Patents Issued in May 15, 2018
  • Patent number: 9969502
    Abstract: A method for in-flight refueling of a receiver aircraft from a tanker aircraft including: measuring continuously a tension at an end of a hose extending from the tanker aircraft towards the receiver aircraft, and using the measured tension to control a torque applied to a drum device deploying the hose from the tanker aircraft such that the tension at the end of the hose conforms to target tensions during each phase of the refueling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: EADS CONSTRUCCIONES AERONAUTICAS S.A.
    Inventors: Samuel De la Fuente Lopez, Bruno Martinez Vazquez
  • Patent number: 9969503
    Abstract: A system and related methods for providing stall recovery guidance symbology via a head-up display (HUD) or similar avionics display element detects stall or near-stall conditions and provides symbology to guide the pilot through recovering from the stall by prioritizing pitch correction and disengagement of the autopilot system. Pitch correction symbology guides the pilot toward reducing the aircraft angle of attack and establishing level flight, while thrust recovery symbology helps the pilot control the application of thrust to avoid prolonging or reinstituting the stall. The system modifies the stall recovery symbology in response to detected changes in pitch, angle of attack, or airspeed. Once level flight has been established and stall conditions are no longer present, the system may transition out of stall recovery mode to regular inflight symbology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Lenard E. Noice
  • Patent number: 9969504
    Abstract: Provided here is a UAV launcher generally comprising a launcher frame, first rail guide, second rail guide, and a conveyor system comprising a conveyor, where the first rail guide, second rail guide, and some portion of the conveyor are typically substantially parallel, and where the first and second rail guide typically extend beyond the driver wheel of the conveyor system in a launching direction. The driver wheel and driven wheel of the conveyor system rotate on axes generally perpendicular to the first and second rail guide. A DC motor is coupled to the driver wheel and generates rotation of the driver wheel, and correspondingly governs the linear velocity of the conveyor. A motor controller is configured to control the RPM of the DC motor using a motor speed profile and a wedge interface coupled to the transmission drive motivates a loaded UAV to a launching velocity such that the UAV achieves airborne operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Raymond Lawson Davis, Patrick Alan Livesay
  • Patent number: 9969505
    Abstract: A UAV support vehicle carries a UAV support apparatus for launching and/or recovering a UAV while the UAV support vehicle is moving. The UAV support apparatus releases the UAV during launch and receives the UAV during recovery. An active suspension may be connected between the UAV support vehicle and at least a portion of the UAV support apparatus and reduce motion imparted to that portion of the UAV support apparatus. During UAV recovery, data from a synchronization link between the UAV and the UAV support vehicle may be used to maneuver the UAV and/or the UAV support vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Sandlin McKee, Steve Conrad Roden
  • Patent number: 9969506
    Abstract: An access device to an aircraft, bus or building. The access device having a loading surface connected to a vehicle, wherein a protective device for passengers is arranged on the loading surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Hübner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Detlef Gutkuhn, Lothar Scharf, Reinhard Hübner
  • Patent number: 9969507
    Abstract: A method for performing diagnostics of a structure subject to loads, in particular an aircraft structure, is implemented by an arrangement of sensors located at relevant points of the structure and corresponding neural networks. The method includes training the neural network in order to establish an associative relationship between the state of the structure in a subset of relevant points and the state of the structure in at least one residual relevant point. The state of the structure is detected in a plurality of relevant points under operating conditions. The state of the structure is estimated in at least one residual relevant point by the associated neural network on the basis of the pre-established associated relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ALENIA AERMACCHI S.p.A.
    Inventor: Michele Iannone
  • Patent number: 9969508
    Abstract: A remote computing system is described that includes at least one processor and at least one module. The at least one module is operable by the at least one processor to receive first operational data collected by a first line-replaceable-unit of a first aircraft during flight operations of the first aircraft, and receive second operational data collected by at least one second line-replaceable-unit of at least one second aircraft during flight operations of the at least one second aircraft. The at least one module is further operable by the at least one processor to predict, based at least in part on the first operational data and the second operational data, a failure condition associated with the first line-replaceable-unit of the first aircraft, and output, based on the impending failure condition, an indication of the predicted failure condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Roland Szeto
  • Patent number: 9969509
    Abstract: A structure comprises at least two unfurling panels and a spacing and knock prevention device intended to prevent the panels from knocking together when they are furled against one another. The knock prevention device comprises a holder fixed to the first panel, a cap forming a buffer against which the second panel bears in a bearing direction, and a damper disposed in a space formed between the holder and the cap. The cap and the holder form two elements. A first of the two elements comprises at least one lug. The second of the two elements comprises at least one housing intended to receive the lug. The cap is configured such that the lug passes into the housing by elastic deformation of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Alain Mistral, Silvain Legrand, Gael Blons
  • Patent number: 9969510
    Abstract: This manufacturing method for wrapped moldings (P) comprises a molding process for manufacturing the moldings (P) and a wrapping process for wrapping the moldings (P). The molding cycle from a mold-clamping step to the next mold-clamping step in the molding process is coordinated with the wrapping cycle from a moving step to the next moving step in the wrapping process by delaying the heating initiation time in the heating step, reducing the rate of temperature increase in the heating step, or prolonging the time for the drawing in the drawing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ENPLAS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shota Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 9969511
    Abstract: A method for shrinking selected spaced apart portions of film wrapped around a series of products of similar dimension being conveyed by a conveyor along a path in a selected direction is provide. The method involves the steps of: (a) indexing the conveyor and stopping the conveyor; (b) while the conveyor is stopped, causing heated fluid to flow from one or more nozzles so that a first heated fluid flow impinges upon selected portions of film in the vicinity of a product leading edge and a second heated fluid flow impinges upon selected portion of film in the vicinity of a product trailing edge; (b) repeating steps (a) and (b) multiple times so that, for multiple instances of the product, selected portions of film along both trailing and leading edges of each instance of the product are caused to shrink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignees: OSSID LLC, IBARAKI SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ernest C. Newell, Yasutaka Suga
  • Patent number: 9969512
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sterilization device for sterilizing packaging containers with electron beams in a filling machine. The sterilization device comprises at least one first electron beam emitter adapted for sterilization of at least the interior of the packaging container and at least one electron beam emitter adapted for sterilization of at least the exterior of the packaging container. The invention further comprises a method for sterilizing packaging containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Roy Eidebakken, Jonas Dickner, Roger Lindgren, Hakan Mellbin, Mats Akesson
  • Patent number: 9969513
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sterilization of the interior surface of packaging containers with electron beam, comprising an emitter provided with an electron exit window. The emitter is adapted to emit charge carriers, such as electrons, through the electron exit window, said electrons forming an electron cloud. The device comprises at least one outlet adapted to provide a flow of sterile gaseous medium adapted to maintain a local aseptic zone around at least an emitter portion including the electron exit window, thus preventing any flow of medium from outside the local aseptic zone from coming into the local aseptic zone. The invention also relates to a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Jonas Dickner, Håkan Mellbin, Roger Lindgren, Fredrik Hansen
  • Patent number: 9969514
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for orientation-based hashing to determine item orientation. In some examples, a conveyance system may be configured to adjust the orientations of various types of items before sorting. The conveyance system may include a computer vision system that determines whether the orientation of an item should be adjusted based on an item-feature hash table that relates item image features to item orientations or actuator signals. In other examples, the computer vision system may determine item image features associated with a particular item and perform an item-feature hash table lookup using the item image features to determine an item orientation or actuator action. The item-feature hash table may be separately trained, allowing the computer vision system to rapidly determine the appropriate item orientation or actuator action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Ezekiel Kruglick
  • Patent number: 9969515
    Abstract: In an automatic horizontal wrapping machine for applying a wrapper to consecutive bread loaves moved along a feed path through the machine, changeover to operation allowing the loaves to pass through the machine without being wrapped is accomplished by: disabling a feed for wrapping material; shifting and maintaining a wrapping material forming box out of the feed path; installing a slide deck defining the bottom of the feed path; providing a transfer component to move loaves along the feed path by sliding on the deck separate and apart from and independent of the transfer mechanism used by the machine when wrapping; and disabling a cutter-sealing component sufficiently so as not to interfere with passage of bread loaves past the cutter-sealer; to allow the bread loaves to pass through the machine along the feed path without being wrapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Formost Fuji Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Paul Formo, David Terry
  • Patent number: 9969516
    Abstract: A pouch, designed to be attached, either directly or indirectly, to a container, is provided with two end portions, each of which is formed with an elongated slit. When the pouch is directly attached atop a container, the end portions are pulled over the lid and catch a rim portion of the container. When the pouch is placed upon a lid covered container, the end portions of the pouch can catch or engage the lid. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a pair of spaced slits extends from each elongated slit, thereby creating a tab or flap in each end portion. The flap is configured to either directly catch a rim of the container or be tucked under the lid, i.e., between the lid and the container, to attach the pouch to the lid and, indirectly, the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil E Zaporski, Anthony W Swenson
  • Patent number: 9969517
    Abstract: A plastic container comprises an upper portion including a finish defining an opening into the container, a lower portion including a base defining a standing surface, a sidewall extending between the upper portion and the lower portion, the sidewall defining a longitudinal axis, and at least one substantially transversely-oriented pressure panel located in the lower portion. The pressure panel is movable between an outwardly-inclined position and an inwardly-inclined position to compensate for a change of pressure inside the container. The standing surface defines a standing plane, and the entire pressure panel is located between the standing plane and the upper portion of the container when the pressure panel is in the outwardly-inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CO2PAC LIMITED
    Inventor: David Murray Melrose
  • Patent number: 9969518
    Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to a cylindrical portion of an object may comprise a roller and a label handler, with the roller rotating the object to which the label is being applied and the label handler separating a label from its backer and extending the label towards the object being rotated by the roller. The distance between the label handler and the object rotated by the roller is less than a length of the label. The label applicator may further comprise a printer, such as a thermal transfer printer, which may be configured to print labels for a plurality of objects to which different labels are applied consecutively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: MEDICAL PACKAGING INC.
    Inventor: Ronald C. Kavchok
  • Patent number: 9969519
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and an associated method for detecting the actual position (P) of at least one label transfer element (2) of a labeling machine relative to the peripheral surface (3?) of a container (3) to be labeled, such as bottles, cans, cardboard boxes, and the like, comprising at least one sensor unit (5, 6) and at least one control and evaluation unit (7) operatively connected to the at least one sensor unit, wherein the at least one container (3) to be labeled is arranged so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis (DA) in a movement and transport plane (E).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Putzer, Holger Stenner
  • Patent number: 9969520
    Abstract: A hot-fillable container that is cylindrical in shape. The container may have two ribs. A top rib is located in the top bumper and a bottom rib is located in the bottom bumper. Both the top and the bottom ribs have depth that is deep enough so that the container may withstand the hot-fill process and increase its top load ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Gill, Raymond A. Pritchett, Jr., Travis A. Hunter
  • Patent number: 9969521
    Abstract: A cylindrical bottle which collapses along helical groove, ridge and connecting rings along its sidewall. When inward force is applied along the bottle's vertical axis, the helical groove rings and connecting rings fold under the ridge rings and remain substantially “locked” under the ridge rings, thereby causing the sidewall to collapse and remain collapsed until sufficient outward force is applied. When sufficient outward force is applied along its vertical axis, the bottle extends as the distance between its helical groove rings and ridge rings lengthens. Due to the diamond-shaped cross-section of the connecting rings, in conjunction with the silicone composition of the bottle's body, the collapsing and extension of the bottle occur in sequential segments, creating a unique, playful sound and an amusing worm-like movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Yang Shen
  • Patent number: 9969522
    Abstract: A foldable box template includes first, second, third, fourth, and fifth segments. Each of the segments has a length, a width, and one or more flaps. The first segment is positioned at a first end of the template and the fifth segment is positioned at a second, opposing end of the template. The sum of the lengths of the first segment and the fifth segment is generally equal to the length of the third segment. As a result, the first and fifth segments form a seam on a sidewall of a box formed from the box template. In some cases, the seam formed by the first and fifth segments is offset from seams formed in top and bottom surfaces of the box. The seam formed by the first and fifth segments is offset from a corner of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Packsize LLC
    Inventor: Niklas Pettersson
  • Patent number: 9969523
    Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of articles. The carton includes a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The carton has a display feature including a display opening in at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel, and a display panel foldably connected to the top panel. The display panel is located in the interior and spaced-apart from the opening. The display panel is at least partially visible through the display opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Ayerst
  • Patent number: 9969524
    Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a primary pour opening and an extended or secondary score which is opened with a secondary tool to form a secondary pour opening. The fact that a secondary tool is required allows the secondary score to be shallower, and thus more secure than deeper scores that are openable by finger pressure alone. Once the secondary tool is used to fracture the secondary score, a secondary pour opening is produced adjacent to the primary pour opening to form a larger opening. A user may insert materials such as ice or oranges through the enlarged pour opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventors: Erik E. Gatewood, Mark A. Jacober
  • Patent number: 9969525
    Abstract: A stand is disclosed for supporting a moldboard and a drawbar of a grading machine. The stand may comprise a base frame and a component support unit. The said stand may be configured to support the moldboard, and the component support unit may be configured to support at least a portion of the drawbar. The base frame and the component support unit may be configured to: (a) support a substantial portion of the moldboard above the base frame; and (b) support a substantial portion of the drawbar above the base frame and the moldboard when the moldboard is supported on the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: FINNING INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Stephen Longaphie
  • Patent number: 9969526
    Abstract: A retention system for a pallet can include retention elements that pivot around pivoting assemblies at one or more edges of the pallet. A retention rail can adopt a stowed position against or within the pallet, can lock in an upright position at a side of the pallet, or an open position extending away from the pallet, providing clear access for loading or unloading in the open position. Further retention features can be combined with the retention rails, including integrated retention straps and strap receiving elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Lowther, Sriram Radhakrishnan, Lifan Zhang, Dennis Williams, Axel Sommer
  • Patent number: 9969527
    Abstract: A modular vacuum chamber system provides for tapered surfaces and resilient sealing members, wherein the tapered surfaces are protected from undesired contact with work surfaces, and provide for vacuum-tight engagement of various modules. Modules can include chamber modules, defining shapes for a resultant vacuum chamber. Modules can comprise connecting modules, configured to sealingly engage two chamber modules and form a larger vacuum chamber than either module alone. Modules can comprise wall plate modules, configured to sealingly engage a chamber module and form a surface of a vacuum chamber. Wall plate modules can comprise solid plates, optically transparent plates, and plates accommodating ports for communication between the vacuum chamber and the environment outside the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Ideal Vacuum Products LLC
    Inventors: Tony C. Smith, Richard D Holets
  • Patent number: 9969528
    Abstract: A container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse has a movable door assembly, front frame, tracks supported by opposite sides of the container, and a plurality of dunnage supports extending between the tracks. The dunnage supports may comprise multiple pieces including end members and a tubular support, the end members being movable in the tracks. The dunnage supports support dunnage, such as pouches, for supporting products during storage or shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Bradford Company
    Inventor: Matthew S. Sanger
  • Patent number: 9969529
    Abstract: A woven laminated plastic bag having an easy open feature is provided. The easy open feature is generally defined by a weakened portion in the bag. In various aspects the bag can be fabricated from woven polypropylene and/or polyethylene layer which can be laminated with a film layer, can form a pinch bottom bag, and can have one or both sides include graphics and/or printing. The bag can also provide a top end and/or a bottom end either or both of which provide a discrete area which may contain discrete graphics and/or printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Polytex Fibers Corporation
    Inventor: Jacobo Bazbaz
  • Patent number: 9969530
    Abstract: An accordion-sides square-bottom bag and manufacturing method thereof, comprising a paper tube (10) made by a sheet enclosing the sides; accordion sides are folded on two sides of the paper tube (10); the paper tube is provided with a first indentation line (21) and a second indentation line (22), the distance from the second indentation line (22) to the base being greater than the distance between the first indentation line and the second indentation line, but not exceeding twice the distance; two ends of the second indentation line (22) are symmetrically provided with a first crease line (31) and a second crease line (32), the distances between the respective ends of the first and second crease lines and the two edges of the paper tube (10) exceeding the folded depth of the accordion sides; and a first cutting line (41) and a second cutting line (42) are provided from the ends of the first and second crease lines to the base of the paper tube (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Qilin Lin
  • Patent number: 9969531
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a delivery bag in which the lower end of the bag is closed and wherein said lower end of the bag comprises at least one carrier handle or one carrier loop, and wherein at the same time, the upper end of the bag has a closable first opening for introducing articles for delivery. The present disclosure additionally relates to the use of the delivery bag according to the present disclosure for the transportation of goods for delivery, in particular goods for delivery for mail order and online commerce, as well as a method for producing a delivery bag according to the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Papier-Mettler KG
    Inventor: Willibrord Zender
  • Patent number: 9969532
    Abstract: A bag container dispenser includes a bag container. The container is formed of resilient material and has a bottom, a top, first and second sides, a front, a back and a removable access panel. The access panel has a top segment that includes a portion of the top and a connected front segment. The front segment has a height that extends from the bottom to the top. Stacked bags are sized and shaped to fit within the bag container. Each of the bags has a front wall, a back wall, an open top and a closure mechanism. The bags are dispensable from the container through an opening provided by removal of the access panel which may have a removable cover. A dispenser rack has a horizontal platform sized and shaped to support the bag container. Peripheral guards extend upward from the platform and constrain movement of the container during dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Jessica Tan
  • Patent number: 9969533
    Abstract: An adhesive reusable zipper that may be applied “in situ” to a preexisting bag; this reusable zipper has a single-piece integral cutting device that includes the slider block. The integral cutter includes a tip to pierce the beg and a blade to cut the beg lengthwise along the fastening strip in a non-harmful way, in order to make an opening in the beg so that it may be closed again, making it easy for the user to serve certain food products and close the bag easily and effectively. Furthermore, once the beg is no longer useful, the closure medium may be reused on another bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Rodrigo Rafael Vargas Vargas
  • Bag
    Patent number: 9969534
    Abstract: The bag may include a draw tape that may be used to cinch closed the opening of the bag. The draw tape may include an elastic characteristic and may be smaller in size than the peripheral distance about the opening. The draw tape in its natural contracted state may partially constrict the opening. However, the draw tape may be stretched or expanded to enable a user to dilate the opening and fold the periphery of the opening over the rim of the canister. The draw tape may then recover or constrict to grip about the rim of the receptacle to hold the bag to the canister. In one embodiment, the bag may include a pattern proximate the bag opening to allow the bag opening to be stretched over the rim of the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Gregory S. Kent, Matthew W. Waldron, Shaun T. Broering, David Hoying, John Schroeder
  • Patent number: 9969535
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a closure moulded in closed position. The closure comprises a body and a lid, which are separated by a circumferential gap. A snap hinge comprising two trapezoid elements which are connected each by film hinges to the body and the lid, causes a snap action while opening or closing the closure. The closure offers opening angles in the range of 220°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CREANOVA AG
    Inventor: Louis Lagler
  • Patent number: 9969536
    Abstract: A lock for a ball display case includes a plate having a plurality of recessed areas spaced radially about the plate. A plurality of posts extend away from the plate in a direction generally perpendicular to the plate. Each post is in general radial alignment with one of the recessed areas of the plate and spaced radially inward from the recessed area. The lock has frangible portions connecting the posts to the plate. The lock is suitable for engagement with a ball display case in a manner that limits access to an object in the display case. The lock is suitable for use by professional graders and/or authenticators to prevent tampering after the object has been graded and/or authenticated and then locked in the display case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Inducomp Corporation
    Inventor: John T. Weldon
  • Patent number: 9969537
    Abstract: An easily openable container lid has a shell and a liner embossed on the inner surface of a top panel wall and a pair of scores formed in the shell. The liner is adhered over the entire surface thereof to the inner surface of the top panel wall. At least second portions of the pair of scores are formed by forming grooves on the inner surface side of the shell, and are extended along the peripheral edge of the liner radially outwardly of the liner. Moreover, the liner has a thin-walled central section and a thick-walled peripheral edge section, and is configured to have a downwardly protruding outer sealing ridge formed in a radially outward region of the thick-walled peripheral edge section. The thickness of the thin-walled central section and the thickness of the thick-walled peripheral edge section are set within required ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: NIPPON CLOSURES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Okubo, Katsuhito Ichimura
  • Patent number: 9969538
    Abstract: This is a new and useful improvement to liquid and dry product containers, modifying the flow rate of delivery. The user sandwiches the invention between the cap and existing vessel, which reduces the delivery rate of the product from the container when poured by the user. The invention conserves product quantity and reduces loss in an accidental spill. The invention is designed to fit a variety of containers. The invention is designed to dispense different products at desired flow rates. The invention is designed to be modified for specific applications. The invention can be reused after the vessel is emptied, thus conserving production material. The improvement is obvious because it benefits the consumer, not the manufacturers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: David John Carr
  • Patent number: 9969539
    Abstract: A closure cap for a container having a spout is described. The closure cap includes a tubular base, a flexible cover, and a flow restriction member. The tubular base is positionable about and sealingly engageable with the spout. The flexible cover is extends over the tubular base and movable between a non-depressed position and a depressed position. The flow restriction member is detachably mounted to the tubular base such that the flow restriction member is in a spaced, coaxial relationship with the spout when the tubular base is engaged with the spout and when the flexible cover is in the non-depressed position and such that the flow restriction member is detached from the tubular base and positioned on and engaged with the spout of the container when the flexible cover is moved to the depressed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Joel Dean Genaw, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9969540
    Abstract: A compression cord sleeve bundles a flexible elongated cord, such as cables, electrical cords, or wires, for storage or transportation. The compression cord sleeve includes a tubular sleeve body and a handle. The tubular sleeve body compresses around the flexible elongated cord in order to prevent the flexible elongated cord from unraveling or uncoiling. The tubular sleeve body is manipulated around a coiled or wrapped flexible elongated cord such that the tubular sleeve body compresses the coiled or wrapped flexible elongated cord radially. The handle allows a user to grasp the compression cord sleeve for ease of transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Kevin C. Hanrahan
  • Patent number: 9969541
    Abstract: A carrier tape may include a tape, a plurality of pockets, and a plurality of vents in each of the plurality of pockets. The plurality of vents may provide a vapor egress path for vapor that may occur during a dry bake process of the carrier tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Anthony Thomas Newman, Kevin Caffey
  • Patent number: 9969542
    Abstract: The container comprises a chamber closed by a flexible cover, and it is characterized in that said flexible cover defines a weakened area forming a seal between the chamber and the flexible cover, and in that the container comprises bending means for bending this weakened area so that the flexible cover separates from the chamber at the weakened area, opening said chamber. The container has the main advantage that it can be opened easily, just acting on the bending means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ZOBELE HOLDING SPA
    Inventors: Stefano Deflorian, Walter Sordo, Livio Sordo, Cedric Morhain
  • Patent number: 9969543
    Abstract: A plastic container having a neck, a support ring, a shoulder, a cylindrical body, a base, a dispensing valve and a cap. The neck further includes a lip and a lip cavity. The support ring protrudes below the lip cavity and above the shoulder. The shoulder supports the neck and aides in preventing deformation of the container. The base further includes legs. The dispensing valve is placed atop the neck and sealed thereto. The cap is placed atop the valve and functions as an actuator to release the contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Atef Gabr Soliman
  • Patent number: 9969544
    Abstract: A pressurized refill canister containing a composition including a propellant. The canister has an outlet valve having a stem biased to a closed position by a first resilient member. The stem has a maximum outer diameter of greater than 3 mm. At the outlet end of the stem, at least part of the wall of the stem extends inwardly from the outside diameter for at least 50% of the radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Kind Consumer Limited
    Inventors: Alex Hearn, Ritika Gupta, Rene Mauricio Gonzalez Campos, Khine Zaw Nyein
  • Patent number: 9969545
    Abstract: A carrier for vehicles having a base shaped like a quadrilateral, more specifically a parallelogram with unequal adjacent sides and no right angles. Furthermore, the base has a vertical support coupled through a housing to each vertex wherein the support is collapsible having an upright and a horizontal orientation. Each vertex of the frame comprises a target to permit the stacking of the carriers by allowing the vertical supports of a lower carrier to be inserted into the target of an upper carrier. The frame of the carrier is provided with means for securing the motorcycle to the frame and with entry chambers to lift the carrier using forklifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: 2468336 Ontario Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Norman O'Neil, James Theodore Dorner
  • Patent number: 9969546
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a single serve capsule for preparing a beverage, comprising a side wall and a bottom, which together define a space, a filter element being sealed to the bottom within said space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: K-Fee System GmbH
    Inventor: Marc Kruger
  • Patent number: 9969547
    Abstract: An expandable holding tank includes a base supporting a first sidewall to define a liquid retaining enclosure. A second sidewall travels up and down one of an exterior face or an interior face of the first sidewall from a stored position to an operative position. In the stored position, the second sidewall is nested with the first sidewall to position a lower edge of the second sidewall adjacent to the base. In the operative position, the second sidewall is telescopically extended relative to the first sidewall to place the lower edge of the second sidewall at a distance from the base and an upper edge of the second sidewall extending above an upper edge of the first sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Gregory A. Whittaker
  • Patent number: 9969548
    Abstract: A lifting device is for a container. The lifting device is arranged to be attached at one end of the container. The lifting device comprises a tow bar being adjustable between an erect position and an unfolded position; an undercarriage connected to the tow bar and provided with one or more wheels, the undercarriage being adjustable between at least a raised position and a lowered position, and the undercarriage being arranged, in the lowered position, to carry at least part of the weight of the container. The undercarriage is arranged to be adjusted from the raised position into the lowered position by means of manual force and/or gravity. The undercarriage is arranged to be adjusted from the raised position to the lowered position when the end of the container has been lifted above the supporting surface. A method is for using a lifting device for a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Jack-Pack AS
    Inventor: Geir Tore Fjetland
  • Patent number: 9969549
    Abstract: A system for controlling an environment within a fuel tank is provided. The system includes a conduit with a plurality of vents, wherein the conduit defines a path through the fuel tank, and wherein the conduit is configured to direct a flow of air along the path and out the plurality of vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Jonathan Christopher Heath
  • Patent number: 9969550
    Abstract: A bag for holding trash, diaper, and any item that needs to be contained. The bag can have an enclosure body and a mouth opening where the opening is lined with a foldable frame. The foldable frame can fold out to keep the mouth opening in an open configuration, and can collapse upon itself to keep the mouth opening in a closed configuration. The foldable frame can optionally have a locking notch, a finger, or both, all of which can be used to attach to some part of the enclosure body thereby keeping the neck of the bag twisted closed. The bag can optionally have attachment points such as apertures, sleeves, strips, and loops for securing to the locking notch. In some embodiments, the collar need not be foldable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: 1316 LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. McConnell, Yafei Lu
  • Patent number: 9969551
    Abstract: An article transport device includes a vertically movable member which is movable along the vertical direction, and a transfer device which is supported by the vertically movable member and is configured to transfer an article to or from any one of transfer target locations. The transfer device includes a support body which receives and supports an article and is projected and retracted between a projected position and a retracted position. And the support body includes a support member which is elastically deformable in the vertical direction, wherein the support body is configured to receive and support an article with the support member. A cushion member is provided to the vertically movable member such that the cushion member is spaced apart upwardly by a set distance from the article which is received and supported by the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Abe, Atsushi Fujiwara