Patents Issued in September 30, 2014
  • Patent number: 8844684
    Abstract: A disc brake provided with a guide spring capable of preventing a vibration of a pad plate having a friction pad mounted thereon, and capable of separating the friction pad from a disc in a rapid manner after a braking operation is finished, the disc brake including a disc rotating together with a wheel of a vehicle, two pad plates disposed at both lateral sides of the disc, respectively, to perform a braking by pressing both lateral side surfaces of the disc and each having a friction pad, a caliper housing and a piston that are configured to press the pad plate, and a guide spring enabling the pad plates to operate as an integral body and absorb shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Byung Guk Suh
  • Patent number: 8844685
    Abstract: Disclosed is a brake disk. The brake disk includes a friction part having a coupling aperture within a center thereof and a plurality of recessed portions repeatedly formed at a predetermined interval along an inner circumference of the coupling aperture, in which bevels protrude from inner surfaces of the recessed portions, respectively. The bevels are tapered along upper and lower sides thereof toward protruding centers. The brake disk also includes a hub having a plurality of protrusions inserted into and attached to the recessed portions when coupled to and received in the coupling aperture of the friction part via a cast-bonding method, along a circumference thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Seohan Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon Cheol Kim, Jae Young Lee, Seong Jin Kim, Jae Min Han, Kyoung Don Yi
  • Patent number: 8844686
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a friction element comprising a friction lining (1) made from sintered material, which is applied to a support (2), and at least two recesses (4) are provided in the support (2), each for accommodating a connecting element for fitting the support (2) with the friction lining (1) on a supporting element (3). A cut-out (A, A1, A2) is provided in the friction lining (1) which surrounds at least two regions (B1 . . . B4) spaced apart from one another in which the at least two recesses (4) of the support (2) for accommodating the connecting elements are disposed. The invention further relates to the friction lining (1) itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Miba Frictec GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Muehlegger
  • Patent number: 8844687
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a valve structure of a shock absorber which forms flow channels in two directions of working fluid passing through the valve structure so as to slow change of damping force when the moving velocity of a piston is changed between a low velocity and a middle and high velocity and forms one of the two flow channels as a variable flow channel to improve ride comfort of a vehicle. The valve structure includes a piston valve assembly installed at the end of the piston rod and operated to generate damping force varied according to moving velocity of a working fluid, and a variable valve assembly moving together with the piston valve assembly to vary damping force to slow change of a damping force curve when the flow velocity of the working fluid is changed between a low velocity and a middle and high velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventors: Chun Sung Yu, Jun Sik Shin
  • Patent number: 8844688
    Abstract: A mouse hole damper device positioned at the bottom portion of a mouse hole pipe, the mouse hole damper being arranged to dampen an impact from an object falling in the mouse hole pipe, and the mouse hole damper including a material which has been worked into forming walls around elongated openings, and the material being arranged in such a way that the openings are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouse hole pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: National Oilwell Norway AS
    Inventor: Jan Erik Pedersen
  • Patent number: 8844689
    Abstract: The invention provides a carry-on wheeled luggage (1) for photographic equipment that has an interior compartment (80) deep enough to accommodate a large article of photographic equipment such as at least a 400 mm 2.8 f-stop aperture telephoto lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Think Tank Photo, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Harland Murdoch, Michael Sturm
  • Patent number: 8844690
    Abstract: A torque converter, including: a piston plate for a lock-up clutch, the piston plate including a circumferential surface forming an opening axially aligned with an axis of rotation for the torque converter; a ring-shaped element fixedly secured to the piston plate; and a seal in compressive engagement with the circumferential surface, axially aligned with the ring-shaped element, and including a surface facing radially inward for forming a seal with an input shaft inserted into the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Patrick M. Lindemann, Brian C. Zaugg, Nathan Yensho, Alfredo Jimenez
  • Patent number: 8844691
    Abstract: A torque converter includes a cover for receiving torque from a prime mover, an impeller fixed to the cover to form a housing for the torque converter, a turbine disposed in the housing for receiving torque from the impeller, and a clutch backing plate fixed to the housing and arranged to receive a force, in an axial direction, from the turbine during operation of the torque converter. In some example embodiments, the turbine includes a thrust plate for thrust engagement with the clutch backing plate. In an example embodiment, the turbine includes a turbine shell and the thrust plate is attached to the turbine shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jonathan Jameson, Brian Zaugg, Daniel Sayre, Markus Steinberger
  • Patent number: 8844692
    Abstract: A fluid pressure control device controls input and output of a fluid pressure to and from a fluid chamber in a device that transfers power from a motor via working fluid in the chamber, the chamber being partitioned into engagement and disengagement oil chambers by a lock-up clutch. A signal pressure output valve performs pressure regulation to output a signal pressure. The control device includes a control valve connected to an output source flow passage leading to an output source of the fluid pressure, and a control unit controlling the signal pressure output valve so the control valve establishes a first state when the lock-up clutch is turned off, establishes a third state when the lock-up clutch is turned on, and establishes a second state so the working fluid can be confined in the disengagement oil chamber when the lock-up clutch is switched on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Fukatsu, Hiroshi Tanaka, Toshiaki Hayashi, Toshihiro Aoyama
  • Patent number: 8844693
    Abstract: A coupling assembly having an overrun mode and a ratcheting reverse strut or radial ratchet for use in the assembly are provided. The size and shape of the strut or ratchet and corresponding notches (i.e. geometry) of a notch plate of the assembly are specifically configured so that the strut or ratchet “ratchets” during the overrun condition. The strut or ratchet will not engage the notch plate until relative notch plate speed drops below a predetermined speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Brice A. Pawley
  • Patent number: 8844694
    Abstract: A dry dual clutch transmission includes at least one hydraulic component and a pilot valve operably connected to the hydraulic component to actuate the hydraulic component. The pilot valve includes a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based pressure differential actuator valve. The hydraulic component may include but is not limited to a first clutch and a second clutch of the dry dual clutch transmission, an on/off solenoid, a line pressure control valve or a synchronizing shift fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Dongxu Li, Andrew L. Bartos, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kevin B. Rober
  • Patent number: 8844695
    Abstract: A hydraulic servo assembly includes a clutch support formed with first and second cylinders, spaced mutually and spaced from a longitudinal axis, first and second balance volumes, and a passage formed in the support for carrying fluid from a fluid source into the balance volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Janson, Jeffrey E. Maurer, Steven A. Frait
  • Patent number: 8844696
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes a bolt threadably received by a drive shaft and configured to secure the blade on an inner washer disposed about the drive shaft. The clutch mechanism also includes a spring assembly that is generally annularly disposed around the bolt. When the spring assembly is compressed, the spring assembly is configured to grip the blade inner washer and the spring assembly. At least one shallow pocket and at least one deep pocket are disposed in a lower surface of an upper retainer, and at least one geometric spacer extends from the spring assembly. In the coupled condition, the geometric spacer is engaged with the shallow pocket, and in the uncoupled condition, the plug structure is engaged with the deep pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Erin F. Eppard
  • Patent number: 8844697
    Abstract: A clutch assembly is disclosed having a driving plate arranged in communication with a thermal transfer medium for use in cooling the driving plate. The disclosed thermal transfer medium can include at least one conductive brush that is mounted with the driving plate and arranged between the driving plate and a separate cooled part of the clutch assembly for cooling the driving plate. The brush may also be resiliently biased for contact with the cooled part of the clutch assembly so that it brushes against it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ricardo UK Ltd
    Inventors: Jonathan Charles Wheals, Lee Sykes
  • Patent number: 8844698
    Abstract: A centrifugal clutch system includes a centrifugal weight, an outer member, an inner member, a first clutch plate, a second clutch plate, a bottom portion side pressure member, and an open side pressure member. The centrifugal weight is movable in a radial direction of the clutch system. The outer member is rotatably supported on a rotation axis and subjected to a driving force. The inner member is integrally and rotatably supported on the rotation axis. The first and second clutch plates are respectively supported in the outer and inner member. The bottom portion side pressure member thrusts each clutch plate to an open side of said outer member and releases the thrusting force by the movement of said centrifugal weight. The open side pressure member thrusts each clutch plate to a bottom portion of said outer member. The open side pressure member is supported on said inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8844699
    Abstract: A clutch assembly, particularly for a friction clutch of a motor vehicle, with at least one clutch housing in which is arranged a diaphragm spring that acts on a pressure plate and is secured to the clutch housing by a holding ring with retaining tabs distributed over a circumference at a distance axially from the holding ring. The retaining tabs define an axial stop. A spring element is arranged between two adjacent structural component parts of the clutch assembly that are arranged between the holding ring and the axial stop of the retaining tabs that exerts an axial spring force on the adjacent structural component parts. The spring element is arranged on at least one retaining tab and has at least two edge-side support regions that extend in direction of the adjacent retaining tabs and at least partially contact one structural component part and at least one axial raised portion arranged between the support regions that at least partially contacts the other structural component part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Schömig, Marco Greubel
  • Patent number: 8844701
    Abstract: A rotational coupling device for use as a clutch and/or brake is provided with improved retention of a drive key during shipping, assembly, and operation of the device. The device includes a rotor disposed about an input shaft. The input shaft is disposed about a rotational axis and the rotor and input shaft define opposed keyways. A key is disposed in the keyways and rotatably couples the rotor and input shaft. An armature is disposed about the axis and coupled to an output member and configured for selective engagement with the rotor. In one embodiment, the key and a support member in the device are shaped in a complementary fashion to limit radial and axial movement of the key. In another embodiment, an axial end of the key or rotor is deformed to axially align the axial ends of the key and rotor and limit axial movement of the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Warner Electric Technology LLC
    Inventor: James A. Pardee
  • Patent number: 8844702
    Abstract: A clutch includes a pilot valve, a regulating valve, and a clutch control valve. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The clutch control valve is configured to engage and disengage the clutch in response to the control signal. The clutch may be configured as one of a wet clutch and a dry clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Chi-Kuan Kao, Dongxu Li, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober
  • Patent number: 8844703
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for a parking brake includes a parking lever, a parking lever spring applying a restoring force to the parking lever, a cylinder of which an oil hole is formed therein, a piston comprising a piston rod connected to the parking lever and a piston main body disposed within the cylinder, and the piston movable along length direction of the cylinder according to supplying or releasing of oil through the oil hole, a solenoid valve, a locking unit disposed within the cylinder for locking the piston when the solenoid valve is supplied electric power and for locking the piston when the solenoid valve is not supplied electric power and an emergency parking device which is connected to the locking unit and selectively forcibly moves the locking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sung Wook Jang, Da Hui Kim
  • Patent number: 8844704
    Abstract: The application relates to money item dispensing apparatus having a money item acceptor and a hopper arrangement. The application further relates to money item dispensing apparatus having sorting means operable to selectively direct a money item to one of a first money item store and a second money item store, to money item dispensing apparatus having two hopper arrangements, to a money item acceptor having a self-clearing mechanism, to a money item conveyor, to a method of purging the money items in a money item dispensing apparatus, to money item dispensing apparatus having means for ejecting a money item from a receptacle through an outlet via a first path to a return tray and via a second path into a cashbox, to a method of filling a money item dispensing apparatus and filling apparatus for filling a money item dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventor: Malcolm Reginald Hallas Bell
  • Patent number: 8844705
    Abstract: A cash box system with a cash container for receiving cash is described. The cash container has an inlet opening which can be closed by a cover and a locking mechanism having a locked state in which the cover is locked in a position closing the inlet opening, and a release state in which the cover is unlocked and can be brought in a position to release the inlet opening. The locking mechanism is configured such that it is forcibly transferred from the locked state to the release state when the cash container is emptied. The cash box system is preferably for a vending machine in which the cash container is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: RTB GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Èrwin Braukmann, Sime Jovic
  • Patent number: 8844706
    Abstract: A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: PowerMag, LLC
    Inventors: Robert V. Albertson, David Albertson
  • Patent number: 8844707
    Abstract: A transfer system transfers a workpiece between stations of a production line spaced along a transfer axis. The transfer system comprises a frame having a main beam extending along the transfer axis. A plurality of transfer heads are spaced along the main beam with each of the transfer heads configured to independently move along the main beam along the transfer axis and relative to the main beam along a lift axis orthogonal to the transfer axis and a clamp axis orthogonal to the transfer and lift axes to accommodate for variation in spacing between each of the stations. Each of the transfer heads are suspended from the main beam and extend downwardly from the main beam beneath the main beam so that the transfer head is selectively moved outwardly, upwardly, and sideways away from the stations to provide access to the stations from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Noble Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Hulslander
  • Patent number: 8844708
    Abstract: A device for transferring fittings having at least two gripper units offset in the circumferential direction around a transfer axis of a transfer station. Each gripper unit can be activated in a clocked manner, whereby each gripper unit takes over from a feeder, via a movement around the transfer axis generated by an electric servomotor, at least one container fitting individually from a moving take-over position of a feeder and transfers it through the transfer station to a moving hand-over position offset in the circumferential direction of the transfer station. The gripper units are arranged such that they move around the transfer axis relative to one another. The transfer station includes the electric servomotors as drive motors of the gripper units for generating within one full revolution of each gripper unit individually periodically non-uniform movements of the gripper units in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Horst Winter, Heinz Humele, Volker Kronseder, Hartmut Davidson, Josef Scheck
  • Patent number: 8844709
    Abstract: A card-shaped medium processing device may include an insertion port to which a card-shaped medium is inserted, a medium feeder capable of abutting with a card-shaped medium inserted from the insertion port to carry the card-shaped medium, and a motor for driving the medium feeder. A taking-in maximum value which is the maximum value of an output of the motor at the time of a taking-in operation of a card-shaped medium inserted from the insertion port is set to be smaller than an ejecting maximum value which is the maximum value of an output of the motor at the time of an ejecting operation of the card-shaped medium toward the insertion port. A control method for a card-shaped medium processing device may include the same relationship, i.e., the taking-in maximum value is set to be smaller than the ejecting maximum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nidec Sankyo Corporation
    Inventors: Mamoru Mizawa, Keiji Hoson, Shinya Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 8844710
    Abstract: Provided is a conveyor belt (2) that includes a body rubber (21) extending in a longitudinal direction of the belt; a plurality of tension bodies (22) that extend in the longitudinal direction of the belt, are disposed in a width direction of the belt, and are embedded in the body rubber (21); and a reinforcement layer (23) that extends in the longitudinal direction of the belt and is embedded in at least one of portions within the body rubber (21), which is located between the tension bodies (22) and each of top surface and bottom surfaces of the body rubber (21), wherein the reinforcement layer (23) is formed in which a plurality of fabric members (24) extending in the longitudinal direction of the belt are continuously provided in the width direction of the belt, the side end sections (24a) of the fabric members (24) among the fabric members (24), which are adjacent to each other in the width direction of the belt are connected to each other to form a fabric joint section (25), and the fabric joint section
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Hirozumi Enshu
  • Patent number: 8844711
    Abstract: A chain wheel arrangement for chain drives of mining machines, with a chain wheel shaft, with a chain wheel, with bearing shells receiving bearings for the chain wheel shaft, with a chain wheel-side sliding ring seal and with a bearing-side sliding ring seal. In order to improve the service life of the chain wheel arrangement, at least one of the bearings, preferably that of the movable bearing system, is arranged in a bearing bush which is arranged between the bearing shell and outer bearing ring and received in the bearing shell in an axially displaceable manner. The additional bearing bush allows the necessary gap between the rotating parts and the non-co-rotating, bearing shell-side parts to remain substantially constant and to this extent to become independent of the bearing play of the respective bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Kruger
  • Patent number: 8844712
    Abstract: A conveyor chain link a main body, a top plate to which a handling product or part thereof is restable thereupon; said main body having a front portion and a rear portion; said front portion and rear portion having means to be interconnected such that one link can be connectable to another in order for the establishment of a multi-linked conveyor chain; a first guide member arrangement including a pair of rotably-supported laterally extending on opposing sides of an underneath side of said top plate, adapted to roll in the direction of movement of said conveyor chain, wherein said rollers of the first guide member arrangement are adapted to rest and rotate along a corresponding top face of a wear strip as part of a conveyor assembly support structure for the conveyor chain; a second guide member arrangement, including two rotably-supportable guide members on opposing sides of said main body, rotably about a longitudinal axis, perpendicular to the top plate, wherein the peripheral edge of the respective guide
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Flexmove System (M) Sdn. Bhd.
    Inventors: Bok Leong Ooi, Johnny Teik Chuan Yew
  • Patent number: 8844713
    Abstract: A conveyor belt is provided that includes a link having a leg formed of a link leg material, wherein the leg includes an outer link surface configured to face the drive surface, the link leg being configured to receive a rod. The conveyor belt may include an aperture extending through the leg, wherein the rod is disposed within the aperture. Also, the conveyor belt may include a first weld that attaches the free end of the rod to the outer link surface, the first weld comprising a first weld material and a second weld made of a second weld material, wherein the second weld covers at least a portion of the first weld and forms an outermost surface of the conveyor belt. The second weld material may be different from the first weld material, and may be more resistant to wear than the first weld material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ashworth Bros., Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan R. Lasecki
  • Patent number: 8844714
    Abstract: The present invention provides a chemical container or system for storing and dispensing chemicals, and in particular liquid chemicals such as fuels and the like. The chemical container has a first container portion for storing the chemical itself, and a second container portion with a vapor filter for receiving, containing, and filtering or adsorbing gases or vapors that are associated with the chemical and which may be vented from the first container portion. This dual-chamber system avoids buildup of excessive vapor pressures inside of the containers, but filters any vented gases so that noxious or undesirable vapors are not emitted into the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, the second container portion covers only a portion of the first container portion, while in other embodiments, a second container completely surrounds a first container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Shawn R. Long
  • Patent number: 8844715
    Abstract: A cap assembly having a storage chamber for a secondary ingredient with an integral type working device, which comprises a cap body and a working device; said cap body including a mouth and a housing sealing part with a droping space which is formed around the mouth; said working device adapted to move vertically, including an inner extended housing which is formed with a storage chamber for containing a secondary ingredient and having at least one outlet above seal portion formed at upper portion of the working device; and when the working device containing a secondary ingredient is assembled to the mouth of the cap body, the chamber is sealed by a housing sealing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Jeong-Min Lee, Seong-Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 8844716
    Abstract: A cap assembly having a storage chamber for a secondary ingredient, which is adapted to a mouth of a container, comprising: a body having a mouth; a chamber part having a storage space for secondary ingredient in the body and a hole formed at the lower end thereof; said chamber part is sealed by a movable working member and is opened when the movable working member is removed from the hole upon removing the cap so that the secondary ingredient may be mixed with the first ingredient in the container, said the movable working member being adapted to maintain the opened hole, after moving to open the hole, thereby effectively mixing of the different ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Jeong-Min Lee, Seong-Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 8844717
    Abstract: A collapsible upright tool caddy system for toting and storing tools and job site equipment features a first tool caddy panel with a first panel stiff pocket located on a first panel front surface. A closed loop first handle is located on a first tool caddy panel top edge. The system features a second tool caddy panel with a second panel stiff pocket located on a second panel front surface. A closed loop second handle is located on a second tool caddy panel top edge. The first tool caddy panel top edge is pivotally located on the second tool caddy panel top edge and secured via a joining panel enveloping the first tool caddy panel and the second tool caddy panel at the first tool caddy panel top edge and the second tool caddy panel top edge via a joining panel channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Stacy R. Ross
  • Patent number: 8844718
    Abstract: A bottle packaging for shipment includes a bottom tray, and a top tray made of molded pulp fiber, such as newspaper pulp, and a cardboard partition support structure disposed between the trays. Cavities formed in the bottom and top trays are arranged to engage both ends of a bottle and include crushable elements that can axially engage each bottle. The support partition may be made of corrugated cardboard material and be arranged such that the cardboard flutes provide support for loads imparted to the sides of the carton when the carton is laying on its side. The partition forms a void surrounding each bottle in the area of its labels. In this way, structural support and cushioning can be provided to the packaged bottles from all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: William E. Hall
  • Patent number: 8844719
    Abstract: A module for stacking thin panels and a method of stacking thin panels when a plurality of thin panels are vertically stacked in a state of being supported by the modules capable of securing an adequate load transfer area for transferring a load of the thin panels. The module for stacking the thin panels includes: a support portion for supporting the thin panel from below; a load transfer portion connected to the support portion for transferring a weight of the thin panel downward; and a drop-off preventing portion for regulating horizontal movement of the thin panel. The load transfer portion includes a load transfer surface extending outward from the support portion, the load transfer surface includes a load receiving surface provided in an upper portion of the module and a load releasing surface provided in a lower portion of the module, and the drop-off preventing portion includes a protrusion portion protruding downward from a lower portion of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kyoraku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kouichirou Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8844720
    Abstract: Biodegradable novelty packages, which can take the shape of eggs (i.e., ellipsoids), for example, are useful for containing small toys, candy or the like. Such small toys, candy and the like are often hidden in petroleum-based plastic eggs for children's amusement. Biodegradable novelty packages as described herein are formed of a biodegradable resin, such as a biodegradable thermoplastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Christine Ann Lantinen
  • Patent number: 8844721
    Abstract: A container for receiving frangible items comprises a sheet of polymer formed into a base portion having a plurality of item-receiving cavities for supporting frangible items. The item-receiving cavities have a frustoconical portion having a generally frustoconical geometry. A cover portion has an item-covering concavity for covering the frangible items. A first hinge is between a first longitudinal edge of the base portion and the cover portion for rotating the cover portion onto the base portion to hold the frangible items captive in the item receiving cavities. A hollow bridge spans between at least two adjacent item-receiving cavities of the container, a bottom edge of the hollow bridge being lower than a midheight of the frustoconical portion of the item-receiving cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Pactiv Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Germain Archambault, François Blanchette
  • Patent number: 8844722
    Abstract: A medication container with a Fresnel lens formed on its surface is described. The Fresnel lens provides a magnified view of the medication content of the container so that a user such as a pharmacist or a patient can accurately determine the medication content without opening the container. In one embodiment, the medication container is generally cylindrical in shape and a Fresnel lens is formed on the bottom of the container. In other embodiments, the Fresnel lens is formed on the cap of a middle component located between the cap and the body of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Tom Y. Wang, Richard A. Young, David Truong
  • Patent number: 8844723
    Abstract: A multi-layered blister package includes a first panel having at least one blister pocket receiving aperture defined therein, wherein a blister pocket protrudes through the at least one blister pocket receiving aperture and retains an article therein. A second panel has at least one exit aperture defined therein, wherein the at least one exit aperture aligns with the at least one blister pocket receiving aperture when the first panel is disposed over the second panel. A third panel having at least one intermediate aperture defined therein, wherein the at least one intermediate aperture aligns with and is between the at least one exit aperture and the at least one blister pocket receiving aperture when the third panel is pivoted to a first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: F.M. Howell & Company
    Inventors: Michael Paliotta, George Howell
  • Patent number: 8844724
    Abstract: A device having a compartment with cavities disposed on opposite sides, each cavity disposed for receiving at least one pill case. The pill cases are disposed on mounts in the cavity using pressure to hold in place. A drawer is disposed in a cavity opening on a top surface. The device is help upright by a support structure to allow a user to access pill cases from each side of the device. The pill cases may be disposed between rails. An indicator may be attached to the rails thus allowing a user to indicate which pill cases, or compartments in pill cases do not have an adequate supply medicine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Pillbox Products LLC
    Inventors: Mary Ann Andrews, Charles Andrews
  • Patent number: 8844725
    Abstract: A test strip container with an insert comprising a channel and a retaining member and methods of manufacturing and utilization thereof are disclosed. The container includes a housing, an insert, a lid, and at least one retaining member in at least one channel. The at least one retaining member releasably retains a plurality of test strips in the at least one channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. Chan, Matthew C. Sauers, Abner D. Joseph, Christopher Wiegel
  • Patent number: 8844726
    Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein provide a cord and retainer system including a cord retainer that retains a cord within a desired configuration. The cord retainer may be a paper element extending around a coiled cord. The cord retainer may promote the structural integrity of the coiled arrangement of the cord, and may have an aesthetically pleasing appearance (e.g., due to having edges that do not expose the internal structure of the material forming the cord retainer. In some embodiments, a second cord (optionally having its own cord retainer) is disposed within coils of the first coiled cord. In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second cord are disposed within one or more cavities of a packaging substrate, to fix their positions in a manner easily understood by a user, to enhance the user's experience upon unpacking the cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Bartley K. Andre, Michael Korinek, Mikael Silvanto
  • Patent number: 8844727
    Abstract: A package that may be constructed into a point of purchase display includes a plurality of bottom uprights set in a tray, and a plurality of top uprights that are kept in folded form in a space between the bottom uprights. The top uprights are assembled and placed on top of the bottom uprights to form a completed display. The bottom uprights may contain shelves with product stocked thereon, and the space between the bottom uprights may contain product to be stocked on the top uprights after the top uprights are assembled on top of the bottom uprights. The top uprights may be assembled and placed on top of the bottom uprights by a retailer or other end user without requiring glue or fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Excel Container, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Buhagiar
  • Patent number: 8844728
    Abstract: A container formed from a blank of sheet material includes, in an exemplary embodiment, opposing side walls, a front end wall, a back end wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall. An opening lip extends from a portion of the bottom of the front wall. Perforation lines extend diagonally from each end of the lip. Each perforation line extends to a side wall. Each side wall includes a perforation line extending from one of the front wall perforation lines to the upper corner of the sidewall adjacent the back end wall. Access holes are located in each side wall adjacent to the side wall perforation line. Another perforation line extends the width of the back end wall and intersects each of the perforation lines of the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott James, Matthew Kiev Swenson, Paul Michael Connolly, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8844729
    Abstract: A process for classifying water-absorbing polymer beads, wherein the polymer beads are separated into n particle size fractions by means of at least n screens and n is an integer greater than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Uwe Stueven, Rüdiger Funk, Matthias Weismantel, Juergen Schroeder, Dominicus van Esbroeck
  • Patent number: 8844730
    Abstract: A device for the magnetic separation of a fluid including first particles to be separated of magnetic or magnetizable material and second particles of non-magnetic or non-magnetizable material may include at least two magnet arrangements for generating a magnetic induction B, which are arranged in line with one another with regard to a center axis M, wherein neighboring magnet arrangements have an opposing pole arrangement and are arranged at a distance d from each other for the generation of a cusp field. The device may also include at least one conveying line for transporting the fluid, the line having a longitudinal axis extending, at least in the region of the magnet arrangements, on a plane aligned perpendicularly in relation to the center axis M between neighboring magnet arrangements. The conveying line(s) may have at least one branch downstream of the center axis M, along the transporting direction of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Günter Lins, Michael Römheld
  • Patent number: 8844731
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for automated isolation of selected analytes, to which magnetically-responsive solid supports are bound, from other components of a sample. An apparatus for performing an automated magnetic separation procedure includes a mechanism for effecting linear movement of a magnet between operative and non-operative positions with respect to a receptacle device. A receptacle holding station within which a receptacle device may be temporarily stored prior to moving the receptacle to the apparatus for performing magnetic separation includes magnets for applying a magnetic field to the receptacle device held therein, thereby drawing at least a proton of the magnetically-responsive solid supports out of suspension before the receptacle device is moved to the magnetic separation station. An automated receptacle transport mechanism moves the receptacle devices between the apparatus for performing magnetic separation and the receptacle holding station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher B. Davis, Norbert D. Hagen, James T. Tuggle
  • Patent number: 8844732
    Abstract: A cassette tray is provided, which includes a bottom plate and two holding members. The bottom plate includes a plurality of positioning holes, wherein the positioning holes are arranged in rows along a first direction, and the rows are spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the holding members is selectively connected to the positioning holes in one of the rows and mounted on the bottom plate in a detachable manner, and a circuit board is received between the two holding members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nanya Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ping-Hung Wu, Jye-Hsun Chen
  • Patent number: 8844733
    Abstract: An inventive dish support assembly utilizes slots in a pair of panels to support dinnerware including a plate or dish. The dish support assembly may include a third member support which supports the pair of panels pivotably. The third member support may be supported by the pair of panels and another support structure. A set of equations define the most preferable shapes of the slots including an upper curved surface opposite a lower generally straighter surface with consideration of several sources of relaxation from a geometric description of the most preferable shapes. To insure a conforming capture of the supported structures, the respective slots or cut-outs may be covered with a resilient covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Isaac Waksul
  • Patent number: 8844734
    Abstract: A portable auger rack is disclosed, adapted to allow a single operator to transport a plurality of augers and an auger drive unit, as well as to allow a single operator to connect the drive unit and augers unassisted to a skid-steer, Bobcat®, or other variation of track equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Craig Richard Hokanson