Patents Issued in September 20, 2016
  • Patent number: 9446859
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods for servicing shock struts. Such shock struts may be “air over oil” type, having a gas portion and a liquid portion of a sealed fluid chamber. Methods in accordance with the disclosure include pressurizing the gas portion to a first pressure, then pressurizing the liquid portion until a final pressure is achieved in the gas portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Amir Fazeli, Adnan Cepic, Susanne Reber
  • Patent number: 9446860
    Abstract: A preferred method of the invention is executed by code stored on a non-transient medium to control a portable computing device with a touchscreen. The code generates graphical interfaces includes an application that allows a user to capture necessary data for reporting data to permit quick and efficient diagnoses of repairs by a repair service to a part or sub-assembly of an aircraft. The data acquisition is controlled and guided with reference to actual aircraft specifications that are updated by an aircraft part supplier, such as an aircraft manufacturer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (SAS)
    Inventors: Mudler Alexandre, Barizza Laurent
  • Patent number: 9446861
    Abstract: A method for health monitoring for an aircraft includes the steps of obtaining vibration data for the aircraft, obtaining navigation data for the aircraft, and determining a measure of health of the aircraft using the vibration data and the navigation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Goodrich, Paul Grabill, Tom Brotherton, Robert H. Luppold
  • Patent number: 9446862
    Abstract: A cryogenic thruster assembly including: a reignitable main thruster; a first cryogenic tank connected to the main thruster to feed the main thruster with a first propellant; a first gas tank; at least one settling thruster; and a first feed circuit for feeding the first gas tank. The feed circuit of the first gas tank is connected to the first cryogenic tank and includes a heat exchanger for using heat given off by the at least one settling thruster to vaporize a liquid flow of the first propellant as extracted from the first cryogenic tank to feed the first gas tank with the first propellant in the gaseous state. A method feeds the first gas tank with the first propellant in the gaseous state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Barthoulot, Didier Vuillamy, Jean-Michel Sannino
  • Patent number: 9446863
    Abstract: The invention relates to a satellite having a structure that includes a circular launching interface ring and at least two main planar apparatus-holding walls that are substantially parallel to the axis of the ring and rigidly connected to one another and to the ring. Each wall directly bears on the ring by a base of the wall, and each wall is rigidly and directly attached to the ring by at least one somewhat point-by-point connection on at least one point or area of tangency or intersection with the base of the wall and the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space SAS
    Inventor: Rene Cheynet de Beaupre
  • Patent number: 9446864
    Abstract: An electrothermal deployment system may be configured for controlled release of various apparatus from their prelaunch stowage positions in small satellites. The deployment system includes a fusible line secured to a structural component of the satellite, as well as to various deployable apparatus secured to, within, or on the satellite. The deployable apparatus may include items such as solar panels and antennas. The deployment system includes an electrically resistive element such as a burn bar formed of a cylinder or tube, including a resistor pad overlying and/or incorporated within an exterior surface of the burn bar. The burn bar may be coupled to an electrical circuit configured to heat the resistor for the purpose of melting the fusible line secured in direct contact therewith, thus causing the fusible line to break to cause deployment. The fusible line is configured to remain in secure contact with the resistor until apparatus deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Geoffrey Orias, Michael Worcester, John Behrens, Bruce L. Drolen
  • Patent number: 9446865
    Abstract: A method for on-line printing onto water-soluble film on-line with water-soluble detergent pouch process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Stephane Content, Frank William Denome
  • Patent number: 9446866
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine formed by a grain-holding box containing a combination of two transverse plates, namely a front vertical plate that closes the box and another plate which is solidly connected to the front plate halfway along the length thereof, inclined at 45 degrees, projected forward and integrally welded to the structure of the machine. In addition, the running gear includes a back axle provided with a single shaft connected at the ends thereof to a pair of wheels, plus at least one crown wheel, and said at least one crown wheel is in turn linked by means of a transmission chain to at least one gear mounted on the ends of a control rod of an integral clutch device linked by another transmission chain to a hydraulic motor, with the actuation and control means thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: FIBER-K Industrial S.A.
    Inventor: Francisco Hadad
  • Patent number: 9446867
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for filling a filter cartridge canister. Flow through an exit plenum and a filter screen of the canister is initially blocked, a sorbent inlet of the canister is open, and a ring of the canister is open. Flow is then initiated through the inlet and ring so sorbent particles and fluid flow into the canister. A pressure differential is provided between the inlet and the ring to enhance filling. The exit plenum is opened to impart an even fluid flow across a sorbent stratum. Flow through the ring is stopped, and sorbent particles continue to be added via the inlet until the cavity is filled. The filter screen is then compressed, the sorbent inlet is sealed and the filter screen is fixed to a compressed position while flow is maintained through the exit plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Scott Health & Safety Limited
    Inventor: Philip Stephen Scott
  • Patent number: 9446868
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a packaging machine (1) comprising at least one workstation (2, 3, 4) and a device (11) for generating compressed air. The invention is characterized in that the device (11) for generating compressed air is connected to a lifting gear (21) of the workstation (2, 3, 4), wherein the device (11) is drivable by the movement of the lifting gear (21) of the workstation (2, 3, 4). The invention also refers to a method for operating a corresponding packaging machine (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER SE & CO. KG
    Inventor: Martin Diehl
  • Patent number: 9446869
    Abstract: A packaging band includes side edges, a divider fold line, a front panel extending in a first direction away from the divider fold line, and a rear panel extending in a second direction away from the divider fold line. The packaging band includes a front securement tab and a rear securement tab. The front securement tab is formed in the front panel and flexes relative to the front panel about a front panel fold line. The rear securement tab is formed in the rear panel and flexes relative to the rear panel about a rear panel fold line. The front securement tab and the rear securement tab each rotate about a corresponding one of the front panel fold line and the rear panel fold line to open toward a same one of the first direction and the second direction when the packaging band is laid substantially flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Foltz
  • Patent number: 9446870
    Abstract: An automatic silverware wrapping system uses a series of utensil holding magazines that dispense their wares down a chute and onto a napkin holding carrier platen that advances through the system. Once the silverware is on the napkin, an intermediate fold is imparted onto one of the corners of the napkin and then end folds are imparted onto two other corners. Thereafter, the partially folded napkin and its utensils drop down to a pair of roller bearing rails that counter rotate relative to each other in order to roll the napkin up around the silverware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Quiq Silver Inc
    Inventors: Eric Cameron, John Helsel
  • Patent number: 9446871
    Abstract: A trolley for supporting the plate during vertical rolling of the plate is provided. In one embodiment, the trolley can include a support body configured to provide support for the trolley; a plurality of wheels configured to allow the trolley to move across a floor; a lifting arm supported by the support body, wherein the lifting arm is movable about a first position and a second position; a pump handle configured to raise the lifting arm between the first position and the second position; and a plate holder configured to move with the lifting arm and hold the plate in place relative to the trolley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Société Anonyme Pour L'Étude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Claude Granger, Jean Roy
  • Patent number: 9446872
    Abstract: A device for opening a piping bag for pre-filling comprises first and second gripping surfaces, adapted for clamping an openable end of the piping bag therebetween, wherein the gripping surfaces, while in clamping engagement with the piping bag, are movable relative to each other in a direction substantially parallel with said gripping surfaces. A method for opening a piping bag for prefilling is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: KEE PLASTICS AB
    Inventor: Timo Järvinen
  • Patent number: 9446873
    Abstract: An improved loader is described. The loader includes a frame having an upper surface, a pair of horns adjustably connected to the upper surface, each horn comprising an upper shoulder, a lower shoulder, and an air duct between the upper shoulder and the lower shoulder, a pair of air hoses connecting each air duet to a controller, the controller being connected to a pressurized air supply, and an alignment mechanism mounted, the alignment mechanism including an axle mounted to the frame, a first arm connected to a first panel, the first arm rotatably connected to the axle, a second arm connected to a second panel, the second arm rotatably connected to the axle, a gear mechanism connected to the axle and to the first arm and the second arm, the gear mechanism configured to rotate the second arm in a direction opposite to a direction of rotation of the first arm, and a dual-action cylinder connected to at least one of the first arm and the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Precitec Corp.
    Inventors: Eggo Haschke, Martin Zurwieden
  • Patent number: 9446874
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to processes for manufacturing internally pierced shaped articles for unit-dose packaging with at least one formed recess (e.g., a blister), in particular for unit-dose packaging of pharmaceutical dosage forms. In certain embodiments, the first step of the process is directed to drawing the film material (e.g., metal-plastic foil) with one or more plungers to form a primary contour, the contour having a depth of at least 100% and up to 150% of the depth of the formed recess. The second stage involves shaping the primary contour with one or more plunger(s) to the desired formed recess, with a depth that is less than the depth of the primary contour, while substantially maintaining the surface area of the primary contour formed in the first stage. The formed recess may be formed using warm-forming or cold-forming techniques. The third stage involves the automatic placing of an internal piercing device stably into the shaped article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Mystic Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Nelson
  • Patent number: 9446875
    Abstract: A sandbag filling apparatus that is operable to assist a single individual in the task of filling sandbag. The sandbag filling apparatus includes a body that is perpendicularly secured to a bottom support member. The body is cylindrical in shape and is hollow having an interior volume. The body further includes a first end and a second end having an opening at said first end. A handle member is secured to the exterior of the body. A body support member is centrally secured to the bottom support member and the second end of the body is surroundably mounted therearound. The body of the sandbag filling apparatus is manufactured to a height that allows a portion of a sandbag disposed therein to extend outward from the perimeter edge of the opening at the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Manuel
  • Patent number: 9446876
    Abstract: Disclosed are a cooking material dispensing system and dispensing method. The dispensing method comprises the following steps: setting a material bag (9) clamping station in a position near a cooking pot opening but outside the range of the pot opening, and clamping the material bag (9) containing a cooking material at the material bag (9) clamping station; confining the material bag (9), such that the material bag (9) is kept in a clamped state to control the deformation thereof during the dispensing procedure; flipping and/or tipping the material bag (9), and when in a position near the cooking pot opening, dispensing the cooking material in the material bag (9) into the cooking pot; and once the cooking material has been dispensed, shifting the material bag (9) from the range of the cooking pot opening and releasing the clamping of the material bag (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventors: Xinyu Liu, Ping Yan
  • Patent number: 9446877
    Abstract: A system for applying labels to cable or conduit including at least one label and a label applicator. The label applicator including at least one guide roller, at least one tamping device comprising at least one tamping pad for applying at least one label onto the moving cable or conduit, and a guide shoe assembly. The guide shoe assembly comprises a guide shoe, the guide shoe comprises a rounding member, a plurality of springs for providing flexibility to the rounding member when the moving cable or conduit passes the at least one guide shoe, a support mount for supporting the at least one guide shoe, a plurality of pivots disposed between the rounding member and the rounding member support for adjusting the set of springs, and a fitted member for providing an anchor for the at least one guide shoe to connect with the support mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Encore Wire Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Bennett, William T. Bigbee, Jr., Steve Griffin
  • Patent number: 9446878
    Abstract: A low scrap tray is constructed from a single sheet of material to act as a retail display tray, reducing the waste from traditional container construction processes. The low scrap tray includes a bottom panel, a front panel, a rear panel, a left panel, a right panel, a left inward rim, a right inward rim, a front-left flap assembly, a front-right flap assembly, a rear-left flap assembly, a rear-right flap assembly, a front opening, and a top opening. The front panel, the rear panel, the left panel, the right panel, the front opening, the left inward rim, the right inward rim and the top opening define a storage space when the low scrap tray is operatively configured. The front-left flap assembly, the front-right flap assembly, the rear-left flap assembly, and the rear-right flap assembly secure the positioning of front panel, the rear panel, the left panel, and the right panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: SupplyOne
    Inventor: Myron Bostian
  • Patent number: 9446879
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an opening device for a beverage container. More specifically, the invention relates to a metal end closure having a primary opening area and at least one optional secondary vent opening which can be opened with the same pull tab. The primary opening area of the metal end closure may be opened by utilizing a pull tab interconnected to a central panel, the pull tab being adapted for applying a downward force to form a first opening. Subsequently, the pull tab is rotated and the tail end lifted to form a second opening in the end closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventors: Howard C. Chasteen, Mark A. Jacober
  • Patent number: 9446880
    Abstract: A floor element for cargo containers and/or cargo pallets. The floor element comprises at least one RFID transponder, at least one bore with an opening on the floor underside, and a transponder holder device preferably made of plastic for holding the RFID transponder, wherein the transponder holder device is fixed in the bore. The floor element provides better communication between RFID transponders and corresponding readers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Telair International GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Huber
  • Patent number: 9446881
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bottle for containing liquid contents including a body, at least part or all of an upper portion of which is provided with a plurality of guides which protrude inwardly from an inside surface thereof and are in a spiral pattern so that the liquid contents can be guided towards an opening of a neck of the bottle while spirally revolving inside the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Kyung Il Jung
  • Patent number: 9446882
    Abstract: A portable milk warmer that is suitable for use with vessels, such as ampules, bags or bottles, enclosing chilled or frozen liquids, such as breast milk. The portable milk warmer includes separate chambers in a single container that separates the vessel from a warming (or cooling) medium. The milk warmer includes a feature for filling an outer chamber with a warming or cooling medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: HONEYSUCKLE PRODUCTS
    Inventor: Nossi Taheri
  • Patent number: 9446883
    Abstract: A wire mesh safety net for enclosing an overhead device fabricated from a wire strand formed into a bag and having a closed bottom and an open mouth with a line engaging the open mouth for opening and closing the bag around the device and having wire mesh extending and retracting structure for increasing and decreasing the extent of the wire mesh bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: MRM HK LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert Wesley Schlipper
  • Patent number: 9446884
    Abstract: A container or pitcher having a flexible side wall portion and rim portion of the container which can conform to the shape of an object to which the pitcher is applied to thereby direct fluid flow from the pitcher over a broader area and to prevent fluid from flowing from the pitcher and underneath the rim of the pitcher and onto portions of the object to which it is not desirable to apply the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Michael L. McGinley
  • Patent number: 9446885
    Abstract: A container for dispensing a liquid concentrate comprises a container body with top edge and a cap base sealed relative to the top edge. The cap base includes a wall having an inner thread, a funnel surrounding an opening, and a spout. The container includes a cap top with a shoulder including a flange having an outer thread and depending downwardly from the shoulder to define a channel being open toward a bottom edge of the cap top and located between an interior of the flange and the sidewall of the cap top. The cap top can be threadingly engaged to the cap base to form an outer seal between at least one of the shoulder and the flange of the cap top and the wall of the cap base and form an inner seal between the bottom edge of the sidewall of the cap top and the funnel of the cap base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC
    Inventors: Allison Doubles, Shelley Markoulis, Jason Braun, Stuart M. Leslie, Roland Zeder
  • Patent number: 9446886
    Abstract: A metering end cap provided to the neck of a flexible container containing a fluid and intended to transfer, at will, an amount of fluid from an upstream space towards a downstream space, this end cap including a chamber in which is disposed a movable valve normally biased towards a rest position and operationally moved towards an end position. The valve isolates the upstream space and the downstream space from each other in its end position and only in this position, and the outlet of the chamber communicates with the upstream space for any position of the valve other that its end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Flexidose
    Inventor: Patrick Wozna
  • Patent number: 9446887
    Abstract: Devices and systems for facilitating a user's grip around the neck of a bottle such that the contents of the bottle may be poured quickly and efficiently, with minimal stress on the use's body. Furthermore, such systems and methods may be configured to extend the neck of a bottle such that an attached pour spout is positioned at a desired height. Such a device may comprise a body to couple with the neck of the bottle, the body having an exterior surface configured to facilitate a secure grip therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventors: Devin Jacobson, Shawn Egerton
  • Patent number: 9446888
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-compartmented storage container for storing two or more flowable materials in separate compartments so that the materials may be poured from the container individually or combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Abraham Mussio
  • Patent number: 9446889
    Abstract: A reusable pizza container configured to enclose a hot pizza for temporary storage or transport and to prevent moisture from entering into the top, bottom or side surfaces of the pizza. The container has a lid, a removable Vapor Transport Mechanism, and a bottom. The lid facilitates convection heat flow and the flow of moisture along the interior sides of the lid. Raised radial ribs enable the lids to be stacked. The raised radial ribs in the lid have perforations to allow hot vapor to escape and minimize moisture within the enclosed area. The lid nests securely into the bottom to prevent dislodging of moisture during transport. The removable Vapor Transport Mechanism (VTM), a micromesh membrane that fits within the lid, allows vapor to pass upwards through the membrane but prevents moisture from dripping downwards onto the upper pizza surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventors: Susan Lopes, Jeffrey Saake
  • Patent number: 9446890
    Abstract: A container having a locking lid assembly preferably provides a container which receives a lid with a hinged top. The lid may have a tamper indicator and the top preferably cooperates with the container to lock the top in a closed or locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Glenn H. Morris, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9446891
    Abstract: A carrier that is at least partially holding a plurality of containers. The carrier can include a plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a first top panel foldably connected to the first side panel, and a second top panel foldably connected to the second side panel. At least one container-receiving feature extends in at least the bottom panel. The at least one container-receiving feature can at least partially receive at least one container of the plurality of containers. At least one retention flap is foldably connected to the first top panel or the second top panel. The at least one retention flap engages at least a portion of a flange of at least one container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward W. Jones, Ana Gonzalez, Emili Requena, Jean-Manuel Gomes, Kevin T. May, Colin Ford, Matthew Sundquist
  • Patent number: 9446892
    Abstract: A protective enclosure for transporting an automobile door includes an elongated, generally U-shaped main body having a pair of opposing side panels connected along a bottom edge by a bottom panel. A plurality of padded elements are located along the inside facing surfaces of the main body, and multiple inelastic straps are located along the outside edges of the main body. The straps including connectors for selectively engaging each of the opposing side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Impact Salvage Enhancement Solutions
    Inventors: Gene Piscopo, Charlie Salter
  • Patent number: 9446893
    Abstract: A sheet material for use in packaging having at least a first layer and at lease a second layer, wherein the first layer and the second layer are bonded together to fabricate the sheet material such that an area between the first layer and the second layer is unbonded so as to create a passageway having at least one opening on a first side of the sheet material and at least one opening on a second side of the sheet material, the passageway being a one-way valve integrally formed by bonding together the first and second layers to form the sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: VP SHEETS LTD.
    Inventor: Shlomo Uri Haimi
  • Patent number: 9446894
    Abstract: A valve for dispensing a flowable product from a container includes a mounting cup. The mounting cup includes a bottom wall having a central portion defining a seal-mounting opening through which a seal and a stem extend. An external seal bead of the seal overlies an upper end of the central portion. The upper end of the central portion is disposed at or below a plane extending transverse to a central axis of the mounting cup and defined by a juncture of a sidewall and an annular sidewall-bottom transition portion of the mounting cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Clayton Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Robert Martz, James P. McBroom
  • Patent number: 9446895
    Abstract: [Problem] Provided is a two-liquid dispenser storing two types of content, and capable of stably and equally discharging two liquids. [Solution] A two-liquid dispenser (10) is provided with: a pressure-proof container (11); a flexible inner container (12) housed in the pressure-proof container; a pouch (13) housed in the inner container; a valve assembly (14) to close the pressure-proof container (11), the inner container (12), and the pouch (13); a first content (A1) filed in the pouch; a second content (A2) filled in a first space (S1) between the pressure-proof container (11) and the inner container (12); and a propellant (P) filled in a second space (S2) between the inner container (12) and the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: DAIZO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoshi Mekata
  • Patent number: 9446896
    Abstract: A transport carrier or case for storing and/or transporting a partially disassembled bicycle is disclosed. The carrier includes means for mounting the partially disassembled bicycle to a base while providing for adjustment of the mounting means dependent on the size of the bicycle. Also disclosed are wheel retention means for releasably mounting the wheels of the bicycle to one side of the transport case, and isolation means to separate the bicycle frame from the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Robert J. Pelegrin
  • Patent number: 9446897
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bag for transporting and handling liquid or quasi liquid substances, that comprises at least a bottom and four sides and optionally a lid. The bag is provided with a sealed inner envelope including filling and optionally draining members. The bag also includes reinforcement plates integrated in the sides and the lid of the bag and optionally in the bottom of the bag. The bag is further provided with members for lifting same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Codefine S.A.
    Inventors: Piero Schinasi, Stéphane Levy
  • Patent number: 9446898
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tank. A first mold having a first molding surface corresponding to a first portion of an outside surface of the tank is provided. A second mold having a second molding surface corresponding to a second portion of the outside surface of the tank is provided. The first portion and the second portion form the outside surface of the tank having an opening disposed therein. A mold release agent is disposed onto the first and second molding surface. A molding bladder is provided. An outside surface of the molding bladder when inflated substantially corresponds to an inside surface of the tank having the opening disposed therein. A reinforcement material is disposed onto one of the molding bladder and the molding surfaces. The first and the second mold are combined in a sealed fashion. The first and the second mold have accommodated therebetween the reinforcement material and the molding bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Glen Aylward
  • Patent number: 9446899
    Abstract: A transferring apparatus includes a plurality of side-arm transfer units each provided with a pair of side arms each of which is capable of stretching toward and retracting from both sides of an object to be conveyed. The side-arm transfer units are arranged side by side in a left-and-right direction that is orthogonal to a stretching-and-retracting direction of the side arms. The side arms each include pinion gears, a rack gear, and a motor that drives the pinion gears. The motors positioned between the side-arm transfer units are connected to the pinion gears whose positions in the stretching-and-retracting direction are different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventor: Fumie Yamada
  • Patent number: 9446900
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tube sorter comprising: a transporting section configured to transport a sample rack; a storage arranged at a higher level than the transporting section, capable of storing a plurality of sample tubes; a lifting section configured to lift up the sample rack transported by the rack transporting section; and a sample tube transferring section configured to remove a sample tube from the sample rack lifted up by the lifting section and set the removed sample tube in the storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kei Takai, Nobuyoshi Yamakawa, Hiroo Tatsutani, Yuji Takano
  • Patent number: 9446901
    Abstract: A storage device includes: a storage member having, in the vertical direction, a plurality of parallel storage sections that are capable of storing plate-like members; and a first lifting and lowering mechanism that causes the plate-like members, stored in the storage member, to move integrally in the vertical direction, while the position of the storage member in the vertical direction is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirotoshi Yamagata, Akira Kishida, Atsushi Okada, Toshimichi Satou
  • Patent number: 9446902
    Abstract: The conveying device for conveying products comprises a plurality of slides individually movable with respect to each other to hold the products and a guide rail, on which the slides are guided. A linear motor drive unit serves to drive the slides, wherein each of the slides comprises permanent magnets, which interact with the coils of the linear motor drive unit. Each slide comprises a horseshoe-shaped or U-shaped base carrier with two legs, which enclose the guide rail from opposite sides. The base carrier is divided into at least two interconnected subsections, each of which comprises a leg. The subsections are movable relative to each other, as a result of which the gap width between the legs can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Aumann, Juergen Haaga, Wolfgang Rodi
  • Patent number: 9446903
    Abstract: Provided is a conveying apparatus configured that a rope member is extended between pulleys and a work is suspended on a rope member through a hook member. The object of the present invention is to provide the conveying apparatus making the rope member hard to come off the pulleys and including a bend part. The conveying apparatus for conveying the work along a predetermined conveying route includes a plurality of pulleys, a rope member, and a support member. The hook member is flexible, including a hold part which is a hole into which the rope member is inserted, held by the rope member by inserting the rope member into the hold part. The support member is joined to the hook member, and is suspended on the rope member by inserting the rope member into the hold part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hirofumi Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 9446904
    Abstract: An interchangeable flighting insert is disclosed to maximize the efficiency of singularly delivering objects, such as products, to a user through a product dispensation device. The flighting insert can be removably coupled to an auger of the product dispensation device, thereby allowing variation of the flighting characteristics based on the object to be dispensed. The same auger can therefore use a first flighting for certain products, and a second flighting for different products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: FREEOSK, INC.
    Inventors: Tony Lee Koenigsknecht, Albert John Kohn, Scott Alan Albright, Robert Kevin Blake, Jonathan Charles Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 9446905
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for feeding components has a downwardly inclined guide path (6), a mobile component carrier (4), which is connected in a releasable manner to the guide path (6), and interacting rolling bodies and rails (15, 16) on the guide path (6) and on the component carrier (4). The feed apparatus (1) has a loading location (10), at which a component carrier (4) is connected to the guide path (6), and possibly loaded with one or more components (3), by a worker (12), using a manually operable transfer apparatus (14), which can be actuated by applying manual force counter to a restoring element (31, 40). The transfer apparatus (14) is designed as a preliminary-positioning apparatus (20) for a loose component carrier (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: KUKA SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Per-Olaf Brockhoff, Yuecel Kara
  • Patent number: 9446906
    Abstract: A spindle conveyor for conveying workpieces, in particular vehicle wheels, having a rail system that includes at least one support rail. Multiple conveyor carriages have a chassis that can be moved on the support rail in a conveying direction and a supporting device for workpieces which is entrained by the chassis. Each workpiece can be mounted on a workpiece spindle which is part of the supporting device which has a pair of workpiece spindles mounted so as to be rotatable as a unit relative to the chassis about a vertical axis of rotation and can be moved at least into a first rotational position and a second rotational position. Also a station for treating workpieces, in particular vehicle wheels, with such a spindle conveyor which allows the workpieces to be conveyed through the station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: EISENMANN AG
    Inventors: Reiner Starz, Ulrich Hofbauer
  • Patent number: 9446907
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a zone controller and a conveyor device which facilitate identification of a defective part when a defect occurs in a distributed control type conveyor device. There is provided a zone controller (10) which is used for a conveyor device (1) in which a plurality of zone conveyors (2) are arranged in series, which manages one or a plurality of the zone conveyors (2) to control an operation thereof, and which is configured to receive a signal from a different zone controller (10) and transmit a signal to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Itoh Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Tachibana, Shigeki Fukata, Toshimasa Enoki
  • Patent number: 9446908
    Abstract: Systems and methods of associating data to an item being transported by a conveying system are disclosed. The item and data associated with the item are received at a first zone of the conveying system. The data is stored in a first computer-readable storage medium associated with the first zone. The item is transported to a second zone of the conveying system, and the data stored in the first computer-readable storage medium is transferred to a second computer-readable storage medium associated with the second zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: MATTHEWS RESOURCES, INC.
    Inventor: Darin Danelski