Patents Issued in June 7, 2016
  • Patent number: 9359066
    Abstract: A cable support apparatus for an aircraft cable control system comprises at least one cable support unit. The cable support unit includes a pulley adapted to carry a cable of the aircraft cable control system, a support link with a first joint between the pulley and the support link and a second joint between the support link and the structure of the aircraft, and a compensation link connected with the structure of the aircraft. The thermal expansion of the compensation link causes a displacement of the support link. An aircraft and a method for maintaining a tension of a cable of a cable control system of an aircraft are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: LEARJET INC.
    Inventor: Harris Butler
  • Patent number: 9359067
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of flying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in response to emergency conditions, the method including steps implemented using a controller forming part of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the steps comprising: defining a plurality of emergency conditions; associating each emergency condition with a priority level; associating each emergency condition with an objective; sensing a plurality of operating parameters of the unmanned aerial vehicle to detect whether one of the plurality of emergency conditions exists; when one or more emergency condition is detected: generating a trajectory for the detected emergency condition having a highest associated priority level, wherein the trajectory is generated in accordance with the objective associated with the emergency condition that has the highest associated priority level; and instructing the unmanned aerial vehicle to follow the generated trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Lars Fucke, Stephen Sweeney
  • Patent number: 9359068
    Abstract: A drive unit (16) for an aircraft running gear (2) having at least a first wheel (4) and a second wheel (6) on a common wheel axis (A), wherein the drive unit (16) is drivingly coupleable to at least one of the first and second wheels (4, 6), is characterized in that the drive unit (16) comprises at least one power output assembly (122, 124) for driving at least one of the first and second wheels (4, 6), with each of the at least one power output assembly (122, 124) comprising a power transmission chain (136) selectively engageable with a sprocket element (108, 110) coupled to one of the first and second wheels (4, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: L-3 COMMUNICATIONS MAGNET-MOTOR GMBH
    Inventors: Johann Oswald, Manfred Heeg
  • Patent number: 9359069
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator including an aircraft parking brake may include a motor shaft, a park brake disk, and a voice coil assembly. The voice coil assembly may include a bobbin configured to translate between an engaged position and a disengaged position. An engagement feature may be coupled to the bobbin. The engagement feature may contact the park brake disk in the engaged position. The engagement feature may be magnetically coupled to a voice coil magnet and washer in the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Drennen, Kevin Rehfus, Robert French, Albert Keith Pant, Joseph E. Beason, Harald Klode
  • Patent number: 9359070
    Abstract: Each propulsion unit of the drone comprises a propeller (20) and a rotary-cage synchronous electric motor whose stator is connected to the drone body. The propulsion unit in of the gearless type, the rotor of the motor being rotationally integral with the propeller hub (24). The rotor is integral with an upper flange (56) extending in a radial plane with respect to the axis of rotation. Reversible means are provided for the fast coupling of the propeller to the rotor, implementing studs (62) with an enlarged head (66) formed on the flange, which cooperate with homologous curvilinear buttonholes (32) formed on the hub. The switching from the decoupled position to the locked position is operated by relative rotation of the propeller hub with respect to the flange by a fraction of a turn, in an opposite direction with respect to the direction of rotation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: PARROT
    Inventor: Christine Caubel
  • Patent number: 9359071
    Abstract: An aerodynamic blade attachment (1) for a bearingless rotor, particularly a main rotor, of a helicopter, comprising: an airfoil blade (2) having a tip end and a root end and having a pitch axis from said tip end to said root end; a flexbeam (3); a control cuff (4, 22) enclosing and extending along said flexbeam (3) and a separable junction arrangement between said flexbeam (3), said control cuff (4) and said root end of said airfoil blade (2). Said junction arrangement is mechanical between said flexbeam (3), said control cuff (4) and said root end of said airfoil blade (2). Removable fasteners (5, 6) connect said root end of said airfoil blade (2) and said control cuff (4) with said flexbeam (3). Said junction arrangement comprises fairing means (10, 27, 28, 31, 32 and 39) encompass the removable fasteners (5, 6) and said flexbeam (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Kuntze-Fechner, Markus Bauer, Martin Ortner
  • Patent number: 9359072
    Abstract: A blade (20) of a rotor (5), the blade (20) having a suction side (21) and a pressure side (22) extending transversely from a leading edge (23) towards a trailing edge (24) and extending spanwise from a root section (31) towards a free end section (41). The blade (40) comprises, going from the root section (31) towards said free end section (41): a root zone (30); followed by rounded zone (35); said rounded zone (35) presenting rounded pressure and suction sides (22?, 21?) departing from said main plane (P1) in a direction (Z) parallel to the axis of rotation (AXROT) of said blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventors: Sebastien Finck, Laurent Sudre
  • Patent number: 9359073
    Abstract: An aircraft tail rotor system is provided and includes a rotating element, a translating element and a structure including a first bearing in series with a second bearing, the first bearing including a component rotatable with and movable within the rotating element in accordance with translational movement of the translating element. The structure is configured to selectively use the second bearing to prevent transmission of rotational energy from the rotating element to the translating element in an event of a seizing of the first bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: John E. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 9359074
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for securing a drone delivering a package of goods to a delivery destination. A notification may be provided to a device of the purchaser that the drone has arrived near the delivery destination. The drone may hover at a secure altitude from a landing zone at the delivery destination. The drone may receive a purchase code associated with a purchase of the package of goods. The drone may authenticate the purchase code as a condition for landing. The drone may land in the landing zone at the delivery destination when the purchase code is authenticated. The drone may abort the landing when the purchase code is not authenticated. The drone may receive a delivery code associated with completing delivery the package of goods. The drone may require the delivery code as a condition for releasing the package of goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Shriram Ganesh, Jose Roberto Menendez
  • Patent number: 9359075
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a helicopter-mediated system and method for launching and retrieving an aircraft capable of long-distance efficient cruising flight from a small space without the use of a long runway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Hood Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas H. von Flotow, Corydon C. Roeseler, Daniel Reiss
  • Patent number: 9359076
    Abstract: A combination lavatory and galley arrangement for aircraft includes a lavatory portion having adjacent inboard and outboard lavatories, and a galley portion, and can be located aft of aft aircraft aft doors, and can at least partially rearwardly extend into the aircraft's aft pressure dome. The inboard and outboard lavatories can be separated by a movable wall or partition to provide access for persons with restricted mobility, and can be provided in a modular housing to facilitate retrofit assembly within an aircraft. The movable wall can be an articulating movable lavatory partition movable between a first, linearly extended configuration and a second, folded configuration in a stowed position to provide entry for persons with restricted mobility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence Ivester, Jefferey McKee, Wade Johnson, James Brian Hauser, Robert Papke, David R. Benton, Frank E. Hashberger
  • Patent number: 9359077
    Abstract: Provided are an aircraft lavatory unit and a structure for arranging the same. A space section of a uniform width extends in a straight line from a rear wall to a front wall between a first side wall and a second side wall. A toilet bowl is disposed near the end in the extending direction of the space section on a side with the rear wall. A storage box is disposed above the toilet bowl between the toilet bowl and the rear wall. A wash basin is provided on a top surface of the storage box. The width of the body frame where the second side wall is located is formed at the minimum dimensions sufficient to ensure that the space section is wide enough that a person can come and go between the doorway and the toilet bowl and sit on the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi Koyama
  • Patent number: 9359078
    Abstract: An improved monument structure combining an integrated construction system with carbon fiber reinforced composites to form an exoskeleton chassis. The chassis includes an above work deck subassembly, a below work deck subassembly, and a rear service wall subassembly, each respective subassembly is formed using carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRC) pre-impregnated panel skins. The subassemblies are reinforced with a unidirectional carbon fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter John Leslie Burd
  • Patent number: 9359079
    Abstract: An aircraft seat set is provided that allows for providing extra room for passengers and/or allow for selectively increasing the width of an aircraft aisle during enplaning and deplaning and/or increasing the width of some seats during flight. In one embodiment, the aisle seat of the seat set is movably connected to the seat frame of the seat set to allow the aisle seat to be disposed above and in front of the middle seat of the seat set for enplaning and deplaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: MOLON LABE LLC
    Inventors: Frank Matthew Scott, Kevin Lee Van Liere
  • Patent number: 9359080
    Abstract: An aircraft bench comprising a support structure having hinged thereto one or more frameworks for mounting at least one bucket. The framework(s) is/are hinged at the front of the bench to a pair of longitudinally-extending bars of the support structure arranged spaced apart in vertical superposition. The framework(s) is/are carried in suspension by the support structure by being held against tilting individually downwards and at the rear of the bench by at least one energy absorber interposed between the support structure and a framework with which it is associated. Deformation of the energy absorber, as caused by the aircraft crashing and/or being subjected to a high level of deceleration, allows the frameworks to tilt individually downwards and at the rear of the bench in order to protect the passengers installed in the bucket(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Joffre
  • Patent number: 9359081
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an icing condition. The apparatus comprises a piezoelectric material and a vibration detector. The piezoelectric material has a surface proximate to a surface of a vehicle. The piezoelectric material is configured to vibrate. The vibration detector is configured to detect a change in vibrations in the piezoelectric material that indicates a presence of an icing condition on the surface of the piezoelectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark Joseph Clemen, Jr., Jerry Lee Wert, George Albert Perry, Scott Hutchinson Gardner, Erik Marc Langhofer, Charles Steven Meis
  • Patent number: 9359082
    Abstract: A power plant comprising a fuel-burning engine, a main gearbox, and a drive train. The power plant includes two connection bars extending respectively along a first direction and a second direction, which directions are not parallel and intersect a common pivot axis, each connection bar being hinged by a ball joint to the main gearbox and to the engine in order to eliminate relative movements along the longitudinal direction between the main gearbox and the engine, and in order to allow limited pivoting of the main gearbox and of the engine relative to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventor: Christian Mercier
  • Patent number: 9359083
    Abstract: A rotorcraft fitted with means for mounting at least one front avionics rack (3, 3?) and man-machine interface instruments (2) on board a fuselage structure (4). A mounting structure (1) comprises a slotted body forming compartments for receiving interface instruments (2), the avionics rack (3, 3?), and a unitary cabling assembly (12) suitable for incorporating as a block with the mounting structure (1). The mounting structure (1) is installed as a block on the fuselage structure (4) after its functioning has been verified. The unitary cabling assembly (12) may also include separation connectors (14) segregating communications of the front avionics rack (3, 3?) respectively with remote computers (5) by means of a primary communications bus of the multiplexed, unidirectional, or bidirectional type, and with ancillary equipment (6) and/or with on-board instruments (7) by means of a secondary fieldbus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventor: Richard Olive
  • Patent number: 9359084
    Abstract: An integral avionics bay module. The module has a structure that has an integral cabin floor on top that closes the structure. Installing such an integral avionics bay structure in a single operation inside a primary fuselage structure considerably reduces the integration time on the final assembly line for the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Yves Durand, Bernard Guering
  • Patent number: 9359085
    Abstract: Internal shield in the rear fuselage of an aircraft having a propulsion system formed by two engines mounted on each side of it; the rear fuselage having at least a vertical symmetry plane; the rear fuselage being made of a composite material; the internal shield being located in said vertical symmetry plane and extended in an area that covers the possible trajectories of a set of pre-defined fragments detached from one of said engines in a failure event that would impact on critical elements of the opposite engine; the internal shield having a flat shape and an energy absorption capability that allows stopping said fragments. The invention also refers to a method for determining the area of an internal shield and to an aircraft having said internal shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventors: Diego Folch Cortés, Eduardo Vinué Santolalla, Esteban Martino González, Julien Guillemaut, Pablo Goya Abaurrea
  • Patent number: 9359086
    Abstract: A door for a storage compartment of an aircraft includes a door leaf and a profiled strip connected to an edge of the door leaf. The profiled strip includes openings that provide a path for gas exchange such that smoke from the storage compartment is detectable outside of the storage compartment by passing the profiled strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Falk Bajorat, Damian McNally, Christoph Augenstein, Dirk Scheffler
  • Patent number: 9359087
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a computing device, vehicle condition data from a vehicle monitoring system of a vehicle. The method also includes analyzing the vehicle condition data based on a trigger table, and based on a determination that the vehicle condition data satisfies a particular trigger condition specified in the trigger table, adding an entry in an alert evaluation queue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John E. Harrison, David S. Kinney, James L. Millar, Matthew D. Smith
  • Patent number: 9359088
    Abstract: A warning system alerts a helicopter pilot that a low-G condition is imminent or occurring. The low-G alert employs an accelerometer to detect a vertical acceleration of the aircraft. Higher frequency vibrations in the output of the accelerometer are removed by a filter to provide a clean signal representing vertical acceleration of the aircraft. This signal is processed by a central processing unit (CPU) to perform a threshold detector function. The CPU is configured to detect the possibility of the onset or occurrence of a low-G event. Upon detection, the CPU triggers an audible alert to announce “Low-G. Pull aft.” or the like until the low-G event has been corrected or avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: EIT LLC
    Inventors: Joe May, Christopher Murdock
  • Patent number: 9359089
    Abstract: The harpoon comprises a bistable actuator (34) having a rod (56) for actuating the finger (32) the rod being movable between a retracted resting position and an extended position of deployment of the finger (32). The bistable actuator (34) comprises a tappet (52) that is movable during a first impulse comprising a stroke (34) in a first direction and then a stroke in a second direction opposite to the first direction in order to cause the switch of the rod (56) from its retracted position to its extended position. The tappet (52) is movable during a second impulse comprising a stroke in the first direction and then a stroke in the second direction in order to cause the switch of the rod (56) from its extended position to its retracted position. The actuator (34) is configured so as to allow the return of the rod (56) to its retracted position when the tappet (52) moves along the first stroke in the first direction during the second impulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: DCNS
    Inventors: Christian Mardini, Gilles Gaicon
  • Patent number: 9359090
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the manufacture of an aircraft fuselage with at least two fuselage barrels wherein connecting segments are firstly prepared for the formation of a transverse joint region for a later transverse joint, and the fuselage barrels are then constructed around the connecting segments; also disclosed is an aircraft fuselage with ring-type connecting segments for the formation of such a transverse joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Eugen Gorr, Rolf Bense
  • Patent number: 9359091
    Abstract: An artificial gravity system and method for a spacecraft including a least one pair of rotatable stages wherein each stage is capable of rotating about at least one structural support in the spacecraft and wherein the rotatable stages in each pair of rotatable stages counter-rotate one another wherein each stage is capable of accommodating a plurality of occupants. The stages may be circular and deployable. The system may also include dynamic balance equipment in each stage consisting of a fluid redistribution design utilizing fluid pumping systems, storage- and reserve-volume tank pairs to redistribute fluid throughout each stage for optimal mass balance, stage- and spacecraft-mounted laser-tracking equipment for redundant speed measurement, drive assembly and a brake motor and wheel assembly, foldable structural support arms capable of reducing the radial space of each stage during takeoff, and an inertial measurement unit capable of detecting overall vehicle rotational rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Symmetry Systems LLC
    Inventor: Charles A. Biddlecom
  • Patent number: 9359092
    Abstract: A device for packaging preferably two-dimensional products is designed for forming a bag-like tube by way of a longitudinal connection device, from a web of packaging material. The bag-like tube, with respect to a conveying direction of the packaging material, is open in a region in front of the longitudinal connection device and is closed in the region after the longitudinal connection device. The device includes a suction device which leads into the still open bag-like tube, and in the closed region includes a suction opening, through which gas can be sucked out of the region after the longitudinal connection device, out of the bag-like tube and through the suction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: FERAG AG
    Inventor: Werner Heuberger
  • Patent number: 9359093
    Abstract: A package for holding a plurality of articles. The package has panels that cooperate to at least partially form an interior of the package. The panels comprise a top panel, at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel, and at least one end panel foldably connected to the top panel. At least one opening is in the top panel for at least partially receiving at least a portion of one of the articles. At least one retention flap is foldably connected to the top panel adjacent the at least one opening. The at least one retention flap has a free edge for engaging at least one article of the plurality of articles. The at least one retention flap is at least partially defined by at least one J-shaped cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Coltri DePaula, Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 9359094
    Abstract: A gripping mechanism for securing an end of a wire during tying with a wire tying system is provided. The gripping mechanism may secure a first end of a wire strap around a bale of recycled material during knotting of the wire strap. As such, the gripping mechanism includes a gripping lever having a contact region adjacent the first end of the wire strap. In embodiments, the contact region includes at least one surface feature configured to secure the first end of the wire based on pivoting of the gripping lever. In further embodiments, the contact region of the gripping lever disengages the wire based on rotation of the gripping lever in a first direction. Further, the contact region of the gripping lever may engage against the first end of the wire based on rotation of the griping lever in a second direction, during actuation of the gripping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Mark A. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 9359095
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more goods into a moving cover includes a cover transport, and at least one separating device configured to engage with a first part of the cover and to maintain the first part of the cover separate from a second part of the cover during at least a part of the movement of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: BOEWE SYSTEC GMBH
    Inventors: Bernd Hoepner, Thomas Huber, Joseph Batzer, Helmut Foerg, Reinhard Seiler
  • Patent number: 9359096
    Abstract: A method for sterilizing cuboid-shaped cardboard/plastic combipacks in an autoclave, with the packs including product and packing are subjected to heat treatment at a certain temperature over a certain period of time, the product including a liquid and chunky portions, and mechanisms are provided inside the autoclave to drive the packs rotationally about a rotational spindle, and a cuboid-shaped cardboard/plastic combipack for use in such a device. A plurality of packs are arranged closely adjacent to one another in parallel rows, to be arranged on support floors and for a plurality of support floors loaded with packs to be arranged one above the other and fixed in their mutual positions. The cardboard for the pack used therewith is made water-repellent by means of glue to reduce the intake of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: SIG Technology AG
    Inventors: Michael Wolters, Thomas Dintelmann
  • Patent number: 9359097
    Abstract: A method and device of stripping of wrapping material including a tool having a first tool portion, a second tool portion, and a third tool portion comprising ends and a casing on substantially cylindrical rolls of paper and the like, in which the end of the wrapping material is opened by engagement by means of a first tool portion from some position on the end surface for processing the end wrapping material by cutting, slicing, and/or sawing of the end wrapping material in a direction out towards the periphery of the end where the end connects to the casing, the end being separated from the casing by means of the first tool portion or a second tool portion by cutting, slicing, sawing during rotation of the roll and/or displacement of the first tool portion or the second tool portion around the periphery of the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: CORE LINK AB
    Inventors: Ola Henriksson, Jörgen Jensen, Nils Strandh
  • Patent number: 9359098
    Abstract: An opener mechanism in which a label folded in a sheet shape is opened and fitted to a target body is provided with first suction rods which suck one side of a label, second suction rods which are arranged to oppose the first suction rods and suck the other side of the label, and a drive mechanism which induces movement of the first and second suction rods toward or away from each other. Suction hole arrays in which a plurality of suction holes which suck the label are aligned in a line are formed on the surfaces facing one another of the first suction rods and the second suction rods. The suction holes are arranged in such a manner that the suction hole arrays of the first suction rods and the suction hole arrays formed in the second suction rods opposing the first suction rods are at least partially nonparallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: FUJI SEAL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Ushidate
  • Patent number: 9359099
    Abstract: A plastic material container, e.g. a beverage bottle, having a neck which requires the use of a smaller amount of plastic than the bottle necks of the prior art, and which is able to ensure a complete functionality for coupling the cap, ensuring at the same time the possibility of implementing the traditional supporting; sealing and handling operations of the bottle carried out during the various steps of manufacturing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignees: S.I.P.A. SOCIETA' INDUSTRIALIZZAZIONE PROGETTAZIONE E AUTOMAZIONE S.P.A., ACQUA MINERALE SAN BENEDETTO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Matteo Zoppas, Enrico Zoppas, Ernesto Eusebione
  • Patent number: 9359100
    Abstract: A container such as a beer keg includes a container body 1 and top and bottom chimes 2, 3. The container body has a peripheral side wall 10 provided with a plurality of circumferentially-spaced projections which are formed with the container body by a simple pressing or molding operation. Each chime is formed with a peripheral skirt 23 which fits over the peripheral side wall and a co-operating inner lip which snap-engages over the circumferentially-spaced projections. In a plastics container, the contents of the container tend to press against the projections and resist any tendency to distortion in normal use and therefore increase the strength of the attachment. In the case of the top chime 2 the skirt 23 is joined to an inner hub 21 which is additionally fixed to the container neck 12 by means of a valve assembly 4 which is screwed onto the neck. A cap 6 prevents unscrewing of the valve assembly 4 and provides immediate evidence of tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: PET ENGINEERING & SERVICES S.R.L.
    Inventors: Andrew Smith, Sergio Sonzogni, Philip Andrew Walton
  • Patent number: 9359101
    Abstract: A leak resistant food sleeve for holding single-serving food items is provided. The sleeve may be constructed from a blank that is folded into the sleeve when ready to use. The sleeve consists of two major and two minor sidewall panels, and first and second ends. The major and minor sidewall panels are folded to form a box-like structure. The first end consists of two major end flaps, two minor end flaps, and gusset panels extending between and foldably connected to one of the major end flaps and one of the minor end flaps. The gusset panels become layered between the minor end flaps and major end flaps when each is folded inward to close the first end, such that the minor end flaps, gusset panels, and major end flaps form a web of material that prevents fluidal and viscous substances from leaking out of the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Huhtamaki, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Robertson
  • Patent number: 9359102
    Abstract: A blank of foldable sheet material is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, a first bottom side panel and a second opposing bottom side panel extending from opposing side edges of the bottom panel, and a front panel extending from a front edge of the bottom panel. The front panel includes opposing side edges. The blank also includes a first and a second diagonal panel extending from a front edge of the first and second bottom side panels, respectively, and a third and a fourth diagonal panel extending from each side edge of the front panel. The third and fourth diagonal panels have a length greater than a length of the first and second diagonal panels. The blank includes a first and a second corner panel, wherein the first corner panel is hingedly connected to the first and third diagonal panels and the second corner panel is hingedly connected to the second and fourth diagonal panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: Gayle Martinez
  • Patent number: 9359103
    Abstract: A shipping and display container and a method of disassembling the same, having a first and second blanks configured to form respective first and second sections of the container when nested. The blanks are affixed to one another at least one cooperating fixation area. When a force is applied, the at least one fixation area of the first section is separated from the first section, and the at least one fixation area of the second section is disengaged from a portion of the second section as to rotate about a hinge. The fixation area of the second section remains affixed to the fixation area of the first section, and allows the first section of the container to be separated from the second section of the container. The second section of the container is retained to display the contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Green Bay Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: John Waidelich
  • Patent number: 9359104
    Abstract: Shipping containers for porous masses may include a bottom lid having a rectangular lid bottom and four bottom rims that are each continuous with the lid bottom; a tray comprising a tray bottom and four tray sidewalls that are each continuous with the tray bottom defining an interior with an open top; and a top lid having a rectangular lid top and four top rims that are each continuous with the lid top, wherein the tray is configured to be placed on a bottom lid with the bottom rims surrounding a portion of the tray with a top lid placed over the top of the tray with the top rims surrounding a portion of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Celanese Acetate LLC
    Inventors: Lawton E. Kizer, Raymond M. Robertson
  • Patent number: 9359105
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a container is provided. The apparatus may include a blank that includes: a first support panel defining a first height; a second support panel; a first bridge panel connected between the first support panel and the second support panel, the first bridge panel defining a second height; and a second bridge panel connected between the first support panel and the second support panel. The apparatus may further include a flexible sheet extending from a first end to a second end, defining a sheet length, and configured to form a first concavity. In some embodiments, the sheet length may exceed lengths defined by the first and second bridge panels. Alternately or additionally, the first height of the first support panel may be less than the second height of the first bridge panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Rowland A. Maddox, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9359106
    Abstract: A product dispensing frame having a front end and a rear end, and including an upper support deck extending between the front end and the rear end, a lower support deck positioned below the upper support deck, the lower support deck extending between the front end and the rear end 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 end and the rear end and defining a second product display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: WestRock MWV, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Bogdziewicz, III, Caleb S. Loftin, Aaron L. Bates, Steven Burton
  • Patent number: 9359107
    Abstract: A card holder assembly for holding multiple transaction cards, such as gift cards, to a common backer panel for presentation and sale. Cards mounted on the backer panel may be lifted for scanning by a card reader without necessitating removal of the cards from the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Gift Card Impressions, LLC
    Inventors: Brett R. Glass, Nicole E. Glass
  • Patent number: 9359108
    Abstract: The invention relates to a can having an easy opening panel comprising a tab connected via a rivet structure to the panel, wherein the tab comprises a tab rear part for gripping and actuation, and a tab front part for opening the can upon tab actuation, wherein the panel comprises at least beneath the tab front part a panel structure deformable upon can internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Impress Group B.V.
    Inventor: Fabrice Leboucher
  • Patent number: 9359109
    Abstract: A pallet support block is constructed of recycled plastic material that is also recyclable. The use of the pallet support block in pallet construction reduces the amount of wood used in the pallet construction and thereby makes the pallet lighter and reduces the cost of manufacturing the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Palets.com LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Joseph Berwin, Michael John Berwin, Timothy Joseph Berwin, Timothy Oliver Deppen
  • Patent number: 9359110
    Abstract: A pouring device is shown that affords convenience, practicality, and safety when pouring liquids or food from containers without a spout. The pouring device contains a spout cap component, a lip portion on the spout cap component, and an attachment component for removably securing the spout cap component to a container for pouring. The attachment component is typically a clip which would be manufactured as an integral piece with the spout cap component. The devices can be manufactured in different sizes and stacked together for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Jill Dudik
  • Patent number: 9359111
    Abstract: A reusable envelope has one or more spaces thereon where address, return labels and/or postage can be removably placed or permanently affixed such as for finite number of shipments using a permanently affixed postage area, for example. The reusable envelope also includes a resealable closure allowing the interior of the envelope to be closed and reopened multiple times for multiple uses (shipments, receiving) or optionally to use a finite number of times by exposing the permanent adhesive to the flat and mating surface depending on user preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Dale Beadles, Nicole Georgette Beadles
  • Patent number: 9359112
    Abstract: Provided is a fastening assembly and a container system containing the same. The fastening assembly includes a cylindrical neck member, including a series of convolutions axially extending around at least a portion of the external surface of the neck member and forming an interrupted helical thread of incomplete formation; a collar member configured for screw fastening with the neck member, including at least one rib configured for thread-engagement with the helical thread, the at least one rib forming a portion of an internal thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: PLASEL PLASTIC LTD.
    Inventors: Nir Hadar, Michael Kleitman
  • Patent number: 9359113
    Abstract: A tamper-proof and easy-open sealing type food container includes a container body and a lid. A peripheral wall of the container body has at least one recessed wall portion disposed in one corner thereof and formed a retracted external space area and concave camber between the recessed wall portion and a hem. A pull tab extends from outside of a sealing rib that can be inserted into the concave camber. Moreover, there are two tamper-proof structures disposed on the lid. The first is that the first score line has to be poked through, and the second is the second score line needs to be torn off when opening the lid. When either structure is tampered, it could be easily distinguished, which ensures the integrity, safety, and qualities of the food inside the container. With these features plus its sealing effect, the present invention has dual function of tamper-proofing and easy-opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Ya-Chien Chen
  • Patent number: 9359114
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lid for a container, which lid is capable of sealing and being removed from the container through simply rotating a handle mounted on the lid. The lid comprises two parts to provide the ease of cleaning of the lid. The two parts of the lid can be conveniently disassembled by pushing at least one locking plate provided on the lid, and can be easily re-assembled. The present invention also provides a sealing ring which provides better sealing effect and easier mounting. A container comprising the sealable lid and the sealing ring is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: King's Flair Development Ltd.
    Inventor: Siu Wah Wong
  • Patent number: 9359115
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a push-pull closure having a shell and a cap movable in relation to the shell to an opened and closed position. The shell includes an annual body surrounding a central opening in fluid communication with the container opening and further includes a stem suspended within the central opening and connected to the annual body by radial ribs. The cap includes an inner skirt extending from a pouring edge and having a lower section configured to cooperate and seal against the stem, against an outside radial rib surface, and against an inside surface of the annual body when the cap is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Berlin Packaging, LLC
    Inventor: Brett Niggel