Patents Issued in February 18, 2014
  • Patent number: 8651248
    Abstract: A brake disk is described that has a friction ring and a disk chamber connected to the friction ring via connecting links. Bores, into which the connecting links are inserted, are formed in the circumference of the friction ring. The connecting links are calibrated using a die before being inserted into the bore. A calibration ball is introduced into the bore with the aid of which the wall of the bore is calibrated when the connecting link is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Walter Mueller
  • Patent number: 8651249
    Abstract: A disk rotor assembly for a vehicle may include an adaptor adapted to be mounted on a hub and to receive torque of a wheel, a disk rotor generating a braking force, a transmitter engaging the adaptor with the disk rotor and adapted to transmit the torque received by the adaptor to the disk rotor or to transmit the braking force generated by the disk rotor to the adaptor, and engaging member for engaging the adaptor, the disk rotor, and the transmitter altogether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Chel Won Lee
  • Patent number: 8651250
    Abstract: A magneto-rheological damping device comprises a piston and a case element, both capable of acting to carry a magnetic flux. A passage exists between the piston and the case element, and an amount of MR fluid is positioned between the piston and the case element to flow within the passage. A first magnetic flux generator and a second magnetic flux generator cooperate to generate a net flux that is disposed to act upon the MR fluid in the passage to affect the flow of fluid in the passage. One of the flux generators comprises a permanent magnet to generate a bias flux between the piston and the case element, and the other flux generator comprises a means for providing a controllable magnetic flux between the piston and the case element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Wolfgang Nehl, Alexander A. Alexandridis
  • Patent number: 8651251
    Abstract: A regulable dashpot with shock-absorption force controls, especially intended for motor vehicles, with at least one flow-regulating system including one or more shock-absorption components for the compression phase and/or for the decompression phase. The object is to allow the dashpot to shift continuously between the hard and soft phases, whereby the valve-adjustment intervals can be varied at intervals that are not unnecessarily short or even unattainable. At least one valve assembly is accordingly supplied with variable flow impedance by regulating valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Bilstein Suspension GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Preukschat, Jurgen Adamek
  • Patent number: 8651252
    Abstract: A frequency-dependent mechanism provided at the lower end of a piston rod includes a tubular housing displaceable in an inner tube, together with the piston rod as one unit, and further includes a free piston and O-rings. A shutter of a passage area varying mechanism is provided with an axially extending inner hole, orifices, and oil grooves. The opening area between oil holes 3C and the orifices 33B is changed according to the rotational position of the shutter. The opening area between oil holes 3D and 3E and the oil grooves 33C and 33D and the opening area between oil holes 3F and 3G and the oil grooves 33E and 33F are also variably adjusted according to the rotational position of the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yohei Katayama, Takao Nakadate, Kenji Noda, Mikio Yamashita, Fumiyuki Yamaoka
  • Patent number: 8651253
    Abstract: Damping device for moveable furniture parts. A longitudinally displaceable piston on opposing sides forms two variable size working chambers filled with a damping medium via at least one overflow connection. A piston rod led out of the housing is connected to one side of the piston. An adjustment shaft is connected to one side of the piston opposite one of the working chambers, its free end is also led out of the housing. A throttle disc radially protrudes from the circumferential surface of the adjustment shaft. The throttle disc being disposed in a region of an end of a piston passage bore connecting the two working chambers and configuring the overflow connection abutting a front surface of the piston. Recesses in the throttle disc offset from each other circumferentially have different cross-sections. The recesses may be selectively aligned by rotating the adjustment shaft relative to the passage bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Grass GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Herper, Gabriele Schneider
  • Patent number: 8651254
    Abstract: An apparatus for a disk brake comprises a caliper body having an inner peripheral surface and a seal groove disposed at the inner peripheral surface. The inner peripheral surface is dimensioned to slidably receive a piston therein, wherein the piston moves in a direction of a braking direction axis, and the seal groove is dimensioned to receive a seal therein so that the seal can seal a space between the inner peripheral surface and the piston. The seal groove comprises a movement restricting part that restricts movement of the seal in the direction of the braking direction axis, and a movement permitting part formed as a step facing radially inwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Shinichi Takizawa, Hisashi Matsui
  • Patent number: 8651255
    Abstract: A clutch actuating apparatus for a double clutch transmission, may include an operation rod that constructs an operation stroke for engaging a clutch while moving straight, an electric power unit that generates a rotational force, a straight converting unit that converts the rotational force of the electric power unit into a straight movement force for moving straight the operation rod, a supplement force supplying unit for increasing the straight movement force of the operation rod and removing increased straight movement force in accordance with whether the operation rod engages or disengages the clutch, a rod locating unit that changes a position of the operation rod relative to the straight converting unit, and a housing that accommodates the straight converting unit and the supplement force supplying unit and covers the operation rod with a portion exposed to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jongyop Kim, Sungyong Cho, Hyunduk Chang
  • Patent number: 8651256
    Abstract: A method of determining the wear condition of a shifting clutch (1) of a motor vehicle which is provided either for interrupting the force flow or equalizing the rotation speed between a drive output shaft (2) of an internal combustion engine (3) and a drivetrain (4). The wear condition of the clutch (1) is determined from the parameters of clutch release path (sausrück) the and release force (Fausrück), at a release bearing (5) of the clutch (1) and, for this purpose, a difference between the clutch release path (sausrück), at a first increase-point (11; 12) of the release force (Fausrück) and at a reference point (13) represented by a second increase of the release force (Fausrück), is measured when the clutch is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Franz Bitzer
  • Patent number: 8651257
    Abstract: A driving structure for a wheel hub of a bicycle includes a wheel hub having a ratchet wheel, a ratchet base having an operating member and connected to the wheel hub, an engaging block and an elastic member both assembled onto the operating member, the elastic member abutting against the engaging block so that the engaging block is engaged with the ratchet wheel, a rotating ring assembled between the ratchet wheel and the operating member and having a plurality of abutting plates, each abutting plate abutting against the corresponding engaging block, an elastomer defined on the operating member and abutting against the rotating ring. Under this arrangement, the ratchet wheel simultaneously engages with the engaging blocks, because of the rotating ring and the elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Bin Chang
  • Patent number: 8651258
    Abstract: A system and method for a transfer of material in a tube or chute from a first location at a first height to a second location at a second height. The system can increase the lifespan and usefulness of that chute by allowing an easy rotation that tube or chute with respect to its supply and distribution locations such that the requirement for heavy machinery is reduced or eliminated during the repositioning process. This system allows for the correct positioning of a unworn or underutilized location of that chute as the main support path for the material transport in that chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: WCH Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Gary W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8651259
    Abstract: A ladder bridge apparatus for use in connecting two ladder sections is disclosed herein. The ladder bridge apparatus, in its simplest form, includes an adjustable center stabilizer bar connecting outer rail bridge assemblies. The rail bridge assemblies are directly connected to the adjacent ladder sections. The ladder bridge apparatus can be utilized in conjunction with a material transport device to transport materials over the rails of a first ladder section and onto and across the ladder bridge apparatus to a second ladder section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Berle G. Blehm
  • Patent number: 8651260
    Abstract: A method and a device for handling containers is described, wherein the containers are transported along a predetermined transport path and combined with at least one other product, the amount of which can be determined, in such a way that the product is fed to each individual container in a predetermined feed area of the transport path, wherein the other product is routed along a feed path to the feed area. At least one characterizing state is determined in a detection area disposed upstream relative to the feed area in a direction of transport of the containers, the state being characteristic of a number of containers fed, and a residual amount for the product that remains to be fed to the predetermined feed area until the product is switched is determined as a function of this characteristic state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Uwe Hasler, Josef Mayer, Markus Zoelfl, Norbert Heimann, Josef Raith
  • Patent number: 8651261
    Abstract: A tubular food product launching system and method for interacting with a product loading head is disclosed. The system includes a pick belt, positioned alongside product carrying intermediate belts. The pick belt supplies additional product to a product inspector or vision equipped robot cell to replace defective or missing product observed on the intermediate belt(s) with replacement product from the pick belt. The overall system speed, and pick belt speed, can be adjusted to accommodate varying product post-launcher fill-rates in accord with the nature of the product and the abilities and speed of the robot cell and/or product inspector, so as to reliably assure 100% final fill-rate as product is fed to the loading head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: F. R. Drake Company
    Inventors: George Reed, Joseph Posge, Keith Hopkins
  • Patent number: 8651262
    Abstract: A circuit board inspection apparatus is equipped with a plurality of lane divided sections for transferring circuit boards, a plurality of movable transfer devices disposed on the plurality of the lane divided sections and having transfer portions for transferring the circuit boards, and visual recognition positions disposed adjacent to the plurality of the lane divided sections in a Y direction. The plurality of the movable transfer devices transfer the circuit boards from the lane divided sections to the visual recognition positions. One of the movable transfer devices has a height adjustment portion that moves a corresponding one of the transfer portions in a Z direction to prevent the movable transfer device from interfering with a corresponding one of the lane divided sections, in transferring one of the circuit boards from one of the lane divided sections to one of the visual recognition positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Kondo
  • Patent number: 8651263
    Abstract: A conveyor system includes a conveyor surface formed of a plurality of rollers in a single file arrangement. A center guide assembly has a guide configuration where a center guide member extends between adjacent ones of the plurality of rollers and beyond the conveyor surface and a recessed configuration where the center guide member is recessed from the conveyor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Mark Liggins, Joe Ed Pinnix
  • Patent number: 8651264
    Abstract: A transport device and a method for the transport of articles are disclosed. The transport device is provided with a plurality of single lanes for the single articles having a width (BE). Each single lane is provided with one separating element. Adjacent single lanes are separated by one of the separating elements. The widths (BE) are adjustable with at least one displacing means. At least two adjacent single lanes form a group of lanes with a width (BG). Several of the groups of lanes formed in such a way are slidable to each other. The widths are adjustable with at least a further displacing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Herbert Spindler, Karl Rausch, Josef Mayer, Martin Bauer, Josef Unterseher
  • Patent number: 8651265
    Abstract: A conveyor includes a plate with a closed-loop track along which vials are driven in a continuous manner in holders arranged so as to be in free contact with each other in order to form a continuous stream along the track. Each holder includes a horizontal platen (72) to which is connected a plurality of vertical blades (72) forming a ring and capable of elastically moving away from the rotational axis of the platen, the inner surfaces thereof being intended for bearing against the periphery of a vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Joël Vazeille, Patrick Chaigne
  • Patent number: 8651266
    Abstract: An oil supply device for a conveyance device, comprising a conveyance chain, an upper rail in which the chain travels and an oil supply device provided above the upper rail. A groove portion is provided at an inner surface side of the upper rail. An upper key member is positioned between the groove portion and the chain to support the upper portion of the chain. An oil supply hole, through which oil passes, is formed at a position of the upper rail which corresponds to a position above the upper key member. The oil, dropped from the oil supply device, passes through the oil supply hole of the upper rail and is applied to an upper surface of the upper key member. The oil applied to the upper surface of the upper key member is flown along the upper surface and the side surface thereof and supplied to the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Senju Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kouichiro Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 8651267
    Abstract: A conveying screw apparatus for transporting loose material. The apparatus includes:—a power unit apt to rotate an Archimedes screw pushing the loose material;—a charging hopper of the loose material in a tubular body containing the Archimedes screw and the loose material; —a feeding channel of the loose material towards a user; —pushing elements of the loose material present in the feeding channel; and —a back flow preventing device, preventing the back flow of pushing air together with loose material; such a device closing, in case, a through hole to the feeding channel. The back flow preventing device includes a shutter, provided with a plate, undergoing the action of a helical spring which, in any opening/closing step of the through hole, is always substantially perpendicular to the feeding first direction of the material in the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: WAM Industriale S.p.A.
    Inventors: Vainer Marchesini, Luca Golinelli
  • Patent number: 8651268
    Abstract: Hydrogen energy systems for obtaining hydrogen gas from a solid storage medium using controlled laser beams. Also disclosed are systems for charging/recharging magnesium with hydrogen to obtain magnesium hydride. Other relatively safe systems assisting storage, transport and use (as in vehicles) of such solid storage mediums are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Paul H. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8651269
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a fluid enclosure including a structural filler and an outer enclosure wall conformably coupled to the structural filler. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to a method of manufacturing a fluid enclosure. The method includes conformably coupling an outer enclosure wall to a structural filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventor: Joerg Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 8651270
    Abstract: Hydrogen energy systems for obtaining hydrogen gas from a solid storage medium using controlled laser beams. Also disclosed are systems for charging/recharging magnesium with hydrogen to obtain magnesium hydride. Other relatively safe systems assisting storage, transport and use (as in vehicles) of such solid storage mediums are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Paul H. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8651271
    Abstract: A container with multiple chambers and multiple openings consists of two bottles not in fluid communications. Each of the two bottles has an upper opening facing upward and a lower opening facing downward, both sealed by an upper cover and a lower cover, respectively. The surrounding surface of each of the two bottles is divided into a junction surface and an outer side surface. Each of the junction surfaces has a connecting part. The two bottles are connected/separated by the connecting parts on the junction surfaces horizontally. The outer side surface of each of the two bottles has the shape of an arc, so that the connected bottles form a complete single cylindrical container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Tzu-Yuan Shen
  • Patent number: 8651272
    Abstract: An oral care implement demonstration assembly includes a powered oral care implement, a package housing and a plurality of demonstration elements. The oral care implement demonstration assembly is configured to produce a visual demonstration effect when relative movement is provided between a first demonstration element and a second demonstration element. Among the visual effects that may be utilized is a Moiré effect. Additionally, an associated method for demonstrating features of an oral care implement though one or more visual effects is described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Alberto Mantilla, Tony Baxter, Pablos Andres Ramirez Lozano, Marisol Rodriguez Perez
  • Patent number: 8651273
    Abstract: A tool bag that includes a tool bag body formed from a base with first and second endwalls attached to opposite end portions of the base. The tool bag body also includes a first sidewall attached to a side of the tool bag body that is releasably attached to the first endwall and releasably attached to the second endwall, and a second sidewall attached to a second side of the tool bag body opposite the first sidewall. The second sidewall includes a sidewall section flexibly joined to a cover section, where the sidewall section is releasably attached to vertical portions of the first endwall and the second endwall. The removable cover is removably attachable to a top portion of the first and second endwalls. The tool bag can also include a rotatable handle and a tool wall for simple, secure storage of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: LF Centennial Limited
    Inventors: Matthew G. Williams, Terrence P. Kinskey
  • Patent number: 8651274
    Abstract: Described is a device comprising a retro-reflective marker sphere comprising: a core ball comprising: a generally spherical body portion, a mounting base extending from one end of the body portion of the core ball, and a mounting recess having a recess opening in the mounting base and extending into the body portion of the core ball, and a retro-reflective covering on the core ball, the retro-reflective covering comprising an opening through which the mounting base of the core ball extends, wherein a flat lower surface of the mounting base is spaced proximally from a lower edge of the opening of the retro-reflective covering, and wherein the mounting recess includes an interior screw thread for engaging an exterior screw thread of a mounting post when the retro-reflective marker sphere is mounted on the mounting post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Izi Medical Products
    Inventors: Helen Zinreich Shafer, David Alan Zinreich, Douglas Crumb
  • Patent number: 8651275
    Abstract: A flatware napkin holder combining three elements, a rectangularly folded dinner napkin, a triangular-shaped napkin enfolding a place setting of flatware and a customizable pouch having a closed bottom, closed sides and an open top, the dinner napkin, luncheon napkin and flatware sitting inside the pouch, extending through the open top. The pouch is customizable to complement a motif for any festive occasion with an additional ornamentation. The flatware napkin holder can be used as a place card holder for a table having assigned seats. The dinner napkin, the luncheon napkin, the pouch and the pouch ornamentation can be the same color or complementary colors, using two or more colors, resulting in an exceedingly large number of possible combinations to match any color theme of the decorating motif.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Marlene D'Aloisio
  • Patent number: 8651276
    Abstract: Packaging for heatable food portions comprises an ovenable tray including a plurality of serving containers connected by a detachable support matrix. In one embodiment, the support matrix is attached to the serving containers by hot melt glue which melts during baking or heating to automatically release the support matrix from the serving containers. Pre-filled trays are shipped with display covers fitted to the serving containers, such that the covers may be placed on the individual serving containers after the food portions are baked and the serving containers are separated from the support matrix to provide individually packaged, freshly baked food portions for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rich Products Corporation
    Inventor: Noel F. Galluch
  • Patent number: 8651277
    Abstract: An article-transport tray includes a floor and a side wall which cooperate to form an article-storage space sized to carry a wide variety of items, articles, or products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Michael Bruce McLeod, Jon Richard Thomas Schoenborn
  • Patent number: 8651278
    Abstract: A thermoformed packaging case has four wall-flanges which abut in ridge-within-groove nesting for interlocking and shock-absorbing closure of the case. Each edge has a pattern of ridges and grooves, and nesting of the edges of the flanges is enabled by a lateral shift in its ridge-groove pattern. Articles contained within the case are cushioned from shock by projections which protrude inwardly from inner surfaces of the walls to resiliently bear against the articles. Each buffer has a top surface surrounded by a valley and hump to provide shock-absorbing resilience. Locking of the case involves a flap hinged to a side-wall. To close a top-wall of the case onto the side-wall, projections of the top-wall enter recesses of the side-wall, and by folding the flap over to insert the projections into reverse recesses of the projections. The projections are snapped into recesses to effect triple-locking of the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Protective Packaging Systems Limited
    Inventor: Jeffrey Graham Pitt
  • Patent number: 8651279
    Abstract: A container system is described. In one or more implementations, the container system comprises a lower container for receiving a first food component (or components) and an upper container assembly for receiving a second food component (or components) so that the second food component is separated from the first food component. The upper container assembly is configured for engagement with the lower container and is operable to be at least partially opened while the upper container assembly is engaged with the lower container to introduce the second food component into the lower container with the first food component. In one or more embodiments, a pull tab is coupled to the upper container assembly. The pull tab is configured to be pulled while the upper container assembly is engaged with the lower container to at least partially open the upper container assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Yolanda A. Malone, Catherine Shapiro, Svava Atladottir, Lynda Deakin, John Dixon, JoAn Hernandez, Stephen Kim, Gina Romero, Gabriel Trionfi, Martin Zabaleta, Lauren Shimek
  • Patent number: 8651280
    Abstract: Cup retaining apparatus and methods are described herein. Retaining a cup or glass within or along a plate assembly allows for the user to hold both the plate and cup or glass with a single hand. Generally, a cup or glass retaining plate assembly may comprise a platform defining an opening which is sized to support a cup or glass extending at least partially through the platform. A retaining clip or arm may be pivotably attached to the platform and movable between a retaining position and a releasing position, wherein the opening opens along a portion of a periphery of the platform such that the cup or glass is secured within the opening when the retaining clip or arm is in the retaining position and wherein the cup or glass is removable when the retaining dip or arm is in the releasing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Eileen M. Raynor
  • Patent number: 8651282
    Abstract: An apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. The fluidized bed also includes an opening for receiving a first fluidizing stream, an exit for fluidized particulate and at least one exit for non-fluidized particulate. A conveyor is operatively disposed in the fluidized bed for conveying the non-fluidized particulate to the non-fluidized particulate exit. A collector box is in operative communication with the fluidized bed to receive the non-fluidized particulate. There is a means for directing a second fluidizing stream through the non-fluidized particulate as while it is in the collector box to separate fluidizable particulate therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Great River Energy
    Inventors: Mark A. Ness, Matthew P. Coughlin
  • Patent number: 8651283
    Abstract: A mesh screen, for example for filtration wheels used in water treatment, provides a set of pleated filter elements assembled by in-molding the mesh into stringers subdividing a frame. Retention strips following the pleated edges of the filter elements at the stringers include apertures permitting direct clamping of the mesh near the stringers and the ability to visually inspect, after molding, engagement between the molded elements and the mesh while providing an increased engagement area between the mesh and elements of the over-molded frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene W. Altwies
  • Patent number: 8651284
    Abstract: A hydrophilic semipermeable hollow-fiber membrane for blood treatment, with an integrally asymmetric structure based on a synthetic polymer. The hollow-fiber membrane possesses on its inner surface a separating layer and an adjoining open-pored supporting layer, and has an ultrafiltration rate in albumin solution of 5 to 25 ml/(h·m2·mmHg). The hollow-fiber membrane is free from pore-stabilizing additives and has a maximum sieving coefficient for albumin of 0.005 and a sieving coefficient for cytochrome c that satisfies the equation SCCC?5·10?5·UFRAlb3?0.004·UFRAlb2+1.081·UFRAlb?0.25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Membrana GmbH
    Inventors: Friedbert Wechs, Arne Gehlen, Bodo von Harten, Richard Kruger, Oliver Schuster
  • Patent number: 8651285
    Abstract: Provided are nonwoven polymeric fiber webs using an improved curable composition. Such curable composition comprises a reaction product of an amine and a reactant in the form of an amino-amide intermediate. To the amino-amide is added an aldehyde or ketone to form the curable binder composition. The composition when applied to the polymeric fibers is cured to form a water-insoluble polymer binder which exhibits good adhesion and thermo-dimensional stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Kiarash Alavi Shooshtari, James Patrick Hamilton, Jawed Asrar
  • Patent number: 8651286
    Abstract: Provided are spunbond polyester mats using an improved curable composition. Such curable composition comprises the reaction product of an aldehyde or ketone and an amine salt of an inorganic acid. The composition when applied to spunbond polyester continuous filaments is cured to form a water-insoluble polymer binder which exhibits good adhesion and thermodimensional stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Kiarash Alavi Shooshtari, James Patrick Hamilton, Jawed Asrar
  • Patent number: 8651287
    Abstract: A crockery basket is provided for receiving a plurality of different types of crockery, especially in a dishwasher machine, said basket comprising a grid-type holding device consisting of a plurality of prongs that can be pivoted between different pivoting positions. The holding device consists of at least two pivoting rows of prongs that can be independently pivoted between the different pivoting positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Moser, Bernd Schessl, Rainer Schuetz
  • Patent number: 8651288
    Abstract: A merchandise display system is presented. The display system includes a support frame, a plurality of shelves disposed on the support frame, and a plurality of dividers coupled to each shelf. Each shelf includes a base having a plurality of arcuate surfaces extending continuously as tangent radii from a front end to a rear end of the base. In one embodiment, the arcuate surfaces and the dividers cooperate to define a plurality of lanes. Each lane is dimensioned to accommodate a front to back column of merchandise items. When a merchandise item is placed at the rear end of one of the lanes, the merchandise item traverses the lane by gravity to the forward end of the lane such that the merchandise item is presented to a prospective consumer in a substantially upright and forward facing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mechtronics Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony C. Squitieri
  • Patent number: 8651289
    Abstract: A gun and fishing rod holder. The holder comprises at least one stand mounted on a table. The at least one stand can be arranged in first (gun holding) and second (fishing rod holding) configurations. The first (gun holding) configuration of a stand comprises a pair of U-shaped channels. The second (fishing rod holding) configuration of a stand comprises an upside-down U-shaped support having a plurality of rod holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Fred M. Diaz, Jr., Patrick T. Muldoon, Brian A. Rogos, James P. Sassorossi, Timothy B. Sikes, Andrew C. McGinnis, Richard J. Galler, Thomas A. Dailey
  • Patent number: 8651290
    Abstract: A device and method to organize a plurality of toothbrushes to promote sanitary toothbrush drying and storing. This device allows the user to insert a toothbrush into the holder after use. The user will align the bristles of the toothbrush so that the bristle portion of the brush is facing down and plumb relative the horizon to allow the toothbrush to air-dry. The holder can be configured with multiple receiver members to store multiple toothbrushes while preventing cross-contamination. One embodiment features a toothbrush holder affixed to a wall while a second embodiment features a freestanding toothbrush holder. This device may also incorporate a cup holder, or a loop portion with an aperture disposed therein. The base of the holder may take various shapes and sizes. The holder may be flush-mounted, or may feature a mounting offset between the mounted surface and the receiver plate to aid in securing the toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Jose C. Fonseca
  • Patent number: 8651291
    Abstract: A jewelry storage and organization system for easily grouping matched pieces and aiding quick retrieval of one or more pieces has a hanging rod for attaching to a planar vertical surface using a plurality of hanging rod attachment brackets. The system has a generally planar oval loop member with an internal jewelry attachment member. The loop member is located onto the hanging rod and can slide. Jewelry can be located on the loop member via the internal jewelry attachment member or the loop bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Jannie M. Prather
  • Patent number: 8651292
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is a positionable utility tray. The tray apparatus is adapted to be mounted in the interior of an automobile and can be fixed in a chosen position by locking a securing mount into a vehicle receiving socket, such as an auxiliary power outlet. The invention utilizes a securing mount using a tapered plunger and expanding collet to force fingers outwardly onto the socket inner surface, thereby securing the utility tray. The utility tray further utilizes fastener projections to mount tray accessory components such as trash cans, mobile device holders, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Car Trays, LLC
    Inventors: Jay Lee Sunderland, Joseph Eugene Ramion
  • Patent number: 8651293
    Abstract: The invention is a compact storage rack for holding and storing tools and other articles within a recess in a wall of a building or vehicle. The storage rack includes a back panel, mounting members for securing the rack in the recess and at least one door panel pivotally mounted to the mounting members. Each panel consists of a wire grid composed of pairs of generally parallel and equidistantly spaced horizontal bars secured together by generally parallel and equidistant vertical bars. The grid design allows visual inspection of the tools inside the storage rack to confirm what equipment is present and that it is properly mounted. The grid design also allows air to permeate the storage rack to air dry the tools stored therein. The swing door arrangement provides easy access to the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Gear Grid, LLC
    Inventor: Michael C. Boyer
  • Patent number: 8651294
    Abstract: An overhead rack system is provided that may be mounted to the ceiling of a structure such as a garage for storing items in an organized manner off the floor. The overhead rack system includes a first and second adjustable mounting track and a support surface having a number of side rails connected together by a plurality of rail connectors. The first and second adjustable mounting tracks are adjustable relative to the ceiling mount such that the space between the ceiling and the support surface as well as the overall length of the side rails may be adjusted by the user according to the intended space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Todd Mansor, Jeff Moffat
  • Patent number: 8651295
    Abstract: A rack has a frame and a plurality of shelves. Each shelf has an enclosing frame member that has two first sides connected by two second sides, a connecting bar that connects the first sides at about the center of the first sides, a plurality of slots provided on the inner surfaces of the second sides, and a plurality of slats, each slat having opposing ends that are fitted into opposing slots at the second sides, and with each slat being connected to the connecting bar. At least one connector is provided for removably connecting each shelf to a portion of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Seville Classics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M. Lim
  • Patent number: 8651296
    Abstract: A freestanding display rack is made of materials that can be recycled by utilizing existing fiber recycling chains and can be shipped to the point of sale in a knocked-down flattened condition. The display rack comprises a pair of spaced apart side panels each having an outer surface, and an inner surface facing an opposite side panel. A back panel is attached to the side panels by interfitting tabs and notches along adjacent edges of the back panel and the side panels. A plurality of shelves extends between and supported at their opposite ends on the side panels by mechanical interlocking engaged between the shelves and the side panels. The mechanical interlocking comprises channels formed in the inner surface of each the side panel, and depending flanges on opposite side edges of each the shelf engaged in a respective channel. A graphics header extends above the shelves and side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: International Paper Co.
    Inventor: Travis E. Beaty
  • Patent number: 8651297
    Abstract: A freestanding display rack for supporting and displaying product at a point of sale comprises a pair of spaced apart side panels. A back panel is attached to the side panels by interfitting tabs and notches along adjacent edges of the back panel and the side panels. A plurality of shelves extends between and supported at their opposite ends on the side panels by mechanical interlocking engaged between the shelves and the side panels. The mechanical interlocking comprises a slot formed through the side panels adjacent each of the shelves and a tongue projecting outwardly from each end of the shelves. The tongues extend through the respective slot in the side panels and being folded against an outer surface of the respective side panel. A graphics header extends above the shelves and side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: International Paper Co.
    Inventor: Travis E. Beaty
  • Patent number: 8651298
    Abstract: A freestanding display rack used for supporting and displaying product at a point of sale. The display rack can be shipped in a knocked-down flattened condition in a compact package and assembled without using tools. The display rack comprises a pair of spaced apart side panels and a plurality of shelves extend between and supported at their opposite ends on the side panels by a plurality of mechanical interlocking engaged between the shelves and the side panels. The plurality of mechanical interlocking comprises slots in the side panels and tabs integral with the shelves on opposite ends thereof extended through the slots. An opening formed in an end of each of the tabs projecting through the slots in the respective side panel. A locking pin inserted in each the opening to prevent withdrawal of the tabs from the slots. A graphics header extends above the shelves and side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: International Paper Co.
    Inventor: Travis E. Beaty