Patents Issued in October 4, 2016
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Patent number: 9457922Abstract: An apparatus and method for placing food products into a food tray are disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one sleeve at least one sleeve having a first end configured to singly receive food products and an at least partially closed second end opposite the first end. The at least one sleeve has a first position where the food products are singly receivable through the first end to form a stack having a predetermined orientation in the at least one sleeve. The at least one sleeve is configured to rotate from the first position to a second position where the food products are positioned over the food tray and substantially simultaneously unloaded in the predetermined orientation through an opening positioned between the first and second ends into the food tray.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLCInventors: Mark E. Malenke, Brian Charles Adamski, Tod Wesley Heleniak
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Patent number: 9457923Abstract: Tab length is controlled in a tape applicator by adjusting the position of a tension roll as the diameter or periphery of the tape supply roll is changed to increase the force pulling the tape from the supply roll as the diameter of the tape supply roll decreases without significantly changing the tension in the tape.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: LAMUS ENTERPRISES INC.Inventor: Joe Augustine S. T. Lam
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Patent number: 9457924Abstract: Medicine packaging apparatuses and methods for accurately determining a remaining sheet amount of a medicine packaging sheet are described. The apparatus includes: a roll support section to which a core tube of a medicine packaging sheet roll is attached; a sensor disposed in the roll support section for outputting a count value according to a rotation amount; a wireless reader-writer unit for writing information to a core tube IC tag and reading said information; an information generation section for generating information to be written to the core tube IC tag; a remaining sheet amount estimation section for estimating a current amount of remaining sheet based on the information and dimensional information of the core tube; and a controller which selectively performs an operation if a reference time-point count value is not yet written to the core tube IC tag and another operation if the count value is already written thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: YUYAMA MFG. CO., LTD.Inventors: Katsunori Yoshina, Tomohiro Sugimoto, Noriyoshi Fujii
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Patent number: 9457925Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a printing apparatus comprises a conveyance path, a detection section and a control section. The conveyance path conveys a mount to which labels are attached. The detection section detects the existence of the label peeled off by a peeling bar which peels off the label attached to the mount. The control section controls start time of back feed of the mount in a case in which it is detected that the label is taken away.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiromasa Harashina
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Patent number: 9457926Abstract: A method for applying decorations to packages includes applying a main decoration to the package, and applying a detachable part label with a reduced adhesion strength. The part label is provided on a region of the main decoration and takes up part of a surface region of the main decoration. The part label is printed on by using a digital printing process controlled by a computer that relies on a digital printing mask that is stored or generated by the computer. The computer controls the print head to cause it to print a print on the part label after the part label has been applied to the package.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2012Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Martin Schach
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Patent number: 9457927Abstract: A novel container is described having an outer chamber adapted to hold an amount of a first liquid; an inner chamber displaced within the outer chamber, the inner chamber adapted to hold an amount of a second liquid; and a cap having a mouthpiece adapted to allow the first liquid and second liquid to flow therethrough. The cap may be adapted to allow passage of the first liquid, but not the second liquid, when the mouthpiece is in a first position. The cap may also be adapted to allow passage of the second liquid, but not the first liquid, when the mouthpiece is in a second position.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: ShotWater, Inc.Inventors: Michael Kenworthy, Nick Trahan
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Patent number: 9457928Abstract: A substance dispensing system comprising in combination: a disposable container filled with a portion of a substance, the container having a preformed and deformable body with a bottom, a peripheral wall adjoining said bottom and having a top end remote from said bottom, an integral circumferential rim extending outwards from the top end of the peripheral wall and defining a filling opening of said container, said disposable container being closed by a cover sheet which is sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential seal, and a dispensing apparatus comprising a compression device having a cover sheet side support member for the cover sheet side of the container as well as a bottom engaging member for engaging on the bottom of the container, said compression device being adapted to compress the container by reduction of the distance between the cover sheet side support member and the bottom engaging member.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: MDS Global Holding p.l.c.Inventors: Lucas Alphonsus Maria Evers, Robert Willemsen, Roeland Petrus Maria van Oirschot, Michiel Olivier Schölvinck
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Patent number: 9457929Abstract: Leak-resistant packaging includes at least one bottom panel; at least one side panel, each side panel in leak-resistant arrangement with the bottom panel; and at least one support in leak-resistant arrangement with the bottom panel and the at least one side panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth T. Jenkins
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Patent number: 9457930Abstract: A flip-up pop-tab in which a partially detachable portion of a lid of a can is separated from the can and hinged away from the opening created in the lid is described.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: FGT TOP LLCInventors: Gilbert P. Stengel, Jr., Francis C. Ganance, Tracey Schieman
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Patent number: 9457931Abstract: A packing structure including an external packing carton consisting of a top surface, a bottom surface and side surfaces connected with one another and one or more small packing cartons, wherein at least one side surface of the external packing carton is provided with one or more folding portions, each folding portion consisting of one or more folding pieces which are folded to form an opening with a size mating with the size of the periphery of the small packing carton. The packing structure of the present disclosure is easy to be transported, cost reducing and friendly to the environment.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignees: Panasonic Ecology Systems Guangdong Co., Ltd., Panasonic CorporationInventors: Guancheng Hou, Bodong Zhong, Shouyong Gao, Daisuke Tsubosa
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Patent number: 9457932Abstract: A barrel includes a number of wood slats that have an inner face, an outer face and side edges, grooves formed in the edges of the slats and keys that join the slats by engaging grooves in the side edges of adjacent slats, and end caps which are affixed to close the ends of the barrel.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: DB Global LLCInventors: David Kenealy, John R. Cannon, James E. Rubino
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Patent number: 9457933Abstract: A holder for a liquid container, and an assembly of such a holder and a liquid container. The liquid container can be clamped or enclosed in the holder by a closing part which comprises a pouring spout which can be connected or is connected to a filling opening of the liquid container.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: GVG OLIEHANDEL B.V.Inventor: Peter Heinz Maria Van Gelder
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Patent number: 9457934Abstract: A mug includes a lower portion with a base wall and a lower peripheral wall extending upward from a periphery of the base wall. An upper portion includes a shoulder portion tapering upward from an upper peripheral wall extending downward from a periphery of the shoulder portion. A mouth extends upward from an upper end of the shoulder portion. A mid portion connects the upper peripheral wall to the lower peripheral wall. The mid portion includes a constant radius for more than half of a circumference of the mid portion. The constant radius extends from the upper peripheral wall to the lower peripheral wall. The mid portion further includes an upper band adjacent the upper peripheral wall and a lower band adjacent the lower peripheral wall. Each of the upper band and the lower band have the constant radius about their entire circumferences.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: MAMMOTH MUG INC.Inventor: Joe Kirkpatrick
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Patent number: 9457935Abstract: The present invention relates to a dosing systemwith a nozzle having an outlet opening, in the region of which a closure element is movably arranged, which is moved in an ejection and/or retracting direction during operation, wherein the closure element is thus coupled to at least two piezoelectric actuators which are connected in opposite direction such that a first piezoelectric actuator, when it is expanded in operation, moves the closure element in the retracting direction and a second piezoelectric actuator, when it is expanded in operation, moves the closure element in the ejection direction. The invention also relates to a dosing method that can be carried out using such a dosing system and to a method for producing such a dosing system.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: VERMES MICRODISPENSING GmbHInventors: Mario Fliess, Juergen Staedtler
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Patent number: 9457936Abstract: An access structure for a bag container includes a stress riser configuration formed in the bag and an attachment body attached to the bag overlying the stress riser configuration. A probe that may be associated with a shut off is provided for insertion through the attachment body and against the stress riser configuration to rupture the stress riser configuration and open the bag for emptying.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Willow Curtin
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Patent number: 9457937Abstract: Provided is a spouted bag body capable of having the same function as that of a check valve and allowing contents to easily come out by tilting a spout downward without applying excessive pressure to a bag body. A spouted bag body includes: a spout having a body portion formed in a cylindrical shape, and a valve portion disposed inside a cylindrical hole of the body portion; and a bag body attached to the body portion to seal an opening of the cylindrical hole on one side, in which the body portion is provided with a narrowed portion which protrudes from an inner surface of the cylindrical hole over an entire circumference thereof, and the valve portion includes a support portion attached to the body portion, and a movable portion which is formed of a material having elasticity, is connected to the support portion, and covers an opening of the narrowed portion on the other side by coming into contact with an edge portion of the opening of the narrowed portion on the other side.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Hosokawa Yoko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Ichikawa, Tsutomu Hara, Tomio Tahara
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Patent number: 9457938Abstract: A crown cap is adapted to be removably coupled to a container. The crown cap has a generally circular central region and a downwardly extending side wall in a generally frusto-conical configuration. The side wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface and an end edge remote from the central region. The exterior surface is formed with a plurality of exterior recesses spaced from the end edge to facilitate shaping of the side wall. The exterior surface has an odd number of recesses. The generally central region includes an annular V-shaped projection facing the end edge between the central portion and the side wall for the receipt of an adhesive for sealing a container.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Inventors: James R. Gilliam, Americo Salazar Bellorin
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Patent number: 9457939Abstract: A universal container seal for sealing a container opening includes a resilient body having a top surface and a bottom surface. The body is further configured in a geometric plan form and having a width significantly greater than a thickness, the thickness being greater at a center of the resilient body than at a periphery of the resilient body. At least one gripping portion extends from the top surface of the body. A central portion of the bottom surface of the resilient body is concave. The concave central portion can be in vertical registration with one or more gripping portions.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Inventor: Dan Peters
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Patent number: 9457940Abstract: A container having an opening, a first seal covering the container opening, the first seal having an aperture or passageway positioned therein, a second seal to close off the aperture, and, thus, when such second seal is removed functions to provide reduced or restricted pouring capacity of the container contents via said aperture in the first seal.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Inventor: Mathew L. Grell
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Patent number: 9457941Abstract: An essentially “U” shaped endless elastic loop gasket, with the opening facing inwardly, has multipurpose uses with flanged containers. A foil can be stretched over the top of a raised ridge on top of the multipurpose elastic loop gasket on the flanged containers to form a closure. A foil can alternately be placed over the container flange around the container opening under the elastic loop gasket to form a closure. The elastic loop is stretched to encompass both the foil and flange and then released to secure the foil over the container opening. A first foil can be placed between the elastic loop gasket and container flange and a second foil can be placed over the raised ridge forming an insulation area over the container opening. Heat-resistant elastic loop gaskets of low heat conductivity enable the pan or container to be placed in an oven or refrigerator and removed by bare hands.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2010Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Inventor: Tomoya Kawakami
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Patent number: 9457942Abstract: A metal locking tie and support clip for securing a bundle are disclosed. The metal locking tie is positioned within the support clip. The metal locking tie has a tie head and a tie body. The tie head includes a locking ball and a bottom with an opening. The tie body includes a first end and a second end with cut-off edges. The support clip supports the bottom of the tie head and encapsulates the cut-off edges of the second end of the tie body.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Michael Mayo, Rodney G. Rouleau
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Patent number: 9457943Abstract: In summary there is provided in one embodiment a a bundle of pans and a handle. The handle has opposed adhesive ends and an un-adhesive portion between the two adhesive ends. The adhesive sections extend such that each adhesive section lies over at least a section of an opposing pan side defined on outside surfaces of the lower most pan and a height defined by the rims of the bundle of pans. The un-adhesive portion of the handle rests at least along a portion of the opposing uppermost sidewalls of the uppermost pan and the bottom base of the uppermost pan and is configured to act as a handle when pulled taut.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2016Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Handi Foil CorporationInventor: Raj Patel
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Patent number: 9457944Abstract: The invention relates to a water-soluble packaging containing an agent and a water-soluble wrapping. Said water-soluble wrapping contains a bittering agent in a dilution of at least 1:250.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaAInventors: Frank Meier, Martina Hermann, Brigitte Giesen, Leyla Kolling, Matthias Sunder
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Patent number: 9457945Abstract: A multiple water containers and holder structure includes a holder having a bent portion provided at its one side to form an open receiving space between the holder and the bent portion and a plurality of combining portions defined on a side of the holder closer to the receiving space; a securing element combined on the bent portion including at least one attachment element on a side surface of the securing element away from the holder for attaching the securing element onto an intended vertical face; and a plurality of coupling sets consisting of a plurality of first coupling elements provided at locations on the holder corresponding to the respective combining portions and a plurality of second coupling elements provided on the bottoms of the container bodies. The first coupling elements and the second coupling elements normally maintain connection with each other, so that the container bodies are stored and held in place in the receiving space of the holder.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Inventor: Hsiao-Chin Wang
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Patent number: 9457946Abstract: A system for a greeting card. The greeting card has a planar greeting card portion and a greeting card cover moveably coupled to the planar greeting card portion. The greeting card cover can move from an open position whereby the planar greeting card portion is readable to a closed position adjacent to said planar greeting card portion whereby the planar greeting card portion is not readable. The greeting card portion is coupled to a gift storage compartment which has a volume and a depth for storing an item. The greeting card cover can open and close without moving the gift storage compartment.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Inventors: Bobbie Lopez, James Cruickshank, Jack Cruickshank
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Patent number: 9457947Abstract: An apparatus and a method to hold a patterning device configured to impart a beam of radiation with a pattern in its cross-section. The apparatus includes a base configured to support the patterning device and an inner cover couplable to the base. The inner cover includes a restraining mechanism that, upon an application of a force external to the inner cover, is configured to provide an in-plane force to the patterning device to restrain movement of the patterning device, the in-plane force being substantially parallel to a patterning surface of the patterning device.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: ASML HOLDING N.V.Inventors: Robert Gabriël Maria Lansbergen, Peter C. Kochersperger, David Ramirez, Xugang Xiong, George Hilary Harrold, Arindam Sinharoy
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Patent number: 9457948Abstract: An insert assembly is outfitted upon a lidded beverage container for enabling the user to transfer heat from a relatively hot assembly-contained beverage so as to prevent scalding prior to consumption. The insert assembly preferably comprises a damming structure. The damming structure is formed from a semi-rigid material and is sized and shaped for receipt adjacent the upper rim perimeter of a container structure for defining beverage-containing and beverage-cooling compartments. The insert structure comprises first and second apertures for outletting beverage and inletting air intermediate the beverage-containing and beverage-cooling compartments. The beverage-cooling compartment receives heat from the beverage received therewithin and thereby enables the beverage to cool before being outlet via a primary outlet of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Inventor: Pavel Savenok
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Patent number: 9457949Abstract: A system for applying a personal message to a heat resistant cameo that is intended to be included with a deceased person during a cremation process. The system includes a holder having a middle passage constructed and arranged to receive the cameo therein with the cameo having a predetermined inscription surface upon which a personal message can be inscribed; a transfer sheet with the holder retaining the transfer sheet and being constructed and arranged to stretch the transfer sheet over the inscription surface of the cameo; and a mask that is disposed over the transfer sheet. The mask has a middle hole therein that is aligned with the middle passage of the holder.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Inventor: William S. Hathaway, III
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Patent number: 9457950Abstract: When a tablet housed in a groove is transported below the cover portion, the tablet falls downward from the dispensing hole. A main body portion includes a first fulcrum which serves as a fulcrum for a movement in which a part of the cover portion, which is in contact with the tablet when the cover portion and the tablet begin to contact each other, moves as a result of being pressed by the tablet, and a second fulcrum which serves as a fulcrum for a movement in which the part of the cover portion, which is in contact with the tablet, moves as a result of being pressed by the tablet after the movement of the main body portion and an extending portion supported by the first fulcrum is finished.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2012Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: TAKAZONO TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATEDInventor: Kenzo Yoshinori
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Patent number: 9457951Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a recess for receipt of a container. Further, a first compartment for receipt of a first battery and a second compartment for receipt of a second battery are provided. An actuator is disposed above the recess and the first compartment and the second compartment are disposed on opposing sides of the recess.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
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Patent number: 9457952Abstract: A spray system for dispensing a homogenous mixture of a liquid formulation and propellant as an atomized aerosol where a disposable container containing a liquid base is used alone or secured within a rigid container and is charged through a fitting in fluid communication with the interior of the disposable container using a detachable pressurized charge can containing a propellant compatible with the liquid base. Preferably the liquid formulation is a paint base that can be tinted at the point of sale before charging with the charge can.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: SEYMOUR OF SYCAMORE, INC.Inventor: Christopher Heatley
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Patent number: 9457953Abstract: Described are gas-permeable bags for storing respiring materials. The bags can be formed using a single sheet of a sturdy, transparent, gas-impermeable material to facilitate the viewing of bag contents. The bags can also include two or more gas-permeable walls with respective and different gas-transmission rates that are selected so that the overall gas-transmission rates for the bags are tailored for their contents. The types of films and laminates used for the gas-permeable walls exhibit gas-transmission rates for oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water that are favorable for different types of respiring materials.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: United Source Packaging LLCInventor: Edward Davies
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Patent number: 9457954Abstract: A breather device connects to a vessel. The breather device inlets air to the vessel and filters the air upon inlet via a filter media, and exhausts air from the vessel. The vessel has a pressure that may vary and a low pressure threshold and a high pressure threshold. The breather device includes a housing, a cartridge removable from the housing for containing the filter media, an inlet check valve to the housing, the inlet check valve is selectively biased to prevent flows therethrough unless the pressure in the vessel falls below the low pressure threshold, an outlet check valve from the housing, the outlet check valve is selectively biased to prevent exhaust therethrough unless the pressure in the vessel exceeds the high pressure threshold, and a pressure gauge connected to the housing for measuring internal pressure in the vessel. The breather device can additionally include seals and/or an internal check valve between the filter media and the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2011Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: The Whitmore Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Steven Anderson
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Patent number: 9457955Abstract: An article storage facility includes a measuring jig for measuring an amount of tilt of a support body. A controller for controlling operation of an article transport device performs a tilt measurement control for controlling operation of the article transport device to transport the measuring jig sequentially to each of a plurality of measurement target storage sections which is all or part of the plurality of storage sections.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuya Omori, Hiromichi Aoki, Hideo Yoshioka, Sadato Matsuki
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Patent number: 9457956Abstract: A drawer device and a storage device improving workability are provided. A drawer device 1 includes supporting members 2a, 2b configured to be inserted in a gap under a FOUP 120 loaded on a shelf 134 and to be fixed to the shelf 134, and lifting members configured to switch between a first height position and a second height position where the first height position enables insertion of the supporting members 2a, 2b into the gap and the second height position allows the lifting member to lift the FOUP 120 higher than the first height position, and configured to allow the FOUP 120 to slide toward the front of the shelf 134 at the second height position.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.Inventors: Naruto Adachi, Yasuhisa Ito
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Patent number: 9457957Abstract: A pipe carrying device for effectively gripping and transporting a pipe between a pair of users. The pipe includes a pair of elongated rods extending along a rod axis and a bend defined by the rod extending downwardly away from the rod axis. The rods are pivotally coupled at an outboard hinge located at the bend. The hinge includes a hinge axis round which the rods are configured to pivot. Each rod further includes at least one associated hemispheric clamp, the clamps forming a cylinder when the device is in a gripping position. The cylinder has a clamp axis extending parallel to the hinge axis and perpendicular to the rod axis. The device is biased towards the gripping position via the upward rotation of the rods, urging the clamps towards each other for securely holding and carrying the pipe within the cylinder when oriented therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Inventors: Scott Blood, Kevin Drake
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Patent number: 9457958Abstract: A deflection device for a belt conveyor includes an endless conveyor belt for the deflection of the conveyor belt between a first stretch section and a second stretch section running transversely thereto. The deflection device includes at least one turning device and a second turning device for the conveyor belt. The first and second turning devices are arranged in a region of a bottom strand of the conveyor belt and wherein each turning device includes at least one vertical deflection roller for the conveyor belt, in order to turn the conveyor belt from a horizontal plane into a vertical plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: SANDVIK MINING AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS HANDLING GMBH & CO KGInventor: Hubert Rieger
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Patent number: 9457959Abstract: End drive for a conveyor, comprising a conveying track (6) for, during use, guiding a conveying part of a straight-running modular conveyor mat (2), a return guide (10) extending at a distance along the conveying part for return guidance of a return part of the conveyor mat, and a gear drive (16) located between the conveying track and the return guide for, through engagement of the conveyor mat, drivingly having the conveyor mat round from the conveying track to the return guide. The return guide comprises a guiding envelope (E), linking up with the gear drive and extending along successive rows of modules, in which movement of the return part of the conveyor mat both sideways in the plane of the conveyor mat and transversely to the conveying plane is limited.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: REXNORD FLATTOP EUROPE B.V.Inventors: Cornelis Hendrik Mijndert Menke, Leonardus Adrianus Catharinus Cornelissen
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Patent number: 9457960Abstract: An apparatus for assisting the movement of a transport chain (105, 405) in correspondence of a curve of a transport path of an articles conveyor (100, 400) is proposed. The transport chain comprises a plurality of modules (120i?1, 120i, 120i+1; 420i?1, 420i, 420i+1); each module being coupled to adjacent modules in order to form a loop. Moreover, top surfaces (122; 422) of the coupled modules define a transport surface (124; 424) for supporting the articles to be transported and a side surface (315; 540) define a chain side surface of the chain. The apparatus comprises at least one auxiliary chain (135, 435) arranged in a curvilinear running region (130, 430) corresponding to the transport path curve. In the solution according to an embodiment of the present invention, said auxiliary chain comprises a plurality of contact elements (235, 535).Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: REXNORD FLATTOP EUROPE S.R.L.Inventor: Andrea Andreoli
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Patent number: 9457961Abstract: A method of sorting articles using a positive displacement sorter having a plurality of slats arranged in parallel to define a conveying surface moving in a longitudinal direction, a plurality of pusher shoes, each of said shoes travelling laterally along at least one of said slat and a diverting station comprising at least one diverting rail arranged diagonally under said conveying surface and at least one diverting switch for selectively diverting at least two pusher shoes to the diverting rail whereby the pusher shoes travel laterally across said conveying surface in a diagonal path in order to divert an article to a take-away lane includes pre-orienting articles prior to the diverting station wherein a side of each article is oriented at approximately a same orientation as the diagonal path and operating the at least one diverting switch and diverting at least one article that is pre-oriented.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Dematic Corp.Inventor: Thomas H. Green, III
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Patent number: 9457962Abstract: Industrial pallet has a body with an open bay, in which a work piece can be secured such that it can be worked on from either side of the pallet. An overhead gantry and/or flipping unit may be employed to move from station to station and/or flip the work piece itself or the work piece mounted in the pallet. Aside from the flipping unit, robotic moving and/or loading may be employed by the overhead gantry, which has two axes of motion only. Such components can be combined in a manufacturing system to make parts.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Inventor: Robert Richard Quinn
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Patent number: 9457963Abstract: A turnover apparatus for turning over a workpiece includes a first support frame, a second support frame, and a workpiece turnover mechanism. The workpiece turnover mechanism includes a lifting assembly and a turnover assembly. The lifting assembly includes a first driving element, a movable gripper driven by the first driving element, and a suction cup positioned on the movable gripper. The turnover assembly includes a first rotating driver, a clamp connected to the first rotating driver, and a first clamp driver. The first rotating driver is capable of rotating the first clamp driver and the clamp. The first clamp driver is capable of driving the clamp to clamp or release from the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignees: FU DING ELECTRONICAL TECHNOLOGY (JIASHAN) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Ming-Lu Yang, Xiang-Tao Zhang, Chun-Sun Liu
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Patent number: 9457964Abstract: The invention proceeds from a separating device having at least one portioning unit (12a-f) which is provided for spacing main groups (14a-f) apart from at least one product column (18a-f) which is fed in a continuous feed movement (16a-f) and for forming the main groups (14a-f) from the at least one product column (18a-f) which is fed in, by an acceleration at least substantially in the direction of the feed movement (16a-f). It is proposed that the portioning unit (12a-f) is provided for returning into an initial position (20a-f) in order to form the next main group (14a-f), while the at least one product column (18a-f) which is fed in a feed movement (16a-f).Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2012Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Uwe Schaumburg
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Patent number: 9457965Abstract: The invention relates to a checkout-system arrangement (10, 100), having an item-acquisition device (12) for acquiring selected items which comprises a scanner (18, 20, 22) for acquiring the items and a first conveyor belt (28) for conveying the items placed on the first conveyor belt (28). Furthermore, a packing device (16) is provided which comprises at least two item-receiving units (32 to 42), which are separate from one another, for receiving the scanned items and for making the items available. Between the first conveyor belt (28) and the packing device (16), a conveying device (14, 114) is provided which comprises a second conveyor belt (30, 130) by means of which, after conveying (28) by means of the first conveyor belt, the scanned items are conveyable to the item-receiving units (32 to 42) of the packing device (16).Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: WINCOR NIXDORF INTERNATIONAL GMBHInventors: Guenter Baitz, Dominik Widmaier
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Patent number: 9457966Abstract: A tray-handling station for manually loading or unloading piece goods on or from a tray, comprising a tray-conveyor system including a handling position for buffering at least one tray; a working area including at least partially a packing station, or a piece-good conveyor system; and a sliding-surface unit defining a handling plane together with the to-be-handled tray, the handling plane being arranged adjacent to the tray-conveyor system and the packing station, or the piece-good conveyor system; wherein the working area includes the handling position, at least partially, and is dimensioned such that a person moves, during removal of one of the piece goods from the tray located at the handling position, which serves as removal position, the piece good from the tray to a discharging area, which is located within the working area and which, at least partially, overlaps the packing station, or the piece-good-conveyor system, only by moving his/her upper body without a lift.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: SSI Schäfer Noell GmbH Lager—und SystemtechnikInventor: Elmar Issing
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Patent number: 9457967Abstract: An improved pharmaceutical vial processing system and method groups vials on an automated dispensing line according to diverting needs. The improved pharmaceutical vial processing system and method allows vials to travel in close groups. A diversion algorithm determines when gaps between vials are needed to reduce the likelihood that a mechanical diverting device engages the wrong vial to a new location on the dispensing line. The diversion algorithm identifies each vial that needs to be diverted to a target location and employs a “neighbor analysis” to determine whether a gap between neighboring vials is needed before a vial destined for the target station encounters a diverter. Vials that are destined for locations beyond the target station remain grouped. Vials that are behind a vial destined for the target station are held to introduce a gap between the vial destined for the target station and the remaining vials.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Humana Inc.Inventors: Michael Mahar, Atin Kapadia
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Patent number: 9457968Abstract: A container denester apparatus for sequentially supplying nested containers, the apparatus comprising an indexer chassis, an indexing assembly and a rotating indexing arm. The rotating indexing arm is configured to extend into the clamshell cavity, which provides for the passage of clamshell containers therethrough. The indexing arm is rotationally coupled to at least one of the at least one rack gear, and has a lower cam profile and an upper cam profile, with the cam profiles extending into the clamshell cavity when properly rotated. In a starting position, a clamshell container is precluded from passage through the clamshell cavity, and, a portion of an underside surface rests upon the upper cam profile. Through rotation of the rotating indexing arm the lower cam profile forces the downward movement of the clamshell container while retaining the other clamshell containers nestedly coupled thereto.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: A & B Packing Equipment, INC.Inventor: Andrew Dale Miedema
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Patent number: 9457969Abstract: The present invention relates to a container tilting apparatus which includes at least one base section, and at least two tilt arms, with each of the tilt arms being pivotably connected to a base section. The tilt arms may be configured to engage different portions of the container. Also included is at least one tilt arm drive configured to pivot a tilt arm relative to a base section. The apparatus is arranged so that at least one tilt arm is pivotably connected to abase section at a point offset from the center of the tilt arm.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: A WARD ATTACHMENTS LIMITEDInventor: Simon Robert Ward
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Patent number: 9457970Abstract: An example system includes a plurality of trailers arranged such that a given trailer of the plurality is connected to at least one other trailer of the plurality, where the plurality of trailers includes a plurality of respective conveyance systems to transport objects between connected trailers. The system further includes a control system configured to cause a conveyance system of a first trailer of the plurality to move at least one object to the first trailer from a first external trailer, cause respective conveyance systems of one or more trailers of the plurality to transport the at least one object from the first trailer of the plurality to a second trailer of the plurality that is connected to a second external trailer, and cause a conveyance system of the second trailer of the plurality to move the at least one object to the second external trailer.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: John Zevenbergen, Stefan Nusser, Troy Straszheim
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Patent number: 9457971Abstract: First imaging device collects first image data, whereas second imaging device collects second image data of a storage portion. A container identification module identifies a container perimeter of the storage portion in at least one of the collected first image data and the collected second image data. A spout identification module is adapted to identify a spout of the transferring vehicle in the collected image data. An image data evaluator determines whether to use the first image data, the second image data, or both based on an evaluation of the intensity of pixel data or ambient light conditions. An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the container perimeter and to generate command data to the propelled portion to steer the storage portion in cooperative alignment such that the spout is aligned within a central zone or a target zone of the container perimeter.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignees: Deere & Company, Carnegie Mellon UniversityInventors: Zachary T. Bonefas, Mark M. Chaney, Jeremiah K. Johnson, Aaron J. Bruns, Herman Herman, Carlos Vallespi-Gonzalez, Jose Gonzalez Mora