Patents Issued in January 17, 2017
  • Patent number: 9546009
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing an open end of a cardboard-based container containing a powder. A transporter is configured to transport a flow of containers to and from an inductive welding unit. The transporter includes a feeding arrangement to separate the containers and a main conveyor member to convey the spaced containers. A movable gripping arrangement is configured to simultaneously grip at least two containers and simultaneously transfer these containers from the main conveyor member to the welding unit. The welding unit is configured to simultaneously fasten a lid to each of the simultaneously transferred containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: A&R CARTON LUND AB
    Inventors: Per Hagelqvist, Lennart Larsson
  • Patent number: 9546010
    Abstract: Various embodiments of exhaust valves are described. In an example, an exhaust valve assembly includes a valve body having a cylinder, a piston disposed within the cylinder, and a sealing material disposed within a trough at the bottom of the cylinder. The selection of the sealing material may be based on an operational temperature that is above a melting point of the sealing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: PEKING UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Jiyan Huo
  • Patent number: 9546011
    Abstract: A container treatment plant and a method for the treatment of containers are described. The container treatment plant includes a plurality of treatment elements, wherein each treatment element is used for a pre-determined treatment of the containers and each treatment element has associated therewith a container nominal value which indicates which type of container the treatment element can treat, a detection device for detecting properties of one of the containers to be treated, and a comparator device for comparing a detection result of the detection device with the container nominal value for at least one treatment element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Christian Stoiber, Klaus Voth, Erik Blochmann, Wolfgang Roidl, Frank Winzinger
  • Patent number: 9546012
    Abstract: A transparent article includes a continuous polyester matrix having at least one incompatible filler dispersed therein. The incompatible filler provides domains in the polyester matrix, each domain having a particular dimension, thus providing a range of dimensions for the domains in the article. To create haze, the dimensions are within the range of from about 380 nm to about 720 nm. Once the range of dimensions is determined, a light absorbent composition can be found which absorbs light at a range of wavelengths that at least substantially covers the range of dimensions of the domains. In doing so, it has been found that the haze of the article can be substantially masked. Method for producing the article and for masking the haze are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: M&G USA Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin Andrew Sisson, Arianna Giovannini, Simone Ferrero
  • Patent number: 9546013
    Abstract: An intermodal container converted to a tank for processing wastewater has a process wall detachable from a hatchway in a wall of the container. The process wall is bolted to an interior facing flange in the container wall and is installed so as to sandwich a gasket and a lip between the process wall and the flange. When the process wall is at a container end wall, first components for interface with water to be treated are sealingly fixed into one part of the process wall designed to be below the level of contained water. Second process components such as those associated with communication cabling, power cabling or piping to be run through the converted container are sealingly fixed into an upper part of the process wall above a design level of contained water to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Newterra Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Downey, Jeffrey Kempson
  • Patent number: 9546014
    Abstract: An adjustable container capable of being converted from an expanded position to a contracted position and comprises a bottom wall, opposite sidewalls, and opposite end walls foldably joined to one another to form an interior space for containing articles. Each of the opposite sidewalls includes a pair of first gusset panels each of which including two identical coextensive panels having the same height as the side walls and is configured to be perpendicular to the respective sidewalls and the bottom wall. The bottom wall includes a second gusset panels that is defined by two identical coextensive panels and having the same height as the side walls and is folded upwardly out of the plane of the bottom wall and perpendicular thereto when the adjustable container is in the contracted position. The adjustable container also includes an adjustable sleeve that is used to securely cover the container during shipping and transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Smith
  • Patent number: 9546015
    Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel, a first top panel, and a second top panel. The bottom panel comprises a first portion and a second portion. The carton comprises a first proximal side end flap, a first distal side end flap, a second proximal side end flap, a second distal side end flap, a first bottom end flap foldably connected to the first portion of the bottom panel, and second bottom end flap foldably connected to the second portion of the bottom panel. The first distal side end flap is in face-to-face contact with the second distal side end flap, the first bottom end flap is in face-to-face contact with the first proximal side end flap, and the second bottom end flap is in face-to-face contact with the second proximal side end flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Coltri-Johnson, Jean-Manuel Gomes, Edward W. Jones
  • Patent number: 9546016
    Abstract: Mattress packaging displays and the display containers for displaying one or more mattresses in a retail environment generally include a bottom panel, a top panel, sidewalls extending from the bottom panel to the top panel, a front facing panel, and a rear facing panel; wherein the container is seated on the bottom panel during display and comprises at least one opening exposing at least a portion of the mattress, and wherein the container is configured to contain the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: DREAMWELL, LTD.
    Inventor: Matthew Anderson
  • Patent number: 9546017
    Abstract: A connecting assembly of modular box, comprising a top cover, a sleeve, a mandrel, and a jacket, the sleeve is configured to trap outside the mandrel; the sleeve is provided with at least one snap-fit portion, the jacket is provided with at least one snap-engagement portion, the at least one snap-engagement portion is connected with the at least one snap-fit portion, so that the jacket is fixed in a circumferential direction of the sleeve; the top cover is connected to an upper end of the mandrel to press firmly the sleeve and the jacket, so that the axial positions of the sleeve and the jacket are fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Tangshan Dushibao Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shaolong Li
  • Patent number: 9546018
    Abstract: A tamper-evident container has a lid (14) that can be opened only by lifting and pulling a tab (18). Pulling of the tab breaks a breakable joint (41, 43, 70, FIG. 4) that connects the tab (18) to a hold-down (24) that is fixed to the lid, so when the tab is released from the hold-down the tab springs up (FIG. 2) to an upward incline J to indicate that the container was opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SMART-TAB, LLC
    Inventors: Terry Vovan, Leon Rosen
  • Patent number: 9546019
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a pallet comprises a top deck comprising a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the substrate comprises a first plastic material; and a layer disposed on the second surface of the substrate, wherein the layer comprises a composition comprising reinforcing fibers, polyimide fibers, and polymeric binder fibers, wherein the polymeric binder fibers have a melting point that is lower than the polyimide fibers; a bottom deck; and supporting columns disposed between the second surface and the bottom deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Alan Robert Federl, Ralph Robert Buoniconti
  • Patent number: 9546020
    Abstract: A composite pallet includes two parallel bottom block components each including a first bottom block and a second bottom block slidably connected, the first bottom block is capable of sliding relative to the second bottom block to vary the length. The composite pallet further includes two cantilever components each including a first cantilever and a second cantilever slidably connected, the first cantilever and the second cantilever each are fixed to a corresponding one of the bottom block components, the first cantilever being capable of sliding relative to the second cantilever along a lengthwise direction of the cantilever components to vary the length of the cantilever components. A crossed beam component includes a first beam and a second beam pivotably connected at a middle portion, free ends of both the first beam and the second beam are pivotally connected to free ends of the bottom block components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuchun Hsiao, Qinjun Shi
  • Patent number: 9546021
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing, transporting and distributing kegs. The apparatus comprising a keg shelving assembly with two or more stacked shelves. The shelves containing individual keg slots formed by two or more horizontally disposed rails. Stored kegs within the keg slots are accessed by a vertical sliding frame within a fixed frame vertical guidance assembly. A hinged platform is fixed to the vertical sliding frame having an open, horizontal position and a close vertical position relative to the vertical sliding frame. The apparatus further comprises a braking assembly that utilizes the downward force created by a load on the platform, to create a braking action opposing the downward force. This action allows a user to easily and efficiently lower a keg from one of the stacked shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Diverse Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Carl Stover, Craig T. Jones, Dennis Weber
  • Patent number: 9546022
    Abstract: A multiple-opening container is configured to facilitate the simultaneous opening of two or more material containing compartments, thus allowing for the material contents within the multiple containing compartments to be suitably mixed upon pouring into another container. As a result of the simultaneous opening and pouring ability facilitated by the multiple-opening container, the time for mixing of multiple materials, such as beverages, fluids, powders or other like contents, can be suitably reduced. In addition, the de-carbonization and/or deterioration or other side affects caused from pre-mixing of the contents can be eliminated. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, engagement portion can comprise a snap clip and a ring portion configured for sealed coupling to a material containing compartment. Second compartment can be suitably filled within beverages or other materials, and then positioned within the container portion and sealed or otherwise coupled by the engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas C. Roberts
  • Patent number: 9546023
    Abstract: A plastic bag holding and filling apparatus that is operable to assist in the holding and filling of a plastic bag. The plastic bag holding and filling apparatus includes a body having a bottom that is planar in manner and rectangular in shape. The body further includes a first lateral edge and second lateral edge. Extending upward from the first lateral edge is a first side panel. A second side panel is formed along the second lateral edge and is perpendicular thereto. The body includes a ramp secured to the second end. The ramp includes a hingedly secured first portion and second portion. A bag guide is secured to the second portion of the ramp and is manufactured from wire and further including opposing lower corners that are rounded in shape. A first hook and second hook are secured to the first side panel and second side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Nathan Timm
  • Patent number: 9546024
    Abstract: A sealing cap includes a cap unit, a knob and at least one guiding mechanism. The cap unit includes a first cap body formed with a through hole extending along an axis, a second cap body, and a resilient gasket sleeved on the second cap body. The knob has a pressing portion abutting against the first cap body, and an insertion portion projecting into the through hole. The guiding mechanism includes an abutting member disposed on one of the second cap body and the insertion portion, and a guiding member having an inclined surface disposed on the other one of the second cap body and the insertion portion. Rotation of the knob causes the abutting member to slide on the inclined surface, and moves the second cap body between an opening position and a sealing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: TZENG SHYNG INDUSTRIES CORP.
    Inventor: Shih-Wei Wu
  • Patent number: 9546025
    Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus has a lid and latch assembly configured for one-handed operation. The apparatus also includes a hinge assembly that separates when over-rotated but that reengages upon closing of the lid onto the main body of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Jeremy Livingston Miller, Arjen David Kat
  • Patent number: 9546026
    Abstract: Packaging and dispensing device comprising a receptacle (2) and a pipette (31) designed to be inserted into the receptacle in order to permit the collection of a dose of product, the pipette being connected to a closure member (3) for closing the receptacle, characterized in that the closure member is provided with a piston pump (28) designed to aspirate the liquid into the pipette during the passage of this closure member from a closed position to an opened position of the receptacle, the pump being equipped with a push button (5) in order to permit the aspiration of product when the closure member is not in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Lionel Drugeon, Thierry Ramboz, Jean-Francois Delage, Jean-Marc Lebrand
  • Patent number: 9546027
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a closure containing a top deck, an inner skirt and an outer skirt. The inner skirt engages the neck of a bottle via a snap fitting. The closure contains regions of weakness such that once the inner skirt engages the neck of the bottle and the regions of weakness are broken, the closure cannot be removed from the bottle neck without disabling the snap engagement between the closure and neck, thus preventing refilling and reuse of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: David Ziegenhorn, Jay Hinkle, Greg Showers, Kerry D. Azelton, Stacie M. Alvarez, Bryan Irwin
  • Patent number: 9546028
    Abstract: A mouthpiece structure for a pressure vessel includes a liner constituting a vessel body and a cylindrical part, a cylindrical mouthpiece mounted closely to an inner periphery of the cylindrical part, a housing part having a housing recess formed by recessing at least one of the inner periphery of cylindrical part and an outer periphery of mouthpiece, a sealing member housed in the housing recess while adhering closely to the inner periphery of cylindrical part and the outer periphery of mouthpiece, the sealing member defining a sealed space facing an interface between the inner periphery of the cylindrical part and the outer periphery of the mouthpiece in the housing recess, and a retainer located opposite the sealed space with the sealing member being interposed between them and preventing the sealing member from being displaced in a direction such that the sealing member increases a capacity of the sealed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignees: FTS CO., LTD., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryuta Aoe, Yoshinori Miyazaki, Katsuya Manabe, Masayoshi Takami, Masayoshi Taki, Ken Hatta
  • Patent number: 9546029
    Abstract: The pipe thread protector is a capped pipe that is adapted for use with a pipe and is designed to protect the interior screw threading and the exterior screw threading formed on the end of a pipe. The capped pipe is placed over the end of the pipe. The capped pipe is held in position with a plurality of cantilever springs that extend from the center of the capped pipe and that fit into the center space of the pipe to be protected. Once the plurality of cantilever springs are placed in the center space of the pipe to be protected, the plurality of cantilever springs press against the side of the pipe to hold the pipe thread protector in position. The pipe thread protector comprises an interior thread protector and an exterior thread protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Karl Keevert
  • Patent number: 9546030
    Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to a kit for creating a knitted garment such as a hat. The kit includes a length of yarn, a topper, a stabilizer, and optionally instructions for creating the garment from the yarn, topper and stabilizer. A method of packaging the kit for an effective presentation to the purchaser is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Dollfus Mieg Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominick Lombardi, Luis Carlos Schmitz
  • Patent number: 9546031
    Abstract: A novel method of packaging fixed-temple eyewear includes arranging a first plurality of pairs of fixed-temple eyewear in a first arrangement with the lenses of the eyewear lying substantially in the same plane. The right temples of the eyewear are aligned along a first line and the left temples of the eyewear are aligned along a second line. The first plurality of pairs of eyewear is held in the first arrangement with a first portion of packaging material. Second and third pluralities of fixed temple eyewear are similarly arranged in second and third arrangements, respectively. The first, second, and third arrangements of fixed-temple eyewear are engaged with one another in a space saving relationship and packaged. Packages of fixed-temple eyewear are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Healy
  • Patent number: 9546032
    Abstract: This product is a storage container with a depressible cover that can create an internal vacuum. In doing so it can reduce it's volume, allowing another similar container to be stored inside the initial container without removing its cover. Through these features, this product's primary aims are to preserve food for longer in a vacuum, thereby reducing waste and drastically reducing the amount of space being used for storage (whether it's food in the refrigerator or clothes in the wardrobe). This product is also available as an airtight cover that can be attached to cans, jars or similar products to provide the ability to simply reseal canned or jarred foods in a vacuum (partial or 100% vacuum) as well as the ability to stack these cans or jars into each other to save storage space. Such airtight covers can also be applied to dishware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Karl Stephen Reilly
  • Patent number: 9546033
    Abstract: A bowl for storing and serving food products is provided. The bowl includes a bottom panel connected to at least one side panel. The at least one side panel and the bottom panel form a bowl compartment operable to hold soup or other food items. The bowl further includes a pair of opposed handles positioned at the top of the at least one side panel adapted to facilitate pouring of the contents of the bowl. The bottom panel includes a bottom surface. The bottom surface includes an indentation adapted to store food and tools to accompany the soup. A flexible film is removably attached to the bottom surface of the bottom panel, the flexible film covering the indentation allowing food to be stored in the indentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Design Nuts Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Barry Everingham
  • Patent number: 9546034
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid extraction module (1) for extracting liquid from a liquid tank, in particular of an exhaust-gas aftertreatment system of a motor vehicle, comprising a basic body (2) which can be arranged in and/or on the vehicle tank and which bears a liquid extraction device (6) with an extraction orifice (5) that can be assigned to the tank interior, and at least one electric heating element (20). According to the invention, at least one heat-conducting element (18) is provided, said element having at least one first portion (24) assigned to the heating element (20) and one second portion (25) assigned to the extraction orifice (5), in order to transport the heat from the heating element (20) to the extraction orifice (5). The invention further relates to a liquid tank for a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ewgenij Landes, Steffen Schott
  • Patent number: 9546035
    Abstract: The slide card includes a base panel and a locking panel. The base panel includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has at least one first embossment integrally formed therewith and projecting therefrom. The locking panel is integrally formed with the base panel. The locking panel is hingedly connected directly to one of the end edges of the base panel along a hinge. The locking panel is folded about the hinge to take a folded position where the locking panel is disposed over the first portion of the base panel. The locking panel has at least one second embossment integrally formed therewith and projecting therefrom. The at least one the first embossment and the at least one second embossment are disposed next to each other with the hinge disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: WestRock MWV, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. Hession
  • Patent number: 9546036
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a container holding a whitening material, and a dispenser to release the whitening material from the container, wherein the dispenser is configured to simultaneously dispense the whitening material in a spray pattern 360 degrees around the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Par Aide Products Co.
    Inventors: Randy Paulson, Eric R. Amato, Ronald W. Rzeszutek
  • Patent number: 9546037
    Abstract: A modular foam spray gun is illustrated in which a third hose is attached to the gun for the application of either a liquid or a gas, the spray gun having a transverse channel positioned at a rear of the housing of the gun for securedly affixing the separable module to the housing of the spray gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: ICP Adhesives and Sealants, Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry W. Armes, Christopher Dolezal, Karl W. Burkart, James Paul Hunt
  • Patent number: 9546038
    Abstract: A pre-packaged, sealed container enclosing whole coffee beans is sized to correspond to a single serving of coffee, or multiple servings. The container is used with a machine that selectively lowers a grinding blade into the container for grinding the whole beans. The freshly made grounds remain in the same container and heated water is introduced into the container. Freshly brewed coffee is produced and drips out of one or more openings in the bottom of the container after passing through the filter. The container is sealed for storage and shipping with an airtight membrane or cover such as plastic, foil etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Barbara L Schnabel
  • Patent number: 9546039
    Abstract: A liner discharge structure, and associated liner and container system are disclosed. The liner discharge structure includes: a collar fabricated from a liner material, wherein the collar encapsulates an O-ring in the liner material; a substantially rigid section having an opening, wherein the substantially rigid section is fabricated from the liner material; and a neck fabricated from the liner material, wherein the neck provides a passageway extending between the opening in the substantially rigid section and the collar; wherein the liner material used to fabricate the substantially rigid section has a cross-sectional thickness greater than the liner material used to fabricate the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Freedom Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Jon Lawrence
  • Patent number: 9546040
    Abstract: A method for a municipality to control, track, and monitor waste or refuse receptacles requires a permit for use of a waste receptacle. An issuing organization issues a permit associated with a discreet receptacle identifier. An RFID tag is provided with the permit and attached to a discreet receptacle. The RFID tag transmits a signal carrying data associated with the discreet receptacle identifier. The signal may be read by a portable reader carried by municipal personnel to record violations of municipal code associated with the use of the discreet receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher M. Flood, Michael S. Fisher
  • Patent number: 9546041
    Abstract: Method in a pneumatic material conveying system, such as in a waste conveying system, which conveying system comprises at least one input point (61) of material, more particularly of waste material, a material conveying pipe (100), which can be connected to an input point (61), and a separating device, in which the material to be conveyed is separated from the conveying air, and also means for achieving a pressure difference in the conveying pipe (100) at least during the conveyance of material. In the method material is conveyed from an input point (61) to an accumulator tank (105) of a subsystem (1), where the material is separated from the conveying air and in a second phase the accumulator tank (105) of the subsystem is emptied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: MARICAP OY
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 9546042
    Abstract: A rack storage system 1 and a method for controlling the movement path of a storage and retrieval device in a rack storage system, including at least one storage and retrieval device with at least two movement axes x, y which can be controlled independently of one another and are operated by electric motors, to carry out a movement from a starting point to a target point 4 to transfer stored goods within the rack storage system and/or into or out of the rack storage system, having a control unit for controlling the motors of the movement axes x, y and an electric intermediate circuit for exchanging fed-back electrical energy between the motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: KEURO Besitz GmbH & Co. EDV-Dienstleistungs KG
    Inventors: Armin Stolzer, Christoph Mutschler
  • Patent number: 9546043
    Abstract: Provided is a warehouse system, including: a work stage including a picking work position at which a worker takes an article of goods out of a storage unit and a warehousing work position at which the worker adds an article of goods to the storage unit, the storage unit moving on the work stage from the picking work position to the warehousing work position; unloading conveyor provided between a warehouse and an upstream end of the work stage, for conveying the storage unit from the warehouse to the upstream end of the work stage; loading conveyor provided between a downstream end of the work stage and the warehouse, for conveying the storage unit from the downstream end of the work stage to the warehouse; dispatching article conveyor for conveying the article of goods that has been taken out of the storage unit at the picking work position in the work stage to a dispatching space; and arrival article conveyor for conveying the article of goods that is to be added to the storage unit at the warehousing work p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: RAKUTEN, INC.
    Inventor: Adrian Anghel Diaconu
  • Patent number: 9546044
    Abstract: A precast concrete storm water assembly comprised of a plurality of modular precast concrete components is provided. More specifically, a fluid collection and containment system is provided that comprises a plurality of underground modules and permeable devices, such as ground level pavers, to allow the ingress of fluid at a predetermined rate. Various permeable and non-permeable conduits are also contemplated for conveying fluid within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Oldcastle Precast, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Brad Boulton, Steve Kingsland
  • Patent number: 9546045
    Abstract: A conveyor (10) for transporting products, in particular in dusty environments, especially in tissue paper processing installations, includes one or more conveyor belts (12) in particular of a mobile type, for transporting the product between one or more pickup and/or release points, includes a mounting frame (11) for the respective conveyor belt (12) which includes a respective frame (13) for supporting an endless band (14) which transports the product and which runs on corresponding guide and slide elements. The conveyor includes band sliding elements (15) which can be moved between a normal position where the band (14) is engaged and retained and a position where the selfsame band (14) is disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: PULSAR S.R.L.
    Inventor: Massimo Franzaroli
  • Patent number: 9546046
    Abstract: A conveyor belt tracking system incorporates a receiving arm secured within a conveyor belt operating system with a roller assembly. The roller assembly has an upper plate and a lower plate forming a high aspect ratio groove to receive a conveyor belt. An axle extending from the receiving arm supports the upper plate and lower plate for rotational motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: James O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9546047
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a slat conveyor for transporting material in mining and extraction systems. The slat conveyor may comprise a plurality of channel elements arranged in a series, a material-transport strand and an oppositely-moving return strand. The slat conveyor may further comprise an endless conveyor including a conveyor chain and a plurality of transport plates with a plate section, which may be pivotable downward in a delivery area for the transported material. Thus, for example, a flat-constructed slat conveyor (apron conveyor) having a low loading height may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Brotzmann, Oliver Kortmann, Joachim Raschka, Hendrik Padberg, Robert Voigt
  • Patent number: 9546048
    Abstract: For filling cups in a cup conveyor, the cups are interconnected and arranged juxtaposed and thus constitute an endless conveyor belt. A cup at least includes an upwardly facing opening. The apparatus includes a filling station with an adjustable dosing device from which the material is supplied to the cups via a chute system during their passage of the filling station. A new feature of an apparatus and a method according to the invention is that the filling station of the apparatus includes a rotatable dispenser arranged above the cups. The rotatable dispenser includes at least one dosing aperture for dosing material into a cup. The apparatus further includes drive means and means for controlling and regulating the at least one dosing aperture in the rotatable dispenser in relation to the positions of the openings in adjacent cups at the filling station when the apparatus is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Simatek Bulk Systems A/S
    Inventor: Torben Drost Larsen
  • Patent number: 9546049
    Abstract: A method and system (1) for discharging beverage containers (6) continuously moved on a horizontal conveyor (10) and guided in parallel rows by one or more gripping heads (3a, 3b, 3c) are disclosed. The one or more gripping heads (3a, 3b, 3c) respectively form at least one pick-up position for the beverage containers (6) to be discharged. The beverage containers (6) are guided on the horizontal conveyor (10) at least approximately together. In the scope of the method, an actual position (IP), adopted in the conveying direction (FR), of one or more of the continuously moved beverage containers (6) is acquired. Moreover, a travelling movement, oriented in parallel to the conveying direction (FR) of the beverage containers (6), of the one or more gripping heads (3a, 3b, 3c) is adapted while taking into account the acquired actual position (IP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Matthias Lindauer
  • Patent number: 9546050
    Abstract: When handling panel-shaped objects, such as glass panes, a gripping device (4) is used in order to remove the objects from stacks (1, 2), in which the objects are inclined towards the vertical, or to position the objects onto stacks (1, 2), wherein the gripping device allows at least two stacks (1, 2) of objects to be formed on bearing blocks, the stacks (1, 2) differing from each other. The gripping device (4) has at least two grippers which are independent of each other. Suction heads (7) are provided as the grippers of the gripping device (4), the suction heads being pivotal independently of each other into and out of the suction head working position associated with the objects. In the process, gripping device (4) suction heads (7) pivoted out of their operating position are arranged above the stacks (1, 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: LISEC AUSTRIA GMBH
    Inventors: Alexander Kronsteiner, Adrian Enzenbrunner, Hannes Endlicher
  • Patent number: 9546051
    Abstract: A system includes a product delivery tube having an air inlet, an agricultural product inlet, and an exit nozzle. The agricultural product inlet is disposed between the air inlet and the exit nozzle, and the first product delivery tube is configured to receive the agricultural product from the agricultural product inlet, and to use an air flow received by the air inlet to convey the agricultural product through the exit nozzle. The system also includes a drop tube configured to receive the agricultural product, and to convey the agricultural product at a drop tube angle to the agricultural product inlet. The drop tube angle is formed by a junction between the first drop tube and the first product delivery tube, and the drop tube angle is greater than approximately 0 degrees and less than approximately 90 degrees relative to the product delivery tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin J. Roberge, Chance Peutert, Rex LeRoy Ruppert, Bradley Dennis Hansen
  • Patent number: 9546052
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transporting foamed thermoplastic polymer particles (3) from a container (5, 9) through at least one pipe (7, 11), wherein, for transporting the foamed thermoplastic polymer particles (3), a gas stream is applied through the pipe (7, 11). The foamed thermoplastic polymer particles (3) are wetted with a water comprising lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: BASF SE (ISENBRUCK BÖSL HÖRSCHLER LLP)
    Inventors: Markus Buscher, Gerhard Weis, Jürgen Bartl, Christian Obermann, Alexander Wolf
  • Patent number: 9546053
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport device (1) for conveying a product, comprising a stationary running rail (2) which extends along a longitudinal axis (3); a cart (6) with a height axis (5) which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (3), said cart being guided on the running rail (2); guiding rollers (7) which are arranged on the cart (6), can be rotated about rotational axes (8) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (3), and roll on the running rail (2), wherein the rotational axis (8) of each guiding roller (7) intersects the same straight line (9), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (3); and a compensating device for compensating for a yaw moment (M) of the cart (6) about the height axis (5), comprising multiple magnetic coils (12) arranged along the running rail (2), at least two ferromagnetic or permanent magnetic counter elements (11) which are arranged on the cart (6) and which are arranged on both sides of the running rail (2), and a control device (18) for controlling the magnet
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Hanisch, Heinrich van de Loecht
  • Patent number: 9546054
    Abstract: A system, equipment; and processes for extending the scope of automation in port container facilities, and thereby increasing port capacity within fixed land resources, increasing operational productivity, increasing safety, increasing the velocity and reliability of goods movement, increasing freight security, reducing negative environmental impacts, and reducing the overall cost of goods movement. A storage area is accessed by automated guided vehicles which receive and unload containerized loads. On the waterside, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and ships using quay cranes. On the ground transportation side, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and truck or rail carriers using semi automated or automated remote-controlled bridge cranes. Within the storage area, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and the storage facilities using automated stacking cranes. The vehicles are adapted to receive a cassette storage platform which in turn receives standard ISO containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Marine Terminals Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Ward, Kai Stuart Martin
  • Patent number: 9546055
    Abstract: A bin sweep comprising a first auger section configured to be movably mounted to a central support framework of a storage bin, and a second auger section operably engaged with the first auger frame such that the second auger section is moveable relative to the first section frame substantially along an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SUDENGA INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Alan G. Hoogestraat, Lyle K. Hollander
  • Patent number: 9546056
    Abstract: Dock leveler safety supports are disclosed herein. An example dock leveler disclosed herein includes a deck movable relative to a platform between a raised position and a lowered cross-traffic position when the dock leveler is in a working configuration. The deck to be inhibited from descending toward the lowered cross-traffic position when the dock leveler is in a service configuration. A first deck obstruction is movable relative to the deck between a secured position and an unrestrained position. The first deck obstruction in the secured position configures the dock leveler in the service configuration. The first deck obstruction in the unrestrained position configures the dock leveler in the working configuration. The first deck obstruction in the secured position to block movement of the deck toward the lowered cross-traffic position and the first deck obstruction in the unrestrained position to permit movement of the deck toward the lowered cross-traffic position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley J. Stone, David Holm, Leonard Kikstra, Matthew Sveum, Norbert Hahn
  • Patent number: 9546057
    Abstract: A sheet material storage includes a housing space structure that forms a housing space to house a sheet material and an acoustic device that uses a Helmholtz resonator. At least a part of a cavity of the Helmholtz resonator is formed in the housing space structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro Ishida, Naoki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 9546058
    Abstract: A stacking device includes: a first stacking portion having a stacking surface on which a sheet is stacked; a widthwise direction regulating unit, provided movably relative to the first stacking portion in a widthwise direction of the sheet, for regulating a widthwise position of the sheet stacked on the stacking surface; a second stacking portion provided rotatably relative to the first stacking portion between a first position and a second position. The second stacking portion is overlaid on the first stacking portion at the first position and supports, at the second position, an upstream portion of the sheet with respect to a feeding direction of the sheet fed by a sheet feeding unit. The second stacking portion is provided with a cut-away portion to avoid interference with the widthwise direction regulating unit when rotates between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Mitsui, Yuya Yanagi