Patents Issued in February 18, 2014
  • Patent number: 8651299
    Abstract: A free-standing display assembly is provided holding products for retail sale. The assembly includes a sub-assembly having a base, supporting shroud, left and right side walls, and slotted metal spine. An inner sleeve is held adjacent the supporting shroud. Metal shelves with plastic trays are hangable at different heights along the slotted metal spine. A first transparent plastic panel is sized to cover a rear graphic sheet which is removably insertable between the first transparent plastic panel and the supporting shroud. A second transparent plastic panel is sized to cover 5-50% of an upper area of the inner sleeve and is attached to the inner sleeve. A front graphic sheet is sandwiched between the second transparent plastic panel and the inner sleeve. The configuration of the flexible panels readily permits in under 5 minutes to replace rear and front graphic sheets with alternative advertising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael William Fromm, Christina Diane Cvetan
  • Patent number: 8651300
    Abstract: A sectional rack includes at least four vertical supports, at least two shelves, and a plurality of clamping members. Each vertical support includes two laterally juxtaposed left and right posts, and a plurality of connecting members connected to between the two posts. Each clamping member defines a vertically extended receiving recess, which has two wing portions formed at two ends of an open side thereof, and is sized for one post of the vertical support to partially set therein, allowing the clamping member to assemble to the vertical support. The shelves are respectively provided at four corners with an outward-opened C-shaped clamping member each for tightly fitting around and thereby pushing the two wing portions of the clamping member toward each other to firmly clamp the post in the receiving recess, so that the four corners of the shelves are firmly connected to the posts of the four vertical supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Protrend Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Henry Chen
  • Patent number: 8651301
    Abstract: A method according to the invention of controlling a rotation speed of a motor of a speed-controllable hoist drive comprises receiving a lift speed instruction; forming a final speed instruction by using initial information containing the lift speed instruction; and using the final speed instruction as a speed instruction for the rotation speed of the motor of the speed-controllable hoist drive. The method further comprises monitoring a position derivative of an actual value of a cable force. The initial information for forming the final speed instruction comprises the position derivative of the actual value of the cable force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Konecranes PLC
    Inventors: Jussi Kiova, Janne Salomäki
  • Patent number: 8651302
    Abstract: An electrical contact coupling for a track-borne vehicle has a coupling housing and a protective flap articulated to the coupling housing. In order to ensure a reliable sealing of the coupling housing in the closed state of the electrical contact coupling, a seal is utilized which exhibits an upper sealing area running parallel to the axis of rotation and a lower sealing area running parallel to the axis of rotation. The upper sealing area associates with a sealing face aligned perpendicular to the housing end face and the lower sealing area associates with a sealing face aligned substantially parallel to the housing end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Lyda, Brunhilde Wenge, Mario Hempel
  • Patent number: 8651303
    Abstract: A locking stopper component has lower, upper and central extents. The lower extent includes a stick. A frusto-conical cam shoulder is formed in a central extent of the stick. The upper extent includes a lock rotatable between locked and unlocked positions and an upper shaft. The central extent operatively coupling the upper and lower extents includes a reciprocating assembly and a rotatable assembly whereby rotating the lock rotates the rotatable assembly and raises the reciprocating assembly to secure the component in a tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel J. Groot
  • Patent number: 8651304
    Abstract: A dispensing closure (10) for dispensing a product from a container (12) includes a cup base (14) and a measuring cup (16). The cup base (14) has an inner skirt (15) configured and arranged to engage a neck (28) of the container (12) and the measuring cup (16). An outer skirt (18) of the cup base (14) has at least one or more latch hook members (30A, 30B) to engage the measuring cup (16). The outer skirt (18) has at least one or more latch hook areas (32A, 32B) configured to disengage the at least one or more latch hook members (30A, 30B). The measuring cup (16) has a stepped shoulder (42A) for engaging the at least one or more latch hook members (30A, 30B) of the cup base (14). In operation, a force is applied to the one or more latch hook areas (32A, 32B) to disengage the one or more latch hook members (30A, 30B) from the stepped shoulder (42A) which permits removal of the measuring cup (16) from the cup base (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: MWV Slatersville, LLC
    Inventors: Clifford Skillin, Patrick Brannon
  • Patent number: 8651305
    Abstract: A closure assembly for mounting on a container includes a base configured for mounting on the container and defining an aperture through which the interior of the container is accessible. The base comprises a perimeter, a separator mounted on and extending across the perimeter with the aperture being formed in the separator, and a valve positioned on the separator. The valve extends across the aperture in the separator, and is openable by the application of pressure on the valve and self-closable upon removal of the pressure from the valve. The assembly also includes a cover for selectively covering the aperture. The cover is mounted on the base and is movable with respect to the base between a closed position and an open position. The closed position is characterized by the aperture not being accessible and the open position is characterized by the aperture being accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Simplified Dosing Incorporated
    Inventor: Melanie M. Lunn
  • Patent number: 8651306
    Abstract: A flip guide plug structure for a bottle includes a lower main body, an upper main body, a lower plug, a guide pipe, an upper plug, a connection unit and two magnetic members. The upper main body can be opened relative to the lower main body through the connection unit, and then positioned by the attraction of the two magnetic members to prevent an unexpected closing. The flip guide plug structure of the present invention is very convenient for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: G. Esmond International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuan-Mu Pai
  • Patent number: 8651307
    Abstract: A one-piece plastic hot-fill container may employ a shoulder portion, a base portion and a sidewall portion, which may be integrally formed with and extend from the shoulder portion to the base portion. The container may further employ a plurality of compression ribs molded into the sidewall portion—a first of the plurality of compression ribs intersecting a second of the plurality of compression ribs to form a rib interface, at least the first and the second of the plurality of compression ribs changing from a first shape to a second shape in response to cooling of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Carlos E. Londoño, Susan Deemer
  • Patent number: 8651308
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a cosmetic package container, in particular, to a three-piece assembly of a cosmetic package container in a hollow spherical shape, comprising a cap unit and a base unit respectively of a semi-spherical hollow shape assembled in a top-down manner together with as a central ring unit having a net structure and attached to an opening of the base unit. A paste of cosmetic material is filled into the container via a filling perforation at the bottom portion of the base unit. The outer surface of the central ring unit is provided with threads for parts of the container to be fastened with ease to form a complete assembly of the container. The cap and base units are of a double-layered structure formed of different materials such that the outer appearance of the container can be of various decorative designs and is practical to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Chia-Meng Sung
  • Patent number: 8651309
    Abstract: A collapsible, re-usable container of unitary construction is disclosed. The container is able to be locked into a flat, folded configuration as well as locked into an open, unfolded configuration, and includes a base, two opposing end walls that are pivotably attached to the base, and two opposing side walls, which are pivotably attached to both the base and to the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Enrico Gualersi, Emilio Libera, Patricio Ortiz
  • Patent number: 8651310
    Abstract: A foldable box includes a floor having a fixed exterior wall extending from the floor in a vertical direction upwards and an exterior wall having a shaft arranged in the base area of the exterior wall. The foldable box further includes a guide opening in the fixed exterior wall area in which the shaft is arranged, the guide opening including an opening section extending basically in the vertical direction through which the shaft may be guided out from the top, and a lateral opening section extending in a lateral direction from an outside of the fixed exterior wall area inwards, in which the shaft may be shifted basically in a lateral direction. A cam arranged in the base area of the exterior wall has a cam contour which is implemented such that the cam contour, when erecting the exterior wall, gets into contact with a contact surface arranged at the fixed exterior wall area such that the shaft is moved inwards in the lateral opening section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: IFCO Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Orgeldinger
  • Patent number: 8651311
    Abstract: In insert is provided for use with a container and for positioning in the container opening. The insert includes a body having an outer periphery dimensioned for receipt within container opening. A utensil is frangibly secured to the insert body within an internal open area. A receiving tab is provided that projects from the body into the open area. An engagement structure is formed on the utensil and on the receiving tab. The engagement portions cooperate with one another for removably securing the utensil to the receiving tab after the frangible connection to the body is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Drummond, Kurt Ziegenfelder, Veronique Sins
  • Patent number: 8651312
    Abstract: A canister includes a container and a lid that is able to be coupled to the container. The container includes a bottom wall and a side wall formed to include a mouth opening into a product-receiving chamber. The container includes an annular side wall that is formed to include a neck finish. The neck finish is configured to accept the lid of the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Minnette
  • Patent number: 8651313
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for storing fluid in an underwater cryogenic storage vessel designed for use in a fuel system of an underwater vehicle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a storage vessel includes at least two concentrically arranged storage tanks, which includes a first storage tank and a second storage tank. The first storage tank surrounds the second storage tank, such that the first storage tank is configured to protect the second storage tank from external environmental conditions. The storage vessel also includes a storage compartment positioned adjacent to the two storage tanks. In one embodiment, the storage vessel may be an underwater cryogenic storage vessel that stores liquid oxygen used as a reactant in a fuel cell and liquid carbon dioxide, which is an effluent of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edwin C. Cady, Daniel A. Watts, Gary D. Grayson
  • Patent number: 8651314
    Abstract: A foam tank structure includes a foam tank, a bag and a foam tube, in which the foam tank is equipped with a manhole and a hole cover, and the upper and lower tank walls are individually placed with a foam injection hole, an inlet opening and a drain opening; the bag is integrated with the hollow bag body within the foam tank, and the upper and lower ends individually connect with a foam injection hole, particularly, the bag has double bag walls forming interlayer space therebetween, and plural anti-wear items integrate within the interlayer space; and the foam tube is installed within the bag and connects the foam injection hole of the foam tank, and plural open-apertures are placed at the tube wall; thereby providing a foam tank structure which improves the durability and operating life of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: I Hsing Lin
  • Patent number: 8651315
    Abstract: A pressure tank includes a metallic vessel, a plastic liner received in the metallic vessel, a flexible diaphragm, two connectors and a nozzle coupled to the nipples respectively. The metallic vessel includes upper and lower shells. The upper shell defines a first planar area on a side thereof and a second planar area on a top thereof. The lower shell defines a third planar area therebottom. The flexible diaphragm divides the metallic vessel into a storage space and a pneumatic room. Each of the connectors includes a nipple and an anti-leak assembly. The nipples of the connectors are mounted on the side and top of the upper shell respectively and are in communication with the storage space. The two anti-leak assemblies provide leakproof connection between the nipples and the plastic liner. Additionally, the nozzle is mounted on the third planar area to be in communication with the pneumatic room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Li-Ming Wang
  • Patent number: 8651316
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. The apparatus may include a drinking aperture, an even retention structure profile, and a bag retention aperture that is openable such that at least a portion of the bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus. The apparatus also may include a depressed wall section sized and shaped such that, when a bag is secured by the bag retention aperture, the bag is prevented from blocking a drinking aperture even when the container is rotated for drinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mighty Leaf Tea
    Inventors: Jill Portman, Gary Shinner
  • Patent number: 8651317
    Abstract: Molded plastic cover pieces and mating fabric or hard-side sidewall panel assemblies are disclosed for mounting over a storage container. The cover piece provides several raised rails at perimeter edges and rails defining tine receiving lifting channels that contain sub-frame members that stiffen the cover and facilitate attachment of the cover and side walls to form a complete cover assembly. Single panel and thermally bonded multi-panel cover assemblies are disclosed. Bracing members and/or embossed surfaces at the rails and tine receiving channel cover pieces strengthen the covers and direct water runoff Fabric or expansible hinges provide flexible transitions at intersecting sidewall corners. Alternative cover assemblies provide lifting towers, panels with tine receiving apertures or interconnected tension members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Aaron Wolf
  • Patent number: 8651318
    Abstract: A beverage can closure element (10) with a cover element (12) is specified for configuring in an opening in a beverage can (30) and a locking mechanism (16) embodied and/or configured on the cover element (12) which is embodied and/or configured in a manner that the beverage can closure element (10) configured in an opening in a beverage can (30) can be locked in an opening of a beverage can (30). The cover element (12) is embodied and configured so that, if the beverage can closure element (10) is configured in an opening of a beverage can (30), the cover element (12) is elastically deformable between at least two states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: WB Innovations Limited
    Inventor: Wladimir Brandtner
  • Patent number: 8651319
    Abstract: Lid for a container for filling the container from above, the opening being closable by a pivotable closure element mounted on an inner side of the lid so as to be rotatable about a first axis (X) which axis is horizontal when the lid is located on top of the container. The closure element includes a first part for closing the top of the container located on one side of the axis (X), and a second part as a counterweight on the other side of the axis (X). A pivotable bias element is rotatably mounted on the inner side of the lid on a second axis (Y) which is parallel to the first axis (X). The bias element is biased onto the second part by gravity and causes the first part to be pressed to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Formaster S.A.
    Inventor: Stawomir Bursztein
  • Patent number: 8651320
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing open-ended objects such as pharmaceutical vials includes: a housing having an internal cavity configured to house open-ended objects, the housing including a guide and a floor; a pick-up unit mounted to the housing, the pick-up unit including an endless member and at least one pick-up member attached to the endless member; and a drive unit. The endless member engages the drive unit and the guide for movement relative thereto. As the drive unit drives the endless member, the at least one pick-up member travels on a pick-up path, at least a portion of which is within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jody DuMond, Charles H. Guthrie, Joseph C. Moran, Jr., Demetris P. Young, George Raymond Abrams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8651321
    Abstract: A gumball machine includes a gumball container that contains a plurality of gumballs, and a neck portion coupled to the gumball container. The gumball machine has an elongated transparent housing having an upper end coupled to the neck portion, and a base coupled to the lower end of the elongated housing. A speaker is positioned inside the base and is electrically coupled to a switch, a plurality of lighting elements are arranged inside the transparent housing and electrically coupled to the switch, and a power supply is housed inside the base and electrically coupled to the switch, the speaker and the lighting elements. When an actuator is actuated, the actuator turns on the switch to cause the lighting elements to flash, the speaker to broadcast sound and/or music, and a gumball to be dispensed from the gumball container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sweet N Fun, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hoi Wai Fu
  • Patent number: 8651322
    Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus has a housing defining a first chamber and a second chamber that are divided by a dividing wall, a lid covering the second chamber and a cover covering the first chamber, with the first chamber holding a plurality of articles, and an opening provided in the dividing wall to allow an article to pass through to the second chamber. A figure is retained inside the second chamber, the figure having a pair of arms that are normally positioned adjacent the opening in the dividing wall to receive an article that is transferred from the first chamber via the opening in the dividing wall. An actuator is coupled to the figure to push the figure upwardly through the lid so that the figure, and the article held in the arms of the figure, are delivered outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sweet N Fun, Ltd.
    Inventor: Candona Y. S. Fung
  • Patent number: 8651323
    Abstract: A hand protection barrier dispenser for dispensing disposable sanitary barriers for temporarily covering the hand and providing complete hand protection is disclosed which dispenses the hand protection barriers in a manner so that they may easily be donned by a user thereof. The hand protection barrier operates to open each of the hand protection barriers into a position to be readily donned and dispensed. The hand protection barrier dispenser dispenses only a single hand protection barrier at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Balkin, Catherine C. Tollefson, Judith L. Balkin
  • Patent number: 8651324
    Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing convenience food products, picked up from a special refrigerated storage compartment, and delivered to an appropriate manual pick-up area. Its structure defines isolated areas communicating by a door; the first area being designed for containment of the products to be dispensed, the second area being designed for handling, picking up and dispensing of the product picked up from the area. The pick-up and delivery area includes a turret having an element for supporting a door adapted to seal and close a corresponding opening of a partition between the areas and; the door rotating with the structure of the turret, as it moves away from the opening, and at least one element for containing the product to be delivered, which is adapted to longitudinally slide along the turret and be opened by a loading and unloading door; the enclosure being displaced by a translating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Edo Borghi
  • Patent number: 8651325
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a dispensing apparatus for dispensing individual tissue cassettes from a stack of cassettes, the apparatus includes a hopper for receiving a stack of tissue cassettes, the hopper having an aperture through which cassettes are dispensable; ejection means for ejecting a cassette through the aperture; and retention means for retaining all but one of the cassettes in the stack as an individual cassette is ejected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Thermo Shandon Ltd.
    Inventors: Ian Kerrod, Richard Clarkson, Basil Gaynor
  • Patent number: 8651326
    Abstract: A singulating and counting device includes a bulk housing for storing a plurality of substantially identical articles, an exit channel, and in the exit channel, forwardly- and rearwardly-directed jet apertures, each of which is fluidly connected to a positive pressure source. A forwardly-directed jet generated by the positive pressure source through the forward jet aperture can accelerate singulated articles in the exit channel, thereby increasing the interval between individual articles and rendering them more easily and accurately counted. A rearwardly-directed jet generated by the positive pressure source through the rearwardly-directed jet aperture can cause articles in the exit channel to return to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jasper Pollard, Richard D. Michelli, Charles A. Pell, Ryan Moody, Jeff Williams
  • Patent number: 8651327
    Abstract: A system for storing biopharmaceutical materials includes a plurality of flexible walls bounding an interior for holding biopharmaceutical materials therein. At least one port is connected to a first wall of the walls and provides fluid communication between the interior and an exterior to allow a draining of the interior. A collapsible conduit includes a plurality of perforations along the conduit. The plurality of perforations is configured to allow flow of the biopharmaceutical materials from the exterior to the interior of the conduit. The conduit has a cross-sectional area transverse to a length of the conduit and the conduit extends from one of the at least one port toward an opposite end of the interior. The conduit is collapsible by the flexible walls and forms a reduced cross-sectional area to allow a flow of the biopharmaceutical materials through and/or along the conduit to the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sartorius Stedim North America Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Cutting, Oscar Werner Reif
  • Patent number: 8651328
    Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for dispensing a flowable material includes a chassis portion, a sensor disposed proximate the chassis portion for sensing a presence of an object, a pump assembly arranged on the chassis portion, operative to dispense the flowable material responsive to receiving a signal from the sensor, and a shield member disposed proximate to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventor: Antonio M. Cittadino
  • Patent number: 8651329
    Abstract: A system and related method is disclosed for resetting a stalled pump in a fluid dispensing system. In one embodiment, the presence of a user's hand is detected to start a pump actuator associated with a refill container. A controller associated with a motor actuates the pump actuator by rotating a motor shaft in a first direction. The current sensor is monitored and when the current sensor detects a predetermined level of current the motor shaft is reversed to a starting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Gojo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron R. Reynolds, Jackson W. Wegelin, Robert L. Quinlan, Jr., Robert S. Hackney, Cuong Truong
  • Patent number: 8651330
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance with a hot water dispenser includes a refrigerated cabinet having a dispenser area, a cabinet water inlet in the refrigerated cabinet connectable to a premises water line, and a hot water storage tank. The tank has a tank body, a heater in the tank body, an inlet for admitting water into the tank body supplied via the cabinet water inlet, and an outlet for providing water via a dispensing conduit to a dispenser in the dispenser area. The inlet includes a venturi portion for creating a reduced pressure within the hot water storage tank via flow of water into the hot water storage tank. The reduced pressure communicates with the dispensing conduit via the outlet so that, after dispensing water remaining in the dispensing conduit is drawn toward the tank body. Refrigeration devices with premises line pressure water distribution systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Robert Lee Lewis, Jr., Kevin Farrelly Nolan, Arun Talegaonkar, Alan Joseph Mitchell, Jeffrey Martin Wood, Lorina June White, Russell James Fallon, Jeffrey Michael Colyer, Jason Andrew May
  • Patent number: 8651331
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance with a water dispenser includes a refrigerated cabinet having a dispenser area, a cabinet water inlet in the refrigerated cabinet connectable to a premises water line, and a cold water storage tank in the refrigerated cabinet. The tank has a tank body, an inlet for admitting water into the tank body supplied via the cabinet water inlet, and an outlet for providing water via a dispensing conduit to a dispenser in the dispenser area. The inlet includes a venturi portion for creating a reduced pressure within the tank body via flow of water into the cold water storage tank. The reduced pressure is in communication with the dispensing conduit via the outlet so that, after dispensing operation is completed, water remaining in the dispensing conduit is drawn toward the tank body. The tank body may include an evacuation chamber open to atmosphere, and a float valve may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Robert Lee Lewis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8651332
    Abstract: A jug for retaining a plastic bag containing a liquid and a method of using the same. The jug includes a bottom and a peripheral wall extending upwardly therefrom and defining a cavity for receiving the bag. The peripheral wall terminates in a rim and a handle extends outwardly from the peripheral wall's exterior surface. An engagement means is provided on the jug to engage the bag and retain it within the cavity when the jug is tilted to pour the liquid therefrom. The engagement means preferably is a slit defined in the rear region of the peripheral wall adjacent the handle. The slit originates in the rim and extends downwardly for a distance. A portion of a rear region of the bag is slid into the slit and wedged therein. The wedged portion extends into a compartment defined by a retaining wall that extends outwardly from the peripheral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Adam Pauze
    Inventors: Adam Pauze, Robert G. Dickie
  • Patent number: 8651333
    Abstract: The present invention is directed a beverage dispensing machine and beverage dispenser that may be used for mixing and dispensing liquids. The beverage dispenser has a mounting bracket with a carrier that is removably connected to the mounting bracket and a mixing bowl that is removably connected to the carrier. The beverage container also has a first set of fittings extending from the mounting bracket for receiving a first set of liquids and dispensing the first set of liquids into the mixing bowl. The beverage container also has a second set of fittings also extending from the mounting bracket for receiving a second set of liquids and dispensing the second set of liquids into the mixing bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Smart Bar USA LLC
    Inventors: William Metropulos, Wayne Alpert, Tim Knecht
  • Patent number: 8651334
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a cartridge (1) with at least one chamber (6a, 6b) for accommodating a substance that respectively features a dispensing opening (11a, 11b) and another opening that is closed by a piston (8a, 8b) that can be displaced in the chamber and serves for dispensing the substance. The cartridge (1) furthermore features a piston rod mechanism (4) for displacing the piston (8a, 8b) in the chamber (6a, 6b). In this case, the piston rod mechanism is composed of several piston rods (14, 14a, 14b, 15, 15?) that can be transferred from a first dispensing stage to a second dispensing stage with the aid of a spring element (18, 18a, 18b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kettenbach GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Suchan, Alexander Bublewitz
  • Patent number: 8651335
    Abstract: A tamper evident nozzle shield (100) may be configured to fit a pump or pump dispenser to protect a fluid path (12) in the dispenser from contamination or to prevent or visually indicate if a dispenser or pump dispenser has been tampered with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Calmar, Inc.
    Inventor: Oscar Faneca Llesera
  • Patent number: 8651336
    Abstract: A long-life substance dispensing device for a washing machine, particularly a dishwasher, comprises: —a body (20?, 30?) designed to be sealingly fixed to a structure of the washing machine, —a support means (40) adapted to contain a total amount of a substance sufficient for performing a plurality of washing cycles, —an actuation system (47?, 50?, 61?) which is electrically controllable for causing delivery of at least one dose of the substance contained in the support means (40). The actuation system (47?, 50?, 61?) comprises at least one drive element and one driven element (47?) capable of cooperating to obtain the delivery. The actuation system (47?, 50?, 61?) is arranged for being able to take on an operative condition, wherein the drive element (61?) is operatively coupled with the driven element (47?), and an inoperative condition, wherein the drive element (61?) is decoupled from the driven element (47?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Eltek S.p.A.
    Inventors: Costanzo Gadini, Renato Gaj, Marco Moro, Chris Efstathios Housmekerides
  • Patent number: 8651337
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided including a dispenser housing that receives disposable refill units that are to be replaced when empty. The dispenser housing includes an air compressor and an inflation plug. The inflation plug includes a needle having an outlet and further includes a vent valve in fluid communication with the outlet. The inflation plug is fluidly associated with the air compressor such that the air compressor selectively advances air to the vent valve and to the outlet of the needle. The disposable refill includes a container having an interior with a liquid portion and air portion therein. The container further includes a plug receipt, and the inflation plug of the dispenser housing engages the plug receipt such that the outlet of the needle communicates with the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Quinlan, Jr., Bradley L. Lightner
  • Patent number: 8651338
    Abstract: A injection system for co-delivery of two medicaments (1, 2) having a drug delivery device (10) containing a primary reservoir containing a first medicament (1) and that has a secondary reservoir containing a second medicament (2) where the drug delivery device (10) has only one dose setter (12) for the primary reservoir and that automatically determines the dose of the second medicament (2). Both medicaments (1, 2) are delivered through a single dispense interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: David Martin Leak, Malcolm Stanley Boyd, David Aubrey Plumptre, Daniel Thomas De Sausmarez Lintell, Elizabeth Anne Marshall, Christopher Smith, Elliot Lucas Ortiz
  • Patent number: 8651339
    Abstract: A description is given of a filling system for the metered delivery of a lubricant, comprising a container for receiving the lubricant, wherein a rod interacts with the container, is mounted movably with respect to it and forces the lubricant out of an outlet opening arranged in the container. The invention also relates to cartridges for use in the filling system. One of the underlying objects of the invention was that of providing a filling system which can be supplemented by simple workshop means and enables the operator to fill up a lubricating system in a vehicle effortlessly within a short time. This object is achieved by a filling system in which the rod is rotatably mounted with respect to the container and turning of the rod in a predetermined direction of rotation brings about a reduction in the storage volume in the container or a handheld device and in which the rod has means for establishing a rotationally fixed connection with an adaptable turning tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: José Manuel Algüera Gallego, Jürgen Seigies
  • Patent number: 8651340
    Abstract: A fluid reservoir for storing a fluid for a handheld device includes a housing and a flexible membrane. The flexible membrane delimits a variable storage volume in the housing. The storage volume may be varied by a defamation of the membrane. The variable storage volume has an output port. The fluid reservoir further includes a forcing member to exert a force on the membrane to pressurize a fluid in the storage volume. The forcing member has a recess for receiving a part of the storage volume. The membrane may be received into the recess of the forcing member during a compression stroke. By virtue thereof, a volume defined by the recess may be effectively used to become part of the storage volume for the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Mark Lelieveld, Gerben Raap, Jan Bennik
  • Patent number: 8651341
    Abstract: A divot repair cart for filling divot holes with a repair mixture. The cart has a self-supporting wheeled frame, a push handle for use at a standing height, a repair mix reservoir at a first height above the ground, and a rear-facing dispensing spout having a divot alignment position adjacent the ground in which the spout is visible from the push handle for aligning it with a divot hole. Repair mix is dispensed by tilting the cart. The spout may be movable relative to the cart, and further operable with a remote control such as a cable, to move the spout from the divot alignment position to a raised transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Rick Luther
  • Patent number: 8651342
    Abstract: A shape is formed and maintained in a shapeable object by a flexible wrap and a shaped device. The shaped device is placed in the shapeable object and wrapped by the flexible wrap. Adjustment of the wrap secures the shaped device in the shapeable object and compresses the flexible wrap around the shapeable object and the shaped device resulting in the shapeable object conforming to the shape of the shaped device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Perfect Glove LLC
    Inventor: Robert Sexton
  • Patent number: 8651343
    Abstract: A suspensory lifting apparatus for lead suits in radiation therapy is an apparatus to suspend a lead suit for radiation therapists. A radiation therapist puts on the lead suit under the apparatus. A load of the lead suit imposing on the therapist is reduced by the apparatus. Thus, a radiation therapist is able to take actions comfortably as far as the mechanical arm's reach of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Shi-Jie Huang
  • Patent number: 8651344
    Abstract: A flip-flop hanger having an elongated body, a hook, an attachment device, an attachment aperture and two disc-shaped sections. The attachment device is disposed near the second end of the elongated body and the attachment aperture is located in the mid-section of the elongated body. The disc-shaped sections are disposed between the attachment device and the attachment aperture. Each disc-shaped section has an outer perimetrical edge, a central opening and a slot that extends between the central opening and the outer perimetrical edge. The central openings in the disc-shaped sections attach to the flip-flop straps between the bottom of the soles and the retaining devices. After the flip-flops are attached, the body is folded and the attachment device engages the attachment aperture. The flip-flop hanger can then be affixed to a rack or merchandise display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: B&G Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Norman, Keith Cedro, Jake Strassburger
  • Patent number: 8651345
    Abstract: A glove with stationary arrangement includes at least a glove body having a non-operatable area, a glove station having a retention surface, and a magnetic arrangement provided at the non-operatable area of the glove body in a hidden manner, wherein the magnetic arrangement is magnetically affixed at the retention surface to detachably retain the glove body thereon so as to enable the user wearing the glove body in a donning and doffing manner in a hand down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Noel K. Esten
  • Patent number: 8651346
    Abstract: A band for information storage includes an outer mold for attaching the band to a user's wrist, an external housing within the outer mold that includes a hollow upper portion for receiving a first removable component, wherein the first removable component is engraved with information about the user and/or includes an alarm alert or emergency call button; and an internal housing rotatably attached to the external housing and fitted therein for receiving a second removable component, wherein the second removable component includes a portable memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: MedID Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael James Williams
  • Patent number: 8651347
    Abstract: The subject matter discloses an apparatus, having an envelope and a base for holding a grenade, a rear cover connected to the envelope for attaching said envelope to a vest; a top cover to secure the grenade from above when positioned in a downward position and moving upwards to an upward position; a spring connected to the top cover and to the envelope and a button that causes the top cover to move to the upward position when pressed by the user. The button is located below the top cover and connected only to one of the envelope or the rear cover. The user of the apparatus can release the grenade from the apparatus while pressing the button and the envelope is designed to enable the user to hold the grenade and the grenade lever singlehandedly when pressing the button and when releasing the grenade from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nirtal Training and Supply of Combat Equipment Ltd.
    Inventors: Haim Molcho, Nir Shaul
  • Patent number: 8651348
    Abstract: A tool box includes a box body having a top cover and a bottom cover which are pivoting on each other, two foldable sets which are both assembled to the top cover and the bottom cover, at least one positioning base is assembled between the two foldable sets. Under this arrangement, the positioning base can be rotated outward relative to the bottom cover by the operation of the two foldable sets. Therefore, the user can pull out the tool bit from the positioning base directly without bending up the tool bit by the finger thereof at first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Ji-Fen Meng