Patents Issued in December 6, 2016
  • Patent number: 9511908
    Abstract: A containment system with a vented insert for a fitment is disclosed. The vented insert includes generally a conduit having an inner and opposite outer end with a valve in the conduit movable to a closed position by liquid. The outer end of the conduit includes a liquid impermeable membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Steven Bons, David M. Shoberg, Kenneth Thomas Dobizl, Christopher John Opelt
  • Patent number: 9511909
    Abstract: A closure (40) includes a body (42) with a threaded portion (44) for engaging the closure with a container. Inwards of portion (44) is a liner (46) comprising a hydrogen generating device, wherein the liner includes one layer (48) which incorporates a hydride dispersed in a polymeric matrix and, on opposite sides of layer (48) are arranged PET layers (50, 52). Layer (50) acts as a control layer to control the rate of passage of water vapour from the beverage in the container to the hydride containing layer (48) and thereby control generation of hydrogen by the hydrogen generating device. In use, water vapour passes through layer (50) and contacts the hydride associated with layer (48) which results in production of molecular hydrogen which combines with oxygen. Thereafter, a reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen takes place, catalysed by a catalyst associated with the container thereby to scavenge the oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: COLORMATRIX HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Adrian John Carmichael, Andrew Stuart Ovenrend, Mark Rule, Ronald James Valus, Christine Leeming, James Stuart Leeming, Steven Burgess Tattum
  • Patent number: 9511910
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a temperature indicator (e.g., a data logger) that is configured to be attached to a beverage container and to provide a user with information relating to the temperature history of the beverage. In some embodiments, for example, the temperature indicator is configured for attachment to a wine bottle. For instance, the temperature indicator may be configured to indicate whether the temperature of the wine bottle has deviated outside of a predetermined temperature range. In this way, the temperature indicator could be used to provide consumers, wine makers, distributors, or retailers with important information regarding the quality of care provided for the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Wine Father Inc.
    Inventor: Steven D. Puccini
  • Patent number: 9511911
    Abstract: A bag has a bag body that defines an interior and opening. A reclosable closure is configured for repeatably and nondestructively closing and opening the opening. A covering flap is connected to the bag body, extends away from the bag opening, and has a zone of weakness. The covering flap can be attached to the bag body while covering the closure. To access the closure, the covering flap is torn along its zone of weakness. The bag can also have a removable panel, which can be attached to the removable panels of other bags to form a header pack. The bag body and covering flap can be removed from the header pack by being torn along another zone of weakness between the covering flap and removable panel that has a lower tear strength that the zone of weakness of the covering flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Inteplast Group Corporation
    Inventors: Li-Yung Chang, Hsiaolei Li
  • Patent number: 9511912
    Abstract: A closure for a container, such as, for example, a wine bottle, is provided. In one embodiment, the closure includes an oxidant releasing agent that is adapted to release oxygen into an interior portion of the container according to a predefined desired profile. In another embodiment, the closure comprises a gas containing reservoir, a membrane and a barrier layer, the membrane allowing an at least partial exchange of gas between the inside of the reservoir and the inside of the container, and the barrier layer at least partially preventing exchange of gas between the outside of the closure and the inside of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: NOMACORC, LLC
    Inventors: Olav Marcus Aagaard, Katherine Campbell Glasgow, Malcolm Joseph Thompson, Marco Josef Otto Kirch
  • Patent number: 9511913
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a reusable pharmaceutical waste container with a restrictive lid. In embodiments, as the amount of pharmaceutical waste increases to a pharmaceutical waste threshold, the pharmaceutical waste may interact with a flywheel to vertically move the axis of rotation of the flywheel from a first position to a second position. Responsive to the axis of rotation of the flywheel being vertically changed to the second position, a first of a plurality of fans of the flywheel may lock the restrictive lid, such that the restrictive lid may not open internally within the restrictive lid so no additional waste may be placed on any of the plurality of fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher R. Brooks, Jamie Hoff
  • Patent number: 9511914
    Abstract: A multi-layer film structure for use in forming blister packaging. The multi-layer structure includes a first polymeric layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first polymeric layer comprising a metalized polyethylene teraphthalate, a second polymeric layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the second polymeric layer disposed adjacent the second surface of the first polymeric layer, the second polymeric layer comprising a cyclic olefin or a homopolymer of chlorotrifluoroethylene, and a third polymeric layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the third polymeric layer disposed adjacent the second surface of the second polymeric layer, the third polymeric layer comprising polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride. A method of making a multi-layer film structure and a packaging structure are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Bellamah, Ed Carmines, Rangaraj S. Sundar
  • Patent number: 9511915
    Abstract: The invention is a conformable pliable storage insert device configured for placement within a basket, and corresponding storage system and method of storing and transporting. The insert device comprises an overall planar and circular configuration defining a planar circular central base having a circumscribing arcuate edge in continuity thereby defining the circular central base, and a plurality of separate planar extensions radially extending distally relative to the base in adjacent circumscribing series, each of the extensions having a pair of arcuate side edges, a proximal edge and a distal edge. The extensions are independently attached to a corresponding arcuate edge portion of the base, and the proximal edge of each planar extension is flexibly attached to the circular central base edge through a hinge panel such that a portion of each arcuate side edge of the extension is structured to overlap the arcuate side edge of an adjacent extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Charlene M. Zigah
  • Patent number: 9511916
    Abstract: A carrier comprising a top panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a first bottom panel connected to the first side panel by at least one first strut, and a second bottom panel connected to the second side panel by at least one second strut. At least one container-receiving portion can comprise a first retaining feature and an opposing second retaining feature. At least a portion of the first retaining feature or the second retaining feature is disposed in the first side panel or the second side panel. A container can be retained by at least one of the first retaining feature and the second retaining feature. At least a portion of at least one of the first bottom panel and the second bottom panel is disposed between the container and the top panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: John Murdick Holley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9511917
    Abstract: A display board for tools includes a main body and a positioning member. The main body includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface extends to form an extension portion which further extends to form an elastic portion. The first surface of the main body is formed with a protrusion. A gap is formed between the protrusion and the extension portion. The positioning member includes a stop portion. The stop portion includes a tail portion extending upwardly. The stop portion is abuttable against the elastic portion to deform the elastic portion so that the tail portion crosses over the elastic portion and abuts against a side of the elastic portion. The positioning member is formed with an insert portion inserted in the gap. A receiving space for a tool to be received therein is formed between the main body and the positioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Yu-Hua Ou
  • Patent number: 9511918
    Abstract: Method and apparatus to provide a self-locking container to prevent unwanted access to materials stored in the container as a result of exposure to conditions that compromise the effectiveness or safety of the materials. A container may be threaded to receive a threaded lid, and the container may comprise a bolt movable within a channel from a retracted position, which allows the lid to be threadably connected or removed, to a locked position, which prevents removal of the lid. The bolt is movable to the locked position by a drive member, such as a bimetallic strip or a shape-memory element that drive the bolt in response to exposure to the condition that compromises the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ira L. Allen, Lawrence A. Clevenger, Kevin S. Petrarca, Carl J. Radens
  • Patent number: 9511919
    Abstract: Techniques for providing cost effective and tamper evident prepaid card packaging are described. By containing a relatively wide glued area by gluing two relatively tin side panels together, the resulting package is highly resistant to being slit open on an edge without the effort to open the package being highly evident. A foldover magnetic stripe panel provides additional thickness to a portion of the package typically read by a magnetic strip reader while allowing very thin side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Oberthur Technologies SA
    Inventor: Anthony Lynn Payne
  • Patent number: 9511920
    Abstract: An edge protector for disposition along an angled edge of an article includes a pair of interior walls; the walls being integrally joined in angular relation to one another at an interior edge when the angle edge protector is in an in-use configuration disposed along the angled edge of the article; a first exterior wall connected to an end of one of the pair of interior walls; and, a first arcuate wall having a first end integrally joined with the first exterior wall, the first arcuate wall having a curvature such that a second end of the first arcuate wall is proximate the interior edge when the angle edge protector is in the in-use configuration. Preferably, there are two arcuate portions, and the edge protector is symmetrical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: T & M Design, LLC
    Inventors: Marcus Baker, Todd Fleury
  • Patent number: 9511921
    Abstract: A utility bag having a frame defining an interior and an exterior, the interior including a first cavity configured to receive an item. The utility bag includes a heater element disposed in the cavity, and a power tool battery pack in electrical communication with the heater element for powering the heater element. The utility bag also includes a pocket coupled to the frame, the pocket defining a second cavity configured to receive the power tool battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason R. Crowe, Douglas G. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9511922
    Abstract: Bags, containers, apparatus, systems and methods of storing produce, such as fruits and/or vegetables in sealable plastic bags that are each placed into zippered fabric bags having compartments to preserve the fruit and vegetable contents and delay spoilage of the stored fruits and vegetables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Ray Breedwell
  • Patent number: 9511923
    Abstract: A powered dispensing tool includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, a rack coupled to the motor for powered translation in at least one of a forward direction and a reverse direction, and a transmission selectively coupling the motor and the rack. The transmission includes an input ring rotatable in response to rotation of the motor in a first direction corresponding with powered translation of the rack in the forward direction, a first clutch member engaged with the rack through an intermediate gear, and a second clutch member that receives torque from the input ring and that is movable in response to rotation of the motor in the first direction toward a first position engaging the first clutch member. The second clutch member is also movable in response to rotation of the motor in an opposite, second direction toward a second position disengaged from the first clutch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Naughton, Troy C. Thorson, Brandon L. Verbrugge, William E. Check, Thomas G. Simeone, Scott D. Eisenhardt, Scott Schneider
  • Patent number: 9511924
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure involve a pill-filtering article that is located and secured inside a pill container. According to one example embodiment, an assembly of articles distributes one pill at a time in the form of a single-pill dispensing apparatus that includes a pill-storage container and such a pill-filtering article. The container has an inner wall, an upper portion with a rim region where a cap may be secured, and a lower portion for containing pills. The pill-filtering article has a size and a shape that facilitates securing the article inside the pill-storage container near the inner wall, above the lower portion, and below the upper rim region, and also configured with a plurality of channel-defining regions including a first channel-defining region through which one-pill at a time passes and including a second channel-defining region through which one pill at a time passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Robert J. Crawford
  • Patent number: 9511925
    Abstract: A push button for a system for dispensing a product under pressure, the push button comprising an inner nozzle assembly which presents an upstream spout a lower end thereof intends to be mounted on a under pressure feed tube of the product. The inner nozzle assembly comprises a downstream spout which is in communication with the upstream spout and which ends in an outlet for dispensing under pressure the product. The push button comprises an outer body having a skirt which surrounds the inner nozzle assembly and an upper plate which comprises an upper zone for actuating the system for dispensing, the inner nozzle assembly being mounted within the outer body through a sliding guide until reaching a coupling position wherein the upstream spout is centered on first locking means provided below the upper plate and wherein the downstream spout is snapped on second locking means provided on the skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: ALBEA DO BRASIL EMBALAGENS LTDA
    Inventor: Aldo Fadel Edenilson
  • Patent number: 9511926
    Abstract: A sprayhead for use with an aerosol container, the sprayhead including: a chassis; a rotatable circular collar; and a spray channel and associated actuator button, the spray channel passing through a central aperture in a bridge spanning a diameter of the collar, and being connectable to the aerosol container; the chassis including an annular skirt that, on a lower internal surface thereof, an annular valve cup securing bead that, when the sprayhead is attached to an aerosol container, grips the container such that the torque required to turn the chassis around the container is at least twice that required to turn the rotatable circular collar around the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Amit Arora, Kassie Terra-Lynn Betts, Simon Lewis Bilton, Joseph Butler, Christopher John Jones, Garen Kouyoumjian
  • Patent number: 9511927
    Abstract: A time-delay actuator assembly is disclosed that can dispense chemicals from an aerosol container. The time-delay actuator assembly is mountable to the aerosol container and includes an inner cap, an outer cap adjacent the inner cap, a retainer coupled to the outer cap, a biasing member, and a time-delay member that resists essentially axial relative movement between the inner cap and the outer cap when the outer cap has been rotated to align a guide member with an essentially axial section of a guide track, thereby causing a time delay between when the guide member is aligned with the essentially axial section and when chemicals are dispensed from the aerosol container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 9511928
    Abstract: Spray color dispensing devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed. Color dispensing devices in accordance with certain embodiments include colorant contained in a pressure vessel, a pressure vessel holder including an attachment mechanism and an actuator system, and a control cable leading to a remote trigger controller. The remote trigger controller may be thumb operated or have a push button design, both of which may include a trigger locking device. There may be a deflector near the spray nozzle. The holder and actuator may allow only specifically designed pressure vessels. Also the pressure vessel may be insulated and/or heated to allow the color dispensing device to be used in cold environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Clara Charlotte Black, Noah Sebastian Black, Amelia Gabrielle Black
  • Patent number: 9511929
    Abstract: A proppant storage vessel has a container having a first end wall, a second end wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall and a bottom wall. The first and second end walls extend between opposite ends of the first and second side walls. The walls define an interior volume of the container. The walls have a rigidity suitable for retaining no less than 30,000 pounds of proppant therein. A top hatch is formed centrally on the top wall and is movable between an open position and a closed position. A bottom hatch is formed generally centrally on the bottom wall of the container and is movable between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: OREN TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: John Oren
  • Patent number: 9511930
    Abstract: A lightweight cargo container and methods of use, assembly, and repair are disclosed herein. Individual panels, frame components, base, and joints may be customized with composite materials to further improve strength-to-weight ratio. Some embodiments provide for a simplified manufacturing and assembly of cargo container, through standardization, while improving cost, time-to-produce, durability, and strength-to-weight ratios. The embodiments described herein provide a significant weight savings for all cargo containers, modern present-day composite containers included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Leading Light Composites, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Daoud, Mohammad Naghi Ghasemi-Nejhad
  • Patent number: 9511931
    Abstract: A waste containment system includes a flexible bag having a top opening and a flexible wire coupled to the bag. The wire is positioned about the top opening and configured to define a shape of the top opening. The system also includes a flexible frame including a first attachment mechanism configured to couple the frame to a structure, and a second attachment mechanism configured to couple the frame to at least one of the wire and the bag. Manipulation of the wire causes the frame to change in shape such that the shape of the frame at least partially corresponds to the shape of the top opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Aaron John Pedersen
  • Patent number: 9511932
    Abstract: A front-loading, refuse collecting vehicle is provided with a low-profile, front-loadable waste bin (intermediate container) and one or more, side-loading robotic arms. To reduce mechanical stresses along couplings between the vehicle and the combination of the intermediate container and the robotic arm(s), a major portion of the mass of the robotic arm mechanism is situated to the rear of the intermediate container. The intermediate container has a door (e.g. facing the front) and has a section opposite to the door (e.g. between the container and the vehicle), wherein the robotic arm mechanism may be operatively joined to the section so that refuse may be deposited into the intermediate container both through its door and by the robotic arm mechanism. The container also has one or more pockets and/or indents for receiving one or more retractably engageable lift members of a lift mechanism operable to lift the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: THE CUROTTO-CAN, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Curotto, Edward M. Suden, Gideon Gimlan
  • Patent number: 9511933
    Abstract: A storage apparatus includes: a storage member provided with a pair of first rail members, extending along a horizontal direction, on both side faces thereof; a storage rack; a carrying mechanism to carry the storage member placed thereon in the horizontal direction to a storage location of the storage rack; and a pair of walls, provided so as to be opposed to the side faces of the storage member, respectively, having a pair of second rail members, extending in the horizontal direction, provided on side faces thereof opposed to the pair of first rail members, respectively, in a state where the storage member is stored in the storage rack, the storage member being guided to the storage rack with the pair of first rail members being supported by the pair of second rail members, when the carrying mechanism is moved in the horizontal direction toward the storage rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiko Kobayashi, Mikio Houjou
  • Patent number: 9511934
    Abstract: A method of rotating an inventory holder includes moving an inventory holder towards a rotation area along a straight segment of a path with a first face of the inventory holder facing a first direction. The rotation area includes a portion of a workspace designated for rotation of inventory holders. The method further includes moving the inventory holder into the rotation area along a first arced segment with an orientation of the first face perpendicular to the first arced segment. The method additionally includes executing a rotation maneuver within the rotation area and moving the inventory holder out of the rotation area along a second arced segment with a second face facing the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Wurman, Raffaello D'Andrea, Michael T. Barbehenn, Andrew Edward Hoffman, David C. Koehler, Michael Cordell Mountz
  • Patent number: 9511935
    Abstract: A cascading processor is described which includes a processor body having an upper inlet and a lower outlet, such that materials pass by force of gravity from inlet to the outlet. The processor body has a plurality of processing levels which are sequentially vertically spaced progressively downwardly from the inlet to the outlet, such that materials cascade by force of gravity from one processing level to another processing level as the materials pass through the processor body front the inlet to the outlet. This cascading processor was developed for recovery of bitumen front oil sands, but can be used to process oil shales or to process biomasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignees: 1304345 Alberta Ltd., 1304338 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventors: Jose Lourenco, MacKenzie Millar
  • Patent number: 9511936
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a guide portion, a reader, a first drive roller and a second drive roller, and a first driven roller and a second driven roller. A first protrusion is formed in the reader and may be disposed on one side of the first drive roller. A second protrusion is formed in the reader and may be disposed on one side of the second drive roller. The second protrusion may protrude upward more than the first protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mayu Uno, Daisuke Nakayama
  • Patent number: 9511937
    Abstract: A singulating conveyor system that consists of conveyor sets comprising driven tapered rollers oriented in a herringbone pattern about the centerline of the conveying surface which is capable of sorting a continuous flow of randomly oriented and sorted packages into a single file line of packages along the centerline of the conveyor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Integrated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: John Fountain
  • Patent number: 9511938
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor system (1), comprising two frame profiles (2, 3) which are run such that they are spaced apart from one another, a plurality of motorized conveyor rollers (4) which are arranged in between, an insulator (19) which runs along the at least one frame profile (2) with a plurality of receptacles which are open on the longitudinal side, and a plurality of electric conductors (20) which are arranged in the insulator (19) and are electrically connected to drive electronics of the conveyor rollers (4), and in each case one electric conductor (20) is mounted in each case in one receptacle. The form factor f of an electric conductor (20), which is defined as a quotient of the circumference of a circle which is equivalent in area to the cross section of the electric conductor (20) and of the circumference of said cross section of the electric conductor (20), is selected in the range of from f=0.88 to f=1.00.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: TGW Mechanics GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Reischl
  • Patent number: 9511939
    Abstract: The transport device of the noria type includes a drive chain having links and being wound around two deflection wheels so as to describe a loop circuit. There is a first, ascending vertical chain strand and a second, descending vertical chain strand. One link of the chain holds a support arm extending in a direction perpendicular to the chain. The support arm is attached laterally to a link by a mount. The mount has a support surface at each of its ends. At least across one of these support surfaces, the mount rests on another, contiguous mount of another support arm attached to another link of the chain, on the ascending strand and descending strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Mecatherm
    Inventor: Bernard Zorn
  • Patent number: 9511940
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for a conveyed goods container and for transporting conveyed goods in a suspended conveyor. The conveyed goods container may be a suspended bag having a conveyed goods receiving region which is delimited on one side by a side wall element and having a suspension element for suspension from a suspended conveyor. The suspension means may be fastened to the side wall element in such a manner that it is pivotable about a pivot device defining a pivot axis, wherein, for the purpose of good loadability and impact protection for the conveyed goods, the conveyed goods receiving region is delimited on a further side by a second side wall element. The second side wall element may be connected to the suspension element such that, when the suspension element is pivoted relative to the first side wall element from a transport position into an open position, the second side wall element can be removed from the side wall element so that the conveyed goods receiving region opens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: RSL Logistik GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Rolf Schönenberger
  • Patent number: 9511941
    Abstract: A longitudinal guiding device for a conveying device includes at least one guide rail with at least one profile body, and a holding device with a slot-like receiver. The at least one profile body includes a longitudinally running, cross-sectionally concave recess that defines a guide surface for a conveying device. The at least one profile body further includes a longitudinally running, outwardly directed insert strip. The at least one profile body of the at least one guide rail is held on the holding device via the insert strip inserted into the slot-like receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: FERAG AG
    Inventor: Beat Studer
  • Patent number: 9511942
    Abstract: A cleanable belt conveyor and a method for making a cleanable belt conveyor having a simplified frame design. One version of such a conveyor comprises a frame and an insertable conveyor belt support. Another version comprises a modular frame formed by a plurality of shafts connected using connectors. Another version comprises a unitary frame and carryway structure, whereby the carryway for supporting a conveyor belt constitutes support structure for the frame. Another version comprises a carryway support rail including an integral curved reversing element. Another version comprises components connected through curvaceous connecting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Guernsey, John F. Landrum, Mark T. Drapanas, Manoj Thomas
  • Patent number: 9511943
    Abstract: A conveyor device (10) for the loading or unloading of separable piece goods from a storage area or to a storage area with at least one conveyor belt mechanism (1), which is mounted on a bracket (2), and with a roll-on module (3) for receiving and setting down the separable piece goods, wherein the roll-on module (3) is arranged at a front free end of the conveyor device (10), wherein a curve module (4) is provided between the roll-on module (3) and the conveyor belt mechanism (1), with which a change of direction in the transport direction at least in the horizontal plane is variably adjustable. The roll-on module (3) has two belt ramps (31) running parallel to each other, and the two belt ramps (31) can be actuated separately so that the speeds of the belt ramps (31) can be adjusted differently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: J. Schmalz GmbH
    Inventors: Jonas Mast, Valentin Schmidt, Kay Woeltje, Werner Kraus
  • Patent number: 9511944
    Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for collecting and dispensing rejected cards in a tray in a card attaching system. Sheets are transported on a moving belt. Cards are fed from a feeder above the moving belt. Cards are deposited onto the sheets. When a card rejection condition is detected, a rejected card is diverted and deposited in a tray having a sloped chute. The sloped chute extends down to a lower position beyond an outside edge of the moving belt. To facilitate movement down the chute, the tray is vibrated. This vibration is accomplished by supporting the tray on a roller assembly that rolls on a surface of the moving belt as it passes under the sloped chute. The roller is non-circular or of an eccentric configuration, such that the axis of the roller will experience a vertical displacement as the roller rotates, jogging the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos L. DeFigueiredo, John R. Masotta
  • Patent number: 9511945
    Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the efficiency of medication distribution within a healthcare facility. In particular, embodiments may provide for dispensing medications needed and medications anticipated to be needed to an authorized medical person for administration to a patient in a healthcare facility. Methods may include receiving an indication of one or more unit dose medications anticipated to be needed by a patient; retrieving the one or more unit dose medications from a unit storage device; loading the one or more unit dose medications onto a transport device; transporting the one or more unit dose medications from the unit storage device to a location proximate the patient; and transferring the one or more unit dose medications from the transport device to a staging area at the location proximate the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Aesynt Incorporated
    Inventors: Shawn T. Greyshock, James Kolozs
  • Patent number: 9511946
    Abstract: A machine for decorating products, including an area for printing products and an area for supporting products arranged beneath said printing area, including a moveable frame to which the support area and the printing area are integrally joined, the support area including a first conveyor, directly positioned of the printing area, and a second conveyor positioned beneath the first conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: PROJECTA ENGINEERING S.R.L.
    Inventor: Vincenzo Palumbo
  • Patent number: 9511947
    Abstract: Methods and systems for managing queues of sample carriers in a bidirectional track allow queues to behave as linear FIFO queues while providing random access to samples by resorting samples in the queue. One or more storage positions to allow sample carriers to be selectively removed and reinserted into the queue, allowing the order of sample carriers to be resorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Samuel Pollack, Colin Mellars, Baris Yagci
  • Patent number: 9511948
    Abstract: The control of second to fourth paths (slave paths) is performed with reference to various settings and the sequence of the first path (master path), instead of various settings and sequences of the second to fourth paths, thus, control of all path groups is centralized by the sequence of the first path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: FANUC Corporation
    Inventor: Yuuki Oonishi
  • Patent number: 9511949
    Abstract: An article sorting apparatus includes a conveying path, a conveyer cell, a loading section, a sorting section and a control device. The conveyer cell includes a belt, a projecting portion and an actuator. The belt forms a setting surface on which an article is set. The projecting portion projects from a surface of the belt. The actuator drives the belt. The conveyer cell moves on the conveying path in a first conveying direction and conveys the article set on the setting surface in a second conveying direction orthogonal to the first conveying direction. The loading section transfers the article to the conveyer cell. The control device, when a size of the article is smaller than a predetermined size and when the loading section transfers the article to the setting surface, controls the actuator to drive the belt such that the projecting portion contacts a lower surface of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroaki Fujihara, Yusuke Mitsuya, Yukio Asari, Kazuya Saimei
  • Patent number: 9511950
    Abstract: An article feed system for aligning and singulating incoming articles includes a rotatable upper rim surface and an article delivery device that delivers articles received by the article delivery device to the upper rim surface. A drive system is operatively connected to the outer bowl that rotates the outer bowl. A guide wall extends upwardly above the upper rim surface that guides the articles travelling along the upper rim surface toward an exit opening in the guide wall. A vertically oriented article engaging-type conveyor is at the exit opening in the guide wall. The vertically oriented article engaging-type conveyor includes a moving article engaging surface that is exposed to the exit opening in the guide wall for receiving the articles when they exit the exit opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Michael John Mers-Kelly, Christopher Michael Richards
  • Patent number: 9511951
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of transferring discrete articles between a transfer assembly and an apparatus comprising a head. The transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a first rotation axis and a transfer member comprising a transfer surface configured to receive one of the discrete articles. The method comprises rotating the transfer member of the transfer assembly about the first rotation axis at a substantially constant angular velocity, maintaining the transfer surface at a substantially constant minimum distance away from a surface of the head at a point of discrete article transfer, and rotating the head of the apparatus about a second rotation axis at a plurality of angular velocities. A first angular velocity of the head is substantially constant at the point of discrete article transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Uwe Schneider, Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Daniel Patrick Findley
  • Patent number: 9511952
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of transferring discrete articles from a transfer assembly to an apparatus comprising a head. The transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a first rotation axis and a transfer member. The method comprises rotating the transfer member about the first rotation axis and maintaining a transfer surface of the transfer member at a substantially constant minimum distance away from a surface of the head at a point of discrete article transfer. The transfer surface is moved at a first substantially constant tangential velocity at the point of discrete article transfer. The method further comprises rotating the head of the apparatus about a second rotation axis. The surface of the head is moved at a second substantially constant tangential velocity at the point of discrete article transfer. The second tangential velocity of the head is greater than the first tangential velocity of the transfer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Uwe Schneider, Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Daniel Patrick Findley
  • Patent number: 9511953
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a singulator that has a port for diverting items. An item is received on at least one conveyor segment of a singulator. The item is transported using the at least one conveyor segment to a side wall of the singulator. The item is transported using the at least one conveyor segment through a port in the side wall of the singulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Harald Mueller, Louis George Smarzinski, Glenn Turnbull, Jason Dean Grace, Jeffery Lynn Brazeal, Michael Jay Mills
  • Patent number: 9511954
    Abstract: A sorting device comprises a support member for supporting and transporting an article. The support member is drivable in a conveying direction. The sorting device also comprises a loading station at which at least an article can be loaded to the support member, and an unloading station at which at least an article can be removed from the support member. The unloading station is provided with a plurality of receivers for receiving an article that is removed from the support member. The receivers are arranged transversely with respect to the conveying direction and disposed such that they are below the support member when the support member is at the unloading station. Furthermore, the sorting device comprises a controller for directing an article that is supported and transported by the support member to a selected one of the receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: EUROSORT B.V.
    Inventors: Jozef Walter Maria Hopman, Patrick Theodorus Johannes Van Haaster
  • Patent number: 9511955
    Abstract: A method of transporting solid particulates in an aqueous suspension of the solid particulates, comprising dispersing solid particulates in an aqueous liquid in the presence of at least one mineral suspending agent, wherein solid particulates are transported a distance greater than or equal to 200 m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: ACTIVE MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Purcell, Jr., Dennis C. Parker, Matthew J. Lyman, James M. Smith
  • Patent number: 9511956
    Abstract: An apparatus for palletizing a plurality of objects, for example bottle packs or containers, is provided. A conveying and sorting system to form an ordered set of objects is provided. A handling system having a support column and movably arranged thereon a first handling member suitable to handle the ordered set of objects from a discharge position of the conveying and sorting system to a pallet arranged at a workstation is provided. A handling system having a support column and movably arranged thereon a second handling-suitable to handle a pallet from a pallet stack to the workstation and/or a cardboard flap from a respective stack to said workstation is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SMI S.p.A
    Inventor: Emanuele Bianchi
  • Patent number: 9511957
    Abstract: A compact palletizer including a skeleton and a subassembly. Components of the skeleton are constructed of aluminum, which provides advantages over the prior art in terms of strength, rigidity, weight, and cost. The aluminum may be pretensioned or prestressed to provide these advantages. The subassembly is preferably mounted to the side of the skeleton. The compact palletizer is readily portable, and robotic elements of the compact palletizer do not need to be reprogrammed after transport, so installation time is substantially reduced compared with prior art palletizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: ROI INDUSTRIES GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin M. Saylor