Patents Issued in September 7, 2004
-
Patent number: 6786315Abstract: An aircraft thrust reverser system that includes a power drive unit operable to supply a drive force. The power drive unit includes a motor and a torque decoupler that sequentially decouples the power drive unit from a plurality of loads. The torque decoupler includes at least two output sections, each of which is coupled to the motor, and are not coupled to one another under normal operating circumstances. The output sections are each operable to decouple the motor from associated thrust reverser moveable components upon a torque magnitude being reached in the output section. The torque decoupler is configured so that the first and second output sections are coupled together a deadband time period after the torque magnitude is reached in on of the output sections.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventor: Donald J. Christensen
-
Patent number: 6786316Abstract: A clutch pulley for selectively engaging a belt of a first device and a shaft of a second device, including a sheave member, an electromagnetic coil, a flex plate, and a ring member. The sheave member includes a sheave belt surface adapted to engage the belt and a sheave clutch surface. The electromagnetic coil is adapted to selectively create an electromagnetic flux. The flex plate includes a flex inner section concentrically coupled over the shaft, a flex outer section adapted to selectively move between two axial positions relative to the flex inner section based upon the presence of the electromagnetic flux, and a flex spoke section connecting the flex inner section and the flex outer section. The ring member is connected to the flex outer section and includes a ring clutch surface adapted to selectively engage the sheave clutch surface based upon the axial position of the flex outer section.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Richard Jacobson, Russell Monahan
-
Patent number: 6786317Abstract: A hydraulic clutch assembly is equipped with a spring-drive hydraulic clutch, which includes a gear rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft and a clutch cylinder fixedly mounted on the transmission shaft, first and second friction elements respectively supported on the gear and the clutch cylinder in such a manner as to be slidable along an axis of the clutch (hereinafter sometimes referred to a clutch axis) and relatively non-rotatable thereto, a pressure disk disposed opposite to the friction elements, and a spring for moving the pressure disk towards the friction elements to bring the first friction element into engagement with the second friction element, in which the pressure disk is moved away from the friction elements by an effect of hydraulic pressure, thereby withdrawing the friction elements from engagement with each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co. Ltd.Inventors: Mizuya Matsufuji, Takumi Fujita
-
Patent number: 6786318Abstract: A transfer apparatus for permitting ease of movement of a workpiece across an operating surface of a table where the table includes a plurality of slots. Mounted within each slot is a rail member. Mounted within each rail member is a plurality of rolling members. The rail member is to be vertically movable within its respective slot so as to have the rolling members be totally confined within the rail member or have the rolling members protrude from the upper surface of the rail member. The rail member includes a plurality of pistons which are mounted within cylinders. Air pressure is to be supplied to each of the cylinders which is to cause the rail member to be moved vertically in an upward direction and cause the rolling members to protrude above the working surface of the table so that a workpiece can be completely supported by the rolling members and be spaced from the working surface of the table.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventors: Paul G. Pace, Lee R. Huang
-
Patent number: 6786319Abstract: An electrically conductive belt conveyer through which objects transported can be conducted with electric power for electrical test during transportation. Conductive members are built inside the belt and formed a normally open circuit. As an object being placed on the belt, the object, the conductive members and a power supply form a closed circuit. The belt conveyer is less expensive than a conventional chain conveyor for electrical test.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Lite-On Technology CorporationInventor: Robert Pan
-
Patent number: 6786320Abstract: A bonding machine chip-transferring station, with a multi-axial positioning mechanism and a suction-needle module mounted and positionable thereon, with a housing, a suction needle connected to a vacuum conduit, and a suction-needle conveyance unit, including a drive motor, a belt transmission coupled thereto, and a suction-needle reversal means driven by the transmission, wherein the suction-needle reversal means includes a suction-needle holder seated on an axle and a pulley nonrotatably connected to the axle, where the suction-needle holder includes a guide block on which is mounted a suction-needle carriage movable only in the Z direction, supports the suction needle, and bears a carrier bolt oriented parallel to the axle, and an actuator fork nonrotatably connected to the pulley, via the axle, with which is engaged the carrier bolt extending from the suction-needle carriage and by means of which the suction-needle carriage is driven and constrained exclusively in the ±Z directions.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: F & K Delvotec Bondtechnik GmbHInventor: Farhad Farassat
-
Patent number: 6786321Abstract: A system and methods for conveying linked chains of food product in a production cycle. In one implementation, a system comprises a first and second conveyors each traveling from a loading station proximate a linker to an unloading station and back, each conveyor having link support members for receiving linked chains discharged from the linker and conveying them to the unloading station. Preferably, the conveyors are independently driven such that while the link support members of one conveyor are at the loading station, the link supports members of the other conveyor are conveyed to the unloading station and/or are unloaded at the unloading station. Thus, the receiving of one linked chain at a conveyor is not affected by interruptions in movement of the other conveyor. Similarly, the unloading of one linked chain is not affected by interruptions in movement of the other conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Zbigniew S. Borkiewicz, Timothy J. Drebing, Kris K. Hulett
-
Patent number: 6786322Abstract: Cooling tunnel for flexible packages filled with hot liquid products. The cooling tunnel is applicable to automatic packaging installations and comprises a main conveyor belt (1) adapted for the transport of packages (2) filled with hot liquid products through a cooling device (3), loading means (4) of packages (2) onto the main conveyor belt (1), unloading means (5) of packages (2) from the conveyor belt (1) and emptying means (6) of the packages (2). The loading means (4) are adapted for loading the packages (2) onto the main conveyor belt (1) forming successive sets (15), in which the packages (2) form an arrangement of orthogonal rows and columns, whereas the unloading means (5) are adapted for the simultaneous unloading of the packages (2) from each row of the sets (15) of packages (2).Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Volpak, S.A.Inventor: Ramon Pellicer Thoma
-
Patent number: 6786323Abstract: The invention relates to a suspended conveyer device for conveying supports (7) for goods to be conveyed along conveyer paths (54, 58), comprising a running rail arrangement with running rails (52, 56) which are associated with the conveyer paths and on which the supports (7) for goods to be conveyed can be guided. According to the invention, a rerouting station (50) is provided which is constructed to selectively reroute supports (7) for goods to be conveyed from a first conveyer path (54) to a second conveyer path (58) or to leave them on the first conveyer path (54), and to selectively reroute supports (7) for goods to be conveyed from the second conveyer path (58) to the first conveyer path (54) or to leave them on the second conveyer path (58). The invention also relates to a rerouting station of this type.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: WF Logistik GmbHInventor: Rolf Schönenberger
-
Patent number: 6786324Abstract: Guide for slats of a reciprocally moving floor of a transport or loading surface, stationary or mobile, such as a loading floor of a trailer, the slats being supported on locations that are spaced apart in slat direction, on rectangular tubular longitudinal profiles that may or may not be continuous, guides being arranged between the longitudinal profiles and the slats, which guides substantially have an inverted U-shape with an upper body situated on top of the longitudinal profile and two legs on either side of the longitudinal profile extending downward from the upper body, at least one of which legs being provided with a flange at the lower end for engagement of the lower surface of the longitudinal profile, the guide being designed for keeping the longitudinal profile between the legs and between the flange and the upper body, the one portion of the portions of the legs situated opposite each other on either side being shortened into a short protrusion engaging over the upper corner of the longitudinal pType: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Cargo Floor B.V.Inventor: Frans Arian Heino De Raad
-
Patent number: 6786325Abstract: A steering device and method for a steering roller guiding a flexible band. The device includes a worm and worm wheel transmission mounted to the roller at one axial end thereof. Coupled to the transmission, a motor is provided for receiving signals for bidirectionally steering the band on the roller via the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Wade A. Powell
-
Patent number: 6786326Abstract: A chain conveying apparatus for spouts or bags having spouts, including a pair of annular chains. The attachment plates are provided on the respective oppositely-rotating annular chains so that the attachment plates have play in a vertical direction. Centering guide members are disposed so as to be close to the axial portions of the spouts so as to regulate the movements of the spouts in the direction perpendicular to the attachment plates' moving direction; upper-side guide members and lower-side guide members are disposed above and below the attachment plates so as to regulate the height position of the attachment plates; and flange regulating members are disposed so as to be above the flanges of the spouts, which is being conveyed, with a narrow gap between the flange regulating members and the flanges so as to regulate an upward movement of the spouts.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Hiramoto, Shoji Tsutsui
-
Patent number: 6786327Abstract: In a conveyor chain coupling structure, a block link A has a connecting rod (2) provided at one of conveying-directional ends thereof to project in the conveying direction and a coupling bore (5) formed at the other conveying-directional end. A pair of toroidal bush bearings (25, 30) is provided and a spherical bush (2) to be fixed to the connecting rod (2) is provided between the pair of toroidal bush bearings (25, 30). The first toroidal bush bearing (25) is fitted slidably on a portion, at the side of the other conveying-directional end, of the spherical bush (20) while the second toroidal bush bearing (30) is fitted at the spherical concave surface (31) thereof slidably on a portion, at the side of the one conveying-directional end, of the spherical bush (20). Owing to this construction, the coupled parts will not rattle, which will thus cause no pulsation or noise but will assure a smooth relative oscillation or reciprocal relative rotation of the block links.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Yamakyu Chain Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukio Ashida, Masanori Fueki, Sumito Sato, Takashi Miya
-
Patent number: 6786328Abstract: A method for transforming a supply stream (2) of elements (1) having one flat object or a group of flat objects lying on top of one another that are conveyed overlapping one another to produce a stream in which the stream elements are distanced from one another both transverse and parallel to the conveying direction (F). The stream elements are oriented parallel to the conveying direction (F). Every stream element (1) is gripped in a same location which, in the conveying direction (F), is situated in the center of the element and in which location the element is not overlapped by adjacent elements (1). Every stream element is then displaced transverse to the conveying direction (F), while the spatial element orientation remains essentially unchanged. The displacement is different for successive stream elements (1) in a predefined sequence. For gripping the stream elements (1) in a clamping manner, clamping elements (5.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Ferag AGInventor: Werner Honegger
-
Patent number: 6786329Abstract: A packaging container comprises a container body an upper part opening of which performs as an exit, a seal lid sealing the exit of the container body, and an outer lid openably and closably covering the container body. A commercial label is adhered to an outer surface of the outer lid. The outer lid is attached to the container body openably and closably through the label. The packaging container can store unused pieces of sterilized cotton with a tight seal after a user peels the seal lid, and allows the user to easily and conveniently take out the pieces.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Meisei Sansho Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shunji Onishi
-
Patent number: 6786330Abstract: A two-compartment container in which the first compartment has an upper layer and a lower layer and contains a first component that is to be added to the second compartment. Above the first compartment is a dome that is bowed upward and is flexible. Attached to the dome is a cutting means. Depressing the dome by pushing downward on it lowers the cutting means so that either the lower layer only or both the upper and lower layer of the first compartment are cut by the cutting means, releasing the first component into the second compartment. The cutting means may be a simple puncturer, or in the case where the second compartment comprises a beverage container or the like, the cutting means may be part of a tubular wall surrounding the opening through which someone can drink the beverage.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: BioGaia ABInventors: Bo Mollstam, Ivan A. Casas, Fredrik Magnusson, Karin Oberg, Filip Sauer
-
Patent number: 6786331Abstract: This invention consists of a folding leaflet attached out of the cigarette packs and product packets in general, set to contain information of any kind, advertisements, promotion of new products, prize stamps, etc. Said leaflet is folded out of the packet in such a way that it shows on its external faces the same contents of the packet's external faces, therefore it results imperceptible at a glance.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Effezeta International S.r.l.Inventor: Franco Zucchini
-
Patent number: 6786332Abstract: A protective holder for a remote control for use in connection with a keyless entry remote control. A lid is secured by a latching mechanism to a controller holder, and a means for attaching a key ring is also present. The protective holder prevents inadvertent depression of buttons on such remote controls when the remote control is stored in a pocket or purse. The protective holder also prevents damage to the remote control if the remote control is dropped or brought into contact with other objects.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventors: Ralph J. Patrick, Marva E. Patrick
-
Patent number: 6786333Abstract: A promotional package has a compressed fabric article containing a hole. A flat sheet in the shape of the compressed article, and containing an opening to expose the hole, may be placed on a surface of the compressed fabric article. An object is inserted in the hole and the fabric article is wrapped in a transparent or opaque wrapping to create the promotional package and prevent the object from falling out of the package. Upon opening the promotional package containing the compressed fabric article and the object, the object can be removed and the article opened out to its original configuration.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventor: Alan Davis
-
Patent number: 6786334Abstract: A unitary product cushioning structure for supporting a shock sensitive product in an outer packaging container, together with co-packaged accessories to be placed also in the same outer packaging container is formed of a moldable resilient plastics material. Shock absorption protection and impact protection from the co-packaged accessories during shock loading conditions in three mutually perpendicular directions is provided. A a product supporting region is defined by walls and a product supporting platform, and is surrounded by flexible shock absorbing spring transition sections arranged inwardly of outer container contacting walls. A void is formed beneath the platform, which is ribbed so as to provide a further barrier to protect the shock sensitive device from impact or contact from any co-packeged accessory.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventor: Forrest Smith
-
Patent number: 6786335Abstract: A pyrolysis plant for refuse and a method for screening solid residues provide a sure and trouble-free sieving of a solid material using a sieving device having a configuration which is as simple as possible. A spiral formed by a rod which is wound in a helicoidal manner, or a plurality of such rods, are provided as the sieving device. The rod or rods can rotate around a longitudinal axis. The solid material is introduced into an interior formed by the rod for sieving, preferably with the assistance of an aligning device for longitudinally extended solid material parts. The spirals include, in particular, a bend so that the lodged solid materials can automatically detach themselves. The sieving device is especially suited for sieving pyrolysis residual material.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2000Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Georg Gropper, Reinhold Riggenmann, Winfried Von Rhein, Helmut Werdinig
-
Patent number: 6786336Abstract: A biosorbent composition, process of preparing and use thereof wherein the biosorbent composition comprises a chitosan-coated substrate. Useful substrates include support materials such as a ceramic support material. The biosorbent composition of the instant invention is useful in treating aqueous systems, including wastewater and aqueous waste streams, by removing undesired heavy metals.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignees: The United States of America as represented by Secretary of the Army, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignInventors: Veera M. Boddu, Edgar Dean Smith
-
Patent number: 6786337Abstract: A wooden shoe rack constructed either as a unit hung on a door or as a self-standing unit. Frame sides connect with support arms at special dado joints. Shoe support bars extend between the joints on the opposite sides of the frame to support shoes. A single mechanical fastener is used at each joint to connect the frame sides, arms and shoe bars together.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Lynk, Inc.Inventors: Richard B. Klein, John W. Scott, Chris Serslev
-
Patent number: 6786338Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2000Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: David Caplan, Charles E. Taylor
-
Patent number: 6786339Abstract: A pull-out dish rack with a basic rack containing a wire framework for a dishwasher. The basic rack has a U-shaped construction and is fitted with at least a front or rear rack wall connected releasably to the basic rack, as seen by a user who is loading the dish rack with items which are to be washed. Additional parts, which accommodate a variety of items to be washed, can be fitted to accommodating devices on the front and/or rear walls. The additional parts may be adjustable and may include retaining elements for tall items or plates to be washed, and a spray device for use in subjecting items to be washed to an action of a cleaning liquid.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbHInventors: Ulrich Deiss, Gerhard Fetzer, Thomas Ott
-
Patent number: 6786340Abstract: A fixture and method of use for supporting merchandise on a vertical surface. The fixture includes a bracket and an elongated display member having a pair of ends. The bracket includes a section for snap connection to either end of the display member and a connector that is configured to engage one of various types of support structures mounted on the vertical surface. Those support structures are a conventional slotted upright, a wire rack, a slat wall and a peg board. The display member include merchandise holders, e.g., prong hangers, for holding the merchandise thereon, e.g., suspending the merchandise therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Reborn Products Co., Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Ford, Allan L. Ford
-
Patent number: 6786341Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus includes a bin for storing articles to be dispensed therefrom. The bin includes front, rear, left, right, top and bottom, and an adjustable ramp for accommodating articles of various sizes. The storage capacity of the bin can be increased by adding one or more expansion bins.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventors: Harold K. Stinnett, William A. Stinnett
-
Patent number: 6786342Abstract: A counter-top toothbrush holder for holding a toothbrush in a stable equilibrium position. The holder comprises a base and an elevator section which is connected to the base and extends upwardly from the base. The elevator section has a receptacle member which has at least one open-type receptacle. The receptacle is adapted to receive and hold a toothbrush in a stable equilibrium position.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventor: Amad Tayebi
-
Patent number: 6786343Abstract: A system and method for portable lift, support, and/or installation is disclosed which permits and enables these various functions without the need for external crane/lift machinery. The system comprises a channel member (201) attaching means and associated capture fastener means (202, 205) connected to a stationary equipment support, an elevation lifting means (204) and associated fastener means (206) whereby the movement object to be lifted can be supported and/or elevated, and a swingarm retraction means (203) which connects the channel member (201) attaching means to the elevation lifting means (204) to permit removal and/or installation of the movement object to be lifted from/to the stationary equipment support.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2000Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventors: James Joseph Porebski, Edward Allen DePietro
-
Patent number: 6786344Abstract: A baby bottle including an upper and lower circular shaped cylindrical body portion having a first radius, a elliptical shaped cylindrical body portion intermediate the cylindrical upper and lower body portions, where the center portion has a minor axis radius and a major axis radius that are each smaller than the first radius, and a cylindrical top portion located proximate the upper body portion and adapted to receive a removable closure.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb CompanyInventors: Stuart R. Kipperman, David Schweitzer, Catherine O. Smay
-
Patent number: 6786345Abstract: A feeding bottle (10) includes a teat assembly (14) and an air inlet (18) at its base. A stopper assembly (21) seals the aperture (18) and is manually operable to allow air flow through the aperture providing pressure equalisation within the bottle.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventor: David Charles Richards
-
Patent number: 6786346Abstract: A security closure for enclosing the top opening of a container includes a cap having a plurality of flexible, independently movable skirt portion segments which are positionable under a rib of the container. A wire engaging the skirt portion segments cooperates with a pivoted lever to move the skirt portion segments into latching position relative to the container and a lock is employed to maintain the wire tightened against the skirt portion segments.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventors: Ted Gurnard, Richard Wagner
-
Patent number: 6786348Abstract: A press-on, twist-off container assembly of the type that is used, for example, and baby food containers includes a container that has, as conventional, a finish portion with at least one external threadand a closure that is mounted on the container. The closure is of the press-on, twist-off type and includes a panel portion and a skirt portion that together define a generally cylindrical interior recess. As is conventional, a deformable gasket is mounted within the interior recess that has a thread engaging portion that is deformed so as to at least partially conform to the external threads of said finish portion of said container. The thread engaging portion advantageously has a plurality of inwardly extending raised flutes that are circumferentially spaced irregularly about the thread engaging portion. At least some of the flutes are in contact with at least one of the external threads at respective points of contact, and each external thread has a total distance spanned by such points of contact.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies CorporationInventors: Jim L. Martin, Larry A. Hottle, Galen G. German, C. Roger Hamrick
-
Patent number: 6786349Abstract: A refuse container system that resists tipping due to wind or animal activity is disclosed. The system includes a support plate adapted to be anchored to the ground and a refuse container having a magnet supported by the container's bottom. The plate should be made of a material that is attracted by a magnet. The magnetic attraction between the support plate and the magnet attached to the bottom of the refuse container gives the refuse container added resistance to tipping.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventor: Fadi Najd
-
Patent number: 6786350Abstract: A fuel tank for motor vehicles is constructed so that the generation of noise in the fuel tank due to sloshing fuel is minimized. For this purpose, a dampener element, which is permeable to the flow of liquid fuel, is attached to the interior of the tank. According to the invention, the dampening element has a dimensionally stable lattice or similar network structure. This dampener element is attached near the bottom wall of the fuel tank and has a generally horizontal orientation.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Tesma Motoren und Getriebetechnik GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Bauer
-
Patent number: 6786351Abstract: A food container preferably for heated food, has a lid member and a base member. The base member has complimentary embossed portions in the bottom of the base member to engage a complimentary indented portion in the top surface of the lid member. The retaining mechanism allows containers to be stacked so as to secure each container while allowing steam to escape from the lid of a container. Also, a fluid return system retains fluid in the container and promotes flow of fluid into the bottom of the container.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Anchor Packaging, Inc.Inventor: Kevin Krueger
-
Patent number: 6786352Abstract: A self-sealing drinking container includes a cup body having a hollow interior for holding and dispensing a liquid, and a lid assembly which fits sealingly on the cup body. The lid assembly has an inlet passage with an inlet value in communication with an outlet value in communication therewith, each of the values including a resilient flexible diaphragm member. Each of the inlet and outlet valves includes a cage having an open top and an open bottom to allow fluid passage therethrough, the cage having a seat formed therein for receiving a diaphragm member. The diaphragm member is located seatably into the seat so as to selectively seal thereagainst and thereby prevent fluid flow therepast. A locator post in each cage is secured to the diaphragm member thereof to ensure its sealing. A predetermined level of fluid pressure differential across each diaphragm member courses, respectively, the diaphragm members to concavely bend away from their respective seat and thereby allow fluid flow through the valves.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventor: Domenic Belcastro
-
Patent number: 6786353Abstract: A lid includes resilient restoring element for returning the lid to an open position, and a locking mechanism actuated by a button. The locking mechanism including a locking member able to be placed at two well defined and stable positions, namely a locked position, where the locking member cooperates with the retainer element provided on the container for locking the lid in a closed position on the container, and an unlocked position where the lid is freely driven into its open position by the restoring element.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: SEB S.A.Inventor: Thierry Gourand
-
Patent number: 6786354Abstract: A cassette (10) for storing media in sheet form is described. The cassette (10) has urging means (26) for urging a stack of media items (34) to one end (24) of the cassette (10), such as a media pick area (22). The cassette (10) also has sensing means (52) for determining the size of the stack of media items (34) remaining in the cassette (10). The cassette (10) includes display means (50) for displaying to an external viewer, such as a replenisher, an indication of the size of the stack of media items (34) remaining within the cassette (10).Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Jonathan S. Black, Scott P. Mackenzie
-
Patent number: 6786355Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus embodied, for example, as a vending machine, including a controllably positioned suction hose dispenser for retrieving articles from a storage area. In one embodiment, a sensor having an output responsive to changes in partial pressure inside the air hose, such as an airflow sensor coupled to the suction-hose, can initially act to sense the timing of contact of the suction hose with an article to be dispensed. As long as suction is provided to the gripping end of the suction hose prior to the hose contacting the article to be retrieved, the airflow (and partial pressure) inside the hose will change dramatically as the gripping end of the suction hose makes contact with the article. Furthermore, at the moment when the gripping end of the suction hose is no longer in substantial contact with the article, the airflow sensor again provides an indication signal, due to the sudden change in airflow (and partial pressure) that occurs at the time within the hose.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventor: Munroe Chirnomas
-
Patent number: 6786356Abstract: A drinks machine, in particular a coffee machine, with an entry device for solid cleaning agent, in particular in pressed form, being user-friendly and safe during cleaning, and having an automatically dosing, enclosed dosage device for the cleaning agent which includes a spout, a storage container protected from the spout, and at least one dosage unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: WMF Wuerttembergische Metallwarenfabrik ABInventors: Rudi Geiger, Ewald Bauer, Peter Pulvermüller, Günther Nagel
-
Patent number: 6786357Abstract: A vending machine dispenses chemiluminescent necklaces upon payment of a fee. The machine has internal magazines which may be loaded with cartridges packaging the elongated necklaces. Elongated rotary dispensing mechanisms select one necklace for dispensing upon a correct payment.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Oxalight L.L.C.Inventor: Jerome Renard
-
Patent number: 6786358Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnetic holder for paper clips or other magnetizable items and substantially in the shape of a wing or an aileron. The items can be removed from within the container by rotating an at least partially magnetic spindle rotatably mounted across an opening through the container, in either of two opposite directions.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Hiromori Inc.Inventor: Hitoshi Suzuki
-
Patent number: 6786359Abstract: A dispenser is provided for dispensing objects including for example, container lids for beverages such as soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juice. For example, a coaxial stack of lids is loaded into a housing of the dispenser. Upon actuation of a the dispenser, the bottom-most lid in the stack of lids is delivered to a discharge area by passing the bottom-most lid through a nip point defined between a pair of oppositely rotating indexing shafts. Once the bottom-most lid is delivered to a discharge area, the indexing shafts are brought to rest.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventor: Roy D. Schroeder
-
Patent number: 6786360Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed that is particularly suitable for dispensing packaged items such as bandages or membrane filters. The dispenser is provided with a magazine for holding the items, with a distribution assembly for exposure and distribution of the items, an ejector operable in advance/feed and disposal modes, and with a separating assembly for separation of the item from its packaging.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Sartorius AGInventors: Reinhard Vogt, Duane B. Piechocki, Andreas Graus
-
Patent number: 6786361Abstract: A primarily cylindrical beverage cooling despiser (10), devised of two separate portions, by which collectively make up the exterior and interior. The upper portion consists of two separate chambers, one interior chamber (14) for containment of ice for cooling, and one exterior chamber (12) for containment of beverage. Both chambers though mutually exclusive of each other, once filled with their intended containment by virtue of their connective proximity to one another associate a thermal communication with one another resulting in the cooling of contained beverage. Additionally the upper portion includes a lid (56), comprised as a common two-in-one combination lid. The bottom portion of the exterior is represented as the base (16), which supports the upper portions contents and additionally supports a tap/faucet (18), and tap/faucet handle (20) arrangement for the controlled release of the contained beverage content.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventors: Martin Joseph Moothart, David Rubin Aslin
-
Patent number: 6786362Abstract: A swing-away hopper tee assembly comprises a mounting frame, tee assembly, and a valve assembly. The hopper tee assembly is removably mountable to a flange at the discharge end of a hopper. The mounting frame includes a bottom wall, a top wall spaced from the bottom wall, and an outer wall extending between the top and bottom walls to define a channel sized and shaped to receive the hopper flange. The flange includes at least one opening, and a corresponding opening is formed in the channel. A fastener extends through the aligned flange and channel openings to removably secure the mounting frame to the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Sure Seal, Inc.Inventor: David E. Sisk
-
Patent number: 6786363Abstract: A dispensing package for fluid products includes a container having a body for holding a product to be dispensed and a finish having an open mouth. A closure base includes a ledge with a skirt externally secured to the container finish and a wall extending from the ledge coaxially with the container mouth. A collar has a deck with a central opening aligned with the mouth, and a wall secured to the wall on the closure base. A lid is integrally connected to the collar or the base by at least one hinge. A dispensing valve of flexible resilient elastomeric construction has a peripheral portion captured between the collar deck and the base wall for securing the valve in position and simultaneously functioning as a seal between the base and the collar. An intermediate portion of the valve is in facing engagement with the collar deck, and an annular wall portion of the valve extends from the inner end of the intermediate portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.Inventor: Richard D. Lohrman
-
Patent number: 6786364Abstract: The system of the present invention has a flexible bladder designed to provide for the transfer of liquids from a storage/transport unit to vehicles without the necessity of pumps and/or motors. The system includes a flexible, collapsible bladder that uses compressed gas or air, or a pressurized liquid, to pressurize the unit. The bladder is constructed with a flexible internal diaphragm which extends from a portion of the interior of the bladder, and separates the ends of the bladder. The system further comprises removable means to inject air, gas or fluid into the first end of the bladder and removable means to inject and expel the fluid stored in the second end of the bladder.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventor: Dale McBride
-
Patent number: 6786365Abstract: A liquid supply apparatus (10) is provided. The liquid supply apparatus (10) has a cylinder (12), a piston (14) and a piston pushing apparatus. The cylinder (12) is provided with a head portion (20) with outlet (24). The cylinder (12) has a rear end opened. The piston (14) is inserted into the cylinder (12). The piston moves along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder (12) so as to inject liquid contained in the cylinder (12). The piston pushing apparatus (16) pushes the piston (14). The piston pushing apparatus (16) has a moving member contacting the rear portion of the piston (14), a electric motor and a movement transferring mechanism. The movement transferring mechanism converts the rotation of the motor into the linear movement of the moving member.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventor: Yong-Nyun Kim