealed chamber mainly comprising a first component, a second component, a piercing component, a first arc pad and a second arc pad. Because the first component and the second component are pivoted on their end portion, increasing the force arm, the force of clamping is then increased to improve the gastight. Without any pad or only with the first arc pad or with both the first and the second arc pad, the improved structure is used on three different sizes sealed chamber, and has wide range utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Hsueh Chin Chang
  • Patent number: 6712241
    Abstract: A support (1) for a flexible pouch for a fluid dispenser, said support comprising an appendage (11) to which the flexible pouch is fixed via its opening, and a socket (12) on which a dispensing member such as a pump is mounted, said support defining a passageway (13) causing the dispensing member to communicate with the flexible pouch so as to enable fluid contained in the pouch to be extracted by the dispensing member, said support being characterized in that said support (1) is provided with at least one tube (2) defining an internal duct (20) open at both ends of the tube, said tube (2) being fixed to the support (1) so that it has a free end (21) extending inside the flexible pouch, while its “top” other end (22) is fixed to the support eccentrically relative to the passageway (13) so that it causes the internal duct (20) to communicate with said passageway (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Airlessystems
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Laurent Decottignies, Christian Campfort
  • Patent number: 6712242
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid dispensing system for precisely controlling the mixing of a first fluid (i.e., a diluent such as water) with a second fluid (i.e., a concentrate) at a mixing point within the fluid dispensing system. A valve is positioned in the dispensing system along the line of supply of the second fluid upstream of the mixing point, such valve being simultaneously actuated through application of positive and/or negative pressure to allow the second fluid to flow through the valve. The application of positive and/or negative pressure is generated from the first fluid to be dispensed by the system and mixed with the second, such that the termination of flow of the first fluid immediately terminates flow of the second fluid to ensure proper mixing of the two fluids in the final solution, thus preventing inadvertent leakage of the second fluid or collection of the second fluid within the flow system which may become subject to spoilage or contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: International Dispensing Corporation
    Inventor: Mitchell A. Friedman
  • Patent number: 6712243
    Abstract: The invention provides a pump of the type comprising a body (1) having a bottom portion for communicating with a dip tube (2) via an admission valve and a top portion for connection to the edge of a container (R) and itself containing a metering chamber (10) closed in leaktight manner on top by compression means provided with an exhaust valve and with a return member, and suitable for being actuated by manual thrust being applied to a dispenser head (T) provided with a delivery duct (C), the pump being characterized in that said return member comprises an elastically deformable internal diaphragm (3) carried by the dispenser head (T) and co-operating with a rigid cup (4) fixed beneath said head (T) and co-operating with said diaphragm (3) to define the metering chamber (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Rexam SMT
    Inventor: Eric Rossignol
  • Patent number: 6712244
    Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a measured quantity of a concentrated cleansing liquid into a spray bottle or any other suitable receptacle, is provided with means for pumping the measured quantity of the liquid from a source into a holding reservoir. The dispensing device includes inhibiting means for preventing the interruption of a priming stroke as the liquid is pumped from the source into the reservoir and for preventing the interruption of a delivery stroke as the liquid is pumped from the reservoir to the receptacle. The inhibiting means includes a pivotable lever having an arcuate rib engaged by a pair of locking members arranged to engage opposite tracks of the arcuate rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Brightwell Dispensers Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Sallows, David Grant Barnett, Etienne Vincent Bunoz, John Frayn Ewans
  • Patent number: 6712245
    Abstract: A plunger for caulking cartridges, including structure for venting entrapped air between the surface of the caulking composition and the inner surface of the plunger after installation, thereby avoiding the possibility of premature solidification and providing positive plunger action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Arther Barrett