Patents Issued in January 2, 2018
  • Patent number: 9856068
    Abstract: An adjustable thermally insulating beverage jacket has two fastener portions disposed at opposite ends of a flexible body portion, which can be attached to each other in order to accommodate a beverage container. The flexible body portion is made of a thermally insulating material to keep beverages cold or warm. A handle insertion portion at one end of the flexible body portion allows use with beverage containers that have handles. A base connected to the bottom edge of the flexible body portion provides a support surface for the bottom of the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Phillip Lee Jody
  • Patent number: 9856069
    Abstract: A thermal insulation bag includes a bag body and bag bottom, the bag body includes an outer layer and inner layer, where the outer layer is welded to the bag bottom, the inner layer includes an inner side wall and inner bottom welded to the inner side wall, the inner side wall is formed by welding a one-piece material, and an upper end edge of the inner side wall is welded to the outer layer. The present invention prevents overlapping edges from appearing upon the welding of all sheets because the inner side wall of a one-piece structure is configured on the inner layer of the thermal insulation bag, allowing the thermal insulation bag to have a better appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: XIAMEN KINGQUEEN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jinfei Dong
  • Patent number: 9856070
    Abstract: An aerosol spray device comprising a pressurized or pressurizable container and a spray discharge assembly mounted on the container. The spray discharge assembly comprises a valve stem moveable from a first limit position to a second limit position to effect spray discharge from the device, a spray outlet region having an outlet orifice from which fluid from the container is discharged, and a flow conduit for supplying fluid from the container to the spray outlet region. The flow conduit has at least one first inlet for liquid from the container and at least one second inlet at the same distance along the conduit as the first inlet(s) or downstream of the first inlet(s) for propellant gas from a headspace of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: The Salford Valve Company Limited
    Inventors: Ghasem Ghavami-Nasr, Andrew John Yule, Martin Laurence Burby
  • Patent number: 9856071
    Abstract: A discharge container includes a container body made of metal having an opening, and a valve assembly fixed to the opening of the container body. The container body has a cylindrical barrel portion, a cylindrical neck portion having a diameter smaller than the barrel portion, and a bead portion formed on top of the neck portion. The opening has a cylindrical portion and the bead portion formed above the cylindrical portion. The valve assembly is equipped with a plug portion inserted into the opening, a flange portion which is provided above on the bead portion, a valve structure which opens and closes a pathway of a content and is fixed to the plug portion, an O-ring provided on an outer surface of the plug portion, and a cover cap fixing the valve assembly to the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: DAIZO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yamaguchi, Hidetoshi Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 9856072
    Abstract: A mixing and dispensing device comprising an outer casing including a body portion, a handle portion, and a nozzle portion with a nozzle. A mixing manifold disposed in the body portion including a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the nozzle. Canisters within the body portion each including a valve connected to the mixing manifold movable between preventing and providing fluid communication between the canister and the mixing chamber. A trigger disposed within the handle portion and configured to move from a trigger passive to dispensing position causing the valves of each canister to move from a valve passive position to the valve dispensing position. A pull safety including a central cover and a tail tip removably disposed on the outer casing such that the central cover occludes the nozzle and the tail tip prevents movement of the trigger from the trigger passive position to the trigger dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Decon7 Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Mark R. Clark, Meggie L. Oudheusden, Matthew A. Bluhm, Joseph R. Drake, Thomas William Murray, Jonathan D. Albert
  • Patent number: 9856073
    Abstract: A hanger support includes a unitary structure defining a set of panels comprising a center panel, a first end panel extending from the center panel along a first longitudinal direction, and a second end panel extending from the center panel along a second longitudinal direction, the second longitudinal direction opposing the first longitudinal direction. The hanger support includes a first hinge joint disposed between the first end panel and the center panel, a second hinge joint disposed between the second end panel and the center panel and at least one set of openings defined by the center panel extending through a first planar surface and a second planar surface of the unitary structure, the at least one set of openings configured to receive a hook of a hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TECHNOLOGY CONTAINER CORP.
    Inventors: Keith B. Perron, Kevin Reilly
  • Patent number: 9856074
    Abstract: A folding baked goods box that has a lower box portion having upstanding walls including a back wall that has a lower window edge. A lid portion of the box is hingedly attached to the lower box at the back wall. The top includes oppositely located lateral window edges that define lateral sides of a window. The lid portion includes a lid front that extends downwardly from the top and has a lower window edge is located within the front. The window in the baked goods box extends continuously from the lower window edge of the back wall across the top of the lid portion, between lateral window edges to the lower window edge of the front of the lid portion. The lid portion is adapted for being fitted over the lower box portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Indiana Carton Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James C Petty, Brenna D Zbieranski, Matthew W Petty
  • Patent number: 9856075
    Abstract: Provided is a reusable tie down storage case including a housing having a tie down storage area and first and second strap storage areas, at least one tab in the tie down area for engaging a tie down, a first movable flap covering the first strap storage area to prevent removal of a first strap, and a second movable flap covering the second strap storage area to prevent removal of the second strap. The reusable case can be used as a retail package and as a reusable case after purchase to hold the tie downs in the case without an additional fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Winston Products, LLC
    Inventors: Winston H. Breeden, III, Curtis P. Taylor, Matthew G. Hanson, Ryan Chepla, Colleen Kurniawan, David Drabousky
  • Patent number: 9856076
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to liquid, beverage, and/or dietary supplement dispensers. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are configured to provide a liquid or beverage dispenser that allows for convenient shipping and storage of a liquid, beverage, dietary supplement, dietary supplement mixture or beverage mixture while also providing for safe storage and shipping of one or more dispenser bottles, serving vessels, or similar liquid holding vessels to be used in conjunction with the liquid, beverage, or dietary supplement contained in the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Justin Shane Troxell
  • Patent number: 9856077
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of a container, in particular a fuel tank of thermoplastic material, by extrusion blow molding, wherein during shaping of the container within a multi-part tool the container is provided with at least one connecting element passing through the wall thereof, wherein with at least a part of the connecting element as a lost shaping male die the wall of the container is displaced from one side into a tool placed on the oppositely side of the container wall and removed. The invention further concerns a fuel tank with at least one connecting element which is connected to the tank wall at least in region-wise manner by intimate joining of the materials involved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Borchert, Gerd Wolter, Harald Lorenz, Dirk Eulitz, Timo Kramer
  • Patent number: 9856078
    Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a smart garbage container with animal deterrence mechanism. The smart garbage container comprises a plurality of shock absorber rings and an animal deterrent. The plurality of shock absorber rings is placed at strategically selected places in the garbage container prone to mishandling. The animal deterrent is attached to a longitudinal body surface of the garbage container. The strategically selected places primarily comprise a junction between a lower container body and a container cap, and a base of the garbage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Manuel Martinez, Jasmin Arias
  • Patent number: 9856079
    Abstract: A retainer mechanism for actively securing a lid (holding and maintaining content) of a container even if the container is overfilled and for passively (and automatically) self-releasing the lid to fully open when and as a result of the container appropriately titled to a particular orientation for unhindered, unobstructed emptying of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Grigooris Manssourian
  • Patent number: 9856080
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, David Wolbert, Guy Cohen, Bryce Wilkins
  • Patent number: 9856081
    Abstract: A system for the transfer, storage and distribution of intermodal containers of a plurality of lengths. The system comprises a first storage area comprising a first plurality of shafts arranged in a grid pattern along a first and second axis, a plurality of gantry cranes slidably disposed along the first axis and extending beyond the storage area, a roof structure disposed at a distance above the plurality of shafts, and a plurality of overhead cranes slidably associated with the plurality of tracks. The shafts disposed in rows along the first axis are configured to store intermodal containers of a plurality of lengths. The shafts disposed in a given row along the second axis are configured to store intermodal containers of a corresponding length. The plurality of gantry cranes are each configured to attach to and transport an intermodal container from a first location to one of a plurality of platforms slidably disposed along the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SUPERDOCK, LLC
    Inventors: David Alba, Samuel Alba
  • Patent number: 9856082
    Abstract: A storage system includes a remotely operated vehicle, a vehicle support, a bin storing structure and a bin lift device. The vehicle support is configured to guide movements of the remotely operated vehicle in first and second directions. The bin storing structure supports the vehicle support and includes storage columns, arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins. The bin lift device is arranged to convey a vehicle delivered storage bin in a direction perpendicular to the lateral plane of the vehicle support between the vehicle support and a delivery station. The remotely operated vehicle includes a vehicle body including a first section for storing vehicle driving means and a second section for receiving a storage bin, a vehicle lifting device for lifting the storage bin into the second section, and sets of vehicle rolling means allowing movement of the vehicle in the first and second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventor: Ingvar Hognaland
  • Patent number: 9856083
    Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system including at least one autonomous transport vehicle, a transfer deck that defines a transport surface for the vehicle, at least one reciprocating lift, a first and second pickface interface station connected to the deck and spaced apart from each other, each station forming a pickface transfer interfacing between the vehicle on the deck and the lift at each station so that a pickface is transferred between the lift and the vehicle at each station, wherein the vehicle is configured to pick a first pickface at the first station, traverse the deck and buffer the first pickface, or at least a portion thereof, at the second station so that the second station has multiple pickfaces buffered on a common support in an order sequence of pickfaces according to a predetermined case out order sequence of mixed case pickfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Symbotic, LLC
    Inventors: Juergen D. Conrad, Robert Hsiung, Kirill K. Pankratov, Robert Sullivan, Larry M. Sweet
  • Patent number: 9856084
    Abstract: An inventory system includes an inventory holder that may be moved by a mobile drive unit. The inventory holder may hold inventory items. The mobile drive unit may move in a manner for facilitating a shift of position of at least one inventory item relative to the inventory holder. Such movement may be accomplished, for example, by accelerating, decelerating, turning while driving, spinning, dropping the inventory holder, or by causing at least one of the mobile drive unit or the inventory holder to at least one of interact with or engage an obstacle such as a bump over which the mobile drive unit drives, a bar positioned above a floor on which the mobile drive unit drives, a wall, another mobile drive unit, or another inventory holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andriy Palamarchuk, Jeremiah David Brazeau
  • Patent number: 9856085
    Abstract: A concrete accessory for use with a ready mix chute comprises a funnel shaped hopper. The hopper has a wide upper opening of a size corresponding to that of a ready mix chute and tapering to a narrow lower opening. The hopper has a seamless inner surface and a pair of hollow aligned receptacles on opposite sides of the hopper and extending outwardly therefrom proximate the upper opening. An elongate rod has a length greater than the spacing between the aligned hollow receptacles to be received therein. A hanger assembly removably attaches the rod to a ready mix chute, in use, to support the hopper below the chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Deslauriers, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Workman
  • Patent number: 9856086
    Abstract: A rod belt for rod belt conveyors of agricultural machinery, having rods situated transversely with respect to the running direction and in parallel to one another, the rods having flattened, perforated fastening areas with which they rest on tensile stress-resistant, continuous elastic belts revolving in parallel to one another, and are connected to the belts by rivets or similar fasteners which pass through the fastening areas and the belts. Thus, a rod belt is provided for rod belt conveying, which allows fastening of functional elements while avoiding the disadvantages stated for the prior art. This is achieved in that in the installed state of the rods, the fastening areas protrude beyond the inner edges of the belts with an overhang area, and have at least one hole in the overhang area for fastening a functional element of the rod belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: EA BROEKEMA BV Transportbandenfabriek
    Inventor: Johan Oord
  • Patent number: 9856087
    Abstract: A surface platform for a conveyor belt includes a platform member having an upper surface and a rail member at one side of the upper surface. The upper surface has a first portion adjacent the rail member, a second portion adjacent the first portion, and a third portion adjacent the second portion. The second portion extends upward at a distance and in a direction such that when an article is placed on the platform member in contact with the rail the article extends to, and no further than, the second portion. The first portion may be horizontal or curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Beesley
  • Patent number: 9856088
    Abstract: An idler support assembly is configured to support a conveyor belt thereon. The idler support assembly includes a frame having a first end and a second end, and a first idler roller coupled to the frame between the first and second ends. The first idler roller is configured to rotate about a first roller axis. The idler support assembly also includes a second idler roller coupled to the frame between the first and second ends. The second idler roller is configured to rotate about a second roller axis. The idler support assembly further includes a first base pivotably coupled to the first end of the frame about a first pivot axis, and an adjustable support selectively coupled to the second end of the frame in a plurality of positions. Each of the plurality of positions defines an angle in which the frame extends relative to the first base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Daniel Riggs
  • Patent number: 9856089
    Abstract: An accumulating portal conveyor comprises a conveyor belt, a frame for supporting and guiding the belt, which frame includes a first helical path and a second helical path spaced from the first helical path, a bridging path and a return path. Under operating conditions the belt successively follows the first helical path upwardly, the bridging path, the second helical path downwardly and the return path, and such that in transverse direction of an upright plane through central centerlines of the first and second helical paths. The bridging path includes a static part having a fixed position with respect to the helical paths and a dynamic portion displaceable in transverse direction of the upright plane to change the path length of the belt. At least a portion of the return path is displaceable for compensating the change of the path length of the belt at the bridging path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SPECIALTY CONVEYOR B.V.
    Inventor: Wouter Balk
  • Patent number: 9856090
    Abstract: A conveyor track assembly section for a mechanical chain comprises a base plate, a wear track profile and a z-spring. The z-spring comprises a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm, in which the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm form a Z shape, and the z-spring is used to secure the wear track profile to the base plate. The mechanical chain is received within the wear track profile. A conveyor track assembly section may further comprise a plurality of placement pins and a plurality of z-springs to secure and align the wear track profile and the base plate. Multiple conveyor track assembly sections may be assembled together to form a conveyor track assembly for the mechanical chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: George W. Massey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9856091
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport device (1) for goods to be transported, comprising a transport rake (2) with at least one receiving region (20) for the goods to be transported and a slide arrangement (3) which is arranged in a longitudinally slidable manner along a transport plane in a transport direction (I), said slide arrangement (3) being equipped with at least one lever (4) which can be pivoted about a rotational axis (II) oriented substantially perpendicular to the transport plane. The transport rake (2) is mounted on the slide arrangement (3) by means of the at least one lever (4), and a drive device (5) comprising a first drive unit (50) and a second drive unit (51) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Optima consumer GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Polifke, Klaus Lober, Oliver Kübler
  • Patent number: 9856092
    Abstract: A system, method and an end effector may arrange into a group two articles within a stream of articles moving spaced apart and in a line in a conveying direction on a conveyor. The system, method, and end effector may contact and slow the more downstream of the two articles and then contact the more upstream of the two articles without substantially slowing the more upstream article to form the group. The end effector may include a downstream stop portion for contacting at least one of the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Woks Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Job, Craig Kirkpatrick, Christopher Ray, Roger Johnston, Brett A. Stripe
  • Patent number: 9856093
    Abstract: An apparatus for diverting a stream of articles that includes an input conveyor belt conveying a stream of articles in a direction of travel and at an input speed and an output conveyor belt operating at an output speed and disposed parallel with the input conveyor belt in the same direction of travel. A diverter element extending along the input conveyor belt and is moveable between the direction of travel and an opposite direction wherein the diverter element operates in one of two modes of operation depending upon the input speed and the output speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Beesley, J. Mark Nunn, Doug A. Imes
  • Patent number: 9856094
    Abstract: An adjustable container handling device for handling containers, such as beverage bottles, comprising at least a turntable, format parts, and a star wheel conveyor comprising pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Fahldieck, Andreas Krieg, Nils Mallitzki
  • Patent number: 9856095
    Abstract: A precision machining/measurement device and a robot that conveys a workpiece to the device are covered by a cover, and a space covered by the cover is partitioned by a partition cover into a space where the precision machining/measurement device is installed and a space where the robot is installed. When a temperature inside the space where the robot is installed falls within a predetermined temperature range, a door provided in the partition cover is opened, and the robot supplies the workpiece to the precision machining/measurement device through the opened door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenzo Ebihara, Takayuki Oda
  • Patent number: 9856096
    Abstract: A transporting arrangement (1) includes at least one guide system having a fixed guide rail (4) and supporting elements (6) which are guided on the guide rail (4), in particular ones designed in the form of rollers and/or sliders, also comprising at least one transporting unit (5), which can be moved in a movement direction (8) and on which the supporting elements are fastened, wherein the transporting unit (5) is guided on the guide rail (4) by the supporting elements (6), and further comprising a linear motor drive arrangement having a fixed stator unit (3) and at least one magnetic element (15), in particular a permanent magnet, on the transporting unit (5), wherein a vertical guide plane (16) is defined, this running parallel to the movement direction (8) and through the center of the guide system, wherein a vertical motor plane (17) is defined, this running parallel to the movement direction (8) and through the center of the linear motor drive arrangement, and wherein a basic body (11) of the transportin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Hanisch, Alfred Wipf, Hansruedi Wanner, Philipp Kathan, Daniel Schwarz
  • Patent number: 9856097
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes at least one bracket and at least one vibrator. The at least one bracket is configured to be mounted to a pallet adjacent to a stack of panels disposed on the pallet. The at least one vibrator is attached to the at least one bracket and configured to induce vibration on the stack of panels to disrupt an adhesive bond between adjacent panels in the stack of panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Nikolas I. Williams
  • Patent number: 9856098
    Abstract: A feeding apparatus includes a stacking member provided to a feeding cassette, a feeding member, a contact portion provided on a regulating member provided on the feeding cassette, a movement unit, and a switching unit. The movement unit raises the feeding member when the feeding cassette is pulled out and lowers the feeding member when the feeding cassette is inserted. The switching unit switches a positional relationship between the feeding and stacking member. After the feeding member is lowered and before the feeding member performs a sheet feeding operation, the switching unit switches the relationship to the second positional relationship from the first. When a stacked sheet amount is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the contact portion is disposed in contact with the stacked sheets and when the amount is smaller than the predetermined amount, the contact portion is disposed not in contact with the stacked sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Kuwata
  • Patent number: 9856099
    Abstract: A sheet feeder, which is included in an image forming apparatus, includes a sheet feeding unit to feed a sheet, a sheet separating unit disposed opposite the sheet feeding unit to separate the sheet together with the sheet feeding unit, a bottom plate on which the sheet is loaded, a pressing unit having a leading end and movably disposed between the bottom plate and the sheet separating unit, and a support to rotatably support the pressing unit such that the leading end of the pressing unit contacts and separates from the sheet feeding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jumpei Aoyama, Hajime Nishida, Manabu Nonaka, Junichi Sugita, Kenji Ueda
  • Patent number: 9856100
    Abstract: A sheet guiding mechanism includes a pair of first rotators and a pair of second rotators provided in a conveying path for a sheet material, a first sheet guide portion, a second sheet guide portion, a shaft member, and a plurality of guide rollers. The first sheet guide portion and the second sheet guide portion form guide surfaces for the sheet material on both sides of the conveying path. Both end portions of the shaft member extending along a width direction are supported by the second sheet guide portion. The guide rollers are in contact with the sheet material conveyed in the conveying path, and rotate to follow the sheet material. The shaft member is bent by a pressure applied from the sheet material to the guide rollers when a tension is applied to the sheet material between the pair of first rotators and the pair of second rotators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Yuichiro Tanaka, Yuya Shimohora
  • Patent number: 9856101
    Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes: a skew detection section configured to detect a tilt of a sheet to be conveyed; two skew correction roller sections that are arranged side by side in a sheet width direction and are independently able to be driven; a downstream-side conveying roller section arranged at a downstream side of the skew correction roller sections in a sheet conveying direction; and a control section configured to control conveying operations of the skew correction roller sections based on a detection result of the skew detection section, wherein at least one of the skew correction roller sections is configured to be movable in the sheet width direction, and the control section moves at least one of the skew correction roller sections outward in the sheet width direction at predetermined timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Kyoichi Mizuno
  • Patent number: 9856102
    Abstract: The rewinding machine includes a first winding cradle, formed between a first winding roller, a second winding roller and a third winding roller and a second winding cradle formed between the first winding roller, the second winding roller and a fourth winding roller. The first winding roller and the second winding roller define a nip through which nip the winding cores, around which the web material is found, pass and the web material is fed towards a roll being formed in the second winding cradle. A severing member is furthermore provided, acting on the web material between a winding core and the nip, to sever the web material thus generating a tail edge of a completed roll and a leading edge of a new roll to be wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Fabio Perini S.p.A.
    Inventors: Romano Maddaleni, Franco Montagnani, Roberto Morelli
  • Patent number: 9856103
    Abstract: Device for controlling the separation of the sheets of paper webs rolled in the form of logs, comprising a guide roller (RA) cooperating with further means (R4, R5) for rolling a paper web (2) so as to form a paper log and cooperating with means for providing pre-incision lines on the paper web (2) so as to divide it in multiple separable sheets. The device comprises pneumatic separation means (SP) adapted to direct a fluid jet (J) toward a pre-incision line (p) which separates the last sheet (LS) of a log (RO) in the course of formation from the first sheet (FS) of a subsequent log to be formed. The pneumatic separation means (SP) are inside the guide roller (RA) and the latter has an outer surface (72) with a plurality of through holes (73) allowing the fluid jet (J) produced by the pneumatic separation means (SP) to be directed towards the pre-incision lines (p).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: FUTURA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Perini
  • Patent number: 9856104
    Abstract: A sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a drum unit having a plurality of openings, a housing unit covering the drum unit, a transport unit on which a material containing fibers passing through the openings is accumulated as a web and which transports the accumulated web, a first roller that abuts the web transported by the transport unit, and a first seal unit that is provided on a first side wall of the housing unit and comes into contact with the first roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeo Fujita, Naotaka Higuchi
  • Patent number: 9856105
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus including a stapler for executing a stapling process, a sheet detection sensor for detecting a sheet as a processing target, and an execution button for receiving from a user an execution instruction to execute the stapling process, after the sheet detection sensor detects a sheet, in a case where the execution button is pressed before a predetermined time elapses, causes the stapler to execute the stapling process according to the execution button being pressed, and in a case where the execution button is not pressed, causes the stapler to execute the stapling process according to lapse of the predetermined time. Further, the sheet processing apparatus sets whether the execution of the stapling process according to the lapse of the predetermined time is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masahiro Mutsuno, Masaki Kashiwagi, Satoshi Totsuka, Akinori Takeo
  • Patent number: 9856106
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for feeding thread at a knitting machine. One embodiment is a thread feeding device which includes a spool that supplies thread to a knitting device through a thread path and a motor that drives the spool. The device and further includes a mobile guide in the thread path that changes position due to changes in thread tension as the knitting device draws thread through the mobile guide. The thread feeding device also includes a sensor that measures a change in position of the mobile guide, and a controller that determines an amount of tension applied to the thread by the knitting device based on the change in position, and adjusts a speed of a motor that drives the spool based on the amount of tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Tiffany A Stewart, Guillermo Herrera, Jacob John Mikulsky, Christopher P Henry
  • Patent number: 9856107
    Abstract: Method for handling erroneous calls in an elevator system, which includes at least one elevator, call-giving devices for registering calls on the floor levels and/or in the elevator car, and also a control system that responds to the aforementioned calls. One or more calls given by a passenger are registered, it is assessed on the basis of at least one criterion whether some call is erroneous, and at least one corrective action is performed for removing a call, or for rectifying the call data of a call, if the call is ascertained to be erroneous on the basis of the aforementioned criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ilpo Haipus, Juha-Matti Kuusinen, Marja-Liisa Siikonen, Janne Sorsa
  • Patent number: 9856108
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for interchanging data between at least one sensor unit arranged in an elevator shaft of an elevator system and a monitoring unit of a service center which is locally remote from the elevator system, wherein an elevator car which moves vertically in the elevator shaft, include a first communication unit arranged at the elevator car. Data are transmitted from the at least one sensor unit to the first communication unit via a first communications network on the basis of the position of the elevator car and are stored by the first communication unit. The stored data are transmitted from the first communication unit to a second communication unit on the basis of at least one rule and are transmitted from the second communication unit to the monitoring unit via a second communications network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventor: Martin Kusserow
  • Patent number: 9856109
    Abstract: A user can input commands into a lock by gesturing on a surface of the lock. The gesture is made by sliding a finger over multiple buttons on the lock surface. The lock recognizes the gesture based on the buttons touched by the sliding finger and the order in which they were touched. The lock associates a particular command with the recognized gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventor: Josef Schwarzentruber
  • Patent number: 9856110
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring and supervising the lubricant content of elevator ropes in an elevator, which includes at least a hoisting machine provided with a drive motor, the hoisting machine including at least a traction sheave, around which one or more elevator ropes are fitted side-by-side, which ropes move under the effect of friction along with the rotational movement of the traction sheave and at the same time move the elevator car. The lubricant content is monitored and supervised by the aid of a magnetic measuring device disposed in the immediate proximity of the traction sheave and the elevator ropes by collecting in the measuring device the metal dust detaching in connection with wear of the traction sheave and of the elevator ropes during operation of the elevator and by letting the metal dust switch on an alarm about a lubricant content of the elevator ropes that is too low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Esa Putkinen
  • Patent number: 9856111
    Abstract: A braking system and method for an apparatus or vehicle moved along a pathway by a drive mechanism, for halting the movement of the apparatus or vehicle in the event that the drive mechanism loses power or malfunctions. A conveyance system is provided including a structure defining a pathway, an moving apparatus supported for movement along the pathway, a drive mechanism operatively connected for moving the apparatus along the pathway, a brake rail having along one edge a multiplicity of regularly spaced teeth that define gaps between successive teeth, disposed along the pathway and secured to the structure, and a brake device mounted securely to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Anderson, Thomas R. Aultz, Timothy J. Beitz, Scott Kim Thompson
  • Patent number: 9856112
    Abstract: A linear actuator assembly having a flexible tether that runs along a guide track. The flexible tether has a first segment and a second segment, wherein a predetermined tension exists in the flexible tether. A restraining mechanism is coupled to the flexible tether that automatically engages the guide track when the tension in the flexible tether drops below a predetermined threshold. Accordingly, if the flexible tether were to break, the load carried by the linear actuator would lock in place and would not fall under the force of its weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Anthony J. Cirone
  • Patent number: 9856113
    Abstract: An elevator includes a first elevator unit vertically movable in a hoistway; a second elevator unit vertically movable in a hoistway; a suspension roping including one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes interconnecting the first elevator unit and the second elevator unit; a drive wheel for moving said one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes; a plurality of cambered diverting wheels; said one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes each passing around the drive wheel and comprising consecutively a first rope section extending between the drive wheel and the first elevator unit; and a second rope section extending between the drive wheel and the second elevator unit wherein both rope sections diverge from the drive wheel towards the same lateral side thereof, the first rope section passing over a first cambered diverting wheel, in particular resting against a cambered circumferential surface area thereof, and therefrom down to the first elevator unit, and the second rope section passing over a second cambered d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hannu Lehtinen, Jussi Perälä, Raimo Pelto-Huikko, Juha Helenius
  • Patent number: 9856114
    Abstract: An elevator comprising a hoistway; an elevator car vertically movable in the hoistway; a counterweight vertically movable in the hoistway; at least one tightening wheel located in the lower end of the hoistway; at least one rope wheel located in or at least in proximity of the upper end of the hoistway; a first roping interconnecting the car and counterweight and passing around the at least one rope wheel located in or at least in proximity of the upper end of the hoistway; a second roping interconnecting the car and counterweight and passing around the at least one tightening wheel, the tightening wheel being mounted movably back and forth in a first direction towards the second roping, and in a second direction away from the second roping; and means for exerting force on the tightening wheel to move it in the first direction so as to tighten the second roping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Riku Lampinen
  • Patent number: 9856115
    Abstract: A system for cleaning and conditioning handrails. A cleaning pad is curved to approximate the shape of a handrail, and is disposed on an arm. The arm may be mounted on a support structure, allowing it to be rolled up to an escalator handrail and left to do the cleaning while the escalator runs. When mounted, the arm may include a spring or piston to keep the arm in a particular position. A second cleaning pad may be included to dry or polish the handrail, the handrail going first through the cleaning pad and second through the drying pad. The arm may be hand-held, allowing a user to reach up or down steps or an incline. The cleaning pad may be mounted such that it rotates about the arm for storage, maintenance or better reach, such as around bends or corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Christian E Thomsen, Rob Drew
  • Patent number: 9856116
    Abstract: A self-driven device for cleaning moving handrail belts often found in electric escalators and walkways consists of a roller, fluid container, and fluid transfer apparatus. The roller rotates by being in contact with the moving belt and applies cleaning fluid to the belt to kill germs. The rotary motion of the roller is used to power the fluid transfer apparatus through a motion transfer mechanism. The fluid transfer apparatus transfers the fluid from a container, also provided within the device, to the roller. The present design acts in a way that does not require external power or complex control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Malek Y. S. Ibrahim
  • Patent number: 9856117
    Abstract: A lifting arm assembly for lifting an elongate element includes a lifting arm comprising a complementary fastener and at least one fastening element, and a holder for at least one tool which comprises a first complementary fastening device. The holder is configured to be replaceable. The holder comprises a suspension device configured to fasten to the complementary fastener on the lifting arm, and at least one first receiving device configured to cooperate with the first complementary fastening device on the at least one tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: MHWIRTH AS
    Inventor: Gjerulf Ottersland