Patents Issued in October 16, 2018
  • Koolee stein drink device
    Patent number: 10099828
    Abstract: A drink device 16 is shown and described. The drink device 16 can be located adjacent to a beverage can 17 such that a first position provides closure of the drinking hole 36 on the top of can 17. When the user applies a force to the drink device 16 the drinking hole 36 is exposed (second position) allowing the user to consume the beverage. When the force is removed from the drink device 16 another manual force is used to close the drinking device 16 adjacent to the drinking hole 36 or first or closed position. Alternatively, a spring 68 and spring force is used to bias the drinking device 16 against the drinking hole 36 and the top of the can 17 or back to the first or closed position. Decorative items such as stickers and sports paraphernalia can be affixed to the top of the pivot top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Defer
  • Infant formula container with compartment and lid
    Patent number: 10099829
    Abstract: An infant formula container is provided with a particular lid having transparent, translucent and non-transparent/translucent parts. The container has a compartment intended to receive an object. The compartment has a bottom wall having a light reflective surface. The container of the invention provides for enhanced visibility through the lid such as to render the object in the compartment identifiable but not fully visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Sophia Brandao, Elodie Richard
  • Lock it!
    Patent number: 10099830
    Abstract: A food storage container comprising a bottom container for storing food, an easy to lift ventilation cover and a locking lid for securing the contents of the food storage container. The locking lid is provided at the top portion thereof with a combination lock. The combination lock having a plurality of wheels and projections being aligned with numbers on the top of the container. The combination lock is provided with a left side lock bolt and a right side lock bolt and engageable locking cases on both sides preventing the food storage container from opening. The food storage container is preferably formed from dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe materials. The combination lock of the present invention can be formed from a metal, glass or plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Shaina Martinez
  • Storage system
    Patent number: 10099831
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a storage and transport system for storage and transport objects such as jewelry or any other objects to be stored or carried. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier is a roll having a series of interchangeable attachments. In a further preferred embodiment, the interchangeable attachments are capable of being layered. The system further discloses a system in which attachments are interchangeable between various items or articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: LaRece Egli
  • Bag for storing and preparing food
    Patent number: 10099832
    Abstract: A bag for storing and preparing food, includes a bag body including two sheets having edge regions and being sealed together at least partially along a plurality of the edge regions to present edge seals and a bag opening at one end of the bag. Each sheet comprises a composite material including a plastic inside layer suitable for making contact with the food and an outside layer of paper or metal foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Cofresco Frischhalteprodukte GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Arning, Sven Larisch, Bjoern Hoeser
  • Panel interlocking device for a carton and blank therefor
    Patent number: 10099833
    Abstract: A locking device for a carton includes a first part (F) defined in a first panel (12) and a second part (M) defined in a second panel (14). The first part includes a female tab (22) struck from the first panel and foldably coupled thereto. The second part includes a male tab (20) struck from the second panel and foldably coupled thereto. The male tab is hinged to the second panel by a first non-linear fold line (24) and is receivable in an aperture created by folding the female tab out of the plane of the first panel so as to secure the first and second panels together. The male tab includes at least one weakened line (28) for facilitating folding of the male tab about the first non-linear fold line (24). An edge (30) of the female tab braces against the male tab so as to maintain the male tab in a folded or locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Alain Saulas, Tsugihiko Suzuki
  • Pressure container with differential vacuum panels
    Patent number: 10099834
    Abstract: An improved blow molded plastic container having generally rounded sidewalls that are adapted for hot-fill applications has two adjacent sides and two pairs of controlled deflection panels, each pair reacting to vacuum pressure at differing rates of movement, whereby one pair inverts under vacuum pressure and the other pair remains available for increased squeezability or extreme vacuum extraction. The opposing sidewalls are symmetric relative to vacuum panel and rib shape and placement. The ribs and controlled deflection panels cooperate to retain container shape upon filling and cooling and also improves bumper denting resistance, decreases vacuum pressure within the container, and increases light weight capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: DAVID MELROSE DESIGN LTD
    Inventor: David Murray Melrose
  • Protective packaging structure and method for manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 10099835
    Abstract: A packaging structure for at least one article includes a pair of generally rectangular support structures with front, side, rear, and interior walls. The walls divide the rectangular support structure into a plurality of triangular sections. The front and interior walls contain a least one opening configured to correspond with the configuration of the article to hold and secure the article in place. The packaging structure is created from a rectangular blank made of foldable material that has a plurality of spaced vertical fold lines, panels, and aligned openings each configured to correspond with the configuration of the article. The packaging structure is formed by folding the blank along the fold lines and securing the blank in the folded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventors: William Scholvin, Nataliya Scholvin
  • Thermal insulation dunnage and method
    Patent number: 10099836
    Abstract: A method for making an insulating dunnage product (10) includes the steps of (a) permanently deforming at least one non-planar interior layer (12) that includes a paper sheet to form a plurality of air pockets (14), (b) surrounding the at least one interior layer (12) on all four sides and over the top and bottom sides of the at least one interior layer (12) with at least one outer layer (16) of sheet material and (c) peripherally sealing the at least one outer layer (16) to capture the at least one interior layer (12) therein such that the interior layer (12) has major portions that are free to shift relative to adjacent portions of the at least one outer layer (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: RANPAK CORP.
    Inventor: Robert C Cheich
  • Food container having Si-DLC layer and manufacturing method thereof
    Patent number: 10099837
    Abstract: There are provided a food container having a silicon incorporated diamond like carbon (Si-DLC) layer and a method thereof. The food container includes a container made of a plastic material; an intermediate thin layer formed on a surface of the container; and a Si-DLC layer formed on the intermediate thin layer. Accordingly, it is possible to provide porous plastic container having a Si-DLC layer and a manufacturing method thereof, which can implement high oxygen barrier properties and excellent mechanical characteristics by stably depositing a Si-DLC layer on a food container having lower surface energy without breaking the Si-DLC layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignees: CJ CHEILJEDANG CORPORATION, KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Kwang Ryeol Lee, Myoung Woon Moon, Seong Jin Kim, Eun Kyung Song, Kyoung Sik Jo, Tae Kyung Yun
  • Fluid cartridge system and method of using a fluid cartridge system
    Patent number: 10099838
    Abstract: A fluid cartridge system and method of removing a closure assembly from a first cartridge and a second cartridge includes a first cartridge body and a second cartridge body. A neck projects from the first cartridge body with a first outlet of the first cartridge and a second outlet of the second cartridge. A first closure having a first plug is received within the first outlet and includes a first closure coupling element. In addition, a second closure having a second plug is received within the second outlet and includes a second closure coupling element. The first closure coupling element is configured to interlock with the second closure coupling element such that securing the first cartridge body against the second cartridge body also connects the first closure to the second closure. As such, the first and second closures form the closure assembly for being collectively removed by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Crispin B. Dean, Robert W. Springhorn
  • Heat-resistant tray particularly for food products as well as an oven for use in the heating thereof
    Patent number: 10099839
    Abstract: By, according to the invention, producing a food product tray (1) with a lid (2) using a basic material (3) such as aluminum, and providing said material (3) with a coating (4) comprising at least two layers (9 and 10), of which at least one of the materials has a high emission value, it is possible with a suitable dimensioning and placement of the coating (4) on the inner and/or outer side of the tray (1) and the lid (2) to obtain a hitherto unknown precise heating of the individual food products within the same heating time in an oven (12). The oven (12) has heating elements (14-16) which may abut against the sides and bottom of the tray as well as against the lid (2), said heating elements (14-16) may have a zonal heat emission in order to obtain the best possible cooking of the food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Henny Jakobsgaard
  • Cup made of a paper material
    Patent number: 10099840
    Abstract: A cup made of a paper material having a fillable interior, which cup is formed by a conical sleeve and a bottom. The bottom is attached to the sleeve at the lower end of the interior with a bottom skirt in an essentially liquid-tight way. The sleeve and/or the bottom in the area of the bottom skirt and/or the bottom skirt itself comprises, at least in one area along the periphery, an outwardly projecting widening. A lower edge of the widening forms a standing surface for the cup. The widening can serve to hold another cup of the same type, and can act together with a similar cup during stacking. The cup can include a heat insulating outer sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: PTM PACKAGING TOOLS MACHINERY PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Robert Frost, Uwe Messerschmid, Werner Stahlecker
  • Dispensing device for solid portions and method for dispensing solid portions
    Patent number: 10099841
    Abstract: A dispensing device for solid portions Fk present in bulk having an axis of rotation 2. The dispensing device 1 has (a) a positioning device 3, and b) a retaining device 4, having at least two retaining means arranged coaxial to the axis of rotation for accommodating one solid portion Fk each. The positioning device 3 and the at least two retaining means 5 can be moved relative to one another on paths coaxial to the axis of rotation, such that the positioning device 3 can be oriented in alignment with the retaining means 5 individually during the movement and at least one of the at least two retaining means 5 can be filled with one solid portion Fk each by means of the positioning device 3. Furthermore, the at least two retaining means 5 can be emptied by rotating the retaining device 4 to output the solid portions Fk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: BALDA MEDICAL GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Sowden Reinhold, Christian Felsner
  • Product dispensing system
    Patent number: 10099842
    Abstract: A product dispensing system includes a housing that has a sidewall with at least one communication element provided thereon. The sidewall has at least a first side and a second different side coupled to the first side, the first side and the second side each configured to extend below a bottom of a container coupled to the housing. A dispensing opening is provided on a first side of the sidewall. A switch controls an automatic dispensing sequence. The at least one communication element is configured to provide guidance as to how to set-up, hold, orient, spray, or otherwise use the product dispensing system, and the second different side of the sidewall is configured to accommodate a user's hand in an ergonomic manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
    Inventors: Brad P. Baranowski, David C. Belongia, Scott D. Walter, Aparna Unnikrishnan
  • Click-in valve
    Patent number: 10099843
    Abstract: System and parts for fast filling of containers, like aerosol containers, in which a valve is fixed into the container by being clicked-in and does not need a mounting cup. A mouth of the container extends toward the inside of the container with a sharp or rounded edge, in which pressurizing propellant is filled when passing between the valve and a wall of the container when overcoming the resistance of an external lip gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Gabriel Giordano
  • Device for dispensing a cosmetic product in aerosol form, associated assembly and method
    Patent number: 10099844
    Abstract: The dispensing device comprises a dispensing valve comprising: a valve body (40); an actuating rod (42), defining a dispensing duct for the product (62); a return element (44) of the actuating rod (42) to its blocking position. The dispensing device comprises a non-return valve (70) arranged inside the actuating rod (42). The non-return valve (70) comprises a deformable portion (74) between a closed position, applied against a lateral face (61) of the actuating rod (42), in which the circulation of fluid in the duct (62) through an inlet orifice (64) for product entry in the rod is made impossible, and an open position, separated from the lateral face (61) of the actuating rod (42), in which the circulation of fluid through the inlet orifice (64) is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: François Rival, Jeanne Gaudillot, Kerem Aubret, Clément Jaunet, Yann Gounon
  • Hinged lid package for smoking and/or tobacco related articles, blank and method therefor
    Patent number: 10099845
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hinged lid package (1) for elongate articles (21), a blank and a method for manufacturing the package (1). The package (1) comprises a body (2) having a rear wall (8), a bottom wall and two side walls (6, 15), the package (1) further comprising a lid (3) which is hinged to the body (2) by a first hinge (10), the lid (3) and the body (2) being coupled such that the body (2) can rest on the lid (3) in the open end position of the lid (3) and the lid (3) remains open, wherein the package (1) further comprises a second hinge (11) inside the rear wall (8) of the body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: REEMTSMA CIGARETTENFABRIKEN GMBH
    Inventor: Jörg Knudsen
  • Egg carton with mating cell and lid post structure
    Patent number: 10099846
    Abstract: Plastic egg cartons having mating cell and lid posts for improved egg protection. The carton has a base tray and hinged lid, the tray including a plurality of cells for receiving individual eggs, and the tray having a plurality of cell posts each formed at an intersection of four adjacent cells as an extension of the sidewalls of the four adjacent cells. Preferable, each cell post has four generally planar ramp surfaces, one disposed respectively on each of the four sidewall extensions. The lid has a plurality of lid posts for mating with the cell posts when the lid is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Ramirez, Mark A. Bergeron, Roger P. Lichtle
  • Set fermented dairy composition in a circular container
    Patent number: 10099847
    Abstract: A food product and process of making the food product, the food product including a thermoplastic container and a set fermented dairy composition. The body of the container, which defines an interior volume, includes a bottom and a side wall extending along a longitudinal axis from the bottom as far as a top. The side wall has an annular and preferably circular cross-section. The dairy composition is in contact with an interior surface of the bottom and with a projection element that protrudes inside the container. The projection element prevents rotation of the dairy composition. The projection element is arranged to define an irregular annular area between the projection and the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: DANONE S.A.
    Inventors: Michelle Boadas, Francisco Bove Bonet
  • Capsule for food or beverage preparation
    Patent number: 10099848
    Abstract: A food or beverage capsule (200), comprises: •a capsule body (201) comprising a cavity (202) and an open end (204) in communication with the cavity (202); •an injection wall (205) disposed upon the open end (204) so as to enclose the cavity (202), the injection wall (205) thereby comprising an interior side (206) facing the cavity (202); and •a quantity of a food or beverage ingredient disposed within the cavity (202). The capsule (200) further comprises a sealing membrane (207) fabricated from a flexible material and disposed upon the interior side (206) of the injection wall (205), the sealing membrane (207) being attached to the interior side (206) of the injection wall (205) over at least one fixed region (208) of the sealing membrane (207), at least one free region (209) of the sealing membrane (207) extending freely from an edge of said at least one fixed region (208).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Christophe Heydel, Christian Talon
  • Capsule and system for making beverages
    Patent number: 10099849
    Abstract: A capsule for making beverages, containing a powdered food substance which can be extracted by passing hot water through it, the capsule (1) comprising a cup-shaped containment body (3) which inside it forms a chamber (2) for housing (16) the powdered food substance, and which comprises a bottom portion (7) through which, in use, hot water can be fed into the capsule (1), and a lateral wall (4) connected to the bottom portion (7) and forming an access opening for accessing the chamber (2), and a closing element (9) fixed to the lateral wall (4) at the access opening for closing it, and through which, in use, the beverage can come out of the chamber (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: CAFFITALY SYSTEM S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Accursi
  • Containers and materials with improved punctureability
    Patent number: 10099850
    Abstract: The present description includes containers having an improved puncture design that can be punctured without substantial deformation of the container. Such containers are particularly suitable for use in preparing beverages using automatic machines, particularly those used for preparation of single serve beverages. Also provided are thermoplastic materials having improved punctureability for use in containers, containers for preparation of a beverage, and methods for preparing a beverage using such containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Printpack Illinois, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick L. O'Brien, Rabeh Elleithy, Harold Stephen Bowen
  • Self-retracting, insulated dry ice container and gas dispenser for enhanced shipping container refrigeration
    Patent number: 10099851
    Abstract: A self-retracting dry ice container enclosing solid carbon dioxide and retracting as the solid carbon dioxide sublimates is provided
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Airgas USA, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Bilger
  • Corrugated steel floor in a shipping container
    Patent number: 10099852
    Abstract: The invention relates to a corrugated steel floor (1) in a shipping container (20), which steel floor (1) is positioned with corrugations comprising a number of ridges (6) and grooves (7) running towards an opening (21) for loading and unloading goods to be shipped or stored in the container (20), where a distance between the ridges (6) measured from a substantial vertical one side (8) of a groove (7) to a substantial vertical other side (9) of the groove (7) is shorter than or equal to 40 mm. Further the grooves (7) of the corrugations are flush with or placed on a door sill (14) and the floor (1) can be assembled of a plurality of floor slabs (10). Further the floor (1) can be provided with lashing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Maersk Container Industry A/S
    Inventors: Gert Jorgensen, Lars Lubker
  • Recyclable container
    Patent number: 10099853
    Abstract: A recyclable container includes a hollow body having an outer surface and an inner surface. The hollow body includes a top end, a bottom end, and at least one side panel. The at least one side panel defines a fitted cutout, and the hollow body defines a cavity interior to the hollow body and about continuous from the top end to the bottom end. The fitted cutout defines an opening from the outer surface to the cavity. A top panel contacts the top end of the hollow body, and a bottom panel contacts the bottom end of the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon Charles Miller
  • Trashcan system and related methods of use
    Patent number: 10099854
    Abstract: A trashcan system is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the trashcan system includes an inlet located about a trashcan to be proximate to a surface upon which the trashcan is placed in order to entrain materials disposed upon the surface into air communicated into the inlet. The trashcan system, in various aspects, includes a collector disposed within the trashcan. A chamber of the collector may receive air with materials entrained therein communicated from the inlet, and the chamber may be adapted to collect materials entrained in the air. An exit may be located about the trashcan that communicates with the chamber to exhaust the air from the chamber, in various aspects. A vacuum assembly located about the trashcan, the vacuum assembly cooperates with the inlet, the chamber, and the exit to communicate the air into the inlet, through the chamber, to the exit where the air is exhausted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: POUBELLE LLC
    Inventors: James A. Howard, Lori D. Montag
  • Can liner cinch device and method of use
    Patent number: 10099855
    Abstract: A trash bag cinch device and method of use are provided for securing a trash bag to a trash can. According to one embodiment, the cinch device includes a collar, and the collar includes a base with teeth and a cuff with teeth. The cuff is moveable between an open position and a closed position and, when the cuff is closed, the base and the cuff describe an opening. And, when closed the base teeth and cuff teeth generally point toward the opening. The cinch device further includes a clamp adapted to secure the cinch device to a trash can rim. When thus positioned, a portion of the trash bag may be threaded through the opening and held by the teeth, thus securing the trash bag to the trash can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Michael S. Higgins, II
  • Convertible pallet jack with rollers
    Patent number: 10099856
    Abstract: A pallet jack has a forked platform with rollers embedded in the arms of the fork. The rollers are located at intervals from the front of the arms to the rear. The rollers work in conjunction with an inclined ramp, also having embedded rollers, attached to the front of the arms to lift a container onto the forks. Once a container is aligned in front of the inclined ramp, the pallet jack is driven forward. The momentum of the pallet jack, at standard speed, causes the inclined ramp to insert underneath the container and lifts the container onto the arms. The rollers allow the container to move into position on the pallet jack for transfer. An overlay platform may cover the host forks for standard pallet transfer. The overlay platform may have embedded rollers and can be rotated into position over a standard fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Roy C. Burrow
  • Calender stack and method for producing a film from thermoplastics
    Patent number: 10099857
    Abstract: A calender stack including at least two rollers between which a nip can be formed. The ends of the rollers are supported in rotary fashion in bearings and one of the rollers is stationary and at least one other roller is embodied as an advancing roller and has a first adjusting system by which it is possible to move the bearings of the advancing roller, thus changing the nip. The advancing roller has a respective adjusting system on each of its two bearings and associated with each first adjusting system, a second adjusting system is provided, by which it is possible to adjust an axial offset of the advancing roller relative to the stationary roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Reifenhauser GmbH & Co. KG Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Helmut Meyer
  • Tray feeding system and a method of operating such a tray feeding system
    Patent number: 10099858
    Abstract: A tray feeding system having a buffer conveyor for trays including a belt with spaced apart free running rollers having a rotation axis perpendicular to the conveying direction. These rollers extend upward from the belt such that the trays partly rest on the rollers. A tray conveyor receiving end is adjacent to an outputting end of the buffer conveyor where items are placed into the trays by a tray filler. A roller interactor is positioned below and adjacent to the surface of the buffer conveyor belt at an outputting end to engage with the rollers at the outputting end area when the buffer conveyor belts move forward rotating the rollers positioned within the outputting end area accelerating the trays on the buffer conveyor within the outputting end area of the buffer conveyor towards the receiving end of the tray conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: MAREL A/S
    Inventors: Bjørn Heide Pedersen, Niels Hundtofte, Carl-Jørn Madsen, Lars Riis Jensen
  • Self-stacking spiral modular plastic conveyor belt with intermediate support
    Patent number: 10099859
    Abstract: A modular spiral belt constructed of a series of hingedly interconnected belt modules arranged in a helical stack. The modular spiral belt includes outer side plates, inner side plates and intermediate attachment members. The intermediate attachment members provide support for the conveyor belt to prevent sagging in an intermediate region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: David W. Bogle
  • Connecting device, conveying carriage and conveying installation
    Patent number: 10099860
    Abstract: A connecting device (2-2???) for connecting a conveying carriage (1-1???) to a drive chain (4) has a pivot lever (6-6???) that is connected pivotally to the conveying carriage (1-1???). A chain fastening (8-8???) is connectable to the drive chain (4), and an articulated joint (10-10???) connects the pivot lever (6-6???) and the chain fastening (8-8???). The articulated joint (10-10???) has three degrees of rotational freedom between the pivot lever (6-6???) and the chain fastening (8-8???).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: INTERROLL HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Heinrich Droste, Thomas Eisinger
  • Helical conveyor
    Patent number: 10099861
    Abstract: A conveyor comprises a helical conveying path having an upright central axis, a frame and an endless conveying member for transporting a product through the conveying path which conveying member is displaceable with respect to the frame. In a central portion of the conveying path, as seen in radial direction from the central axis, the conveying member is provided with an upwardly directed supporting surface for supporting a product. The width of the supporting surface in radial direction from the central axis is smaller than 10% of the distance between the central axis and the supporting surface. At opposite sides of the supporting surface the conveying path is free from obstacles at the height level of the supporting surface. The conveyor is provided with a helical guide for guiding the conveying member along the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: AMBAFLEX INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventor: Wouter Balk
  • Container conveyor apparatus with an adjustable railing
    Patent number: 10099862
    Abstract: A container conveyor apparatus that conveys containers along a container path includes a front rail of an adjustable railing apparatus that is arcuately shaped along a container path and forms part of a surface facing radially inwardly; and a rear rail of the adjustable railing apparatus that is arcuately shaped along the container path and forms another part of the surface facing radially inwardly; the front rail and the rear rail of the adjustable railing apparatus move with respect to one another to change the width of the container path and accommodate containers of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Anderson
  • Conveyance system for operation in radioactive environment
    Patent number: 10099863
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing radionuclide generators includes an enclosure defining a radioactive environment. The enclosure includes radiation shielding to prevent radiation within the radioactive environment from moving to an exterior of the enclosure. The system also includes a conveyance system having a forward track and first carriages positioned on and movable along the forward track for conveying racks in a first direction. The conveyance system also includes a first walking beam mechanism magnetically coupled to the first carriages to move the first carriages. The conveyance system further includes a return track and second carriages positioned on and movable along the return track for conveying racks in a second direction opposite the first direction. The forward track and the return track form a loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Nuclear Medicine LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. D'Hooge, Sumit Verma, Kevin B. Graves, Bryan S. Petrofsky
  • Carton induction optimization in order fulfillment picking system
    Patent number: 10099864
    Abstract: Technology for optimizing carton induction in an order fulfillment picking system is described. In an example embodiment, a method, implemented using one or more computing devices, may include receiving scan data reflecting status of cartons being conveyed by a conveying system, receiving confirmatory input reflecting pick completion for a subset of the cartons being conveyed by the conveying system, and generating an estimated time of arrival for one or more cartons not yet inducted into the conveying system based on the scan data and the confirmatory input. The method may further include generating a load forecast based on the estimated time of arrival and inducting one or more of the one or more cartons into the conveying system based on the load forecast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Staples, Inc.
    Inventors: Vikranth Gopalakrishnan, Daniel Jarvis, Rodney Gallaway, Michael Bhaskaran
  • Method and device for conveying piece products
    Patent number: 10099865
    Abstract: A method and a device are created according to the invention for conveying piece products on one or several tracks, which are arranged side by side and substantially parallel to one another, in such a manner that the products are conveyed further having been separated out from a product stream into singles on each of the tracks and then aligned at uniform spacings and/or in groups. In this case, the products are first of all fed on each track as a single-row product stream on a first conveying device at a first speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventors: Heinz-Peter Hammacher, Tobias Hetzer
  • Transport apparatus and transport method
    Patent number: 10099866
    Abstract: A transport apparatus transports sample holder racks. The apparatus employs a first transport unit that moves the rack in a path between two ends of the transport apparatus, a rack sender unit that extends in a first direction that intersects the path, a second transport unit dimensioned parallel to the first transport unit and with the rack sender unit interposed therebetween, which locates the sample container held in the rack at a sample loading position of a measurement device, and a first movable member capable of moving in the first direction between the first and the second transport units. The apparatus has movable portions that alternately stop the rack movement, and push the rack such that optimal movement is achieved whereby the rack moves beyond the rack sender unit to the second transport unit as the first movable member moves in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuichiro Ohmae, Hiroo Tatsutani, Nobuyoshi Yamakawa
  • Automated package unloading system
    Patent number: 10099867
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for an automated package unloading system. An automated package unloading system can include an end effector supported by a supporting frame which is mounted to a conveyor system. The end effector and/or the conveyor can be configured to move into and out of a container containing stacked packages. The end effector can be configured to attach to the packages and pull the packages from their original position. The end effector can further be configured to release the packages onto the underlying conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Chen Ge, Martin Peter Aalund, Samuel Gardner Garrett, Paul Roy Raines, Jr., Akhil Ranka, Sonia Thosar, Toby Ge Xu
  • Set of water pipes with capsules for heavy cargo and irrigation transportation system
    Patent number: 10099868
    Abstract: Developed to transport any products, whether industrialized or not, via streams, in different geographic regions. By means of a piping circuit (1) housing distributing stations (3), in suitable points in the region of installation are formed streams driven by hydraulic pumps (2) successively installed along the length of such circuit (1). The streams are provided with conveyor capsules (4) of any industrial objects or not, capable of being carried by these capsules (4). In this way, the piping circuit (1) can be installed so as to cover large a geographic area and, for its internal rapids, to promote the transport of goods of all kinds. For control on delivery, upon stop at the predefined distribution station (3), the corresponding conveying capsule (4) shall be identified by its electronic registration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: OTTO KIERULFF DA COSTA
    Inventor: Otto Kierulff Da Costa
  • Palletizing installation and a method for palletizing
    Patent number: 10099869
    Abstract: A palletizing installation comprising two palletizing devices (10, 20) and a linear common feed conveyor (1). Each palletizing device has a stationary mounted shutter device (22) and a pallet lifter (26). A stationary mounted row formation platform (28) is present to form thereon a row of products, which platform has a lateral side that extends adjacent a lateral side of the common feed conveyor. Each palletizing device comprises a product row transfer mechanism (30) that is adapted to slide a row of products from the row formation platform onto the layer formation surface of the shutter device in closed state. The installation further comprises a product ejector system and one or more product ejector devices (41) which are adapted to eject a product from the common feed conveyor such that the product moves onto a selected product location of said at least two row formation platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: SINTER IBERICA PACKAGING, S.A.
    Inventor: Mario De Lama Arenales
  • Handling device
    Patent number: 10099870
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a handling device for handling a metal component part between a furnace device and a further processing device. The handling device comprises a temperature-control chamber, in which the metal component part can be inserted, and a conveying device. The temperature-control chamber comprises a temperature-control unit that adjusts a temperature in the temperature-control chamber. The temperature-control chamber can be conveyed between a receiving position, in which the metal component part can be conveyed from the furnace device into the temperature-control chamber, and a dispensing position, in which the metal component part can be conveyed from the temperature control chamber to the further processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Ebner Industrieofenbau GMBH
    Inventors: Robert Ebner, Fritz Josef Ebner, Rudolf Steinheimer
  • Component supply device
    Patent number: 10099871
    Abstract: A loose component supply device provided with component supply apparatus that stores multiple components, frame to which the component supply apparatus is detachably attached, claw member for locking the component supply apparatus to the frame, and a component support member that supports multiple component in a scattered state, the components having been ejected from an entrance of the component supply apparatus that is attached to the frame; the locking of the component supply apparatus to the frame is released by an operator grasping grip of the component supply apparatus. The component supply apparatus is swung, and with the swinging linking mechanism is operated such that shutter rotates downwards. That is, with the releasing of the locking of the component supply apparatus, the entrance of the component supply apparatus is covered by the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunji Morikawa, Toru Matsumoto
  • Transfer plate for loading a cargo space
    Patent number: 10099872
    Abstract: A transfer plate for loading a cargo space is disclosed. The transfer plate is intended to be moved, together with load units, into the cargo space, and out of the cargo space, while the load units remain in the cargo space. The transfer plate includes positioning means for positioning the transfer plate relative to the cargo space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: ACTIW OY
    Inventors: Janne Auvinen, Otto Utriainen
  • Magazine for sheet packaging elements
    Patent number: 10099873
    Abstract: There is described a magazine (1) for sheet packaging elements (2) in which side portions (4a) of said packaging elements (2) are held in a vertical position by transport and support branches (15, 18, 20) of main and secondary units (6, 8, 9) and said packaging elements (2) are advanced in respective conveying spaces (16, 19, 21) along a path (P) parallel to said transport and support branches (15, 18, 20) of said main and secondary units (6, 8, 9). The packaging elements (2) are advanced along said path (P) from an inlet section (7) to an outlet section (12). During conveying, batches (3) of packaging elements (2) are formed between an accumulation unit (8) and an auxiliary conveying unit (9) so that said packaging elements (2) are advanced in said batches (3) towards an end packaging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finances S.A.
    Inventors: Mark W. Davidson, Roy A. Johnson, Giorgio Santoni, Alessandro Morselli
  • Sheet conveying apparatus
    Patent number: 10099874
    Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus includes: a supporter having a support surface configured to support sheets; a supplier having a conveying surface exposed from the support surface and moved to supply one or more sheets; a separator including a separating roller and a retard roller located downstream of the supplier; and an inclined surface disposed upstream of the nip position and pivotable about a pivot axis. The inclined surface has a first end portion and a second end portion, and the second end portion is located downstream of the first end portion. The inclined surface is inclined such that the second end portion is nearer to the support surface than the first end portion. The first end portion is located upstream of a downstream end portion of the conveying surface. The second end portion is spaced apart from the conveying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuichiro Kuriki
  • Feed appliance for feeding products onto a further-processing appliance
    Patent number: 10099875
    Abstract: A feed appliance for feeding products to a further processing appliance includes a standby circulatory apparatus with a takeover station and with several transport units that are circulatorily movable independently of one another for each receiving a product at the takeover station, a provision conveyor for feeding the products to the takeover station, and a control device for controlling the feed of the products and of the transport units into a takeover section of the takeover station and for controlling the takeover of the fed products by the transport units. The standby circulatory apparatus for creating a gapless product stream includes a release device for the cyclically controlled release of individual transport units into the takeover section. For this, the control device is designed to release a transport unit only given a feed of a cyclically correct product into the takeover section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: FERAG AG
    Inventor: Matthias Wagner
  • Sheet material thickness detection device, sheet material anomaly detection device, sheet material feeding device, and image forming device
    Patent number: 10099876
    Abstract: A sheet material thickness detection device includes a guide member, a non-rotating pressing member, a sensor, and a calculator. The guide member guides one side of a sheet material being conveyed. The pressing member presses the sheet material against the guide member in a manner displaceable in accordance with the thickness of the sheet material. The sensor is configured to magnetically or electrically detect a displaced amount of the pressing member that is displaced in accordance with the thickness of the sheet material. The calculator is configured to calculate the thickness of the sheet material based on an output signal of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Hirota, Shingo Nishizaki
  • Sheet feed conveyance device and image forming apparatus
    Patent number: 10099877
    Abstract: A sheet feed conveyance device includes a warning section, a pickup roller that feeds a sheet, a separation section, a speed sensor that detects a conveyance speed of the sheet, and a controller. The separation section includes a feed roller that feeds downstream the sheet fed by the pickup roller and a retard roller that returns a sheet involved in multiple sheet feeding toward the pickup roller. The controller recognizes the conveyance speed based on output of the speed sensor, integrate conveyance speeds detected in a measurement time period from rotation start of the pickup roller to elapse of a specific time period, and determines necessity for maintenance of the pickup roller according to a measurement distance as a result of integration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Tanaka