Patents Issued in August 16, 2016
  • Patent number: 9415960
    Abstract: A sheet is conveyed with no slack between a first conveying path and a second conveying path, thus allowing a high-quality image to be printed on the sheet and suppressing a possible sheet jam. A conveying path with a changeable conveying path length is provided between a first conveying path including a pair of downstream side conveying rollers and a pair of downstream side conveying rollers and a second conveying path including a pair of downstream side conveying rollers and a pair of downstream side conveying rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinya Asano, Atsushi Saito, Tetsuya Ishikawa, Takatoshi Nakano, Yutaka Kano
  • Patent number: 9415961
    Abstract: A paper transport device includes a motor; a transport portion that transports a paper by using a power generated by the motor; a determination portion that, when the paper is transported in a transport direction, determines whether or not a load larger than or equal to a predetermined load has been applied to the motor for a predetermined period; and a motor control portion. When the determination portion determines that a load larger than or equal to the predetermined load has been applied to the motor for the predetermined period, the motor control portion rotates the motor in a direction reverse to a normal rotation direction and then rotates the motor again in the normal rotation direction by inputting to the motor an electric current being larger than an electric current that has been input to the motor for transporting the paper in the transport direction, before an electric current causing a load that is larger than or equal to the predetermined load is input to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kosaku Nobuta, Yasuo Sunaga
  • Patent number: 9415962
    Abstract: A printing apparatus according to one aspect of this invention includes a sheet holding unit configured to hold an envelope, and a detection unit configured to detect an opening width between guides for guiding an envelope held by the sheet holding unit. The printing apparatus further includes an identifying unit configured to identify a flap size of the envelope based on the opening width detected by the detection unit and a size set for the envelope held by the sheet holding unit, and a printing unit configured to print an image on the envelope by shifting image data based on the flap size identified by the identifying unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masayuki Yamada
  • Patent number: 9415963
    Abstract: A sensor controller for web handling applications is described. The sensor controller is provided with a first port, a second port, a computer readable medium, and a processor. The first port receives a sequence of data frames capturing an area of a material web having a width to height ratio between 0.10 and 100. The computer readable medium stores logic indicative of identifying properties of a first group of data points of a feature of the material web extending in a web direction of travel. The processor scans the sequence of data frames to locate a transition between a property of the first group of data points and a property of a second group of data points in the data frames and generates a series of location signals indicative of lateral locations of the transition within the data frames. The second port outputs the location signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Fife Corporation
    Inventors: Md M. Haque, Darcy J. Winter, Wolfram Ploetz, Darren S. Irons, Francesco Cristante, Gregory M. Jehlik
  • Patent number: 9415964
    Abstract: Provided is a post-processing device including a transport unit that transports a recording material which is sequentially transported from an upstream side toward a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the recording material, a standby unit that is connected to the transport unit, and allows a recording material which is backhauled by a transport section reversible from the transport unit to temporarily standby, a transport member that transport the recording material which stands by in the standby unit and the recording material which is transported in the transport unit to the post-processing unit with the recording materials stacked, and an elastic member that is arranged on an upstream side of a connection position of the transport unit where the standby unit is connected, guides the recording material sequentially transported from the upstream side to the post-processing unit, and guides the backhauled recording material to the standby unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Raita Doi
  • Patent number: 9415965
    Abstract: A media processing device has a roller conveying section having an upper conveying guide that is electrically non-conductive, and forms one side surface of a bank note conveying path, and has an internal space; a frame that is electrically conductive and holds the upper conveying guide; a pushing spring that applies pushing force that urges pushing rollers toward driving rollers; and a supporting point shaft that is electrically conductive, and whose position in a front-rear direction is positioned by the upper conveying guide in vicinities of both end portions in a length direction of the supporting point shaft, and that supports the pushing spring in a vicinity of a central portion in the length direction, and that abuts laterally long upper end surfaces of the frame by receiving reaction force that arises in a direction of separating from the bank note conveying path in accordance with the pushing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: OKI ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuuichi Hiratsuka, Yoshiyuki Tosaka
  • Patent number: 9415966
    Abstract: A post-processing apparatus includes a sheet support device, a pair of side edge regulation members that engage in sheet opposite side edges on the sheet support device, and a shift device configured to shift a position of each of the side edge regulation members, and thereby causing the members to perform carry operation to shift the sheet on the sheet support device, wherein in executing the carry operation, the shift device sandwiches the sheet by the pair of side edge regulation members, and thereby makes a state in which pressure is applied to the sheet to execute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignees: CANON FINETECH INC., NISCA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuki Nishi, Natsuki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9415967
    Abstract: A post-processing device for applying a post-process to one or more sheets outputted by a device of a preceding stage, a printer for example, is provided. The post-processing device includes: an alignment mechanism for applying an alignment process for arranging a current sheet bundle; an output mechanism for outputting the current sheet bundle; a prestacking mechanism; and a control unit. The control unit performs a control in such a manner that at least a part of operation of the alignment mechanism or of operation of the output mechanism is switched from a normal operation mode for operation at a normal operation speed to a high-speed operation mode for operation at an operation speed greater than the normal operation speed when a time to completely output the current sheet bundle is later than a time to completely perform prestacking the next sheet bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Wakide
  • Patent number: 9415968
    Abstract: A component supplying apparatus has a tape guide part for guiding a carrier tape, a blade for entering between a top tape and a base tape, and a first tape press part for facing the carrier tape on an upstream side of a top tape removing position. A first biasing part biases the first tape press part to have the carrier tape held between the tape guide part and the first tape press part and to attain positioning of the carrier tape in thickness direction thereof. A sprocket wheel wedges the carrier tape between the tape guide part and the first tape press part, and a second biasing part presses the carrier tape against the tape guide part by a second tape press part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Motohiro Higuchi, Minoru Kitani
  • Patent number: 9415969
    Abstract: A method for controlling a feeder of a gathering-stitching machine reduces the operating effort when setting the feeder, increases reliability when laying folded sheets on a transport device and improves quality during collating and stitching. Opening and closing times of grippers are regulated under program control, continuously and as a function of format when controlling the feeder of the gathering-stitching machine. Data relating to the dimensions and to the number of pages of the folded sheets is thus entered into a control device, from which data actuating signals for actuating elements of the grippers are generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Mueller Martini Holding AG
    Inventors: Stephan Fritsch, Steffen Hoffmann, Falk Preuss
  • Patent number: 9415970
    Abstract: A wire reel is detachably provided in a housing chamber of a binding machine body which binds a reinforcing bar. The wire reel includes a cylindrical hub portion which winds a wire, and a pair of parallel flanges overhanging outward from both external peripheral ends of the hub portions. A side wall inside the hub portion is formed of light-transmitting portions which allow the light from a transmissive photosensor provided in the binding machine body to be transmitted therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: MAX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Nakagawa, Kouji Katou, Tsuyoshi Kobayashi, Yu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9415971
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reusable adjustable coil protector for a plurality of differently sized coils. The adjustable coil protector has an unassembled generally linear resting configuration and plurality of different assembled generally cylindrical configurations. The adjustable coil protector is formed and maintained in the generally linear unassembled configuration for storage and transport before and after use. The adjustable coil protector is bent and wrapped around itself, positioned, and securely locked in a user selected one of the plurality of different assembled generally cylindrical configurations prior to mounting the adjustable coil protector on a coil. The adjustable coil protector is configured to reduce inventory, shipping, and warehousing space needed for the adjustable coil protector because the adjustable coil protector can be used on a plurality of differently sized coils or the same size coils with different sized central openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLC
    Inventors: Dominique Duchanois, John M. Kruelle
  • Patent number: 9415972
    Abstract: The elevator operation control method according to the embodiment estimate the amount of shake of a long object which moves accompanying lifting and lowering of a passenger cage by way of simulation based on the amount of shake of a building in which an elevator is installed and current position information of the passenger cage of the elevator. The elevator operation control method change every second a physical model of the simulation according to the position of the running passenger cage, and simulate in real time the amount of shake of the long object from a current amount of shake of the building and position information of the running passenger cage. The elevator operation control method compare the amount of shake of the long object calculated by the simulation and a threshold, and perform a control operation according to the result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: TOSHIBA ELEVATOR KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9415973
    Abstract: An endless cable winch or hoist which is particularly suited for a service lift comprises a working cable and a safety cable, further comprises a driving cable pulley around at least a part of which the working cable is wrapped, further comprises a drive for driving the driving cable pulley, further comprises a non-driven safety cable pulley, which is rotatably mounted in a housing and around at least a part of which the safety cable is wrapped, and further comprises an arresting device which is coupled via a brake to the cable pulley and which blocks and brakes the safety cable by means of the brake when the safety cable moves with a predetermined speed at least in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: TRACTEL GREIFZUG GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Rottlaender, Klaus-Dieter Ott, Juergen Gsell
  • Patent number: 9415974
    Abstract: Method for moving a heavy load, in which method the heavy load is lifted or lowered with an elevator including an elevator car and a hoisting machine, which hoisting machine is arranged to move the elevator car from one level to another in the normal operation of the elevator, in which method the heavy load is moved to be supported by the elevator car and the elevator car is moved until the load is at the desired height, and the load is removed from the support of the elevator car. In the method a hoist that does not belong to the hoisting machine is temporarily connected to the elevator car for the purpose of moving the load, and the elevator car, which supports the load, is moved by the hoist until the load is at the desired height, and the load is removed from the support of the elevator car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jussi Perälä, Jouni Ratia
  • Patent number: 9415975
    Abstract: A vacuum tube lifting device includes a lifting hose having a first end for attaching the hose and a second end for connecting elements disposed to couple the hose to a load, the hose being for connectable to an adjustable vacuum source and a control unit disposed to adjust the pressure inside the hose via input signals for achieving an extending or contracting shifting movement of the hose for shifting of a load. The device includes an arrangement for measuring a parameter proportional to the momentary length of the hose or proportional to a change in the momentary length of the hose, and to emit to the control unit at least a first signal, used by the control unit to obtain an actual value, and to automatically adjust the vacuum source for adjusting the length of the hose to a desired target value starting out from the actual value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: VACULEX AB
    Inventor: Anders Lundin
  • Patent number: 9415976
    Abstract: A crane collision avoidance system is disclosed. One example includes a load locator to determine a location of a load of a crane and provide the location information to a mapping module. In addition, a map receiver module procures a map of a site and provides the map to the mapping module. A tag scanner scans the site for one or more tags defining an obstacle and provides the obstacle information to a mapping module. The mapping module combines the location information, the map and the obstacle information into a user accessible information package that is displayed on a graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Dale Hermann, Curt Conquest
  • Patent number: 9415977
    Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is a crane, method and apparatus for monitoring the swing angle, weight or gesture of the crane load, belonging to the technical field of crane; the purpose of the present invention is provide an apparatus for monitoring the swing angle, weight or gesture for the crane's hoisting, and to provide a crane which comprises aforesaid apparatus; when hoisting a load, the swing angle, weight or gesture are displayed in both the native crane cab and the collaborative crane cab by wireless transmission and switching channels in the cab; then, not only can the drivers operate the cranes to eliminate the deflection of load and achieve the vertical hoisting according to the load's swing angle of each crane displayed on the screen, but also operate the cranes to make balance of weight distribution according to the real-time ratio of load weight or load gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Handing Lin
  • Patent number: 9415978
    Abstract: A crane includes a double wire guide and anchoring bracket arranged in the nacelle of a wind turbine for hoisting-up and -down of heavy parts of the wind turbine arranged in the nacelle. The crane includes an external winch with wires, located near the base of the tower of the wind turbine, the winch being connected via the wire guide to a pulley block including a crane hook at the end of the crane outrigger arm. The particular by the wire guide is, that it by two set of pivotally mounted wire wheels, mounted respectively on a fixed bracket part of the crane, and the pivotal mounted part of the crane, controls the wires of the crane within an pivot interval between +/?175 degrees from a 0-reference point, so that the wires never touch each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: LIFTRA IP ApS
    Inventor: Per Fenger
  • Patent number: 9415979
    Abstract: A high speed, reduced clearance lift has a lift platform that is raised and lowered by operation of a telescoping hydraulic ram that has at least three telescoping sections, such that, the retracted height of the telescoping hydraulic ram is minimized while the deployed height of the telescoping hydraulic ram is such that the lift platform is lifted the height needed to, for example, lift a device out of the hull of a watercraft. To better stabilize the lift platform both in the retracted and deployed positions, locks, preferably in the form of actuated locking pins, interface with receivers mounted in a frame in which the lift platform travels. In such, when the locking pins are extended into the receivers, the lift platform and any payload resting on the lift platform are held steady without the need for hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: NAUTICAL STRUCTUTRES INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: James A. Baumann, Robert Bolline, Scott L. Danforth, Sunthorn Ingersoll
  • Patent number: 9415980
    Abstract: A mast-raising mechanism for raising a mast of a mobile lift crane to an operating position includes a hydraulic cylinder extendable to raise the mast. The hydraulic cylinder includes a first end pivotally coupled to a rotating bed of the crane and a second end spaced apart from the first end. A first arm includes a first end pivotably coupled to the second end of the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder extends to press the first end against a bearing surface on the mast. The first arm also includes a second end spaced apart from the first end. A second arm includes a first end proximate the second end of the first arm and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The second end of the second arm is pivotably connected to the rotating bed. A biasing mechanism urges the first arm towards the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: Darin J. Geiser, Robert J. Walker
  • Patent number: 9415981
    Abstract: A wireless remote forms a two-way radio frequency (RF) communication network with a winch control module that allows the wireless remote to control both the winch and additional vehicle accessories through the winch control module. Further accessory control modules allow the control of more accessories utilizing the wireless remote by way of RF communication. Feedback from either the winch control module or the accessory control module is sent back to the wireless remote to allow the operator to view the current operating conditions of the winch or accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Warn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Heravi, Darren G. Fretz, Bryan M. Averill, Jeff Walston, Ian Wendler
  • Patent number: 9415982
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved trike lift having a vertical extension for engaging a high point of the trike body bottom, and to the methods of making and using the same. The lift has a frame with base arms, lift arms and upper arms that act generally as a parallelogram. One of the upper arms has a pad to engage the body bottom of the trike. The other upper arm has an extension block that can be selectably raised and lowered. In one embodiment, the extension block can be manually raised. In another embodiment, the extension block can be mechanically raised. The lift also has an elevation assembly with a handle having a stepped top arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: J & S JACKS, LLC
    Inventors: Tanner J. Roovers, Stephen G. Roovers
  • Patent number: 9415983
    Abstract: A crash prevention system mounted to the crane mast for a storage and retrieval machine having a rotating sensor apparatus for forming a circular detection pattern that detects an obstruction along the entire front or back of the crane mast is disclosed. A processor in operative communication with the rotating sensor apparatus generates a fault condition that terminates the movement of the storage and retrieval machine and prevents contact with the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Shamrock Foods Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Dwire, Robert J. Waters
  • Patent number: 9415984
    Abstract: A cart for improving the efficiency of a forklift as it performs the task of removing pallets of merchandise from a trailer, transporting them, one or two pallets at-a-time, to storage racks, and placing them in their assigned storage slots at various levels. Likewise, the forklift pulls the pallets from the storage racks above the floor of the warehouse loads the pallets on a cart and transports them, again one or two pallets at a time, to the loading dock area where they are loaded onto trailers. A transport system includes a specifically equipped cart and a means to secure and unsecure the forklift to the cart, and a method for employing the cart to be used in conjunction with the forklift so that the forklift can transport two pallets instead of just one as it travels between the loading dock area and locations in the rows of storage racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Leonard W. Shinosky, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9415985
    Abstract: A lift device includes a lifting mast having a top, and a drive assembly for moving the lifting mast in lifting and lowering directions. A head is positioned above and over the top of the lifting mast, and is mounted to the lifting mast for displacement between a neutral position and a safe position with respect to the lifting mast in response to the head contact encountering an object above the top of the lifting mast and the head. The drive assembly is enabled for moving of the lifting mast in the lifting and lowering directions in the neutral position of the head, the drive assembly is enabled for moving the lifting mast in the lowering direction in the safe position of the head, and the drive assembly is disabled for moving the lifting mast in the lifting direction in the safe position of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SERVERLIFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Raymond S. Zuckerman
  • Patent number: 9415986
    Abstract: A safety device for an aerial lift having a basket or cage with controls which permit an operator standing in the basket or cage to maneuver it. The safety device comprises a control module which is programmed to prevent movement of the basket or cage and activate an alarm by cutting electrical supply to a function enable switch and, if the electrical supply to the function enable switch cannot be cut, the control module is further programmed to prevent movement of the basket or cage and activate the alarm by operating an emergency switch to cut the electrical supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BLUESKY SOLUTIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Cummings, Kevin Jonathan Gale
  • Patent number: 9415987
    Abstract: The invention herein provides for a tab lifting and leveraging device for opening a pop top or pull top container wherein said pop top or pull top container is of hand held size and having a sealed opening and a lift tab located on its top surface. Said tab lifting and leveraging device of the invention herein comprising a planar length of solid durable material having at least a length and a width. Said device further having a bottom edge, a top edge, a proximate side edge, a distal side edge, a prying element, a rear groove, a recessed fulcrum point, and a handle. When in use, said prying element is fitted through said lift tab and lifted at a given angle against the container surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Cox
  • Patent number: 9415988
    Abstract: A device for filling or emptying a container (1) containing a liquid particularly intended for consumption has a rod (5) arranged on a holder (4) with a surrounding, balloon-shaped body (6). The length of the rod (5) can be adapted to different distances between the top opening (3) of the container (1) and the base (2) of the container (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Leibinger GmbH
    Inventor: Benedikt Leibinger
  • Patent number: 9415989
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically forming and filling containers, such as water bottles. The apparatus has a plurality of workstations and a conveyer comprising container carriers. The workstations comprise an insertion station, a container forming station, a filling station, a closing station, and an ejection station. The insertion station feeds a container preform into a container carrier. The container forming station forms a container from the container preform. The filling station fills the formed container with a fluid. The closing station closes the filled container with a lid. The conveyer moves the container preform and the container from the insertion station via the container forming station, the filling station and the closing station to the ejection station. The container preform and the container formed from the preform may continuously reside in the container carrier along the whole process beginning with the insertion station and ending with the ejection station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Kaercher Futuretech GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Weible
  • Patent number: 9415990
    Abstract: A bag-in-box system for use in dispensing a pumpable product includes a carton, a flexible thermoplastic pouch disposed in the carton, a spout joined to the pouch, a spout closure, and a pumpable product disposed in the pouch, the flexible thermoplastic pouch including an outer wall including a coextruded film having a polyethylene layer, a tie layer, and a polyamide layer, and a discrete inner wall including an ethylene polymer or copolymer, or a composition like that of the outer wall, the outer wall sealed to the inner wall at the perimeter of the pouch. Optionally, a discrete intermediate wall can be disposed between the outer wall and inner discrete wall of the pouch. The system can further include a pump operatively connected to the pouch and carton to dispense the pumpable product from the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: John Richard Campanelli, Thomas Duane Kennedy, Elizabeth Roberson McGee, Daniel Lee McKamy, Jeffrey Linyard Walker
  • Patent number: 9415991
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a fluid flow may include a flow channel, a housing, a flow restrictor, and a housing adjustment member. The flow channel defines a fluid pathway for the fluid flow. The fluid pathway includes an inlet and an exit. The housing surrounds the flow channel. The housing comprises an exterior surface defining a first threaded portion. The flow restrictor is located within the housing and proximate the exit. The housing adjustment member includes a second threaded portion in contact with the first threaded portion. Embodiments may include a method for controlling a fluid flow. The method comprises: causing the fluid flow to pass through a flow channel having an inlet and an exit; restricting, via a flow restrictor, the fluid flow, the flow restrictor located proximate the exit; and adjusting a position of the flow restrictor to further restrict or unrestrict the fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventor: C. Brad Green
  • Patent number: 9415992
    Abstract: The present application provides a beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser may include a number of micro-ingredients, a water stream, and a rotary chamber. The rotary chamber may include a first element in communication with the micro-ingredients and the water stream and a second element maneuverable to a dispense position and a sealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Christopher Thomas Ryan, Edwin Petrus Elisabeth van Opstal, Kenneth Heng-Chong Ng, Sasha Miu
  • Patent number: 9415993
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a beverage dispensing system includes a plurality of beverage dispensing devices, and a plurality of beverage hoses, each of the beverage hoses to provide fluid communication between one of the beverage dispensing devices and a beverage source, each of the beverage hoses passing through an aperture formed in a surface. Each of the beverage dispensing devices is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, a beverage dispensing device is moved toward a beverage container and a beverage hose is pulled through the aperture and toward a user-facing side of the surface, the beverage dispensing device adapted to dispense a beverage into the beverage container while in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventors: Kevin Kinslow Thibodeaux, David Gregory Gill
  • Patent number: 9415994
    Abstract: A fuel container includes a container, a spout, an outlet valve, an air intake valve, and an actuator. The spout is coupled to the container at a bottom end portion of the container. The outlet valve is positioned at the bottom end portion and operable to control fluid flow into the spout. The air intake valve is positioned at a top end portion of the container. The actuator is operable to open both the outlet valve and the air intake valve concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Brad C. Ouderkirk
  • Patent number: 9415995
    Abstract: A method and structure are described for preventing the accidental introduction of an incorrect liquid into a tank, such as the introduction of gasoline into the fuel system of a diesel-powered vehicle. In a first embodiment, the entrance to a fill tube of a diesel-powered vehicle is configured with a sensor ring. When an incorrect fueling operation is attempted, such as the introduction of gasoline into the fuel tank of a diesel-powered vehicle, at least one but fewer than all of displaceable mechanical elements are displaced, and the sensor ring alerts the operator visually and/or audibly before fueling starts, thereby preventing incorrect fueling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Curtis Alan Roys
  • Patent number: 9415996
    Abstract: A method and system for filling gas storage vessels from a source operates by cooling a sorbent, opening a valve to transfer gas by physisorption, regulating the sorbent temperature to achieve the desired degree of filling, closing the valve connecting to the gas source, and warming the tank, sorbent, and gas to provide a predetermined pressure at room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BlackPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Haaland, Dylan Bethel
  • Patent number: 9415997
    Abstract: An improved paperboard structure to hold a fluid filled carton is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Southern Champion Tray
    Inventors: George Coogan, Jason Ray, Stokes Smith, Bill Jones, Ron Couvillon
  • Patent number: 9415998
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical structure, comprises a first element that includes a first element surface, and a second element that includes a second element surface, and an element gap between the first element surface and the second element surface. At least one of the first element and the second element is mobile. One of the first and second element surfaces includes a convex contact surface and the other one of the first and second element surfaces includes a concave contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ville Ahtee, Ville Pekka Rytkönen
  • Patent number: 9415999
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a bottom substrate, wherein a front-end device including a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device and an inductor is disposed on the bottom substrate, and a top substrate bonded to the bottom substrate so as form a cavity enclosing the front-end device. The semiconductor device further includes an adsorption layer disposed on a portion of the top substrate facing the front-end device, wherein the adsorption layer and the inductor do not overlap in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (SHANGHAI) CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chao Zheng, Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 9416000
    Abstract: To implement cavities having different internal pressures in joining two semiconductor elements, at least one of the two element surfaces to be joined is structured, so that at least one circumferential bonding frame area is recessed or elevated in comparison with at least one other circumferential bonding frame area. At least one connecting layer should then be applied to this structured element surface and at least two circumferential bonding frames should be structured out of this connecting layer on different surface levels of the element surface. The topography created in the element surface permits sequential bonding in which multiple cavities between the two elements may be successively hermetically sealed, so that a defined internal pressure prevails in each of the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph Schelling, Ralf Reichenbach, Jens Frey, Antoine Puygranier
  • Patent number: 9416001
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a 3D nanostructure having a nanosubstructure, comprising the steps of: i) providing a mold comprising at least one sharp concave corner; ii) conformational depositing at least one structural material in the sharp concave corner; iii) isotropically removing structural material; iv) depositing at least one other structural material; v) removing earlier deposited structural material; vi) forming a nanosubstructure; and vii) removing the mold thereby providing the 3D nanostructure having the nanosubstructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Universiteit Twente
    Inventors: Johan Willem Berenschot, Niels Roelof Tas
  • Patent number: 9416002
    Abstract: A method for assembling a packaged semiconductor device includes mounting a pressure-sensing die onto a die paddle of a metal lead frame. A pressure-sensitive gel is dispensed into a recess of a lid, and the lead frame is mated with the lid such that the pressure-sensing die is immersed in the pressure-sensitive gel within the recess of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Nan Xu, Xingshou Pang, Xuesong Xu
  • Patent number: 9416003
    Abstract: A semiconductor die includes a device structure having a micro-electronic device located at a surface of a substrate and a cap coupled to the device structure with the micro-electronic device positioned in a cavity located between the cap and the substrate. A sacrificial material is provided within the cavity, coupling the cap to the device structure. The sacrificial material is heated in the cavity to cause the sacrificial material to decompose to a gaseous species. The presence of the gaseous species in the cavity increases a pressure level in the cavity from an initial pressure to a final pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventor: Matthieu Lagouge
  • Patent number: 9416004
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices and fabrication methods are provided. In a semiconductor device, a semiconductor substrate includes a first electrode layer having a top surface coplanar with a top surface of the semiconductor substrate. A sacrificial layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate and the first electrode layer. A first mask layer made of a conductive material is formed on the sacrificial layer. The first mask layer and the sacrificial layer are etched until a surface of the first electrode layer is exposed to form openings through the first mask layer and the sacrificial layer. A cleaning process is performed to remove etch byproducts adhered to a surface of the first mask layer and adhered to sidewalls and bottom surfaces of the openings. Conductive plugs are formed in the openings after the cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (SHANGHAI) CORPORATION
    Inventors: Guangcai Fu, Tianlun Yang, Xiaoping Zhang
  • Patent number: 9416005
    Abstract: A solid state system comprising a host material and a quantum spin defect, wherein the quantum spin defect has a T2 at room temperature of about 300 ?s or more and wherein the host material comprises a layer of single crystal CVD diamond having a total nitrogen concentration of about 20 ppb or less, wherein the surface roughness, Rq of the single crystal diamond within an area defined by a circle of radius of about 5 ?m centered on the point on the surface nearest to where the quantum spin defect is formed is about 10 nm or less, methods for preparing solid state systems and the use of single crystal diamond having a total nitrogen concentration of about 20 ppb or less in spintronic applications are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Element Six Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Alan Scarsbrook, Daniel James Twitchen, Matthew Lee Markham
  • Patent number: 9416006
    Abstract: A process provides for reducing agglomerate formation during thermal decomposition of a carbonaceous material feedstock. A non-catalytic thermal decomposition process includes providing generally solid feedstock to a thermal decomposition unit and moving the feedstock through at least one gasification zone in the thermal decomposition unit with a moving device. The process includes providing oxygen and optionally an additional gas to the gasification zone. In one aspect, the process includes moving feedstock through the gasification zone and providing oxygen to the gasification zone at rates effective for maintaining a material bed temperature not exceeding about 2300° F. at any point in the material bed, and for maintaining a material bed temperature of about 500° F. to about 2000° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: INEOS BIO SA
    Inventors: Kim Carlo S. Ocfemia, Peter Simpson Bell
  • Patent number: 9416007
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus that produces a high-purity gas and to a method of producing a high-purity gas using the apparatus. An apparatus for producing a high-purity gas according to an embodiment of the invention may include a column configured to perform a sorption-enhanced reaction for removing a reaction by-product produced through a catalyst reaction by using sorption, where the column is divided into a multiple number of sections, and the multiple sections have decreasing proportions of a catalyst and increasing proportions of an adsorbent from a front end towards a rear end along a reaction path. According to an embodiment of the invention, a multi-section column may be applied to obtain an increased amount of gas production compared with the conventional sorption-enhanced reaction, even with the same amounts of catalyst and adsorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Korea University Research and Business Foundation
    Inventors: Ki Bong Lee, Hyun-Min Jang, Chan-Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 9416008
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube film supporting structure is provided. The carbon nanotube film supporting structure is used for supporting a carbon nanotube film structure. The carbon nanotube film supporting structure includes a substrate and a number of protruding structures. The substrate has a surface defining a support region. The protruding structures are distributed on the support region. The carbon nanotube film structure can be peeled off completely after being in contact with the carbon nanotube film supporting structure. The present disclosure also relates to a method for using the carbon nanotube film supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Beijing FUNATE Innovation Technology Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Quan Wang, Chen Feng, Li Qian, Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 9416009
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of modifying electrical properties of carbon nanotubes by subjecting a composition of carbon nanotubes to one or more radical initiator(s). The invention also relates to an electronic component such as field-effect transistor comprising a carbon nanotube obtained using the method of the invention. The invention also relates to the use of the modified carbon nanotubes in conductive and high-strength nanotube/polymer composites, transparent electrodes, sensors and nanoelectromechanical devices, additives for batteries, radiation sources, semiconductor devices (e.g. transistors) or interconnects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Nanyang Technological University
    Inventors: Jianwen Zhao, Lain-Jong Li, Peng Chen, Bee Eng Mary Chan