Patents Issued in March 22, 2016
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Patent number: 9290300Abstract: The invention includes a scalable, modular interlocking container with a multi-purpose use. Vertical and horizontal interconnectivity are achieved through interlocking mechanisms. An exemplary first use is for transporting and/or storing liquids or solids that can be poured. An exemplary second use is for a sturdy, low cost, easily assembled building block material of a standardized nature. Each modular unit slide-locks with other units to form strong wall and building structures that can be filled with natural earth, sand or other such materials, thereby forming a sturdy structure without the use of mortar, and can adapt to uneven base surfaces typically found in natural terrain.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Friendship Products LLCInventors: B. Everett Hendrickson, Timothy J. Carlson, A. Irene Hendrickson
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Patent number: 9290301Abstract: Devices and methods for packaging food cups is provided. The devices include unitary blanks with a front panel, bottom panel, rear panel, top panel, and side closures (in various forms) configured for assembly into a hollow substantially polyhedral package enclosure for 2 cups, 4 cups, or other even number of cups. Package enclosures with different side closures are designed for assembly with no glue joints, one glue joint, 3 glue joints (two cup enclosure), or 5 glue joints. Package enclosures provide visual displays that permit viewing of contents of cups secured in the enclosures. Package enclosures are structurally stable for packaging, transport, and storage. And the visual displays provide aesthetic appeal for consumers. Material and manufacturing costs and product waste are minimized with the invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Del Monte Foods, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Dominski, Brian J. Olson, Roy Greengrass, James E. McCay, Jonathan Lee, Thomas Lebeau
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Patent number: 9290302Abstract: A medicine dispensing record system that joins with a medicine container and records and displays content and administration information about a medicine to ensure the proper administration of the medicine. The medicine information that is recorded may be erased and updated when a subsequent dose of medicine is administered. The medicine dispensing system includes an identification portion that affixes to the medicine container and includes a dry-erase surface that provides a receptive and erasable surface for a user to record and review information about a last medicine dose with information such as: time and/or date the last dose was administered, amount of medicine administered, current daily intake amount, contents of the medicine container, scheduled administration of the medicine, and warnings about the medicine. The information displayed on the surface is constantly revised with each subsequent dosage of the medicine with an attached dry-erase marker.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Kimberlee Ann Horn
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Patent number: 9290303Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic film having improved tear and puncture resistance. The thermoplastic has a plurality of embossed regions that are comprised of a plurality of parallel, linear embosses. The plurality of embossed regions is arranged so that a straight line cannot traverse the thermoplastic film without intersecting at least one of the plurality of embossed regions.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Poly-America, L.P.Inventor: Brad A. Cobler
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Patent number: 9290304Abstract: A packaging device (1) for bulk goods (3), particularly for use for foods such as coffee beans, cocoa beans, rice, spices and seeds in general, includes at least one vacuum bag (2) defining an open side (2d) for insertion of the bulk goods (3) therein and hermetically sealable at the open side (2d) subsequent to evacuation of the air contained therein.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Domenico Malcangio
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Patent number: 9290305Abstract: An isolation apparatus for transporting and storing objects or human remains. The apparatus is formed of a flexible, foldable, opaque, generally box-like enclosure fabricated of a fiber reinforced plastic film, and welded together to form a sealed, air-tight and/or liquid-tight enclosure. A gas and liquid sealing zipper is positioned along three of four sides of the enclosure, thereby allowing the apparatus to open in a clamshell or suitcase-like manner, for easy access to the interior of the enclosure. An NBC and/or a CBRN filter can be mounted to the apparatus to allow for release of pressure from within the enclosure. An interior liner made of chemical protective fabric can be placed within the enclosure for additional chemical containment.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: ISOVAC PRODUCTS LLCInventors: George Stefanek, Pete Jenkner, James Gauger
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Patent number: 9290306Abstract: A closure for flexible containers or pouches that contain food products that provides at least two visual indicators showing that the cap has been partially or totally unscrewed from the spout. The first indicator is a tab in a window section of the cap that has its mounting filaments or bridges broken when the cap is unscrewed. These filaments or bridges connect the tab to the top portion of the cap. The second indicator is a vertical break or rupture line in the tab that indicates that the tab has been bent to rupturing.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Hoffer Plastics CorporationInventor: Kevin Totten
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Patent number: 9290307Abstract: The invention relates, in the first instance, to an electrically operated food processor (1) with a cooking vessel (6) and a lid (10) for the cooking vessel (6), wherein it is possible to lock the lid (10) in the closed position in relation to the cooking vessel (6), wherein, furthermore, the cooking vessel (6) has a base and a wall (12) extending upwards from the base, wherein the cooking-vessel wall (12) merges into a radially projecting cooking-vessel periphery (13), wherein, furthermore, the lid (10) has a periphery (16) which, in the closed position, coincides with the cooking-vessel periphery (13). The invention also relates to a vessel (6) with a lid (10).Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbHInventors: Hans-Peter Arnold, Carsten Jacobs
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Patent number: 9290308Abstract: A dispensing closure assembly is particularly configured for use on a container having carbonated or otherwise pressurized contents. The closure assembly includes a closure shell having an annular mounting collar, and an axially moveable tip positioned on the mounting collar for axial movement between opened and closed positions. Notably, the closure assembly includes an arrangement of venting projections, preferably provided on the closure shell, which provide pre-venting of gas pressure from within the container upon initial opening movement of the moveable tip. Foaming, splashing, or other undesirable discharge of liquid from within the container upon initial opening is desirably abated.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Closure Systems International Inc.Inventors: Navaneeth Bashyam, Santiago Julian Pidevall, Javier Exposito Rosales
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Patent number: 9290309Abstract: A beverage bottle includes a primary compartment to store an existing fluid therein, a pod in communication with the primary compartment, a cap in communication with the pod. Such a cap includes a nozzle in communication with the primary compartment. A primary travel path extends from the primary compartment to the nozzle. Upon receiving a first user input at the primary compartment, the fluid is caused to discharge upstream along the primary travel path while remaining isolated from an interior of the secondary compartments. The pod includes a plurality of secondary compartments adapted to store a plurality of existing additives therein, respectively. A plurality of secondary travel paths extend from the secondary compartments into the primary compartment. In this manner, upon receiving a second user input at the pod, the existing additives are caused to selectively discharge downstream along the secondary travel paths, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Kevin Pabon
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Patent number: 9290310Abstract: A container for holding contents includes a shell having a peripheral rim defining a substantially open top, a lid positioned on the shell, covering the substantially open top, and having a peripheral portion engaging the peripheral rim, and a liner disposed within the shell, conforming to the shape of the shell, and having peripheral ribbon secured to the lid forming a continuous seal between the liner and the lid.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: CDF CORPORATIONInventors: Mark Sinn, Joseph Sullivan
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Patent number: 9290311Abstract: A containment tube includes a sealed tube comprising silicon carbide, first and second ends, an inner bore extending along at least a portion of its axial length between the first and second ends, and contains a radioactive material within the bore of the sealed tube. The first end has a plug residing in the inner bore to close the first end, and the second end has a distal wall that closes the inner bore at the second. At least one of the first or second ends is bonded to the sealed tube by a sinter bond.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN CERAMICS & PLASTICS, INC.Inventors: Lawrence M. Banach, John M. Bevilacqua, Steven W. Lanzone
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Patent number: 9290312Abstract: A double-walled container including an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve and a base is provided. The inner sleeve is positioned within the outer sleeve. A sidewall cavity may be formed between an inner sleeve sidewall and an outer sleeve sidewall. The lower end of the outer sleeve forms an elongated loop located below a lowermost edge of the inner sleeve. A flange may extend from the elongated loop upwardly above the lowermost edge of the inner sleeve and is attached to the inner sleeve. The elongated loop may form a loop cavity. The loop cavity may be in fluid communication with the sidewall cavity.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Dart Container CorporationInventor: Alexander Brown
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Patent number: 9290313Abstract: A collapsible insulated bag designed to allow items retained within an inner pouch thereof to remain within predetermined temperature ranges for predetermined periods of time and wherein the bags are designed to be easily compressed or compacted for storage or shipment to end users. The bags include at least an outer reflective layer, an intermediate open foam layer and the inner pouch layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: COLDKEEPERS, LLCInventors: Lionel de Bazelaire De Lesseux, Robert Gary Stampfli, Langdon Strong Flowers, III
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Patent number: 9290314Abstract: Described is a packet for tobacco products comprising two containers of tobacco products each substantially having the shape of a parallelepiped and provided with two larger side walls, two smaller side walls, a bottom wall and a top wall, the packet has an outer wrapper having at least one connection panel and at least two additional panels, in particular the containers are connected to the outer wrapper at the at least one connection panel; the packet is provided with a lid, hinged along a first hinge to one of the additional panels, which is able to rotate between a closed position and an open position of the packet and, in the closed position, keeping each of the two additional panels in contact with a respective larger side wall of each container.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: G.D S.p.A.Inventors: Lorena D'Alfonso, Marco Ghini, Luca Petrucci, Roberto Polloni, Stefano Negrini
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Patent number: 9290315Abstract: Egg cartons comprising an egg-opening apparatus coupled to the egg carton are provided. The egg-opening apparatus includes any shape and/or form that is capable of opening and/or cracking an egg when the egg is struck on the egg-opening apparatus. Furthermore, the egg-opening apparatus includes any material having a hardness that is capable of opening and/or cracking an egg when the egg is struck on the egg-opening apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Nathan Hunsaker
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Patent number: 9290316Abstract: An assemblage of containers includes a plurality of layers of containers disposed on top of and supported by a transportable platform. Each container contains a plurality of reams of paper, where each layer of the plurality of layers has a same footprint area, and where the footprint area of each layer is equal to or greater than 99% of the platform footprint area. Another assemblage of containers includes a plurality of layers of containers. Each container contains a plurality of reams of paper, and each of the plurality of layers includes nine containers, three of the nine containers having their associated longitudinal axis oriented in a first direction, and six of the nine containers having their associated longitudinal axis oriented in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: GEORGIA-PACIFIC CONSUMER PRODUCTS LPInventors: Sean T. Van Uum, Robert P. Hieronymus
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Patent number: 9290317Abstract: The present invention provides a method for brewing a beverage in a brewing apparatus, wherein a cartridge containing infusible material is connected to a brew chamber and will form the bottom of the brew chamber. By the introduction of air through the filter of the cartridge, water and infusible material are mixed, and an effective brewing process is conducted. After brewing the beverage is discharged into a receptacle through the filter of the cartridge, leaving infusible material behind in the cartridge. The invention also provides a cartridge for use in the method.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Conopco, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Edward Quinn, Osvaldo Maffei, Robert Wim Bronwasser, Raffaele Zandona
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Patent number: 9290318Abstract: A hopper having a passage through which a medicine can be passed downward is provided. The hopper is configured to cause rippling vibration on an inner surface thereof by an external force applied to the hopper. According to this configuration, the rippling vibration applies a force to the medicine to separate the medicine away from the inner surface of the hopper. This prevents the medicine from easily adhering to the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Takazono Technology IncorporatedInventor: Kenji Kawata
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Patent number: 9290319Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide an improved lid for covering a trash can or other waste receptacle with a removable interior liner. The lid includes a collar which fits concentrically around at least a portion of an exterior surface of a body of the waste receptacle. The collar extends the length or diameter and depth of the lid such that when positioned over the opening of the trash can, the lid conceals at least a portion of the exterior surface of the body of the waste receptacle and at least a portion of the removable interior liner from exterior view. The invention may or may not use ribs within the interior frame of the lid to allow proper positioning of the lid over the opening of the trash can body.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: BARENTHAL NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Hongyuan Han
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Patent number: 9290320Abstract: The present invention is directed to a waste packaging system, a method of storing waste and to a film for use in this system and method.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: FLEXOPACK S.A. PLASTICS INDUSTRYInventor: Dimitris Gkinosatis
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Patent number: 9290321Abstract: A storage section for the intermediate storage of articles, packaged or piece goods of a conveyor device. The storage section has at least one storage span on a first level and at least one empty span on a second level that is connected with the storage span. The storage span has two flexible loading and transport sections that run parallel to one another in opposite directions on the first level for the articles, packaged or piece goods to be stored, connected by a first diversion section. The endlessly circulating loading and transport sections are connected by a second diverting section in the area of the empty span. The positions of the first diversion section and the second diversion section can be changed in opposite directions such that a storage volume of the storage span can be varied.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Martin Seger, Johann Huettner, Matthias Wahl
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Patent number: 9290322Abstract: An article store is provided with vertical main supports, front and rear crossmembers arranged transversally to the storage and retrieval directions and fastened on the main supports, and at least one bearing profile extending in the storage and retrieval directions and supported vertically relative to the front crossmember. The upper side of the bearing profile is located in a plane higher than the upper edge of the front crossmember and forms a bearing device for the articles. The bearing profile is supported vertically on the front crossmember by a support whose upper end is connected to the bearing profile. The front crossmember is provided with form-fit structures in order to fix the vertical support of the bearing profile at least in the longitudinal crossmember direction. The lower end of the support engages form-fit structures of the front crossmember.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: NEDCON Magazijninrichting B.V.Inventor: Mark B. J. Heijmink
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Patent number: 9290323Abstract: A continuous storage apparatus holds carriers each having many vertical shelves to be continuously loaded and unloaded by pushers at adjacent positions. The conveyor order of arrival of items is maintained on departure. Shelves hold items to be frozen or cooked during storage by a forward or backward (countercurrent) flow of recirculating cold or hot air within the tunnels of the machine. Carrier motion is provided by lifting and lowering conveyor chains at both ends of the tunnels and by shunting the carriers, supported by wheels or skids on rails along the tunnels, when pushed by an actuator.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: REC Equipment LimitedInventor: Raphael Abraham Engle
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Patent number: 9290324Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and for transferring shaped bodies such as, for example, substantially non-rigid shaped bodies, for example of cookie dough, onto a transport surface. The apparatus for transporting the shaped bodies includes a revolving driven conveyor belt which is guided around at least one deflecting roller, a guide roller and in the region of the transport surface around a transfer body mounted laterally on a machine frame. An adjusting device is provided for variation and adaptation of the bending line of the transfer body.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Haas Food Equipment GmbHInventors: Johannes Haas, Josef Haas, Stefan Jiraschek, Peter Lambauer
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Patent number: 9290325Abstract: A high temperature conveyor belt is provided having a non-metallic conveying surface which will not scratch, abrade or otherwise mar the surface of a product being carried on the belt through a furnace and which will not contaminate the product. In one embodiment, the conveyor comprises a high temperature fabric belt attached to a metal belt which may be a conventional woven metal conveyor belt. In another embodiment, the conveyor is composed of a non-metallic high temperature strand which is woven or threaded through a metal belt to provide a non-metallic conveying surface. In a further embodiment, the non-metallic product support elements are coupled to roller chains at each side of the furnace chamber and which are cooperative with a drive mechanism to transport the conveyor through the furnace. The roller chains can be located outside of the furnace chamber to avoid exposure to the high temperature of the furnace chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: BTU INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Derek J. Butland, Timothy R. Doherty, James DiMento
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Patent number: 9290326Abstract: Support unit for a conveyor of objects comprising a plurality of support bodies reciprocally pivoted with respect to each other to define a closed ring and suitable to slide in a guide of the conveyor along a closed path, said support bodies each being provided with at least a flat plate and with at least an anchoring base solidly associated to the plate and suitable to support sliding means suitable to slide on the guide. Each plate is provided with opposite pivoting ends configured to pivot, by means of pivoting means, with respective pivoting ends of an adjacent plate which follows and respectively which precedes so as to define the reciprocal connection between the support bodies. Each plate is made of an elastically flexible material at least with respect to its thickness, to adapt to curves defined by the guide.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: IMMOBILIARE METALPROGETTI SRLInventor: Augusto Santicchi
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Patent number: 9290327Abstract: A conveyor chain link, comprising an upper body having a carrying surface, and a lower body having a front end and a rear end, where the upper body and the lower body are separate parts, where the upper body is provided with a longitudinal slot adapted to cooperate with a protruding tongue on the front end of the lower body, with at least one forward bearing surface arranged perpendicular to the center line of the chain link and adapted to bear on at least one first bearing surface of the lower body, with two sideway bearing surfaces adapted to bear on two second bearing surfaces of the lower body, and at least one locking means adapted to lock the upper body to the lower body fixedly and irremovably. The advantage of the chain link is that a chain link with different properties for the lower body and the upper body is provided for, where the upper and lower bodies are fixedly locked to each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: FlexLink ABInventor: Göran Abbestam
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Patent number: 9290328Abstract: A conveying arrangement is provided for a transport member for conveying product. The transport member traverses on rollers inside a conveying arrangement which includes a plurality of tunnel shaped guide channel segments connectable together via end flanges. A continuous opening is provided on the underside of each channel segment in a conveying direction to accommodate a device attached to the transport member to take over conveying of the product. Guide rail elements inside the channel segments support run surface elements which present a rolling surface for the transport member. At least one run surface element has an excess length, relative to the length of the guide channel segment. An adapter element including a transition piece is positioned at least in a region of a separating plane between adjacent flanges to present a planar transition for the rolling surface of the at least one run surface element.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: MUELLER MARTINI HOLDING AGInventor: Michael Landolt
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Patent number: 9290329Abstract: A transfer turret assembly is provided for transferring can bodies between process stations in a can necking machine. The transfer turret assembly includes a rotatable transfer starwheel. A plurality of pockets is formed in the starwheel that can each receive a can body. The turret assembly includes a vacuum assembly having a first zone that is under vacuum and a second zone separated from the first region by a boundary. The first zone vacuum retention force to vacuum ports formed in the pockets to retain the can bodies within the pockets. The boundary between the first zone and the second zone is adjustable to correspondingly adjust the vacuum retention force according to desired starwheel rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Egerton
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Patent number: 9290330Abstract: A system for treating a material includes first and second screw conveyors each having a rotary shaft and a helical flight extending radially outward therefrom, the flighting of the screw conveyors overlapping with each other, and first and second actuators operably coupled to the first and second screw conveyors in a one-to-one dedicated relationship to rotationally drive the screw conveyors independently of each other. In typical embodiments, also included is a system for varying the clocking position of the screw conveyors relative to each other, wherein the screw conveyor flights are axially adjusted with respect to each other between a normal position and an advanced and/or retarded position. Also disclosed are methods of varying the axial position of the screw conveyor flights with respect to each other between the normal and advanced and/or retarded positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: THERMA-FLITE, INC.Inventors: Robert Nickerson, John Whitney
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Patent number: 9290331Abstract: A diverter is for intended use in connection with a diverter conveyor for diverting articles moving in a conveying direction from a primary path of travel to one of three different optional paths of downstream travel. The diverter includes a plurality of guides, each mounted for relative movement thereto from a first position to a second position. Depending on the position, the diverter is caused to follow one of the several downstream paths of travel. Related aspects include a conveyor incorporating the diverter and methods of use and manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventor: Stephen C. Fye
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Patent number: 9290332Abstract: The invention concerns a method for horizontal movement of groups or layers of articles from a first support level of a first conveyor module to a vertically movable second support level of a second conveyor module immediately downstream of the first conveyor module in the direction of transport or transfer, in particular by means of a transfer device that remains spatially associated with the first conveyor module during the transfer. Shortly before or after reaching a final position of the transfer device, the respectively transferred group or layer of articles is moved in the direction of transport on the second conveyor module by means of a support surface horizontally movable relative to this second conveyor module and/or centered on the second conveyor module before or during its vertical hoisting movement.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Erhard Beer, Martin Osterhammer, Georg Schweighofer
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Patent number: 9290333Abstract: A material handling system incorporates one or more transfer conveyor sections configured to selectively discharge articles being conveyed in at least one direction which is disposed at a transverse angle relative to the incoming direction of the article. The transfer conveyor includes rotary cams with circumferential cam tracks which engage cam followers carried respective vertically movable conveying assemblies. Rotation of the cams disposes the carrying surfaces at desired conveying heights for selecting the discharge.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventors: Randolph T. Skanse, John J. Wilkins
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Patent number: 9290334Abstract: A working system including: a working machine having a door operated so as to be closed at a time of working and be opened at a time of non-working; an automatic changer provided so as to enter and exit from an inside of the working machine through the door to change a worked object and/or a tool; and an actuator operating the door. The actuator is a servo motor dedicated to operating the door.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Fanuc CorporationInventor: Masaru Oda
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Patent number: 9290335Abstract: A sweep system for moving particulate matter in a bin having a bin floor may comprise a sweep apparatus having at least two branches. Each of the branches may include a sweep assembly having an inboard end for locating toward a central area of the bin and an outboard end for locating toward a peripheral area of the bin, and each of the sweep assemblies may include a particulate sweep structure configured to move the particulate matter toward the inboard end. The sweep assemblies of the branches may be connected together at the inboard ends thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Sioux Steel CompanyInventors: William A. Witt, Leroy B. Stumpe
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Patent number: 9290336Abstract: The system comprises at last one longitudinal guide that is independent of the loading bay and disposed on one side of the vertical mid-plane of the loading bay, facing the plane defined by the loading bay and associated with actuating means that trigger the lateral movement thereof, forming a reference for guiding the truck as it is maneuvered towards the loading bay. At least one of the longitudinal guides comprises a vertical post including illuminated signalling means and detectors for detecting the height and width of the truck approaching the loading bay, as well as moveable wedges associated with actuating means for blocking the truck in the loading bay.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: AMISERRU, S.L.Inventor: Miguel Angel Iglesias Ballester
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Patent number: 9290337Abstract: The present invention relates to a grain buggy assembly. The grain buggy assembly includes a grain buggy and a conveyor for movably mounting to the buggy. In use, the conveyor can be moved from a retracted configuration in which the conveyor is retracted relative to the buggy to a grain loading configuration. In the grain loading configuration, the conveyor can extend from the buggy to receive grain for conveyance to the buggy. In one embodiment, the conveyor is pivotally mounted to the grain buggy.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: JDS (QLD) PTY LTDInventors: John Sheehan, Glen Picone
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Patent number: 9290338Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for dispensing cards and other items. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus includes at least first and second card hoppers and a movable card carriage. The card carriage is movable between a first position proximate to the first card hopper and a second position proximate to the second card hopper. The card carriage is configured to receive a first card from the first card hopper when in the first position and a second card from the second card hopper when in the second position. In one aspect of this embodiment, the card carriage can dispense at least the first card into a card outlet chute when the first card has been sufficiently read by a card reader. Alternatively, the card carriage can dispense the first card into a card escrow chute when the first card has not been sufficiently read by the card reader.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Outerwall Inc.Inventors: Douglas A. Martin, Scott A. Dean, Mark L. Waechter, Gregory P. Winters
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Patent number: 9290339Abstract: A sheet feed cassette includes an end cursor, a pair of gears, and a pair of racks. The end cursor regulates a rear end position of stored paper sheets in the sheet feed direction. The end cursor is slidable in the conveyance direction. The pair of gears are rotatably provided on a lower surface of a base portion of the end cursor and have the same module and the same number of teeth. The pair of racks are provided on a bottom surface of a cassette main body in parallel with each other along a slide direction of the end cursor. The pair of racks respectively mesh with the pair of gears. This makes it possible to prevent a defect such as skewing, a folded edge, or a wrinkle from occurring, allowing the end cursor to slide smoothly with excellent operability.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.Inventor: Yasuyuki Fukunaga
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Patent number: 9290340Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a sheet cassette, a mounting portion and a conveying unit. The sheet cassette is mounted into the apparatus main body. The conveying unit is arranged above the sheet cassette in the apparatus main body. The conveying unit includes a conveyance path, an upper guide unit, a lower guide unit and a locking mechanism. The upper guide unit defines an upper surface part of the conveyance path. The lower guide unit defines a lower surface part of the conveyance path and enters the mounting portion to open the conveyance path. The locking mechanism locks the lower guide unit to the upper guide unit. The lower guide unit includes a projecting piece. The sheet cassette includes a push-up portion. The push-up portion pushes up the projecting piece when the sheet cassette is mounted into the mounting portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.Inventor: Kiyonori Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9290341Abstract: A sheet conveyor incorporated in an image forming apparatus includes an attraction/separation unit including an attraction belt, a first tension roller, and a second tension roller, a support member to support the attraction/separation unit, a roller drive unit to rotate one of the first and second tension rollers, a charging member to uniformly charge a surface of the attraction belt, a mechanism to swing the attraction/separation unit to move the attraction belt reciprocally about the support member between a sheet attraction position and a sheet conveyance position being located farther from the sheet stack than the sheet attraction position, and a pressing member disposed inside a loop of the attraction belt to press the attraction belt at the sheet attraction position toward the sheet stack and separating from the attraction belt at the sheet conveyance position.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Yoshikuni Ishikawa, Manabu Nonaka
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Patent number: 9290342Abstract: A system for singly dispensing fibrous filters from bulk includes a grasping tool having a handle with a working end and a container with an edge trim member for preventing bulk fibrous filters from passing freely through the opening in the container. The edge trim member comprises interlocking parts and has a planer platform for rotating the trim member relative to the container. The planer platform has a cutout extending therethrough. The handle of the grasping tool is configured to be releasably secured to the platform.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Coffco, LLCInventor: Jeff Roberts
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Patent number: 9290343Abstract: A system for singly dispensing fibrous coffee filters from bulk includes a grasping tool having a handle with a working end and a container with an edge trim member for preventing bulk fibrous filters from passing freely through the opening in the container. The edge trim member comprises interlocking parts and has a planer platform for rotating the trim member relative to the container. The planer platform has a cutout extending therethrough. The handle of the grasping tool is configured to be releasably secured to the platform. The system accommodates large and small cup- and cone-style filters and may be built-in to a coffee brewing machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Coffco, LLCInventor: Jeffrey G. Roberts
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Patent number: 9290344Abstract: There is provided an image recording apparatus including a transporting path, a recording section, a first and second rollers pinching the recording medium therebetween, a supporting member which rotatably supports the second roller, a holding member which is movable along a transporting direction of the recording medium, a bias applying member which applies a bias on the holding member, in an opposite direction opposite to the transporting direction and a load member which generates a load in the opposite direction, with respect to the recording medium.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Noriyuki Kawamata, Yuji Koga, Wataru Sugiyama, Kenji Samoto
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Patent number: 9290345Abstract: A sheet conveying device that conveys a sheet includes a sheet conveying path, a conveying mechanism, and a guiding plate. The sheet conveying path is set to include a nonlinear portion. The conveying mechanism is arranged in the sheet conveying path to convey a sheet. The guiding plate is arranged in the nonlinear portion of the sheet conveying path and has a guiding plane along which the sheet is guided. The guiding plate includes a thinned portion in an area of the guiding plane against which a leading end of the sheet being conveyed along the sheet conveying path collides so that the thinned portion suppresses high frequency components of an impulsive sound produced by the collision.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.Inventor: Hideaki Doyo
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Patent number: 9290346Abstract: According to an embodiment, a paper sheet processing apparatus is provided with a conveying device which conveys a paper sheet along a conveying way, a discrimination section 14 which distinguishes a paper sheet, a plurality of accumulation sections which accumulate the paper sheet distinguished, a sorting mechanism which sorts the paper sheet distinguished to one of the accumulation sections, a first sensor which includes an opaque substance sensor which detects an opaque substance and a transparent substance sensor which detects a transparent substance, and which detects a paper sheet which is conveyed, a second sensor which detects a paper sheet which is conveyed, and a controller.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Haruhiko Horiuchi
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Patent number: 9290347Abstract: The device includes at least a first gripping member and a second gripping member, arranged and controlled so that they extract two winding spindle portions from opposite ends of a log in a longitudinal extraction direction parallel to the axis of the log. The first gripping member and a second gripping member are movable along a log advancing path and extract the two winding spindle portions as they advance along the log advancing path together with the log and the two winding spindle portions.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Fabio Perini S.p.A.Inventors: Graziano Mazzaccherini, Romano Maddaleni
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Patent number: 9290348Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a film roll core used for winding a polymeric film around, an apparatus for winding the polymeric film on the film roll core, a process of winding the polymeric film on the film roll core, and a rolled film on the film roll core. The disclosure more particularly relates to an open gap film roll core that is capable of reducing defects in wound films.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kevin B. Newhouse, Bruce E. Tait, Terence A. Lee, Christopher M. Eastman, Arlie J. Cecil, Andrew F. Neitzel
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Patent number: 9290349Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a fabric having first and second transport faces for gripping a fabric therebetween and to displace the fabric along its length, in which at least one of the transport faces has an irregular surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: TALON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Paul Morris