Patents Issued in March 4, 2014
  • Patent number: 8662331
    Abstract: A closure having a child resistant mode and a non-child resistant mode includes a circumferential side wall having an interior surface, a first section, a second section, and a solid divider. The solid divider is disposed between the first section and the second section for closing an opening of the container when the closure is installed on the container in the non-child resistant mode and the child resistant mode. In certain embodiments, a first liner is disposed in the first section such that the first liner is visible when the closure is installed on the container in the child resistant mode. A second liner is disposed in the second section such that the second liner is visible when the closure is installed on the container in the non-child resistant mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Tri State Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Miceli, Joseph A. Miceli
  • Patent number: 8662332
    Abstract: A blow molded plastic container for hot fill and pasteurization uses includes a main body portion that is shaped so as to be substantially round in horizontal cross-section and a base portion. The base portion is shaped to define a generally circular standing ring and an elevated push-up portion that is positioned radially inward of the standing ring. The push-up portion includes a central region, an annular, substantially straight and substantially vertical rise portion that is positioned immediately radially inward of the standing ring and a plurality of radially oriented waves. Each of the waves extends radially outwardly from the central region to the vertical rise portion and is preferably shaped so as to subtend a substantially constant angle along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Justin A. Howell, Michael T. Kelly, Robert Waltemyer, Benton A. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8662333
    Abstract: A foldable box having four foldable exterior walls has at least one stable exterior wall having at least a first and a second spherical wall area convex with respect to an exterior side of the box. A bridge arranged at the outside of the exterior wall is arranged between the first and the second spherical surface and extends across the height of the exterior wall. At least one rib additionally extends from the bridge to the first and to the second spherical surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: IFCO Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Orgeldinger
  • Patent number: 8662334
    Abstract: A vacuum storage container having a container body, a check valve and a lid with an outer rim surrounding a diaphragm. A vacuum pump is engagable with the check valve to remove air from the interior of the container to create a vacuum in the container. The diaphragm is pushed inward by atmospheric forces upon removal of the air until the diaphragm touches and conforms to at least upper exposed surfaces of the contents of the container. The storage container aids in preventing degradation of the contents of the container by maintaining the contents free from the degrading effects of air and by substantially immobilizing the contents during movement of the container to protect the contents from breakage and bruising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Brian C. Dais
  • Patent number: 8662335
    Abstract: A system including transportable all-terrain berm for receiving and retaining fluid. The berm includes flexible impervious sheeting generally formed of a coated fabric. The sheeting is shaped to include a floor area surrounded with opposed end and side wall sections forming a containment area. The end and side walls include adjacent their outer edges spaced retaining and support members. The berm includes a plurality of A-frame braces arranged in vertical positions about the flooring for supporting the end and side wall sections. Stabilizer members are engaged with the upper ends of adjacent braces. The retaining and support members are engaged with the brace members and the stabilizer members holding the end and side walls in generally elevated positions and in engagement with the braces forming the containment area. A bladder for containing and dispensing fluid may be located in the containment area, in which case the berm protects against bladder spillage while providing structural support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Basic Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward W. Van Romer
  • Patent number: 8662336
    Abstract: There is a bag scaffold configured to support a flexible bag in an upright and open configuration. The bag scaffold includes a first wall member having a first end and a second end. The first wall member includes a plurality of panels coupled to each other in series by an integral leaf spring. The first wall member includes a first coupling structure and a second coupling structure and is configured to be able to selectably couple to the first coupling structure. The bag scaffold includes a second wall member that is substantially identical to the first wall member and is selectably coupled thereto at their respective first and second coupling structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Zane Stowers
  • Patent number: 8662337
    Abstract: A waste storage device is provided including a waste storage cassette receiving chamber for receiving a cassette rotatable within the chamber and containing tubing for enveloping waste. The device further includes a waste inlet and a throat area therebetween, wherein a releasable gripping assembly is provided in the throat area and arranged for actuation between a released configuration defining an aperture for passage of waste therethrough and a gripping configuration defining a restriction in the throat area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sangenic International Limited
    Inventors: Graham Keith Lacy, Nicholas Gerald Fitton, Benjamin Douglas Vinal Cramp, Julian Swan
  • Patent number: 8662338
    Abstract: A container to be received in a processing apparatus to subject the container to heat and/or pressure. The container is adapted to receive and contain a substance that includes nuclear material. The container includes a hollow body having an interior within which the substance is to be located. The body includes an opening through which the substance can be moved with respect to the interior. A lid is removably attached to the body to close the opening. At least one filter allows fluid flow into and from the interior. The body and lid hermetically seal the interior except for the at least one filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
    Inventor: Salvatore Moricca
  • Patent number: 8662339
    Abstract: A liquid flavor enhancement apparatus includes a lid for a container adapted to hold a liquid to be consumed and an aroma pod arranged in the lid. The lid defines a consumption opening extending therethrough to allow passage of the liquid from the container through the lid during consumption of the liquid. The aroma pod includes a body adapted for insertion into a liquid container lid, and has an aromatic material retained therein. Air inside the container is allowed to pass through the aroma pod from the second to the first surface of the lid. The container is filled such that the liquid does not contact the aromatic material during filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy R. Sprunger
  • Patent number: 8662340
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for increasing portion control in a diet. In one illustrative embodiment, the portion control device includes a cover member sized to cover at least a portion of an eating surface of a plate. The cover member may include a first surface having one or more openings therein defined by an opening perimeter. One or more compartment walls may be attached to the first surface adjacent to the perimeter of the one or more openings and may extend a distance therefrom. The openings and the compartment walls may define a portion compartment that may help to manage, and in some cases, measure, portions of food. Additionally, in some embodiments, the compartments may have labels indicating the food group to be placed therein to help achieve a balanced diet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Patricia Cocchiarella
    Inventor: Patricia Cocchiarella
  • Patent number: 8662341
    Abstract: The present invention is a flexible tank (1) having a closed form wherein liquid can be stored and which can carry liquid from one location to the other by means of a vehicle, characterized in that said flexible tank (1) comprises a plurality of compartments (2) which are coupled with each other so as to comprise a curved form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Yusuf Kohen
  • Patent number: 8662342
    Abstract: A method and device for releasably sealing a material into a container is disclosed. The device has a plug handle and a flexible plug body with an exterior edge that conforms to the contours of the interior wall of the container. The plug body is inserted into the container and is positioned to the surface of the material within the chamber using the plug handle. The plug body exerts resistance pressure against the interior wall of the container. The resistance pressure releasably seals the material in the chamber. In certain embodiments, while the plug body is inserted into the container, the resistance pressure squeezes the material from at least a portion of the interior wall of the container down to a pool of the material in the chamber of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew John DeTolla
  • Patent number: 8662343
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method that minimizes or eliminates under-filling of a pressure vessel by integrating phase change material (PCM) within one or multiple component of the pressure vessel. In one particular embodiment, the inner surface of the pressure vessel comprises a PCM. During a gas-filling process, PCM reduces the rate and/or the amount of temperature increase. Reduction of the temperature increase in the pressure vessel increases the amount of gas filled during a gas-filling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Steelhead Composites, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Coors, Kaushik Mallick
  • Patent number: 8662344
    Abstract: An insulated container having an outer vessel and an inner vessel, containing an insulative fluid formed from a mixture of water and a water absorptive poly(potassium acrylate) polymer in the approximate ratio of 50:1 (cc:g), that can be heated or cooled and that reduces heat transfer from hot or cold beverages, particularly well-suited for use in connection with both hot and cold beverages, to maintain the liquid either hot or cold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Stor, S.L.
    Inventor: Valentin Ortiz Gispert
  • Patent number: 8662345
    Abstract: A collapsible frontward-tilting receptacle device includes a stationary receiving body that defines an internal space and is collapsible and a movable receiving body that forms a receiving space. The stationary receiving body has a bottom on which a rigid movable bottom board is positioned. The stationary receiving body has a side wall to which a movable support board having a stop section is movably connected. A free end of the movable support board is connected to an opposite side wall of the stationary receiving body to serve as a top plate. The movable receiving body is received in the internal space of the stationary receiving body so that a front end of the bottom thereof is coupled to a front portion of the bottom of the stationary receiving body to allow a top opening of the movable receiving body to be rotated out of the stationary receiving body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Wen-Tsan Wang
  • Patent number: 8662346
    Abstract: A removing mechanism is disclosed for removing the bottom or top sheet from a stack of sheets; a delaying member for a delay of a predetermined time between the dispensing of two successive sheets; and an actuating mechanism for driving the removing mechanism, wherein the actuating mechanism is driven via a physically supplied mechanical drive force of an operator of the dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Infostop, B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Christina Langen, Herman Josef Langen
  • Patent number: 8662347
    Abstract: A medical dispenser for storing and dispensing electrodes includes a housing having a front member and a back member, at least one electrode strip disposed between the front member and the back member of the housing and an actuator mounted to the front member of the housing and adapted to engage the at least one electrode strip. The electrode strip includes a strip member and a plurality of electrodes mounted to the strip member. The actuator is movable relative to the front member such that movement of the actuator results in corresponding movement of the at least one electrode strip to dispense an electrode from the housing. The actuator may be adapted to engage an electrode of the at least one electrode strip. In one embodiment, the actuator is adapted to engage a male terminal of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Scott Coggins, Rachel Starr, Scott Holmes, Steve T. Wilson, David R. Swisher, David T. Middleton, Jr., Michael W. Konieczny, Robert L. Naas, Paul Eric Carlson
  • Patent number: 8662348
    Abstract: This invention relates to a kit of parts (1), comprising top plates (2), gable cover plates (3), gable structures each comprising a nozzle boot, side cover plates, and side structures (4) each comprising a nozzle boot (5), which kit of parts (1) is suitable for assembling a nozzle module according to any one of three configurations. The invention also relates to a fuel dispensing unit for refueling vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dresser Wayne AB
    Inventors: Bengt I Larsson, Hanna Helgesson, Kevin Burnett, Scott Negley, Neil Thomas, Paul De La Port, Annika Birkler
  • Patent number: 8662349
    Abstract: A dispensing device includes a backing, at least a first product compartment and a fluid transport device. The backing is a frangible section adapted to at least partially open as the backing is moved from a first position toward a second position. The product compartment and the fluid transport device are each disposed on the backing in confronting relationship to the frangible section. According to a method, a dispensing device is provided in which the backing is moved from the first position toward the second position to compress the first product compartment and cause the content to be dispensed through the fluid transport device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Aktivpak, Inc.
    Inventors: Amir Genosar, Romi Genosar
  • Patent number: 8662350
    Abstract: There is provided a storage container for a dental adhesive that allows a stable dropping operation during use of a dental adhesive and smooth fine dropping work such as strict control of an amount of drops with high reproducibility, and can prevent expansion of an adhesive stored in the storage container caused by a temperature increase. A storage container for a dental adhesive is used, including a cylindrical container portion that can store a liquid such as an adhesive therein, wherein one end surface of the container portion has a discharge port communicating with an outside, the other end surface of the container portion is closed by a bottom wall, and a tail portion is formed protruding from the bottom wall to the side opposite from the discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Shofu Inc.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nakatsuka, Yusei Kadobayashi, Masaru Ito
  • Patent number: 8662351
    Abstract: A secondary container assembly includes a skirt configured to securely and removably engage the rim of a beverage can. The secondary container includes a secondary compartment holding a secondary liquid. A primary flow channel extends through the secondary container to provide a fluid flow path from the open beverage can to an outlet of the secondary container. A plurality of mixing apertures provide fluid communication ports between the secondary compartment and the primary flow channel, allowing the secondary liquid to mix with beverage from the can in the primary flow channel. A vent tube prevents a vacuum from forming that would otherwise impede flow of the secondary liquid into the primary flow channel. A removable seal covers the outlet and mixing ports. A threaded lid holds the seal in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Fadi Kalaouze
  • Patent number: 8662352
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser and a method for using the fluid dispenser with a syringe barrel holding a fluid including a distribution of composite materials. The fluid dispenser includes a dispensing valve operable to dispense the fluid and a coupling for fluidly connecting the syringe barrel to the dispensing valve. The fluid dispenser also includes a support frame for rotatably supporting the syringe barrel and a motorized drive unit configured to rotate the syringe barrel. The syringe barrel rotates via the motorized drive unit to distribute the composite materials uniformly within the fluid for dispensing the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen R. des Jardins, William MacIndoe, Robert W. Springhorn
  • Patent number: 8662353
    Abstract: A container comprises a dispensing head (13) and a protective cap (1) fitted on the dispensing head (13). The cap (1) comprises a base portion (1a) engageable to a dispensing head (13); a lid (1b) hinged to said base portion (1a) and movable between an open position, in which it allows access to the dispensing head (13), and a closed position in which it prevents access to the dispensing head (13); an outer locator plate (9) engageable with a corresponding inner locator plate (24) of said dispensing head (13), the mutual engagement between said locator plates (9, 24) defining a screwing motion of the cap (1) relative to the dispensing head (13) to automatically achieve an installation of the cap (1) on the dispensing head (13) according to a pre-determined mutual angular positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Emsar S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Santoni, Fabrizio Camplone
  • Patent number: 8662354
    Abstract: A sludge handling system includes at least one bin that receives sewage sludge at an upper end thereof, and that has sloped side wall(s) at the lower end thereof, for directing sewage sludge toward a generally central discharge opening. A rotating discharge device is provided in the form of a thin foil or blade that is rotationally driven to scrape along the sloped side wall(s) of the bin, scraping sludge therefrom, to keep the sludge from adhering to sloped portions of the bin, and to direct sludge out the discharge opening. The rotating discharge device is mounted on and carried by a generally cylindrical rotating table that is motor-driven. A generally cylindrical seal is also carried by the rotating table, and slides along the inside of a sludge discharge chute, at the discharge opening of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: RDP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici, Michael J. Millman
  • Patent number: 8662355
    Abstract: Foam dispensers, refill units for foam dispensers and liquid pumps for use in foam dispensers are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system is also disclosed herein. The foam dispenser has an air compressor secured thereto and the air compressor is not disposed of with the refill unit. The refill unit includes a liquid pump and a container for holding a foamable liquid that is connected to the liquid pump. The liquid pump includes a pump housing and a mixing chamber having an inlet check valve and an outlet check valve. The mixing chamber has an extended position with a first volume and a contracted position with a second volume. The pump housing includes an aperture therethrough configured to receive air from an air compressor that does not form part of the refill unit. One or more one-way sealing members are located within the pump housing between the aperture and the mixing chamber for preventing liquid from passing through the aperture in the pump housing for receiving air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Spiegelberg, John J. McNulty, Robert L. Quinlan, Nick E. Ciavarella, Stephen P. Casteel
  • Patent number: 8662356
    Abstract: A dispenser including a base unit with an actuation mechanism for dispensing liquid and a refill unit insertible into the base unit in an inverted configuration with its outlet lowermost for the supply of liquid to the base unit. The refill unit includes an annular wall projecting into the refill unit and defining an outlet from the refill unit, the annular wall being closable at its innermost end by a valve element biased onto the annular wall. The base unit includes a hollow spigot and an annular seal surrounding and spaced from the top of the spigot whereby insertion of the refill unit into the base unit causes the spigot to enter the annular wall and to lift the valve element from the annular wall to define a flow path from the refill unit, and the annular seal to seal between the spigot and the annular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman (Overseas) Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Leonard Padain, Jacobus Simon Petrus Van Diepen, Xianzhi Zhou, Dong Xiao You
  • Patent number: 8662357
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for dispensing toners. In one aspect, a cap and valve assembly is provided including a movable valve assembly, the movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position; a toner path, which when open is configured to allow toner to flow from a toner container to an output aperture; and an air inlet path, which when open is configured to couple an air source to the toner container; where in a first valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are closed, and in a second valve assembly position the toner path aid the air inlet path are open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
  • Patent number: 8662358
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser including a container that has an interior adapted to support a fluid. The liquid dispenser includes an air vent that is coupled to the container, and a balloon that is disposed in the container and in fluid communication with the air vent to provide fluid communication between the interior and an exterior of the container. The balloon is movable from an undeployed state to a deployed state in response to a pressure change between the interior and the exterior of the container. The balloon in the undeployed state is incapable of fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of the container, and the balloon in the deployed state has a position in which the balloon establishes fluid communication between the exterior of the container and the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Hague, David J. Holden
  • Patent number: 8662359
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a gasoline can air vent apparatus. The gasoline can air vent apparatus includes a platform having a platform fuel passage and a platform air channel. A nozzle assembly is in removable-mechanical communication with the platform. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle assembly air channel substantially aligned with the platform air channel. A nozzle fuel channel extends into the nozzle assembly. A nozzle air channel extends into the nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: James R. Hickey
  • Patent number: 8662360
    Abstract: In a liquid distributor, a valve seat is hollow axially with a connection part in the lower end. The valve bonnet can axially move relative to the valve seat, and has a liquid outlet and a cylinder housing part. The valve plug is in a fluid outlet chamber, comprising a valve plug main body, a plug and valve plate part. The valve plug main body is hollow axially and the bottom with the inner wall of the central passage seals. The plug is molded in the head of the aforementioned valve plug main body and a transversal outlet is formed between the plug and the valve plug main body. The valve plate part radially extends and is molded in the upper end of the valve plug main body; the elastic piece is arranged in the fluid outlet chamber. The invention further discloses a container provided with the liquid distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Yuyao Tirrit Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jianjun Yuan
  • Patent number: 8662361
    Abstract: A liquid discharging device includes a device body configured to house a liquid discharging cartridge body having a liquid discharging portion for discharge liquid, and a device body cap removably attached to the device body. When the device body cap is detached from the device body, a discharging portion cap attached to the liquid discharging cartridge body so as to protect a discharging port of the liquid discharging portion is detached from the liquid discharging portion in combination with the device body cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaya Kobayashi, Hideki Kaneko, Masaru Sugita, Masahiro Takei
  • Patent number: 8662362
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting and operating an electronic device upon a user's forearm for safeguarding the phone and providing immediate and convenient functional access to the phone. The apparatus and method for supporting and operating an electronic device upon a user's forearm includes an arm mount assembly including a curved arm mount being adapted to fit upon a user's forearm region, and also having a cushion member being attached to the arm mount, the arm mount assembly also including fastening members for fastening the arm mount to the user's forearm; a connector assembly in communication with the arm mount; and an electronic device holder rotatably supported by the connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: James W. Bastian, Thomas W. Bastian
  • Patent number: 8662363
    Abstract: The golf car accessory includes a bag divider adapted for attachment to a golf car to separate bags placed in the golf car. A first arm extends upwardly from the bag divider and a second arm operatively connected to the first arm and extending outwardly to support a ball washer. Preferably the first arm is a telescoping arm so that the height of the ball washer is adjustable. Preferably the second arm is also a telescoping arm so that the horizontal position of the ball washer can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Dennis Williams
  • Patent number: 8662364
    Abstract: The remote control (10) comprises: a cylindrical pad (11) for contact with the steering wheel (1); a first insert (12) extending parallel to the generatrices of the cylindrical pad at a first end of the pad; and a second insert (13) extending parallel to the generatrices of the cylindrical pad at a second end of the pad, opposite to the first end. A removable strap (20) makes it possible to attach the cylindrical contact pad to the steering wheel, and comprises a means (23) for fastening to the second insert, and a self-gripping face (201) adapted to be folded over itself around the first insert. A removable intermediate plate further makes it possible to attach the remote control to the dashboard instead of the steering wheel, and comprises for that purpose means for holding on the first insert and means for locking to the second insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Parrot
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Vuillet
  • Patent number: 8662365
    Abstract: A cargo carrier adapted to be removably mounted to a roof of a vehicle includes a body portion and an interior space defined by the body portion. The cargo carrier further includes a lid portion that provides access to the interior space. The lid portion is releasably attachable to the body portion by relative linear motion between the lid portion and the body portion. The cargo carrier further includes at least one mechanical fastening assembly slidingly engageable with a complementary fastening assembly, wherein the mechanical fastening assembly prevents relative motion between the lid portion and the body portion. Another embodiment of the cargo carrier includes a lid cover constructed to coact with a space defined by the lid portion and the body portion. The lid cover creates mechanical interference to prevent relative linear motion between the lid portion and the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Winston Products LLC
    Inventors: Thaddeus T. Brej, Curtis Patrick Taylor, Robert Schmidt, Winston Breeden
  • Patent number: 8662366
    Abstract: A ladder rack for a vehicle having a cab and a cargo area behind the cab. The rack has two front and two rear upwardly extending legs affixed to the cargo area proximally to and distally from the cab, respectively. Two side sections extending between longitudinally adjacent front and rear legs, respectively; and front overhang sections extending from the front legs, respectively, over and displaced above the cab. The sections each including an upper bar assembly, a lower bar and an attachment for attaching the sections to an adjacent leg. Each of the attachments has a plate and fasteners, the upper bar assemblies and lower bars being end abutting against one or more plates, being fixed to the plates and being displaced from one another at the plates. The plates extend between the upper bar assemblies and the lower bars and outwardly beyond each. The fasteners of the attachments are received by a plate and an adjacent leg beyond the upper bar assembly and the lower bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Dudley DeZonia, Rodney Monroe, Marc San Paolo
  • Patent number: 8662367
    Abstract: A method for use in an automobile includes the steps of: providing an inflatable device having a shell formed of an airtight, flexible and insulated material that is specifically sized and configured to fill a volume of space within a lower rear interior compartment of the automobile behind the front seats and below the level of a plane extending between the top of the front seats and a bottom edge of the rear window of the automobile; installing the inflatable device within the rear compartment of the automobile; inflating the device and causing the device to completely fill the lower rear interior compartment; reducing the interior air space within the automobile and preventing circulated air of the automobile's climate control system from circulating into the lower rear interior compartment, thereby improving the efficiency of the climate control system and fuel efficiency of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Miles R. Panaro
  • Patent number: 8662368
    Abstract: Wearable camera lens bags and methods of constructing wearable camera lens bags are provided. Embodiments of the lens bags include neoprene panels that define at least one pocket for receiving a camera lens. The panels are stretchable for receiving the camera lens and snugly holding the camera lens within the pocket. The bag also includes a detachable flap that may be interchanged with flaps having other designs to a allow a user to reflect his or her sense of style. When properly worn, the bag ergonomically wraps around the body of the wearer for distributing the weight around the waist. A neoprene laptop sleeve is also provided that protects the laptop with minimal bulk. The sleeve is easily transformed into a shoulder bag via a shoulder strap that may be attached and then detached to return the bag to function as a sleeve. A removable flap may also be attached to the sleeve to allow a user to reflect his or her mood or style via the design of the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Shootsac, Inc.
    Inventor: Keats Elliott
  • Patent number: 8662369
    Abstract: An exemplary surgical staple may include a base including a first end and a second end; a single tine extending from the second end of the base; and a barb extending from the base at a location between the first end of the base and the second end of the base. An end of such a staple may be frangibly affixed to a feeder belt. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include at least one staple including a base including a first end and a second end, a first tine extending from the second end of the base, and a second tine extending from the base at a location between the first end of the base and the second end of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Philipe R. Manoux, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Patent number: 8662370
    Abstract: An introducer assembly for use with a surgical stapler is provided. The introducer assembly includes an elongated main body portion, one or more mounting mechanisms associated with the main body portion, and a plurality of petals or fingers positioned at a distal end of the elongated main body portion. The one or more mounting mechanisms are adapted to detachably mount with respect to the surgical stapler. The plurality of petals or fingers define a distal junction and a proximally-directed mounting member that is adapted to detachably engage a distal portion of the surgical stapler. The plurality of petals or fingers define an inner region that accommodates a distal end of the surgical stapler. The distal junction and the proximally-directed mounting member associated with the plurality of petals or fingers are adapted to disengage upon application of a requisite proximally-directed force to the elongated body portion. Methods and combinations that utilize the introducer are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Hidehisa Thomas Takei
  • Patent number: 8662371
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first elongated member and a second elongated member, the first elongated member and the second elongated member being operatively connected and configured to rotate in opposite directions to substantially limit counter torque. The first and second elongated members are flexible shafts. The surgical instrument can be configured to apply fasteners to a tissue portion. This embodiment of the surgical instrument includes a cartridge having a plurality of fasteners, an anvil, said anvil and cartridge being relatively movable between spaced and approximated positions, and a sled disposed in the cartridge. The sled includes a cam member. The cam member is designed to drive the fasteners through tissue and toward the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Frank J. Viola
  • Patent number: 8662372
    Abstract: A spindle head for performing friction stir welding includes concentric spindle shafts driven by stacked, coaxial motors contained within a spindle housing. The coaxial arrangement of the motors results in a more compact package. Each of the motors is concentrically arranged around one of the spindles by directly connecting a rotor of the motor to a spindle shaft. The stators of the motors are mounted on the housing and are concentrically arranged around the concentric spindle shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kurt A. Burton, Mike P. Matlack, John Baumann, Herb Bommer
  • Patent number: 8662373
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for welding the end faces of thin-walled jackets (12) on a welding plane, said device comprising two cylindrical positioning receiving units (1), which center the jackets (12) to be welded in relation to their outer diameters, both receiving units (1) being located on an alignment base flush with one another and being axially displaceable. A deformable, annular, membrane-type heat exchanger is situated on the exterior of each receiving unit (1), said heat exchanger being formed from a set of sheets (2) consisting of heat-resistant material that are separated from one another. The lower end of the sheets is designed to be in thermal contact with the jacket (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Armotech S.R.O.
    Inventors: Sergey V. Lukiyanets, Nikolay G. Moroz
  • Patent number: 8662374
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a welding zone for welding together pipe sections. The temperature is controlled by a flow of inert gas through the pipes. The inert gas flow is cooled and acts as a heat sink to remove heat from the weld zone thereby controlling the weld zone temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP
    Inventor: Scott Laymon
  • Patent number: 8662375
    Abstract: A wheel resurfacing method and system for resurfacing a worn track wheel to its original profile are provided. The system comprises a support for maintaining the worn railway wheel, a welding device, a controller, and a surface processing device. The worn railway wheel's circumferential surface defining a flange and a tread surface is reconstituted using a welding material. The welding device and the worn railway wheel rotate one relative to the other at a predetermined rate to adaptively aggregate annular welding beads along the circumferential surface to form a curvilinear profile slanted away from the flange. A surface processing device is then actuated to smooth the welded layer to form a substantially uniform surface to reconstitute the worn railway wheel to its original profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Craig Mercier
  • Patent number: 8662376
    Abstract: A wheel resurfacing method and system for resurfacing a worn track wheel to its original profile are disclosed. The system comprises a support for maintaining the worn railway wheel, a welding device, a controller, and a surface processing device. The worn railway wheel's circumferential surface defining a flange and a tread surface is reconstituted using a welding material. The welding device and the worn railway wheel rotate one relative to the other at a predetermined rate to adaptively aggregate annular welding beads along the circumferential surface to form a curvilinear profile slanted away from the flange. A surface processing device is then applied to the welded layer to form a substantially uniform surface to reconstitute the worn railway wheel to its original profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Craig Mercier
  • Patent number: 8662377
    Abstract: A method for securing electronic components, in particular power semiconductor components such as diodes, transistors or thyristors, and connection elements, to a substrate by pressure sintering. The method includes: applying a pastelike layer, made up of a metal powder and a solvent, to a supporting film; drying the pastelike layer; applying at least one component to the dried layer; subjecting the at least one component, the supporting film and the dried layer to pressure, as a result of which the adhesive force between the layer and the component becomes greater than that between the layer and the supporting film; lifting off the at least one component, with the layer adhering to it, from the supporting film; positioning the component, with the layer adhering to it, to the substrate; and subjecting the substrate and the component to pressure, for connecting them by sintering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Semikron Elektronik GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Palm
  • Patent number: 8662378
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilation board, an insulating board, a ventilation system, and articles and architectural applications comprising said ventilation board and a method of manufacturing the ventilation board. The said ventilation board comprises a layer (11) provided with a first aperture (5); an adjacent layer provided (13) with a second aperture (7), the first and second apertures being located relative to each other such that they are non-aligned and are substantially without overlap; and a passageway (9) interconnecting the first and second apertures thereby permitting the passage of fluid therebetween. Therefore, the carton comprising said ventilation board when used for fast food packaging provides sufficient ventilation of the carton so that water condensed from food vapors does not run on to the food in the carton, and sufficient insulation so that the food in the carton is kept warm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Vinay K. Mehta
  • Patent number: 8662379
    Abstract: A blank-folded box-shaped package includes a top, a bottom opposite the top, two opposite lateral walls (I) connecting the top and the bottom, two opposite ends walls (U) connecting the top and the bottom, and two opposite peripheral shock absorbing end zones (R). Each end zone (R) is defined by one of the opposite end walls and extensions of the top, bottom and two opposite lateral walls. Also, each end zone (R) defines an exposed cavity region with the end walls in a retracted position inwardly of the shock absorbing end zone (R) of doubled material. The package defines a package blank in an unfolded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Packsize LLC
    Inventor: Niklas Pettersson
  • Patent number: 8662380
    Abstract: The inventive crate has a bottom base, two opposing side panels, two opposing interlocking end panels, and a top cap. The bottom base having a length and width larger than the X-width and Y-length dimensions of the cargo to be shipped, the opposing side panels are coextensive to the Y-length of the cargo as fitting within the bottom base lip and a height matching the cargo's Z-height. The interlocking end panels have a side interlock with a width slightly less than the thickness of the side panel, and a corner tab. When assembled, each side panel at each end inserts against the side interlocks at each corner compressively securing with the folding over of each corner tab crushingly sandwiching the side panel between the slightly crushed corner tab and center section as held fast by the bottom lip. The top cap covers the upper portion of the assembled panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel James Bonebrake