Patents Issued in June 12, 2018
  • Patent number: 9994359
    Abstract: A pallet shelf system for storing goods on standardized pallets in particular in the cargo hold of a truck or a lorry, the system being easy to assemble and disassemble at cargo is loaded and unloaded in the cargo hold; and a method of storing goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: SpaceInvader ApS
    Inventor: Jesper Rølund Hansen
  • Patent number: 9994360
    Abstract: A product includes a bottle, and an indicator that is carried in a relief in an interior surface of at least one of a shoulder of the bottle or a neck of the bottle, and that is adapted, upon contact with air, irreversibly to change a characteristic of the indicator that is visible from outside of the bottle to indicate to a user that the product has been used. A package including the product, and a method for making the package are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Whitton, Roger P. Smith, Jessica R. Bryant, Diana Darvish, Anatoly Solunin, Nikolay Taratin
  • Patent number: 9994361
    Abstract: A method for applying a handle to a container, including placing the handle on the neck of the container, supporting the container to prevent the container from collapsing, and moving the handle toward an end of the neck that contacts a body of the container. The neck includes a supporting rib to fix the handle to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Ring Container Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Carl Ring, Doug Dygert, Dan Futral
  • Patent number: 9994362
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are fluid bladders that include a port and a port closure, a handle, and/or other components. Some disclosed closures can be configured to provide at least two different sized openings for accessing the reservoir, as well as providing a sealing and/or locking mechanism to close the port and seal the port. Exemplary closures comprising a base defining a fill port and mounted to a wall of the bladder, a first cap component that is attached to the base, and a second cap component (e.g., a lid) that is attachable and detachable (via threaded engagement, a pivoting snap fit, or otherwise) to the first cap component. The base can be fixed (e.g., welded) to the bladder to cover the bladder wall opening and provide a second, rigid opening, or port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: TSI Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Hoskins
  • Patent number: 9994363
    Abstract: A system and method for supplying liquid laundry detergent refills to a consumer. A new empty refillable original laundry jug or container made of plastic or similar is sold with a small, lightweight first-use pouch of water-soluble laundry detergent pre-mix as a unit at a retail point of purchase. A separate supply of refill pouches of the pre-mix powder are available for purchase at any time after or separately from the original purchase of the original new empty jug. A consumer only needs to purchase the new empty refillable jug (with its included first-use pouch) once; subsequent refill pouches are purchased without a jug, and used to make an unlimited number of liquid refills in the originally purchased jug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Selestial Soap, LLC
    Inventors: Ruth A. Smith, Stephen J. Ezell
  • Patent number: 9994364
    Abstract: The sealing device involves an elongated release base member having a separation line along the release base member's length. A double-sided adhesive layer is attached to a side of the release base member so that the release base member may adhere to an inner side of a plastic courier bag's sealing flap and seal the plastic courier bag. A reinforcing tape may be further applied to an outer side of the plastic courier bag's sealing flap. The plastic courier bag may be quickly and conveniently opened by tearing down a pull strip of the sealing device. The plastic courier bag may be reused multiple times by applying new, unused sealing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Shih-Fong Lin
  • Patent number: 9994365
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermoplastic drawstring trash bag wherein the thermoplastic drawstring trash bag has an enhanced thickness region in one or more panels of the drawstring trash bag. The enhanced thickness region has an average thickness that is greater than the thickness of the remaining portions of the panels forming the drawstring trash bag. The enhanced thickness region is generally in the area of the hems and traverses the hem seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Poly-America, L.P.
    Inventor: Michael A. Ross
  • Patent number: 9994366
    Abstract: A closure for beverage containers that have a substantially cylindrical neck with an end opening and a closure cap includes a neck with an inside circumferential detent collar and a closure cap having an insertion shaft. A circumferential detent groove is provided on an outer circumference of the shaft. The detent groove corresponds to the detent collar, is profiled in a direction of insertion, and engages over the detent collar on a ring surface thereof that lies in the direction of insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Ehmer, Alois Monzel
  • Patent number: 9994367
    Abstract: A bottle stopper includes: a cylindrical guide having multiple slits that run parallel to a center axis along a portion of the guide; a cylindrical nut that is able to move along the center axis, the nut including multiple ridges, each ridge engaging a particular slit such that the nut is not able to rotate relative to the guide about the center axis; a knob coupled to a threaded bolt; and a set screw that secures the knob relative to the guide such that the guide and the knob move together as a rigid body along the center axis, where the threaded bolt is able to engage the nut such that the nut is moved along the center axis when the knob is rotated about the center axis. A method of sealing a container includes: inserting a plug and stopper; and rotating a knob to reach a specified sealing pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventors: Mehdi Hatamian, Kamran Ghobadi
  • Patent number: 9994368
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a closure for an outlet opening of a container comprising a first component which snaps onto an outlet opening and provides a seal for an outlet opening said first component snaps with a second component of said closure; wherein the first component comprises one or more rails to enable stability of the assembly and defines the direction of movement of the second component relative to the first component; a second component comprising a dispensing orifice of said second component, said second component, snaps with said first component; wherein the second component comprises ribs which engage the rail(s) of said first component; a dispensing orifice positioned directly adjacent to the open portion of the container body; wherein one or more directions of the movement of the second component relative to the first component are independently controlled by rails and ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Alfredo Pagan, Brian David Andres, Cristian Alexis Violaprioli, Su-Yon McConville, Tuan Huu Nguyen, John Robert Stephenson
  • Patent number: 9994369
    Abstract: A container having tamper evident and resistant features comprises a tray having a bottom wall and a peripheral side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, which collectively define a compartment, and terminating in a tray rib to at least partially define an open top providing access to the compartment. The container further comprises a cover comprising a top wall that terminates in a cover rib having a peripheral cover lip, an interference element extending from the container, at least one tab provided in the container and associated with the interference element, and at least one line of weakness coupling the tab to the container. The tab is moveable between a first position where the line of weakness is not severed and a second position where the line of weakness is severed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Dart Container Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne J. Myer
  • Patent number: 9994370
    Abstract: Closures having an integrated push button latching assembly including an end wall, a skirt wall depending from the end wall, an outlet opening associated with the end wall, a protrusion associated with the end wall and a push button latching assembly are disclosed. The push button latching assembly is pivotally coupled to the closure and is movable between a first position in which the outlet opening is covered by the assembly and a second position in which the outlet opening is exposed. The push button latching assembly includes a retaining mechanism, a closing member coupled to the retaining mechanism, a push button coupled to the retaining mechanism, and a tongue coupled to the retaining mechanism. The tongue is configured to engage the protrusion when the push button latching assembly occupies the first position and disengage the protrusion such that the push button latching assembly is movable to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Runway Blue, LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Sorensen, David O. Meyers
  • Patent number: 9994371
    Abstract: A breakseal providing desired compliance characteristics for a reliable seal between the fitment of a liquid dispenser and the breakseal. A compliant material is provided on the non-wetted face of the breakseal, enabling compliance of the breakseal on a wetted face for sealing between the breakseal and the mating component. The breakseal may also include raised features on segments that are separated after rupturing that prevent or mitigate scoring of O-ring seals upon probe insertion. A wiping feature that provides redundant sealing between the breakseal and a mating cap or other mating connection may also be incorporated into the breakseal. The breakseal can also include a flat on an outer perimeter that may serve as a gate for injection molding, so that any gate vestige from the molding process will not protrude beyond the outer diameter of the breakseal to cause unwanted interference between the breakseal and the mating connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald D. Ware, Greg Nelson, Amy Koland, Bruce Musolf, Michael Allen, John Leyes, James Linder, Richard L. Wilson, Royce Richter, Brenna Brosch
  • Patent number: 9994372
    Abstract: A closure apparatus for use with a flexible pouch containing a flowable material and having a spout for discharging the flowable material from the pouch, comprising a cap member sealingly engageable with the spout and a clip assembly extending from the cap member, the clip assembly comprising a first clip member; and a second clip member connected to the first clip member and cooperating with the first clip member to define a pouch receiving space, the first clip member and the second clip member having a pouch clip position such that the first clip member and the second clip member restrict the flow of the flowable material through the pouch when at least a portion of the pouch is positioned in the pouch receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Anthony Edward Dzikowicz, Brooke Susan Ruble, Joel Dean Genaw
  • Patent number: 9994373
    Abstract: A container has a container wall, a mouth for filling with and removing a product, in particular a free-flowing or pourable product, in the interior of the container and a closure for the mouth of the container as well as a disc seal in the closure. The disc seal is provided with pigments, which can be detected by means of a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: ALFELDER KUNSTSTOFFWERKE HERM. MEYER GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Rothweiler, Heinz-Rudolf Wiening
  • Patent number: 9994374
    Abstract: A packaging wrapper is made of material having inner and outer laminate structures bonded together. A peelable flap is defined in the wrapper by means of offset score lines in the laminate structures, the structures being bonded together in a marginal region between the score lines by means of a peelable adhesive. In one aspect of the invention, the score lines are formed using a pair of contra-rotating die cylinders positioned on opposite sides of the laminated film Each cylinder contacts a respective laminate structure and has a blade for forming a score line in that structure. In another aspect, the laminate structures are bonded together using a single peelable adhesive both within and outside of the marginal region. In a further aspect, the structures are not bonded together in at least part of the marginal region to provide a lifting tab for the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Cadbury UK Limited
    Inventors: Jason Denis Willey, Parbinder Cheema
  • Patent number: 9994375
    Abstract: A modular packing system includes a pallet exhibiting a continuous and unperforated support surface affording a plurality of seating features distributed thereon, a plurality of containers of base measurements as submultiples of the pallet dimensions and constant height so as to form even layers of uniform height, and an uppermost cover element for positioning on top of a final layer of containers and equipped with a first pair of belts engageable to corresponding belt portions which, in turn, engage with a second pair of belts associated to the pallet. Each container exhibits a lower base surface affording raised features configured to engage in seating features in the pallet support surface. Each container further exhibits a cover element exhibiting a plurality of seating features, analogous in conformation and positioning to the seating features in the pallet support surface, so as to form another support and engagement surface for a subsequent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Luca Zacchi
  • Patent number: 9994376
    Abstract: Packages containing a plurality of individually wrapped articles are described. The wrappers comprise at least two different printed elements, and the appearance of the individually wrapped articles can vary within a single package. Methods for individually wrapping a plurality of articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Widalys Luz De Soto-Burt, Gregory James Wilson, Charlotte Fausett
  • Patent number: 9994377
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a gift card box and associated methods are provided, generally including a base section including a first insert configured and dimensioned to receive a gift card. The exemplary gift card box generally includes a lid section including a second insert configured and dimensioned to cooperatively mate with the first insert. The first insert and the second insert substantially fix the gift card inside the gift card box when cooperatively mated. An exemplary method of assembling a gift card box is provided, generally including providing a base section, providing a lid section, and substantially fixing the gift card inside the gift card box by cooperatively mating the first insert and the second insert. The base section generally includes a window configured and dimensioned to permit visualization of indicia on the gift card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Berwick Offray LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Cameron Hahn, Brian Chester Boxx, Jennifer Lynn Garry
  • Patent number: 9994378
    Abstract: Plastic containers, base configurations for plastic containers, and systems, methods, and base molds thereof. Plastic containers have base portions constructed and operative to accommodate internal pressures within the container due to elevated temperature processing, such as hot-filling, pasteurization, and/or retort processing. Plastic containers can also be constructed and operative to accommodate internal pressures within the filled container resulting from subjecting the filled plastic container to cooling or cool-down processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Scott E. Bysick
  • Patent number: 9994379
    Abstract: A closure for mounting on top of bottles and other containers includes a floating lid and a lid-retainer ring. The closure is configured to withstand a high pressure and high temperature sterilization process known as retort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Mark N Russell, Charles E Luker
  • Patent number: 9994380
    Abstract: The embodiments provide a rugged enclosure for an external drive. The enclosure is configured to provide shock protection and protect the external drive from contaminants. The enclosure may be provided with a set of cushions and spacers to accommodate different sizes and types of external drives. In addition, the enclosure may comprise a port that allows for use of the external drive while enclosed. Furthermore, the enclosure may comprise a retaining feature like a loop or lanyard that allows the enclosure to be easily transported and secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Wojciech Szeremeta, Brian S. Nihei, Steven T. Peng
  • Patent number: 9994381
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a two-ply absorbent liner for use in a sterilization process and, more particularly, to an absorbent liner having a foam layer and a paper layer for cushioning sterilization trays and surgical instruments in a sterilization pack and providing advantageous moisture absorption functionality during and after completion of a sterilization process. The absorbent liner functions advantageously with steam or ethylene oxide gas as the sterilization agent. The absorbent liner is fabricated from a foam material, preferably a hydrophilic polymeric foam material, e.g., a hydrophilic polyurethane foam flame laminated to paper, preferably medical grade paper. The disclosed liner may be advantageously utilized in sterilizing surgical instruments and in conjunction with sterilizing trays such that potential residual moisture is eliminated from the surface of the instruments or trays and metal surfaces are cushioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Cygnus Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Shaun Sweeney
  • Patent number: 9994382
    Abstract: Provided is an oxygen-absorbing medical multilayer container including at least three layers including a first resin layer containing a thermoplastic resin (b1), an oxygen-absorbing layer containing an oxygen-absorbing composition, and a second resin layer containing a thermoplastic resin (b2), in this order, where the oxygen-absorbing composition contains at least one compound having a tetralin ring represented by Formula (1), a transition metal catalyst, and a thermoplastic resin (a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Takashi Kashiba, Shun Ogawa, Shota Arakawa, Kenichiro Usuda
  • Patent number: 9994383
    Abstract: Single-layer plastic container with inorganic light-shielding fillers provides a strong light shield, including near-total shields blocking the whole light spectrum, in a light weight container. The plastic container contains at least two different thermoplastic polymers that functionally complement each other. Light-shielding inorganic fillers contain at least two different inorganic substances that complement each other in their light-shielding function. The plastic compositions achieve light shielding in very light single-layer containers without the cost and complexity of multi-layer structures. Only conventional equipment and production processes are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: SOCIEDAD ANÓNIMA MINERA CATALANO ARAGONESA
    Inventors: Fortún Leza Roa, Miguel Ángel Caballero López
  • Patent number: 9994384
    Abstract: An ovoid container for holding one or more transaction cards, such as gift cards, that includes a distinctive size and shape to attract attention. The ovoid container is dimensioned to receive and securely hold a transaction card. The exterior surface of the container is a distinctive color, such as gold, to identify the container as a coveted prize at an Easter egg hunt or other game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Gift Card Impressions, LLC
    Inventor: Brett R. Glass
  • Patent number: 9994385
    Abstract: Delivering items to users by a delivery organization comprises a recyclable delivery container suitable to hold multiple items at different temperatures for the duration of the delivery. The delivery container may be a cube or a rectangular prism constructed of an insulating material. The delivery organization may position panels in the delivery container to separate two or three compartments of the delivery container, each compartment to be cooled to a different temperature than the others. The panels are constructed of an insulating material created by recyclable layers of cardboard and plastic. The delivery organization determines an appropriate coolant to cool all three compartments based on heat transfer requirements of the compartments and positions the coolant in the bottom of the first compartment. The items are placed in the appropriate compartments of the delivery container. Vents can be provided to relieve pressure created by the coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Abhijeet Dudi, Prateek Khanna, Rohit Aggarwal
  • Patent number: 9994386
    Abstract: Provided are a PTP sheet-guide device which can prevent a tablet from being broken at conveying a PTP sheet according to the shape of the PTP sheet and/or tablet and can stably convey the PTP sheet, and a tablet dispenser. A tablet dispenser of the present invention has a driving roller which is rotatably mounted on a driving shaft, a driven roller which nips a sheet portion of a PTP sheet in cooperation with the driving roller and is rotated following the driving roller to convey the PTP sheet, a pressing roller which is coaxially rotated with either of the driving roller and the driven roller and is arranged so as to be capable of dispensing a tablet by pressing a tablet holding portion at conveying the PTP sheet, and a PTP sheet-guide device having a guide which arranges the PTP sheet thereon and guides the conveying of the PTP sheet. The PTP sheet-guide device has a first interval adjustment mechanism which changes a first interval between the end of the guide and the outer face of the pressing roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: NAKASU ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Uno
  • Patent number: 9994387
    Abstract: A package (1) for tobacco industry products comprises an elongate enclosure (2) of barrier material for enclosing a charge of tobacco products (100). An access aperture (12) is defined in the enclosure of barrier material. A moveable cover (7) is configured to extend over the access aperture (12). The moveable cover (7) comprises a graspable tab (10), and the tab is located laterally of the access aperture (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventor: Steven Holford
  • Patent number: 9994388
    Abstract: A cartridge for use in a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for discharge of a beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Andrew Halliday, Colin Ballard, Satwinder Panesar, Geoff Rendle, Maria Gomez
  • Patent number: 9994389
    Abstract: A filter for capsules for making espresso coffee by passing pressurised hot water through ground coffee powder, the filter (2) being rigid or semi-rigid, bowl-shaped and comprising a first base wall (3), a first lateral wall (4), a first upper edge (5) and a plurality of passages passing through it and which comprise an inlet section (10) facing towards an inner part (6) of the bowl and an outlet section (11) facing towards an outer part (7) of the bowl, at least the inlet sections (10) of the passages being made in parts of the filter (2) which are radially separated from the central axis by a distance equal to at least two thirds of the minimum radial distance of the first lateral wall (4) from the central axis; and a capsule comprising said filter (2) near to a second base wall (16) of it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: CAFFITALY SYSTEM S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Zaccanti
  • Patent number: 9994390
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container having a collapsible frame coupled to one side of a sliding roof that defines an upper side of the container. According to one aspect of the present invention, the container may include a collapsible frame that is pivotably coupled to one side of the container, and the sliding roof which defines the upper side of the container. The sliding roof may be configured to slide like a vertical blind along the upper side of the container in a direction from the side opposite to the one side toward the one side of the container, and to open the upper side of the container. The sliding roof may be configured to move past a first side of the container through the collapsible frame, and the collapsible frame may be configured to support the sliding roof when the sliding roof moves past the first side of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Ace Engineering & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: In Sun You
  • Patent number: 9994391
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a material feeding bag which comprises an inner bag. The inner bag has: an inner bag upper port portion, an inner bag main receiving portion and an inner bag lower port portion. The inner bag upper port portion has an upper port; the inner bag main receiving portion is connected to a lower end of the inner bag upper port portion along an axial direction; the inner bag lower port portion is connected to a lower end of the inner bag main receiving portion along the axial direction and has a lower port for controllable communication with an external hopper entrance. It doe not need to shear the material feeding bag by a scissors when materials is fed, so that it avoids generation of metal debris, and the mating and feeding material operation is fast and simple, and the working environment for an operator is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITED
    Inventors: Zhongxin Zhou, Wutang Zhang, Taosheng Zhu, Jian Si, Zhiqiang Lin, Xie Wang
  • Patent number: 9994392
    Abstract: Waste container includes a base defining a waste-receiving compartment, and an insert supported on the base and adapted to engage a peripheral edge of a bag that extends into the compartment while maintaining an opening of the bag unobstructed. The insert has at least one bag-engagement edge. A movable closure component has a first engagement position in which the closure component engages with the insert to press the bag when present against the bag-engagement edge(s) of the insert, and a second non-engagement position in which the closure component is separated from the bag-engagement edge(s) of the insert. A lid is attached to the base and movable between a first, closed position covering the opening of the bag and a second, open position in which it does not obstruct the opening of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: David M Stravitz
  • Patent number: 9994393
    Abstract: Containers are described which can accommodate a variety of flexible bag assemblies used for containing waste. Internal accommodating structures are designed to accommodate and secure various types of bag assemblies, including single bag assemblies and cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Kevin D. Johnson, Matthew Joseph Saxton
  • Patent number: 9994394
    Abstract: A side arm transfer device that is more easily assembled includes a right-side arm, a central arm, a left-side arm, a lifting table, laser sensors, a turning mechanism, and a transfer controller. The laser sensors are provided on the lifting table and detect presence or absence of an object on an irradiation line of laser light. The turning mechanism horizontally turns the laser sensors. The transfer controller horizontally turns the laser sensors and detects the presence or absence of an object in each of a plurality of detected portions on a load storage shelf, to determine the presence or absence of an object in each of mounting locations and the presence or absence of an object in a location, on the side of each of the mounting locations, to which each of the right-side arm, the central arm, and the left-side arm is to be extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventor: Junichi Masuda
  • Patent number: 9994395
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a roller conveying device, comprising: a base, a plurality of electric rollers, a left blanking plate and a right blanking plate. the two ends of the left blanking plate and the right blanking plate are provided with a block respectively; the left and right sides of the block are accommodated in the through grooves of the left blanking plate and the right blanking plate respectively; the left and right sides of the block are provided with a recessed cavity respectively; the two ends of the left blanking plate and the right blanking plate are provided with a baffle plate respectively, and the baffle plates of the left blanking plate and the right blanking plate are respectively accommodated in the recessed cavities on the left and right sides of the block to limit the movement of the block, thereby limiting the movement of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OUFULONG AUTOMATIC SHELF TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Fei Tong
  • Patent number: 9994396
    Abstract: An eye link conveyor belt including a plurality of eyelets and a plurality of cross rods, the plurality of eyelets including openings on each end and the plurality of cross rods extending through the openings to thereby connect the plurality of eyelets together; and a plurality of wire forms connected to the conveyor belt, the wire forms including at least one protrusion extending above a planar product support surface of the conveyor belt. A plurality of side plates can be secured to the conveyor belt by the wire forms and also extend above the planar product support surface of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Maine, Jr., George H. Messick, Jr., Thomas O. Perdue, Jeffery D. Ulchak, Charles E. Hennigar
  • Patent number: 9994397
    Abstract: A device and a method for portioning a flow of individual products having an input-side conveying device continuously supplying individual products and at least two output-side conveying devices for continuously discharging the products. The output-side conveying devices are arranged vertically above one another. The input-side conveying device continuously transfers the products to a first output-side conveying device. The input-side and/or the output-side conveying devices are able to be pivoted in their position to transfer the products to one of the at least two output-side conveying devices, continuously or in batches. The input and output-side conveying devices may be circulating conveyor belts, in the form of front and/or rear ends, which are movable in the direction of conveyance and cooperate so that during the phase of adjusting the position of the input and/or the output-side conveying devices, the products on the input-side may be supplied continuously at uniform spacings from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: LOESCH VERPACKUNGSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Tobias Hetzer, Roland Pleichinger
  • Patent number: 9994398
    Abstract: A powered roller system is operable in first and second configurations. In the first configuration, rotation of a motor drive shaft is transferred to a first drum member by an adapter collar that engages the drive shaft and the first roller drum assembly. In the first configuration, a first drum bearing assembly supports the first drum member on a motor support shaft, and a distal support assembly supports the first drum shaft. In the second configuration rotation of the drive shaft is transferred to a second drum member by engaging an adapter collar with the drive shaft and an adapter spacer and engaging the adapter spacer with a second drum assembly. In the second configuration, a second drum bearing assembly supports the second drum member on the support shaft, and the distal support assembly supports a second drum shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: TECH-ROLL INC.
    Inventor: Ulf Goran Hansson
  • Patent number: 9994399
    Abstract: A feed unit, for example for feeding components to smoking article assembly apparatus, includes a rotary device having one or more channels (7) adapted to receive components, one on top of another, and one or more pushers (21) associated with each channel. The feed unit also has a track (14) to receive components from outlets of the one or more channels (7) and the rotary device is configured to rotate with respect to the track (14) so that components pass through the channels (7) and are pushed along the track by the pushers (21) for output from the feed unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Gary Fallon, Kie Seon Park, Martin Fuller, Geoffrey Vernon, Andrew Cleall, James Stembridge, Thomas Grunfeld
  • Patent number: 9994400
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting products using conveyors having multiple inputs and multiple outputs include first product conveyors vertically stacked relative to one another, second product conveyors vertically stacked relative to one another, and transfer conveyors connecting the first and second product conveyors. The transfer conveyors permit products travelling on the first product conveyors to be transferred from the first product conveyors onto the second product conveyors by way of the products being first transferred from the first product conveyors onto the transfer conveyors and then from the transfer conveyors onto the second product conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica L. Solana, Mustafa A. Harcar, Craig J. Stevens
  • Patent number: 9994401
    Abstract: A transfer arrangement for transfer of packaging containers from a first conveyor arrangement to a second conveyor arrangement, wherein the transfer arrangement comprises at least one gripper arranged to engage the packaging containers frictionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventor: Hakan Zetterstrom
  • Patent number: 9994402
    Abstract: A system for replenishing the supply of a particulate agricultural product in the tank of an air cart. A mixture of air and product comes out of a venturi delivery system and enters in a multiplicity of inlet hoses. Then the product enters into inlet tubes of various lengths and release angles from which product particles are gently spread strategically forming a pile that is more or less horizontal to ensure even feeding of meters during dispensing operations. Then the air exits through one or more fine screens to avoid product escaping as well and is conveyed through the exhaust hoses until reaching an air diffuser. The air diffuser has a series of varying size holes or louvers at the bottom so the air can come out at a uniform low velocity which minimizes any discomfort to nearby operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin J. Roberge, Graham Douglas Stuart
  • Patent number: 9994403
    Abstract: An elongate apparatus is disclosed and comprises a material passage and one or more fluid passages. The material passage receives material therethrough. The one or more fluid passages are in fluid communication with the material passage. The material passage and the one or more fluid passages extend substantially parallel throughout the apparatus. A method comprises transferring material in a material passage and further comprises injecting a fluid into the material passage via one or more injection points located along a length of the material passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignees: M-I L.L.C., M-I Drilling Fluids UK Ltd., Schlumberger Norge AS
    Inventors: Gordon M. Logan, Colin Lauder, Frode Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 9994404
    Abstract: A roller support mechanism includes a pair of support plates, concave groove portions, and sliding bearing portions. The support plates are formed from an elastic material and disposed to face each other. The concave groove portions are formed in the support plates and each include an opening portion, two arc rims, and a straight line rim. The arc rims extend in a groove depth direction of the concave groove portion from opposite ends of the opening portion. The straight line rim extends straightly and connects extention ends of the arc rims. The sliding bearing portions have bearing holes in which a rotation shaft of a roller member is inserted. In a state where the rotation shaft is inserted in the bearing holes, the sliding bearing portions are pressed into the concave groove portions so as to be in close contact with their inner circumferential surfaces and unrotatably attached to them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Khong Huu Ngoc
  • Patent number: 9994405
    Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus includes a pair of first conveying rollers, a pair of second conveying rollers provided at a downstream of the pair of first conveying rollers in a conveying direction of a sheet, a loop being formed in the sheet when a head of the sheet conveyed by the pair of first conveying rollers butts against the pair of second conveying rollers, and a controller which executes a first control mode in which the sheet is conveyed by the pair of first conveying rollers and the pair of second conveying rollers without dissolving the loop formed in the sheet, or a second control mode in which the loop formed in the sheet is dissolved, and the sheet nipped by the pair of first conveying rollers and the pair of second conveying rollers is conveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshifumi Itabashi, Keiko Fujita
  • Patent number: 9994406
    Abstract: A rolled material dispensing apparatus including a housing, a frame, first and second retention structure, first and second ball bearings, first and second biasing components, and mounting structure. Sides of the frame form an open-front dispensing chamber and include first and second apertures for at least partially receiving the ball bearings therethrough. The retention structure retain the ball bearings and biasing components therein. The ball bearings may be urged out of the way of the roll of material when the roll is loaded into the apparatus. The biasing components urge the ball bearings at least partially through the apertures into ends of the roll when the roll is in a loaded position for retaining the roll in the dispensing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Toilet Technologies Company, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Joseph Ryan
  • Patent number: 9994407
    Abstract: A processing system and a method for processing a flexible substrate (e.g., a web) use a tensioner with a vacuum plate that can be moved along a transport direction of the flexible substrate with an indexer that intermittently moves the flexible substrate for processing. The tensioner and the indexer are controlled so that a relative speed between the indexer and the vacuum plate of the tensioner is maintained above a predefined threshold under all working conditions, even when the flexible substrate is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Jozef P. W. Stokkermans, Tom Kampschreur, Theodorus ter Steeg, Patrick J. M. Houben
  • Patent number: 9994408
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus includes a first tray, a second tray, and a pressing member. The pressing member includes a turning shaft, the turning shaft being located on the downstream side of a transport direction of the sheet to the first tray, relative to an end of the upstream side of the sheet supported in the first tray, and when the sheet is moved from the first tray toward the second tray, rotates about the turning shaft. The pressing member rotates about the turning shaft, to press the sheet toward the second tray at a position on the upstream side relative to the turning shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasunobu Terao