Patents Issued in April 6, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170096288
    Abstract: A bag container dispenser includes a bag container. The container is formed of resilient material and has a bottom, a top, first and second sides, a front, a back and a removable access panel. The access panel has a top segment that includes a portion of the top and a connected front segment. The front segment has a height that extends from the bottom to the top. Stacked bags are sized and shaped to fit within the bag container. Each of the bags has a front wall, a back wall, an open top and a closure mechanism. The bags are dispensable from the container through an opening provided by removal of the access panel which may have a removable cover. A dispenser rack has a horizontal platform sized and shaped to support the bag container. Peripheral guards extend upward from the platform and constrain movement of the container during dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Jessica Tan
  • Publication number: 20170096289
    Abstract: A bag container dispenser includes a bag container. The container is formed of resilient material and has a bottom, a top, first and second sides, a front, a back and a removable access panel. The access panel has a top segment that includes a portion of the top and a connected front segment. The front segment has a height that extends from the bottom to the top. Stacked bags are sized and shaped to fit within the bag container. Each of the bags has a front wall, a back wall, an open top and a closure mechanism. The bags are dispensable from the container through an opening provided by removal of the access panel which may have a removable cover. A dispenser rack has a horizontal platform sized and shaped to support the bag container. Peripheral guards extend upward from the platform and constrain movement of the container during dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Jessica Tan
  • Publication number: 20170096290
    Abstract: A bag container dispenser includes a bag container. The container is formed of resilient material and has a bottom, a top, first and second sides, a front, a back and a removable access panel. The access panel has a top segment that includes a portion of the top and a connected front segment. The front segment has a height that extends from the bottom to the top. Stacked bags are sized and shaped to fit within the bag container. Each of the bags has a front wall, a back wall, an open top and a closure mechanism. The bags are dispensable from the container through an opening provided by removal of the access panel which may have a removable cover. A dispenser rack has a horizontal platform sized and shaped to support the bag container. Peripheral guards extend upward from the platform and constrain movement of the container during dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Jessica Tan
  • Publication number: 20170096291
    Abstract: A delivery nozzle for aerosol and solvent includes a nozzle body defining an aerosol passage and a solvent passage therethrough. The aerosol and solvent passages each extend from an inlet end of the nozzle body to an outlet end thereof. The nozzle body can include a solid, unitary structure with the aerosol and solvent passages both defined through the solid, unitary structure. The inlet end of the nozzle body can include a mounting flange configured to mount the nozzle body in a device for delivering aerosol through the aerosol passage and for delivering solvent through the solvent passage. The solvent passage can define a smaller cross-sectional flow area than that of the aerosol passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Ben D. Gardner
  • Publication number: 20170096292
    Abstract: A carrier device used to transport and store cushions comprising: a carrier comprised of plastic film with at least one opening for placing one or more cushions into the carrier; a device for closing the carrier once the cushions are placed inside; a self-attached strap that is attached to the carrier; and an attachment device for attaching the self-attached strap to the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Steve Kohn, Luis DeOliveira, Steve Guerra
  • Publication number: 20170096293
    Abstract: A liner wringing device (10) is disclosed for use with a container liner. The wringing device includes a housing (30) with an internal cavity which houses the mechanical components of the wringing device. The housing defines a central liner compression channel (40). The internal components include a bottom support plate (42) with a central opening 43 aligned along the central channel. The wringing device also includes a drive assembly (44) formed by four elastomeric rollers (45) positioned so that the peripheral contact surfaces (50) are aligned generally tangentially with the central channel. The four rollers are each mounted to a drive shaft/axle which includes bevel gears which are meshed so that all four rollers rotate in simultaneous, synchronic rotation through the actuation of a pneumatic air gear motor (57).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Randy R. Sullinger, Tony R. McKee
  • Publication number: 20170096294
    Abstract: The retractable shelf system allows for the compartmentalization of storage container. The system is integrated into the interior space of the storage container and includes a plurality of shelving units distributed along the length of the storage container. Each shelving unit includes a first retractable shelf and a second retractable shelf. The first retractable shelf and the second retractable shelf each include a storage panel, a support beam, a hinge mechanism, and an at least one support leg. The support beam from each retractable shelf is mounted parallel and offset to each other within the storage container. The storage panel is mounted adjacent to the support beam by the hinge mechanism. The support leg is hingedly connected to a bottom surface of the support storage panel, opposite the support beam. The first retractable shelf and the second retractable shelf can be positioned into a retracted configuration and a functional configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Walter L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20170096295
    Abstract: A curtain closure for the cargo opening of an air cargo container and the air cargo containers that have the same. The curtain closures include a fabric layer, and at least one of an insulating layer or a reinforcing layer attached to the inside of the fabric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas R. Pherson, Garry L. Haruska
  • Publication number: 20170096296
    Abstract: A liner discharge structure, and associated liner and container system are disclosed. A liner discharge structure according to the present disclosure can include: a neck collar fabricated from a liner material, wherein the neck collar encapsulates a first O-ring in the liner material; a neck fabricated from the liner material and including a first end coupled to the neck collar and in fluid communication with container liner, wherein the neck provides a passageway extending from the first end to a second end; and a discharge collar fabricated from the liner material and coupled to the second end of the neck, wherein the discharge collar encapsulates a second O-ring therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Jon Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20170096297
    Abstract: A compaction system includes a compaction cavity having an inlet opening sized to receive a bag containing liquids and solids, and a compaction ram movable within the compaction cavity to compact the bag. At least one of the compaction cavity and the compaction ram includes at least one piercing member arranged and configured to puncture the bag to permit release of the liquids from the bag. The released liquids are collected with a liquid collection member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: SIMPLY RIGHT, INC.
    Inventor: Bryan W. Call
  • Publication number: 20170096298
    Abstract: An express recycling sack is provided. The recycling sack includes a collapsible frame and a flexible body attached to the frame. The recycling sack also includes a plurality of open drain apertures defined in the flexible body and a plurality of straps affixed to the flexible body. The recycling sack also includes a first flap having a toggle retained in and protruding perpendicularly therefrom and one or more additional flaps defining one or more flap apertures. The first flap and the one or more additional flaps are closeable to, in combination, close an opening of the recycling sack wherein, in a closed position of the first and one or more additional flaps, the toggle extends through each of the one or more flap apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: John Levy, Levi Jon Robinson
  • Publication number: 20170096299
    Abstract: A trashcan assembly can include a body portion, a lid portion pivotably coupled with the body portion, and a sensor assembly configured to generate a signal when an object is detected within a sensing region. The sensor assembly can include a plurality of transmitters having a first subset of transmitters and a second subset of transmitters. A transmission axis of at least one transmitter in the first subset of transmitters can be different from a transmission axis of at least one of the transmitters in the second subset of transmitters. An electronic processor can generate an electronic signal to a power-operated drive mechanism for moving the lid portion from a closed position to an open position, such as in response to the sensor assembly detecting the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Frank Yang, David Wolbert, Guy Cohen, Bryce Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20170096300
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile robot able to move inside a self-storage site comprising a plurality of outer walls defining said inside space and a plurality of storage boxes arranged in said inside space, said mobile robot comprising an entry module configured to allow a user to enter information relative to the location of a storage box, and a distributor of at least one locking means configured to lock said box once it is rented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Nicolas De ROQUETTE BUISSON, Matthieu BESOZZI
  • Publication number: 20170096301
    Abstract: A method for conveying piece goods from a stack, using a finger unit with two flexible flank elements which extend jointly from one end of the finger unit, wherein the two flexible flank elements are in each case flexibly connected to one another by way of a multiplicity of webs such that the finger unit is adjustable from a curved position into a straightened position and back, wherein the finger unit is pressed against the stack in a gripping direction such that one flank element is impressed by one item of piece goods, wherein the finger unit is adjusted from a straightened position into a curved position and, in the process, the finger unit grips the item of piece goods, and wherein the gripped item of piece goods is moved by the finger unit from the stack in a transport direction perpendicular to the gripping direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventors: Bernd Hartmann, Wolfram Grafe
  • Publication number: 20170096302
    Abstract: A conveyor for conveying products in a vertical direction comprises a frame and a drivable conveyor belt supported by the frame and following a helical track about a central centerline. The belt is provided with movable slats having upwardly directed support faces. Inner rollers and outer rollers are present at the lower side of the belt having inner axes and outer axes of rotation, respectively, which are angled with respect to the support faces. The outer rollers are located at a larger distance from the centerline than the inner rollers. The frame is provided with a first guide face for supporting the outer rollers in an outward direction which first guide face is radially directed in the outward direction and with an upwardly directed second guide faces for supporting the belt in the upward direction, which second guide face lies at a distance from the first guide face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Wouter Balk
  • Publication number: 20170096303
    Abstract: Belt conveyor idler systems for increasing the trough angle of a conveyor belt are disclosed. In some embodiments, wing roll brackets that support the wing rolls increase in length from the front end to the back end of the idler system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: Precision, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Van Zee, James Masek
  • Publication number: 20170096304
    Abstract: An assembly for the sorted conveyance of substantially plate-like products, the assembly comprises includes a stroke limiting shoulder, downstream of at least one supply line, a first pusher having a lateral surface that faces and is proximate to the stroke limiting shoulder, and at least one second pusher, which is adjacent to the other pusher. The pushers are substantially perpendicular to the advancement direction of the products and are independently movable from a first configuration, in which the respective end face faces and is proximate to the edge of the at least one supply line, to a second configuration, in which the end face faces and is proximate to the edge of the exit channel, surmounting the respective supply line. The exit channel includes consecutive receptacles for accommodating clusters of products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Giulia GUIDI, Fabio SASSI
  • Publication number: 20170096305
    Abstract: A compliant gripper with integrated position and force sensors dedicated to automated micro-assembly tasks. The gripper possesses a larger gripping range with a bidirectional drive, and is capable of detecting grasping force and environmental interaction forces in horizontal and vertical axes. The gripper has a compliant rotary flexure bearing. The gripper further has a compliant mechanism with two-stage stiffness designed to provide force sensing with dual sensitivities in two measuring ranges to accommodate the grasping of objects with different sizes. The dual-sensitivity, dual-range force sensor provides finer and coarser force sensing in a small and large ranges, respectively. Analytical models are derived to predict the grasping range, force sensing sensitivities, and force measuring ranges. These models are verified by conducting finite-element analysis simulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: UNIVERSISTY OF MACAU
    Inventor: Qingsong XU
  • Publication number: 20170096306
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic creel loading apparatus. The automatic creel loading apparatus is configured to unload creels, around which wires for use in manufacturing a tire are wound and which are stacked in multiple layers and multiple rows on a loading pallet, from the loading pallet and to carry and load the creels onto loading shafts of a creel stand, in order to supply the wires to the tire manufacturing process. The apparatus includes a loading base, on which the loading pallet loaded with the creels is disposed, an unmanned transport cart for reciprocatingly moving the loading base along transport rails, and a multi-axis rotational loading robot mounted to the loading base in order to unload the creels from the loading pallet and to carry and load each of the creels onto a corresponding one of the loading shafts of the creel stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Hyo Seung SON
  • Publication number: 20170096307
    Abstract: A method of configuring a laboratory automation system is presented. The position of a laboratory station is detected automatically. A laboratory sample distribution system and a laboratory automation system adapted to perform such a method are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Mohammadreza Mahmudimanesh, Achim Sinz
  • Publication number: 20170096308
    Abstract: A robotic carton unloader for automatic unloading of canons from a carton pile. In various embodiments, a robotic carton unloader may comprise a mobile body, a movable robotic arm attached to the mobile body and comprising an end effector configured to unload a row of cartons in a side-by-side orientation from the carton pile, and a conveyor system mounted on the mobile body and configured to receive the row of cartons from the end effector in the side-by-side orientation. In various embodiments the conveyor system may comprise a front-end descrambler and a central descrambler coupled to the front-end descrambler. In various embodiments, the robotic arm may be configured to straddle at least a portion of the mobile body and at least a portion of the conveyor system such that the conveyor system conveys cartons from the carton pile through the robotic arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Michael L. Girtman, Matthew Wicks
  • Publication number: 20170096309
    Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus, including: a base body having a conveyor surface; a separating roller configured to rotate about a first rotation axis parallel to a width direction of the conveyor surface and to convey a sheet downstream in a conveyance direction orthogonal to the width direction; a separating piece opposed to the separating roller and configured to cooperate with the separating roller to separate sheets being conveyed one by one; an attachment member removably attached to the base body at a position at which the attachment member is opposed to the separating roller, so as to form a part of the conveyor surface; a holder holding the separating piece and supported by the attachment member so as to be movable toward and away from the separating roller; and a first urging member provided between the attachment member and the holder for urging the separating piece toward the separating roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Masahiko Ohta
  • Publication number: 20170096310
    Abstract: The sheet conveyance apparatus includes first and second rollers, the second roller coming into contact with the first roller and thereby forming a nip portion, the second rotation axis being inclined with respect to the first rotation axis, wherein the second roller includes a first outer circumferential portion having a first outside diameter, a second outer circumferential portion arranged on one side of the first outer circumferential portion in an axial direction of the second rotation axis and having a second outside diameter larger than the first outside diameter, and a third outer circumferential portion arranged on the other side of the first outer circumferential portion, and wherein an outer circumferential surface of the first roller contacts with at least the first, second and third outer circumferential portions of the second roller, to form the nip portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Hiroki Yamaguchi, Masanobu Kanoto
  • Publication number: 20170096311
    Abstract: A mat rolling apparatus including a portable and tubular body defining a distal end and a proximal end, opposing the distal end, the body defining an open-faced channel, defined by a lower wall flanked by two side walls of the tubular body, spanning continuously and longitudinally from the distal end of the tubular body to the proximal end of the tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Davin Godfrey
  • Publication number: 20170096312
    Abstract: An unwinder of reels of web material wound around winding spindles (A), includes a unwinding station (13) with at least one unwinding member (23) to rotate a reel (B) that is located in the unwinding station and feed the web material toward a delivery path (E). Lifting members (51, 53) are provided to lift a spindle of a first exhausted reel from the unwinding station (13), in a removal position (PR). An insertion member (7; 33) is further provided to insert a second reel into the unwinding station (13). A pressing member (61) is arranged to press the web material coming from the first reel in removal position (PR) against the second reel in the unwinding station (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Giuseppe ACCIARI
  • Publication number: 20170096313
    Abstract: A device (1) for delivery of film for a station for packaging by plastic-wrapping, includes: at least two reels (2), each including at least one support shaft (3) for a film roll as well as a film guide (4), in particular in the form of a roller downstream from the shaft; a return roller (5), up to which an unwound film (6) travels from the roll of one of the reels (2); a loader for bringing the reserve film (9) from the roll of the at least one other reel (2) close to the unwound film. The loader includes a rotor (10), which rolls up the reserve film (9) around it in such a way as to bring it close to the unwound film (6). A machine that uses this device as well as a corresponding method are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Gregory CHOPLIN
  • Publication number: 20170096314
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including: an image forming portion; a discharge portion configured to discharge a recording material on which an image is formed by the image forming portion, wherein a delivery conveyance portion having a power source circuit is mountable in a space adjacent to the image forming portion and configured to convey the recording material to a post-processing apparatus; a detection unit configured to detect a temperature; a cooling unit configured to cool the image forming portion; and a control unit configured to control, in a case where the delivery conveyance portion is mounted, rotation and stop of the cooling unit based on the temperature detected by the detection unit in a second state in which start of an operation of forming the image is waited for after a first state in which the image is formed on the recording material by the image forming portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Toshifumi KAKUTANI, Takayuki Iikura, Shuji Obata, Mitsuhiro Sugeta, Kazunori Miyake, Yousuke Hata, Shinya Suzuki, Hirohisa Nakajima, Manabu Koseki, Takeyuki Suda, Toshiyuki Abe, Kazumi Sato
  • Publication number: 20170096315
    Abstract: The present invention is a container for storing, managing and monitoring the usage time and consumption of a filamentary material consumed by an associated 3D printer during the printer's operation, including a storage quantity of at least one filament, and a power supply, and filament locking means, and filament lock actuation means. The container is universal and can therefore be used with a variety of makes and models of 3D printer hardware. The filament is fed from the quantity of filament through the filament locking means, prior to exiting the container. The filament locking means are normally actuated, thereby preventing feed of filament to emerge from the container unless a predetermined set of unlocking conditions are met to disengage the filament locking means via the filament lock actuation means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Bruce Curtis JACKSON
  • Publication number: 20170096316
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a traversing element (1) for a spinning machine (26), wherein the traversing element (1) comprises a guide segment (2) by means of which a roving (3) may be guided in the region of a surface of a tube (4) or of a roving bobbin (5), and wherein the traversing element (1) comprises a support segment (6) via which it may be connected to a support member (7) of the spinning machine (26). According to the invention it is suggested that the traversing element (1) comprises at least one cavity (8) that is closed with respect to the outside and is partially filled with a liquid (9), wherein heat that occurs in the region of the guide segment (2) due to friction between the guide segment (2) and the roving (3) guided by the guide segment (2) when the traversing element (1) is operating may be absorbed by the liquid (9). In addition, a spinning machine (26) having a corresponding traversing element (2) is proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Jiri Stech, Petr Haska
  • Publication number: 20170096317
    Abstract: Embodiments provide reels comprising covers, wire hubs, and winding levers. The covers removably attach to casings and close spool apertures of the casings. The hubs spool wire into/out of the apertures via windows of the casings. Moreover, the hubs couple to the covers. Some levers operably couple to the covers. When stowed, the levers are within the perimeters of the covers. When deployed, the levers extend beyond the perimeters. The reels can also comprise the casings. Mounting bases of some reels can removably attach to the casings. Furthermore, some levers can pivot about hinges on the covers. Levers can comprise wind knobs at their ends and the covers can define apertures through which the knobs extend when stowed. Detents which retain the levers in the stowed position can be provided. Moreover, hubs can comprise the detents for engaging the levers when the levers are stowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Roland Wade Hawkins, Cindy Ann Hawkins, Daniel Tagtow, Hugh Melling
  • Publication number: 20170096318
    Abstract: A system 110 includes an input/output 113 unit for receiving a user request to call an elevator 101, 102 and a processor 111 for processing the user request to assign an elevator to the user 105. The processor performs one of a first assignment process and a second assignment process. The first assignment process includes determining whether a delay condition exists for delaying assignment of the elevator to the user 202, delaying assignment of the elevator to the user based on determining that the delay condition exists 203, and assigning the elevator to the user based on determining that the delay condition does not exist 204. The second assignment process includes assigning the elevator to the user and notifying the user of the assignment, determining whether an assignment change condition exists 206, changing the assignment to another elevator based on determining that the assignment change condition exists 207, and notifying the user of the assignment change 208.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Garfinkel, Theresa M. Christy, Jannah A. Stanley, Harold Terry
  • Publication number: 20170096319
    Abstract: A method including providing a device including a first member having a first section, a second section and a first attachment member to form an attachment with one of two slots of a manhole cover on a distal end of the second section and a handle at a proximal end of the first section, and a second member rotatably attached to the first member and including a second attachment member to form an attachment with the other slot on a distal end thereof; placing the first attachment member in attachment with one slot and the second attachment member in attachment with the other slot; applying upward force to handle to lift the manhole cover out of a manhole in which the manhole cover is in place; and applying rearward force to the handle to drag the manhole cover away from the manhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: JEFFERY D. MONTGOMERY
  • Publication number: 20170096320
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for handling at least one receptacle to be filled with a pourable product. The apparatus includes a conveying unit configured to advance the at least one receptacle along a path; a filling unit configured to fill the at least one receptacle with the pourable product as the at least one receptacle is advanced along the path; a labeling unit configured to apply at least one label onto the at least one receptacle during advancement of the at least one receptacle along the path; a labeling detection unit configured to detect correctness of the application of the at least one label on the at least one receptacle based on at least one predetermined criterion; and an electronic control unit configured to cooperate with the labeling detection unit to control the operation of the filling unit based on the correctness of the labeling of the at least one receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Roberto ZONI, Mirko ROSSI
  • Publication number: 20170096321
    Abstract: A method for distributing product using a consumer refillable packaging in a retail environment comprises manufacturing a liquid product at a point of manufacture. The liquid product is then transferred to a retail location in a refillable canister, which is mounted in a storage room as part of a delivery subsystem for communicating the liquid product from the storage room to a refill station in a retail floor space. Consumers operate the refill station to refill a refillable container with the liquid product from the canister in the storage room via the refill station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Levenstein, Eric A. Williams
  • Publication number: 20170096322
    Abstract: A system and method for the automated dispensing of bulk keg wine is provide having, in combination: integrated temperature control; pressure monitoring; automated purging; and integrated point of sale data acquisition for determining inventory usage statistics for each keg of wine dispensed. The system provides for precise measurement of each portion. An error alarm system warns an operator about beverage tank low level. A system for forcing the flashing of poor quality beverage. Recording of all delivery process events allows for operator or management review and control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Lev Volftsun
  • Publication number: 20170096323
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system for dispensing alcoholic beverages includes a beverage dispensing package and a connector assembly configured to be coupled to the package. The package includes an outer container and at least one divider positioned within the outer container to form a plurality of compartments. The package also includes a plurality of inner containers, with one of the inner containers positioned within each of the compartments. Each inner container stores an alcoholic beverage and each container includes an outlet to enable the alcoholic beverage to be dispensed. The connector assembly includes a plurality of connectors for coupling to a respective outlet of the inner containers, and a dispensing line coupled to the connectors. The connector assembly couples the inner containers in flow communication with the dispensing line to enable the alcoholic beverages within each of the inner containers to be jointly dispensed through the dispensing line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Peter DeRaedt, Bernd Witzany
  • Publication number: 20170096324
    Abstract: Food product dispensing machines and methods for dispensing food product into a cup. The food product dispensing machine includes a cup holder having a target element, a sensor that senses the target element, and a controller. The cup holder is configured to hold a cup such that the cup prevents the sensor from sensing at least a portion of the target element. The controller determines whether a cup is present in the cup holder and/or a size of the cup based on a remaining portion of the target element that is sensed by the sensor when the cup is held by the cup holder. Drive mechanisms are configured to move the first and second cup holders along first and second radial paths, respectively, with respect to the common dispensing position. An indicator is configured to indicate a remaining number of cup dispenses to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Dresser, Slawomir Kielian, Anthony Caringella
  • Publication number: 20170096325
    Abstract: A console for a fuel delivery management system, including a processor, a touch-sensitive display, a plurality of ports configured to facilitate communications with a plurality of lines, tanks, containments, sensors and pumps, and a memory including a plurality of instructions which when executed by the processor cause the console to generate a home screen on the display, the home screen having a quick jump menu icon which when activated by a user, causes the processor to generate a navigation window on the home screen, the navigation window including a plurality of function icons, each corresponding to a function screen, wherein activation of one of the plurality of function icons causes the processor to generate a function screen including a graphic indication of a parameter of one of the plurality of lines, tanks, containments, sensors and pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel H. Marston, Andrew P. Knapp, Jason A. Nees, Randall S. Boucher, Barrett L. Stetson
  • Publication number: 20170096326
    Abstract: Provided is a method of limiting exposure of a dispense chemical to air and meet dispense objectives in a dispense nozzle system, the method comprising: providing a sample requiring a dispense process of a dispense chemical using a dispense nozzle system; performing an opening cycle of dispense process steps to get the dispense nozzle system ready; dispensing a dispense chemical onto the sample; and performing a closing cycle of dispense process steps to prepare the nozzle system for non-use; repeating the operations of performing the opening cycle of dispense process steps, dispensing the chemical, and performing the closing cycle of dispense process steps a prescribed number of times depending on an application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Ronald Nasman, Bruce Altemus
  • Publication number: 20170096327
    Abstract: A pumping system and a pumping method implemented with the pumping system. The pumping system comprises a solar panel performing a photovoltaic conversion based on an insolation level including a first insolation level and a second insolation level; a fuel reservoir containing a fuel in a liquid state; an electric motor; a pump rotatable by the electric motor to pump the fuel; and a first motor drive converting electrical energy supplied by the solar panel to drive the electric motor at a first speed when the insolation level is at the first insolation level and at a second speed, slower than the first speed, when the insolation level is at the second insolation level, thereby pumping the fuel at a first rate and a second rate, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Leon R. Schuster, James M. Novak, Donald E. Watzke, William S. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20170096328
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves forming a method of fabricating a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) device. A plurality of openings is formed in a first side of a first substrate. A dielectric layer is formed over the first side of the substrate. A plurality of segments of the dielectric layer fills the openings. The first side of the first substrate is bonded to a second substrate that contains a cavity. The bonding is performed such that the segments of the dielectric layer are disposed over the cavity. A portion of the first substrate disposed over the cavity is transformed into a plurality of movable components of a MEMS device. The movable components are in physical contact with the dielectric the layer. Thereafter, a portion of the dielectric layer is removed without using liquid chemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Lee-Chuan Tseng, Chang-Ming Wu, Shih-Chang Liu, Yuan-Chih Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20170096329
    Abstract: A microelectronic interconnect element can include a plurality of first metal lines and a plurality of second metal lines interleaved with the first metal lines. Each of the first and second metal lines has a surface extending within the same reference plane. The first metal lines have surfaces above the reference plane and remote therefrom and the second metal lines have surfaces below the reference plane and remote therefrom. A dielectric layer can separate a metal line of the first metal lines from an adjacent metal line of the second metal lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Chang Myung Ryu, Kimitaka Endo, Belgacem Haba, Yoichi Kubota
  • Publication number: 20170096330
    Abstract: A method and system for changing a pressure within at least one enclosure in a MEMS device are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises applying a laser through one of the at least two substrates onto a material which changes the pressure within at least one enclosure when exposed to the laser, wherein the at least one enclosure is formed by the at least two substrates. In a second aspect, the system comprises a MEMS device that includes a first substrate, a second substrate bonded to the first substrate, wherein at least one enclosure is located between the first and the second substrates, a metal layer within one of the first substrate and the second substrate, and a material vertically oriented over the metal layer, wherein when the material is heated the material changes a pressure within the at least one enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Michael DUEWEKE, Martin LIM
  • Publication number: 20170096331
    Abstract: Measures are described which contribute simply and reliably to the mechanical decoupling of a MEMS functional element from the structure of a MEMS element. The MEMS element includes at least one deflectable functional element, which is implemented in a layered structure on a MEMS substrate, so that a space exists between the layered structure and the MEMS substrate, at least in the area of the functional element. According to the invention, a stress decoupling structure is formed in the MEMS substrate in the form of a blind hole-like trench structure, which is open to the space between the layered structure and the MEMS substrate and extends into the MEMS substrate to only a predefined depth, so that the rear side of the MEMS substrate is closed, at least in the area of the trench structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Johannes Classen, Jochen Reinmuth, Mirko Hattass, Ralf Reichenbach, Antoine Puygranier
  • Publication number: 20170096332
    Abstract: A method and a device for generating of hydrogen are provided with which an instantaneous release of hydrogen in considerable amounts is possible. The method comprises a one or two step mixing including injecting the fuel and an activator fluid into a reaction chamber. The device is adapted to be operated with such a method. Further, a fuel suitable for the use with such a method is provided, the fuel being based on a dry metal hydride or a dry metal borohydride being dispersed in a non-aqueous dispersion medium. Moreover, a method for (re-) fuelling the hydrogen generating device at a service station and a method for supplying a service station with fuel are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: GERARDUS WILHELMUS LUGTIGHEID
  • Publication number: 20170096333
    Abstract: A reforming device (10) according to the present invention has a compressor (11), a first heat exchanger (12), a desulfurization device (13), a reformer (14), a raw material gas branching line (L11) that extracts a compressed natural gas (21) from a downstream side of the desulfurization device (13) with respect to the flow direction of the natural gas (21) and supplies the natural gas (21) to the reformer (14), and a flue gas discharging line (L12) that discharges a flue gas (22) generated in the reformer (14), wherein the first heat exchanger (12) is provided in the flue gas discharging line (L12), and the flue gas (22) is used as a heating medium of the compressed natural gas (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Mikiya Sakurai, Naoya Okuzumi, Ryota Shimura, Shuichi Miyamoto, Yoshio Seiki, Hiroyuki Osora
  • Publication number: 20170096334
    Abstract: This is a system for generating hydrogen on-board the vehicle from compressed natural gas (CNG) in select ratios to create hydrogen-enriched CNG (HCNG) fuel for use in internal combustion engines. The on-board generation of hydrogen is comprised of a reforming system of CNG fuel with direct contact with exhaust gases. The reforming system controls for production of HCNG fuel mixtures is based on specific engine operating conditions. The vehicle's engine controls and operating parameters are modified for combustion of selective ratios of HCNG fuel mixtures throughout engine operating cycle. The reforming system controls and engine controls modifications are also used to minimize combustion emissions and optimize engine performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Nick K. EDALATI
  • Publication number: 20170096335
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for decarbonizing gases using pressure swing in a first and second pressure vessel that each comprise a fixed bed sorbent. Syngas and steam are received in the first pressure vessel. A carbonation reaction is performed in the first pressure vessel that reacts carbonaceous species in the received syngas with the received steam to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Decarbonated syngas is exhausted from first pressure vessel. A calcination reaction is performed in the second pressure vessel to produce carbon dioxide. A vacuum is provided to the second pressure vessel that causes carbon dioxide to exhaust from the second pressurized vessel at a pressure that substantially follows the decomposition pressure line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: Wormser Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Wormser
  • Publication number: 20170096336
    Abstract: A mobile system is described that that produces and applies an ozonated liquid to clean and sanitize a variety of articles and surfaces. The mobile system includes an ozonated liquid dispensing unit that forms the ozonated liquid from water and ozone gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel W. Lynn
  • Publication number: 20170096337
    Abstract: Contemplated systems and methods for removing polysulfides and hydrogen sulfide from liquid sulfur of a Claus plant include (a) physically separated steps of catalytic decomposition of polysulfides and gas stripping, or (b) use of the stripping gas as the continuous phase in a packed column with decomposition catalyst to so avoid catalyst attrition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen N. Fenderson, Vincent W. Wong