Patents Issued in December 9, 2004
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Publication number: 20040245236Abstract: A resistive heater adapted for heating a fuser belt is provided. The heater comprises a substrate, a first resistive trace formed over the substrate, and a second resistive trace formed so as to at least partially overlap the first resistive trace.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: William Paul Cook, Steven Jeffrey Harris, John William Kietzman, Gregory Hardin McClure, Mark Kevin DeMoor, Jerry W. Smith
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Publication number: 20040245237Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus is used for performing heat treatment on a wafer (W) having a surface on which a coating film is formed, and includes: a holding member (34) for holding the wafer almost horizontally; a chamber (30) for housing the wafer held by the holding member; a hot plate (31) having gas permeability and disposed above the wafer held by the holding member in the chamber so that the coating film formed on the wafer can be directly heated; and an exhaust port (33) provided on the top face of the chamber and exhausting gas in the chamber. Gas generated from the coating film when the coating film is heated by the hot plate passes through the hot plate and is exhausted to the outside of the chamber. According to the heat treatment apparatus, uniformity of a coating film is improved. As a result, CD uniformity can be improved, LER characteristics are changed for the better, and a smooth pattern side face can be obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Hiroshi Shinya, Yasutaka Souma, Takahiro Kitano
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Publication number: 20040245238Abstract: The cooking device comprises a body which carries a tank with electrical heating means and containing a basket the food.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: DE'LONGHI S.p.A.Inventor: Giuseppe De'Longhi
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Publication number: 20040245239Abstract: An electric heating assembly comprises a plate (2) having a front face (4) and a rear face (10), and at least one electric heater unit (8) located at the rear face (10) of the plate (2). The electric heater unit (8) is secured to the rear face (10) of the plate (2) by adhesive (20), the adhesive (20) being adapted to withstand a maximum temperature to which it is subjected during operation of the heating assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Kevin Ronald McWilliams
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Publication number: 20040245240Abstract: A popcorn machine for automatic activation of the popping cycle is disclosed. The popcorn machine has a kettle with a heating element controlled by a thermostat. Popping corn is placed in the kettle by a user. A control panel has a one pop button which when pressed initiates the full popping cycle. The one pop button activates a relay that closes a connection through the thermostat to the heating element. The thermostat regulates the temperature in the kettle and shuts off power to the heating element by opening itself and unlatching the relay after a predetermined temperature is reached to allow the completion of the popping cycle. If the kettle initially is over the predetermined temperature, the thermostat will be open and the relay will be unlatched, preventing power from flowing to the heating element. A timer relay may be connected to the first relay to allow the activation of the heating element during a set period of time allowing the kettle to cool. The kettle may also be connected to an oil pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Charles D. Cretors, Gilbert J. Evers, Nenad Vidojevic
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Publication number: 20040245241Abstract: A heating device, a fixing device and an image forming device are disclosed for making the life-span of a capacitor thereof longer. The heating device includes a heating part having at least one heat generation part generating heat, an electricity storage device supplying electric power at a variable output voltage to the heating part and having at least one chargeable-dischargeable capacitor, a control part controlling the output voltage of the electricity storage device, and a temperature detection part detecting a temperature of a portion heated by the heat generation part. The heat generation part generates heat by using electric power supplied from the electricity storage device. When the temperature detected by the temperature detection part is higher than or equal to a predefined temperature, the control part sets a voltage of the capacitor such that the voltage of the capacitor is lower than or equal to a maximum voltage of the capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Kazuhito Kishi, Yasuhisa Kato, Akiyasu Amita, Masami Okamoto, Yasutada Tsukioka, Hiromasa Takagi
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Publication number: 20040245242Abstract: The present invention in situ reconfigures connections within an electric circuit, such that a previously open circuit becomes a permanent in situ electrical pathway. A heat-activated electrical coupling comprises a heat-activated coupler and a heater. The heat-activated coupler comprises a preform of a material that changes a physical or electrical state in response to heat from the heater to bridge a gap between separate but adjacent ends of respective circuit traces. An in situ reconfigurable circuit comprises the heat-activated electrical coupling, a fusible link, a primary circuit and a secondary or back-up circuit. An in situ recoverable electrostatic discharge (ESD) circuit comprises the heat-activated electrical coupling, a primary ESD protection portion, and a secondary or back-up ESD protection portion. A method of in situ reconfiguring a circuit comprises creating the heat-activated electrical coupling and activating the electrical coupling with heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Daniel J. Byrne, Amol S. Pandit, Mark N. Robins
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Publication number: 20040245243Abstract: An apparatus for warming a medical instrument, preferably a speculum, generally includes a sleeve insert for securing the medical instrument therein, a heating element operatively arranged to heat the sleeve insert and a thermostat operatively arranged to control the temperature of the heating element at or near approximate human body temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Lino A. Ossanna
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Publication number: 20040245244Abstract: In an induction heating apparatus, in order to decrease the buoyancy exerted on an object to be heated which is made of a material having high electrical conductivity and low magnetic permeability, such as aluminum, an electrical conductor is provided between a heating coil and the object to be heated, thereby increasing the equivalent series resistance of the heating coil. Hence, the current of the heating coil, which is required for obtaining a desired heating output, is decreased, whereby the buoyancy of the object to be heated can be decreased. In addition, the electrical conductor is divided into two halves, and they are arranged in a circular arc form with a clearance provided therebetween and made close contact with the bottom face of a plate, whereby the temperature rise of the electrical conductor can be restricted.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Izuo Hirota, Atsushi Fujita, Takahiro Miyauchi, Yuji Fujii, Akira Kataoka, Katsuyuki Aihara, Nobuyoshi Makio
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Publication number: 20040245245Abstract: A weight measuring device having a lever structure, a cooking apparatus equipped with the weight measuring device, and a mounting structure of the weight measuring device. A weight sensor pushed by a lever is disposed on an outer bottom surface of a cooking cavity. The lever is extended from the weight sensor to a lever passing hole to perform a lever action with a first end of the lever protruded to an inside of the cooking cavity through the lever passing hole, and a second end of the lever inserted into a lever receiving hole of a sensor housing that accommodates the weight sensor. The lever transmits pressure, which is generated when rollers pass over the protruded first end of the lever, to the weight sensor through the lever action.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTDInventors: Jong Chull Shon, Young Hoon Kang, Han Jun Sung
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Publication number: 20040245246Abstract: A microwave choke assembly includes a microwave choke, a glass capture channel coupled to the microwave choke, and a gasket positioned at least partially within the glass capture channel, the glass capture channel and a window separated by a first distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Stephen Michael Bakanowski, David Laurence Kinny, Ronald Scott Tarr, Lawrence Michael Portaro, Sukumar Dhanpal Bargale
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Publication number: 20040245247Abstract: A cooling system for microwave and/or convection ovens that allows air to ventilate into the interior of the oven to cool food. Adaptations allow the air to traverse across the interior of the oven along different paths, and a refrigeration system can assist in providing cooler air than ambient room temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Mahesh B. Rawal
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Publication number: 20040245248Abstract: A plastic reinforcing clip for use with a container of the type including a corrugated sleeve adapted to be removably attached to a plastic pallet or base member by the use of sliding latch members coacting with circular apertures in the lower peripheral edge portion of the sleeve. The reinforcing clip structure is formed of a single piece of molded plastic material and includes an outer annular planar portion, an inner annular planar portion, an outer cup-shaped liner portion, an inner cup-shaped liner portion, and a central hinge portion. In use, the central hinge portion is positioned under and along the lower edge of the sleeve beneath an aperture in the sleeve and the inner and outer planar portions are swung upwardly about live hinges provided between the hinge portion and the inner and outer planar portions. As the inner and outer planar portions are swung upwardly and inwardly, the cup-shaped liner portions enter the slot from the inner and outer faces of the sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Lyle H. Shuert
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Publication number: 20040245249Abstract: A container structure formed with metal and plastic bonded together in the invention has an outer body made of a metal material and provided with perforated holes thereon, and an insert body made of a plastic material, whereby the insert body is first heated with high temperature, inserted into the outer body, and then fed in blow air with a blowing machine so that the insert body is expanded and attached to an inner surface of the outer body and further extended into and filled up the perforated holes so as to be tightly bonded with the outer body to form an integral one. The container will represent a three-dimensional and multi-layered aestheticism to increase its commercial value; the metal-made outer body can reinforce the rigidness of the container to be more durable in use; the plastic-made insert body is convenient for cleaning an interior of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Wen-Yuan Liu
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Publication number: 20040245250Abstract: A lids for a child's drinking cup has a projection extending integrally from an underside of the lid, the projection defining, in an upper surface of the lid body, a straw receptacle. The projection defines a plurality of break lines, such as slits, terminating at break line ends and defining separable segments of the projection. The break line ends are spaced from the base of the projection in a region of the straw receptacle having a cross-section approximately equal in extent to a cross-section of a corresponding drinking straw, such that inserting the straw into the straw receptacle and through the projection forces the projection segments apart, the segment bases engaging an outer surface of the inserted straw to inhibit leakage. Some of the projections include molded stiffening ribs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Craig A. Hidalgo, Thomas J. Powers, Alexander J. Sinton, Joseph F. Brewin, John A. Hession
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Publication number: 20040245251Abstract: A closure for the open mouth of an airtight container. The closure has a resiliently flexible diaphragm which has a peripheral edge (37) which can sealing engage against an inside wall surface of the open mouth. The diaphragm (13) is engaged with the second cover section (12) of a cover. A pair of toggles (24) are pivotally mounted on axles (22) of second cover section (12). The levers (30) of the toggles (24) extend through an opening (44) in the first or outer cover section (11) when the first and second cover sections (11, 12) are snap-locked together. By moving the levers (30) toward one another the respective feet (27) of the toggle (24) engage with area (35) of the diaphragm (13) to deform the diaphragm and thereby break a sealing effect between the peripheral edge of the diaphragm and the inside wall surface of the open mouth.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: John Montgomery Heng, Evan George Griffiths, Norman Sands
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Container and method for preventing leakage therefrom through isolating deformation in the container
Publication number: 20040245252Abstract: A container and method for preventing leakage therefrom through isolating deformation in the container caused by external forces. The container comprises a container wall having an opening therein, the opening capable of receiving a closure bushing with a sealing member wedged between the closure bushing and the container wall, and a weakened portion of the container wall not in wedged engagement with the sealing member capable of bending in response to an external force so as not to deform the portion of the container wall in wedged engagement with the sealing member.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Gary M. Baughman -
Publication number: 20040245253Abstract: A polymeric tank assembly is provided having a polymeric container with a neck opening. A ring with protruding barbs is inserted within the neck opening and the neck opening is placed in compression by a surround collar. The ring can be connected with clamping arms which can be engaged by a clamping ring which retains an instrument within the tank assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Michael J. Zdroik
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Publication number: 20040245254Abstract: An organizer for a drawer or other rectangular or non rectangular space. The organizer has a plurality of individual elements that are mutually nested together and can be moved both in the width direction and in the length direction to expand or contract the organizer so as to conform to the dimensions of the drawer or other rectangular or non rectangular space. Each element has a bottom surface that combines to provide a contiguous bottom surface of the organizer in the expanded and contracted positions. There is also a peripheral continuous raised edge that surrounds the perimeter of the organizer when in the contracted or expanded positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Gayle Rosenberg, Eli Pine
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Publication number: 20040245255Abstract: A plastic lined concrete tank includes a floor, an upright wall having a lower edge adjacent the floor, a plastic wall lining on an interior surface of the wall, and a plastic waterstop structure inhibiting penetration of water between said floor and said lower edge of the wall. The waterstop includes an anchor embedded in the floor and an upper flange which overlaps the lining. A sealed joint is provided between the upper edge of the flange and the lining. The flange and the lining are fused together to form a supporting structure at a position lower on the wall than the sealed joint, whereby outward bending of the flange away from the wall lining at said joint during shifting of the wall relative to the floor is inhibited and outward bending of the flange away from the wall lining at a location remote from said joint during shifting of the wall relative to the floor is promoted. The tank also includes a plastic floor liner and a floor liner attachment member fused to said anchor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: James D. Copley, Clark Gunness
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Publication number: 20040245256Abstract: A large can (1) suitable for containing a brushable coating composition of the type applied at ambient temperatures to surfaces of buildings and which can is conveniently closeable by a screw-thread lid (7) where the opening (2) into the can is provided with screw-threads (5) formed around its external surface and a brushwipe (9) preferably comprising an edge (10) having different curvatures (10a and 10b) located in a position remote from the screw-threads. Provision of the brushwipe guards against the wiping of an overloaded paint brush on areas of the opening from which paint wiped from the brush could run to block screw threads and so make use of the screw-thread lid impracticable. The can preferably also contains a re-entrant rebate (32) in its side wall (37) to provide a brush rest (34) within the can and also means for guiding a user of the can to hold it in a preferred orientation during painting.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: Imperial Chemical Industries Public Limited CompanyInventors: Alexander James Peacop, Peter Booth
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Publication number: 20040245257Abstract: The invention provides a straw and beverage container combination wherein the straw has retention means such as a convoluted portion adjacent one end that resists removal of the straw from the central aperture of the container lid when a lid is attached to the container. The means also serve to maintain the straw inside the container in an upright position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Erik Lipson
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Publication number: 20040245258Abstract: A disposable child's drinking cup has a lid with a drinking spout defining multiple open holes sized to resist leakage in the absence of suction, such as by the development of surface tension at the holes, and to allow flow when suction is applied. The holes are formed during molding of the lid.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: The First Years, Inc., a Delaware corporationInventors: James A. Connors, David E. Medeiros, George S. Dys, James J. Britto, John A. Hession
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Publication number: 20040245259Abstract: The invention relates to a gate or door drive housing with a basic carrier body for preference in the shape of a bowl or shell, to which various different drive components can be secured, and a cover hood which can be connected to the basic carrier body. According to the invention, a housing extension for accommodating additional and/or larger drive components can be connected in a releasable manner in an exact fit to the basic carrying body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Michael Hormann
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Publication number: 20040245260Abstract: A vented closure for closing and venting a container with threaded engagement to a neck portion of the container for dispensing fluid from the container includes a unitary, molded plastic cap constructed and arranged for threaded engagement to the container. The threaded cap defines a septum orifice that is sized and arranged to receive a siphon tube. A gasket is assembled into the threaded cap for sealing the interfit between the vented closure and the container. An elastomeric venting valve is assembled into the threaded cap and the venting valve includes a septum with a slit therein for receiving in a self-sealing manner the siphon tube. A retainer ring is used to capture the venting valve within the threaded cap and a safety ring in unitary combination with the threaded cap retains the vented closure on the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Robert D. Rohr, Jay E. Witte
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Publication number: 20040245261Abstract: A container (2) includes a bowl (20) and a lid (10). The lid (10) includes a lid lip (16) having a generally inverted U-shape and the bowl (20) includes a bowl lip (26) having a generally inverted U-shape such that the lid lip (16) and the bowl lip (26) interfit, forming mutually opposing surfaces, with the lid lip (16) superposing the bowl lip (26). At least one of the bowl lip (26) and the lid lip (16) includes a seal in firm contact with the opposing surface, with the seal contacting the opposing surface in a small area relative to a total surface area of the bowl lip (26).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence C. Stanos, Jeffrey J. Zettle, Peter T. Evers, Donald E. Hodge
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Publication number: 20040245262Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure underpart with a tubular sleeve (2) and a fixing flange (3) arranged on the outside of the tubular sleeve (2), at least one projection (4) being provided on the inside of the tubular sleeve (2), which serves to hold the closure underpart (1) on a spike inserted into the tubular sleeve (2) when fixing to a vessel wall. In order to create a corresponding closure underpart, which can be held on a spike with a much greater play it is proposed according to the invention that the at least one projection (4) has the form of a bendable web which run inclined vis-à-vis the inner wall of the tubular sleeve (2) at an angle &agr; which is smaller than 90° and greater than 0°.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Gnter Jakob Krautkrmer
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Publication number: 20040245263Abstract: A custom cosmetic powder dispensing method, including the steps of providing a body powder dispensing apparatus and operating the body powder dispensing apparatus for dispensing into a container a custom formulation of body powder ingredients at a retail purchase point of sale. The amounts and types of the body powder ingredients dispensed are determined based upon specification by a retail customer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: IMX LABS, INC.Inventors: Julie R. Bartholomew, Charles P. Hines
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Publication number: 20040245264Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a selectable number of tickets from a plurality of serially joined tickets includes a platform on which the joined tickets are supported, a first roller mechanism for engaging the joined tickets and advancing the tickets in a forward direction, a cutting mechanism for cutting adjacent joined tickets along a cut line extending across the platform, a controller housed in the platform and connected to the first roller mechanism and the cutting mechanism, and a detector mechanism coupled to the controller. The detector mechanism detects when adjacent joined tickets are on opposite sides of the cut line and provides information to the controller to enable the controller to count a selected number of tickets. The controller controls the first roller mechanism and the cutting mechanism to advance, cut and dispense a selected number of tickets from the joined tickets.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Kenneth J. Mellet
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Device for controlling and repositioning a roll of wiping material in an automatic cutting dispenser
Publication number: 20040245265Abstract: The machine for dispensing a strip of material comprising a housing (1) and accommodating an internally hollow drum (3) with a longitudinal slit which accommodates an articulated cutting device (4), two end shields (5a-5b) of articulated design to accommodate a reel holder (6) which supports a reel of wipe material (b), said drum being associated with means of starting, and a load button (9). The machine is distinctive in that it comprises a device for monitoring and repositioning the reel of wipe material which comes into action once during each revolution of the drum, said device (12) being designed on the drum and having localised contact with the reel once during each revolution of the drum and causing said reel to be repositioned.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Maurice Granger, Daniel Granger, Sabine Granger, Smeralda Granger -
Publication number: 20040245266Abstract: A dispenser adapted for dispensing from a table top and convertible to dispensing from a conventional rolled product fixture is provided. The dispenser has a housing having a compartment configured to hold sheets therein and a dispensing opening. The housing is configured to be positioned on a table top for dispensing sheets therefrom. The housing including arms which permit the housing to be coupled to a fixture. The arms are masked when the dispenser is positioned for dispensing from a table top. The arms are readily releasable to permit the housing to be releasably coupled to a fixture in a bathroom.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Mitchell, Debra N. Welchel, Herb F. Valezquez, Tim J. Morton, Joel G. Delman, Melanie L. Andres, John B. Freese, Donna Ann Piacenza
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Publication number: 20040245267Abstract: A dispenser is provided which is adapted for dispensing from a table top and it is convertible to dispensing from a conventional rolled product fixture. The dispenser includes a housing having a compartment configured to hold sheets. The housing also has a dispensing opening. The housing is configured to be positioned on a table top for dispensing sheets therefrom, and the housing includes a sling which permits the housing to be coupled to a conventional rolled product fixture. The sling is masked when the dispenser is positioned for dispensing from a table top. The sling is readily releasable to permit the housing to be coupled to a fixture in a bathroom.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Mitchell, Debra N. Welchel, Herb F. Velazquez, Tim J. Morton, Joel G. Delman, Melanie L. Andres, John B. Freese, Donna Ann Piacenza, Leslie T. Long, Richard H.D. Bullock
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Publication number: 20040245268Abstract: A disposable glove for a glove donning system is provided. The disposable glove has a first layer and a second layer. The second layer superimposes a region of the first layer. The first and second layers are joined together along their peripheries to form a abutted portion and an opening for inserting a hand between the first and second layers. The first layer of the glove has a mounting section having a mounting hole and a line of weakness extending between the mounting hole and a rear edge of the mounting section; said mounting hole for mounting the glove on fastening means of a glove rack. The glove is mounted on the glove rack by inserting the fastening means into the mounting hole of the glove, and the glove on the glove rack can be taken off the glove rack by inserting a hand into the glove and applying a force to the glove in a direction of donning.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Daniel Grinberg
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Publication number: 20040245269Abstract: A glove dispensing package including a plastic container and a top sheet. The plastic container has walls that define a cavity, and an opening thereof. A plurality of gloves are disposed within the cavity. A top sheet is attached to the plastic container over the opening to seal the cavity, such that the glove dispensing package is substantially impervious to moisture. The plastic container may have a flange formed around a periphery of its opening. The top sheet may be affixed to the flange via heat sealing or using a pressure sensitive adhesive. The top sheet may have a perforated area separated from the rest of the top sheet via a perforation. The gloves may be stacked unfolded or folded in half within the cavity of the plastic container.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Daniel Grinberg
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Publication number: 20040245270Abstract: A side seamed plastic produce bag includes a front wall and a taller back wall, first and second side edges sealed together and a seamless bag bottom. The taller back wall provides means for finding the bag opening. The bag is joined at the side edges to additional bags by a perforation. The bag is corona treated on at least one of the front and back walls and advertising or promotional material is printed on the corona treated surface. The invention includes means for manufacturing the bags and winding them onto cores or forming the bags into coreless rolls. Dispensers are provided for both the cored and coreless rolls. The dispensers include a vertical container with an open top that is mounted on a planar base. The container includes a vertical slit for dispensing the bags. The dispenser for cored rolls includes a vertical rod on which the core revolves.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Greg Tan
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Publication number: 20040245271Abstract: Storage device with variable storage capacity. The storage device includes an input area, an output area, a continuous conveying element connecting the input area to the output area. The continuous conveying element is guided by guide elements in a looping manner from the input area to the output area, whereby the continuous conveying element defines a multi-layered storage area adapted to store products and a multi-layered return area adapted to be free of products. The multi-layered storage and return areas are arranged side by side and change in length depending on a state of fullness of the storage device while an overall length of the continuous conveying element remains generally constant. At least one storage layer of the multi-layered storage area and at least one storage layer of the multi-layered return area is arranged on a common horizontal plane. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: Hauni Maschinenbau AGInventor: Thomas Muller
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Publication number: 20040245272Abstract: A compact automated dispenser for quickly and quietly dispensing hospital linens or other items while tracking the dispenser's inventory. The dispenser preferably includes a flexible “roll-up door” that opens by rolling onto a door support, such as a roller, within the top portion of the dispenser. This makes it possible to open the door without swinging the door outwardly from the front surface of the dispenser. Alternatively, the door may be mounted on tracks to slide into the dispenser when the door is opened. A control system controls access to items within the dispenser, and closes the door automatically in response to one or more predetermined events. Such predetermined events include: (1) the passage of a pre-determined period of time; (2) a user activating a “close door” button; or (3) a sensor failing to detect the presence of a user within the proximity of the dispenser for a pre-determined period of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: Innovative Product Achievements, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Fitzgerald, Ward P. Broom, Joel H. Eisler, Kyle A. Joiner
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Publication number: 20040245273Abstract: A stamped bucket for a vending machine having an elongated body with opposing first and second ends, a first end wall integrally formed on the body along the first end and a second end wall integrally formed on the body along the second end. The first and second end walls extending in generally transverse relation to the body. The first end wall has one or more tab portions extending therefrom that are secured to the body adjacent the first end. The second end wall also has one or more tab portions extending therefrom that are secured to the body adjacent the second end. An axis of rotation extends between the first and second end walls substantially longitudinally along the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: The Boehm Pressed Steel CompanyInventors: Joseph J. Krish, William R. Reis
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Publication number: 20040245274Abstract: A rectangularly shaped rigid structure having a front panel including an opening therein, a top panel, a rear, bottom, left and right side panels. Also included is an interior panel that cooperates with the interior surfaces of the top, bottom, left and right side panels to form a front compartment dimensioned to contain a collapsible beverage container including a pour spout positioned to project through the front panel opening and a rear compartment dimensioned to contain a cup retainer that holds a plurality of vertically stacked disposable cups. A removable section of the rear panel, delimited by a horizontal linear series of perforations, can be detached so that access is gained to the bottom-most cup, which can be dispensed and placed under the pour spout to dispense the beverage.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Phil Martinez, Robert Reider
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Publication number: 20040245275Abstract: The invention provides a small-sized automatic analyzer being compact, enabling a large number of analysis items to be carried out, and having a high processing speed. The automatic analyzer is particularly suitably applied to a medical analyzer used for qualitative/quantitative analysis of living body samples, such as urine and blood. A plurality of sample dispensing mechanism s capable of being operated independently of each other are provided to suck a sample from any one of a plurality of sample suction positions and to discharge the sucked sample to any one of a plurality of positions on a reaction disk. The automatic analyzer having a high processing capability can be thus realized without increasing the system size.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Hideyuki Yanami, Isao Yamazaki, Masaaki Hanawa, Hitoshi Otake
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Publication number: 20040245276Abstract: The invention provides a tablet feeder that is simple in construction and yet capable of accurately preventing drawbacks from occurring due to jamming of medicine or the like. A motor 6 installed on a case support block 3 is driven to rotate a rotor 9 disposed in a medicine receiving case 1 through a plurality of gears. The tablets received in the medicine receiving case 1 are held in the pockets 10 of the rotor 9 and is moved to the discharge section 11 to discharge tablets from the discharge section 11. The gearing is composed of a driving gear 7 connected to the rotary shaft of the motor 6, and a driven gear 13 meshing with the driving gear 7. Installed in either of the power transmission paths extending from the motor 6 to the rotor 9 through the two gears 7, 13 is a power cut-off section 15, 17 that cuts off the power from the motor 6 when a force of a predetermined value or above acts on the rotor 9.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Hiroshi Hashimoto, Tasuku MInami
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Publication number: 20040245277Abstract: The present invention provides a vending machine of the single vend type for dispensing newspapers, magazines, or other items. The machine generally includes a housing having a discharge opening, and a storage area having an inclined surface upon which a plurality of articles are stacked. A movable gate adjacent the storage area retains the articles therewithin. Upon insertion of a proper coin total into the machine, a drive device moves the gate downwardly until an uppermost article in the stack passes through the gate and is dispensed. The dispensed article, upon passing through the gate, actuates a switch to cause the drive device to reverse and move the gate upwardly a distance above the uppermost article in the stack, such that even if the machine is shaken, jostled, or tilted, the uppermost article in the stack is retained by the gate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Russell G. McMillen
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Publication number: 20040245278Abstract: A propane tank vending machine has a generally box-shaped enclosure with a door at one side and a rotator assembly rotatably mounted inside. The rotator assembly has three vertically stacked trays each having a plurality of storage locations for releasably receiving upright propane tanks. The door is connected to an indexing assembly rotates the rotator assembly a distance of one storage location when the door is opened and prevents further rotation until the door is reopened.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Lowell G. Steffens, Brent D. Pusz
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Publication number: 20040245279Abstract: Dispensable tablet, container and system for dispensing an active ingredient for a warewashing machine using a unit dose of the active ingredient for an operation of a warewashing machine. A plurality of dispensable tablets each contains an amount of the active ingredient equal to the unit dose. A container holds the plurality of dispensable tablets, each of the dispensable tablets containing the active ingredient, N of the plurality of dispensable tablets collectively containing an amount of the active ingredient equaling the unit dose, where N is an integer greater than zero and not more than ten. A dispenser, adapted to receive the dispensable tablets from the container and to be operably coupled to the warewashing machine, dispenses N of the plurality of dispensable tablets for the operation of the warewashing machine. The system prevents moisture from the warewashing machine from affecting the plurality of dispensable tablets being held in the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Tareasa L. Bradley, Eddie D. Sowle
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Publication number: 20040245280Abstract: The present invention relates to a hopper for preventing theft of undispensed products from a vending machine. The disclosed anti-theft hopper receives dispensed products and allows customers to retrieve dispensed products, but prevents unauthorized access to the interior of a vending machine through the product delivery port. The anti-theft hopper has a first opening through which dispensed products enter the hopper and a second opening through which dispensed products are retrieved by customers. A hopper flap is pivotally coupled to the hopper, wherein the hopper flap is adaptable to pivotally swing over products dispensed into the hopper to allow consumers to retrieve dispensed products from the hopper and wherein the hopper flap is further adaptable to prevent unauthorized access to undispensed products by blocking the insertion of a protruding device through the hopper.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: THE VENDO COMPANYInventors: Dennis Earl Schramm, Christopher Robin Craven
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Publication number: 20040245281Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and purifying beverage lines such as beer lines. Oxidants and oxidant radicals are produced electrically in a stream of air and the resultant gas is injected into a stream of water to pass slowly through the lines to be cleaned and purified.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Simon Fobes Oke
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Publication number: 20040245282Abstract: A thin film in bag dispenser includes a holding cylinder and a rotatable ring fitting rotatably around a rear outer surface of the holding cylinder. The cylinder body of the holding cylinder is provided with a plurality of lengthwise blocking ribs and lateral one-way blocks spaced apart on an outer surface, and an annular fitting aperture is formed on the outer surface between the open ends of the blocking ribs and the one-way bocks for the rotatable ring to fit around the annular fitting aperture. Then the rotatable ring can be rotated manually and freely relative to the holding cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Hsiu-Man Yu Chen
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Publication number: 20040245283Abstract: A volumetric feeder 20 is made of a plurality of independent feeder elements 20a, 20b, etc. Each of the feeder elements 20a, 20b, etc. is provided with a stationary portion 21 and a movable volumetric measure 22 that can move back and forth in the stationary portion 21. Each movable volumetric measure 22 is provided with a measure portion 23 for accommodating a predetermined volume of powdery or granular material. The movable volumetric measures 22 in the feeder elements 20a, 20b, etc. are capable of moving, independently of one another, between a powdery- or granular-material-charging position at which the measure portions 23 coincide with charging apertures 24 of the stationary portion 21, and a powdery- or granular-material-discharging position at which the measure portions 23 coincide with discharging apertures 26 of the stationary portion 21.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Shozo Kawanishi, Kazuo Usui
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Publication number: 20040245284Abstract: A dispenser (200) dispenses an amount of concentrate in a container (204) using a diluent to form a use solution. A dispenser includes a housing (201). A product holder (210) is positioned to support the container (204) with the concentrate in the cavity of the housing. The product holder (210) carried by a scale (240), wherein weight of the concentrate is concerned. A moveable container holder (215) is moveable between a first position and a second position. The container holder is positioned between the housing (201) and the container (204). A cover (216) is operatively connected to the container holder (215) at a connection. A cam surface is adjacent the housing (201). The cover (216) has a cam (216d) for contacting the cam surface (201a), wherein when the cover (216) is moved from a closed position to an open position, the connection moves upward, thereby carrying the container holder (215) and the container (204) which are moved upward lifting the container (204) off of the product holder (210).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Royce D. Johnson
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Publication number: 20040245285Abstract: The specification and drawings describe and show various embodiments of the present invention in the form of a animal with provisions for inserting a removable syringe through a part of an animal shaped toy, such as a dog, cat, teddy bear or similar animals. The apparatus can be used to administer medicine to those orally or by injection, depending on the type of syringe used with the toy.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Katherine Jude McLaughlin