Patents Issued in August 14, 2018
  • Patent number: 10046896
    Abstract: The invention relates to a film product (10) for packing products, particularly liquids (200), pasty and/or pourable materials, in sealed film packages (100), comprising at least two film layers (20a, 20b), wherein the outwardly facing film layer (20a) is thermally stable, and the inwardly facing film layer (20b) is sealable, and both film layers (20a, 20b) are produced in a water-cooled coextrusion blow molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Windmöller & Hölscher KG
    Inventors: Ingo Putsch, Gerhard Schoone, Raymond Van Hoorn
  • Patent number: 10046897
    Abstract: A bag can include a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, and a fourth wall. The bag can further include a fifth wall, and can be formed as a flat-bottom bag. The bag can also include an opening that is disposed on the first wall of the bag. The opening can be disposed at a lower portion, a middle portion, or an upper portion of the wall. A label, such as a peelable label, can be used to close the opening. A resealable flap can also be used to close the opening if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Coveris Flexibles US LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Ball, Cory VanLoocke, S. Cory Blanton
  • Patent number: 10046898
    Abstract: A packaging material is formed from a shock-absorbing plate material and stored in a packaging box with a packaged article. The packaging material includes a base portion and a shock absorbing portion. The shock absorbing portion surrounds three sides of a space along a main surface of the base portion. First and second vertical plate portions of the shock absorbing portion face each other and continue to the base portion. In the shock absorbing portion, a third vertical plate portion continues to the second vertical plate portion, and a fourth vertical plate portion continues to the third vertical plate portion. The fourth vertical plate portion is overlaped on the first vertical plate portion. A hook portion of the shock absorbing portion continues to the fourth vertical plate portion, and has a second cut in which a bottom portion of the first cut of the first vertical plate portion is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Atsushi Itano
  • Patent number: 10046899
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials and methods for reducing, preventing, or eliminating the biological contamination of surfaces in spaces that are reasonably partitioned, defined or contained. A reagent that includes peroxides or molecules that includes peroxide bonds are contacted with at least one surface of an article. Some of these methods include disinfection within an apparatus and may include the step of volatilizing the peroxide bond containing agent, through, for example, vapor pressure and vaporization or evaporation effects, the addition of volatilization aids, or passive or assisted diffusion at modest temperatures and relatively long exposure times measured in some embodiments on the order of hours, days, or months.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: PERFORMANCE PACKAGING OF NEVADA, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Dunn
  • Patent number: 10046900
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a latching mechanism/device is provided, as well as a method of maintaining a closed position between opposing first and second portions of a container. The latching mechanism includes a latch attached to the first portion and a latch keeper integrally molded to the second portion. The latch keeper includes an elongated keeper slot and a recessed pocket formed in the keeper slot, such that when at least a portion of the latch is received within the recessed pocket, the container is closed and/or sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Joseph Seiders
  • Patent number: 10046901
    Abstract: A thermally insulating packaging to hold an item includes a solid compostable or recyclable shell that is formed primarily of a plant fiber, and a bottom cover. The shell includes a floor, a plurality of inner side walls that are coupled to the floor, a rim coupled to the plurality of inner side walls, and a plurality of outer side walls that are couple to the rim. The floor and the plurality of inner side walls define an interior space of the shell to receive the item and an opening to the interior space. The plurality of inner side walls and plurality of outer side walls have a space therebetween that defines a gap. The gap can be an air-filled cavity, or be filled with a compostable or recyclable core material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Vericool, Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell Jobe
  • Patent number: 10046902
    Abstract: A lottery ticket dispenser array includes a plurality of separate ticket bins, wherein each bin defined by a housing that defines an internal space for receipt of a supply of interconnected lottery tickets. Each bin has an electronic drive mechanism that dispenses the lottery tickets therefrom. A slot is defined in the back side of each bin housing through which the lottery tickets are dispensed from the internal space. An upper tear bar is configured adjacent an upper side of the slot, and a lower tear bar is configured adjacent a lower side of the slot. Once a lottery ticket is dispensed by the drive mechanism through the slot, the ticket is separated by pulling the lottery ticket upward against the upper tear bar or downward against the lower tear bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Thompson, James Jonathan Holbrook, Sten Hallundbaek Mejenborg
  • Patent number: 10046903
    Abstract: Embodiments related to juicing methods and apparatuses for extracting juice from food matter using juicer cartridges are described. In one embodiment, a juicer cartridge may include one or more separate internal compartments. Food matter loaded into the juicer cartridge may be compressed by a corresponding juicer and expelled through an outlet that may be sealed until activation. Food matter may be pre-sized according to various physical characteristics, and the juicer cartridge may be injected with a gas to enhance shelf life and reduce nutrient loss. The juicer may also be provided with “smart” functionality to provide safety features, track usage, and enhance the operator experience. Several embodiments of packing systems for preparing juicer cartridges are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Fresh Press LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Evans, Paul Katz
  • Patent number: 10046904
    Abstract: Embodiments related to juicing methods and apparatuses for extracting juice from food matter using juicer cartridges are described. In one embodiment, a juicer cartridge may include one or more separate internal compartments. Food matter loaded into the juicer cartridge may be compressed by a corresponding juicer and expelled through an outlet that may be sealed until activation. Food matter may be pre-sized according to various physical characteristics, and the juicer cartridge may be injected with a gas to enhance shelf life and reduce nutrient loss. The juicer may also be provided with “smart” functionality to provide safety features, track usage, and enhance the operator experience. Several embodiments of packing systems for preparing juicer cartridges are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Fresh Press LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Evans, Paul Katz
  • Patent number: 10046905
    Abstract: A water treatment tank is constructed from several adjoining intermodal containers (ICs). The adjoining ICs are angularly disposed relative to each other so as to surround a tank area. Each IC has a reinforced sidewall defining a tank wall or tank wall part. A bracing structure is attached to ICs end walls at each junction between adjoining ICs. The tank having a liner supported at the sidewalls and covering the ground at the tank area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Newterra Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Downey, Benjamin Wilson, Jeffrey Kempson
  • Patent number: 10046906
    Abstract: A tank type container, comprising a tank (1), two end frames (2) respectively fixed at two ends of the tank (1), and at least one saddle (3) located at the bottom of the outer wall of the tank (2); an upward concave gooseneck hole (27) is formed in the bottom of the saddle (3) for insertion of the gooseneck of a semitrailer front end; and at least one saddle (3) is adjacent to one of the end frames (2), and forms a gap with the end frame (2). The saddle (3) and the end frame (2) are spaced a certain distance, thus greatly shortening the length of the saddle (3), reducing the manufacturing cost of the saddle (3) as the gooseneck hole, reducing the dead weight of the entire vehicle, and improving the competitiveness of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignees: Nantong CIMC Tank Equipment Co., Ltd., China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd., CIMC Enric Investment Holdings (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yongxin Luo, Chunrong Yao, Huanghe Quan, Xiuli Li, Xiaoxiang Zhou, Ronald Eppers
  • Patent number: 10046907
    Abstract: A liquid storage tank comprising an outer container wherein the outer container is rigid and has at least one inner container disposed within the outer container. The at least one inner container contains at least one stored liquid which may be refilled from a surface vessel or host facility. The at least one inner container is flexible and pressure balanced while the volume of the outer container remains fixed, and the volume of the at least one inner containers is variable. Disposed on the outer container is a balance assembly containing an isolation valve, a check valve, and a flexible bladder. The balance assembly allows for the hydrostatic pressure to be maintained during chemical dosing and tank raising operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Safe Marine Transfer, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10046908
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a collapsible containment bag configured to retain a collection of hazardous materials. In one embodiment, the containment bag includes a non-porous liner, a plastic sheeting, and a bag frame. The containment bag may be in a collapsed state initially and later expand for use at the site of an environmental spill. The containment bag may be expanded from the collapsed state through a series of actions that may include pivoting a portion of the containment bag about an edge and pulling opposing sides of the containment bag away from the center of the containment bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: MATERIAL MOTION, INC.
    Inventor: Steve J. Schneider
  • Patent number: 10046909
    Abstract: The disclosed pads are engaged with dumpster supports to spread the weight of the dumpster over a large surface area and provide a relatively soft ground contact interface to prevent damage to paved surfaces on which the dumpster may be placed. The pads define a cavity complementary to the dumpster support and may be affixed to the support by straps or fasteners. The pads can be constructed of flexible material and distorted to open the cavity to receive the support, then relaxed to grip the support. The pads have a ground contact surface greater than a contact surface of the dumpster support and may include grooves in the ground contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Dumpster & Trailer Pads International, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Tullo
  • Patent number: 10046910
    Abstract: A trash bin tug carried on a pair of drive wheels driven by reversible motors and carrying a swivel support arm projecting upwardly and rearwardly towards a bin. The support arm carries a latch which cooperates with the support arm and tug to, upon being latched, support the front of the bin elevated from the support surface. The steps of selecting a tug with a support arm and carried on reversible drive wheels to be maneuvered from a remote control into position to engage a handle on a trash bin and latch onto the handle to elevate the front of the trash bin from the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Kevin Wagner
  • Patent number: 10046911
    Abstract: A locking device is provided, preferably for a container. The locking device keeps the lid of the container closed when the container is knocked over on its side, with a sudden jerking or jarring motion, such as by impact with the ground, to prevent spillage of its contents. The locking device, however, allows the lid to open when the waste container is tipped over, preferably in a forward direction, by a dumping operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Serio-Us Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Reeb, James L. Martin, II
  • Patent number: 10046912
    Abstract: A stack operating vehicle for storage and retrieval storage units. One embodiment of the stack operating vehicle comprises a first bearing device with a first bearing base and a first holding device for handling at least one storage unit; a second bearing device with a second bearing base and a second holding device for handling at least one storage unit. The second holding device is movably supported by a guiding device along a horizontal direction; a vertical guide arrangement at which the first bearing base and the second bearing base are respectively guided on an adjustment path along the vertical direction which are formed such that the first bearing base and the second bearing base overlap one another over their entire adjustment paths in the vertical direction. The disclosure also relates to a method for execution of storage orders with storage units with such a stack operating vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventor: Jan Behling
  • Patent number: 10046913
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor system has a conveyor segment and a knock-down device. The conveyor segment has an upstream end, and a downstream end opposite the upstream end. The conveyor segment defines a conveying surface that carries objects along a flow direction that extends from the upstream end to the downstream end. The knock-down device has a knock-down body that is spaced entirely from the conveying surface along a vertical direction by at least a clearance height. The knock-down body has an upstream body end, a downstream body end offset from the upstream body end with respect to the flow direction, and a ramped surface that extends between the upstream body end and the downstream body end. The ramped surface is ramped away from the conveying surface as the ramped surface extends along the flow direction, and knocks down objects that are stacked on top of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Unnikrishnan Vadakkanmaruveedu, Jon Stuart Battles, Emily Dunne, Samuel Gardner Garrett, Timothy Alan Talda, Akshay Rajendra Tilekar, Jacqueline Underberg
  • Patent number: 10046914
    Abstract: A chain link of a conveyor chain of a conveyor apparatus for conveying objects suspended from holding adapters includes a base body and a push body arranged on an underside of the base body in a vertically elastic manner. The base body includes lateral friction roller press surfaces, coupling portions integrally formed on ends of the base body for pivotably connecting to a coupling portion of a base body of an adjacent link, and an integrally formed bearing for supporting running or guiding rollers. An underside of the push body includes a recess for receiving a coupling piece of a head part of a holding adapter. The push body has a holding arm with at least one section received in a vertically displaceable manner in a recess of the base body, and at least one spring element is fastened between the push body and the base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Dematic Logistics GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Otto
  • Patent number: 10046915
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transportation system for transporting products in a transportation direction. The transportation system comprises a conveyor unit for transporting the products in the transportation direction from a first end of the conveyor unit towards a second end of the conveyor unit, and a drive unit for driving the conveyor unit. The drive unit comprises a drive means and a first magnetic clutch component for transmitting torque to the conveyor unit. The conveyor unit comprises a second magnetic clutch component for receiving torque from the drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Poly-clip System GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Detlef Ebert, Thorsten Würth
  • Patent number: 10046916
    Abstract: A vibratory apparatus includes a first mass comprising a first deck with a path of travel between a first point and a second point along the first deck, a second mass comprising a second deck with a path of travel between a first point and a second point along the second deck, a shaft coupled to the first mass and at least one eccentric weight coupled to the shaft, and at least one resilient member in the form of a plate having a thickness, the plate coupled at a first end to the first deck and at a second end to the second deck, the plate having a thickness disposed transverse to the path of travel along the first and second decks, the plate having at least one opening formed therethrough to form a web having a spring characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Steve Massman, Vincent Brice
  • Patent number: 10046917
    Abstract: An assembly includes first and second shafts and first and second sprockets. The first shaft has a first and second ends and a first longitudinal axis of rotation. The first sprocket is attached to the first shaft proximate the first end of the first shaft. The first sprocket rotates with the first shaft. The second shaft is spaced from the first shaft by a distance, the second shaft having a first end spaced from the first end of the first shaft by the distance, a second end spaced from the second end of the first shaft by the distance, and a second longitudinal axis of rotation substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis of rotation. The second sprocket is attached to the second shaft proximate the second end of the second shaft. The second sprocket rotates with the second shaft. The distance is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Jon Drenth, Jeffrey Michael Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10046918
    Abstract: An online real-time method of measuring the thickness of a moving belt uses infrared thermography technology to continuously and noninvasively measure the thickness of rubber cover regions and detect damage. This technique solves technical problems and realizes potential gains such as increased efficiency in planning maintenance/replacements of conveyor belts; provides rationalizations and advanced planning for stocking spare conveyor belts; provides a lookahead of acute wear at points to avoid premature wear or belt loss; generates a history of generating wear after each belt replacement with life projections and early planning acquisitions and operational stoppages for exchange; and provides early warning system integration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Embraer S.A.
    Inventors: Paulo Anchieta Da Silva, Ricardo Pinheiro Rulli
  • Patent number: 10046919
    Abstract: A food production apparatus includes a conveyor belt and a wire scraper. The conveyor belt supports and transports a food product. The wire scraper includes a wire and a motor. The wire is located above and extends across the conveyor belt to temporarily separate the food product from the conveyor belt. Operation of the motor causes the wire to continuously cycle back and forth between 1) movement in a first direction above and across the conveyor belt and 2) movement in a second opposite direction above and across the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph A Stenvik, Bryan M Dade, Molly Moen
  • Patent number: 10046920
    Abstract: A sanitation apparatus for cleaning a conveyer belt, having a housing; a float in a float chamber; a liquid reservoir; a liquid cleaning solution dispenser holding liquid cleaning solution and positioned above the housing; a tube dispensing the liquid cleaning solution into the float chamber, cleaning elements associated with the housing via a first set of compressible elements biasing the cleaning elements against the conveyer belt; a cylindrical roller connected to the housing via a second set of compressible elements biasing the cylindrical roller against the conveyer belt; the cylindrical roller being contained in the liquid reservoir such that a first portion is exposed to the liquid cleaning solution, and a second portion is in contact with the conveyer belt, engaging the cylindrical roller with the conveyer belt to cause transfer of a movement of the conveyer belt to the cylindrical roller and rotating the cylindrical roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Charles Wesley Green
  • Patent number: 10046921
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handling apparatus (1) for piece goods (2) that comprises at least one divider finger (14, 46, 51), which is introducible to a transport plane (5), largely perpendicular, from below, with the at least one divider finger being connected to a divider bar element (13, 13*, 43, 50). The divider bar element is movably arranged below the transport plane (5) and is guided in a specified movement path. The divider bar element is detachably connected to a profile element (11, 41). During a format change, the divider bar element is toolessly detached and interchanged for another divider bar element, which has divider fingers that are positioned differently and/or spaced apart differently from the divider fingers of the removed divider bar element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: KRONES Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Astner
  • Patent number: 10046922
    Abstract: A feed unit, for example for feeding components (2) to smoking article assembly apparatus, having a stationary guide member (14) and a dispensing unit configured to dispense components (2) into the stationary guide member (14). The dispensing unit has one or more channels (7) to receive components (2) one on top of the other, and each channel (7) has a control gate (12) to apply suction/gaseous flow to control output of components (2) from the channel (7) for onward conveyance through the stationary guide member (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 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: 10046923
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating packaging units to form product groups moving along a transport plane includes dividing elements that circulate on a linear transporter. Each dividing element has an engaging element that protrudes above the transport plane temporarily and then sinks back below the transport plane. A control cam controls the when and where the engaging element protrudes and sinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Wagner
  • Patent number: 10046924
    Abstract: A core conveying device includes a plurality of holding devices, a support section, a moving device, and a mounting table. The support section has a hole formed at a position corresponding to a positioning pin and is connected so as to slide in a horizontal direction with respect to the moving device. A size of a lower end opening of the hole is larger than a size of an upper end of the positioning pin. The support section is configured such that, when the support section is moved downward so as to grip the core, as the positioning pin abuts against an inner surface of the hole and the support section slides in the horizontal direction with respect to the moving device, a position of the support section in the horizontal direction with respect to the core is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Kikuchi, Tsubasa Ito, Yoshitaka Tanaka, Tadashi Nakahashi
  • Patent number: 10046925
    Abstract: Disclosed is a blowing device for a rotary air lock, comprising a flushing gas stream that is fed by a gas supply line (12) in order for adhering material to be flushed and blown out of at least one compartment (20-24) of the rotary air lock (20-24) when said compartment is located next to a product outlet of the rotary air lock. A blowing unit (30), which comprises at least one blowing tube (32) and is located in a feeding shoe (10) that is arranged at the product outlet, directs the flushing gas stream to at least one compartment (20-24) of the rotary air lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: ZEPPELIN SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Hermann Baier, Ernst Gramm, Robert Müller, Thomas Hilebrand, Björn Feder
  • Patent number: 10046926
    Abstract: A method for dispensing pallets, comprising: moving a pallet stack held in a movable frame from a pallet-storage position to a pallet-dispensation position including: raising the pallet stack held in the movable frame, the movable frame being configured to be moved between the pallet-storage position and the pallet-dispensation position once the pallet stack is raised; and dispensing a pallet from the movable frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Paul W. Redman
  • Patent number: 10046927
    Abstract: A material handling system is provided that allows for the even distribution and increased fill percent of a container without the need for personnel to manually even out the distribution of the material, and contains and protects material from the environment. The system deposits and levels material into an open-top container, and may include a leveler comprising a cover, a screw coupled to the cover, and a trough. The screw may be a shafted screw and the trough may be a bottomless trough. A hydraulic piston may be coupled to the cover and a support structure may both support and move the cover of the leveler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: JDV Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Abbott
  • Patent number: 10046928
    Abstract: A transport apparatus includes an accommodating unit that accommodates a recording medium and that is mounted to be capable of reciprocating with respect to a body portion, a loading plate that is provided in the accommodating unit to be movable up and down and that is loaded with the recording medium, a lifting unit that moves up the loading plate to a position where the recording medium is able to be fed by winding wires connected to opposite end portions of the loading plate to suspend the loading plate, and moves down the loading plate by feeding the wires, and a receiving member that is provided on a bottom surface of the accommodating unit and that receives abutments provided on the loading plate when the loading plate moves down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takayuki Yazawa, Takashi Abe, Shouichi Maeda, Junichi Asaoka, Shinji Yaginuma
  • Patent number: 10046929
    Abstract: A method of loading a media feeder of a printer system including: receiving a first input from a user selecting a first loading preference; storing a first position of the tray in at least one memory element; moving with at least one motor, the tray in a first direction a first distance from the first position to a second position; loading a first quantity of media into the tray; receiving a second input indicating the first quantity of media has been loaded into the tray; and, moving the tray in a second direction, opposite the first direction, until a first sheet of the first quantity of media is in a feeding position for the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Reid W. Gunnell
  • Patent number: 10046930
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a print medium tray in which a print medium is loaded and a pickup roller which is configured to pick up the loaded print medium from the print medium tray. The pickup roller includes at least one first pickup block and at least one second pickup block configured to alternately come into contact with an upper portion of the loaded print medium. Using such a configuration, the pickup performance of the image forming apparatus may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: S-PRINTING SOLUTION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Aoki Eiji, Jin Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 10046931
    Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus, includes: a first roller; an opening-closing member that is movable between an open position and a close position; a second roller; an urging member; a restraint member switching between a restraint state in which a rotation shaft of the second roller is restrained and a release state in which the rotation shaft is released from the restraint, by being moved, wherein, during the movement of the opening-closing member from the open position to the close position, the restraint member keeps the rotation shaft in the restraint state; and a releasing member that is moved by driving force from the drive source when the opening-closing member is in the close position and the rotation shaft is in the restraint state, the releasing member switching the rotation shaft to the release state by moving the restraint member as being engaged with the restraint member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshihide Shima
  • Patent number: 10046932
    Abstract: A turning device in a sheet-processing machine includes a sheet-guiding drum. The sheet-guiding drum has at least one gripper system for securing a front edge of a sheet. The sheet-guiding drum also has at least three casing segments cooperating in the circumferential direction and engaging with one another during format adjustment. A method for the format adjustment of a sheet-guiding drum is also disclosed. The object of the invention is to further improve the sheet guiding on format-adjustable sheet-guiding drums in sheet-processing machines. This is achieved in that a middle casing segment in the circumferential direction has a drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer AG
    Inventors: Frank Schumann, Michael Koch, Christian Ziegenbalg, Uwe Becker, Jorg Seefeld, Gunter Peter, Arndt Jentzsch
  • Patent number: 10046933
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming section configured to form an image on a sheet; conveyance guides disposed on an image forming surface side and a rear surface side of the sheet at a position on a downstream side of the image forming section in a sheet conveyance direction, and configured to form a sheet feeding path for conveying the sheet; a conveyance rolling part disposed to protrude from the conveyance guide into the sheet feeding path at a curving part of the sheet feeding path; and a rolling member moving section configured to move the conveyance rolling part along the sheet feeding path until a state where an image forming surface of a sheet being conveyed does not make contact with the conveyance guide is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Masakatsu Ohashi, Naoki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10046934
    Abstract: A compact printer having improved operational features is disclosed. The printer includes an articulating print frame assembly coupled to a top cover that is adapted to rotate out of the top cover to an open position and to rotate into the top cover to a closed position. When the print frame is in an open position, the top cover is prevented from rotating toward the bottom housing to a closed position. The print frame includes a ribbon guide bar that facilitates loading of ribbon and media. The disclosed printer also includes a fixed or adjustable media sensor, and is configurable to accommodate an internal supply of web (roll) media or an external supply of fanfold media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Datamax-O'Neil Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Colonel, Raul Palacios, Ching-Yang Chou, Dick Feng Yi Tai
  • Patent number: 10046935
    Abstract: Provided is a multi-banknote cassette with a movable stopper, which is capable of storing various kinds of banknotes at the same time. The multi-banknote cassette includes a movable stopper which is installed in a stack guide for guiding banknotes introduced into a cassette body of the banknote cassette toward a banknote stopper, and rotated to protrude from or retreat into a transfer path of the banknotes. When a banknote having a relatively small size among the banknotes inserted into the banknote cassette is introduced, the movable stopper is rotated to protrude from the stack guide and regulates the front end of the introduced banknote, and when a banknote having a relatively large size is introduced, the movable stopper is rotated to retreat into the stack guide, and a banknote stopper installed at the rear of the stack guide regulates the front end of the introduced bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: NAUTILUS HYOSUNG INC.
    Inventor: Jong Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 10046936
    Abstract: Stacker device to stack sheets of print media. The stacker device comprises a tray to stack the sheets. The tray comprises an M-shaped tray section to apply an M-shaped profile to a sheet along a direction perpendicular to the sheet's advance direction to reduce curling. The stacker device further comprises a roof. The roof comprises at least one adjustable roof portion to limit a height of a curl of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Xavier Deocon Mir, Eduardo Martin Orue, Josep Ortiz Mompel
  • Patent number: 10046937
    Abstract: Provided is a tape applicator tool for the placement of adhesive backed tape onto a surface. The tool comprises a frame unit having a handle; a rotatable spool which frictionally engages a roll of tape, a static front shoe which engages the tape by drawing the tape around the front shoe, thereby applying the tape to the surface, the front shoe having a slot, and a static rear shoe which forces to the tape towards the surface. The rotatable spool, the front shoe and the rear shoe are spaced apart in triangulation and are on parallel axes. The tool further comprise a removable measuring stop extending from the frame, adjacent the front shoe and away from the front shoe. Optionally, the tool comprises a removable cutter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: John L. Davidson
  • Patent number: 10046938
    Abstract: In order to enable a press-bound sheet bunch to be easily peeled away from press teeth, the present invention is to provide a sheet bunch processing apparatus with a needleless binding apparatus which includes a pair of press tooth members where a plurality of press teeth extending in a ridge-line direction is formed parallel, presses a part of a sheet bunch between the pair of press tooth members, and thereby performs press binding processing, and with a peeling mechanism which applies a force in a direction substantially parallel with the ridge-line direction of the press teeth to the sheet bunch, and thereby peels the sheet bunch subjected to the press binding processing away from the press teeth of the press tooth members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: CANON FINETECH NISCA INC.
    Inventors: Daiki Komiyama, Takashi Saito, Isao Kondo
  • Patent number: 10046939
    Abstract: A sheet process apparatus images a code printed on a fed sheet, and a control unit acquires image data of the imaged code, reads information of the code from the image data, measures a real position of the code from the image data, retrieves position information corresponding to the read information of the code, calculates an amount of deviation between the measured real position of the code and a reference position, corrects the position information on the basis of the amount of the calculated deviation so as to determine a target position, and outputs the target position. The apparatus and corresponding method do not need the sheet to have a wide space for printing both a cut mark and the code, and do not recognize another mark as the cut mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Horizon International Inc.
    Inventors: Kohei Nishimura, Takehito Yokogi
  • Patent number: 10046940
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a post-processing apparatus capable of performing conveying to and storing at a predetermined stack tray without causing sheet jamming even when a sheet having larger size than a standard size is introduced. The present invention comprises a post-processing apparatus as a processing tray on which sheets conveyed in a predetermined conveyance direction are stacked into a bundle shape, an aligning device which aligns the sheets conveyed to the processing tray, a binding device which performs a binding process on the sheets aligned by the aligning device, and a controller which controls the aligning device so that a sheet is aligned at a position being apart from the binding device by a predetermined distance when the sheet conveyed to the processing tray has a predetermined size or larger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: CANON FINETECH NISCA INC.
    Inventors: Yusuke Obuchi, Masaya Takahashi, Seiji Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 10046941
    Abstract: A cable support system includes a frame, an axle disposed within the frame, and a drum or roller having a rim for receiving the axle such that the drum is supported by and rotates on the axle, wherein the drum is in rollable contact with the cable for supporting the cable and configured for cable to move across surface of the roller while the roller is rotating to facilitate paying out or taking up the cable as the roller rotates. A stand includes a top portion in contact or physical communication with the frame and a plurality of legs which extend downwardly from the top portion, elevating the frame to facilitate the pay out or taking up of the cable over objects below the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Roy Rich
  • Patent number: 10046942
    Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The tensioning system may be used with various sensors to determine how the motorized tensioning device should be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings, Cody Collier Henderson, James Alan Capra, Mark Stanley Soderberg, Daniel Hipwood
  • Patent number: 10046943
    Abstract: An apparatus for winding a continuous flexible elongated element, preferably made of plastic material, around a spool including a drive means configured for rotating a spool around a winding axis. The spool is provided with a winding core extending along the winding axis. Delivery means are configured for delivering an elongated retaining element, preferably a retaining film, at the spool. Winding means are configured for at least partially winding the elongated retaining element around the winding core so as to retain a free end of the continuous flexible elongated element on the winding core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: FB BALZANELLI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Marco Sorrentino
  • Patent number: 10046944
    Abstract: A system for managing an underground mining machine is disclosed. The system may include a reel-in switch located in an operator station configured to generate plurality of reel-in signals, and a reel-out switch located in the operator station configured to generate a reel-out signal. The system may additionally include an electronic controller in electrical communication with the reel-in switch and the reel-out switch. The electronic controller may be configured to receive the plurality of reel-in signals from the reel-in switch and enter into two or more reeling-in modes in response to the plurality of reel-in signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC
    Inventors: James R. Szalko, Rex A. Glover
  • Patent number: 10046945
    Abstract: An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus, an image reading apparatus, and a connecting conveyance path that branches from a second main conveyance path of the image reading apparatus and joins a first sub conveyance path of the image forming apparatus, and is configured to convey an original from the image reading apparatus to the image forming apparatus. The system controls conveyance of the original so that a first side becomes a side that faces an image forming unit if the first side of the original is designated as the image formation side or so that a second side becomes the side that faces the image forming unit if the second side of the original is designated as the image formation side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazushi Ino, Atsushi Ogata, Hiroki Kato, Koji Kawamura, Motohiro Furusawa, Ichiro Yasumaru