Patents Issued in June 13, 2017
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Patent number: 9676488Abstract: A system and method for controlling a tail-sitter aircraft, includes determining a mode of operation for the aircraft; operating each of a large turbine engine and a small turbine engine to provide total aircraft power during hover or high-power mode of operation; and selectively providing aircraft power from the small turbine engine to a plurality of rotors during a long-range endurance cruise mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventor: Mark R. Alber
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Patent number: 9676489Abstract: A device for attaching an aircraft engine to a pylon secured to the aircraft, the attachment device comprising a beam secured to the pylon and a first clevis mount comprising two cheeks connected to one another by a first clevis pin. A second clevis mount is secured to the engine and comprises two cheeks connected to one another by a second clevis pin. A shackle is rotatably connected to the first and second pins by first and second spherical joints. The attachment device further comprises at least one pair of washers positioned around one of the pins, one washer on each side of the shackle, and separating the shackle from the cheeks of the clevis mount bearing the one of the pins. The shackle, in its extreme positions of rotation about the one of the pins passing through the two spherical joints, coming into contact with the washers.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Airbus Operations SASInventors: Bruno Serra, Richard Garrigues
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Patent number: 9676490Abstract: A method of assisting the piloting of a multi-engined rotorcraft in the event of an engine failure. A main rotor of the rotorcraft is driven at a variable NR speed under the control of a control unit. Calculation means identify an authorized margin of mechanical power usable by the pilot depending on a rating for regulating the operation of each of the engines under the control of a regulator unit. Outside an engine-failure situation, and providing the main rotor is being driven at a low NR speed, the mechanical power margin that is usable by the pilot and that is displayed on a screen, is in fact a limited margin of a value less than the authorized margin. Under such conditions, and in an engine-failure situation, the mechanical power reserve that is actually available enables the pilot to counter rapidly the sudden drop in the NR speed of rotation of the main rotor as induced by the engine failure.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERSInventors: Jean-Baptiste Vallart, Setareh Taheri, Damien Gavios, Celine Rocheron
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Patent number: 9676491Abstract: A method of managing evaporated cryogenic fuel in a storage tank of a cryogenic fuel system of an aircraft and an aircraft having at least one turbine engine providing propulsive force for the aircraft and a cryogenic fuel system including a passively cooled cryogenic fuel storage tank located within the aircraft, a pressure vent fluidly coupled to the cryogenic fuel storage tank and exhausting evaporated gas from the cryogenic fuel to define a natural gas vent stream, and a catalytic converter fluidly coupled to the pressure vent.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Jay Epstein, Adon Delgado, Jr., Robert Harold Weisgerber
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Patent number: 9676492Abstract: A dehumidifier comprises: a first channel for transporting air at a first pressure; a second channel for transporting air at a second pressure lower than the first pressure; and a graphene oxide barrier separating the first channel and the second channel. The relatively lower pressure of air in the second channel causes water vapor to be drawn out of the air in the first channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Airbus Operations LimitedInventors: Franklin Tichborne, Joseph K-W Lam, Alessio Cipullo, Stephen E. Burnell
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Patent number: 9676493Abstract: A system for damage tracking and monitoring during ground handling of aircraft includes a ground service communication network configured to transmit communication data between ground support equipment, GSE, and aircraft; a database configured to store configuration data and status data of GSE and aircraft; and a computer-based system configured to communicate with the ground service communication network and the database. The computer-based system is configured to update the configuration data and the status data of GSE and aircraft stored in the database on basis of communication data received from the ground service communication network. The computer-based system is further configured to estimate a damage source among the GSE for a damage inflicted on the aircraft by one of the GSE by correlating damage characteristics of the damage with the configuration data and the status data from the database.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2016Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignees: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH, AIRBUS S.A.S.Inventors: Tim Fuβ, Diego Alonso-Tabares
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Patent number: 9676494Abstract: A combined anti-collision and navigation light unit for an aircraft includes a light source, having at least one LED and having a source-side light intensity distribution, and a lens cover with a shape that is configured to transform the source-side light intensity distribution into an output light intensity distribution of the combined anti-collision and navigation light unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: GOODRICH LIGHTING SYSTEMS GMBHInventors: Anil Kumar Jha, Andre Hessling Von Heimendahl
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Patent number: 9676495Abstract: A hydrant coupler (12) is disclosed that includes a coupler body (16), an actuating collar (20) movable relative to the coupler body (16) and a handle assembly (25) connected to the actuating collar (20). The handle assembly (25) includes an upper arm component (31) and a lower arm component (33) separated by a handle articulating feature (35) that connects the upper and lower arm components (31, 33), but permits relative motion therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Gilbert Peter Freeth
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Patent number: 9676496Abstract: A system may include an aerial vehicle, a perch platform configured to receive the aerial vehicle, and a ground station coupled to the aerial vehicle via a tether. The ground station may include a winch including a winch drum configured to move laterally and spin in a manner such that the tether is wound onto on the winch drum in a repeating pattern, possibly utilizing a fixed position levelwind. The system may additionally include a tower around which the winch and the perch platform can rotate about a vertical axis relative to the tower. The system may further utilize the tether forces on the levelwind to help move the perch platform around the vertical axis or be driven actively by a motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Brian Hachtmann, Damon Vander Lind
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Patent number: 9676497Abstract: A single piece pulsed flow wing assembly method providing for horizontal wing manufacture is accomplished using synchronized automated vehicles guided in a predetermined manner to move and, locate wing structure in a plurality of assembly positions. Multi-axis assembly positioning systems (MAPS) are used at each assembly position to support and index components in the wing structure and determinant assembly techniques are used for indexing of the components. Modular automated manufacturing processes employing magnetic assembly clamping, drilling, fastener insertion, and sealant application are employed.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Philip W. Boyd, John W. Hall, Clayton L. Munk, James C. Roberts, Michael J. Fant, Richard D. Fiedler, Barry A. Lewis, Samuel R. Dobbs, Gary E. Mansell
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Patent number: 9676498Abstract: Systems and methods for launching space vehicles into outer space are disclosed. Method include powering a thrust augmentation stage of a launch vehicle during an initial portion of a launch trajectory to provide thrust to the launch vehicle; following the initial portion of the launch trajectory, separating a first stage of the launch vehicle from the thrust augmentation stage; powering the first stage of the launch vehicle during the initial portion and during a second portion of the launch trajectory following the initial portion of the launch trajectory to provide thrust to the launch vehicle; and controlling a controlled descent of the thrust augmentation stage to Earth following separation of the thrust augmentation stage from the first stage.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2016Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Michael Leslie Hand
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Patent number: 9676499Abstract: A fuel depot in space is provided. The fuel depot has a collapsible housing with a guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system, a power management system, and a reaction control system (RNC). Connected to the housing are a plurality of fuel tanks that are connected via collapsible rods. The fuel tanks have pipe systems that are in communication with a plurality of pumps to transfer fuel from the tanks through a refueling arm and into a spacecraft during refueling.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Gateway Galactic, Inc.Inventors: Justin J. Myers, Floyd R. Richardson
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Patent number: 9676500Abstract: A method of solar occultation, and in particular solar coronagraphy, employing a spacecraft 200 is disclosed. The spacecraft is controlled to achieve a position within a target zone relative to a celestial body, such as the Moon, such that the celestial body occults the Sun, allowing observations of the Sun or the space around the Sun, and in particular the Sun's corona, to be made from the spacecraft. The spacecraft has an orbit 40 around the Earth in a plane S, which like the Moon's orbit 20 in plane M, is inclined relative to the ecliptic plane E. Once inside the target zone, the spacecraft's orbit is controlled such that it remains in the target zone for longer than it would otherwise. This is achieved through the orbit within the target zone being at least partly non-Keplerian, when the orbit is under the influence of spacecraft translational thrust for example.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space LimitedInventors: Steve Eckersley, Stephen Kemble
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Patent number: 9676501Abstract: A large area, deployable flexible blanket photovoltaic solar array architecture for high power applications is disclosed. The structure is a modularized and scalable solar array system that provides high power level scalability. The structure is comprised of repeating, similar modular deployable roll-out solar array wings mounted in an opposing manner and along the length of a rigid, strong and efficiently packaged deployable backbone structure. The deployable roll-out solar array building block modular “winglet” elements can be comprised of either a rolled or z-folded flexible photovoltaic blanket configuration, and their structural deployment is motivated by the elastic strain energy of longitudinal roll-out booms. The backbone structure is comprised of a stiff deployable beam structure articulated that is deployed perpendicular with respect to the spacecraft sidewall and latched out.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Deployable Space SystemsInventors: Brian R Spence, Stephen F White, Peter Sorensen
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Patent number: 9676502Abstract: An aiming assembly comprising an instrument and aiming device, the aiming device comprises: a frame, a mobile part comprising a plate, the instrument being fixed onto the plate, the mobile part and the instrument having a centre of gravity, the mobile part being rotationally mobile relative to the frame on a first axis of rotation, and comprising a support configured to cooperate with the plate to allow the plate to be rotationally mobile relative to the frame about a second axis of rotation at right angles to the first axis of rotation, and rotationally mobile relative to the frame on the first axis, the first and second axes of rotation intersecting at a point of intersection. The point of intersection coincides with the centre of gravity of the mobile part and of the instrument, and the support comprises a flexible part configured to compensate for the differential expansions on the second axis of rotation between the frame and the plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2016Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: THALESInventors: Yannick Baudassé, Stéphane Vézain, Paul Mouille, Didier Stanek
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Patent number: 9676503Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus. In order to achieve efficient sealing, the apparatus includes a sealing with a plurality of sealing elements arranged generally in a ring configuration around a center opening. Each sealing element includes a sealing surface facing the center opening. At least one chamber is included for receiving sections of the sealing elements. An inlet to a fluid source provides the at least one chamber with fluid in order to generate an overpressure acting on the sections of the sealing elements received in the at least one chamber, and for pressing and moving the sealing surfaces of the sealing elements towards the center opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: NEXTROM OYInventors: Jukka Nummela, Risto Widerholm, Tatu Kutvonen
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Patent number: 9676504Abstract: A package includes a container and a lid adapted to mate with a brim of the container. The lid closes a top opening in the container when mounted on the container. In a lid-coupling process, a product is discharged from an interior product-storage region formed in the container. The elastic top wall of the lid is moved along the container brim to establish a radially outwardly moving brim-wiping motion to cause substantially all of any spilled product located on the annular brim to be displaced and wiped off the container brim so that little, if any, spilled product remains on the container brim.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Berry Plastics CorporationInventors: Jeffrey C. Minnette, David J. Jochem, Ken Jochem
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Patent number: 9676505Abstract: A twister assembly for use in connection with bundling one or more objects with a length of wire may cut, grip, eject, and twist the length of wire. The twister assembly includes a main shaft driven by a main shaft motor and a twister shaft driven by a twister motor. The main shaft may be operatively coupled to a gripping mechanism, which is operable between an open and a closed position, a cutting mechanism, and an ejector mechanism. The twister shaft may be operatively coupled to a twisting mechanism, where the twisting mechanism includes a plurality of gears configured to rotate a twister pinion. The twister pinion is further configured to engage the length of wire and twist a portion of the length of wire to form a knot. Related twister assemblies and methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Enterprises International, Inc.Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Donald Smith, Lyndon Cozzutto, David Doyle, Philip Floyd Jones
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Patent number: 9676506Abstract: A vacuum sealing appliance is provided including a vacuum motor assembly generating suction, a vacuum trough fluidly connected to the vacuum motor assembly configured to receive suction and evacuate a food container through an open end, and at least one heat sealing element adjacent the vacuum trough configured to heat seal the open end of the food container after evacuation. The vacuum sealing appliance further includes a control unit configured to control the vacuum motor assembly and the at least one heat sealing element. The vacuum sealing appliance further includes a sensor electrically connected to the control unit configured to detect moisture in exhaust air of the vacuum motor assembly and send electrical signals to the control unit. Based upon the electrical signals, the control unit controls one or both of the vacuum motor assembly and the at least one heat sealing element.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Inventor: Jamal F. Hammad
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Patent number: 9676507Abstract: In one aspect, a stretch wrap system configured to separately wrap a plurality of loads in film comprising a plurality of stretch wrapping machines, each machine comprising at least one sensing mechanism configured to sense the presence of a load, and a control box electrically coupled to sensing mechanisms, the control box comprising a start button configured to start the machines when sensing mechanisms detect load.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: BEST PACKAGING, INC.Inventor: Stephen Francis Kudia
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Patent number: 9676508Abstract: An in-bottle aerator for mixing the oxygen in the air with wine as the wine is poured from its bottle. The aerator has at least one air ingress channel extending from one end of the aerator to the other, allowing air into the bottle to displace wine exiting the bottle. Air mixing channels draw air from outside the bottle and direct that air to lateral channels that intersect a central flow channel extending from one end of the bottle to another. The air mixing and air ingress channels are preferably arranged to allow the user to pour and aerate wine at the same time and with the bottle in any orientation about its axis. The aerator may be a separately formed component that can be inserted into the bottle by the bottle manufacturer, by a wine bottler or by an enduser. Alternatively, the aerator may be wholly or partly formed as part of the neck of the bottle. A completely and integrally formed aerator may be formed as a part of a plastic wine bottle.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Mars Aerator LLCInventors: Joseph Devoy, Brian Whalen
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Patent number: 9676509Abstract: A tray for transferring a panel is disclosed. The tray includes a tray mold frame including acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (“ABS”) resin, a receiving member, a supporting member and a slot member. The tray mold frame includes four extrusion bars and four molding members. The molding members combine with the extrusion bars. Each of the molding members include a first protruding part on a side surface. The receiving member is disposed inside of the tray mold frame. The supporting member is disposed on a lower surface of the receiving member. The supporting member combines with the extrusion bars configured to support the receiving member. The slot member includes a first groove combining with the first protruding part. The slot member is disposed on the receiving member. Thus, when the panel is transferred by the tray, a fault of the panel during transferring may decrease.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang-Kyo Shin, Seung-Gyu Ko, Heung-Seok Kim, Kyung-Hwan Jung, Jin-Wook Cho
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Patent number: 9676510Abstract: Unitary blank can include a first body portion, a second body portion joined to the first, a third body portion joined to the second, and a fourth body portion joined to the third. A first flap can extend from the fourth body portion and can have a first engagement portion adjacent to the fourth body portion, a second engagement portion opposite the fourth body portion, and a central portion defined therebetween. At least one inwardly folding panel can be disposed between adjacent body portions along a corresponding body fold line. First, second, third, and fourth base portions can extend from the first, second, third, and fourth body portion, respectively. Food containers and methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Pactiv LLCInventor: Angela E. Learn
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Patent number: 9676511Abstract: A foldable packaging which may include a liquid-resistant paperboard form that is foldable to provide an attractive stackable container that resists water leakage, can be assembled without fastening hardware and has concealed gussets. The packaging can be folded into overlapping flaps and wings which are folded and interlocked to define a generally trapezoidal packaging which can receive a variety of different pot sizes and types. The die cut pattern forming the packaging can be of a universal shape but formed in a variety of different sizes to accommodate different sized potted plants.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2011Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: MULTI PACKAGING SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Dennis M. Kaltman, Richard C. Thibault, John R. Widener, Carol J. Moore
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Patent number: 9676512Abstract: A forming device and method for use in a packaging machine of the type where packages are produced from a tube. The forming device comprises two opposing sealing elements between which the tube is arranged to be flat-laid and squeezed to heat the thermoplastic and obtain a first transverse seal of the tube. It further comprises two volume control elements. The forming device is characterized in that it is arranged to displace the first transverse seal off-center in relation a longitudinal axis of the first portion of the tube in a displacement direction essentially perpendicular to the first transverse seal to enable later shaping of a corresponding final package with a wall arranged with a predetermined angle of inclination in relation to the displacement direction. The invention also relates to a machine, a process and a packaging laminate.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.Inventors: Björn Karlsson, Niels Damkjaer, Tomas Lagus
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Patent number: 9676513Abstract: A pull-tab sealing member for a container containing an upper laminate forming a pull-tab bonded to a lower laminate capable of being heat sealed to a container's mouth or opening. The upper laminate defines the pull tab wholly within a perimeter or circumference of the seal. The sealing member further includes a sub tab layer or member under the gripping tab for concentric structural support.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: SELIG SEALING PRODUCTS, INC.Inventor: Robert William Thorstensen-Woll
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Patent number: 9676514Abstract: A pallet device for securing a barrel for transportation includes a first pallet half including a first semi-circular cut-out, a second pallet half including a second semi-circular cut-out, wherein the first pallet half and the second pallet half are connected together to form a circular cut-out configured to accommodate the barrel.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Inventors: Pete Gamez, Tim Hunt
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Patent number: 9676515Abstract: This invention relates to a collapsible container and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a collapsible container for use in packaging and transportation. The collapsible container includes a number of panels each having a panel body, with elongate tubular members secured to edges of the bodies. Each of the tubular members has at least one recessed section that forms interlocking engagement means.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: COMPACT CRATES LIMITEDInventor: Anthony Court Huggett
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Patent number: 9676516Abstract: A thermoformed hollow plastic body, which is formed by two plastic shells welded to one another around the periphery, with at least one hollow chamber, into which at least one dimensionally stable plastic body is placed, and a method for producing such a thermoformed hollow plastic body wherein a first sheet of plastic is thermoformed into a first plastic shell while forming at least one open hollow chamber. The outer contour of the plastic body is made to match an inner contour of the hollow chamber and is connected by its surface in full area contact and with a material bond to neighboring inner surfaces of the plastic shells.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: DR. DOLL HOLDING GMBHInventor: Theo Doll
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Patent number: 9676517Abstract: A server packing assembly includes a server unit, a pallet unit and an anticollision unit. The server unit includes a rack that includes bottom and top walls and a pair of spaced-apart side walls that interconnect the top and bottom walls and that cooperate with the top and bottom walls to define front and rear openings, and at least one server disposed in the rack. The pallet unit includes a main board supporting the server unit thereon and positioned relative to the rack. The anticollision unit includes a front protector that removably covers the front opening and that is removably coupled to the rack and secured to the pallet unit, and a rear protector that removably covers the rear opening and that is removably coupled to the rack and secured to the pallet unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Wistron CorporationInventors: Jheng-Ying Jiang, Sun-Lai Chang
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Patent number: 9676518Abstract: A hanging, stackable and nestable bin for storing parts and components used in assembly includes a pair of footers and a pair of footer depressions having a complimentary shape to one another. The hanging, stackable and nestable bin also includes a notch with a projection formed in the floor of the bin that extends transversely along the rear wall of the bin and a complimentary shaped upper rear wall rim. The footer, footer depressions, notch and upper rear wall rim provide three point stacking support when one bin is stacked onto another bin. In addition, the hanging, stackable and nestable bin includes sidewalls that are generally planar at the rear portion of the bin which aid in facilitating nesting of one bin into another bin. A cleat formed in the top rear wall of the bin provides rear hanging support for the bin.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2016Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Akro-Mils, a Division of Myers Industries, Inc.Inventors: Travis D. Shamp, Christopher J. Clark, Michael Weisburn
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Patent number: 9676519Abstract: A dispenser bottle assembly (12) is adapted for attachment to a mounting base (14) fixed to a surface. The assembly (12) includes a dispenser bottle (24) having a base and a projection extending outwardly from the base, an externally threaded collar (28) mounted for rotation about the projection, and a drive member (26) mounted about the projection between the collar and the base of the bottle. The threaded collar (28) is received in a threaded recess (18) in the mounting base to secure the bottle to the base. Corresponding formations on the drive member (26), the base and the collar (28) allow the collar to be screwed into and out of the mounting base (14) by rotating the bottle whilst allowing a limited degree of rotational freedom between the bottle and the collar so that the angular orientation of the bottle can be adjusted after fitting.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2016Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Inventor: Abdul Ebrahim Patel
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Patent number: 9676520Abstract: A storage device includes a housing, a non-volatile memory disposed within the housing, and an interface operatively connected to the housing for communicating with a computing device to provide access to the non-volatile memory to the computing device. The storage device further includes a tray comprising a bio-sample storage area for storing bio-samples and a gasket for sealing the bio-sample storage area within the housing for storage. In a closed position, the tray is sealed within the housing by the gasket and wherein in an open position, the bio-sample storage area is exposed and accessible.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: GENISYSS, LLCInventors: Richard A. Brownell, Mitchell Frey
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Patent number: 9676521Abstract: A breathing assist device storage compartment assembly includes a housing having a rear wall and a perimeter wall attached thereto and extending forward of the rear wall. The perimeter wall includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A front side of the housing is open. A support is attached to the housing and engages the top wall adjacent to front side. The support engages furniture at an edge thereof such that the housing extends downwardly from the edge of the furniture and the furniture closes the front side. The support is hingedly coupled to the housing to allow the housing to pivot with respect to the support and facilitate access into an interior of the housing, wherein a breathing assist device is positioned.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Inventor: Daniel McGee
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Patent number: 9676522Abstract: A cooler has a contoured bottom to allow items placed within to aggregate to one side. The cooler is equipped with a spout to enable a controlled drainage of liquids from within the cooler, located at a bottom central portion of the contoured bottom at the perimeter edge thereof. The cooler is further provided with wheels and a retractable handle to facilitate the transportation thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Inventor: Robert M. Stovall
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Patent number: 9676523Abstract: A self-opening bag includes front and real walls joined at their respective first and second side and bottom edges. The bag is folded at least once parallel to its side edges. At least one attaching feature is located on the outer surface of the bag adjacent the upper end and between the folded walls. The bag is releasably attached to a subsequent bag. The at least one attaching feature causes the bag to open as the bag is pulled from the subsequent bag. The once folded bag may be sealed at the bottom edges after folding to form a star-sealed bag bottom. The bags may be removably attached to each other at a perforation line and wound onto a compact roll for use with a bag dispenser. The bags may have an upper seam, a U-shaped cut and a pair of bag handles. The bags may be corona treated.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Inventor: Daniel Brian Tan
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Patent number: 9676524Abstract: A seal and method of forming a seal for a resealable container includes a removable cap that is selectively received over a pour opening formed in a can body. A seal is adhered to the end wall of the cap and includes a continuous, first axial region extending outwardly from the inner surface of the cap. The seal first region is dimensioned for engagement with the opening in the container and sealing the container along an inner diameter thereof. Reduced on-torque/off-torque are required since the seal is formed on the inner diameter, and a down force is substantially reduced to assemble the cap to the container.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Inventors: Dale Conley, Mark Broerman
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Patent number: 9676525Abstract: A protective cap for a dispenser for discharging liquids, wherein the dispenser has a liquid reservoir and an outlet opening through which the liquid is discharged into a surrounding atmosphere. The protective cap has an inner cap and an outer cap, the inner cap having a ventilation opening for communication between an interior of the protective cap and an external environment. Before use, the outer cap is mounted on the inner cap in a first position with the inner cap and the outer cap in sealing contact with each other and the ventilation opening is separated in an airtight and germproof manner from the environment, and the outer cap is movable relative to the inner cap from the first position to a second position in which the inner and outer caps are out of sealing contact with each other and the ventilation opening communicates with the environment.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: APTAR RADOLFZELL GMBHInventors: Juergen Greiner-Perth, Gerald Krampen, Andi Herz, Sai Shankar, Antonio O. Mallare
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Patent number: 9676526Abstract: Container for e.g. wine has a vessel, a seal assembly, and a handle assembly. The seal assembly has upper and lower seal compressor moldings on major faces of a seal, and seal's edge expands in response to moving the seal's major faces together to increase a diameter of the seal. Pressure on a glass vessel is sufficiently low to prevent the glass from cracking or breaking, and pressure can be sufficiently high to prevent air from entering the enclosed volume. Methods and parts associated with the container are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: FOREVER PRODUCTS LLCInventors: Anthony J. Gonsalves, Clive Solari
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Patent number: 9676527Abstract: A clamshell container has a lid connected to a base by an integral hinge. The lid has a perimeter projecting member which engages with a peripheral base sealing wall in a closed configuration so that it is difficult for a user to open the container without tearing the lid along a weakened region of material along the hinge. To aid in resisting undetectable tampering, the container has a post which projects from the side wall and extends less than the length of the side wall within the container. The post has an engaging wall which faces towards a base sealing wall and which is spaced from the sealing wall to define a gap which receives the closed lid's projecting member. Distortion of the closed container which tends to urge the lid projecting member away from the base sealing wall engages it with the post engaging wall to resist tampering.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: PLACON CORPORATIONInventor: Donald E. McCumber
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Patent number: 9676528Abstract: An encased dispenser (100, 100?, 200, 300, 400) comprising a casing (102) and a dispenser (104, 104?, 204, 304) is provided. The casing (102) comprises a cap (120, 120?, 220, 320, 420) and a cover (140, 140?, 240, 340, 440). The dispenser (104, 104?, 204, 304) comprises a top part (107) and a bottom part (106). The top part (107) comprises a dispensing mechanism (135). The casing (102) and the bottom part (106) are engaged to each other, and the cap (120, 120?, 220, 320, 420) and the top part (107) are engaged to each other. The engagement of the casing (102) to the bottom part (106) is stronger than the engagement of the cap (120, 120?, 220, 320, 420) to the top part (107), and the encased dispenser (100, 100?, 200, 300, 400) excludes threading.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: BEAUTY UNION GLOBAL LIMITEDInventors: Yi Ming Hui, Zhi Wang
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Patent number: 9676529Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide dispensing caps, containers, and methods for quickly and easily dispensing liquids of varying viscosities at different flow rates. In one embodiment, an adjustable dispensing cap is provided that permits a user to rotate a first member to select an appropriately sized pour hole and achieve a desired flow rate for the particular liquid to be dispensed.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Inventor: Ambrose P. Cavalier
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Patent number: 9676530Abstract: A storage device (10) comprising a receptacle (12) and a movable closure member (22), the closure member comprising a seal (30) about its periphery, for positioning against the inside of the receptacle, and a valve (32) within its periphery, wherein the closure member can be moved within the receptacle such that its periphery is substantially continually in contact with the internal surface of the receptacle, and wherein, when in an open position, the valve allows flow of fluid from within the receptacle through the valve, and when in a closed position, the valve prevents flow of liquid from within the receptacle, wherein the receptacle is substantially closed at its lower end.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: TLC Design LimitedInventor: Tom Cotton
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Patent number: 9676531Abstract: A membrane for sealing an open spout of a food package comprises a central circular disc member, an outer annular disc member connected to the central circular disc member along its inner periphery at a connection angle, and a resilient tubular portion extending between a first open end and a second end being connected to the outer annular disc member, the diameter of the second end being smaller than the outer diameter of the annular disc member, wherein the annular disc member is pivotable relative the central circular disc member for increasing the diameter of the second end of the tubular portion by changing the connection angle.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.Inventors: Göran Johansson, Lennart Stillerud, Bengt Håkansson, Pär Rydberg
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Patent number: 9676532Abstract: The present subject matter provides a layered article for sealing an opening in a package for a high alcohol content product. The layered article has a facestock, a reclosure adhesive, a machine direction oriented film, and a sealing adhesive. The sealing adhesive provides a good long-term seal for the package that is resistant to degradation from alcohol. The machine direction oriented film provides an alcohol barrier between the product and the reclosure adhesive. Upon opening, the film tears clean and straight in the machine direction to allow a portion of the film to stay in contact with the package and another portion of the film to be pulled from the package to expose the opening. The reclosure adhesive provides resealing capabilities for the layered article after the initial opening of the package. The clean straight tear also provides a tamper evident feature for the package.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Avery Dennison CorporationInventor: Julia Woo
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Patent number: 9676533Abstract: A tamper-evident package includes a flexible web having first and second opposed surfaces, and a tamper-evident layer on at least the first surface. The tamper-evident layer defines a blank space on the web, and includes a first pattern of protected areas and a second pattern of tamper-evident areas. A first semi-rigid outer layer is attached to the first tamper-evident layer so as to adhere only to the tamper-evident areas on the tamper-evident layer, the first semi-rigid outer layer including a transparent portion aligned with the blank space. A second semi-rigid outer layer is attached to the second surface of the web. The blank space may be removed to form a hole in the web, and the second outer layer may include a transparent portion aligned with the hole. A second tamper-evident layer may optionally be provided on the second surface of the web.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2016Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: ADCRAFT PRODUCTS CO. INC.Inventors: Keith Mottram, Kenneth Collins
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Patent number: 9676534Abstract: A carton for packaging one or more articles, includes a series of main panels hinged one to the next to form a tubular structure. The tubular structure includes a top panel, first and second side panels and a bottom panel and at least one display window struck from at least one of the side panels. The at least one window extends from the top panel to the base panel and is interrupted by a retention strap.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLCInventors: Maria Psalidas, Caleb S. Loftin
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Patent number: 9676535Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of containers, the carton includes a top retainer having a top panel and at least one top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. The top panel includes at least one retaining portion having at least one receptacle for retaining at least one container of the plurality of containers, and the at least one retaining portion is removable from the carton. The carton further includes a tray having a bottom panel and at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel. The at least one top end flap and the at least one bottom end flap cooperate to form a closed end of the carton.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Raymond R. Spivey, Sr., Raymond S. Kastanek
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Patent number: 9676536Abstract: A hang tab and product tag assembly comprising a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The first panel includes an aperture configured to engage with a retention mechanism, the second panel includes an aperture that is configured to adjust to different dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: BEDFORD INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Jay A. Milbrandt, Nicholas Elliott Shaffer, Kim A. Milbrandt, Robert B. Ludlow, Colin M. O'Donnell
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Patent number: 9676537Abstract: Flexible film packages having an easily opened package feature incorporated therein and method of producing such packages are provided. The package opening feature may be incorporated into a variety of package formats such as flow wrapped packages having a longitudinal seal (including fin seals or lap seals) or packages with side seals (including two-, three-, or four-side seal pouches). In one illustrative approach, the package opening feature is disposed adjacent or at a package seal, such as, for example, an end seal, a top seal, a bottom seal, a side seal, or a longitudinal seal. The flexible film laminate has at least first and second film layers, and at least one of the film layers defining an interior cavity configured to hold food products. In a number of configurations, the flexible film packages may be reclosable or resealable.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Intercontinental Great Brands LLCInventors: Louis Peter Fenech, III, Rachel Leichte, Jeffrey Thomas Weber, Evan Ziolkowski