Patents Issued in April 24, 2012
  • Patent number: 8162134
    Abstract: A conveyor belt, in particular for a pasteurizer, with a conveyor surface and with support rollers, which are arranged beneath the conveyor surface and support it on a carrier. In order to improve the protection of the conveyor belt against glass breakage without having to significantly increase the drive power, that the conveyor surface is formed from metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Krause
  • Patent number: 8162135
    Abstract: A package for holding a plurality of containers. The package has panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the package. The panels comprise a top panel, a bottom panel, and an intermediate panel. At least one bottom aperture in the bottom panel is for at least partially receiving a container of the plurality of containers. At least one intermediate aperture is in the intermediate panel for at least partially receiving the container. At least one retention flap foldably is attached to the intermediate panel adjacent to the at least one intermediate aperture. The at least one retention flap is for providing a retention force to the container to restrain the container from removal from the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Manuel Oliveira
  • Patent number: 8162136
    Abstract: A package comprises a first unit for a smokable tobacco product and a second unit for a smokeless tobacco product. In one embodiment of the package, the second unit is of a material suitable as a barrier material for moisture and/or aroma related to the smokeless tobacco product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventors: Aaron McKenzie, Steve Dickason
  • Patent number: 8162137
    Abstract: A packaged garment includes a garment and a sealed bag. The garment has a torso portion, a sleeve portion connected to the torso portion, and a leg portion connected to the torso portion. The garment has an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The sealed bag contains the garment with the sleeve portion folded onto the torso portion, a portion of the sleeve portion folded at least once underneath the sleeve portion between the sleeve portion and the torso portion, and the leg portion folded onto the torso portion. The garment is manipulated so that the inner surface of the torso portion faces outward and the torso portion forms an inner space containing the sleeve portion and the leg portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Veltek Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur L. Vellutato, Jr., Steven S. Trombetta
  • Patent number: 8162138
    Abstract: A universal surgical screw caddy. An enclosure includes a cover secured to a frame. A flexible sheet is located between an affixed to the cover and frame. A plurality of holes formed in the cover allow the surgical screws to be inserted into the caddy past a plurality of movable portions of the flexible sheet releasably holding the screws in the caddy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: ContainMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Cary A. Bettenhausen, Todd E. Bettenhausen, Thomas A. Deal
  • Patent number: 8162139
    Abstract: A sharps disposal system for safely collecting and disposing of medical sharps includes a cabinet defining an enclosure for receiving a removable used sharps receptacle therein. The cabinet includes a passageway through which sharps may be deposited in the sharps receptacle. A single lock, double door design facilitates safe removal and disposal of sharps deposited in the sharps receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sharps Compliance, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Iske, Ronald E. Pierce
  • Patent number: 8162140
    Abstract: A container and method of using the container to maintain an excised tissue specimen in a fixed orientation during transport and imaging is described. The container includes a body, a flexible, soft retainer capable of holding various sized specimens, an adjustable soft retainer that interacts with the body to retain the specimen against the soft retainer without significant compression or distortion, and a lid that snaps tightly to the body reducing bodily fluid leakage when the container is placed in a horizontal position, and preventing contamination of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: 2 View, LLC
    Inventors: John G. Hansen, C. Alan Henry
  • Patent number: 8162141
    Abstract: A flexible, uniform mail package for use with automated mailing procedures and a method of distributing advertising and promotional items. A mail package includes a plastic tray with at least one well for containing and securing an article, such as a pen or a key tag, within the mail package. The mail package meets current and proposed USPS uniformity and flexibility standards for automated handling of the mail packages, and is capable of being processed, without issue, using automatic equipment thereby reducing postage costs compared to non-flat machinable mail pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Holland USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Baker, Steven J. Galarneau, Gary S. Farrell, Paul E. Griffith, Charles E. Wood
  • Patent number: 8162142
    Abstract: A package for a paper slip stack, which can steadily and stably store the paper slip stack bundled by a packaging sheet and can be easily released from the packaging sheet after being contained in a paper holder. The paper slip stack is formed by alternately interlocking half parts (5a and 5b) of twofold paper slips (5) with one another oppositely in their folded directions so as to stack the paper slips in piles in their mutually interconnected state. The slips are bundled by a packaging sheet (3) which is provided with a tab (4) that protrudes outward from one side of the paper slip stack. A frangible part is formed anywhere in a longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet so as to be broken or cut by a tensioning force produced by pulling the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Paper Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isao Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8162143
    Abstract: A 4G fiberboard box certified for shipping hazardous materials in accordance with United Nations regulations. In some embodiments, the 4G fiberboard box includes an outer shell, a three-piece partition assembly, a top insert and a bottom insert. The outer shell has a width and a length, each no greater than ? of 46 inches. Thus, the 4G fiberboard box is shippable in a 3×3 configuration on a standard 46?×46? pallet. The three-piece partition assembly is disposed within the shell and has four compartments, each compartment configured to receive a container storing hazardous material. The top insert and bottom insert are also disposed with the shell, with the partition assembly positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hazmatpac, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald H. Hausmann
  • Patent number: 8162144
    Abstract: There is provided a child-resistant container having a top and bottom hingedly connected together, first, second and third cooperative locking devices on both the upper and lower members, the locking devices being operative such that a first locking device can be operated to permit a limited unlocking between the two members at which time the second and third locking devices must be operated to fully open the container. A double locking action on two of the locking devices is illustrated as well as an arrangement for dispensing a product from a blister pack within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas D. Intini
  • Patent number: 8162145
    Abstract: A kit comprising the items needed to build an emergency shelter in the flexible-form rammed earth style, and a method of packing the items for shipment. The kit, designed for easy shipment to persons requiring emergency shelter, also includes the items needed to add a waterproof exterior layer to the outside of the shelter, along with items to construct a canvas awning, a water catchment system, lockable doors and lockable window shutters, and a composting toilet. The kit also includes mosquito netting to cover the doorway and windows of the shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy X. Merritt
  • Patent number: 8162146
    Abstract: A system for incontinence maintenance and method employed, of which the system is useful in incontinent care. A plurality of products suitable for use in an incontinence maintenance event are provided in a configuration stacked in the order of anticipated use of individual ones of the products, the first product anticipated for use being uppermost in the stack. A container is provided having a bottom compartment carrying the stack and a top compartment defining a flap extending from the bottom compartment. The container includes means for defining an opening in the bottom compartment to access the stack of goods and for accepting soiled goods therein, and means for resealing the bottom compartment to contain the soiled goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: A.J. Moore, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald N. Sherrill
  • Patent number: 8162147
    Abstract: A box for transporting is suitable for preserving a plurality of substrates. The box for transporting includes a box body and at least one partition plate. The box body has a bottom part and a plurality of first sidewalls. A plurality of first bumps arranged in array is disposed on the bottom part, and the first bumps define a plurality of supporting regions. The first sidewalls are connected to the bottom part, and a plurality of major grooves is disposed in inner surfaces of the first sidewalls, wherein a first preserving space is surrounded by the bottom part and the first sidewalls. The partition plate is leant against the supporting regions and inlayed into the major grooves, so as to divide the first preserving space into a plurality of preserving sub-spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Ting, Hao-Yang Chang, Ming-Chi Huang, Hsin-An Chen, Chiao-Yi Chang
  • Patent number: 8162148
    Abstract: A weight filling device for filling small objects comprising a vibrating feed assembly, at least two bins in a side by side orientation, and a chute assembly. The feed assembly includes feed stations having a feed tray with a large feed portion and a small feed portion in a side by side orientation, either integrally formed along a part or all of the length thereof, and each extending to a distal end thereof and vibrating at a predetermined frequency. The bins are positioned so as to be placeable in communication with the distal end of the at least one feed tray. The chute assembly is positioned below the distal end of the at least one feed tray, and has at least one directing chute station having a large feed selector positioned below the large feed portion of the feed tray and a small feed selector positioned below the small feed portion of the feed tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Lakewood Process Machinery
    Inventors: Randy Miedema, Jeff Miedema, Denny Schepel, Mike Miedema
  • Patent number: 8162149
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices utilizing a fluid displacer in a closed-loop fluid circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. Perroud, Kamlesh D. Patel, Ronald F. Renzi
  • Patent number: 8162150
    Abstract: A grading apparatus for grading objects such as in particular fish or shrimp in respect of their size, comprising a plurality of juxtaposed substantially parallel endless conveyor belts (27), wherein the width (9) separating adjacent conveyor belts is larger at the unloading end (29) than at the loading end (28) of the belts and define sorting channels through which the items fall down when the channel width corresponds to the width of the item, each conveyor belt comprising a plurality of hinged segments with a sloping cross-section such that in between each adjacent pair of belts is formed a V-shaped valley with substantially continuous sloping sides (2), each side being at an angle in the range of about 70-85°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Egill Thor Ragnarsson
    Inventor: Egill Thor Ragnarsson
  • Patent number: 8162151
    Abstract: Flow-through device for fluids, consisting of: a housing (2) which is built of a head (3) with an inlet channel (5) and an outlet channel (8); and a pot (4) which can be provided on the head (3) and in which is provided a cartridge which consists of an active flow-through element (20) and a cap (21) defining a flow-through channel (22) with an inlet opening (23) and an outlet opening (24), whereby the inlet opening (23) of the flow-through channel (22) is eccentric in relation to the axis (B-B?) of the flow-through element (20), whereas the outlet opening (24) is centrally positioned; and whereby the flow-through section of the flow-through channel (22) as of the inlet opening (23) to the outlet opening (24) first decreases and then increases again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Airpower, Naamloze Vennootschap
    Inventors: Bart Hubert Edith Pauwels, Luc Gerard Ludovicus Maria Van Echelpoel
  • Patent number: 8162152
    Abstract: A blood filter device includes: a housing that includes a dome 2 provided with a blood inlet, a filter retaining portion 3 that is positioned below the dome, and a bottom portion 4 provided with a blood outlet; and a filter 8 that is mounted in a cavity of the filter retaining portion and partitions a cavity of the housing into a dome side and a bottom portion side. A sheet-like filter member 8a of the filter forms a plurality of pleats, and ridgelines of the respective pleats traverse the filter retaining portion in parallel respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Omori, Shota Nakao, Yutaka Katsuno
  • Patent number: 8162153
    Abstract: Herein are disclosed high loft spunbonded webs that are substantially free of crimped fibers and gap-formed fibers. The webs exhibit a solidity of from less than 8.0% to about 4.0% and a ratio of Effective Fiber Diameter to Actual Fiber Diameter of at least 1.40. Also disclosed are methods of making such webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew R. Fox, John D. Stelter, Michael R. Berrigan, Jonathan M Lise
  • Patent number: 8162154
    Abstract: A gravity feed dispenser (50) for containers, in which the dispenser (50) carrying the containers includes a pair of longitudinally extending stringers (80) engaging with shelf rack (20) in snap-fitting relation to secure the dispenser (50) to the rack (20). In another embodiment, the dispenser (50) has sidewalls (52) of transparent plastic for product visibility and is provided with a glide strip (100) which is attached to the floor (54) of the dispenser (50) by hooks (102) temporarily, and permanently by fusion of the glide strip (100) to the dispenser (50) as by sonic welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: True Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Steven L. Trulaske, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8162155
    Abstract: A billiards cue holder includes a body that defines at least one receiving groove sized to receive a billiards cue. In some aspects, each receiving groove includes a portion positioned toward the body at a receiving angle, which may increase a contact area with a cue leaned into the receiving groove. In some aspects, the body includes a mounting face that includes a concave portion. The concave portion is elastically deformable relative to a mounting surface to provide a holding force between the holder and the mounting surface. In some aspects, the holder comprises an elastomer material have a Shore A durometer between about 15 and about 55. Additionally, a method for securing a billiards cue in the holder includes positioning the holder on a mounting surface, applying pressure to deform a concave portion of a mounting face, and leaning a cue into the receiving groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Wesley Joseph Spencer, Joseph William Quade
  • Patent number: 8162156
    Abstract: An implement holder adapted to hold implements having slender, elongate handles is described. Embodiments of the implement holder comprise resilient foam in which slots for holding slender implements reside. Various embodiments are adapted to hold dental instruments, percussion implements such as drumsticks, mallets, and brushes, and artist implements such as pens, pencils, and paint brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Bruce Crisman
  • Patent number: 8162157
    Abstract: The present invention provides a unique compound bow stand and quiver holder which is quickly collapsible and stored and transported in an easy manner for persons in the archery industry and field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Bowsaver Inc
    Inventors: Stanley Neil Brown, Kenneth Earl Johnson
  • Patent number: 8162158
    Abstract: A slide through shelf is provided. A slide through shelf is illustrated mounted to a vertical retail wall. A slide through shelf as disclosed allows a user to selectably position the slide through shelf's supports in an infinite number of configurations. The slide through shelf may be quickly assembled to accommodate different types of loading and may be adjusted to provide customized product partitioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Northrup, Jr., Richard A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 8162159
    Abstract: The modular garage storage system includes a geared retraction system that allows a storage platform of the modular garage storage system to be lowered for easy access to loading and loading the storage platform, and that allows the storage platform to be raised up to be completely out of the way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 8162160
    Abstract: A large mobile crane includes a revolving superstructure, a main boom hinged to the superstructure, and a derrick boom hinged to the superstructure. A modular counterweight system includes a traveling counterweight and a non-traveling counterweight connected to a crossbeam suspended from the distal end of the derrick boom so that the non-traveling counterweight is activated before the traveling counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Terex Demag GmbH
    Inventors: Rüdiger Zollondz, Alfons Weckbecker, Fritz-Botho Köster, Günter Karp, Hans-Peter Franzen
  • Patent number: 8162161
    Abstract: A bottle container in which sealing of the opening of a container body filled with a chemical liquid etc. and installation of a shoulder part, an unsealing member, and a cap can be made at the same time and that has a shoulder part fall-off prevention mechanism. A bottle container (1) has a container body (2) having a hollow cylindrical neck (21) whose upper part is open and having a step formed on a container body shoulder; a shoulder part (3) screwed on the outer peripheral surface of the neck (21) and having on its upper surface a hollow cylindrical body (32) that has a spout at its head; a cap (4) screwed on the outer peripheral surface of the hollow cylindrical body (32) and having a spout sealing means; and an unsealing prevention member (5) installed between the shoulder par (3) and the cap (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Fancl Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8162162
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a container having a reduced area of vacuum-absorbing panels and thus acquiring improved appearance and having strength against a pressure drop, i.e., the strength enough to retain the shape of the container even when there is a pressure drop inside the container. A shoulder portion or a bottom portion of a resin-made storage container is molded by aligning one or two groups of three corners and one or two groups of three pillars vertically and in parallel to the central axis of the container. Each group of three corners is a part of the corners forming a cross-section of a regular enneagon and being connected to either the shoulder portion or the bottom portion, and the lines connecting these three corners form a regular triangle. Each group of three pillars is a part of the pillars belonging to the body and forming a cross-section of a hexagon, and the lines connecting these three pillars form a regular triangle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: Suntory Holdings Limited, Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Hata, Naokazu Fujita, Toshimasa Tanaka, Masaaki Sasaki, Takao Iizuka
  • Patent number: 8162163
    Abstract: This invention is aimed at material saving and cost reduction. A technical problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a light-weight Y-shaped handle without impairing injection moldability and the functions of the handle. The principal means of solving the above-described technical problem is an injection molded handle used by being fitted and secured firmly to a rear portion of a body of a synthetic resin bottle by an insert molding method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Matsuo, Junichi Itokawa, Takao Iizuka
  • Patent number: 8162164
    Abstract: A transport tank system includes a molded thermoplastic tank defining an aperture therethrough and having a discharge end and an opposing end, the thermoplastic tank being rigidly configured for holding a consumable cargo received through the aperture and including a material resistant to passage of oxygen to preserve the consumable cargo. The tank is capable of standing alone for storing the consumable cargo, or the tank can be loaded into a standard dry box container to convert the dry box container into a bulk liquid transport container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen D. Podd, Victor I. Podd
  • Patent number: 8162165
    Abstract: A pail having a cylindrical sidewall with an upper margin defining an opening generally equal to the sidewall diameter, a thread projecting outwardly from the sidewall below the upper margin, and at least one flange projecting outwardly from the sidewall below the thread, each flange including one or more radial projections and portions on either side of the radial projections extending outward from the sidewall at least as far as the radial projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Bway Corporation
    Inventor: Angela M. Reed
  • Patent number: 8162166
    Abstract: A hole plug comprising: a main body part including a cover flange portion for covering an opening, an insertion portion extended from a central portion of a back surface of the cover flange portion to be inserted into the opening, and an engaging portion formed on an outer periphery of the insertion portion to be engaged with a back side peripheral edge of the opening; a thermo-softening resin member mounted on a peripheral edge of the cover flange portion and allowed to flow into a clearance between the cover flange portion and an opening peripheral edge of the plate-shaped member, thereby fixing them together; and an elastic flange portion extended in a skirt-like manner from the back surface of the cover flange portion toward the peripheral edge of the opening and elastically contactable with the peripheral edge of the opening of the plate-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nakazato
  • Patent number: 8162167
    Abstract: A storage tank having an inner vessel disposed within an outer vessel. A common-access tube or conduit is used to route the various fluid flow lines into the interior of the inner vessel. The common-access tube facilitates modular construction and assembly of the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Jader Matos Da Silva, Rainer Immel
  • Patent number: 8162168
    Abstract: A motorcycle gas tank protecting system includes a fuel tank that has a fill opening surrounded by an outer wall. A flexible panel has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge. The panel has an aperture extending therethrough that has a size corresponding to a size of the fill opening. The panel is removably positioned on the outer wall and the aperture and aligned with the fill opening to protect the outer wall from fuel when a fuel nozzle is extended through the aperture and into the fill opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Doreen W. Patulak
  • Patent number: 8162169
    Abstract: A paint tray includes a cavity defined by a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, and a second sloping end wall. Each of the first side wall, second side wall, first end wall, and second sloping end wall inclines upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall. The cavity terminates at a top edge. The paint tray also includes a top tray rim adjacent the top edge of the cavity, a perimeter rim that inclines downwardly and outwardly from the top tray rim, a handle disposed at an edge of the perimeter rim proximate each end wall, and a leg panel extending downwardly and outwardly from each of a first side and a second side of the perimeter rim proximate the second sloping end wall. The leg panel has a bottom edge that is co-planar with the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Bercom International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Bergman, Christopher M. Bergman, Matthew V. Leyden, Jeffrey B. Waffensmith, Jeffrey T. Given
  • Patent number: 8162170
    Abstract: A beverage container that includes at least a bottom portion with a side portion extending from the bottom portion, and a balance mass in pressing engagement with the bottom portion is disclosed. The balance mass is adjacent an inner surface of the bottom portion in a preferred embodiment, and adjacent an outer surface in an alternate preferred embodiment. In each embodiment, the balance mass includes at least a core portion encapsulated by an encapsulant, in which the density of the core is greater than the density of a beverage of the beverage container. In the alternate preferred embodiment, the balance mass further includes a tip lip portion with a condensate retention ridge, and a condensate aperture. The condensate retention ridge, in cooperation with a side portion of the balance mass, forms a condensate channel, and the condensate aperture drains condensate from the condensate channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Gary L. Massad
  • Patent number: 8162171
    Abstract: A device includes an upper portion, a lower portion including a flat bottom portion, and a retaining strap connected to the upper portion at a first connector and removably connected to a second connector. The upper portion is adapted to removably connect with a half of an apple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Evriholder Products, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Seehoff, Bryan Golden
  • Patent number: 8162172
    Abstract: A method and device for the removal of balls from a supply is disclosed. The device has a horizontal plate having one or a plurality of circular orifices of identical size in the form of transcurrent orifices running vertically from the upper side to the lower side. The plate on its upper side exhibits a depression around each orifice, in conjunction with which the base of the depression are curved, the periphery of the depression exhibits an elliptical, oval or spindle-shaped form at the level of the surface of the plate, the mid-point of the orifice in each case lies on the mid-point of the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the periphery of the depression, and the base of the depression is inclined towards the mid-point of the orifice along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Eberle, Peter Guenzl, Peter Hloch, Christoph Hundt, Thomas Lindner
  • Patent number: 8162173
    Abstract: The invention relates to a golf ball dispenser having an upper container which houses the golf balls and a flange which receives the balls from the container and which supplies the balls individually to a dispensing arm. The dispensing arm, which is disposed such that it is essentially vertical in the rest position, includes structure for pivoting around a horizontal axis when a golf ball is being dispensed, the pivot structure is disposed in the upper part thereof close to the above-mentioned flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Claude Pommereau
  • Patent number: 8162174
    Abstract: This is an improved retrieval mechanism for vending machines that includes a sophisticated positioning system, gripper and trays for improved efficiency in product retrieval and delivery. Following product selection, the positioning system quickly transports the gripper through the X-Y plane to the front of a tray queue containing the selected product. The gripper is extended in the Z-direction, and its fingers grasp the foremost product container in the queue. The gripper is raised in order to clear a retaining lip in the queue and then retracts, and the positioning system transports the gripper carrying the product container to a delivery port. The gripper then releases the product which slides down a chute into a delivery port for customer pick up. Unique product storage trays are provided which work in conjunction with the gripper to allow only the foremost product to be removed from a tray queue. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: SandenVendo America, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Hieb, Daniel Carter
  • Patent number: 8162175
    Abstract: A data processing system is used to manage and track use of chemical product in a washing machine. A detergent dispenser distributes the chemical products (e.g., detergent, rinse agent, and bleach) to the washing machine. The dispenser includes a monitor that detects dispenser data based on distribution of the chemical product by the dispenser. A database is coupled to the dispenser and stores an account identifier and an alignment identifier in association with the dispenser data of the dispenser. The database further stores corporate data in association with the dispenser data, the account identifier, and the alignment identifier. An analysis application analyzes the dispenser data in relation with the corporate data to characterize use of the chemical product in the chemical application system and provide a feedback loop. The analysis application can limit its analysis to data associated with a given account identifier or a given alignment identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Gardner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8162176
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing a selectable beverage from a post-mix beverage dispenser are provided. In one embodiment, the method for providing a beverage having a separately selected color from a post-mix beverage dispensing system comprises: (a) providing at least two beverage bases for dispense from the post-mix beverage dispensing system; (b) separately storing at least two colorants in the post-mix beverage dispensing system; (c) receiving a request for a selected beverage base and the separately selected color with a computer processor; and (d) in response to the selection of the selected beverage base and the separately selected color, automatically dispensing through a single faucet of the post-mix beverage dispensing system, continuously in a predetermined ratio for any volume of the beverage dispensed, the selected beverage base and at least one of the colorants to provide the beverage having the separately selected color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Arthur G. Rudick
  • Patent number: 8162177
    Abstract: A dispensing nozzle assembly for dispensing a number of micro-ingredients into a fluid stream. The dispensing nozzle assembly may include a micro-ingredient mixing chamber, a number of micro-ingredient lines in communication with the micro-ingredient mixing chamber such that the micro-ingredients mix therein, and a mixed micro-ingredient exit such the mixed micro-ingredients are dispensed into the fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Lawrence B. Ziesel
  • Patent number: 8162178
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device, in at least one embodiment containing medication typically have a shelf life and separately an expiration date after first being opened, as this exposure created by opening or sing the container for the first time raises the chance of contamination dramatically. A time indicator is situated so that as the container is opened for the first time, a timer displays the expiration date and time of the container. The time indicator can not be reset once it is triggered. In one embodiment, the indicator is triggered as the container is actuated by a rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Valois SAS
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Ligny
  • Patent number: 8162179
    Abstract: A package (11) has at least one bag (12, 13) and a head part (16) having a bottom part (17, 37) including a recess (19; 39), an outlet opening (20, 40) and an elevation (22, 42) which at least partially encloses a rim area of the recess (19; 39) and which projects over the bottom part (17, 37) axially toward the bag (12, 13), and a piercing device (21, 41) for the bag (12, 13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ralf Willner, Herbert Ginter
  • Patent number: 8162180
    Abstract: A collapsible container for storing, transporting, and dispensing liquids which includes a generally rectangular shaped box, a spout which is fluidly interconnected to the box, a pouring spout member which is attachable to the spout, a handle, and a support member which maintains the position of the spout relative to the box. The pouring spout member may form a non-releasable connection with the spout to allow for single use of the container. The container may be configured such that, when viewed in lateral cross section and when viewed in longitudinal cross section, the container includes a continuous band of material surrounding the interior volume of the container that is maintained during storage, expansion, and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Jon S. Lips
  • Patent number: 8162181
    Abstract: The present application describes a product dispenser. The product dispenser may include at least one macro-ingredient source, at least one micro-ingredient source positioned about the dispenser, a diluent source, a dispensing valve, a number of pumps or metering devices, and a user interface. The user interface receives a request for a product type and instructs the pumps or metering devices to dispense a predetermined type and ratio of macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, and diluent to the dispensing valve for a predetermined flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Gregg Carpenter, David R. Newman, Nilang Patel, Paul A. Phillips, Arthur G. Rudick, Lawrence B. Ziesel
  • Patent number: 8162182
    Abstract: A bar gun handle having a housing assembly including an inlet in fluid communication with a valve bore, an outlet in fluid communication with the valve bore and in further fluid communication with an output nozzle, a valve element operatively mounted in the valve bore to control the flow of fluid from the inlet to the output nozzle, with an actuator coupled to the valve element, and a cladding layer disposed on a side of the bar gun handle that substantially covers the side of the bar gun handle. The present invention also includes a kit used to provide a protective cladding to a bar gun handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Martindale
  • Patent number: 8162183
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device for a preferably liquid or pulverulent medium, preferably for a pharmaceutical medium, having a housing, a media store for accommodating the medium, a dispensing opening for discharging the medium, and an actuating handle which, by relative movement in relation to the housing, can bring about a dispensing operation. The housing has a removable protective covering by which the actuating handle or the dispensing opening is covered in a storage state, wherein, in the storage state, the protective covering is connected to the housing by a coupling device, and the coupling device can be uncoupled by engagement of at least one functional portion of the dispensing device, it being possible for the functional portion to be moved in relation to the housing and the protective covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Koenig, Peter Stadelhofer