Patents Issued in July 26, 2016
  • Patent number: 9399517
    Abstract: A seating device with reduced bulk, for example for an aircraft. This seating device comprises a backrest which describes a circular translational movement towards the front and upwards of the device when the seating device is brought to the retracted configuration. A seating structure is provided comprising a bearing piece on which are fixed, side by side, a plurality of seating devices with reduced bulk. An aircraft is provided comprising a seating device with reduced bulk mounted in its cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventor: Bernard Guering
  • Patent number: 9399518
    Abstract: An energy absorber (100) to limit an acceleration force experienced by a heavy body, such as an occupant of a seat subjected to the acceleration of an aircraft crash, comprises a winding drum (10) mounted in rotation around a shaft (13), around which a traction line (11) is wound. The shaft is coupled mechanically to a brake (20) that immobilizes the shaft (13) in rotation when a torque applied to the shaft by the traction line is less than the maximum brake torque that can be generated by the brake and that when the shaft (13) is in rotation generates a torque that is approximately constant and equal to the maximum brake torque. A control element (40) acting on the brake (20) makes it possible to modify the value of the maximum brake torque and thus to adapt the energy absorber to the mass of the heavy body to maintain an acceleration experienced at a desired value for different masses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: STELIA AEROSPACE
    Inventors: Laurent Cecinas, Nicolas Taraud
  • Patent number: 9399519
    Abstract: Described are self-tensioning girt assemblies with one or more straps that form loops that extend around opposing sides of an inflatable structure. The one or more strips are configured to apply multi-directional forces such that the girt assembly is self-tensioning. The self-tensioning girt assemblies may comprise at least two sleeves coupled to the inflatable structure and that receive the straps in a way that permits the straps to rotate around the inflatable structure. In some embodiments, the straps are attached to a panel that extends between the straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Zodiac Aerosafety Systems
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Rivault, Stephane Berlureau
  • Patent number: 9399520
    Abstract: An assembly having an articulation spindle mounted in a first sleeve inserted into a first arm of a clevis and in a second sleeve inserted into a second arm of said clevis, and a blocking device. The blocking device comprises a nut screwed onto an extension of the second sleeve and comprising an inner shoulder acting as a stop for a second end of the articulation spindle, at least two locking washers engaging with the nut, a tab washer comprising an element immobilizing it in rotation with respect to the second arm of the clevis, and for each locking washer, a blocking element limiting the rotational movement of the locking washer with respect to the tab washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Jerome Cassagne, Thomas Deforet
  • Patent number: 9399521
    Abstract: The invention concerns an aircraft propulsion control system for an aircraft with a plurality of gas turbine engines mounted at different spaced positions relative to an airframe. One or more sensor is arranged to sense a condition indicative of vapor trail formation by an exhaust flow from one or more of the plurality of engines. A controller is arranged to be responsive to thrust demand for the aircraft and selectively to control each of the engines so as to modify the exhaust flow of at least one engine relative to at least one further engine according to the positions of the engines on the airframe. The proximity of an engine to a vortical wake flow created by the airframe may be used to determine suitable exhaust flow modifications. The controller may output a separate throttle control signal to each engine and/or may adjust the fuel composition supplied to each engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Peter Swann
  • Patent number: 9399522
    Abstract: A component for use in a ram air turbine actuator includes a lock bolt extending along a centerline with the lock bolt being axially movable between a stowed position and a deployed position and a plurality of rollers that are radially outward from the centerline and guided by the lock bolt. The component also includes a slider radially between at least a portion of the lock bolt and a piston rod with the slider being axially movable between a stop position and the deployed position and up-lock wedges supported by the piston rod. The actuator becomes locked in the stowed position when the lock bolt and slider move axially within the piston rod and a cylinder to position the rollers to push the up-lock wedges radially outward into an aperture and prevent the lock bolt, slider, and cylinder from axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: David G. Bannon
  • Patent number: 9399523
    Abstract: A method of operating an aircraft comprising a cockpit with a flight deck having at least one flight display, a pilot's seat facing the flight deck, and a synthetic vision system producing a synthetic image for displaying on the at least one flight display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy Donal Paul Burns, Dashiell Matthews Kolbe, Norman Leonard Ovens
  • Patent number: 9399524
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for indicating to an aircrew of an aircraft a normalized runway icon to ensure visualization of a predicted touchdown point, runway length, stopping distance, energy state marking, and threat conditions, where normalization is referenced to typically available length for landing. Indications of present aircraft locations relative to the icons as well as alerts when thresholds are exceeded are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Gang He, Steve Johnson, Thea L Feyereisen
  • Patent number: 9399525
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media are disclosed for troubleshooting and repairing an aircraft system failure during abnormal situations of an aircraft's operation. One aspect of a method for implementing the subject matter described herein includes at least one interactive interface configured for troubleshooting and repairing an aircraft system failure. The method also includes displaying at least one or more graphic object representing at least one or more aircraft system and configured for receiving interaction from a user, displaying at least one or more energy flow icon representing the direction of circulation of an energy flow, and displaying at least one or more macro action icon configured for performing an automated action sequence configured for troubleshooting and repairing the system failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Mael Mesguen, François Buron, Thibaut Poux
  • Patent number: 9399526
    Abstract: Aided preventive diagnostics of an aircraft system, comprising a plurality of subsystems at least one of which comprises a subsystem configured for monitoring and notifying a detected event, using critical event charts. After receiving a message notifying the occurrence of said detected event, a minimal diagnostic set relative to said at least one detected event, comprising a plurality of elements each represented by a node of said critical event chart is created, each element of said minimal diagnostic set being determined according to at least one logical implication relation of said critical event chart with a node representing said at least one received notification message. At least some of the elements of said minimal diagnostic set are then ranked, said ranked elements forming part of said diagnostic report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
    Inventors: Vincent Cheriere, Jeremy Roger, Vincent Debray, Benjamin Fabre, Philippe Chantal
  • Patent number: 9399527
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a geostationary orbit satellite is provided. The method including generating remote measurement data by measuring a state of a geostationary orbit satellite, transmitting the remote measurement data, receiving a remote command signal, and controlling an orbit and a pose of the geostationary orbit satellite relative to inclined geosynchronous space debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Instit
    Inventors: Byoung Sun Lee, Yoo La Hwang
  • Patent number: 9399528
    Abstract: A method for stationing a satellite, comprises: determining a predefined trajectory for stationing of the satellite based on a model of movement of the satellite; determining parameters of the predefined control law of approximation of the trajectory and by minimizing impact on the control law of deviation from a trajectory followed by the satellite using parameters of the control law; determining a state vector of the satellite; determining a deviation between the state vector and the predefined trajectory; determining Lagrange multipliers based on a current state vector of the satellite, on a deviation between current state vector and predefined trajectory and on parameters of the predefined control law; determining parameters of the current control law of the engines based on the Lagrange multipliers and by derivation of a parameter representative of an effect of engines on the real trajectory; and controlling engines based on parameters of the current control law.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventor: Thierry Dargent
  • Patent number: 9399529
    Abstract: The system (30) includes a product engager (32), a transporter (34) and a patterned depositor (36) for engaging products (38) and transporting the products (38) from the product engager (32) to the patterned depositor (36), such as between a product bagging machine (56) that forms and fills a bag (24), a conveyor that transports the bags as the products (38) and delivers them to a case packing machine as the patterned depositor (36). The product engager (32) and the patterned depositor (36) include first and second drivers (46, 48) and the transporter (34) includes an adjustable-length buffer (50) to compensate for any temporary difference between a first product delivery rate of the product engager (32) and a rate of movement of the products (38) passing from the product engager (32) along the transporter (34) to the patterned depositor (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: PACK FLOW CONCEPTS LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Derby, John McFadden, David Brown, Eugene Eckert
  • Patent number: 9399530
    Abstract: A system for moving heavy objects about a manufacturing yard is provided. In one embodiment, the system can include a pair of rails disposed on the ground of the manufacturing yard; a plurality of multi-ton rollers configured to mate with the rails, each multi-ton roller configured to be attached to a movable platform which is configured to accept a packed column section; and a winch disposed between the pair of rails and secured to the ground of the manufacturing yard, the winch having a spool of cable with one end configured to be attached to the movable platform, the winch configured to apply a force to cause the movable platform to travel about a length of the pair of rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme Pour L'Étude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Claude Granger, Jean Roy, Sylvain Made
  • Patent number: 9399531
    Abstract: A sheet interleaver is provided for a slicing machine that includes a slicing plane for slicing an elongated food product and a sheet from web material beneath the elongated product. The interleaver includes a supply of web material, a drawing station, a feed station, and a controller. The drawing station has a first driver for drawing web material from the supply. The feed station has a second driver for receiving web material from the drawing station and driving the web material through a cutting nip into the slicing plane. The controller is in signal-communication with at least one of the first and second drivers to drive web material at select differential speeds by the first and second drivers such that tension between the drawing station and the feed station is controlled to allow a slackened length of web material between the drawing station and the feed station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Formax, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen F. Pryor, Scott A. Lindee, James E. Pasek
  • Patent number: 9399532
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a system for filling bottle-like containers with tablets, which comprises various devices for specific processes, wherein most of the devices have a transport mechanism for positively guiding the movement of each container by itself in a continuous manner, whereas at least the device for dosing the pharmaceutical products and for introducing the pharmaceutical products into the containers has a transport mechanism for positively guiding the movement of each container by itself in a clocked manner in certain sections. The transport mechanisms of the devices are connected to each other in series, which ensures the positive guidance of each individual container by itself through the entire system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Noe, Michael Kronawitter, Ralf Heim, Rita Hagel, Rolf Armbruster
  • Patent number: 9399533
    Abstract: A bottle extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a base, a body extending from the base, a shoulder extending from the body, and a neck extending from the shoulder and having a neck finish. The body has lower and upper frustoconical portions axially opposed to one another and having straight external surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventors: Raul M Paredes, Douglas Laib, Mindy Paige
  • Patent number: 9399534
    Abstract: A container has a base body and a thread which includes an at least partially circumferential securing ring which extends essentially radially outwards relative to the base body of the container. The circumferential securing ring is arranged between the thread and the base body in a longitudinal direction (L) of the container and is spaced apart from the thread in the longitudinal direction (L) of the container The container has an at least partially circumferential groove between the thread and the circumferential securing ring, which groove has a smaller external cross-section than the securing ring and a smaller external cross-section than the thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Jochen Forsthoevel, Christian Stoiber
  • Patent number: 9399535
    Abstract: A tank for processing wastewater has reinforced side and end walls, a top wall and a floor. A flexible liner is mounted inside the tank. Regions of the top wall have reinforcing elements fixed thereto. The reinforcing elements have fixture elements integral therewith for suspending and supporting items in the interior of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Newterra Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Downey, Joseph Bowden, Robert Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9399536
    Abstract: A gable topped food carton is provided having a closure device. The carton has a pour spout with a pair of folded ridge portions. The carton includes a male stud attached to a first of the folded ridge portions and a female socket attached to a second of the folded ridge portions. The male stud is constructed to couple with the female socket to close the pour spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: Anthony J. Bertone
  • Patent number: 9399537
    Abstract: An exemplary device for semi-solid foods includes a separator for insertion in a food container having an optional lid. The separator provides an upper compartment for solid foods and a lower compartment for liquids. The separator has a base, and a ramp extending upwards therefrom. The separator preferably provides a barrier such that liquid in the container does not traverse the intersection between the separator and the container sidewall inner surface. When the container is tilted to dispense the food therein, liquid in the lower compartment flows out through a ramp opening (such as an aperture in the ramp or a separation between the ramp and the container sidewall), without flowing through a base aperture. When the container is returned to a level position, any fluid in the upper compartment may return to the lower compartment via an optional fluid channel in the ramp and through the base aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Free Flow Fluids LLC
    Inventor: Larry T Gunderson
  • Patent number: 9399538
    Abstract: A beverage lid system may include a beverage lid and a stirrer that may be connected to a portion of the beverage lid. The beverage lid may include an outer lid member and an inner lid member rotatably carried by an interior portion of the outer lid member. The stirrer may be adapted to be connected to a portion of the inner lid member. The inner lid member is rotatable with respect to the outer lid member so that when the stirrer is connected to the inner lid member, the stirrer is moveable with the inner lid member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: Bradley Taylor
  • Patent number: 9399539
    Abstract: A packaging wrap for hangers includes a first side and a second side. The first side includes a first bottom panel, a first front panel, a first top panel, and a first rear panel. The first side is folded to define a first closed loop with an opening extending therethrough between the first bottom panel, the first front panel, the first top panel, and the first rear panel. The second side includes a second bottom panel, a second front panel, a second top panel, and a second rear panel. The second side is folded to define a second closed loop with an opening extending therethrough between the second bottom panel, the second front panel, the second top panel, and the first rear panel. The first side is coupled to the second side via a fold line extending along a boundary between the first bottom panel and the second bottom panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Meyer, Timothy M. Magner
  • Patent number: 9399540
    Abstract: A dispensing container includes a plurality of sheets of products stored within a housing. The container includes a dispensing orifice having a length that extends along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end. In particular embodiments, the dispensing orifice has a maximum width disposed not less than 20% and not more than 49% of the distance from the first end to the second end, a midpoint width disposed halfway between the first end and the second end, the midpoint width being less than the maximum width, and a third width disposed 80% of the distance from the first end to the second end, the third width being no greater than 80% of the maximum width. In particular embodiments, the dispensing orifice is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis but asymmetrical about a transverse axis. In particular embodiments, the dispensing orifice has an ovoid shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa L. Bushman, Paul W. Christoffel, Lawrence J. Romano, III, Zachary J. Lee
  • Patent number: 9399541
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container for a product for dispensing, comprising a relatively stiff outer container (2) having at least one dispensing opening (3), and a deformable inner container (4) to be filled with the product which is accommodated in the outer container and which likewise has a dispensing opening (5). The inner container is connected to the outer container both in the vicinity of the dispensing opening and at least at one location remote therefrom. The connection is formed in that the outer container has an opening (8) through which protrudes at least one fixing element (10) connected to the inner container. This fixing element is pin-like and has an end part of which the dimensions are larger than those of the opening. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Dispensing Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Johannes Joseph Maas, Petrus Lambertus Hurkmans
  • Patent number: 9399542
    Abstract: A condiment container may include a portable body preferably having a planar back side and a planar bottom side monolithically formed therewith. The body may include a curvilinear front side monolithically formed with the back and bottom sides respectively. An open top side may be oppositely disposed from the bottom side. The front side may include first and second lines of weakness linearly extending along a longitudinal length thereof. In this way, the front side may be selectively biased between folded and unfolded positions by displacing the first and second lines of weakness inwardly and outwardly from the back side respectively. The back, front and bottom sides may further define a hollow interior cavity adapted to receive the condiments when the front side is biased to the unfolded position. The hollow interior cavity may further be collapsed when the front side is biased to the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: Bryan Davison
  • Patent number: 9399543
    Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing discrete doses of pharmaceuticals includes: a housing with an internal cavity having a front wall with first and second windows; multiple storage locations positioned within the housing; and a carrier assembly positioned and movable within the housing. The carrier assembly is configured to receive a pharmaceutical dose package loaded into either the first or second window and convey the pharmaceutical dose package to one of the storage locations for storage therein, and is further configured to retrieve a pharmaceutical dose package from one of the storage locations and return the pharmaceutical dose package to the first or second window for dispensing therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Longley, Bradley Kenneth Smith, Craig Steven Davis, Matthew P. Daniels, George Raymond Abrams, Jr., Mark I. Perisich, Jeffrey J. Schedel, Gerald Cooper Ushery, Jr., Michael Richard Floyd, Weldon Curl, Jr., Nanette Kirsch, Timothy Ulm, Daniel Gardiner
  • Patent number: 9399544
    Abstract: A valve for dispensing moisture reactive liquids is disclosed. The valve has a valve cup for tightly closing a container including a through opening, and a first annular fold forming a groove in a first, inner surface and a rib in a second, outer surface. The valve includes a resilient grommet and a valve stem. The valve stem includes a hollow tubular portion, defining a central bore snugly fitting in the grommet central bore and extending on both sides of the grommet with a first end opening to ambient and a second, opposite end being closed by a circular end base greater than the diameter of the bore of the grommet. The upper surface of the flange portion of the grommet mates with the first, inner surface of the cup including the portion of the grommet mating the groove formed by the fold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Altachem NV
    Inventors: Herman Dhaenens, Jordi Demey, Koen Claerbout, Matthias Alderweireldt
  • Patent number: 9399545
    Abstract: A modular package having a container encompassing two or more modules, one of which includes a personal article visible from the outside of the modular package. The container includes a window making the personal article visible to a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: BRAUN GMBH
    Inventors: Thinh Nguyen Ha, Martin Jay Marotti, Hauke Schormair, Manfred Bruno Kobbe
  • Patent number: 9399546
    Abstract: Capsule (1A) designed in particular for the preparation of a beverage in a centrifugal brewing device by feeding liquid in the capsule and rotating the capsule along a central axis (I) to produce centrifugal forces on the liquid traversing the capsule thereby forcing the beverage out of the capsule by such centrifugal forces, wherein the capsule comprises: a body (2) comprising containment walls (3,4), a main opening (6) of central axis (I) closed by a closing wall (8) forming a compartment (7) including beverage ingredients and a flange (5) peripherally bordering the said opening (6), wherein it comprises a perforating wall (9) placed close to the closing wall (8) and comprising perforating means (10-15) for perforating the closing wall (8) when applying a pressure on the transversal closing wall (8) or perforating wall (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Abegglen, Arnaud Gerbaulet, Jean-Francois Tinembart, Alexandre Perentes
  • Patent number: 9399547
    Abstract: A capsule, including: a casing containing an initial product to be joined to a fluid for making a final product; a nozzle associated with the casing and having a longitudinal side wall and a first end provided with a first opening suitable to engage a fluid injecting arrangement of a brewing machine, said longitudinal side wall being provided with at least one outflow opening connected to the first opening through a first duct for dispensing said fluid in the cavity in a injecting step; and a mixing element rotatably coupled with the nozzle at the outflow opening and shaped in such a manner as to divert at least one jet of fluid coming from the outflow opening and be rotated by said jet around said nozzle so as to create inside said cavity a vortex flow of fluid and product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: SARONG SOCIETA' PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Andrea Bartoli, Davide Capitini, Alessandro Grillenzoni
  • Patent number: 9399548
    Abstract: A production tank has at least one fluid outlet having a first flow area, an access port having a second flow area, and a fluid-containment space defined by a sidewall and a roof, the second flow area being larger than the first flow area. The fluid-containment space stories production liquids from a wellbore. A plurality of individual insulating elements are distributed across a horizontal section of the production tank, the insulating elements having a density that is less than the production fluids and having a size and shape that prevents passage through the first flow area and that permits passage through the second flow area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Trinity High-Tech Products Ltd.
    Inventor: John Lipinski
  • Patent number: 9399549
    Abstract: A front-loading, refuse collecting vehicle is modularly provided with a combination of a low-profile, front-loadable waste bin (intermediate container) and one or more, side-loading robotic arms. To reduce mechanical stresses along couplings between the vehicle and the combination of the intermediate container and the robotic arm(s), a major portion of the mass of the robotic arm mechanism is situated to the rear of the intermediate container so that a mass and beam combination is defined where the mass-supporting beam has reduced length. More specifically, hydraulic and/or other relatively massive motor devices of the robotic arm mechanism are mounted to the rear of a refuse-containing wall of the intermediate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: THE CUROTTO-CAN, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Curotto, Edward M. Suden, Gideon Gimlan
  • Patent number: 9399550
    Abstract: A pedal type bin assembly (10) comprising a base (30) configured for accommodating a bin (12), a lid-bearing post (34) extending upright at a rear edge of the base and configured for supporting at a top end (36) thereof a pivotable lid (38), and a lifting mechanism (40). The lifting mechanism comprises a manipulating element (52) positioned at a front edge of the base and a leverage array (48, 50) articulated to the manipulating element, for manipulating the lid between an open and a closed position upon respective operation of the manipulating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: KETER PLASTIC LTD.
    Inventor: Efraim Haimoff
  • Patent number: 9399551
    Abstract: An adapter to allow a sideloading refuse collection body to empty a rear loading container having trunnions. The adapter has a pair of spaced apart trunnion pockets to receive opposing trunnions of the container. A pair of lock arms on the adapter can be lowered against the tops of opposing sides of the container to lock the container in the trunnion pockets and against a stabilizer which engages the front wall of the container. The adapter includes a guide plate aligned with and extending from the front wall of the container. Lift arms on the collection body are joined to opposing sides of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Kann Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Jared L. Rowland, Kenneth D. Goedken, Roger Taake, Marlin L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9399552
    Abstract: A vehicle for collecting and compacting waste for disposal including a compaction chamber, configured to receive and compact waste, having an opening for inserting waste to be compacted and a plurality of apertures in at least one internal surface of the compaction chamber. The compactor is configured to apply pressure to the waste in the compaction chamber to reduce the volume of the waste. When the compactor applies pressure to the waste, liquid and residual solid waste exits the compaction chamber through the plurality of apertures. There is a liquid collection system, configured to collect the liquid and the residual solid waste from the plurality of apertures and the liquid collection system includes an evaporation system configured to evaporate at least a portion of the liquid removed from the waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: MSW Power Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Abner, Stephen Armstrong, Steven Chase, David Rich, Matthew Young, Aaron Salter, Stuart Haber, William Dalpe
  • Patent number: 9399553
    Abstract: A location of a first drive in a storage medium library is determined. In response to a determination of the location of the first drive, it is determined whether a first storage medium is located within a first distance from the first drive. In response to a determination that the first storage medium is not located within the first distance from the first drive, it is determined whether the first storage medium is located within a second distance from the first drive. In response to a determination that the first storage medium is located within the first distance or the second distance from the first drive, the first storage medium is made available to be read by or written to by the first drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tohru Hasegawa, Takamasa Hirata, Naoki Imai, Masanori Kamiya, Yutaka Oishi
  • Patent number: 9399554
    Abstract: An overhead conveyor, components therefor and method for making same, in which the conveyor chain has a nominal pitch “X,” bit a maximum allowable chain pull value which is equal to or greater than the maximum allowable chain pull value for a chain having a nominal pitch of X+1. Trolleys can be attached to the chain at intervals which differ from the intervals of a chain with pitch of X+1. Fewer synchronized drives are required for driving longer chains. A lower pitch chain can be used to drive larger trolleys, without sacrificing the maximum allowable chain pull value always used in conjunction with the larger trolley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Frost Tech LLC
    Inventor: Charles C. Frost
  • Patent number: 9399555
    Abstract: A conveyor module for a reverse vending machine, which is mountable to a docking unit, and includes at least one conveyor belt; a housing for supporting the at least one conveyor belt, and a force receiving element for receiving a driving power for driving the at least one conveyor belt, which force receiving element is accessible from outside of the conveyor module through an opening in the housing. Further, a docking unit for a conveyor module of a reverse vending machine includes a housing, and a force feed element for outputting a driving power to the conveyor module, which force feed element is accessible from outside of the docking unit through an opening in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: TOMRA SYSTEMS ASA
    Inventors: Brynjar Aarseth Fonnelop, Geir Saether
  • Patent number: 9399556
    Abstract: A motorized drum (03000) has a drum shell (03700) with a motor (04200) there within and an end lid (03570) of a determined diameter with an end lid recess (46920). An end lid remover tool (46940) has an outer circumferential geometry with a larger diameter and a tool recess (46930). The tool recess complements the end lid recess. A joining cord (46910) has a cross-sectional geometry that corresponds to the combination of the end lid recess and the tool recess. An inlet enables access to the channel, and a flexible member (46910) is installed therethrough to occupy the channel. A slide hammer (46950) applies an axially outward force whereby the end lid is urged axially outward in response to outward force conveyed to the end lid arrangement via the flexible member. The remover tool can have alternatively a circumferential spiral geometry that is configured to engage an outer circumferential spiral geometry of the end lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Mol Belting Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurens G. J. Wolters, Edward T. Mol
  • Patent number: 9399557
    Abstract: Methods and devices for measuring attributes of objects such as containers and container content without opening the containers are disclosed. Measurements of containers are obtained during conveyance via conveyor. For example, a sensor, such as a pressure sensing system, may measure pressure or contact between the container and the conveyor conveying the container. The measurements may be analyzed to determine characteristics of the container such as the weight, weight distribution and/or dimensions of the container. The conveyor may be configured to jostle the container such that an inertial property of the container and/or container content may be measured and analyzed. The measurements obtained may be used to ascertain a problem or characteristic of the container and/or container content without opening the container, such as damage, packing condition, number of units, presence of liquids, and the like. The method and device may be used through a materials handling facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pragyana K. Mishra, Debanjan Mukherjee
  • Patent number: 9399558
    Abstract: A cleanable shoe-type diverter belt having pegs that travel across the width of the diverter belt. Guides extending diagonally across the width of the belt contact the pegs to translate the pegs along their slots. In some versions vertical plates are attached to the pegs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Guernsey, Brian R. Lee, Jorge E. Nagel
  • Patent number: 9399559
    Abstract: A banknote temporary storage device includes a pair of coiling tapes configured to clamp banknotes to be temporarily stored, a large coiling block configured to temporarily store the banknotes by accommodating the coiling tapes which clamp the banknotes to be temporarily stored, an upper coiling block component and a lower coiling block component configured to release or roll up the coiling tapes, and a banknotes inlet/outlet. Each of the coiling tapes has one end fixed onto the large coiling block, and another ends of the coiling tapes are respectively fixed onto the upper coiling block component and the lower coiling block component. The banknote temporary storage device is further provided with a coiling block guide plate and a pressing body, therefore the banknotes can be flattened when passing between the coiling block guide plate and the pressing body, thereby preventing the corners of the banknotes from being folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: GRG Banking Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huan Xu, Zhimin Li, Ying Han, Zhe Li
  • Patent number: 9399560
    Abstract: The preferred system utilizes two devices to recover larger diameter hoses and couplings. Each of the devices has a plurality of lifting frame arms having a motor disposed between the lifting frame arms. The motor is operatively connected to the rotational drive roller also connected between the lifting frame arms. A hinge or other attaching arrangement that connects the lifting frame arms to mounts allows for lowering the lifting frame arms into a first position and lifting the lifting frame arms into a second position higher the lower rollers. A hydraulic lift cylinder can be utilized to raise and lower the lifting frame arms when a hose coupling on the hose is encountered during the hose recovery process. The devices can be lined up in series and spaced a few feet apart. The devices can be mounted to a tractor, trailer, truck or other similar equipment. A cage can surround the devices on top of the tractor, trailer, truck or other similar equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: Clinton D. Baker
  • Patent number: 9399561
    Abstract: A drive roll carrier is provided for use with a wire feeder for a welder that includes a hub that can be rotated by a gear and that may include at least one lug that extends longitudinally along and radially out from the hub and at least one retainer that extends from an outer surface of the hub. The retainer may be fixed in a longitudinal direction with respect to the hub and may be movable in a radial direction for allowing mounting of a drive roll onto the hub. An outer end of the lug may include an alignment segment that has a different profile shape than the rest of the lug to facilitate alignment of a mounting groove of the drive roll with the lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Thomas D. Lahti, Nicholas A. Matiash
  • Patent number: 9399562
    Abstract: An elevator associated within a hoistway and having a speed and position detection system. The elevator may include an elevator component associated within the hoistway, an optical sensor associated within the hoistway, an object associated within the hoistway in such a manner to be aligned in a path of the optical sensor, and a processor operatively coupled to the optical sensor. The optical sensor may be capable of emitting a signal and receiving a reflected signal of the emitted signal. The object may have surface features that may reflect the signal. The processor may be capable of processing the reflected signal to provide an output indicative of a speed and position of the elevator component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Harold Terry, Leandre Adifon
  • Patent number: 9399563
    Abstract: A people mover including steps or pallets supported via wheels on support rails, which steps or pallets are connected to at least one drive element which is driven by a drive machine, whereby the steps or pallets are running in an upper conveyor track of the people mover in a conveying direction and in a lower return track in the opposite return direction. In the people mover, a support structure is provided in a short distance below the steps or pallets running in the conveyor track, whereby in connection with the support structure at least one sensor is provided which is configured to output a load signal dependent on a load applied to the support structure. This people mover offers an improved safety to passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Rene Vlad
  • Patent number: 9399564
    Abstract: A module lift assembly includes a lift assembly, a pair of transversely spaced apart longitudinal lift beams and slings connecting the lift assembly to the lift beams. Each of slings is pivotally connected to the lift assembly and the connected lift beam, and is composed of pivotally connected elongate segments. Pivoting of the segments relative to each other, the lift assembly and the lift beams allows the lift assembly to be lowered and raised relative to the lift beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: PCL INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT INC.
    Inventor: Ulrich (Rick) Hermann
  • Patent number: 9399565
    Abstract: A method is used for synchronizing the speed of a hydraulic crane drive having at least one hydraulic consumer, which is fed with a variable volumetric rate of flow by way of at least one hydraulic variable displacement pump. The at least one hydraulic variable displacement pump is driven by way of a drive unit of the crane. By way of the crane control system, a swashplate angle of the at least one variable displacement pump is open and/or closed loop controlled as a function of the demanded volumetric flow rate for at least one consumer and/or on the basis of one additional parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Kisselbach
  • Patent number: 9399566
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. The drum includes a groove formed in an outer surface thereof to accommodate the line. A roller is provided that tracks the groove and extends into the groove. The roller pushes the line into the groove. In certain embodiments, the roller pushes the line to a bottom of the groove to ensure that the line is properly seated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Jerome Miles, Michael Hall, Daniel Madsen, Ben Taylor