Patents Issued in November 1, 2016
  • Patent number: 9481463
    Abstract: An aircraft cabin management panel and an aircraft cabin management system including the aircraft cabin management panel. The aircraft cabin management panel includes a user interface and a control unit configured to communicate a control instruction to at least one of a plurality of cabin components provided in an aircraft cabin upon an input received via the user interface. The control instruction enables the at least one of the plurality of cabin components to perform an operation in accordance with the control instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Riedel, Gerd Bruechmann
  • Patent number: 9481464
    Abstract: The present invention provides table arrangement comprising a housing that has an open configuration and a closed configuration, a table, which, when in a stowed configuration is at least partially housed in the housing, and when in a presented configuration, is partially protruding from the housing, and an activation mechanism for opening and closing the housing, which is linked by a mechanical linkage to the table or housing such that when the activation mechanism closes the housing, the table changes from the presented configuration to the stowed configuration. The invention also provides an aircraft seat module, an aircraft and a method of stowing a table arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats UK Limited
    Inventors: Robert Gow, Paul Morgan
  • Patent number: 9481465
    Abstract: A tray table that facilitates consumption of entertainment and various other media via a portable electronic device is disclosed herein. The tray table includes a panel that secures the portable electronic device for hands free operation. One or more channels at the panel receive at least a portion of the portable electronic device. The panel is capable of rotating between an open and closed position, while the tray table itself may rotate between a stowed and service position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SmartTray International, LLC
    Inventor: Nick Pajic
  • Patent number: 9481466
    Abstract: A method of controlling motion of movable components of a powered seat includes, using the controller, monitoring a feedback signal of an actuator during motion of a component. During an acceleration phase of the motion of the component, a reference state of the time-varying motion command is detected and a reference value of the monitored feedback signal is determined as a reference value. A feedback-signal acceptance range is determined using the reference value of the monitored feedback signal. During a steady-state phase of the motion, the motion of the component is terminated if the monitored feedback signal departs the determined feedback-signal acceptance range. A control system for a powered seat of a vehicle is described. A powered seat assembly is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Brian Fischer, Stephen McIntyre, Robert D. Matusek
  • Patent number: 9481467
    Abstract: A modular floor track adapter system including a plurality of adapter plates laterally sized to span existing aircraft floor beams, each of the plurality of adapter plates shaped to interlock with an adjacent adapter plate in a side-by-side arrangement and including a series of holes for attaching seat track crown sections and panel attachment tabs for securing an aircraft floor panel thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Oleson
  • Patent number: 9481468
    Abstract: An environmental control system for an aircraft. The environmental control system is powered by engine bleed air. A primary turbocharger is provided that includes a first turbine and a first compressor. The first turbine is powered by the engine bleed air. The first compressor draws ambient air and creates a first compressed air supply without ever exposing the first compressed air supply to the engine bleed air. A secondary turbocharger is provided that has a second compressor and an expansion turbine. The second compressor further compresses the first compressed air supply to create a second compressed air supply. A heat exchanger is provided that cools the second compressed air supply to create a cooled compressed air supply. The cooled compressed air supply powers the expansion turbine. This causes the cooled compressed air supply to losing both heat and pressure to become a conditioned air supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Peter Schiff
  • Patent number: 9481469
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve for controlling the internal pressure in a cabin of an aircraft. First and second flaps supported in a frame control a fluid flow between the environment and the cabin through an opening of the valve. The first flap is supported at a distance from a front edge of the frame and the second flap is supported on a rear edge of the frame. A closing device closes an outflow opening (56) in an inflow position of the flaps, which outflow opening is bounded by the flaps. The closing device is pivotably supported on one of the flaps, and interacts with the locking device in such a way that the closing device closes the outflow opening in the event of a pivoting motion of the flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Nord-Micro GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Martin Steinert, Dusan Vranjes
  • Patent number: 9481470
    Abstract: An intermediate structure of an aircraft configured to mechanically attach an engine core and an engine fan module to each other and to the aircraft. The intermediate structure may have a ring-shaped portion and/or an elongated mount beam extending substantially perpendicularly from the ring-shaped portion. The ring-shaped portion may have a forward edge and an aft edge opposite of the forward edge, and may include a first attachment portion for attaching to a flange of the engine core, a second attachment portion for attaching to a flange of the engine fan module, and a mounting portion configured for mounting directly to a pylon or airframe of an aircraft. The engine core and/or the engine fan module may independently mechanically attach to and detach from the intermediate structure. The intermediate structure may have a gearbox mounted thereto for interfacing with rotary components of the engine core and the engine fan module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Patent number: 9481471
    Abstract: Autonomous propulsion apparatus and methods are disclosed. An example autonomous propulsion unit includes a flight controller capable of executing flight control instructions stored in a memory of the autonomous propulsion unit; and a propulsor to generate propulsion in accordance with the instructions for a payload carrier to which the autonomous propulsion unit is coupled, wherein the flight controller is to provide flight control for the propulsor in an absence of flight control instructions from the payload carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Daniel Newman
  • Patent number: 9481472
    Abstract: Energy protection device for an aircraft. The device (1) comprises units (12, 14, 15) for automatically deactivating an energy protection function, if a return of the aircraft to an operational flight domain is detected after the activation of this protection function, and for automatically managing an autothrust (2), if at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: a relaxing of a control member is detected, and the angle of attack of the aircraft is below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (SAS)
    Inventors: Marie-Claire Moune, Jean Muller, Christophe Poujol, Julien Fontan
  • Patent number: 9481473
    Abstract: A system for controlling operation of an aircraft engine includes a master controller, a control node coupled to a component of the aircraft engine and to the master controller, wherein the control node includes a computing device for performing diagnosis of the component. The computing device is configured to assess performance of the component during operation of the aircraft, determine whether the component is performing within specification, and if not performing within specification, indicate that the component is out of specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Skertic
  • Patent number: 9481474
    Abstract: An Auxiliary Power Unit (“APU”) for an aircraft with reduced weight, but which at the same time meets all fire-related airworthiness standards. The APU comprises a metallic housing having mounts for attaching the housing to an external structure. The APU further comprises at least one temperature sensor suitable for detecting temperature under fire conditions. The temperature sensor is coupled with the mounts for sensing temperature at the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventors: Carlos Casado Montero, Maria Cruz Zamarro Martin, Pio Fernandez Lopez
  • Patent number: 9481475
    Abstract: A mobile UAV infrastructure and management system for control and management of one or more unmanned aerial vehicles including at least one landing platform to facilitate operational readiness of the unmanned aerial vehicle, radio beacons for localization of the unmanned aerial vehicle, a command and control station in communication with the unmanned aerial vehicle, and an unmanned ground vehicle for deploying the landing platform, the radio beacons and the command and control station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David Esteban Campillo, Enrique Juan Casado Magaña, David Scarlatti, Ivan Maza Alcañiz, Fernando Caballero Benitez, Ricardo Ragel de la Torre
  • Patent number: 9481476
    Abstract: Disclosed are a space object disposal device and a space object disposal method using a rotation motion. The device for disposing a space object includes: a disposal orbit calculation unit configured to calculate a disposal orbit of a space object; an escape velocity calculation unit configured to calculate an escape velocity at which the space object moves along the disposal orbit; and a rotation driving unit configured to be connected the space object, rotate the space object on a predetermined rotation orbit so as to reach the escape velocity, and separate the space object at a point of contact of the predetermined rotation orbit and the disposal orbit when the space object rotates at the escape velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yoo La Hwang, Byoung Sun Lee
  • Patent number: 9481477
    Abstract: A fluid manifold system includes a manifold port assembly having a housing with an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports formed thereon and a carousel having a plurality of spaced apart fluid paths that extend therethrough from a first end to an opposing second end. The carousel is rotatably coupled with the housing so that when the first end of each fluid path is aligned with the inlet port on the housing, the second end of each fluid path is aligned with a corresponding different one of the plurality of outlet ports. A container is fluid coupled to each outlet port by a fluid line. The inlet port can be selectively coupled with a fluid source while a motor can control rotation of the carousel relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Steven R. Kjar
  • Patent number: 9481478
    Abstract: An ice bagging assembly and related method with a horizontal ice bag cassette, a pair of opposing ice bag ply graspers configured to move an empty ice bag from the horizontal ice bag cassette to a vertical position to receive cubed ice before it is sealed shut and dropped to an ice bag merchandiser. The opposing graspers may be configured as rotating wheels and may have a grasping sensor. The ice bag cassette may be slidably and tiltably supported for easy replacement of horizontal bags. A load sensor, optical or mechanical, may be associated with the ice hopper to sense how much ice has been put in each bag. A pair of angled guides may guide a hopper into a support frame for the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: GW Services, LLC
    Inventors: James Shaker, Paul Bareford, Vince Shaker
  • Patent number: 9481479
    Abstract: A container sealing apparatus is provided, comprising a sealing tool having a lower tool half and an upper tool half; a feed lane for transferring one or more containers to and away from means for transferring containers on to the lower tool half of the sealing tool; and a lifting mechanism for moving the lower tool half towards the upper tool half. The container sealing apparatus also comprises an elongate container guide extending along the feed lane and sealing tool to laterally locate containers as they are transported along the teed lane and sealing tool, and control apparatus adapted to adjust the lateral position of at least the part of said container guide extending along said feed lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ISHIDA EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Lee Michael Vine, Graham Andrew Charles Neale
  • Patent number: 9481480
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine including a sealing station which is used for sealing a package comprising a trough and a cover film, and which has at least two sides, the sealing station including a sealing tool provided with at least one evacuation aperture for discharging the atmosphere and at least one gas flushing aperture for supplying a gas volume flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Dominik Harlacher, Andreas Mader
  • Patent number: 9481481
    Abstract: A packaging device includes a conveyance mechanism, a first guide portion, and a processor. The conveyance mechanism is configured to convey, along a conveyance path, a base on which an object is placed. The first guide portion is configured to guide a film and to move along a movement path. The processor is configured to cause the conveyance mechanism to convey the base toward a downstream side in a conveyance direction. The processor is further configured to cause the first guide portion to move along the movement path from above to below the conveyance path after the base is conveyed toward the downstream side to a first position. The processor is further configured to cause the conveyance mechanism to convey the base toward the upstream side to a second position after the first guide portion is moved to below the conveyance path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruo Imamaki, Toshihiro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9481482
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing sorbent canisters into containers includes a first wheel and a second wheel, disposed to rotate with each other. A first plate is disposed between the first and second wheels and a second plate is disposed on a side of the second wheel opposite the first wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Brug, Brian D. Kamas, Jason L. Kerkeslager
  • Patent number: 9481483
    Abstract: A sterilization unit comprises at least one nozzle pipe for injection of a sterilization agent into a packaging container to be sterilized. The sterilization unit is driven to move in an axial direction, in a downward stroke and an upward stroke, corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the nozzle pipe such that it is inserted into an open end of the packaging container during sterilization thereof. The nozzle pipe is suspended such as to be displaceable in relation to the sterilization unit, in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Manoochehr Keikhaee, Rasmus Nyström, Jörgen Riis Mörk
  • Patent number: 9481484
    Abstract: A reusable, liner-free labeling system, which allows labels to be wound without the use of a release liner, is described herein. The absence of a liner reduces inventory requirements, roll-changeover time, cost of production, and waste. Additionally, the labeling system described herein provides labels that remove cleanly, which reduces the time required to remove the label and eliminates the necessity of cleaning the substrate after removal. The labeling system provides labels that can be easily reused and reapplied, which can reduce time and costs associated with user labeling error. The labeling system is compatible with labels of all currently available facesheets, regardless of composition or physical characteristics, and allows for large quantity batch printing. The implementation of the labeling system does not require any changes to the pre-existing label printing infrastructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: NuLabel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Y. Cho, Ashley M. Mudd, David A. Sonshine
  • Patent number: 9481485
    Abstract: A plastic container having a sidewall defining a chamber and having a first end and a second end and an opening at the first end into the chamber. A base of the container extends from the sidewall and closes the second end, the base having an outer perimeter portion defining a support structure, an axially inwardly extending perimeter wall spaced radially inwardly from the support structure forming an angle with a horizontal line of greater than about 80°, a centrally disposed pushup section in the shape of an axially inwardly extending truncated cone, and a toroidal-shaped channel circumscribing and connecting the perimeter wall to the pushup section. The toroidal-shaped channel has a surface that is asymmetrical about a central axis of the container when the container is under static pressure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Graham Packaging PET Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Schneider, Matt Vogel, Samuel E. Evins, Kerry W. Silvers
  • Patent number: 9481486
    Abstract: A re-closeable folded container includes a hexahedral base including a front panel and a rear panel, a cover pivotally connected with an upper edge of a rear panel for movement between an open position and a closed position, and a locking panel hingedly connected with an upper edge of the front panel. The front panel includes a tear-away portion defined by a score line. The locking panel includes a first tab, a second tab, and a tear-away portion defined by score lines. The tear-away portion of the locking panel is fixedly attached to both the front portion of the cover and the tear-away portion of the front panel such that initial movement of the cover from the closed position toward the open position causes the locking panel and the front panel to tear along the score lines and causes both tear-away portions to pivotally move with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignees: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC, Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy L. Nameth, Bradley J. Burke, Ronald R. Werts, III, Tracy Brock, Todd Ruhbusch
  • Patent number: 9481487
    Abstract: The present application provides a multi-piece box. The multi-piece box may include a body blank with a number of body panels and a number of second blanks with a second blank panel. The second blanks may be attached to the body blank. One or more of the body panels may include a first dimension along a first direction, the second blanks may include a second dimension along the first direction, and the second dimension may be greater than the first dimension such that the second blank panels may create a protruding end with respect to the one or more body panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: GEORGIA-PACIFIC CORRUGATED LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Evan Dean, Yavuz Aksan, Wayne P. Gasior, Ernest B. Widner, Khurram Ali
  • Patent number: 9481488
    Abstract: A pallet assembly and a lid apparatus for the pallet assembly include a first lid segment and a second lid segment selectively cooperating with each other. The lid segments each include an outer edge and an inner edge spaced in an opposing relationship. The inner edges of the lid segments are configured to face each other. The first lid segment includes a first locking feature disposed proximal to the inner edge of the first lid segment and the second lid segment includes a second locking feature disposed proximal to the inner edge of the second lid segment. The lid segments are movable between an engaged position in which the locking features engage each other to secure the lid segments together to define a complete lid, and a disengaged position in which the locking features disengage from each other to separate the lid segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Neal A. Lewis
  • Patent number: 9481489
    Abstract: A container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse has a base and opposite sides. The container has multiple levels of dunnage components, the dunnage components of at least one level being movable between open and closed positions to enable an operator to load and unload products more easily. The dunnage components of at least one level may have openings through which pass guides supported at least partially by the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Bradford Company
    Inventors: Judson A. Bradford, Timothy A. Bublitz, Brian T. Dobrinski, Matthew S. Sanger, Donald J. Bazany
  • Patent number: 9481490
    Abstract: A system for coupling accessory devices to a portable electronic device includes a casing that receives the portable electronic device. The casing has a front opening through which a display screen of a portable electronic device is accessible to a user, and a rear opening. The system further includes a plate element that is inserted into the casing and is positioned adjacent the rear opening such that a portion of the plate element is exposed by the rear opening. The system further includes an accessory device coupled to the plate element. The accessory device has an inner portion and an outer portion, such that when the accessory device is coupled to the plate element, at least part of the plate element is between the inner portion and the outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ACCO Brands Corporation
    Inventors: A. John Venida, John Hung, Barry Marshall
  • Patent number: 9481491
    Abstract: A containing device includes a first container, a second container and a lid. The first container is provided for containing a powder or particulate substance and includes a first leading-out opening and a second leading-out opening. The lid is combined to an upper end or a lower end of the first container upper end or lower end for sealing and resisting moisture of the content of the first container. The second container is movably pivoted in the first container and includes a fixed number of receiving grooves, and the receiving groove has a leading-in opening, a release outlet and a separating board. When the leading-in opening of the second container is displaced to a position corresponsive to the first leading-out opening of the first container, the release outlet is sealed, so that a fixed quantity of content of the first container enters into the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Tse-Ju Tu
  • Patent number: 9481492
    Abstract: A multi-closure strip of clips with one or more openings to hold the neck of a bag, which include a male and a female interlocking portion to hold the clips together in a series. Each clip includes a female pocket at a first edge, and a male tab at a second edge. Neighboring clips can interlock or mate-ably attach to the respective pockets and tabs without the need for adhesive, and without fracture of the clip material. Instead of a neighboring clip, a tag or label with a mating pocket or tab can be mate-ably attached to the clip. The clips can be made of a resilient plastic or biodegradable material, or any recyclable products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Joshua D. Vantrease
  • Patent number: 9481493
    Abstract: A multi-closure strip of clips with one or more openings to hold the neck of a bag, which include a male and a female interlocking portion to hold the clips together in a series. Each clip includes a set of male and female slots at a first edge, and a set of male and female slots at a second edge. Neighboring clips can interlock or mate-ably attach to the respective sets of slots and fingers without the need for adhesive, and without fracture of the clip material. The clips can be made of a resilient plastic or biodegradable material, or any recyclable products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Joshua D. Vantrease
  • Patent number: 9481494
    Abstract: A slider structure, provided with a first member 1 and a second member 2, in which a first insertion groove 31 inclined forward and upward, and a second insertion groove 32 inclined forward and downward, are formed by the first member 1 and the second member 2, and, an opening width dimension S1 of the first insertion groove 31 and an opening width dimension S2 of the second insertion groove 32 are reduced when the first member 1 and the second member 2 are relatively moved and mutually come close to conduct stopping in left-and-right direction W of a fastener male-female portion Fa in the first insertion groove 31 and another male-female portion Fb in the second insertion groove 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: MUPACK OZAKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ikuko Ozaki, Takeo Takashiro
  • Patent number: 9481495
    Abstract: A dispensing system which has a dispenser housing assembly, and a bag assembly that fits within the dispensing housing assembly. The bag assembly includes a flexible bag and an integrated spout and valve member. The integrated spout and valve member includes a spout portion which has an annular base flange and a spout body extending therefrom. A valve is positioned within the spout body. The valve including an opening that can be selectively opened to allow the passage of a flowable material from within the flexible bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Scholle IPN Corporation
    Inventors: David Bellmore, Kyle Erickson
  • Patent number: 9481496
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a child resistant container for nicotine products. The container comprises latching elements (8, 25) adapted to interlock with cooperating latching elements (9, 27) when said lid (3) is pushed onto a said base (2) to retain said lid (3) to said base (2). The latching elements (8, 25) are further adapted to disengage from said cooperating latching elements (9, 27) when a simultaneous force is exerted on all releasable latching arrangements (6, 7, 12, 13) by two hands of a user or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Swedish Match North Europe AB
    Inventors: David Cottle, Tom Collings, Jesper Svahn
  • Patent number: 9481497
    Abstract: A solution storage and application system includes a bottle and an applicator assembly constructed to mutually engage for safe storage and transport of any desired solution within the bottle. The applicator assembly includes a handle by which the applicator assembly is to be manipulated, the handle extending from a free end to a circular flange that serves as a cap for closure of the interior of the bottle when the applicator assembly engages the bottle. A ferrule extends from the flange away from the handle and retains an applicator that extends from the ferrule away from the handle such that longitudinal ends of the handle and applicator serve as longitudinal ends of the applicator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Michael White
  • Patent number: 9481498
    Abstract: An apparatus for permitting inspection of container processing includes a one-piece elastic peripheral lip seal that seals a transition between a window and a mounting frame. In its un-deformed state, the lip-seal, which has first and second strip-shaped lip-sections, has an at least partially sickle-shaped cross-section in its un-deformed state. Both lip sections extend outward toward respective first and second edges, the second edge being a sealing edge. A thickness of the second lip-section decreases towards the sealing edge. The lip sections curve around an axis oriented along a longitudinal direction of the lip seal. The first lip-section defines a concave curve along a first surface of the lip seal, and the second lip-section defines a convex curve along the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Vorwerk, Thomas Niehr, Marcel Scheufen
  • Patent number: 9481499
    Abstract: An electronic device is protected from unauthorized access by use of a security wrap which comprises at least a substrate, a security screen, a layer of adhesive and decoy pattern. The security screen is disposed over one side of the substrate and includes a pair of screen terminals and a conductive path between the pair of screen terminals. The layer of adhesive bonds the first side of the substrate to the electronic component with the security screen sandwiched there between. The decoy pattern is at least partially impervious to X-ray and overlays said security screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: JOHNSON ELECTRIC S.A.
    Inventors: Libing Zhang, Dominic John Ward
  • Patent number: 9481500
    Abstract: The invention provides for a recyclable and compostable package that includes a molded pulp backing piece and a front or face card connected/interlocked to that. The backing piece is molded with a cavity to hold an article. The face card covers and protects the article, the cavity, and may cover most, if not all, of the backing piece. Each piece can comprise recycled paper, paperboard, molded pulp or some combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: PulpWorks, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Stephen Tasner, Elena Olivari
  • Patent number: 9481501
    Abstract: A method of forming a carton. The method comprises obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a top panel, at least two first end flaps, at least two second end flap, and at least one article protection flap foldably connected to the bottom panel. The method comprises positioning the plurality of panels to form an interior space of the carton, loading a plurality of beverage bottles into the interior space, closing a first end of the carton, closing a second end of the carton, and tightening the carton by folding the at least one article protection flap into the interior space after the loading of the plurality of beverage bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Schmal, O'Neal Alexander, Mark Baldino, Michael Cerio, John Murdick Holley, Jr., Frank N. Moncrief, Raymond S. Kastanek, Colin Ford
  • Patent number: 9481502
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a venting valve for a container (1) adapted to contain gas-releasing products comprising a valve body (2A) and a one-way valve member (4) movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, said valve member (4) being associated with said valve body (2A). Particularly the valve body (2A) is formed from a biodegradable material and said movable valve member (4) is a combination of at least one biodegradable material and at least one non biodegradable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: GOGLIO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Osvaldo Bosetti, Franco Goglio
  • Patent number: 9481503
    Abstract: An adsorber material element is used relieve a vacuum that results from cooling of heated contents in a sealed container. An interior volume of that container may be filled or partially filled with a heated material. After the at least partially filled container is sealed, one or more gases may be released from an adsorber material and into the interior volume of the sealed container. As the contents of the container cool, the release of gas(es) from the adsorber material relieves vacuum that would otherwise develop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Weilong L. Chiang, Paul Lunn, Clarence Sequeira, Edward Peter Socci
  • Patent number: 9481504
    Abstract: A pet toy dispenser and method are provided. The dispenser has a housing, a dispenser mechanism, a drive mechanism, an electronic tag reader, and a controller. The drive mechanism is operable to move one or more of the plurality of compartments of the dispenser mechanism from a load location to an exit location. The electronic tag reader is capable of reading an electronic tag embedded in an animal toy within at least one compartment. The controller having an authentication function configured to determine whether a code of an electronic tag within the at least one compartment received from the tag reader corresponds to an authorized code and to allow the load completion of the compartment if the code is an authorized code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Walter David Dial, III
  • Patent number: 9481505
    Abstract: An Aerosol Sodium Chloride Mixture Agent with Trigger Sprayer that can be easily held in one hand. The Sodium Chloride Mixture Agent is in a bag inside a can and under pressure from air nitrogen, 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane, Difluoroethane, Petroleum Hydrocarbon, CO2, HFC1234ze, individually or mixture thereof and can only be initially opened and released by pulling the tab of the trigger sprayer. The Trigger Assembly cannot be sprayed until the tab is pulled. The Can is cylindrical canister housing and has a Dip Tube that goes to the bag of the can to the Sodium Chloride Mixture Agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Scott Fishman, Neal Markus
  • Patent number: 9481506
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption. To that end, the assembly is provided with at least a first covering and a first ingredient included in the at least first covering, the first ingredient having a substance such as milk powder/creamer, sugar and like additives soluble or extractable in a liquid such as water. The assembly is further provided with a second ingredient, the second ingredient having a soluble or extractable substance such as ground coffee or tea while the second ingredient forms part of a substantially rigid body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Vincent Jan Steenhof, Joseph Theodoor Knitel
  • Patent number: 9481507
    Abstract: Capsule designed in particular for the preparation of a beverage in a centrifugal brewing device by feeding liquid in the capsule and rotating the capsule along a central axis to produce centrifugal forces on the liquid traversing the capsule thereby forcing the beverage out of the capsule by such centrifugal forces, wherein the capsule comprises:—a body comprising containment walls, a main cavity of central axis,—a lid connected or connectable to said body and arranged for covering said cavity;—an annular flange peripherally bordering and protruding outwards beyond the said cavity, wherein the flange is configured to ensure one passage or a plurality of passages for providing flow of the centrifuged beverage in multiple radial directions from the cavity and through the flange or above the flange as a result of the centrifugation forces exerted when the capsule is rotated along said central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Abegglen, Arnaud Gerbaulet, Jean-Francois Tinembart, Alexandre Perentes
  • Patent number: 9481508
    Abstract: A beverage cartridge system is adapted to brew a beverage through a brewer having a holder adapted to receive the cartridge system. The holder may have a deep well with one or more needles therewithin to pierce through the bottom of the cartridge system when inserted into the well. The cartridge system may include a short cup and a tall cup, where the tall cup is taller than the short cup to pack more beverage grind. The cartridge system may include a filter within an outer cup. The bottom of the filter may be deep enough to be juxtaposed to the bottom of the cup. The filter may be formed from a material that is substantially resistant to piercing by the needle within the holder such that when the outlet needle pierces through the bottom of the cup, the outlet needle raises the filter at a point of contact, and the filter substantially resists the outlet needle from piercing through the filter during a brewing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Touch Coffee & Beverages, LLC
    Inventor: Sung I. Oh
  • Patent number: 9481509
    Abstract: A device comprising a hook and magnet. The hook is configured to move between a folded position, such that the space below the magnet is free, and a deployed position, such that the hook is below the magnet. The magnet is activated to attract a ferromagnetic piece connected to a support handle of a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: CYXER LIMITED
    Inventor: Oscar Fillol Vidal
  • Patent number: 9481510
    Abstract: A container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse has a base and opposed sides, linear and non-linear tracks, and a plurality of dunnage supports extending between the tracks. At least one of the tracks on each side may be non-linear in the shape of a “C” or “U” or “J”. One type of dunnage support comprises end members and a tubular middle member, the end members being movable along the tracks. The dunnage supports support dunnage, such as pouches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Bradford Company
    Inventors: Brian T. Dobrinski, Matthew S. Sanger, Justin V. Fazio
  • Patent number: 9481511
    Abstract: A silo de-bridging device (100), comprising: a rotary shaft (11) and at least one de-bridging unit (10) connected to the rotary shaft (11); each de-bridging unit (10) includes a fixed sleeve (101), a movable sleeve (102) and at least one de-bridging arm (103) connected to the movable sleeve (102), and a cam structure is formed between two end surfaces of the movable sleeve (102) and the fixed sleeve (101) adjoining each other. The silo de-bridging device can de-bridge the materiel in the silo effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Hongyan Yu
  • Patent number: 9481512
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for transporting and storing construction materials for a job site using a trailer having a plurality of openings, a container having a frame carrying support feet for being received into the trailer openings, a plurality of attachment points carried by the frame on the floor of the interior of the container, a plurality of shelves carried by the interior of the container; and a door carried by the container having a lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Steven Diniaco