Patents Issued in July 4, 2017
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Patent number: 9694953Abstract: A liquid dispensing container may include a body, lid, valve assembly, and straw. The valve assembly may be movable between a first position to allow contents to be discharged by inverting and/or squeezing the container, and a second position to allow the contents to be discharged by sucking and/or squeezing through a straw.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Inventors: David O. Meyers, Nathan K. Hirst
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Patent number: 9694954Abstract: The invention relates to a tank filling system having a protective cap and having a pouring spout. The protective cap has an end position wherein it partially covers the pouring spout, and wherein the protective cap has an opened position wherein it is removable from the pouring spout into a removed position. The pouring spout includes at least one valve, wherein the valve has a venting position and a closed valve position. In the venting position, the valve frees at least one passage for a fluid. In the closed valve position, the valve closes the passage. In the end position of the protective cap, the valve is in the closed valve position. During the adjustment of the protective cap from the end position into the opened position, the valve is forcibly adjusted at least temporarily into the venting position.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. AGInventor: Jonas Lank
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Patent number: 9694955Abstract: A mechanism or feature incorporated into or on the lid of a one piece child-resistant container which allows customization of the container by attachment of an independent, separate ancillary piece or identifier cap to the lid. The identifier cap may snap onto or be pushed onto the lid in a secure manner.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Kush Bottles, Inc.Inventors: Ben Wu, Brian R. Johnson, Jr.
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Patent number: 9694956Abstract: A dispensing and mixing device designed to be fixed on an opening of a receiving container and adapted to receive an autonomous container having an opening closed by a closure film and containing an additive product to be dispensed into the interior space of the receiving container which contains a different product, is described. The device has a holding element adapted to receive and retain the autonomous container in the region of its opening, and an assembly element designed to be fixed on the opening of the receiving container and to receive said holding element by screwing.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Inventor: Francoise Moreau
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Patent number: 9694957Abstract: A method provides a rubber-elastic sealing member onto a capsule intended for producing a beverage in a beverage production device. The capsule has a body portion having a side wall and a flange-like rim portion. The rim portion extends from the side wall of the body portion. The method includes the steps of applying an uncured sealing composition in a liquid or viscous state onto the rim portion of the capsule, heating said applied sealing composition such that the sealing composition at least partially migrates towards the side wall until the sealing composition reaches the side wall, and curing the sealing composition after the migration towards the side wall.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Thomas Kaeser, Daniel Abegglen, Alp Sarioglu, Alexandre Kollep, Marco Bacchi
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Patent number: 9694958Abstract: A security packaging (10) provides multi-layer laminate structure for providing evidence of package tampering. The packaging may include a first panel (12) having an opening (18) therein in planar contact with an insert member (16) and a film layer (20). The film layer (20) may include a pattern layer (32) that may be adhered to the film layer (20) via an adhesion layer (48). A second adhesion layer (52) may be placed onto the pattern layer (32) to adhere the pattern layer (32) to the insert member (16).Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: MULTI PACKAGING SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Eric A. Rosendall, Kenneth Glinert, Nick Lakin
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Patent number: 9694959Abstract: The present invention relates to blister components for blister packages formed from multilayer thermoplastic films. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the blister component has a layer sequence configuration of A/B/C/B/A. Preferably, layer A is a first exterior layer comprising cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), layer B is an interior layer comprising a high density polyethylene (HDPE), a blend of high density polyethylene, a high density polyethylene nucleation additive and optionally, a hydrocarbon resin (HDPE-Blend), or a bimodal high density polyethylene having a distribution of a low molecular weight region and a high molecular weight region (HDPE-Bimodal), or a high density polyethylene having a thickness of between 38.1 pm to 190.5 pm (1.5 mil to 7.5 mil), layer C is a central core layer. Alternatively, the blister component has a layer sequence configuration of A/B/C/B/D, where layer D is a second exterior layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Bemis Company, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Priscal, Arthya Puguh
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Patent number: 9694960Abstract: A flexible package includes a seal region and a concealed graphics panel. The seal region includes an unsealed area disposed between a first seal portion and a second seal portion. The concealed graphics panel is located substantially within the unsealed area of the seal region where it is not visible until the flexible package is opened. The configuration of the seal region and related location of the concealed graphics panel provides for a concealed graphics panel space that is separate from the product storage space at least when the flexible package is closed. The flexible package may be formed from simple film structures.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Bemis Company, Inc.Inventors: Sheena E. Conners, Ellen M. Krabbe
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Patent number: 9694961Abstract: A method of using a corner board protector including the steps of positioning a one piece, corner board locator having a connection portion, having an angled slot formed therein, and an insert portion, having a single continuous planar exterior edge with a tip, on a corner board having two angled panels. The two angled panels engage with the angled slot to retain the corner board locator at a select height along the corner board. The corner board and the corner board locator are positioned adjacent to a stack of at least two vertically consecutive containers. The tip of the single continuous planar exterior edge is slid between two of the at least two vertically consecutive containers to form a corner board protector.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: All About Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Brent J. Grinwald, Craig A. Olson
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Patent number: 9694962Abstract: A container is formed to include and interior region and a mouth opening into the interior region. The container includes a floor, a side wall coupled to the floor to define the interior region between the floor and the side wall, and artwork on the side wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Berry Plastics CorporationInventors: John B Euler, Jason J Paladino, Chris K Leser
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Patent number: 9694963Abstract: An apparatus used for preventing heat transfer from a cup holding a hot beverage to the hand of a user contains a perimetric sleeve and a plurality of insulation units. The plurality of insulation units is connected to the perimetric sleeve providing thicker holding area for the user. The plurality of insulation units, which can vary in shape and size, is positioned in between a first edge of the perimetric sleeve and a second edge of the perimetric sleeve. Different mechanisms, such as a plurality of vents, can be integrated into each of the plurality of insulation units in order to improve the heat transfer process from the cup to the atmosphere. Moreover, the plurality of insulation units can also be connected to the perimetric sleeve in different methods to improve the overall efficiency of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: RAO INNOVATIONS LLCInventor: Vijendra Rao
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Patent number: 9694964Abstract: A transport system for temperature sensitive materials includes a contents container and one or more thermal batteries in a stacked relationship in a thin-walled, flexible transport sleeve. The sleeve facilitates insertion and removal of the contents with respect to a thermally insulated container. The sleeve can be closed with a tamper-evident closure and may also be transparent to allow an observer to view indicia on the contents container indicating the temperature-sensitive nature of the contents.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Barson Composites CorporationInventor: Bruce McCormick
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Patent number: 9694965Abstract: Non-durable self-supporting flexible containers having product volumes and structural support volumes are provided with a valve mechanism to facilitate dispensing fluid product from the product support volume. One or more tension-inducing elements may be used to provide the valves with the ability to permit dispensing of fluid product from the product volume upon application of greater than a minimum threshold but less than a maximum threshold of squeeze force to an exterior of the flexible container. The valve may also be re-closable to prevent fluid product from being dispensed subsequent to use. The flexible container may further be provided with a product sensory experience sampling mechanism to provide for consumer interaction with one or more characteristics of the fluid product contained in the product volume without compromising the integrity of the product volume.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Donald Cox, Ken McGuire, Scott Stanley, Lee Arent, Andrew Rapach, Jun You, Marc Bourgeois, Joseph Lester, Kory Gunnerson
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Patent number: 9694966Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for assigning times of administration to patient medications are described. A GUI is displayed within a display associated with a pharmaceutical dispensing system. The GUI includes a one day time scale for assigning a time of administration for the medication. One or more daily times of administration for the medication are assigned in response to user input via the one day time scale. A dose of the medication is packaged in each of a respective plurality of pouches according to the assigned daily times of administration via the pharmaceutical dispensing system. The one day time scale may include a time line representative of a twenty-four hour period and one or more time indicators that are positionable by a user. The one day time scale may include a plurality of food consumption times, each selectable by a user for assigning a time of administration.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: Paul Joseph Cunningham, Andrew Keller McCarron
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Patent number: 9694967Abstract: A container for dispensing an aerosol product. The container (1) includes a body (2) formed of plastics material such as PET, and a mounting cup and collar assembly (53). The body (2) includes a neck (10) defining an opening (50) having internal and external walls (51 and 52), respectively. The mounting cup and collar assembly (53) is formed of malleable material, and is shaped to straddle the internal and external walls (51 and 52) of the opening (50), and be crimped to the external wall (52) of the neck (10). The mounting cup and collar assembly (53) is preferably of unitary construction, and, includes a lining (60) on its inner surface to assist in providing a seal between the components.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: PETAPAK IP LIMITEDInventor: Asim Salameh
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Patent number: 9694968Abstract: Packaging for elongate objects such as a screw (20, 30) having a head (21) of enlarged diameter and a bolt part (23, 24) having reduced diameter. The packaging (1) includes a packaging sleeve that is open at at least one end and that is made of an elastically bendable material. The packaging sleeve has at least one upper insertion opening (2) and securely holds the head (21) of the object screw (20) in an axial direction in an elastically expandable clamping collar (5) that is adjacent to the insertion opening (2) and maintains the bolt-side end of the object at a distance from the inside of the plastic packaging.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Rose Plastic AGInventor: Peter Roesler
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Patent number: 9694969Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule (1) designed for insertion in a beverage production device (23) for preparing a beverage from a substance contained in the capsule by introducing liquid in the capsule and passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces, the capsule comprising: —a body (2) comprising a bottom end and an open end; —an upper wall (3) for covering the body at its open end; —an enclosure (14) between the body and upper wall containing a predetermined amount of beverage substance; the capsule comprising a flange-like rim (4) extending outwardly from the body (2), wherein the flange-like rim comprises an annular force ring (8) designed for being engaged by an enclosing member (49) of a dedicated beverage production device (23), wherein the force ring comprises at least one curved, folded part (16) forming of at least one ply of material.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Daniel Abegglen, Alexandre Perentes, Carlo Magri, Arnaud Gerbaulet
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Patent number: 9694970Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet positioned in a bottom thereof and a gate affixed adjacent the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to a second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container can be a ten foot ISO container.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: OREN TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: John Oren, Joshua Oren
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Patent number: 9694971Abstract: An offset laminate seam system for storage bins for increasing the capacity of bolts in a seam of a storage bin. The offset laminate seam system for storage bins generally includes three or more panels connected together with two or more vertical rows of end fasteners to form a vertical seam. The interconnection of three or more panels continues to form a ring structure. A plurality of the ring structures are stacked upon one another and attached together with fasteners to form the wall of the storage bin and a roof is attached to the uppermost ring structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Inventor: Claire M. Rauser
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Patent number: 9694972Abstract: Ring for securing a bag to a waste container support includes an annular portion including an upper wall, an inner circumferential wall extending downward from an inner edge region of the upper wall and an outer circumferential wall extending downward from an outer edge region of the upper wall. An annular channel is defined on an underside of the annular portion. The inner and/or outer wall includes pinches each including a pair of slots extending upward from a lower edge of the wall. The slots are spaced apart from one another to enable a solid portion of the wall therebetween to temporarily flex outward, which aids in engagement and disengagement of the ring to a projection on the support, with a bag being sandwiched between the ring and projection and thereby secured to the support. Tabs may extend upward from the upper wall to aid in handling of the ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Inventor: David M Stravitz
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Patent number: 9694973Abstract: A collection apparatus weight and fullness level reporting system includes: an inlet; a removable collection bin receiving material placed into the collection apparatus; a compacting mechanism including a ram body, wherein the ram body travels between a home position located above the collection bin to a maximum travel position located inside the collection bin, wherein during each compaction cycle the ram body travels along a variable length of the compaction path; a fullness-reporting module that determines the height of the material in the collection bin; and a controller that determines the length of the compaction path the ram body travels during each compaction cycle based on the input received from the fullness reporting module, wherein at the end of each compaction cycle in which the material height is below a maximum height, the ram body is brought to rest at a height below the home position.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: DRATONX, INCInventors: Julie Ann Ullrich, Thomas Albert Ullrich
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Patent number: 9694974Abstract: An item storage, dispensing, and receiving apparatus includes a frame assembly having a height and length, including at least one section thereof having two opposing side wall sections, wherein each opposing side wall section includes vertically spaced rails disposed on an inner surface thereof such that each rail on a respective side wall section is located opposite a corresponding rail on the opposing side wall section, further wherein the at least one section has an open space fully extending between the vertically spaced rails between the two opposing side wall sections over the height and length, and a conveyance mechanism located within the open space along at least a portion of the length, wherein the conveyance mechanism is movable in a vertical direction in the open space along the height.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INCORPORATEDInventors: Stephen W. Jewell, Larry E. Berges
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Patent number: 9694975Abstract: A transport system for a storage and retrieval system having an array of storage levels, each storage level having respective storage areas, the transport system including a vertical conveyor having a frame and support shelves movably coupled to the frame, each support shelf being configured to hold one or more uncontained case units in predetermined areas of the support shelf, and transfer vehicles disposed on respective ones of the storage levels, the vertical conveyor having a conveyor to transfer vehicle interface configured to transfer the uncontained case units substantially directly between the support shelves and the transfer vehicles for transport to the storage areas in substantially one transfer vehicle picking operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2010Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Symbotic, LLCInventors: John Lert, Stephen C. Toebes, Robert Sullivan, Nathan Ulrich
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Patent number: 9694976Abstract: Inventory holders in an inventory system can be moved among differing storage positions. The moves can be performed by mobile drive units not otherwise transporting inventory holders directly to or from inventory stations. A free mobile drive unit can move an inventory holder not likely to be useful soon at any nearby station from a storage position near the station to a position farther away from the station. A mobile drive unit can move an inventory holder likely to be useful soon from a storage position farther away from one or more stations to a storage position nearby one or more stations.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Wurman, Jeremiah David Brazeau, Pardeep Singh Farwaha, Ryan Alexander Holt, Joseph W. Durham, John Joseph Enright, Alex Glazkov, Jared Brian Holcomb
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Patent number: 9694977Abstract: A storage fill and retrieval system includes fixed storage locations distributed in a storage space and defining at least one human pick zone having at least one collection tote location, at least one autonomous mobile robot configured for holding and transporting a tote within the storage space and having an end effector arranged for autonomous transfer of the tote between the at least one robot and a tote holding station and a collection tote location, and a storage management system communicably connected to the at least one robot and configured to associate each robot with a human pick zone, wherein the at least one robot is configured to transport the tote to the collection tote location of each associated human pick zone, and wherein each collection tote location is arranged for human picker access and defines an interface between a human picker and the at least one robot.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: NEXTSHIFT ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Matthew Aprea, Charles Grinnell, Joe Jones, John Kawola, Mary Ellen Sparrow, Stephen C. Toebes, Clara Vu
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Patent number: 9694978Abstract: Disclosed is a cargo handling system, and a power drive unit (PDU) for a cargo handling system, wherein the PDU comprises a permanent magnet motor (PMM) and is designed to provide a first static restraint braking function effectuated by designing the PMM to have a high cogging torque, and a second dynamic control braking function effectuated by motor regeneration.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATIONInventors: Scott Harms, Walace Harold Larson
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Patent number: 9694979Abstract: A conveyor belt including a plurality of spaced hinge rods, each of the plurality of rods including a first end and a second end; a plurality of plate elements including a first side edge and a second side edge, the plurality of plate elements overlying the spaced hinge rods such that the plurality of plate elements define a product support surface; wherein each side edge of the plate elements includes a side edge connector having a bendable retaining tab disposed at the first side edge and the second side edge and two holes for receiving a respective end of one of the hinge rods therein. The bendable retaining tab is configured to bend and thereby cover one of the two holes on the side edge connector, thereby restraining movement of the hinge rod within the respective hole.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Jeffrey D. Ulchak, Thomas O. Perdue
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Patent number: 9694980Abstract: A container gripper adapted for mounting on a container carrying (transport) chain of a container processing machine, the gripper body having a body portion with first and second banks of upstanding resilient, elastomeric fingers upstanding thereof, wherein the fingers of the first bank cross over the fingers of the second bank at upper portions of each finger to allow the upper ends of the fingers to contact and grip a container in a scissor-like manner.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Inventor: John M. Leslie
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Patent number: 9694981Abstract: A container gripping device for use on machines which are used for filling, capping, sterilizing, or the like containers, particularly fluid containers such as plastic bottles, wherein the device has a base adapted for attachment to a conveyor like chain, and has a container gripping body mounted on the base, and wherein the base and body have cooperating elements of a quick release locking structure for stabilizing the mounting and configuration of lengthy gripper bodies on gripper bases.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Inventor: John M. Leslie
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Patent number: 9694982Abstract: An apparatus for transporting endless dough strips or substantially non-rigid shaped bodies such as, in particular, biscuit dough shaped bodies and the like, includes a machine frame, a closed circulating conveyor belt, a deflecting roller which contacts the conveyor belt on the inner side for deflection and has a deflection axle or shaft which is mounted rotationally laterally on the machine frame, and a drive roller which contacts the conveyor belt on the inner side for driving and has a drive shaft which is mounted rotationally laterally on the machine frame and is driven by a drive. The drive roller is connected to the machine frame by a pivoting apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Haas Food Equipment GmbHInventors: Johannes Haas, Josef Haas, Christoph Jiraschek, Stefan Jiraschek
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Patent number: 9694983Abstract: A conveying device with an extensively extended conveying element that is led in a revolving manner along a conveying direction, is deflected at the head-ends of the conveying device and is laterally enclosed by side closure beams. The conveying device includes a drive device with a drive motor to drive the conveying element. The drive device is arranged between the two head-ends, between the side closure beams, and between the upper conveying section and the lower return section of the conveying element. The drive device includes a drive element that is arranged in a revolving manner about two deflection pivots spaced from one another in the conveying direction, and is driven by the drive motor. The drive element supports the upper conveying section of the conveying element, which is arranged at the top, and with this forms a contact fit for transmitting a drive force onto the conveying element.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: WRH WALTER REIST HOLDING AGInventor: Robert Aliesch
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Patent number: 9694984Abstract: A conveying device for conveyed goods, comprising a conveying rake having at least one prong, and a first drive assembly which is operatively connected to the conveying rake. The conveying rake is drivable by the first drive assembly so as to perform a reciprocating movement in the conveying direction and to perform a reciprocating movement in a penetration direction. The conveying device furthermore has a mating rake having at least one prong, and a second drive assembly which is operatively connected to the mating rake. The mating rake is displaceable in the conveying direction in relation to the conveying rake, so as to clamp conveyed goods between the prong of the conveying rake and the assigned prong of the mating rake. A method for operating a conveying device for conveyed goods is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: OPTIMA pharma GmbHInventors: Thomas Pospiech, Gerald Thomas, Jürgen Rothbauer
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Patent number: 9694985Abstract: A belt conveyor system for creating an overland material transport assembly on a ground surface comprises a frame configured for transportation over the ground surface, a plurality of pivotally connected conveyor belt support sections, a head pulley assembly mounted to the first end of the frame, a tail pulley assembly mounted to one of the conveyor belt support sections, and a conveyor belt. The frame includes first and second elongate rails, each of which have a first support surface and a second support surface spaced from the first support surface. The plurality of pivotally connected conveyor belt support sections are supportable on the frame in a transport configuration wherein the plurality of support sections are accordion-folded relative to one another and are generally perpendicular to the first and second elongate rails.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Superior Industries, Inc.Inventors: Corbin J Fehr, Bruce J Berlinger, Jarrod J Felton
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Patent number: 9694986Abstract: A transport device and a transport method for transporting a fragile object, in particular a semiconductor wafer, a glass panel, a solar module, etc., are provided. The transport device comprises at least two coils configured to drive the object along a predetermined movement path, and a control unit configured to control a movement of the object along the predetermined movement path. The control unit is further configured to base the control of the movement of the object on at least a third order setpoint profile. The control unit is also configured to generate the third order setpoint profile for at least two coils in a synchronized manner.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Rob Bierbooms
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Patent number: 9694987Abstract: Conveyor glide plates inserted between conveyor rollers provide support between the rollers. The glide plate main body includes forward and rear flexible flaps forming a leading edge and a trailing edge extending from the main body which includes an attachment member for cooperatively engaging a conveyor roller support member such as a clip or bracket used to affix the rollers to the conveyor. The front portion of the forward distal end of the glide plate includes a concave curve extending from the leading edge downward forming a turned-up lip extending from the main body of the glide plate following the adjacent roller. A rear flap having a distal end angled downward slightly at the trailing edge extends toward a following roller or following glide plate. The width of the glide plate is selected based on the width of the conveyor or length of the roller.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: FIVES INTRALOGISTICS CORP.Inventors: Steven Vann Schroader, Tyler Herman, Piyush Nandanwar
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Patent number: 9694988Abstract: A conveyor system includes a rotating conveyor element with container holders arranged around a circumference thereof for moving containers between container positions, and a securing installation that suspends the conveyor element. The securing installation includes a structural element that forms an axis of rotation. A projecting portion of the structural element projects beyond the conveyor element's underside. A functional element, which is either a transfer installation or a guiding element is held at this projecting portion so that it can interact with the conveyor element.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Ludwig Clússerath
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Patent number: 9694989Abstract: One embodiment of this workpiece handling system has conveyor belts and a load lock. A first swap robot holds and transports workpieces between a build station and the load lock. A gantry robot transports the workpieces between each of the conveyor belts and the first swap robot. In one instance, processed workpieces are transported from the first swap robot to a first conveyor belt and unprocessed workpieces are transported from a second conveyor belt to the first swap robot using the gantry robot. A second swap robot also may be used with the first swap robot to load and unload workpieces from the load lock.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2012Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Jason M. Schaller, Robert Brent Vopat, Charles T. Carlson, Malcolm N. Daniel, Aaron P. Webb, William T. Weaver
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Patent number: 9694990Abstract: A transport and handing-over arrangement for disc shaped substrates, comprising a carrier (3) and a take-over arrangement (15). Both are moveable relative to each other. A relatively heavy substrate carrier (7) of magnetizable material is taken-over from the take-over arrangement (15) by distance control of a permanent magnet (17) at the take-over arrangement (15) or is returned therefrom to a carrier (3). The controlled drive of the permanent magnets (17) in the take-over arrangement (15) is performed by means of pneumatic piston/cylinder arrangements (19).Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: EVATEC AGInventors: Stephan Voser, Bruno Gaechter, Pierre Matteacci
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Patent number: 9694991Abstract: A system for treating objects transported by at least one transport carriage and immersed into at least one treatment container, in which a treatment medium can be applied. The transport carriage comprises at least one swivel arm connected to the chassis in an articulated manner, on which swivel arm the object can be fastened. A hydraulically operating piston-cylinder unit having a first working chamber to drive the swivel arm and provide weight balancing. The first working chamber is made smaller during the downward motion of the swivel arm and is connected to a first pressure accumulator. The second working chamber of the piston-cylinder unit, made larger during the downward motion of the swivel arm, is connected to a source for pressurized hydraulic fluid and can be drained during the downward motion of the swivel arm. The pressure of the fluid in the accumulator swivels the swivel arm and object upward if the pressure in the second working chamber is sufficiently low.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: EISENMANN AGInventor: Gerd Schneider
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Patent number: 9694992Abstract: Provided herein is a pneumatic tube system station having a rotating carriage with multiple carrier ports. The multiple carrier ports allow for receiving multiple carriers and/or staging multiple carries for dispatch. In one arrangement, one or more carriers may be securely maintained within the station while permitting users to continue utilizing the station.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Translogic CorporationInventors: Daniel Robert Gross, David Warren Parish, Daniel John Serafin
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Patent number: 9694993Abstract: A process for operating a settling slurry transportation pipeline is provided, comprising: determining the deposition velocity for a particular slurry being transported through the pipeline; and operating the pipeline at an operating velocity at or near the deposition velocity to form a stationary or near stationary bed of solids that will still allow the slurry to freely flow through the pipeline and not plug the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: SYNCRUDE CANADA LTD. in trust for the owners of the Syncrude Project as such owners exist now and in the futureInventors: Tim Revega, Stefano Chiovelli, Kevin Reid
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Patent number: 9694994Abstract: An automatic case loader for loading product in a trailer is disclosed. A mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement sensor, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, product advances through a powered transportation path to an industrial robot which places the product within the trailer. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement sensor detecting objects within a detection space, dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly, and dimensions of the product provided to the control subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Wynright CorporationInventor: Tim Criswell
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Patent number: 9694995Abstract: A spout assembly and related method of regulating the flow of particulate material. The spout assembly includes a chute, at least first and second plates, and a counterbalance mechanism. The first and second plates are positioned downstream from the chute, the lower ends of the first and second plates defining an opening with an area that is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the chute so that the material may accumulate prior to passing through the opening. The counterbalance mechanism produces a biasing force on the first and second plates toward the centerline to adjust the area of the opening, and permits the first and second plates to move outwardly away from the centerline in response to the weight of the accumulated material. The counterbalance mechanism includes at least a first separately adjustable counterbalance coupled to the first plate and a second separately adjustable counterbalance coupled to a second plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Inventor: Coy N. Haraway
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Patent number: 9694996Abstract: An example dock leveler with safety supports including a deck having a deck plate, a plurality of support beams, a first side plate and a second side plate. The deck plate has an outer perimeter defined by a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A first deck obstruction extends underneath the deck plate and is selectively configurable to at least one of a blocking position or a stored position. The first deck obstruction is elongate in a lateral direction and the first deck obstruction has a protruding end. The first side plate is closer to the protruding end when the first deck obstruction is in the stored position than when the first deck obstruction is in the blocking position. The first deck obstruction extends laterally beyond the deck width when the deck obstruction is in the blocking position. The first deck obstruction includes a pulling enhancement at the protruding end.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Leonard Kikstra, Matthew Sveum, Norbert Hahn
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Patent number: 9694997Abstract: A truck ramp including a first ramp element, second ramp element and pivoting structure located between the first and second ramp elements. The first ramp element is coupled to the truck at one end and at the other end, a hinge. The second ramp element is hinged at one end and at the other end interfaces with the ground or other surface. Between the first and second ramp elements is a pivoting structure comprised of a first component that is mechanically coupled to the first ramp element at the first hinged end and a second component that is mechanically coupled to the second ramp element at the hinged end. The first component and the second component are rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the first and second ramp element hinges.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Inventor: Michael Lopez
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Patent number: 9694998Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a document tray, and an automatic document feeding unit disposed at an upper side of the document tray to transport documents as to pass through the upper side of the document tray. The automatic document feeding unit includes a body; a document supplying tray having a first width corresponding to a width of a first document to be scanned and at which the first document to be scanned is loaded; and an auxiliary guide having a second width that is smaller than the first width to correspond to a second document having a width smaller than the width of the first document and is installed at the document supplying tray. The auxiliary guide includes a guide portion to support both widthwise sides of the document to be scanned while entered toward an upper side of the mounting unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: S-PRINTING SOLUTION CO., LTD.Inventor: Jung Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 9694999Abstract: A scanning device and an image forming apparatus are provided. The scanning device includes a position-changing module that is provided on a base frame separately from a cover and changes a position of at least one selected from a pickup module and a friction module to release a nip that is formed between the pickup module and the friction module. Thus, paper jams may be easily solved and the nip may be prevented from being unnecessarily released.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Jung-hoon Lee
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Patent number: 9695000Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a holder member and a stopper member. The holder member is configured to house a separating member and to be attached to or detached from a conveying guide by being slid in a vertical direction. The stopper member is configured to be attached to or detached from the conveying guide by being slid in a vertical direction outside of the holder member. The stopper member has an engaged part. The holder member has an engaging part with which the engaged part is to be engaged. The holder member is attached to the conveying guide by being slid from the above side. The stopper member is attached to the conveying guide by being slid from the above side while engaging the engaged part with the engaging part. The stopper member prevents the holder member from being moved with respect to the conveying guide.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.Inventor: Keisuke Mizuguchi
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Patent number: 9695001Abstract: A control system for pressing an abutting object against an abutted object includes: a mechanical device including a motor and causing a force from the motor to act on the abutting object to displace the abutting object toward the abutted object, a driving device driving the motor according to an inputted operation amount, a measuring device measuring a physical amount related to displacement of the abutting object, and a controller. The controller executes: a position control process to calculate the operation amount to be inputted to the driving device, a reaction force estimation process to estimate a reaction force acting on the abutting object, and a compliance control process to correct the operation amount which is calculated in the position control process and to be inputted to the driving device by a compliance control based on an estimate value of the reaction force estimated in the reaction force estimation process.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kenichi Iesaki
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Patent number: 9695002Abstract: A sheet feeder control method for controlling a sheet feeder of an image forming apparatus includes feeding a sheet through a sheet feed path exposable to the exterior of the sheet feeder, detecting the feeding of the sheet at at least a first position on the sheet feed path, discharging the fed sheet to the exterior of the sheet feeder, detecting the discharge of the sheet at a second position downstream of the first position in a sheet feeding direction, detecting a sheet jam during the feeding and discharging of the sheet, and if the jammed sheet is detected at the second position but not at the first position, cancelling a malfunction state due to the sheet jam when the sheet stops being detected at the second position, irrespective of whether the sheet feed path is covered or exposed.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Ryo Takenaka