Patents Issued in March 22, 2016
  • Patent number: 9290250
    Abstract: It is an object of the subject matter to disclose an aquatic apparatus comprising a fin connected to a bottom of the an aquatic device; a flap connected to the fin, wherein the flap is connected at a leading end of the flap to the fin by one or more connectors, wherein the connectors enable the flap to rotate according to water current; one or more cables connected to a trailing end of the flap, wherein each cable of the one or more cables connects the flap the fin; said one or more cables comprising a predetermined length to enable the flap to open and close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Roman Rabinovich
  • Patent number: 9290251
    Abstract: A trolling motor system for a light-weight watercraft comprises: a mounting plate for attachment to the watercraft, the plate includes a fixed end, a moveable end, and a hinge therebetween, a winch is located adjacent the fixed end adapted to raise and lower the movable end between an up position and a down position, a guidance mechanism is coupled to and below the moveable end, and a trolling motor affixed to and located below the guidance mechanism. The system may also include a quick release mechanism coupling the guidance mechanism and trolling motor to the moveable end. The guidance mechanism may include a wire system for controlling rotational movement of the trolling motor. In use, when the watercraft is moved into or out of the water, portions of the system may be easily removed from the watercraft, so that the entire weight of the system is not a hindrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Mark A. Schmidtke
  • Patent number: 9290252
    Abstract: Systems and methods are for controlling trim position of a marine propulsion device on a marine vessel. The system comprises a trim actuator having a first end that is configured to couple to the marine propulsion device and a second end that is configured to couple to the marine vessel. The trim actuator is movable between an extended position wherein the marine propulsion device is trimmed up with respect to the marine vessel and a retracted position wherein the marine propulsion device is trimmed down with respect to the marine vessel. Increasing an amount of voltage to an electromagnet increases the shear strength of a magnetic fluid in the trim actuator thereby restricting movement of the trim actuator into and out of the extended and retracted positions and wherein decreasing the amount of voltage to the electromagnet decreases the shear strength of the magnetic fluid thereby facilitates movement of the trim actuator into and out of the extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Tuchscherer, John A. Groeschel
  • Patent number: 9290253
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an outboard motor mounted on a boat and equipped with a transmission having at least forward first and second speed gears and a reverse gear. The apparatus functions as a rudder angle detector that detects a rudder angle, a slip ratio detector that detects a slip ratio, and a transmission controller. The transmission controller controls the operation of the transmission to select one of the gears based on the detected engine speed or the detected slip ratio according to a comparison between the detected rudder angle and a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Kuriyagawa, Hajime Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 9290254
    Abstract: In a method for controlling a ship propulsion system wherein, in a first operating mode, the position of a command signal generator within a guide range including a forward and a reverse section is interpreted by a system controller as a desired power output as well as a desired travel direction, a second operating mode is provided wherein the position of the command signal generator is ignored as power output command so that the position of the command signal generator forms only as directional control device and wherein in either mode of operation, the command signal generator is automatically returned to a neutral position when the command signal generator is released by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: MTU FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GmbH
    Inventor: Adelbert Kern
  • Patent number: 9290255
    Abstract: A rudder position indicator that is gravity driven, designed to reduce the opportunity for misalignment, and can be recalibrated without being detached in the event that misalignment occurs. The rudder position indicator includes a gear assembly having an angle indicator and a position indicator assembly that are housed within an indicator case. A dampening fluid is filled within the indicator case as well, and acts to reduce the possibility of misalignment by reducing wobble of the angle indicator as a ship wheel is rotated. The indicator case is attached to the ship wheel by means of a mounting case; the mounting case being attached to the ship wheel using an adhesive. The indicator case is rotatably positioned into the mounting case and is stepped, such that the indicator case can be locked in and out of position to calibrate the angle indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Ross M. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 9290256
    Abstract: A steering system for a trolling motor includes a mechanical steering system having a mechanical steering input device and a mechanical linkage extending from the mechanical steering input device to a steering shaft of the trolling motor. Movement of the mechanical steering input device causes movement of the mechanical linkage, which in turn causes rotation of the steering shaft. An electromechanical actuation system is provided that is configured to be coupled to the mechanical steering system. A controller is in signal communication with the electromechanical actuation system and provides steering signals thereto. The electromechanical actuation system selectively actuates the mechanical steering system so as to rotate the steering shaft according to the steering signals provided by the controller. A method for steering a trolling motor is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Justin M. Wireman, Benjamin David Curtis
  • Patent number: 9290257
    Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets, comprises a processor configured to receive a first vessel control signal including at least a component corresponding to a translational thrust command in a port direction, and that is configured to provide a set of actuator control signals coupled to and control the first and second reversing buckets. The processor is configured to provide the set of actuator control signals so as to maintain the first reversing bucket substantially in a first discrete position and the second reversing bucket substantially in a second discrete position as long as the first vessel control signal includes a component corresponding to a translational thrust command in the port direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Robert A. Morvillo
  • Patent number: 9290258
    Abstract: An example balloon system for long-duration flight can include an optically transparent envelope for solar greenhouse heating of lift gas within, a fuel cell inside a bladder within the envelope, and a solar collector beneath the bladder configured to concentrate solar energy in a focal region below the bladder. The fuel cell can include hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, and a water reservoir in a bottom portion of the bladder, and could be configured to generate electricity to run a heater to heat the lift gas during night-time hours. The example system can also include a heat engine configured with a hot side in the focal region and a cold side in the water reservoir. The heat engine could be configured to generate power by transferring heat from the hot side to the cold side, and the power could be used to recharge the fuel cell during daylight hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Wayne DeVaul
  • Patent number: 9290259
    Abstract: An aircraft nose comprising a primary fuselage structure, and housed inside said structure, a cockpit, and an avionics bay containing a plurality of avionics racks designed to receive electrical and/or electronic equipment. The cockpit and the avionics bay are each made in the form of a distinct module that is suitable for being installed in a single operation inside the primary fuselage structure. The use of modules for integrating in the aircraft nose makes it possible to reduce considerably the time required for fitting out the nose on the final assembly line of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (SAS)
    Inventors: Yves Durand, Bernard Guering
  • Patent number: 9290260
    Abstract: Illustrative embodiments may provide for an apparatus and method of controlling the folding of a wing. The apparatus may include a sensor, an actuator, and a wing fold controller. The method may include receiving a status of at least one of an aircraft and a wing fold system of the aircraft by the wing fold controller of the wing fold system. The method may also include receiving an automated command by the wing fold controller in response to receiving the status. The method may also include operating the wing fold system by the wing fold controller based on the automated command and the status. The method may also include transitioning a wingtip of a wing of the aircraft to one of a flight position and a folded position by an actuator of the wing fold system in response to commands from the wing fold controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Matthew August Lassen, Chad Richard Douglas, Kelly Thomas Jones, Terence Boyd Kenning
  • Patent number: 9290261
    Abstract: An example adjustable linking member of a mounting assembly includes a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion connects a linking member to a first component. The second attachment portion connects the linking member to a second component. A variable portion of the adjustable linking member varies a distance between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion in a first direction when heated. The variable portion varies the distance between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion in a second direction when cooled. The first direction is opposite the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Wendell V. Twelves, Kathleen E. Sinnamon
  • Patent number: 9290262
    Abstract: A method for creating a vertical trajectory profile of an aircraft by optimization of a criterion representative of a flight cost, comprises: performing a first iterative computation of a profile free of altitude constraints as long as a condition dependent on the criterion is not reached, replacing each free level of the constraint-free profile with a permitted level so as to generate an initial constrained profile comprising a plurality of permitted levels, and, for each level, an altitude change point and a plurality of speeds, and performing a second iterative computation of a profile in which the altitude levels to be reached remain constant, equal to the initial permitted levels of the initial constrained profile, as long as a condition dependent on the criterion is not reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Enrique Laso-Leon, Amandine Audouy, Guillaume Meulle, Michel Roger
  • Patent number: 9290263
    Abstract: Nose landing gear arrangements including a folding follow-up door for reducing airflow noise for aircrafts, aircrafts including such nose landing gear arrangements, and methods for making such nose landing gear arrangements are provided herein. In one example, a nose landing gear arrangement includes a wheel assembly and a main strut. The main strut is operatively coupled to the wheel assembly and is configured to extend outside of the fuselage substantially along a generally vertical plane. A folding follow-up door is pivotally coupled to the main strut and extends to the fuselage. The folding follow-up door includes a first door section and a second door section that extend outwardly in directions away from each other to define an unfolded position. The folding follow-up door is foldable to move the first and second door sections towards each other about the generally vertical plane to define a folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Cook, John Louis, Thomas Van de Ven, Robert M. Vieito, Mehdi R. Khorrami
  • Patent number: 9290264
    Abstract: An electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may include an annular output gearbox positioned between a wheel and a main strut of a main landing gear of the aircraft. The output gearbox may surround a brake piston assembly of the wheel of the aircraft. One or more selectively operable engaging assemblies, for selectively coupling the ETS with the wheel of the aircraft, may be positioned between the output gearbox and the wheel of the aircraft. The one or more selectively operable engaging assemblies may be coupled with an output gear of the output gearbox to rotate with the output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: David Lane Charles, Donald Jeffrey Christensen
  • Patent number: 9290265
    Abstract: A landing gear system comprises a bogie beam, a landing gear axle pivotally mounted to the bogie beam, a steering rack, a linear actuator assembly, and a steering control link. The steering rack is secured transversely to the bogie beam and is longitudinally spaced apart from the landing gear axle. The linear actuator assembly is operable to laterally translate the steering rack. The steering control link is longitudinally extendable and has an actuator end secured to the steering rack, and an axle end of the steering control link engaged with the landing gear axle. The steering control link and the landing gear axle are pivotable relative to the bogie beam about a common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis W. Martin, James Acks
  • Patent number: 9290266
    Abstract: A speed control assembly includes an input drive shaft coupled to a first gear subassembly having a rotatable gear, a second gear subassembly coupled to an output drive shaft, and a linkage coupling the first and second gear subassemblies, wherein the input drive shaft, the first and second gear subassemblies, and the linkage are configured such that a rotational speed of the rotatable gear adjusts a ratio of a rotational speed of the output drive shaft to a rotational speed of the output drive shaft. In some embodiments, the first gear subassembly includes a sun gear coupled to the input drive shaft, one or more planet gears, and a ring gear as the rotatable gear. In some embodiments, the second gear subassembly includes a sun gear coupled to the output drive shaft, one or more planet gears, and a fixed ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Robertson, Dudley E. Smith, Carlos A. Fenny, Walter West Riley
  • Patent number: 9290267
    Abstract: A VTOL aircraft is an aerial vehicle that is utilized to reach and rescue people who are trapped in difficult-to-reach locations such as high-rise structures. The VTOL aircraft features an airframe as well as a left bidirectional thrust mechanism, and a right bidirectional thrust mechanism for providing vertical and horizontal thrust to the airframe. A plurality of engines provides torque and rotational energy that is transferred to the left bidirectional thrust mechanism and the right bidirectional thrust mechanism during operation of the VTOL aircraft. The VTOL aircraft features a housing cage on the airframe for protecting passengers, first responders, and emergency personnel onboard the aircraft. A pilot may utilize a control system located within the VTOL aircraft cockpit in order to manage the various functions of the aircraft. The VTOL aircraft features a protective enclosure for protecting the pilot from falling debris and other hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: David Metreveli
  • Patent number: 9290268
    Abstract: Multi-wing hovering and gliding flapping Micro Air Vehicles (“MAV”) are disclosed. The MAV can have independent wing control to provide enhance energy efficiency and high maneuverability. Power to each wing can be controlled separately by varying the amplitude of the wing flapping, the frequency of the wing flapping, or both. The flapping frequency can be controlled such that it is at or near the natural frequency of the wings for improved energy efficiency. The wings can be controlled by a gear train, coil-magnet arrangement or many other actuation systems that enable variable frequency flapping, variable amplitude flapping, or a combination of both. The gear train mechanism provides gyroscopic stability during flight. The wing flapping can include a rotation, or feathering motion, for improved efficiency. The wings can be transitioned between flapping flight and fixed wing flight to enable gliding and hovering in a single configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jayant Ratti, Emanuel Jones, George Vachtsevanos
  • Patent number: 9290269
    Abstract: In an aspect, in general, a spooling apparatus includes a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle, an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus, and a controller for controlling the feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: CYPHY WORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason S. Walker, John W. Ware, Samuel A. Johnson, Andrew M. Shein
  • Patent number: 9290270
    Abstract: A cargo management system is provided comprising an air cushion cargo shuttle, an air blower configured to blow air beneath the air cushion cargo shuttle, an aft shuttle drive belt coupled to the air cushion cargo shuttle, a forward shuttle drive belt coupled to the air cushion cargo shuttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Himmelmann
  • Patent number: 9290271
    Abstract: A vehicle seat carrier device includes at least one vehicle seat carrier unit which is provided to be arranged in at least one assembled state on at least one backrest unit of a seat unit. The vehicle seat carrier unit has at least one base unit and at least one cover unit which is embodied separately from the base unit and which is provided to be connected to the base unit in the assembled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Schürg, Tim Schreyer
  • Patent number: 9290272
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for an aircraft seat with a decoupled linear actuator. The linear actuator may activate a first adjustable feature by moving in a first direction. The linear actuator may include a decoupling mechanism. The decoupling mechanism may decouple the first adjustable feature from the linear actuator in response to loss of power to the linear actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Hoover, Keith M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9290273
    Abstract: Invention is an adaptive freeze, snow or ice protection system and method of operation that comprises an integrated expert system control module, a sensing means, a heating means, a control system means, an interconnection means and an energy supply system means where the protection system is supplied with an external energy source. The integrated expert system control module has a learning algorithm that performs adaptive analysis using input from conventional and unique sensors as the sensing means, other available inputs and other available data to monitor all of the systems of the protection system and provides commands to control all the systems of the protection system that manage the possible effects of predetermined environmental conditions on facilities or equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventors: James C. Thompson, Chester L. Sandberg
  • Patent number: 9290274
    Abstract: An aircraft engine assembly comprising a nacelle configured to surround the aircraft engine having an inlet open to ambient air and an annular acoustic panel provided within the nacelle. Sound emitted from the aircraft engine is attenuated by the annular acoustic panel. The annular acoustic panel comprises an open framework, made from a first material, forming a plurality of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: MRA SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Roach, Graham Frank Howarth
  • Patent number: 9290275
    Abstract: An aircraft featuring: a fuselage with a fuselage section, an energy supply device, at least two supporting devices that are arranged on the fuselage section and serve for fastening the energy supply device, a mounting device for mounting an energy supply device on a structural component of an aircraft and an aircraft with a mounting device, as well as to a mounting device for mounting an energy supply device on a structural component of an aircraft and to an aircraft with a mounting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Volker Piezunka
  • Patent number: 9290276
    Abstract: An aircraft of the present invention includes an outer panel 4 made of a fiber reinforced plastic material, a support member 5, and a lightning protection fastener 1. The fastener 1 includes a metal fastener body 2 having a shaft portion 10 and a head portion 20, and an insulating member 30 made of an insulating plastic material and mounted to the head portion 20. The portion 20 has a frustoconical-shaped fastener seat surface 211. The panel 4 includes a receiving surface 41 conforming to the fastener seat surface 211. The member 30 includes an insulating seat surface 321 retracted from a plane of the fastener seat surface 211 such that, when a portion 41A of the receiving surface 41 which is opposed to the fastener seat surface 211 is depressed, an insulating seat surface 321 comes into contact with the receiving surface 41.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasunori Watanabe, Takamitsu Himeno, Hideo Yamakoshi
  • Patent number: 9290277
    Abstract: Provided are a surveillance system and a surveillance method. The surveillance system includes a control tower configured to be coupled with and separated from a flying vehicle, and receive an image captured by the flying vehicle through a first communication network, wherein the control tower is further configured to transmit the received image to a central control station through a second communication network for analysis of the received image. The surveillance system may further include the flying vehicle and the central control station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Hanwha Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyuhyong You
  • Patent number: 9290278
    Abstract: Systems and methods for launching space vehicles into orbit involve placing a space vehicle into a protective container. The protective container is placed on a sled in a maglev tunnel and then launched into the atmosphere. Once the protective container reaches a certain height the space vehicle is released from the protective container and the space vehicle then proceeds to the desired orbital position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: David G. Dillon
  • Patent number: 9290279
    Abstract: A landing system of a body and a space probe provided with such a system for landing on a bearing ground. The landing system includes landing legs (5), each with a footpad (6) at the end thereof, intended for braking the landing impact of the body when coming into contact with the ground and for supporting the body on the ground after landing. The footpads (6) are not coplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ASTRIUM SAS
    Inventors: Christophe Balemboy, Mark Kinnersley, Robert Andre Laine, Xavier Sembely
  • Patent number: 9290280
    Abstract: A method for producing a container intended to contain a substance to be dispensed by an airless pump, having an external body inside which a bag is provided formed of thermoplastic material, the bag presenting, at least at a connection surface between its neck and its lateral surface, controlled deformation zones arranged to guide the bag deformation in accordance with preferential directions. The invention also relates to a container formed by the described method and a bag with the aforedescribed characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: LUMSON S.P.A.
    Inventor: Matteo Moretti
  • Patent number: 9290281
    Abstract: A cardboard box assembly apparatus is a device for folding four panels constituting a lid section of a cardboard box, forming an interleaved lid where each of the four panels by overlaps adjacent ones of the four panels. The cardboard box assembly apparatus is provided with detruding members, locking members, and mover devices. The detruding members detrude respective first portions of the four panels. The locking members lock respective second portions of the four panels, preventing the second portions from moving in detrusion directions. Detrusion directions refer to directions of detrusion of the four panels. The mover devices move the locking members in a direction including at least a vertical direction component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seisaku Iwasa, Yuji Yokota
  • Patent number: 9290282
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a palletized load are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a film dispenser for dispensing a film web, at least one guide rollers configured to engage the width of the film web, and at least one roping element. The at least one roping element may be a cable rolling roper configured to roll a portion of the film web into a rolled cable of film. The apparatus may also include means for providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser to wrap a roped portion of the film web around a base of the load/top portion of a pallet supporting the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Lantech.com, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, Donnie Norris, David E. Eldridge
  • Patent number: 9290283
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping a folio ream. The method comprises pre-creasing a wrap sheet and driving the ream into the wrap sheet toward a fold position. A bubble of wrap is formed in the wrap sheet, which is cut while the ream advances, such that a lower flap of the wrap sheet extends beyond the rear edge of the ream. An upper flap fold is formed on the rear edge of the ream, and glue is applied to the lower flap as it is held flat via a vacuum. The lower flap of the wrap sheet is then folded in an upward direction, while the vacuum simultaneously applies a force to an opposite side of the lower flap to keep it flat during folding. The ream is reversed to compress the glue between the lower and upper flaps, forming a rear edge seam on the folio ream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: PEMCO INC.
    Inventors: Andrea Cinotti, Thomas Ullmer, Kevin J. Ruh, Christopher Lee Lambie
  • Patent number: 9290284
    Abstract: A product wrapping machine includes a feed mechanism by which products to be wrapped are directed on entry, in ordered succession, to a take-up station, a wrapping device including a first conveyor, rotatable continuously about a respective axis, a second conveyor rotatable intermittently about a respective axis, and a transfer device by which the products are gripped in succession at the take-up station and fed to the wrapping device. The first conveyor includes a plurality of carriers, mounted rotatably on it and equipped with gripper heads. Each carrier is associated with a respective motion-inducing device designed to move the carrier in such a way as to enable the carrier to interface and interact with a respective gripper element of the second conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Daniele Civolani, Marco Carrara
  • Patent number: 9290285
    Abstract: An apparatus for clamping packaging material may include a packaging material holder. The packaging material holder may include a first jaw, a second jaw, opposing the first jaw, and a jaw opening between the first and second jaws. The jaw opening may be configured to receive a portion of packaging material. The packaging material holder may include an inflatable structure configured to fill at least a portion of the opening. The apparatus also may include a packaging material insertion tool configured to insert the portion of packaging material into the jaw opening for clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: LANTECH.COM, LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Johnson, David E. Eldridge, Jeremy McCray
  • Patent number: 9290286
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the sterilizing of packaging material and/or packages is disclosed herein. The method comprises disposing the packaging material and/or packages in a sterilization device and pressurizing a pressure medium in the sterilization device to at least a pressure sufficient to at least inhibit reproductive capabilities of microorganisms disposed with the packaging material and/or packages. The apparatus is configured to receive packaging material and/or packages and a pressure medium in a sterilization device configured to pressurize the pressure medium in the sterilization device to at least a pressure sufficient to at least inhibit reproductive capabilities of microorganisms disposed with the packaging material and/or packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Wilfried Ehmer
  • Patent number: 9290287
    Abstract: A foamed and stretched plastic container having a basic structure which includes a mouth portion and a body wall continuous to the mouth portion and is stretch-formed, the body wall forming a foamed region where foamed cells are distributed, and the mouth portion being an unfoamed region where no foamed cell is present, wherein the foamed cells present in the foamed region have a flat shape being stretched in the direction of stretch, and the foamed cells positioned in the central portion in the direction of thickness of the container wall have the largest lengths in the direction of maximum stretch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: TOYO SEIKAN GROUP HOLDINGS, LTD.
    Inventors: Kentarou Ichikawa, Nobuhisa Koiso, Norio Akuzawa, Hiroki Iino, Tetsuro Nomura
  • Patent number: 9290288
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for storage containers that may be used with a storage assembly. The storage containers may include tabs that can be inserted into slots of adjacent storage containers to stack the storage containers. In some embodiments, the storage containers may be stored on shelves of a shelving system. The shelves may further include holes through which the tabs of the storage containers may be inserts into the slots of adjacent storage containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hirotoshi Ikeno, Shigeo Eikawa, Shigeo Ochida
  • Patent number: 9290289
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a receiving module, a conversion module, first and second rollers, a motor, a forcing member, an implement, and a cutting head. The receiving module receives a desired weight value to correct an imbalance of a wheel/tire assembly. The conversion module converts the desired weight value to a corresponding first amount of a wheel weight material. The first and second rollers engage first and second opposing sides of the wheel weight material. The motor drives the first roller according to the first amount. The forcing member presses the second roller in a first direction that forms an angle with an axis of the first roller. The implement selectively forms a mark on the wheel weight material. The cutting head is selectively actuated to separate the first amount from the wheel weight material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignees: Esys Corporation, 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Louis R. Hedtke, Jr., Matthew W. King, Scott R. Claxton, Mark A. Compton, Christopher J. Marcus, Mark R. Gabel
  • Patent number: 9290290
    Abstract: A blank for being repeatably assembled into a box configuration without the use of adhesives. The blank has a bottom panel, a side panel foldably attached to the bottom panel, an end panel foldably attached to the bottom panel, and a locking structure configured to secure the side panel and the end panel in respective orthogonal positions with respect to the bottom panel. The locking structure includes an overlay panel foldably attached to the end panel and foldable toward an overlying position in which it overlies a portion of the side panel. The locking structure also includes a slot in the bottom panel, a flap foldably attached to the bottom panel and extending into the slot, and a tab foldably attached to the overlay panel for being lockingly received in the slot to secure the overlay panel in the overlying position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Inteplast Group Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory A. Carman
  • Patent number: 9290291
    Abstract: A package for a tooth treatment product is disclosed. The package includes an inner container and an outer sleeve having at least one open end for receiving the inner container, the outer sleeve including a window through which the tooth treatment product is visible to a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
    Inventors: Karim Hamdoun, Martin Jay Marotti
  • Patent number: 9290292
    Abstract: A machine for inserting honeycomb separators into boxes, comprising: at least two gripping elements (10, 20) predisposed for being associated to a first transversal wall (T1) and to a second transversal wall (T2) of a honeycomb and for rotating by a predetermined angle about a respective rotation axis (Z1, Z2); a first rotation mechanism, predisposed for rotating said gripping elements (10, 20) about the respective rotation axes (Z1, Z2); said first rotation mechanism comprises: a crossbar (2), which rotates parallel to itself on a horizontal plane, and a connecting mechanism which connects the crossbar (2) to the gripping elements (10, 20), said connecting mechanism being an articulated parallelogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: BORTOLIN KEMO S.P.A.
    Inventor: Marino Sain
  • Patent number: 9290293
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a storage system and related methods. A storage system may include a plurality of components configured to be arranged in a track. The track may include at least two substantially parallel rows of components. Each of the components of the track may include a support surface and a plurality of apertures configured to receive a fastener. The apertures may be used to secure the component to a support structure. Each of the components may also include a coupling component configured to couple adjacent components. The track may be configured to receive a storage container. The storage container may include a storage compartment and flange disposed at least partially around the storage compartment. The flange of the storage container may be configured to rest upon the support surfaces of at least two separate components in the track disposed on opposite sides of the storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Samuel A. Tilton
  • Patent number: 9290294
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a container pre-assembly and a container having a combination panel and a tear-out section, the tear-out section configured to be separated from an erected container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: YORK CONTAINER COMPANY
    Inventors: Jamie L. Laughman, Troy M. Little
  • Patent number: 9290295
    Abstract: A resealable decanter associated with a gas evacuation system, the decanter having a body with an upper opening adapted to be closed with a removable sealing closure, a movable wall located within the body, the moveable wall moveable at least upwardly within the body through application of a vacuum thereto, a moveable wall guide portion associated with the moveable wall, and a valve assembly located adjacent the upper opening allowing the vacuum applied to move the moveable wall thus moving the liquid within the decanter to evacuate gas from the decanter while preventing loss of liquid from the decanter as the vacuum is applied whereby the liquid contents are removable from the decanter by pouring from the decanter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Alan John Poggio
  • Patent number: 9290296
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a blow-molded, rigid collapsible container that can be suitable for storage and dispensing systems of practically any size. The rigid collapsible container may be a stand-alone container. The container may be blow-molded as a unitary piece that may include folds or pre-folds that allows the container to collapse into a relatively flat position. In an expanded state, the container may have a generally trapezoidal prism shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Advanced Technologies Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Tom, Thea Annette Ellingson, Amy Koland, Dale Gene Mowrey
  • Patent number: 9290297
    Abstract: A thermally insulating transportation box, including a base part, two longitudinal side parts, two transverse side parts and at least one top part, which parts bound a transportation space and are produced from a thermally insulating material. The longitudinal side parts and the transverse side parts are pivotably mounted on the base part about pivot axes which each run parallel to the base part, so that they can be folded open from a folded-together arrangement, which extends parallel to the base part, into an arrangement which is perpendicular to this and in which they bound the transportation space, and the transportation space can subsequently be closed by the at least one cover part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: OVERATH GmbH
    Inventor: Udo Overath
  • Patent number: 9290298
    Abstract: A structurally supporting pallet exhibiting a plurality of either individual or networked portions configured with or upon an upper base surface such that, upon placing a cargo load upon the body, it provides drainage or ventilation pathways extending to each of the four outer interconnecting edges of the body. In a first example, the cargo supporting surface is exhibited by a plurality of individual plateau defining portions, each of which exhibiting a plurality of perimeter defining and upwardly sloping edges extending from a base surface and merging into uppermost individual and coplanar defined plateaus. In a further example, a plurality of elongated recessed channels are configured in the base surface and extend between selected sides of the article. In each instance, the article includes a plastic coating which is configured into the desired pattern corresponding to the upper base surface. The plastic can include a grit entrained or textured surface to facilitate anti-slip properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Oria Collapsibles, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 9290299
    Abstract: A sliding engagement is described for a stacking delivery tray having a sliding surface that has a break. The sliding engagement includes at least one ramp on the sliding surface providing an inclined sliding transition to an end of an overlying tray sliding along the sliding surface in order to traverse the break in the sliding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Drader Manufacturing Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Gordon McTavish, Hongqiao Li, Steven Koski