Patents Issued in December 14, 2006
  • Publication number: 20060278641
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for attaching a lid to a beverage container is provided. In one embodiment a lid is positioned over the container opening and fastened to a first bead located around the opening. The lid also fastens to a second bead that is either located on the container, or located on a collar that is positioned adjacent to the first bead. The collar may extend around the container, or it may only extend partway around the container. The collar may be removable and may also include a handle. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Scott Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20060278642
    Abstract: A plastic closure assembly for receipt on a container includes a plastic fitment having a skirt adapted to be received by snap fit over an external bead on the container neck finish, a plurality of angularly spaced internal lugs on the skirt for receipt in recesses on the finish bead to prevent rotation of the fitment on the finish, and at least one external thread segment. A plastic closure has a skirt with at least one internal thread segment for engagement with the at least one external thread segment on the fitment. In exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the external thread segment may be disposed on an outer surface of the fitment skirt or on the external surface of a tubular spout on the fitment. The fitment skirt preferably has an internal retention element received by snap fit over the external bead on the container finish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Darin Pugne, Edward Grant
  • Publication number: 20060278643
    Abstract: A garbage can includes mainly a can body, a ring, a stationary cover, two movable curved covers and a pressing device. By means of pressing down the pressing device, an activating rod in the pressing device enables the two movable curved covers to retreat to one side and stay there motionless, as an action of opening the opening of the stationary cover for throwing garbage in. When the opening of the stationary cover is to be closed after opened, press again the pressing device to force the activating rod to let the two movable curved covers extend out to close up the opening of the stationary cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Chin-Fu Chiou
  • Publication number: 20060278644
    Abstract: A closure assembly for a container including an internally-threaded annular flange, an externally-threaded closure plug that is received by the annular flange, and an annular gasket positioned between the annular flange and the closure plug for establishing a sealed interface. The container includes a container end panel that is formed over and around a portion of the annular flange and provides an inner axial wall that is positioned between the annular flange and the annular gasket. The clearance between the closing plug and the inner axial wall relative to the size of the annular gasket determines the degree of radial compression of the annular gasket as the plug is threaded into the flange. A radial lip of the plug is designed to contact an upper surface of the container end panel that is formed over the flange as a visual indication when the required tightening torque of the plug within the flange has been reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Gary Baughman
  • Publication number: 20060278645
    Abstract: An apparatus to restrain a garbage can from unwanted movement having an inner annulus and or an outer annulus interconnected with a container with the outer annulus and or the container receiving weighting means including rocks, sand, concrete, spikes or liquids. The container formed to receive a garbage can to withstand unintended tipping of the garbage can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Carey Bruskland
  • Publication number: 20060278646
    Abstract: The present invention provides a container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse that has a body, tracks attached to opposite sides of the body, and a plurality of support member assemblies extending between the tracks for supporting dunnage. End members are located at the ends of supports, the end members being movable in the tracks to move the supports inside the container. The supports are oriented in a sloping, non-horizontal position and movable in such orientations to maximize product density inside the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: BRADFORD COMPANY
    Inventor: Judson Bradford
  • Publication number: 20060278647
    Abstract: A packing insert is shown, which includes a first face, a second face, opposite the first face, a first side support and a second side support. The first side support is flexibly connected to the first face and the second face, preferably to one edge of each face. When not fully extended, the side supports bend inwards between the first face and the second face, and they are in positions with respect to the first face and the second face and each other such that when they are bent inwards between the first face and the second face, the first support member does not interfere with the second support member. In different arrangement, each side support includes a forward support member flexibly connected at one end to one edge of the first face and a rear support member flexibly connected at one end to one edge of the second face. The forward support member and the rear support member are rotatably connected to each other at their ends which are opposite the first face and the second face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Kenneth Palmer
  • Publication number: 20060278648
    Abstract: A cooler having an integrated seat assembly, includes a cooler body which can have one or more compartments. The cooler body is coupled with a seat assembly bracket by a coupling means, such as a hinge. Seat backs are integrally formed in one sidewall of the cooler body and seat bottoms are formed on the bracket, such that when the bracket is opened, it forms a seat with the seat backs. The bracket can be folded up flat against the cooler in a closed and locked position, for easy storage or transportation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Jerry Ward, Charles Ward
  • Publication number: 20060278649
    Abstract: A portable fluid container with an integrated straw. The container includes a vessel for containing a beverage; a straw having a lumen through which the beverage may flow; an orifice in the vessel configured to accept the straw such that an interior portion of the straw is inside the vessel and an exterior portion of the straw is outside of the vessel; and fastening means for removably maintaining the exterior portion of the straw in a folded position along a first fold to prevent the flow of the beverage through the lumen of the straw. The beverage may flow through the lumen of the straw when the exterior portion of the straw is unfolded along the first fold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Kenneth Chern
  • Publication number: 20060278650
    Abstract: An inflatable ornamental torroidal shaped jacket adapted to be situated and secured onto an open topped, cylindrical cold beverage dispenser which contains a plurality of canned and/or bottled beverages in an ice water bath in said dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: James Randall
  • Publication number: 20060278651
    Abstract: A plastic package for holding small articles of commerce has a clear blister portion and a rectangular card member for covering the blister portion, the blister having a bottom, front wall, rear wall, and opposing side walls, and the upper perimeter portion of the blister has a ledge extending therealong for engaging and supporting the periphery of the card, and hingedly attached along upper edges of each of the blister sides is an integral flip-up retainer member each having a “proud” point or convex surface, and when the card is positioned on the blister ledge the hinged retainer members can be rotated to a position which brings their proud points in engagement with the card. UV responsive adhesive on the proud points can be activated to bond the retainers to the card to seal the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Paul Appelbaum, Joseph Campbell
  • Publication number: 20060278652
    Abstract: A container clearly indicates that it has been opened after a store clerk loads food into the base of the container and closes a covering of the container onto the base. The covering (16) includes a peripheral cover portion (22) that becomes fixed to a peripheral base portion (32) when the clerk initially closes the container. To thereafter open the container, a person forcefully lifts a tab (30) on the covering to tear the covering along a long tear line (26) that separates the peripheral cover portion (22) from a lid (24) formed by a radially inner covering portion. The base (12) is fixed to the peripheral covering portion (22), and together they form a base device (40). After the lid has been torn free of the peripheral covering portion, the lid can be closed and latched to the base device and then can be easily opened again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Terry Vovan, Jose Enriquez
  • Publication number: 20060278653
    Abstract: A center pull tab sealing plug for sealing a hole in a structural member is provided, comprising a base element having top and bottom portions; a flexible flange extending from a periphery of the base element, the flange including at least one annular ridge or O-ring extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the flange and spaced from a side wall of the base element; and a pull tab extending upwardly from the top portion of the base element a distance sufficient to provide a gripping surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Frederick Zeyfang, Darrel Caselli
  • Publication number: 20060278654
    Abstract: A device for stacking articles which are molded and stamped in a multi-impression molding and stamping tool includes a transfer device having a single gripper plate made of lightweight construction for accepting all articles ejected from one work cycle of the molding and stamping tool. A stacking station having two stacking baskets arranged on respective arms is arranged so that the baskets are pivotable about a first axis for moving a first basket of the two baskets to a transfer position and a second basket of the two baskets to an ejection position, the transfer device transferring the articles to the transfer position of the stacking station. An ejector unit and conveyor belt are arranged proximate the ejection position, each of the first and second baskets being pivotable about a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis, at the ejection position to a pivoted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Anton Huber, Johannes Crepaz, Stefan Julinek, Franz Scheutz
  • Publication number: 20060278655
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a dispensing mechanism, a housing and a container having an interior. The container is removably coupled to the housing for dispensing fluid from the container by the dispensing mechanism. The housing has a guard recess opening downwardly and an access opening into the recess. A piercing member is secured in the recess. The container has a protuberance which is adapted to be received in the recess such that when the container is being coupled to the housing, the protuberance on the container is inserted upwardly into the recess and moved into the piercing member to pierce the protuberance with the piercing member. On the piercing member piercing the container, an air passageway is provided providing communication between the interior of the container and the atmospheric air. Preferably the piercing member is secured in the guarded recess against engagement other than with elements inserted into the recess via the access opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Andrew Jones
  • Publication number: 20060278656
    Abstract: A valve assembly has a spout having a central opening in communication with an interior of the bag, and a circumferential interior sidewall. There is a sliding valve disposed within the central opening, the sliding valve having an open position wherein contents of the bag can flow through the valve, and a closed position, where the valve is sealed against the interior sidewall of the spout. There is a valve actuator connected to a dispensing apparatus. The valve actuator moves the sliding valve from a closed position to an open position when the spout is placed on the actuator, and the actuator moves the sliding valve from an open position to a closed position when the spout is removed from the valve actuator. The sliding valve remains in its set open or closed position until it is moved by the actuator. This arrangement prevents leakage of the container when the container is not being used in a dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Scott Ross
  • Publication number: 20060278657
    Abstract: The invention provides a concentrate dispensing unit. The concentrate dispensing unit comprises a disposable concentrate package. The disposable concentrate package may be mounted on one or more brackets and may include a container for storing a concentrate fluid and a pump. The pump is a disposable impeller pump that may be coupled to the container and may be utilized to draw concentrate fluid from the container. The concentrate fluid may then be intermixed with another fluid, such as water, to form a homogeneous beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Calin Roatis
  • Publication number: 20060278658
    Abstract: The invention is a fluid metering pump having a fuel cylinder with a fuel piston reciprocally movable within the fuel cylinder for drawing fuel from a fuel source and discharging the fuel through a discharge conduit. The pump also has an oil cylinder with an oil piston reciprocally movable within the oil cylinder for drawing oil from an oil reservoir and discharging the oil through a discharge conduit, wherein the oil mixes with the fuel within the discharge conduit to form a batch of fuel-oil mixture with a predetermined fuel-to-oil ratio. A ratio adjustment component allows the operator to select the fuel-to-oil ratio of each batch of fuel-oil mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: George Nisbet
  • Publication number: 20060278659
    Abstract: An improved automatic soap dispenser structure includes a motor and a gear wheel module installed in a driving device of a soap dispenser to transmit a driving wheel and uses an eccentric wheel disposed on the driving wheel to produce an eccentric effect, characterized in that the eccentric wheel couples a link member, and the link member presses a press plate, such that when the press plate compresses a soap dispensing tube, a back plate of the press plate and a latch surface of a rear panel compress to close the upper section of the soap dispensing tube, and then the design of a protruded curved surface of the press plate and a recessed curved surface of the rear panel compress the soap dispensing tube progressively downward to produce a power-saving and smooth compressing effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Po-Hui Lin
  • Publication number: 20060278660
    Abstract: A shoulder supported, hand directed automotive grease gun in which a reciprocating piston transfers fluid from a supply tube to an outlet conduit. A battery powered motor and gear transmission rotate a disc on which is mounted an eccentric pin. The pin forcibly moves a piston holder between low friction parallel guides so as to advance the piston with its transferred fluid toward the outlet conduit. A first spring constantly biases the piston holder toward the pin so that the piston reciprocates rapidly as the disc rotates. An adjustable spring-loaded ball seal unit with an adjustable spring seat controls flow of the fluid. A fluid supply tube heating device alters fluid density to also control fluid flow. An auxiliary shoulder strap relieves pressure on an operator's wrist and transfers backpressure and tool weight to the operators body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Ling Zhang
  • Publication number: 20060278661
    Abstract: A gantry tower spraying system with a cartridge/receptacle assembly includes a gantry and a spray assembly coupled to the gantry to allow for translational movement of the spray assembly along the gantry. The spray assembly includes a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing a cosmetic liquid for skin treatment, and a spray nozzle coupled to the receptacle for receiving the cosmetic liquid and dispensing the cosmetic liquid in a spray. The receptacle has an inner surface of a size and shape to generally conform to a size and shape of a portion of an outer surface of the cartridge. The spraying system can further be provided with an oscillation mechanism adapted to cause oscillation of the spray nozzle. The bottle can be provided with a keying mechanism for engaging a corresponding key structure of the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Steven Cooper, Troy Cooper, Ricky Croft
  • Publication number: 20060278662
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a container having a body portion and an upwardly extending cylindrical wall. The body portion is suitable for containing a fluid. A pump dispenser is connected to the container at the upwardly extending cylindrical wall and includes an actuator head with a spout, a stem connected to the actuator head, and a handle connected to the stem. The handle has at least one first depression member and at least one other depression member. The handle is depressed to withdraw at least a portion of the fluid from the container and dispense at least a portion of the fluid at the spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: KRANSON INDUSTRIES, INC. D/B/A TRICORBRAUN
    Inventor: Craig Sawicki
  • Publication number: 20060278663
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a pump assembly used in connection with metering and dispensing fluid, the assembly includes a valve mechanism and a valve actuator. The valve mechanism includes an exterior projecting handle for controlling the flow of fluid and the valve actuator has a rotatable a lever arm and a pair of cams mounted separately at opposite ends of the lever arm such that the pair of cams cooperate with the handle, wherein when the lever arm is rotated, the handle is moved to control the flow of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: LENTEQ, LP
    Inventors: Johannes Mink, Wilhelmus van Westerop, Renautus Meeuwisse, Leen Hellenberg, Eric Buining, Adriaan Kuipers
  • Publication number: 20060278664
    Abstract: A funnel stand that includes a housing supporting an internal funnel connected to a fuel hose that can be folded or rolled up for storage inside the housing and extended through a hose opening for placement in a fuel tank opening. The funnel stand may also include a ballast to stabilize it as a free-standing device or a base plate configured for permanently or semi-permanently affixing the funnel stand to a loading surface. In addition, the funnel stand may include a lid covering the funnel opening, a door covering the hose opening, and handles to facilitate carrying the device by hand. The funnel stand is designed to be suitable for delivering fuel from a hand-held gas can into the fuel tanks on small watercraft, such as small boats and personal watercraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Chad Shultz
  • Publication number: 20060278665
    Abstract: A container for selectively dispensing a particulate matter, such as a cosmetic loose powder, is provided. The container includes a base having an opening and configured to hold particulate matter, a cover overlying the opening, and a sifter mechanism coupled to the container and movable between a first position and a second position. The sifter mechanism moves between the first position and the second position in response to movement of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Kyle Bennett
  • Publication number: 20060278666
    Abstract: A glue-stopping element for a glue-coating device has a driver element and a ball valve. The ball valve, which is clasped between an upper splint and a lower splint, is driven by the driver element to alternately rotate clockwise and counter-clockwise, thereby starting or stopping the glue flow quickly. A biasing ring is mounted in a ring channel in the upper splint so that when the ball valve is worn and damaged due to the extended use, the upper splint will remain abutted the ball valve due to the pressure of the biasing to prevent glue from overflowing into the periphery of the ball valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Eric Wang, Tz-Jie Lin
  • Publication number: 20060278667
    Abstract: A container and dispenser of a conical shape is provided for liquid or semi-liquid substances. The container features a tab attached to the top region of the cone where a zone of weakness exists at the dividing line between the top region and the rest of the cone to allow the user to easily tear off the tab and remove the top region of the cone, thereby opening a passageway in the tip of the cone where the substance can leave the dispenser by pressing together the collapsible walls or back of the dispenser, without the need for a utensil. In addition, the middle region of the cone is made in a foil-like material that makes the cone re-sealable by pressing the walls of the middle region against each other. Alternatively, a cap can be enclosed within the tab which allows the user to open or close the dispenser by removing or pressing the cap on the top region of the cone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Pieter Weyts
  • Publication number: 20060278668
    Abstract: Liquid dispenser for dispensing a carbonated liquid from a container, the liquid dispenser including a compartment, a container sealing region, a compartment sealing region, and a valve, the compartment extending upwardly from a neck portion of the container, the neck portion and the compartment defining an opening to the atmosphere between the compartment and the neck portion, the container sealing region being located between the neck portion and the opening, the compartment sealing region being located between the compartment and the opening, the valve being movable within the compartment, from a closed position pressed toward the neck portion, to an open position away from the neck portion, the valve including a first surface facing the compartment, a second surface facing the opening, a first valve sealing region, a second valve sealing region, and a channel extending from the neck portion to the compartment, the first valve sealing region matching the container sealing region, for preventing passage of
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2004
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicants: Eliav Korah, Ami Honen
    Inventors: Eliav Korakh, Ami Honen, Reuben Koutal
  • Publication number: 20060278669
    Abstract: A device for smoothing out clothes, in particular shirts comprising an external inflatable body and an internal inflatable body each of which is provided with a trunk section. When inflated, the external and internal inflatable bodies are adjacent to each other through a contact area, and the material of the internal inflatable body and/or external inflatable body exhibits at least a mean air permeability at least in a transmission area which forms the part of the contact area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Kathrin Redlin
  • Publication number: 20060278670
    Abstract: An easily and inexpensively manufactured garment hanger of increased strength and durability. The garment hanger comprises a suspension hook secured to a support rib provided at a central hook region of the hanger. Incorporating the support rib through the central hook region of the hanger minimizes twist and other distortions of the hanger, even when under heavy garment loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Stanley Gouldson
  • Publication number: 20060278671
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of garment hangers, in particular, garment hangers for retaining and supporting lower body garments. Such hangers may be referred to as coordinate loop hangers, which coordinate loop hangers may be supported by upper garment hangers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Stanley Gouldson
  • Publication number: 20060278672
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus 80 has a cavity 64 and core 65 co-operatively defining a void of inverted J-shape transverse cross-section for molding a garment hanger 10. A first leg 115, 127 of the J-shape cross-section forms a front of the garment hanger, a base 111 of the J-shape cross-section forms a transversely arcuate upper face of the garment hanger for receiving shoulders of a garment to be suspended from the garment hanger and a second leg 116, 126, opposed to the first leg, and substantially shorter than the first leg, forms a return rear portion of the garment hanger. A garment hanger molded in the injection molding apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: William Hunt
  • Publication number: 20060278673
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for packaging fasteners such as screws, that is to be worn by a user. The packaging device includes a tray with a plurality of wells, each well accommodating the shank of a respective fastener. An attachment device is used for securing a tray to a user. In a preferred dispensing method, fasteners may be dispensed from the tray using a magnetized screwdriver bit which is placed over the head of the fastener, followed by withdrawing the screwdriver bit with the fastener magnetically attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: Systemation, Inc.
    Inventor: William Goodhue
  • Publication number: 20060278674
    Abstract: An accessory carrier assembly includes a reversible shank manufactured of a substantially square first portion and a substantially square second portion. The first portion is sized to engage a first hitch receiver and the second portion is sized to engage a second hitch receiver. To attach the accessory carrier to the reversible shank, the first segment is located in amounting assembly either with or without the bushings depending on which type of hitch receiver is available. The accessory carrier is pivotable by removal of a single pin to provide access to a rear of a vehicle. The single pin can be further located in a stop aperture to prevent overrotation of the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: David Young, Jacob Belinky, Gregory Richardson, David Hoelscher, David Watch, Katherine Adams
  • Publication number: 20060278675
    Abstract: Described is an article-carrying device including a body, a semi-permeable retainer and a base. The body has a first opening and a second opening. The semi-permeable retainer covers the second opening. The base which, when in a first position, is attached to the body and covers the retainer. When in a second position, the base is at least partially detached from the body and uncovers the retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Michele Squitieri
  • Publication number: 20060278676
    Abstract: The tool carrier system has a tool belt, an apron and a plurality of tool carrier pockets. The tool belt fits over the waist and thigh of the user to distribute the weight of the tools carried therein. The apron is fitted over the waist of the user in a similar manner as the tool belt. Both the tool belt and the apron are lined with U-loop lining. The system has a plurality of pockets and accessory casings that may be mounted onto either the belt or the apron by Velcro. The system may also include a cover for the tool belt to protect the tools and prevent tools from getting caught or being dropped from the tool belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Stuart Lyle
  • Publication number: 20060278677
    Abstract: The tool carrier system has a tool belt, an apron and a plurality of tool carrier pockets. The tool belt fits over the waist and thigh of the user to distribute the weight of the tools carried therein. The apron is fitted over the waist of the user in a similar manner as the tool belt. Both the tool belt and the apron are lined with U-loop lining. The system has a plurality of pockets and accessory casings that may be mounted onto either the belt or the apron by Velcro. The pockets may also be mounted on a work area for storage or display. The system may also include a cover for the tool belt to protect the tools and prevent tools from getting caught or being dropped from the tool belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Stuart Lyle
  • Publication number: 20060278678
    Abstract: A fastener-driving tool has a trigger control mechanism that comprises a vertically oriented selectable mode pushrod that is adapted to be rotated to either one of two predetermined positions or states. When the vertically oriented selectable mode pushrod is disposed at a first one of its angular positions or states, the fastener-driving tool is permitted to operate in accordance with a sequential firing mode of operation, whereas when the vertically oriented selectable mode pushrod is disposed at a second one of its angular positions or states, the fastener-driving tool is permitted to operate in accordance with a bump firing mode of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Ricardo Segura
  • Publication number: 20060278679
    Abstract: A multiple coil staple is provided which includes a backspan and a pair of spaced legs. The backspan includes one or more pockets configured to induce coiling of the legs of the staple. A multiple coil staple applier is also provided which includes a pusher having a distal face defining a staple engagement surface and one or more staple deforming pockets. Each staple deforming pocket is configured to induce coiling of the legs of a staple. The multiple coil staple and staple applier facilitate joining of tissues having wider ranges of thicknesses using a single size staple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Frank Viola, Richard Gresham, Ken Blier, Paul Merten, Joseph Sapiente, Henry Holsten, Russell Heinrich
  • Publication number: 20060278680
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus has a clamp and a stapling mechanism. The clamp has a first jaw and a second jaw to clamp on a body tissue at a desired location for a stapling operation. The stapling mechanism is controlled by a trigger handle or a switch assembly. The surgical apparatus has a controller for providing a delay between clamping and actuating of the firing mechanism of the stapling mechanism. The delay provides for a desired amount of time for tissue compression producing a more uniform staple formation. The surgical apparatus also has an indicator. The indicator provides feedback about the status of the stapling mechanism and also displays a time of tissue compression by the clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Frank Viola, Gregg Krehel, Michael Soltz, Robert DeSantis, Henry Holsten, Russell Heinrich
  • Publication number: 20060278681
    Abstract: A surgical stapler has a handle assembly including a stationary handle and a trigger. The stapler also has a drive assembly with a body having a working end and a cam member supported on the working end. The cam member is positioned to translate relative to the anvil to maintain the anvil in the closed position during firing of the stapler. The trigger is operatively connected to a power cell. The power cell is operably connected to a motor of the drive assembly. The manipulation of the trigger actuates the power cell such that the power cell powers the drive assembly to effect translation of the cam member relative to the anvil. The stapler also has a channel for supporting the staple cartridge and the motor of the drive assembly controls the actuation sled supported within the cartridge. The actuation sled urges the plurality of staples from the cartridge when the anvil is in the closed position and in cooperative alignment with the staple cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Frank Viola, Gregg Krehel, Guido Pedros
  • Publication number: 20060278682
    Abstract: A device (100) and method (200) for bonding a ribbon wire (104) to a workpiece (106) comprising feeding the ribbon wire through a passageway (116) of an ultrasonic bond capillary (102) and clamping the ribbon wire against an engagement surface (120) of the bond capillary via a clamping jaw (118) operably coupled to the bond capillary. The ribbon wire (104) is bonded to the workpiece (106) along a bonding surface (112) of the bond capillary (102) and penetrated, at least partially, between the bonding surface and the engagement surface (120) of the bond capillary by a cutting tool (124). The cutting tool (124) may comprise an elongate member (126) positioned between the bonding surface (112) and engagement surface (120), and may have a cutting blade (128) positioned at a distal end (130) thereof. The cutting tool (124) may further comprise a ring cutter (132), wherein the ribbon wire passes through a ring (134) having a cutting surface (138) defined about an inner diameter thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Bernhard Lange, Steven Kummeri
  • Publication number: 20060278683
    Abstract: A clamp device includes a base, a X direction positioning pin positioning a work piece in a X direction, and a Y direction positioning pin positioning the work piece in a Y direction. A X direction arm moves the work piece toward the X direction positioning pin. A Y direction arm moves the work piece toward the Y direction positioning pin. An arm drive mechanism performs moving actuation of the X direction arm and moving actuation of the Y direction arm. The X direction arm and the Y direction arm are constructed such that the arm drive mechanism performs the moving actuation of the Y direction arm and the moving actuation of the X direction arm with a time difference being provided between the pressing of the work piece against the Y direction positioning pin and the pressing of the work piece against the X direction positioning pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Toshiaki Otsuka, Tadashi Inoue
  • Publication number: 20060278684
    Abstract: A jig to be in contact with solder in reflow soldering is coated with diamond-like-carbon on at least a portion which is to be in contact with the solder. In this manner the solder is prevented from adhering to the jig. The diamond-like-carbon coating is preferably provided on the whole surface of the jig facing to the molten solder. In a method for connecting connection members using a jig which can be in contact with solder in reflow soldering, the jig is coated with the diamond-like-carbon on its surface which is likely to contact the solder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Tomonari Ohtsuki, Yasue Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20060278685
    Abstract: Two structural components, such as a gas turbine rotor hub and a rotor blade, are integrally joined to each other by friction welding, particularly linear friction welding. For this purpose, each component is provided with a joining surface and at least one of the two components is provided with a groove next to the respective joining surface. The groove extends fully or partly around the respective joining surface and serves for reducing stress in a normal and radial direction of the respective joining surface, whereby a more uniform heating of the joining zone is achieved and joining faults are avoided or at least reduced during the friction welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Bamberg
  • Publication number: 20060278686
    Abstract: The folder has only one side substantially connected using a side hinge. Prior art style folder front and back panels (40 and 41) are hingedly attached along a horizontal bottom edge (47). The front and back panels each have a left-hand side edge (43 and 45). These LHS edges are substantially vertical and perpendicular to the panels' bottom edge. The proximal edges (53 and 55) of side hinge (50) are hingedly attached to respective LHS edges of the panels. The hinge portions' distal edges (56 and 54) are hingedly attached together (along vertical line 60). The hinge substantially connects the LHS front panel edge to the LHS back panel edge. The lower edge of the hinge (23) is at least 1.5? up from the folder's bottom edge (47). The hinge is short (like ¾?). The hinge folds inside/between the folder panels (like 1? in and 1? out).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Jean Rittmann
  • Publication number: 20060278687
    Abstract: A packaging arrangement for marketing products and information; the packaging arrangement including an envelope, a sleeve, and a postcard. Each of the sleeve and the postcard being positionable within a volume defined by the envelope. The postcard including a tab that is located outside of the volume of the envelope when the postcard is positioned within the envelope. The sleeve including a front floating panel and a back panel designed and arranged to create visual illusions and provide various visual effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Sexton
  • Publication number: 20060278688
    Abstract: An assembly for packaging a product includes a blank of sheet material having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface. The blank forms a carton having a top, a bottom and a plurality of side panels. Each side panel extends between the top and the bottom. A first side panel is movable between a first position and a second position. The first movable side panel is initially biased in the first position. A heat-shrink patch is applied to the interior surface and connected to at least a portion of the first movable side panel. The heat-shrink patch is shrinkable to urge the first movable side panel to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Angela Learn
  • Publication number: 20060278689
    Abstract: A reinforced handle is provided in an end wall closure of a sleeve type carton by forming a handle aperture in a top end flap, and by aligning the handle aperture with corresponding cutouts formed in respective side end flaps, each cutout being reinforced with one or more reinforcing panels that align with at least its weight bearing edge. Each reinforcing panel is hingedly attached to the respective side end flap to be foldable along the hinged connection and secured in a face contacting arrangement, whereby the reinforcing panel overlies the cutout as an overlay panel, or aligns its edge with the weight bearing edge of the cutout. In this manner, the material at the weight bearing edge of the cutout is at least two plies thick. When the carton is fully erected and sealed, the reinforced cutout is in registry with the handle aperture, thereby creating the reinforced handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Boshinski, Aaron Bates, John Holley
  • Publication number: 20060278690
    Abstract: Disclosed is a folding collapsible storage container, which has a container body with vertical folding lines in the four corners and two opposite short sides thereof, a stiff partition plate fixedly fastened to the container body set between the vertical folding lines in the two opposite short sides of the container body, flexible spacer members connected between the partition plate and two opposite long sides of the container body, and a hard bottom board detachably mounted in the flexible bottom panel of the container body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Wen-Tsan Wang