Patents Issued in March 24, 2015
  • Patent number: 8985308
    Abstract: An apparatus for sorting piece goods may include a receiving surface which can rotate about a predefined rotation axis and is designed to receive the piece goods. The apparatus may include a first guide rail for guiding the piece goods, wherein this guide rail has a gap through which one region of the piece goods passes and by means of which another region of the piece goods is held. The apparatus may include a turning device which pivots the piece goods with respect to a longitudinal direction of the piece goods. The apparatus may include a separating device which separates out some of the sorted piece goods which are not guided in a predefined manner by the first guide rail or by the turning device. The turning device may be arranged upstream of the separating device in the movement direction of the piece goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Christian Stoiber, Erik Blochmann, Andreas Brunner, Hans-Juergen Fleischmann, Peter Kirsch, Werner Roessler, Heinrich Deyerl, Florian Geltinger
  • Patent number: 8985309
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting bottles or similar containers between a transfer position and a discharge position, comprising a transport element that may be driven in a rotating manner about at least one vertical machine axis and several container receptacles provided on the transport element and having, for example, a gripper-like design for picking up and holding in each case one container during the transport thereof from the transfer position to the discharge position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Drenguis
  • Patent number: 8985310
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sorting feeder having a series of travelers (2) joined together by a hinge, and guidable and displaceable along a track (4), each comprising a guide unit (8) and a supporting unit (10) joined thereto by a hinge, wherein each guide unit (8) comprises a support roller (16) on each side at matching longitudinal positions for interacting with the track (4), and wherein each support roller (16) is associated with two guide rollers (18), of which a first is disposed at a first longitudinal position at a distance ahead of the support roller (16) and a second is disposed at a second longitudinal position at a distance behind the support roller (16), wherein a coupling hinge (12) pivotable about a pivot axis (12a) aligned perpendicular to a track plane is disposed between the guide unit (8) and the support unit (10) of each traveler (2) and a connecting hinge (26) rotatable in every direction is disposed between adjacent travelers (2), and wherein the connecting hinge (26) and the coupling h
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Beumer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heino Heitplatz
  • Patent number: 8985311
    Abstract: A flight conveyor for conveying material includes a frame, drive and idler wheel(s) rotatably mounted on the frame, segments for supporting the material, shafts for pivotally interconnecting the segments to an endless row which has an upper row and a lower row running, during operation, over the drive and idler wheel(s) and a number of conveyor flights for bringing the material along in the conveying direction. A scraper is arranged at the drive wheel for successively scraping off adhered material from segments and flights such that the conveyor can be used for conveying products tending to adhere to the surfaces of the segments and the flights since the adhered products are automatically removed by the scraper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Palle Stockholm Johansson
  • Patent number: 8985312
    Abstract: A conveyor has a belt arranged to be urged around conveyor rollers, and a belt cover formed of an endless loop of fabric material which is in frictional communication over the belt. The belt cover is formed of a polyester carcass that has a monofilament weft that is transverse to the direction of travel, and maintains alignment with the belt. The belt cover is installed to a tensile force of between 1 and 1.5 pounds/inch, corresponding to an overall elongation of approximately 0.1%, which allows frictional communication between cover and belt for load transmission without binding. The communication between the belt cover and the belt has a coefficient of friction of ˜0.50. A message is printed on the belt cover. In addition, an antimicrobial material is disposed on the belt cover, and is formed of silver nanoparticles embedded in a polyurethane film having a thickness of ˜0.5 mil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Handstand Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Susan J. Osborn, Eric D. Erikson, Robert Carlton
  • Patent number: 8985313
    Abstract: A screw conveyor includes a plurality of shafts rotatable in a common imaginary plane, and a plurality of blades arranged on each of the shafts in an axial direction of the shafts such that the blades define a part of an imaginary spiral around the shafts, each of the blades being semicircular in shape when viewed in an axial direction of the shafts, a distance S being longer than a length D, but shorter than 2D, wherein “S” indicates a distance between outer surfaces of two shafts located adjacent to each other, and “D” indicates a length by which the blades extend from outer surfaces of the shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kenki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Moriyama
  • Patent number: 8985314
    Abstract: A driven roller unit and a paper feeding device are provided. The paper feeding device includes a frame, the driven roller unit and a driving roller. The frame has a dome concave. The driven roller unit has an omnidirectional ball, wherein the omnidirectional ball is in the dome concave. The driving roller is disposed above the frame and the driven roller unit. When the driving roller presses on the driven roller unit, an angle included by the driving roller and the driven roller unit is adjusted due to the rotation of the omnidirectional ball relative to the dome concave, and therefore the force applied on the driven roller unit is uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignees: Cal-Comp Electronics & Communications Company Limited, Kinpo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Hwa Wang
  • Patent number: 8985315
    Abstract: A loading member includes a receiving section that changes a posture thereof from a receiving posture where a loading material is received to a rising posture where the loading material is supported in a raised state; and a positioning section that is projected from a portion of a base end of the receiving section and then positions a lower end position of the loading material when the posture of the receiving section is changed to the rising posture; wherein the positioning section is provided with a loading assisting member assists the positioning of the loading material in a case of the receiving posture, while the front end of the loading assisting member rotates in a direction to approach a receiving surface of the loading material at the receiving section in a case of changing from the receiving posture to the rising posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Mizutani, Junichi Ootaka
  • Patent number: 8985316
    Abstract: The conveyor device comprises a support, a magnetic driving unit at the support, and an at least substantially sealed conveyor unit demountably supportable on the support. The conveyor unit includes a magnetic drivable unit magnetically drivable by the said magnetic driving unit, and an endless conveyor belt extending around two spaced apart rollers. At least one of the rollers is drivable by the said drivable unit. The conveyor unit is thus preferably demountable from the support for cleaning without requiring disconnection of a physical drive and/or electrical feed extending between the conveyor unit and the support. Additionally, a weighing element is preferably provided at the support to dynamically weigh an item as it moves along the conveyor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sparc Systems Limited
    Inventor: Claudiu Mihai
  • Patent number: 8985317
    Abstract: A bay for a belt conveyor structure, the bay includes a transverse support stand having a first part that is positionable adjacent one longitudinal edge of the belt. The transverse support stand also includes a second part that is positionable adjacent the other longitudinal edge of the belt. A third part of the transverse support stand spans between the first part and the second part. The bay also includes a stringer having a proximal end removeably attachable to the stand and a distal end which is for engagement with a subsequent bay. The proximal end of the stringer is attachable to the first part of the stand at at least two spaced apart locations. The proximal end of the stringer is also attachable to the third part of the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew Jon Martin
  • Patent number: 8985318
    Abstract: A link for a modular conveyor belt may include a supporting structure and a bearing structure covering at least a portion of the supporting structure. The supporting structure may have a tensile strength that is higher than the bearing structure, and the bearing structure may be more resistant to wear than the supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ashworth Bros., Inc.
    Inventor: Darroll Joseph Neely
  • Patent number: 8985319
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage tank by absorption into a hydrogen storage material, the tank having a longitudinal axis and including an enclosure and an inner structure provided within the enclosure. The inner structure includes a plurality of stages and a heat exchange system within the inner structure, each stage including a plurality of compartments distributed into a plurality of rows directed along the longitudinal direction, each compartment having a semi-cylindrical shape, and each compartment containing a hydrogen storage material, wherein the material has been introduced through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat á l 'ènergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Albin Chaise, Manon Elie, Olivier Gillia, Michel Planque
  • Patent number: 8985320
    Abstract: A case for eyeglasses provided with at least one integrated electrical or electronic device supplied by at least one rechargeable battery. The case incorporates a battery charger configured for charging the rechargeable battery when the eyeglasses are inserted in the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Fortuna Urbis Srl
    Inventor: Paola Santarelli
  • Patent number: 8985321
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shipping container convertible into a display configuration at a point of sale which comprises a display base and a removable cover base. The removable cover base is integrally attached to the display base through two pairs of non-linear zipper perforations lines to form the shipping container convertible into a display configuration. The shipping container convertible into a display configuration comprises opposite side walls each having a length and a top edge and a bottom edge and opposite end walls each having a width and a top edge and a bottom edge. Top major and minor flaps are foldably joined to the top edges of the side walls and end walls, and bottom major and minor flaps are foldably joined to the bottom edges of the side walls and end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Philips
  • Patent number: 8985322
    Abstract: A sorbent container includes a plurality of sealed pockets connected in a strip. At least one of the pockets is a filled pocket containing a quantity of sorbent material. A pocket adjacent to the filled pocket is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Virginia Garner Cullison
  • Patent number: 8985323
    Abstract: Articles having a plurality of pouches present in a single article, the pouches separately containing chemical materials which are capable of providing a reactive mixture mixed, that cures over time to provide a polymeric coating in certain embodiments. The chemical materials are maintained in separate pouches that are separated by one or more frangible seals. When a frangible seal is broken, such as by application of pressure to the article, the chemical materials in the separate pouches come into contact with one another and may be mixed together. Subsequent to their mixing, the mixture formed is removed from the article, such as by cutting the article with scissors, and applied to any substrate that is desired to be coated, when the chemical materials are selected to be capable of forming a cured coating subsequent to their mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Citadel Restoration and Repair, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Ilfrey
  • Patent number: 8985324
    Abstract: A drink mix container having two openings with two caps. One opening is adapted to be positioned on a drink container. The drink mix container includes a plug attached to an opening that is not positioned on the drink container. The plug seals a receptacle and inhibits the drink mix from falling into the drink container upon removal of the first cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Roland Aloia
  • Patent number: 8985325
    Abstract: An iron case includes: a table where an iron is placed; a receiving case that surrounds the iron and has a lower opening that is closed by the table; and a locking mechanism that detachably combines the table with the receiving case, in which the locking mechanism includes: a locking portion formed on the sides of the table; a locking body formed at the receiving case and engaged with the locking portion; an operating button disposed to be movable outwardly on the outer surface of the receiving case and operating the locking body; and a locking spring disposed in the receiving case and biasing the operating button to the table. Therefore, malfunction of the locking mechanism is prevented while usability when the receiving case is separated is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuharu Otsuka, Hiroshi Fujimoto, Kiichi Shimosaka, Toyohiko Yagi
  • Patent number: 8985326
    Abstract: A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case is constructed without protrusions and with a rigid handle, which combine to allow easy removal and deployment of the contents from a vehicle storage location to a cardiac arrest patient. The carrying case integrates a actuator to periodically test the operation of the defibrillator push buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Eric Halsne, Zebrick Roach, Kurt Vincent Fischer, Daniel J. Powers, Dennis E. Ochs, Hans Patrick Griesser, Jacco Christof Eerden, Christian James Richard
  • Patent number: 8985327
    Abstract: A packaging case (1) for oblong objects such as high-quality precision tools (5), having a body (4) with a longitudinal receiving and removal opening (34), that can be closed by a protective element 2). The body (4) has a base (6) to which a clamping part (8) with at least one flexibly deformable U-shaped clamping jaw (9) is attached. The base part (6) is divided into a lower part (12) that is securely connected to the clamping part (8) and an upper part (11) that is attached to the lower part (12) such that when the upper part (11) is in an open position, the space (23) around the free end of the tool 5) is accessible, but when the upper part 11) is in the closed position the space around the free end of the tool is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rose Plastic AG
    Inventor: Peter Roesler
  • Patent number: 8985328
    Abstract: An assembly (10) is disclosed having a pallet or mobile platform (20), restraining blocks (90), a pallet tray (70) and a cover (60) for supporting, transporting, and displaying goods. The goods, preferably in displays or stacking trays (70) are supported on the pallet's base (21). The pallet (20) includes removable wheels or casters (36) and two parallel rails or guides (33) projecting from the bottom surface (26) and a perimeter wall (22, 23) projecting from the upper surface (25). To the extent a forklift is used, the guides (33) provide a side-exposed space or opening between the wheels (36) permitting insertion of the forklift tines. The cover (60) and pallet tray (70) include side openings (63, 73) to align with the space or openings below the pallet (20) base (21) and between the guides (33) so that forklifts and their tines may be used with the covered assembly (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Menasha Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew J. Slaats
  • Patent number: 8985329
    Abstract: A system for efficient transportation and display of plants or flowers has been designed that contains two or more trays and a container. The first tray and alternative tray house the plants or flowers. The second tray, in which the first tray and alternative tray nest, allows for easy movement of the first tray, the alternative tray and the supply of water or nutrients. The container is designed to serve two functions, shipping and displaying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Peter Ullrich
  • Patent number: 8985330
    Abstract: A portable container for transporting and storing a plurality of perishable items including food and beverage items, having a heat-resistant outer tubular member with double-layered insulation in an adjacent inner tubular member to accommodate a plurality of perishable items and to sustain the prescribed temperature of such food and beverage items and to promote longevity thereof. The portable container optionally includes a plurality of external compartments and has removable endcaps enclosing both ends thereof. Each endcap is conveniently removed from a tubular end and then used as a cup for drinking a plurality of beverage items or used as a dish for eating a plurality of food items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Marsha A. Normand
  • Patent number: 8985331
    Abstract: Transfer element (1) and a container for a medical instrument or implant, more particularly for a dental implant (25). The transfer element (1) includes an adapter segment (10) for holding the medical instrument or implant and for attaching the transfer element (1) to a housing of a container, and also a means for handling the medical instrument or the implant by hand and/or with the aid of an auxiliary tool, and, optionally, a holder segment (5) arranged on the first end (7) and connected to the adapter segment (10). The adapter segment (10) has an adapter end region (20) for detachably holding the medical instrument or implant and a connection section (15). The connection section (15) has connection means that are intended to interact with corresponding connection means of the housing. The means for handling the medical instrument or implant by hand and/or by means of an auxiliary tool are arranged on the connection section (15) and/or, optionally, on the holder segment (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Straumann Holding AG
    Inventors: Daniel Guenter, Jost Lussi, Stephane Courvoisier
  • Patent number: 8985332
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembled packing case, which comprises a bottom component with a criss-cross underside, corner components embedded to vacant corners of the bottom component, and limiting holes provided at embedding positions between the bottom component and the corner components; wherein the assembled packing case further comprises fasteners inserted into the limiting holes to define the relative position between the bottom component and the corner components; the bottom component and the corner components are set as mortise and tenon structures at the embedding positions, and the mortise and tenon structures limit the relative displacement between the bottom component and corner components in the vertical direction; and the corner components are embedded to the bottom component to form a case body by the mortise and tenon structures. The structure of the assembled packing case is simple and the cost is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-cheng Kuo, Shih Hsiang Chen, Jiaxin Li
  • Patent number: 8985333
    Abstract: A tablet holder includes a generally square base having a protuberance formed in each side of the base, each protuberance extending radially outwardly with respect to a center of the base. Each protuberance is recessed relative to the base, creating a channel having a bottom wall and upstanding sidewalls. A detent plate is mounted in each channel and has a range of travel relative to the bottom wall. A raising and lowering assembly raises and lowers the detent plate. Guide rails are formed in each channel and a holder is slideably mounted to the guide rails. Each holder has a slotted bottom plate, guide rail housings for slideably receiving the guide rails, on opposite sides of the slot, and an upstanding end wall adapted to abuttingly engage a tablet. Each holder is slideably adjustable or locked against sliding when the detent plate is elevated or lowered, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Rosanne G. Clementi
  • Patent number: 8985334
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a nestable containing for storing and dispensing wipes. The nestable container includes a container body comprising a bottom wall, side walls, and a corner region including an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface. The nestable container includes a first ledge and a second ledge. The first and second ledges each have a proximal end region and a distal end region. The proximal end region of the first ledge is connected with the exterior surface of the corner region. The proximal end region of the first ledge comprises a groove and the distal end region of the first ledge comprises a ridge. The proximal end region of the second ledge is connected with the interior surface of the corner region. The proximal end region of the second ledge comprises a groove and the distal end region of the second ledge comprises a ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard Shane Mays, Richard Lawrence Horstman, Lucio Frias, William Kater LaSala, James Matthew Owen
  • Patent number: 8985335
    Abstract: Magnetically mountable tray device are presented including: a mounting plate having a front planar surface and a back planar surface; a number of mounting magnets positioned along the back planar surface; a base plate having a top planar surface and a bottom planar surface; a hinge mechanically coupled along a back edge of the base plate and along the front planar surface of the mounting plate; and a support element positioned along the bottom planar surface and mechanically coupled thereto, where the support element is positioned to contact the front surface of the mounting plate when the magnetically mountable tray device is in an open position. In some embodiments, magnetically mountable tray devices further include: a closure magnet positioned along the front planar surface; and a closure tab positioned along the top planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Stephen J. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8985336
    Abstract: A display carton includes a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall with a rolled upper edge, and a rear wall, with the rear wall formed by overlapping, folded panels that are adhered together at the overlap. The display carton can be assembled from a blank, in part by folding panels together to partially overlap the panels, and adhering the panels together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Yost, Patrick William Laurie, III
  • Patent number: 8985337
    Abstract: Display packaging for plush toys or dolls that allows the packaged toy to be neatly displayed on a retail shelf in an upright, sitting position so that the toy's features can be readily seen is described. In particular, the display packaging facilitates, and encourages, a child accompanying an adult purchaser at a retail location to hug or cuddle the toy without the display packaging impeding that experience. The display packaging also uses much less packaging material than previous packaging for similar products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Patrick Canon
  • Patent number: 8985338
    Abstract: A package for bedding includes a blank of material formed into a loop, the loop having an enclosed top side, an enclosed bottom side, first and second enclosed lateral sides extending between the enclosed top side and the enclosed bottom side, a first openings at a first end of the loop, and a second opening at a second end of the loop. A section of the enclosed top side is joined together to form handle that extends along a top side of the loop between the first opening at the first end of the loop and the second opening at the second end of the loop. The package has a central opening defined by the enclosed top side, the enclosed bottom side, and the first and second enclosed lateral sides of the loop, the central opening extending from the first opening at the first end of the loop to the second opening at the second end of the loop. A box is disposed within the central opening of the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Fux
  • Patent number: 8985339
    Abstract: In a method and an arrangement for treating a light fraction that is produced during the treatment of plastic-rich waste that is low in metal, at least the following steps are carried out consecutively: the light fraction is stressed by percussion and/or bashing, the light fraction is classified into at least two light fraction classes, at least one light fraction class is separated into at least one light material fraction and a heavy material fraction, at least one light material fraction is cleaned. The cleaning of the light material fraction (fibrous material), obtained after the separation, provides a very clean initial substance to be obtained, resulting in clearly improved material recycling and energy recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignees: Volkswagen AG, Sicon GmbH
    Inventors: Heiner Guschall, Daniel Goldmann
  • Patent number: 8985340
    Abstract: A device and a method for the handling of containers with a plurality of handling units recognize a defective state in a handling element situated downstream and, as a reaction to this recognition, a specified container conveyed upstream is separated out, namely preferably that container which in the further course of operation would arrive at the handling element known to be operating defectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Thomas Zech
  • Patent number: 8985341
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for grading products and forming predetermined mixes of graded products. Graders sort products into different grades. The graded products are formed into batches of known quantity. Each batch is designated for deposit in a bin specified to have a certain mixture of graded products. A conveyor conveys the batches to the designated bin. The quantity of each batch is determined by count or weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert S. Lapeyre, Christopher G. Greve
  • Patent number: 8985342
    Abstract: Provided is a color sorting machine in which decreases in yield resulting from the erroneous inclusion of good granules can be prevented by using different selection algorithms and operation ejector nozzle operations resulting therefrom in a first sorting part and a second sorting part. The machine is provided with: a binarization means for binarizing images of granular objects, a flaw-detecting means for extracting flawed parts of granular objects, a reducing means for reducing images of the external contour parts of granular objects, an enlarging means for enlarging images of the flawed parts of granular objects, and a synthesis means for synthesizing the reduced images of the external contours and the enlarged images of the flawed parts; wherein on the basis of an image obtained by this synthesis means, different air-jetting operations are established for the ejection means of a first sorting part and the ejection means of a second sorting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Satake Corporation
    Inventor: Norihiko Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8985343
    Abstract: A separator plate is used for separating immiscible liquids and solids from a liquid mixture. The oil water separator plate is composed of bi-directional corrugations extending in both lateral and longitudinal directions, thereby forming a plurality of peaks and valleys. A ramp extends from each peak to the neighboring valleys. An elongated oil port is formed in the peak for passing immiscible liquids that disengage from the liquid mixture. The oil port includes a tip portion angled approximately vertically from horizontal. Solids disengaged from the liquid mixture translate through a solids aperture. Fences are included along the lower surface of the plate to guide rising immiscible liquid. The separator plate is configured for stacking by selectively engaging a pin with one of a number of sockets in another plate. The pin and sockets permit varied vertical spacing and alignment in both lateral directions and longitudinal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Kirby Smith Mohr
  • Patent number: 8985344
    Abstract: An elevated tiltable storage assembly for the storage and retrieval of goods. The tiltable storage assembly includes a stationary frame structure for mounting to a wall and a tiltable frame structure pivotally connected to the bottom of the stationary frame. The tiltable frame has a storage structure for holding goods. A windable strap extends between the top of the stationary frame and the top of the tiltable frame. An activatable power assembly operates to wind and unwind the strap to rotate the tiltable frame from a storage to a retrieval position to provide access to the goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Roger Charles Larson
  • Patent number: 8985345
    Abstract: A rack includes a rack body, at least one latch member secured to the rack body, and a supporting assembly. The supporting assembly includes at least one sliding lever and a supporting member secured to the at least one sliding lever. The at least one sliding lever is slidably engaged in the at least one latch member and the supporting assembly is extendable and retractable relative to the rack body, to provide a wider base for the rack when required where it rests on the floor, increasing stability and decreasing the likelihood that the rack might topple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Zhongshan Innocloud Intellectual Property Services Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Lu Fan, Li-Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 8985346
    Abstract: A product dispensing system including a frame structure having a front end and a rear end, the frame structure including an upper support deck extending between the front and rear ends, a lower support deck positioned below the upper support deck, the lower support deck extending between the front and rear ends and defining a first product display area, and an intermediate support deck positioned between the upper support deck and the lower support deck, the intermediate support deck extending between the front and rear ends and defining a second product display area, wherein the upper support deck and the intermediate support deck define a vertical drop zone proximate the rear end, the vertical drop zone extending from the upper support deck to the lower support deck, and a guide positioned between the upper support deck and the intermediate support deck, the guide extending into the vertical drop zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Bogdziewicz, Caleb S. Loftin, Aaron L. Bates, Steven Burton
  • Patent number: 8985347
    Abstract: A spice rack is adapted to hold a plurality of spice containers. The rack includes opposing back-to-back rows of compartments, with each compartment having resilient sidewalls for holding at least one spice container. The back-to-back pairs of compartments are integrally formed, with laterally adjacent pairs of compartments having mating edges which couple together. Any number of compartments can be added so that the rack has any desired linear length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Alan S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8985348
    Abstract: An organizer for keeping bras and accessories organized in a closet. The organizer is able to be hung in the closet and contains storage compartments that make the bras visible for color selection. A series of holders from either side of the organizer provides sufficient storage space for storing one bra or multiple stacked bras. The holders contains a pair of bra cavities which allow the sitting of the bra cups in their pretended wear form so as to expand in their natural form without deforming the bra cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Frances Prado
  • Patent number: 8985349
    Abstract: A corner shelf system may include a support assembly and a shelf. The support assembly may include at least two support members coupled at about a 90° angle. The support members may be coupled together by a ratchet mechanism. The about 90° angle at which the support members are coupled may be adjustable by way of the ratchet mechanism. At least two of the support members may each include a channel that slideably receives an edge of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: MW Products LLC
    Inventor: Brett Stenhouse
  • Patent number: 8985350
    Abstract: A storage system comprises a rack of multiple platforms connectable to one another in a first direction, where each of the platforms has segments that connect to one another along a direction other than the first direction, via a user-operable coupling. The platforms are preferably rectangular, and are connected at their long ends. The segments of each platform are also preferably rectangular, but they are connected along their long sides. In such embodiments, the connection between platforms is perpendicular to the length of the rack, while the connection between segments is parallel to the length of the rack. The segments of individual platforms are preferably coupled together with snap fit connections, and supported from their undersides by transverse supports, and the transverse supports are supported from their undersides by longitudinal supports via recesses on the segments. The transverse supports are preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Parallax Group International, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Thrush, John Grimm
  • Patent number: 8985351
    Abstract: A display device is provided which may be used to display surfboard fins and related product literature. In one example, a display device includes a plurality of tubes and machined parts which may be assembled and configured as further disclosed herein. Such a display device may be used, for example, to hold and secure surfboard fins to facilitate display of the fins and permit the handling of the fins by consumers. Advantageously, the display device may also be implemented to prevent the fins from being completely detached from the display device without the use of an appropriate security device. The display device may also be implemented to hold and secure information (e.g., product literature) associated with the fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Todos Santos Surf, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Longo, Anthony Longo
  • Patent number: 8985352
    Abstract: A modular merchandise display system includes a frame and a plurality of merchandise supporting units. The frame has a pair of spaced apart, parallelly disposed first and second indexing members. Each indexing member has a plurality of openings formed therein. Each merchandise supporting unit has a front side and an opposite rear side, and spaced apart first and second locator protrusions extending outwardly from the rear side. The first and second locator protrusions are respectively receivable in corresponding openings in the first and second indexing members. Each of the first and second locator protrusions includes an open side, and a latch barb received thereby and movable within the locator protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Summit Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: James Bergdoll, Michael Mongelluzzo, Gary Rein
  • Patent number: 8985353
    Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed; a boom; a moveable counterweight unit; at least one linear actuation device; and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the linear actuation device. The arm and linear actuation device are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the linear actuation device changes the position of the counterweight unit compared to the rotating bed. In one method of operation, the counterweight unit is never supported by the ground during crane pick, move and set operations other than indirectly by the ground engaging members on the carbody.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Kenneth J. Porubcansky
  • Patent number: 8985354
    Abstract: A movement system includes a bridge crane, a trolley, and a movement device. The movement device includes an attachment portion, a plurality of housings, first and second curved elements, a cable, and a cable angle sensor. The curved elements are pivotally attached to housings and perpendicularly overlap with one another such that a first slot defined in the first curved element is perpendicular to a second slot defined in the second curved element. The first curved element is pivotable about a first axis and the second curved element is configured to pivot about a second axis. The cable extends from the attachment portion and through each of the slots. The cable is pivotable to angularly displace at least one of the curved elements about a respective axis. The cable angle sensor is configured to measure the angular displacement of the at least one of the first and second curved elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Univerersite Laval
    Inventors: Alexandre Lecours, Simon Foucault, Thierry Laliberte, Clement Gosselin, Boris Mayer-St-Onge, Dalong Gao, Roland J. Menassa
  • Patent number: 8985355
    Abstract: A railcar draft gear assembly including a housing, a spring sea, a spring and a friction clutch assembly in operable combination relative to each other within the housing. The spring includes a series of axially stacked elastomeric pads arranged between a closed end of the housing and the spring seat. An axially elongated guide rod is endwise passed through the spring seat and elastomeric pads for aligning the pads relative to a longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly. The guide rod is operably inhibited from axial shifting movements during operation of the draft gear assembly. A related method for assembling the draft gear is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Miner Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Wilt
  • Patent number: 8985356
    Abstract: An electric coupling for railways contains a first and a second coupling part each comprising a support in which a plurality of linking parts are arranged for establishing an electric, pneumatic and/or hydraulic link from one coupling part to another coupling part. In addition, at least one high-frequency link is provided which is formed by an enclosed antenna in one coupling part and by an enclosed antenna in the other coupling part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Harting Electric GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Krause, Joerg Hehlgans
  • Patent number: 8985357
    Abstract: A pediatric medicine delivery device includes a syringe and a nipple. The syringe body frictionally engages the inner surface of the nipple with an interference fit. The nipple opening has a diverter for directing fluid in a direction transverse to the axis of the device. A faceplate includes a circumferential orientation device to properly orient the nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: GMS Medical LLC
    Inventors: Todd Strayer, Bobbie Strayer