Patents Issued in June 12, 2007
  • Patent number: 7228941
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metering device for lubricant having a lubricant reservoir (1), a piston (3), which is arranged on a threaded spindle (2), within the lubricant reservoir and a drive head 4, which has a drive shaft (7) connected to the threaded spindle (2) and an electromechanical drive (5) for actuating the drive shaft. The drive shaft (7) contains a lubricant passage duct (8) which opens into the lubricant storage space of the lubricant reservoir. A ram (9) is inserted into the lubricant passage duct (8) of the drive shaft, said ram having an axial bore (10) with a nonreturn valve (11) on the inlet side, and also a ram head (13) which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner and is loaded by a compression spring (12). The ram head (13) bears under the effect of the compression spring (12) against a control surface (14) of the drive shaft (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: perma-tec GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Weigand, Bernd Scheit, Stefan Brand, Thomas Hildenbrand
  • Patent number: 7228942
    Abstract: A method for energy storage and recovery for load hoisting equipment driven by a diode controlled DC motor and having an inverter controlling an induction motor which drives a flywheel whereby, utilizing rest power such as reverse power from the DC motor when lowering a load and unused power at small load or idle to accelerate rotation of a flywheel, whereby energy is stored, and the system is reversed when a load is lifted and power is consumed whereby the flywheel causes the induction motor to generate power and deliver it to the DC motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Paceco Corp.
    Inventors: Toru Takehara, Kinya Ichimura
  • Patent number: 7228943
    Abstract: An elevator apparatus has a criterion (overspeed levels) that changes in accordance with an operational condition of a car. The elevator apparatus also has a position information correcting means that corrects an error in value that determines the criterion. In the elevator apparatus, the overspeed levels are determined using continuous information corresponding to car position, while the continuous information is corrected using intermittent information corresponding to actual car position. According to the elevator apparatus, on-the-spot adjustment or long-time maintenance becomes unnecessary, and overspeed detection levels can easily be changed in accordance with the operation conditions of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuo Kugiya, Kenichi Okamoto, Takashi Yumura, Mineo Okada
  • Patent number: 7228944
    Abstract: In a method for determining the temperature of a wheel-braking device of a brake system, the current disc temperature of the brake disc is determined based on the last-determined disc temperature, the energy supplied to the brake disc since the last temperature determination, and the energy discharged by the brake disc since the last temperature determination. The current caliper temperature of the brake caliper of the wheel-braking device is determined by means of the current disc temperature of the brake disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Fischle, Alexander Hohnwald, Taner Kandemir, Thorsten Klepser, Frank Tietze, Peter Woll
  • Patent number: 7228945
    Abstract: A brake assembly includes a mounting plate, pressure members disposed in a substantially coplanar manner relative to the mounting plate, and electric actuators mounted to the mounting plate. The electric actuators are configured to selectively move the pressure members relative to the mounting plate (i) from a non-braking position to a braking position in response to a first command, and (ii) from the braking position to the non-braking position in response to a second command. Such a brake assembly is well-suited for a variety of applications including vehicle brakes such as aircraft brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: HR Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert John O'Neill
  • Patent number: 7228946
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brake disk for a disk brake, in particular for utility vehicles. Said brake disk comprises two spaced friction rings, which are linked to each other forming an air space and is linked to a wheel hub and/or axle in a rotationally fixed manner. Said brake disk is designed, such that it is fixed to the hub, by means of a separate link piece radially extending, in a manner that said disk can be elastically displaced in the hub axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Baumgartner, Dieter Bieker
  • Patent number: 7228947
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and tools for producing a braking band (2) of a disk-brake disk (1) by casting, in which the disk comprises at least two plates (3, 3?) connected to one another by connecting elements (4) forming an internal air-duct (7) for the cooling of the braking band (2). With the method and the tools, a disk is produced in which at least one of the plates (3, 3?) has, in its surface (8, 8?) defining the air-ducts (7), at least one groove (10, 10?) having a cross-section which becomes wider towards the air-duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Freni Brembo S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Meroni, Simone Ravasio, Leone Oberti
  • Patent number: 7228948
    Abstract: A hydraulic damper including a tube filled with working liquid which contains a slidable piston assembly attached to a piston rod. The piston assembly includes a piston having a compression valve arrangement to control the flow of working liquid passing through the piston during the compression stroke of the damper. The compression valve arrangement includes a stack of resilient deflectable disks placed on one axial side of the piston and covering compression flow passages in the piston, a spring, spring seat guide and a spring retainer, the spring mounted between the spring seat and the spring retainer. The spring biases the axially slidable spring seat against the stack of disks to normally close the compression flow passages, and the stack of disks is held by the spring seat. The spring seat guide may also be provided with rebound flow passages linked with flow passages in the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Waldemar Wilda, Lukasz Piotrowski, Marcin Knapczyk
  • Patent number: 7228949
    Abstract: Linear dampers are capable of offering an expected damping force without the use of oil or gas. A casing body 10 has a cylindrical portion 14 and a damping groove 15 continuing with each other and axially extending. The side face of the damping groove 15 are tapering faces 17 between which the space gradually opens up toward the opening of the damping groove 15. A slider 18 constituted of a first moving member 19 and a second moving member 20 is inserted into the casing 10. When the slider 18 is inserted into the casing 10, an inclined face 28 of the second moving member 20 and an inclined face 24 of the first moving member 19 are in contact with each other and tapering faces 29 of the second moving member 20 and the tapering faces 17 are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Tok Bearing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinpei Namiki, Kenji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7228950
    Abstract: A transmission apparatus is disclosed which can improve the locking response speed of a lockup clutch when an engine is driven by the output side, without largely changing the structure of the lockup clutch or the like. In the lockup clutch of this transmission apparatus, fixing portions (21a) for a support member (24) of a damper spring (23) are fixed to a plurality of portions on a predetermined circumference of a piston (21) which are inside a friction member (22). Projections (21b) extending in the radial direction are formed, at those positions of the lockup piston (21) which are inside the friction member (22) and sandwiched by the fixing portions (21a) for the support member (24) of the damper spring (23), to project toward a front cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignees: Mazda Motor Company, Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Doi, Shinya Kamada, Norio Iwashita, Kazuhito Maeda
  • Patent number: 7228951
    Abstract: Clutch release bearing device that includes: an operating element; a rolling-contact bearing fitted with a non-rotating ring and a rotating ring and connected axially to the operating element; and an annular fixing ring provided with an axial portion mounted inside the operating element and also with an axially elastic portion whose axially opposite side from the operating element is pressed axially against the non-rotating ring, the fixing ring being able to keep the non-rotating ring axially connected to the operating element and yet allow radial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Benoît Arnault
  • Patent number: 7228952
    Abstract: A shaft support or mount for supporting a conveyor roller and for dampening the vibrations of the conveyor roller or conveyor roller assembly in operation, by providing flexible connection structure in the shaft support, which is usually comprised of rubber. A method of dampening the transmittal of vibrations from a conveyor roller by providing a flexible connection structure in the shaft support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Van Der Graaf Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Kanaris
  • Patent number: 7228953
    Abstract: A feeder for orienting and aligning disorderly incoming articles includes a table having a peripheral wall, a rotary surface surrounded by the peripheral wall, and a discharge substantially tangential to the peripheral wall, the discharge being sized to receive one article at a time from the rotary surface in a predetermined orientation; and at least one pile eliminating member extending above the rotary surface and defining a gap with the rotary surface, the gap being sized to solely permit passage of non-superposed articles laying in the predetermined orientation on the rotary surface. It also relates to a method for doing same and a method and an apparatus for removing obstructing blocks from the discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Conception R.P. Inc.
    Inventors: Réal Perreault, David Sullivan, Gérald Duclos
  • Patent number: 7228954
    Abstract: A conveyor system and associated method for conveying tires received from a multiplicity of tire presses. The conveyor system shown comprises a main, or trench, conveyor flanked on opposite sides by opposing groups of tire presses. Discharge conveyors deliver tires from the tire presses to the main conveyor at multiple positions along the length of the main conveyor. The tires are delivered from both sides of the main conveyor, which conveys them downstream. An open-loop sequencer activates each discharge conveyor to deliver tires to the main conveyor according to a schedule including the sequence of activating each of the discharge conveyors so as to avoid collisions between tires on the main conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph M. DePaso
  • Patent number: 7228955
    Abstract: The invention starts with a hopper (1) where the objects are randomly introduced, with a bottom (2) tilted towards an adjustable outlet opening (3), arranged under the latter there is a unitary metering device (5) leading to a discharge plate (22) of a grooved front edge (23) so as to intertwine with blades (11) of a lifting means (6), wherein said plates are spaced by a magnitude which is not quite twice the width of the objects to be handled, a lifting means ending at a transfer mechanism consisting of a conveyor (27), also with grooved blades (28) acting on a base plate (29) framed by two rails (30) guiding the objects towards a drop opening (17), with means which make the objects swing during their fall so that they adopt the correct position when they reach an exit conveyor (41), between two side walls (34), another conveyor (36) collaborating with said conveyor (41), the former provided with a plurality of pushing means (35) spaced by a magnitude in accordance with the width of the objects to be conveye
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Javier Comas Corral
  • Patent number: 7228956
    Abstract: A bulk material precision transfer chute apparatus transfers a flow of material from a discharge conveyor to a separate receiving conveyor. The apparatus receives a flow of material from the discharge conveyor and transfers that material to a receiving conveyor depositing the material in a precise manner that avoids spillage of the material from the receiving conveyor, avoids wear to the receiving conveyor, and avoids excess dust generation from the transfer of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Benetech, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Pircon, Ronald A. Westfall, Gregory A. Clark
  • Patent number: 7228957
    Abstract: A slip conveyor assembly (10) having a plurality of slip conveyors (11 to 16). Each slip conveyor (11 to 16) has a tray (18) providing a conveyor surface (20) along which product is delivered. The trays (18) are arrangeable and caused to reciprocate so that product may be conveyed in either longitudinal direction, with at least two of the trays being arrangeable to provide a gap (32) therebetween to provide for delivery of product from the conveyor assembly (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: TNA Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Alfred Alexander Taylor, Garry Ronald MacKay
  • Patent number: 7228958
    Abstract: Conveyor (1), comprising a number of supporting bodies (10) arranged successively in an array in order to form transporting positions for objects (P) for transporting between two successive supporting bodies (10), wherein the form of the supporting bodies (10) is suitable for urging the objects (P) into a transverse position relative to the direction of movement (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: De Greef's Wagen-, Carrosserrie- en Machinebouw B.V.
    Inventor: Jacob Hendrik De Greef
  • Patent number: 7228959
    Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt achieves a very tight turning radius. The belt is configured to permit the belt module rows to collapse using an over/under slotted module geometry, allowing for modules of one row to slip over/under modules of an adjacent row at the inside of a curve. This allows greater collapse and thus much tighter turning radii. A belt of two inch pitch can achieve an approximately 0.33 turning ratio, the ratio between turn center distance and width of belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventor: James J. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7228960
    Abstract: A conveyor for hot material comprising a conveying unit for conveying the hot material, a material delivery unit for delivering the hot material to the conveying unit, a housing for covering at least a portion of the length of the conveying unit, introduction devices disposed in the housing for furnishing water to the hot material on the conveying unit, wherein the introduction devices are disposed exclusively in a section of the housing that in the conveying direction is remote from the material delivery unit, and an exhaust unit connected to the material delivery unit for withdrawal of water vapor, generated by the furnishing of water, to produce a water vapor stream that is counter to the conveying direction of the hot material and is directed toward the material delivery unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Aumund-Fördererbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Müller, Burkhard Poppeck
  • Patent number: 7228961
    Abstract: A multi-ply wrapper for a package includes an inner ply of material having printed indicia at selected portions thereon and an outer ply of material laminated to the inner ply wherein the outer ply is provided with perforated sections aligned to cover the printed indicia. A two-ply wrapper is particularly useful in cigarette packaging for circumscribing a foil wrapped bundle of cigarettes whereby upon peeling away the perforated section of the outer ply, graphics are disposed which include consumer information, advertising, special offers, coupons and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Stephen Koetter, Donald A. Stringfield
  • Patent number: 7228962
    Abstract: An item of expandable luggage includes a multiple expansion capability, including an expandable main compartment and an expandable external pocket. The luggage item also includes a pair of internal tie-down panels for better holding of clothes within the item and for providing additional storage pockets. A low-profile clothes hanger bracket is provided which is useful with either wire or wooden clothes hangers and includes a harness to avoid unintentional dislodgement of the hangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Tumi, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul V. Scicluna
  • Patent number: 7228963
    Abstract: An anti-theft box which displays an article in a manner which allows a consumer to handle the article without removing it from the box, and which deters theft of the article and/or box is disclosed. The anti-theft box includes a base for supporting the article, and a cover which engages and is lockable with the base. The article is visible through the cover, and an opening in the cover allows a consumer to touch the article without opening the cover or removing the article. In addition, the base includes a locking mechanism in order to normally lock the cover to the base so that it cannot be readily disengaged by the consumer. A retailer can readily engage the base, for example with a key plate, in order to easily open the cover. In one embodiment, an EAS marker is also supported within the base, preferably hidden from the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Display Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Feibelman, William A. McAuley
  • Patent number: 7228964
    Abstract: A storage case (1) for a compact disc (2) comprises an outer shell (4) within which an inner carrier (5) for storing the compact disc (2) is slideable between an open and a closed position. The compact disc (2) is stored in a disc storing area (20) between a lower support plate (15) and an upper retaining member (19) of the inner carrier (5). Guide plates (25, 26) slideably guide the compact disc (2) into and out of the disc storing area (20). Resilient disc engaging clips (30) on a rear end wall (17) of the inner carrier (5) resiliently urges the compact disc (2) against corresponding abutment members (33) on the front end wall (16) for securing the compact disc (2) against sideward sliding from the disc storing area (20). The combination of the disc engaging clips (30) and the guide plates (25, 26) avoid the need for a central locating spigot for engaging a central opening of the compact disc (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventors: John Joseph Lawlor, William Peter Lawlor, Patrick Christopher Wright, John Joseph McCormack, Owen Paul Laverty
  • Patent number: 7228965
    Abstract: An appliance packaging assembly and method wherein a reinforced base pad is disposed under an appliance, a plurality of rigid posts are disposed between the base pad and alongside the appliance, a transparent film is disposed about the posts and the appliance, a reinforced cover having a lifting flange member on a side portion thereof, the cover disposed over the plurality of wrapped posts and appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: James Robert Marventano, Todd J. Demerit, John VanDerKolk
  • Patent number: 7228966
    Abstract: A carrying case for transporting personal hygiene products includes at least one chamber having a pivotal door and including a first section having at least one divider for adjusting a length of the section. The door includes a first portion formed from opaque material and a second portion formed from transparent material and the chamber includes a second section oppositely spaced from the first section. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention includes a compartment for lip liners. In another embodiment, the present invention includes a lid formed from reflective material for assisting a user to in applying makeup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Darlene Turner
  • Patent number: 7228967
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel means for supporting multiple fragile articles which are often mounted upon a fixed substrate such as a pallet during shipment thereof. These longitudinal supporting members are generally rectangular in cross-section and can be of any length. Each support member includes an upper support surface and a longitudinally extending slot or recess which can form a mounting member, lip or recess therein to facilitate driving and retaining of securement members such as staples, therethrough, into the substrate located therebelow for securement to the substrate while defining a safety zone between the staples and the supported fragile articles for protection thereof. An upper panel of dissimilar material can be laminated over the upper supporting surface of the support member to control the coefficient of friction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Homasote Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7228968
    Abstract: A stick-on, flexible peel and seal, wet wipes package includes a flexible package body having a front surface, a rear surface, and an internal space sized to contain a plurality of removable wet wipes. An elongated opening extends through the package body to the internal space for accessing and permitting dispensing of the removable wet wipes. A substantially self-closing, resealable label flap is positioned on the front surface of the package body to cover the opening formed therein. The label flap has a bottom surface provided with a sealing adhesive that creates a seal entirely around the periphery of the opening and permits repeated application and removal of the label flap relative to the package body. The label flap further has a starting tab non-adhesively positionable in contact with the front surface of the package body. An adhesive layer structure is provided on the rear surface of the package body for adhering the package body to a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Starliner, LLC
    Inventor: Mark H. Burgess
  • Patent number: 7228969
    Abstract: It is an air-filled cushioning material which sufficiently protects an article to be protected with less possibility of rupture of sheets against an external force to a compartment thereof or wild bounding in falling. The air-filled cushioning material 1 formed of non-breathable soft resin sheets has a compartment area 2 that produces cushioning effect by filling it with air. The compartment area 2 is separated into a first compartment 21 and an adjacent second compartment 22, both compartments 21, 22 communicating with each other via an air-flow passage 7. The air-flow passage 7 allows an air-flow to pass from either of the compartments 21, 22 to the other while applying resistance. The air moves from either of the compartments 21, 22 which accepts an external force P to the other through the air-flow passage 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Kashiwara Seitai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsumi Nakano
  • Patent number: 7228970
    Abstract: A method and system for prepackaging and administering a predetermined individualized regime of therapeutic dosages comprising coding of a plurality of sets of separate dosage packets with individual dosage packet designations corresponding to the time and day or date of administration, filling the separate dosage packets with the predetermined individualized regime of therapeutic dosages, coding a packet organizer comprising a plurality of packet positions corresponding to the plurality of sets of separate dosage packets with individual packet designations corresponding to the individual dosage packet designations of the plurality of sets of separate dosage packets, matching the individual dosage packets of the plurality of sets of separate dosage packets with the corresponding packet positions of the packet organizer by correlating the individual dosage packet designations of the plurality of sets of separate dosage packets with the corresponding packet position designations of the packet organizer, storing
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Douglas A. Holmberg
  • Patent number: 7228971
    Abstract: A vibratory screening machine having opposite sides with a plurality of stationary aligned tensioning members mounted on one side and a plurality of nut actuated movable tensioning members mounted on the opposite side and a vibratory screening screen mounted on the stationary and movable tensioning members. The tensioning members have upstanding fingers which are received in apertures in the plates of the vibratory screen, and the edge portions of the vibratory screen include screening material which extends all of the way to the extreme edges of the supporting plate and the fingers are below the screening material. Also, the tensioning structure is mounted on the side walls of the vibratory screening machine below the vibratory screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Derrick Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Mooney, Keith F. Wojciechowski
  • Patent number: 7228972
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for separating and recovering short bars from full length bars in a rolling mill. The bars are initially conveyed on a run-out roller table from a shear to a transfer station where they are accumulated in a layer. The layer is transferred laterally from the transfer station onto a separation roller table at a separation station. An elevator lifts the tail ends of the full length bars off of the separation roller table, and the separation roller table then conveys the short bars to a recovery station. The remaining full length bars are then returned to the transfer station, from where they are sent on to a bundling station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Morgan Construction Company
    Inventors: Pradip K. Ghosh, Bruno Maggioni
  • Patent number: 7228973
    Abstract: Blood separation media include a non-woven web of fibrillated and non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers. The fibrillated synthetic staple fibers will most preferably have a Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) of less than about 300 mL, whereas the non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers have a CSF of greater than about 700 mL. Preferably, the fibrillated synthetic staple fibers are present in an amount between about 20 to 90 wt. %, and the non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers are present in an amount between about 10 to about 80 wt. %. The fibrillated and non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers may be formed of the same, or different, polymeric material, such as polyesters, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, poyacrylonitriles, and polyamides. Especially preferred blood separation media will comprise a blend of fibrillated acrylic fibers, and a mixture of non-fibrillated nylon and polyester fibers, wherein the ratio of nylon and polyester fibers in the mixture thereof is between about 1:4 to about 1:2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Mt. Holly Springs, LLC
    Inventor: Larry D. Simon
  • Patent number: 7228974
    Abstract: Storage media rack arranged to simultaneously receive different sizes and types of storage media including front and rear walls, side walls, a bottom wall having steps which connect the bottom wall to the side walls and partition walls arranged perpendicular to the side walls and on the steps such that a first type of storage media can be positioned on or supported by the steps and a second type of storage media can be positioned on or supported by the bottom wall between the steps. Additional partition walls project inwardly from the steps and upwardly from the bottom wall and define slots for receiving the second type of storage media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Abraham Ohayon
  • Patent number: 7228975
    Abstract: A dish rack has a wire frame base, a horizontal wire segment coupled to the wire frame base, and a swinging arm pivotably coupled to the horizontal wire segment. The swinging arm has a plurality of holders and a lock mechanism that removably engages the swinging arm with a portion of the wire frame base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Adam C. Wade, Myk Wayne Lum
  • Patent number: 7228976
    Abstract: A deployable toothbrush holder includes a single piece of sheet material including spaced first and second end edges. A single fold area across the sheet material defines a holder portion and a base portion. The holder portion terminates in the first end edge and has a length relative to the base portion to impart a smooth sloping curvature to the holder portion without fold lines when the toothbrush holder is deployed. The base portion terminates at the second end edge. At least one toothbrush receiving orifice in the holder portion is sized to receive the shaft of the toothbrush. At least one toothbrush receiving orifice in the base portion is sized to receive the shaft of a toothbrush and is aligned with the orifice in the holder portion. A key extends outwardly from the second edge, and a lock for receiving the key is disposed in the holder portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Mide Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Jaco Pretorius
  • Patent number: 7228977
    Abstract: A space-efficient workroom organization system comprising a slotwall panel and/or slot track storage system with at least one repositionable slotwall or slot track mounted storage cabinet, and a workbench system comprising a workbench having a work surface and defining a storage recess beneath the work surface, with at least one mobile storage cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Travis M. Perkins, Thomas Wesley Arent, Todd Christopher Starr, Tyree E. Sampson, Kenneth J. Rasche, Steven E. Tolliver, Brent A. Junge, Duane E. Schmidt, Brian J. Stewart, Mark A. Stout, Wyatt A. Cline, James W. Kendall
  • Patent number: 7228978
    Abstract: A storage surface assembly is provided for use as a shelf for holding storage items. This storage surface assembly is well suited for use in many industrial and/or commercial applications, where storage shelves must bear heavy loads and maintain their structural integrity while complying with fire codes requiring some amount of open area along the surface of the shelf. Therefore, there is provided a storage surface assembly for use in a standard commercial racking assembly, the storage surface assembly comprising a pair of extension members, and a plurality of traverse members extending between the pair of extension members, wherein the traverse members can be attached to the extension members by various methods, based on the requirements dictated by a particular storage environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: David J. Cross
  • Patent number: 7228979
    Abstract: A closure is provided with a thread configuration adapted for snap-on or screw-on application to a container neck finish. The closure is optionally provided with at least one member attached to the tamper-indicating ring which cooperates with the arcuate projection to assist in breaking said tamper indicating ring during removal of the closure from the container neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7228980
    Abstract: The plastic capsule, especially for large-volume bottles for use in dispensers, includes an openable zone (4) which is accessible from the outside and closed by a cap (3) is externally protected by a disc (5) which is made in a single piece with the capsule. The cap (3) is peripherally connected to the openable zone by easy-break ribs (6) and also by a thin annular skin (6a) which hermetically closes an annular space existing between the upper surface (1a) of the capsule and the disc (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Bormioli Rocco & Figlio S.p.A.
    Inventor: Emilio Morini
  • Patent number: 7228981
    Abstract: A plastic container includes a body of one-piece integrally blow-molded construction. The body has an hourglass shape in side elevation with a waist, a base and a shoulder, and at least one helical external rib extending at least one full turn around the waist. The hourglass shape provides as a result of the blow molding operation minimum hoop stretch and extra thickness and strength at the waist, and maximum hoop stretch and minimum thickness at the shoulder and base. The helical rib at the waist of the container gives mechanical stiffness and resiliency for gripping and squeezing the container at the waist, yet allows angular movement of the shoulder with respect to the base to enhance flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, LP
    Inventor: Brian J. Chisholm
  • Patent number: 7228982
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a bottle handle that is separately formed and subsequently affixed to the neck of a bottle by threading, or snap fitting the handle onto the bottle neck, or by securing thereto during a blow mold operation of the bottle. The preferred handle includes a neck portion and a finger portion that comprise two generally perpendicularly oriented, substantially circular rings that are offset from one another in an approximately tangential relationship. Protuberances and concave finger indents on the finger portion enable a user's finger to provide extra support when handling a bottle affixed with the bottle handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Keith M Nielson
  • Patent number: 7228983
    Abstract: A display package for a storage container includes a primary and secondary blister package. The primary blister package includes an opening incorporated thereon allowing a user to rotate a cover of the storage container through the opening about its hinge. A base of the storage container is retained within the primary blister package thereby precluding the user from withdrawing the whole storage container from the primary blister package. The secondary blister package includes a plurality of tool accessories arranged therein. The secondary blister package is disposed within an extension section of the primary blister package and positioned above the base of the storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: James Pangerc, Gregory Scott Snider, Daniel G Findle, Jennifer R Ervin, Timothy B Bailey
  • Patent number: 7228984
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container for wetted wipes, comprising a container body with at least one opening, a stationary cover being fitted on, or integrated to said container body, said stationary cover comprising at least one dispensing opening through which the container contents is removed, a movable lid which is movably attached to said stationary cover, or is an integral movable part of the stationary cover, so as to reversibly close said dispensing opening, the container being characterized in that a gas-proof means is located between said stationary cover and said movable lid, for providing a gas-tight barrier between the inside and the outside of the container when the movable lid is in the closed position. Preferably, the tub also comprises a spring element and a releasable lock for automatic opening of the movable lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Joris Jozef Gustaaf Tack, Michela Ratti
  • Patent number: 7228985
    Abstract: A carrying apparatus includes a metal basket and a metal frame. The metal basket includes a bottom and a wall attached to the bottom. The wall includes an upper edge and a bent connection extending from the wall to the upper edge. The metal frame includes a vertical portion, a first horizontal portion, a bent connection extending from the vertical portion to the first horizontal portion, a second horizontal portion, a retroflex connection extending from the first horizontal portion to the second horizontal portion and a roiled edge extending from the second horizontal portion. The bent connection of the basket is clamped between the bent connection and the rolled edge of the frame. Therefore, the frame is secured to the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Jen-Ren Yeh
  • Patent number: 7228986
    Abstract: A base for a food container includes a pattern of rib units in a side wall of the container. The rib units are formed at multiple angles and depths to provide strength to the side wall. The base also includes a bottom with ribs of alternating heights and angles that provide strength to the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hayes, James N. Gomoll
  • Patent number: 7228987
    Abstract: The purpose of the Krazy koozie is to provide the consumer with an apparatus intended for use with beverage containers of various sizes and shapes. The Krazy koozie performs functions of prior existence regarding protecting the hand of the consumer when holding a hot beverage cup, providing insulation to a cold beverage container, collapsible storage capabilities, preventing condensation stains on preferred surfaces, but combines all existing functions with the ability to expand and contract easily around various beverage containers. Unlike existing products on the market, the Krazy koozie combines all the desired functions of existing apparatuses allowing a consumer to use my invention during most situations with many beverage containers. The existing market is lacking of a universal apparatus for insulating a beverage container, my invention introduces this idea and provides many opportunities to not only consumers, but those currently involved in the market as it exists today.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Kyle Brandon Jones
  • Patent number: 7228988
    Abstract: A medicine supply apparatus to discharge a medicine into packing paper having a nozzle for discharging a medicine from a tablet case and a shutter rotatably provided in the nozzle for opening/closing a medicine drop path. The shutter includes a first rotatable shutter plate of a size capable of closing the inside of the nozzle, a second shutter plate swingably connected to the tip of the first shutter plate, and a guide for swinging the second shutter plate in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the first shutter plate in a final stage of the medicine discharge while the first shutter plate is opened. The tip of the second shutter plate is located in a position to narrow an outlet of the medicine drop path when the first shutter plate is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd, Sanyo Electric Biomedical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsuo Inamura
  • Patent number: 7228989
    Abstract: The invention provides a vending machine for cooling food products. The vending machine includes a housing defining an interior. The vending machine also includes a plurality of holding members substantially thermally isolated from one another and disposed in the interior. Each of the plurality of holding members includes inner and outer hollow members telescopically engaged with one another to define an inner cavity with an opening operable to communicate an individual food product and an outer cavity with an inlet and an outlet spaced from the inlet. The vending machine also includes a refrigeration system disposed outside of the interior and fluidly communicating individually with each of the outer cavities to cool each of the inner cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohinder Singh Bhatti, Mingyu Wang, David P. Rusch
  • Patent number: 7228990
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for transporting and dispensing fibers into an aggregate mix, and more specifically, to a method and system for transporting and dispensing unitized fibrous constructs into a mix without affecting the structural integrity of the unitized construct. The dispensing system will transport and dispense unitized fibrous constructs intact into a cementitious mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Schmidt