Patents Issued in January 19, 2010
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Patent number: 7648019Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaning device which can handle conveyor belts with damaged areas, mechanical joints, and/or head pulleys with profile spaces causing the conveyor belt to run unevenly, is provided. The scraper blade is attached to a T-shaped element which has pressure applied by an air bladder held within a housing. The T-shaped element moves freely within the housing to permit movement of the scraper blade in a direction tangential to as well as perpendicular to the conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: McBride Belting & Hose Ltd.Inventor: Randy Garth McBride
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Patent number: 7648020Abstract: A transition plate assembly and a position sensor assembly are used to detect a dislodged or removed transition plate from a gap between the discharge end of a conveyor and the first end of a run-out ramp. The position sensor assembly may detect a safe seated position of a hinged transition plate protecting the gap and generate a motor-enabling signal to a drive motor that drives the conveyor. An interrupted motor-enabling signal, corresponding to an unsafe condition, may turn off the drive motor to prevent damage to articles or persons until an enabling signal is restored. In one embodiment, the termination of the power to the drive motor continues until a delay period has elapsed following the detection of an enabling signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Scott Wesley Dickover, Wesley Dale Dickover
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Patent number: 7648021Abstract: A method of applying a coating to a conveyor belt is provided. A first layer of adhesive is applied to a first surface of the conveyor belt and allowed to cure. One or more subsequent layers of adhesive are applied to the first layer of adhesive; a final layer of the one or more subsequent layers is allowed to become tacky. In some embodiments the adhesive is a two-part cement. In particular embodiments, the two-part cement includes an isocyanate part and a curable rubber part. A layer of two-part polyurethane/polyurea is applied to the tacky layer of adhesive. The coating process may be performed on conveyor belts having worn or damaged portions in an effort to repair the conveyor belts.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Garlock Rubber TechnologiesInventor: Joel Donnenwirth
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Patent number: 7648022Abstract: A tray includes a paint roller including a handle, a shaft conjoined thereto and a padded applicator positioned about the shaft. A pan includes front and rear sections, an opening for receiving paint and the roller therein, a flange portion protruding about a perimeter thereof, and a notch formed medially of a top surface of the front section. The notch has an arcuate lower edge. A lid is included to cover the opening of the pan and forms an air tight seal around a perimeter of the pan opening. The lid includes a lip portion extending downward from the lid and about a perimeter thereof, and has planar top and bottom surfaces. A proximal portion of the shaft is telescopically positional through the notch so that the user can house the roller within the pan while the lid is attached thereto.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Inventor: Mark W. Freeauf
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Patent number: 7648023Abstract: An endoscope pre-cleaning kit has a sealed, flexible pouch having front and back sidewall panels and a bottom gusset panel. The sidewall panels are superimposed over one another and sealed together proximate to their top and side peripheral edges to define a top seal and two opposing side seals. The sidewall panels are sealed to the bottom gusset panel proximate to their bottom peripheral edges to define a gusseted bottom portion such that the pouch is adapted to stand upright. The kit also includes a pre-diluted detergent contained within the pouch, and an absorbent pad adapted to absorb a portion of the detergent. The pouch includes a portion adapted to be opened in order to access the detergent.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Cygnus Medical LLCInventors: Walter L. Maguire, Jr., Shaun Sweeney
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Patent number: 7648024Abstract: Provided is a pocket-sized, hand-held container including a receptacle at least partially housed in an outer housing and a tray, contained within the outer housing and positioned around the receptacle. Preferably, the tray is sealed with a membrane. The receptacle is used to contain spent product. Preferably, the outer housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing. A lid in the upper housing slides open to reveal an openable window in the membrane. In an embodiment, at least one thumb ridge is located on the lid to facilitate opening and closing of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Phillip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Robert T. Mitten, Xuan M. Pham, Yvonne DeVerry, Sven Bergmann, Stephen J. Bellamah, Stephen Getsy
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Patent number: 7648025Abstract: An arrow and bow storage and transportation apparatus includes a lower housing that has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall has an upper edge defining an opening into the interior. A first cover is hingedly coupled to the peripheral wall and positionable over the opening in a closed position. A perimeter wall is attached to and extends upwardly from the first cover. The first cover and the perimeter wall define an upper housing. The perimeter wall has a top edge defining an aperture into an interior of the upper housing. A second cover is hingedly coupled to the perimeter wall. The second cover is positionable in a closed position extending over the aperture or an open position exposing the aperture. A plurality of arrows is removably positioned in the upper housing and a bow is removably positioned in the lower housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Inventor: Lyndell G. Gregory
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Patent number: 7648026Abstract: Disclosed is a packaging assembly for securing an item in a carton. A top cap, a bottom pad and if desired, one or more middle pads, each include a board and a plurality of clips secured to the board. The clips are arranged to engage the item at spaced apart locations around the top and bottom portion of the item, respectively. In an alternative embodiment, one of the legs of one or more of the clips has a ledge projecting outwardly to engage a surface of the item. In yet another embodiment, only one of the top cap and bottom pad includes clips to position and retain the item in the carton. In addition, the multiple clips may be formed as an integral unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Corrugated LLCInventor: Jody S. Brittain
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Patent number: 7648027Abstract: The invention provided a protective apparatus for accommodating a portable device and accessories of the portable device. The protective apparatus includes a holder for accommodating the portable device; a retractile member for allowing cable portions of the accessory to be coiled therearound; and a clasp or a receptacle for receiving bulky portions of the accessories. The protective apparatus is simple designed and convenient to wind the cable onto and unwind the cable from the protective apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignees: Ensky Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Ensky Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tay-Yang Lin, Kuan-Hong Hsieh
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Patent number: 7648028Abstract: An adapter for a multiple capacity needle immobilizing device having a body portion and entry holes for allowing the distal ends of sharp needles to enter the body includes a base having a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion having apertures positioned to align with the entry holes of the immobilizing device. A non-circular funnel projects upwardly from each of the entry holes to a funnel opening in the top portion of the adapter. The funnel opening is larger when measured perpendicularly to a line extending through the apertures of the adapter than when measured along this line. Structure is provided for connecting the adapter to the needle immobilizing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Larry Partika, Douglas Paddock
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Patent number: 7648029Abstract: A simplified rotatable anti-theft tool rack comprises a tool rack body and an inserting body that cooperate with each other to position a tool. The tool rack body includes a limiting portion used to receive an inserting portion of the head of the tool and connected with a guiding portion. At the end of the guiding portion is disposed with a fastening portion for restricting the tool by cooperating with a fixing element. The inserting body includes a multangular engaging portion. One end of the engaging portion is disposed with a stopping flange, and the other end of the engaging portion is extended to form a neck-shaped inserting portion. At the end of the inserting portion which has inserted through the limiting portion is formed a big-diameter check portion, thus forming a simplified structure, achieving the anti-theft and rotatable effect.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Inventor: Terence Chen
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Patent number: 7648030Abstract: A sterile package for a medical device includes a container, an insert, and a retaining clip. The insert is releasably engaged with the medical device to constrain the position of the medical device relative to the insert. The retaining clip includes a base engaging the medical device and support arms extending from the base and encircling the insert to secure the insert in engagement with the medical device. The insert engages the container to constrain the position of the medical device relative to the container.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.Inventor: Larry R. Landis
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Patent number: 7648031Abstract: The invention provides a symmetrical, corrugated fibreboard blank which can be folded into an insert configured to be received within a shipping container. A product can be protected and secured by the insert. The symmetrical design results in ease and speed of assembly regardless of the orientation of the blank along the end user's packaging assembly line. The 5-sided shape of the insert produces void spaces that the products cannot reach, thus creating natural air cells within the insert. The ends, tabs and panels of the insert also provide for minimal movement of the product within the insert and further provide layers of cushioning upon impact. The insert can secure a variety of different sized products, is environmentally friendly, inexpensive and space-saving.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: International Paper CompanyInventor: David F. Kari
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Patent number: 7648032Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method of reductively bleaching a mineral slurry comprising adding in the mineral slurry an effective amount of a formamidine sulfinic acid (FAS) and an effective amount of a borohydride to reductively bleach the mineral slurry, compositions comprising a mineral slurry, a FAS, and a borohydride, and final products comprising a mineral obtained by the method disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Imerys Pigments, Inc.Inventors: Jun Yuan, Robert J. Pruett, Larry C. Powell
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Patent number: 7648033Abstract: A method of producing a particle-dispersed liquid, using a channel of micro width having a core flow channel, includes: sending the particle-dispersed liquid containing larger particles to an inner portion of the core flow channel; separating and removing the larger particles from the particle-dispersed liquid; and sending the removed larger particles to an outermost part of the core flow channel. An outer diameter of the core flow channel is 50 to 5,000 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seiichi Takagi, Tetsuo Ohta
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Patent number: 7648034Abstract: The present invention provides porous media or membranes having a surface coating that includes a cross-linked terpolymer which has a superior combination of properties, including heat stable biomolecule resistant adsorptive properties, resistance to strong alkaline solutions, and low levels of extractable matter. In some preferred embodiments, the porous media is a porous membrane.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Millipore CorporationInventors: John Charkoudian, Neil P. Soice
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Patent number: 7648035Abstract: A storage rack is provided for storing a plurality of articles such as glass sheets. The storage rack includes a substantially horizontal portion, and a substantially vertical portion. The substantially horizontal portion of the rack includes one or more flexible supports, each of which includes at least one channel defined therein. Along at least part of the channel, a plurality of slits are provided in the flexible support so as to define a plurality of flexible lips or tabs. The lips or tabs are designed so that when a glass sheets is inserted into the channel, the lips or tabs support the sheet against movement in multiple directions.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventors: Mitchel D. Edwards, John M. Plevyak, Odene E. Campbell
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Patent number: 7648036Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program code for the measurement and control of sway in load transportation systems are provided which include using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) devices to measure and control the sway of suspended loads such as loads suspended from cranes.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Alois Recktenwald, Wolfgang Wichner, Farshid Arman
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Patent number: 7648037Abstract: A lid structure for opening and closing an opening in an upper portion of a reagent container includes an outer lid member attached to the reagent container and having a first opening corresponding to the opening of the reagent container, an inner lid member arranged inward of the outer lid member, attached to the outer lid member in a vertically movable manner, and having a second opening opposing the first opening, and a rotator having a through hole, arranged inward of the inner lid member, engaging with the outer lid member and the inner lid member via an engaging unit in a rotatable manner around a horizontal axis. The engaging unit rotates the rotator to open the opening when the inner lid member performs a downward opening operation, and rotates the rotator to close the opening when the inner lid member performs an upward closing operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Naoki Ohashi
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Patent number: 7648038Abstract: A package includes a container having a neck finish with at least one left-hand external thread segment, a fitment having at least one left-hand internal thread segment for threaded receipt over the container neck finish and at least one right-hand external thread segment, a closure having at least one right-hand internal thread segment for removable receipt over the fitment, and a handle attached to the container by the fitment. The container neck finish preferably has a transfer ring, and the handle preferably has a collar received over the transfer ring and held in place by the fitment. The transfer ring and the collar preferably have opposed flats to prevent rotation of the handle with respect to the transfer ring. The collar and the fitment preferably have opposed cam lugs that permit threading of the fitment onto the container neck finish over the collar but prevent unthreading of the fitment from the neck finish so that the fitment and handle are permanently attached to the container neck finish.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Rexam Closure Systems Inc.Inventor: Leonora M. Brozell
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Patent number: 7648039Abstract: A pressure-resistant tank for liquids includes a plurality of differently shaped diecast parts (1, 2) made of a first aluminum alloy (cast alloy). The diecast parts (1, 2) are connected by means of a closed weld seam welded with an electron beam with the use of a second aluminum alloy (wrought alloy). The second aluminum alloy has especially a hydrogen content of less than 0.2 mL per 100 g of wrought alloy. The tank for liquids is especially an anesthetic tank and the anesthetic is desflurane.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Dräger Medical AG & Co. KGInventors: Claus Bunke, Matthias Witt, Rainer Kunz, Sven Heyer, Thomas Rossen, Henryk Schnaars
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Patent number: 7648040Abstract: The invention is directed to a pallet container assembly with a thin-walled rigid inner container of thermoplastic material for the storage and transport of liquid or flowable contents, including a cage-like bar frame closely surrounding as support jacket the inner plastic container, and a bottom pallet for placement of the inner plastic container and secure attachment of the support jacket, wherein there are provided, within the support area of the inner plastic container on the surface of the bottom pallet optionally on the surface of an intermediate plate, respective means (form-fitting means/frictional connection means) which—as viewed in the direction of the horizontal plane—result in a substantial increase of the slip resistance between the downwardly pointing outer surface of the bottom pallet or the intermediate plate.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Mauser-Werke GmbHInventor: Dietmar Przytulla
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Patent number: 7648041Abstract: A uniquely shaped gasket (6) suitable for a container for storage of substrate plates requiring precision packaging. When such plates are stored into a container body (2), and a container lid (3) is closed and then a lid lock is applied, a gasket's outward ledge (6b, 6c, 6d) is pressed downward by an outward adjacent surface (3f) and deformed; consequently, the end of the ledge's tip (6d) will extend to fall in a seal channel (2d), in other words, to abut on a sectionally downward concave (2d), wherein the gasket (6) still keeps its elastic resiliency. As a result, if an air pressure difference occurs, the tip end (6d) will shift its abutting point. While the tip end (6d) moves, a minimum gap between the tip end (6d) and the channel surface (2d) occurs, and this gap will act as ventilation route to equalize the air pressure difference.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha DaihachikaseiInventors: Shigeaki Ueda, Yasuyuki Watanabe
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Patent number: 7648042Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal nozzle boss provided with a sealing device, which has highly improved tightness and is combined with a plastic liner of a composite vessel used as a high-pressure vessel. The metal nozzle boss uses an elastic seal ring and a tightening piece in the plastic liner, so that the nozzle boss reliably seals the junction of the nozzle boss and the liner and prevents gas leakage from the vessel. The blade part of the nozzle boss has a dovetail-shaped locking groove, with locking ridges formed in the locking groove. Thus, when the plastic liner is produced by injecting molten resin into the locking groove, the plastic liner is securely combined with the metal nozzle boss. The composite vessel having the metal nozzle boss can be used as a fuel tank for natural gas vehicles or a hydrogen tank for fuel cell vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Korea Composite Research Co., Ltd.Inventors: Joong-Hee Lee, Gye-Hyoung Yoo
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Patent number: 7648043Abstract: A waterproof cover for an audio system includes a frame and a shield pivotally connected to the frame. The flame has two elongated recesses respectively defined in two opposed sides defining the through hole and an inclined trough sandwiched by the two elongated recesses and defined in a bottom side defining the through hole. The shield has two rails formed on two opposed sides thereof to correspond to and be movably received in the two elongated recesses, a water blocking flange sandwiched by the two rails and formed on a bottom side of the shield to correspond to and be received in the inclined trough and a flange formed on a top side of the shield to abut a top side defining the through hole such that a full coverage of the through hole by the shield is completed and water seeping from engagement between the shield and the frame is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Inventor: Kuan-Wei Chen
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Patent number: 7648044Abstract: A sheet product dispenser includes a housing adapted to house sheet products therein, the housing having an arching wall, a first planar wall disposed in contact with the arching wall, and a second planar wall disposed in contact with the arching wall and the first planar wall; an opening disposed in the first planar wall or the second planar wall, the opening having a size sufficient to allow dispensing of the sheet products there-through; and an access panel forming a portion of the arching wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LPInventors: Christopher M. Reinsel, Michael R. Kilgore, Rachel DeSmidt, Frances Alexay
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Patent number: 7648045Abstract: A gravity-feed dispenser for a stack of sheets such as inter-folded napkins includes a generally rectangular housing provided with a front wall, a back wall, two sidewalls and a lower portion as well as a funnel portion coupled to the lower portion of the housing provided with a generally convergent profile such that a front wall of the funnel portion extends downwardly and inwardly with respect to the front wall of the housing, a rear wall of the funnel portion extends downwardly and inwardly with respect to the rear wall of the housing and two sidewalls of the funnel portion extend downwardly substantially in alignment with the sidewalls of the housing. A dispensing aperture defined by the funnel portion of the dispenser has an elongate portion extending substantially from one sidewall of the funnel portion to the other sidewall of the funnel portion thus defining an elongate axis of the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LPInventors: James B. Christensen, John R. Moody
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Patent number: 7648046Abstract: In a dispensing system for dispensing wet wipes, a wet wipe has an aqueous solution and microencapsulated delivery vehicles including a temperature agent, and is disposed in a wet wipe container. A cartridge is held in assembly with the wet wipe container and has an activating device that facilitates rupturing of the microencapsulated delivery vehicles as the wet wipe is removed from the dispensing system to allow contact between the temperature change agent and the aqueous solution of the wet wipe to thereby dispense a warm or cooled wet wipe. In another embodiment, the wet wipe has an aqueous solution and a lotion having the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles disposed in the cartridge free from contact with the wet wipe. The cartridge also has an applicator that is operable to apply the lotion to the wet wipe as the wet wipe is removed from the wet wipe container.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Gerald Sosalla, Paul R. Schmidt, James Dell Milner, Wael R. Joseph, Duane Lyle McDonald
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Patent number: 7648047Abstract: Apparatus that receives multiple screws serially from a vibrating bowl with a single exit ramp, collects a plurality, e.g., six, of screws and distributes the plurality of screws simultaneously to different tubes in one assembly. A rotary holder having a plurality of notches for receiving and holding screws, receives the screws serially from a feeder rail coupled to a vibrating screw feed bowl. After the notches have filled with screws, the screws are released into a corresponding plurality of exit tubes, where the screws may be fed (e.g., by air pressure) to a screw applicator device coupled to a distal end of the exit tubes.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Norfield IndustriesInventors: Karl Lewis, Gary Hubbard
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Patent number: 7648048Abstract: A combination shipping container and dispenser is described herein. A regular slotted container (RSC) is modified to include at least a first and second dispensing feature such that the RSC can dispense product when it is configured in either a horizontal or in a vertical orientation.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Corrugated LLCInventor: Tracy C. Smith
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Patent number: 7648049Abstract: A mixing drink dispenser (10) having a source of water (26) for mixing with a beverage ingredient in a hopper (12) to make a drink having a tooless removable mixing chamber assembly (34) with cylindrical upper body 130 for receipt of beverage ingredient and water and vertical axis, high rotation mixing propellers (36, 180, 182) and a lower section with a slanted bottom (164) joined to and in open fluid communication with the upper section and having a non-closable beverage outlet (148) for free, unobstructed passage of freshly mixed beverage out of the mixing chamber assembly (34) and into a beverage container (46). The propellers (36, 180, 183) are driven by a motor (39) with a drive axle extending through a non-sealed opening in the slanted bottom (164) and removably linked to the propellers via a magnetic linkage (166, 170).Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.Inventor: Zbigniew G. Lassota
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Patent number: 7648050Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and dispensing a fluoride treatment includes a housing having a storage container for separately storing a plurality of different flavored fluoride treatments and an input device for inputting a desired flavored fluoride treatment from one of the respective stored fluoride treatments in the storage container. In response to the input, the apparatus includes means for formulating said desired flavored fluoride treatment from said stored fluoride treatments. The apparatus further includes means for entering a volume of the desired flavored fluoride to be dispensed and means for dispensing the formulated desired fluoride treatment in a volume amount entered in said volume entering means to a user for later use thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Inventor: Stacey Ehlers
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Patent number: 7648051Abstract: The dispensing closure is provided having a stopping mechanism that limits the rotation of the closure and generally prevents removal of the closure from the container. The dispensing closure includes a cap body, fitment, and container finish. The cap body has a double shell design, which includes at least one drop lug reverse tapered from the inner shell. When the cap body is rotated about the container finish, the reverse tapered drop lug engages at least one lug stop located on the container finish so as to limit the rotation, thereby preventing removal of the cap body from the container finish. The reverse taper of the drop lug maximizes the abutment surface and stability of the drop lug when engaging the corresponding lug stop.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Rexam Closures and Containers Inc.Inventors: Gary V. Montgomery, Christopher B. Clodfelter, William D. Sprick
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Patent number: 7648052Abstract: A viscous medium feeder, which has an inlet, an outlet, a tubular portion, a rotatable cylindrical shaft arranged in and extending coaxially with the tubular portion, and a drive motor connected to the shaft. The tubular portion has an internal thread, which is connected, at one end thereof, to the inlet, and, at the other end thereof, to the outlet. Further, the tubular portion is elastic, and the shaft abuts the inner wall portions of the tubular portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2002Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Mydata Automation ABInventors: William Holm, Kenth Nilsson, Peter Svalling
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Patent number: 7648053Abstract: A linear sliding gate valve (10) for a metallurgical vessel comprises a slide plate (20) with a first orifice (30) and a fixed plate (22) with a second orifice (32). A slideable tray (26) supports the slide plate (20) and is arranged to slide the slide plate (20) relative to the fixed plate (22) so as to control an outflow of the metallurgical vessel by the relative position of the first and second orifices (30; 32). The slide plate (20) is rotatable relative to said slideable tray (26). The sliding gate valve further comprises a ratchet mechanism (40; 140) for providing defined angular positions of the slide plate (20). The ratchet mechanism (40; 140) is mounted on the slideable tray (26) such that the slideable tray (26) forms the fixed frame of the ratchet mechanism (40; 140).Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Tech-Gate S.A.Inventors: William Rose, Dominique Verrelle, Albert Gauche
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Patent number: 7648054Abstract: A desktop stapler uses a spring to store energy to install staples by impact blow. The force required to fasten papers together is reduced. A very compact mechanism is used, including a dual coil power spring with a nested lever. A multi-function base provides a sloped front all the way to down to a desk top surface to guide paper sheets atop the base, easy access for lifting the stapler off a desk, horizontal or vertical resting positions, and integrated soft grip under-surface. The base surrounds the rear of the stapler body to provide a smooth exterior so that the device is natural to use both horizontally and vertically. A simple re-set spring provides a smooth re-set action as the handle is raised. A staple track includes enlargement features to fit a larger staple pusher spring.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Worktools, Inc.Inventor: Joel S Marks
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Patent number: 7648055Abstract: The surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an articulation mechanism for articulating a tool assembly. The articulation mechanism includes a first gear rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft and configured to engage a second gear, a clutch interconnecting the second gear and a main shaft; and a yoke shaft coupled to the main shaft and adapted to linearly advance a J-channel, the J-channel operatively connected to an articulation link. A motor assembly may rotate the transmission shaft of the articulation mechanism. Alternatively, the articulation mechanism may include an articulation knob. Users may manually rotate the articulation knob to articulate the tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventor: Stanislaw Marczyk
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Patent number: 7648056Abstract: A solder machine uses various linear actuators to move a PWB carrier in three degrees of freedom relative to a solder bath, to facilitate safe loading and unloading of PWBs onto the carrier while the carrier is distanced from the bath, and then to move the carrier over the bath, lower it, and tilt it as necessary to effect soldering.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventors: Esteban Arturo Alvarez Serrano, Horman Armando Millán Sánchez
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Patent number: 7648057Abstract: In an ultrasonic joining method for joining a flange portion of a first member to a portion of a second member, a first horn and a second horn are arranged on the flange portion on a side opposite to the second member, and the first horn is vibrated in a condition that the second horn is biased against the first horn and the first horn and the second horn are pressed against the flange portion such that the flange portion is vibrated while being pressed against the portion of the second member. Because the first horn is vibrated in a condition that the first horn and the second horn are pressed against each other at press-contact portions thereof, vibration of the first horn is transferred to the second horn through the press-contact portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Arinori Shimizu, Yuuichi Aoki, Hiroyasu Morikawa
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Patent number: 7648058Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a metal core sandwich structure that is lightweight and many times stiffer than regular sheet metal, and which is easily formable into curved structures as well as structures having compound curves. In one embodiment, a formed metal core includes a plurality of cells comprising alternating front and rear projections extending outwardly in front of and behind a median plane, with each projection having a bonding surface area or land configured to be bonded with corresponding external metal sheets on both sides of the formed metal core. A plurality of micro-abrasions or indentations are formed on the bonding lands, allowing stronger bonding joints to be formed between the metal core and the external metal sheets by facilitating improved capillary action by the metal core during the bonding process.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Celltech Metals, Inc.Inventor: George C. P. Straza
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Patent number: 7648059Abstract: A collapsible piñata construction may include two main panels, multiple folding side panels and a mechanism located inside the piñata that expands the piñata into an erected state. In various embodiments, the collapsible piñata may be expanded by a single pull on a string or other member coupled to the expansion mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2004Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Hallmark Cards, IncorporatedInventors: Robert R. Pavlu, Jr., Wong Chi Chiu, Cheung Siu Chun
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Patent number: 7648060Abstract: A carton includes a V-shaped opening in an exiting end of the carton that allows articles in the carton to be accessed through the exiting end.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.Inventor: Patrick J. DeBusk
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Patent number: 7648061Abstract: A carton includes a dispenser that when opened allows dispensing of containers from the carton. An aperture located next to the dispenser provides access to the dispenser and allows the containers to be viewed from the carton exterior.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Mark Zammit, Charles F. Ho Fung
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Patent number: 7648062Abstract: A method is presented for maintaining a set of at least two components from a group including a wheel rim, a tire and a safety support element, the method including the following steps: providing a set of components, wherein at least one of the components is provided with an information carrier that can be automatically read and is configured to supply at least one data element for use in carrying out the desired maintenance on the set; said set is brought to a maintenance machine that is configured to carry out the desired maintenance on the set under the control of a programmable data management unit; the information carrier of at least one of the components of the set brought to the machine is automatically read and the data is automatically transmitted to the programmable unit; the machine is regulated on the basis of the data transmitted; and the desired maintenance for the set is initiated and carried out by means of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A.Inventor: Philippe Corniot
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Patent number: 7648063Abstract: An embossed sheet of substrate material has a plurality of card portions defined thereon, each card portion having indicia embossed thereon. A first group of the plurality of card portions has first embossed indicia, and a second group of the plurality of card portions has second embossed indicia. The first and second embossed indicia provide the same information, but the second embossed indicia have a text characteristic that is different from the text characteristic of the first embossed indicia. The first embossed indicia and the second embossed indicia are embossed in the same location on each respective card portion. The card portions are arranged into rows and columns on the substrate material, and the first group of card portions and the second group of card portions form either alternating rows or alternating columns.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Unique Embossing Services, Inc.Inventors: Suresh C. Priya, Anthony R. Dass
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Patent number: 7648064Abstract: A workstation and a method for providing remote lockout override is disclosed. The workstation includes lockout functionality, wherein at least a portion of the functionality of the workstation is locked when a lockout module in the workstation detects a violation of a predetermined rule. The workstation includes an override request module that provides a user with a menu of active supervisors and sends an override request message to a supervisor selected from the menu of active supervisors. When the workstation receives an override response message that authorizes overriding the rule, the workstation is unlocked.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: S1 CorporationInventors: Drew Lamparello, Edward Tsang
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Patent number: 7648065Abstract: A system for reading RFID tags of articles within a cabinet includes a repositionable shelf. The repositionable shelf includes an antenna assembly having three antenna pairs. Each antenna pair has a loop antenna and a figure eight antenna. The antenna pairs are on a PC board. The PC board includes an RJ45 connector which provides both power to the antenna assembly as well as a communication interface for the antenna assembly. The RJ45 connector could be used to provide the RF signals from the antenna to a reader. The system could also include a repositionable divider for placement perpendicular to the repositionable shelf. The repositionable divider also includes a loop antenna and a figure eight antenna.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: The Stanley WorksInventor: Ronald A. Marino
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Patent number: 7648066Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for sorting purchase items. A selection module selects a plurality of categories. In one embodiment, the selection module receives a category selection. In addition, the selection module may receive a criterion selection for the category selection and receive a modification for the criterion selection. The selection module may further modify the criterion of the selected category with the modification. An identification module identifies a purchase item. An association module associates a selected category of the plurality of categories with the purchase item. A sorter sorts the purchase item to a specified bin. The specified bin is associated with the selected category. In one embodiment, a bagger may bag one or more purchase items from a bin.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Paul Daniel Kangas, Robert Andrew Myers, Jeff David Thomas
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Patent number: 7648067Abstract: A POS system and method having a POS terminal, at least one input device for providing input data such as product sale information to said POS terminal, a POS server to enable the POS terminal to complete a POS transaction based upon such product sale information, a display device and a printing device further including an input/output control apparatus 12 and at least one function adding server 50 to enable the POS system to perform at least one new functional application without requiring any change in the POS system terminal or server. At least one of connection ports 21b to 23b of an input/output control apparatus 12 is connected to at least one the connection ports 21a to 23a of an existing POS terminal 30 having at least a POS printer 34, a input device 32, or a display 33 connected thereto. The input devices 32 to 34 conventionally connected to the ports 21a to 23a of the POS terminal 30 are connected to the corresponding ports of the I/O control apparatus 12.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Tsutomu Nobutani
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Patent number: 7648068Abstract: A shopping cart system includes a shopping cart. The shopping cart includes a receptacle to hold shopping items bearing coded data tags. A scanning device is mounted to the shopping receptacle and is configured to scan the data tags of the shopping items to thereby determine the identity of the shopping items. A computer system is configured to calculate the total cost of the scanned shopping items using the determined identity of the shopping items.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun