Patents Issued in November 6, 2018
  • Patent number: 10118734
    Abstract: A blow-molded container includes a container body having a body portion that forms a square shape in a cross-sectional view orthogonal to a container axis; and in-mold labels, which are integrally glued on outer peripheral surfaces of glued portions, ranging from corner surfaces to respective planar portions continuing on both sides of corner surfaces around the container axis, in body portion. Among front and back surfaces of in-mold labels, multiple recesses are formed over entire back surfaces, which are glued to the outer peripheral surfaces of the glued portions. When tensile elasticity of in-mold labels is E (MPa) and thickness of in-mold labels is t (mm), E×t3 is 0.20 or less. When the radius of curvature of the corner surfaces is R (mm) and angle formed between the planar portions is ? (°) in a cross-sectional view of the glued portions, R×?2 is 45000 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: YOSHINO KOGYOSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Miya, Masafumi Fujita
  • Patent number: 10118735
    Abstract: A protective bottle enclosure for enclosing and sealing a bottle with an open mouth carried within the enclosure. The enclosure includes a container having an upper portion and a base removably coupled to the upper portion, and an external cap applicable to the container in a seated position of the cap. In the seated position of the cap, the cap seals the open mouth of the bottle carried in the enclosure and forms an impermeable inner seal between the cap and the bottle. A stopper carried by the cap forms the impermeable inner seal between the cap and the bottle, and in the seated position of the cap, the cap is fully seated against the upper portion of the container and forms an impermeable outer seal between the cap and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: CAMCAL ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew T. Campbell
  • Patent number: 10118736
    Abstract: A sack is formed by first transverse sealing seams from a foil tube, and is provided with at least a first vent channel, which runs largely parallel to the axis of the film tube, and whose inner film layer has first vent openings for venting of the sack interior into the first vent channel. A second vent channel is provided, which is connected to the first vent channel by second vent openings, and which, in turn, has third vent openings, which vent the at least one second vent channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: WINDMOELLER & HOELSCHER KG
    Inventors: Rüdiger Grosse-Heitmeyer, Thomas Knoke, Martin Koelker, Ludger Schulten, Hans-Ludwig Voss, Jan Thorsten Weber, Thomas Hawighorst, Holger Frische
  • Patent number: 10118737
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to plastic or polymeric container with reclosable zippers which make the package child-resistant. In one typical embodiment, this is achieved by a zipper with a high internal opening force and a low external opening force, wherein three flanges are sealed to the bag walls, and one external flange is left unsealed. In order to encounter the low external opening force, the user must grab the unsealed external flange while applying an external opening force to the zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Jose Manuel Septien Rojas, Lars Wihlborg, Charles Greco, Jeffry Mauro, Glyn Russell
  • Patent number: 10118738
    Abstract: Provided is a delamination container that smoothly peels an inner layer from an outer layer in a body and can prevent the peel of an inner layer from an outer layer at an opening. A delamination container includes a body configured to contain contents and an opening through which the contents from the body are discharged. The body and the opening each include an outer layer and an inner layer. The inner layer peels from the outer layer and shrinks with a reduction in the contents. The inner layer includes, as an outermost layer, a layer having a standard peel strength of about 7 to 12 g/15 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: KYORAKU CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinsuke Taruno
  • Patent number: 10118739
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a child resistant closure for a bottle or container. More specifically, the present invention relates to improved two-cap structure assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.
    Inventors: Ming Dong, Laszlo Moharita, Richard A. Lappine, Peter M. Zielinski
  • Patent number: 10118740
    Abstract: An applicator includes: an applying part on a front portion thereof; a removable cap that totally covers the applying part; a sealing element that seals up a front end portion of the applying part when the cap is fitted; and an inner cap provided inside the cap. The inner cap includes an inner cap body and a hinged cap that is joined to the inner cap body and can abut the inner cap body. The hinged cap has a hollow mounting portion. An engaging portion for fixing the hinged cap is formed inside the cap. When the inner cap having the sealing element held between the inner cap body and the mounting portion is fitted into the interior of the cap, the hinged cap is engaged by the engaging portion inside the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI PENCIL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Kohei Miyamoto, Junya Uehara
  • Patent number: 10118741
    Abstract: A resealable closure for a container in which package integrity is indicated by a structure which connects the closure to a remaining portion of the container which must be broken in order to gain access to the contents of the container for a first time. The package integrity feature, in one form, includes a structure associated with the closure, wherein upon opening the closure for a first time, the structure stretches, increasing a length of the structure until the structure eventually breaks, leaving one or both residual ends of the broken structure rippled or curved upward from the remainder of the container. In one alternative form, the structure is associated with a pull tab of the sealing panel, which comprises the closure, whereby either the structure must be broken first, prior to pulling back the sealing panel, or while pulling back the sealing panel for a first time, the structure breaks, prior to gaining access to the contents therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventors: Deborah Lyzenga, Jeffrey Thomas Weber, Scott William Huffer, Benjamin Michael Davis
  • Patent number: 10118742
    Abstract: A package is provided for storing and dispensing consumable goods. The package includes a container base having a defined interior volume for retaining a quantity of consumable goods and an open top end for dispensing the goods. A lid is formed to overlap with the top end of the base. The lid defines a portion volume that is less than the retaining volume of the base. Structures are provided for retaining the lid on and releasing the lid from the top end of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Melia Paul
  • Patent number: 10118743
    Abstract: A mechanical closure for includes a cap hinged in an oscillating manner about an axis, a pair of tie-rods respectively articulated at their first end on opposite sides of the cap with respect to the axis and hinged at their opposite second end on a corresponding first end of a respective arm. Each arm is provided at its second opposite end with a respective pin the pins being coaxial and intended to hinge the arms on a neck of a bottle. An arc connects the arms to one another so that the arms may be jointly actuated to rotate about the respective pin. The mechanical closure includes a tamper indicator provided to indicate the first opening of the mechanical closure includes a band which interconnects the arms and/or the tie-rods on the side opposite the arc so as to prevent the arms from oscillating about the respective pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: TAPÌ S.P.A.
    Inventor: Domenico Liberati
  • Patent number: 10118744
    Abstract: A package comprises a latch including first and second legs and an actuating portion. The first and second legs are joined at an angle. The actuator portion of the first leg is positioned to be displaced generally laterally to displace the second leg generally longitudinally to release the latch. In another embodiment the package has base wells on the inside surface. A generally flat marginal sealing surface encircles the first and second base wells. The wells of the base and/or lid are covered with a cover sheet to close them. Still another embodiment is a child-resistant container comprising a shell, two drawers, a stop, and a latch. The drawers are prevented from sliding apart past a limit of travel when one drawer is open sufficiently to provide access to its contents and the other drawer is not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: CSP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Herve Pichot
  • Patent number: 10118745
    Abstract: A pressurized closure assembly is provided which has a connector assembly to allow improved application of torque in limited space conditions to rotate a head away from the hub of the closure assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Sypris Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10118746
    Abstract: A topper for a container having an upper surface is presented. The topper includes: a body adapted to engage an upper surface of the container, and a movable perforation platform having at least one protruding perforating element. The perforation platform is pushable with respect to the body from a resting position to a working position wherein the perforating element perforates the upper surface of the container. The perforation platform presents in resting position a first orientation and presents in working position a second orientation, the first and the second orientation differing by an angle of less than 30° . Also, an assembly and a method of using the assembly are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignees: Danone S.A., Compagnie Gervais Danone
    Inventors: Sergi Fernandez Allika, Pedro Galera Sanchez, Frederic Chivrac
  • Patent number: 10118747
    Abstract: A lid that, in order to keep the sip hole area sanitary when the lid is removed from the cup and is placed top-side down on a potentially contaminated surface, has raised locations on the top surface that lift the sip hole area at a distance from the potentially contaminated surface when the lid is placed on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: RUUMI CUP
    Inventor: B. Robert Polt
  • Patent number: 10118748
    Abstract: Mixing stopper, fixed on the neck of a package which includes a capsule for anchoring to the neck of the package, a receptacle containing a product to be mixed with the content of the package, a lid for closing the open base of the receptacle and a spring fitted between the receptacle and the bottom of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Microgaia Biotech, S.L.
    Inventors: Cristobal Sánchez López, José Antonio Pascual Valero
  • Patent number: 10118749
    Abstract: A tube has left and right edges spaced by a length, semi-cylindrical top and bottom edges spaced by a height, and upper and lower faces spaced from and parallel with each other at a central section. The central section is equally spaced from the left edge and the right edge. The upper and lower faces are in facing contact with each other adjacent to the left edge and adjacent to the right edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Donald Williams
  • Patent number: 10118750
    Abstract: A pouring device for pouring material from an inner bag placed within a container and method of using same are disclosed. The pouring device is movable between open and closed configurations. An embodiment provides a pouring device that includes a main body and at least one mounting part. The main body includes at least two walls and at least one attachment part, which is attached to the inner bag. The walls extend angularly away from each other to form a conduit allowing material to flow from the inner bag through an opening of the container to an exterior of the container, when the pouring device is in the open configuration. Embodiments foster a pouring solution with the mounting part conveniently mounted to the container and which remains mounted when the container is stowed. This allows the pouring device to be ready for future use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
  • Patent number: 10118751
    Abstract: A corrugated board carrier for an interior bulk beverage container is provided with a larger base, integral handles, and a ramp insert to promote gravity dispensing of beverages therein through a spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Southern Champion Tray, L.P.
    Inventors: Ron Couvillon, Candace Carlton, Stokes Smith, Anne Hooser, Sarah Williams, Matt Raus, Jason Ray
  • Patent number: 10118752
    Abstract: A packing member includes: a cushion surrounding an object and containing gas; an elastic member attachable and detachable from the cushion; and a container box containing the cushion to which the elastic member is attached. The container box includes: a container having an opening; and a lid that opens and closes the opening. The cushion includes: a first portion surrounding a portion of the object and containing the gas; a no-gas containing portion containing no gas; and a pair of second portions containing the gas, communicating with the first portion, and respectively provided on opposite sides of the object. The elastic member includes: a base disposed between the lid and the no-gas containing portion; and a pair of nipping portions respectively extending from opposite ends of the base and each disposed between the container and a corresponding one of the pair of second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nao Itabashi
  • Patent number: 10118753
    Abstract: A metering valve having an elongate moveable stem arranged for axial movements within a container and defining a discharge passage. A flexible bag for containing a liquid formulation to be dispensed from the metering valve surrounds a lower end of the metering valve. The bag is fillable through a fill passage defined by the valve and from an exterior of the container. A one-way valve, disposed in operable combination with the fill passage, prevents liquid formulation in the bag from escaping to ambient through the fill passage but allows the bag to be filled after the lower end of the valve and the bag are inserted into the container and the container is pressurized with a propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: James H. Martin
  • Patent number: 10118754
    Abstract: A method of folding a pant-like disposable absorbent garment includes providing a garment defining first and second waist side regions, a waist center region positioned therebetween, and a crotch region longitudinally below the waist center region. In particular embodiments, the method further includes folding the garment along a transversely extending fold line so as to bring the crotch region into superposed relation with the waist center region; providing a chute having a floor and first and second side walls; urging the garment into the chute; and, while the garment is in the chute, folding the garment along longitudinally extending first and second fold lines so as to position the first and second waist side regions over the waist center region. The first and second fold lines are adjacent the first and second side walls, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason K. Sieck, Bradley Schoon, Brian R. Vogt, Stephen A. Kolasinski
  • Patent number: 10118755
    Abstract: A backstacked paracord dispenser, comprising a body a lid and a backstacked length of paracord disposed therein. The body has a closed bottom and a first sidewall integrally connected to the bottom. The lid has a closed top with a through-hole disposed therethrough and a second sidewall integrally connected to the top. The second sidewall is sized to securely fit to the body. The length of paracord is disposed in the body and has one end extended through the through-hole. The paracord was backstacked into the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: QUIKCORD INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Adams, Matthew Austin Fioretti
  • Patent number: 10118756
    Abstract: A packaging device for a windscreen wiper blade has a housing configured to receive the blade, having a first support surface configured to contact a portion of an upper part of the blade, a second support surface configured to contact a first portion of a lower part of the blade, a third support surface configured to contact a second portion of the lower part of the blade, a centering means, and a hooking means for hanging the packaging device vertically. The centering means blocks the blade at the center of the housing when the packaging device is hung. The first support surface extends opposite an area situated between the second support surface and the third support surface, and the first, second, and third support surfaces together immobilize the blade inside the housing in a position that is at least partially straightened out relative to a resting position of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine Clamagirand, Stéphane Houssat
  • Patent number: 10118757
    Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensing of a substance from a container by means of a dispensing apparatus. Specifically, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to (1) a container and (2) the automated method for opening such container and (3) the automated method of dispensing of the contents from such container into a customer receptacle or glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: La Vit Technology LLC
    Inventors: Gian Matteo Lo Faro, John R. Laverack, Yuanli Shentu, Kurt R. Weseman, George E. Riehm, Greg Weaver
  • Patent number: 10118758
    Abstract: One embodiment of an infusion package comprises a prepared raw material compartment (10) formed by sealed partitions (12) and (14) and containing prepared raw material (16). Partition (14) separates compartment (10) from a flotation compartment (18) filled with flotation material (20) to cause the package envelope to float in a liquid. Any floatable material which is inert and harmless in the liquid, or a gas bubble sealed in a liquid-tight bag can serve as flotation material. A sealed envelope top (22) carries advertising materials, though advertising labels can be attached to its surface as an option. One end of a string (24) is attached to top (22) and the other—to a conventional label (26). The package envelope can be agitated and removed from the liquid with the help of top (22) or string (24). The envelope can be entirely or in part of a liquid-permeable, heavier-, or lighter-than-liquid, inert and harmless material like paper, fabric, plastic net, perforated plastic film, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Marat Purliyev
  • Patent number: 10118759
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a silo (1) comprising one or more cells (2), each cell comprising one or more outlet openings (3), wherein said cells have an angular cross-section and wherein said outlet openings have a non-angular cross-section, wherein said outlet openings and said cells are connected to one another by means of a transition plate (4), wherein the angle a between the wall of the cell and said transition plate is constant along the radial periphery of the outlet opening. The present invention also relates to a kit and a method for constructing such silo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SCE
    Inventors: Francky Vanparys, Andy Vanparys
  • Patent number: 10118760
    Abstract: A roll-off tub style container which is leak-proof to prevent liquids in the container from draining onto the ground or roadways. In one embodiment of the invention, the floor of the container has an upwardly and rearwardly extending inclined portion at the rearward end thereof to prevent liquid in the container from coming into contact with the tail gate of the container. In another embodiment of the invention, the rearward end of the container is elevated during transport to prevent liquid in the container from coming into contact with the tail gate. In yet another embodiment of the container, the floor of the container is inclined upwardly and rearwardly from the forward end thereof to the rearward end thereof. A liquid collection tank may be positioned beneath the floor of the container which has an inlet in fluid communication with the interior of the container and a discharge outlet provided thereon to permit liquid in the tank to be selectively drained therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Ralph R. Rogers
  • Patent number: 10118761
    Abstract: A waste containment system includes a flexible bag having a moldable top opening and a flexible frame including an attachment mechanism configured to couple the frame to the bag. Manipulation of the top opening causes the frame to change in shape such that the shape of the frame at least partially corresponds to the shape of the top opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Aaron John Pedersen
  • Patent number: 10118762
    Abstract: Waste receptacles (100) with pedal-operated lids (108) are provided. A waste receptacle includes an enclosure (102) having an enclosed base portion (104) and at least one sidewall (106) defining an open top portion (105), a lid (108) hingedly coupled to the enclosure and defining a channel, a pedal (112) pivotably coupled to the base portion, and an elongated lift rod (116) having a first end coupled to the pedal and a second end being disposed in the first end of the channel when the pedal is in the first position and the lid is disposed in a closed position and being disposed in the second end of the channel when the pedal is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Commercial Products LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Stark, Evan Barna, William M. Charrier
  • Patent number: 10118763
    Abstract: An collection and method of use for collecting material, such as for example, waste, garbage, or other material. The collection cart includes an upper feed section spaced from a lower base section. The collection cart has and open side intermediate the upper feed section and lower base section. The upper feed section has a collection bag channel or tubular section through which a collection bag or other material collecting container can be inserted, with the upper end of the bag or container removably secured to the upper feed section. The bag or container can be removed from the upper feed section and removed through the open side, and the collection cart can be moved by grasping handles or other grippable structure space from each other and extending from the open side of the collection cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Mario R. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 10118764
    Abstract: A transporting device for transporting a laboratory diagnostic vessel carrier from a first line portion to a second line portion of a conveying line is disclosed. The first line portion is above the second line portion with respect to gravity. The transporting device comprises first and second transporting portions. The first transporting portion is connected to the first line portion and the second transporting portion is connected to the second line portion. The first transporting portion extends in a first direction and the second transporting portion extends in a second direction different from the first direction. The first and second transporting portions transport the laboratory diagnostic vessel carrier by gravity. The first direction comprises at least a first component and the second direction comprises at least a second component. The second component is opposite to the first component. Further, a conveying line comprising such a transporting device is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Rolf Schnarwiler, Beat Jaeggi
  • Patent number: 10118765
    Abstract: A trough-belt conveyor with adjustable bearing support wings and methods for operating the conveyor to sort or destack articles. The conveyor includes a flexible conveyor belt supported in a series of support beds. Adjustable support beds have a base bearing member flanked by a pair of bearing wings. One or both of the wings are adjustable to raise or lower the sides of the belt above and below the plane of the center of the belt supported atop the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Bryant G. Ragan, John F. Landrum, Robert L. Rosen
  • Patent number: 10118766
    Abstract: A splice link for a conveyor belt includes an outer locking bar including at least one lower tab and an offset portion, an inner connector bar including at least one opening configured to receive the at least one lower tab on the outer locking bar and a front face having an upper tab, the offset portion on the outer locking bar configured to engage the upper tab of the inner connector bar. A further aspect of the disclosure includes a conveyor belt including a plurality of spaced tractive rods, a plurality of parallel pairs of edge bar links interconnecting the plurality of spaced tractive rods, and a splice link disposed between adjacent pairs of edge bar links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas O. Perdue, Robert E. Maine, Jr., George H. Messick, Jr., Jeffrey D. Ulchak, Melody Elizabeth Fernaays
  • Patent number: 10118767
    Abstract: A tensioning mechanism for a conveyor system includes a support structure, a first carriage, a second carriage, and a brake mechanism. The first carriage is positioned proximate a first end of the support structure and is supported for movement relative to the support structure. The first carriage includes first rolls for receiving the belt such that movement of the first carriage modifies a tension in the belt. The second carriage is supported for movement relative to the support structure and includes second rolls and at least one return pulley. The second rolls are configured to support a portion of the belt extending between the first carriage and the second carriage. The brake mechanism is positioned proximate a second end of the support structure and includes a brake pulley and a brake selectively retarding rotation of the brake pulley. The brake pulley supports a portion of the belt extending between the brake mechanism and the return pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Andrew P. de Lore, Matthew John Croker
  • Patent number: 10118768
    Abstract: A sewer cleaning device and/or street cleaning device includes a dirt removal container for receiving and transporting mineral dirt residues accumulating during sewer and/or street cleaning. A removal device for clearing out the dirt removal container includes a conveying worm arrangement received on a swivel frame which is swivel-mounted on an axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the container and swivellable by a swivel drive. The conveying worm arrangement is sideways deflectable by the swivel frame relative to a center position associated with the container bottom on both sides along the container wall and a fast discharge of the dirt removal container can be achieved by two conveying worms arranged in symmetrical position relative to a central longitudinal axis of the swivel frame, the conveying worms limiting a gap therebetween and acting together for the transport of the bulk material along the inner side of the container wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Karl Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 10118769
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved conveyor system that provides for a magnetically driven conveyor system in which a sidewall of the conveyor may have minimal or no perforations therein for connecting rollers or other conveying structures in the conveyor bed to an external driving mechanism. The conveyor system may also provide gapless or nearly gapless roller bed that prevents or reduces the accumulation of debris and contaminants in and between the hardware of the conveyor bed. The system of the present invention may provide a more efficient and sanitary conveyor system for produce washing or other food processing application that requires less maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Lorin Reed
  • Patent number: 10118770
    Abstract: An electronic component mounter having a mounting head includes: a board transporter (transport mechanism) that transports a board with a transport belt supporting the board; a recognizer (a board recognition camera or a height sensor) that is provided in the mounting head and recognizes a state of a front surface of the transport belt; and a determiner (wear determiner) that determines a degradation state (wear degree) of the transport belt based on the state of the front surface of the transport belt recognized by the recognizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Gouki Chiba, Toshihiko Nagaya
  • Patent number: 10118772
    Abstract: A machine for carrying out at least one operation onto a first article and a second article is disclosed. The machine comprises feeding means for advancing a succession of the first article and the second article along a path and with a first speed; a first operative group, which comprises a first tool configured for carrying out operation onto the first article and which can be operated with a second speed associated to the first speed; gap creating means selectively controllable to create a first gap, which is arranged inside succession and is bounded between the first article and the second article; and a second operative group, which comprises a second tool configured for carrying out operation onto the second article and which can be operated at the second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SIDEL S.P.A. CON SOCIO UNICO
    Inventors: James Carmichael, Marco Ferri, Nicola Veneziani
  • Patent number: 10118773
    Abstract: An automated method and system for distributing prescription vials from upstream locations of a pharmacy to various downstream destinations using a stacked configuration of outbound lanes so that vials will enter the first outbound lane that is not blocked. The distribution table of the present invention has a lower portion having outbound lanes and an upper portion having outbound lanes and where the table is adapted to move vials in a loop pattern around the lower and upper portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Humana Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Mahar
  • Patent number: 10118774
    Abstract: A transfer system according to an aspect of the invention includes a stator including a plurality of coils, a carriage capable of moving along the stator, a carriage drive magnet provided on the carriage and configured to drive the carriage by magnetic force generated by the plurality of coils, and a power receiver provided on the carriage and including a power receiving magnet configured to drive an actuator by magnetic force generated by the plurality of coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Tomoda, Takeshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10118775
    Abstract: Modular transport line system for configuring a transport line of a long stator linear motor. The system includes plural modular transport line components, each having a starting point (An) and an end point (En), wherein the starting point (An) and the end point (En) of each modular transport line component lie on a raster corner point (p·a)×(q·a) of an (a×a) raster with a prespecified raster length a, wherein p, q are whole numbers. At least one of the plural modular transport line components is a curved transport line component formed by at least three modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: B&R INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION GMBH
    Inventors: Dominic Walter, Christoph Obermair, Stefan Huber
  • Patent number: 10118776
    Abstract: A device and method for delivering a laboratory sample carrier from a stack of sample carriers includes providing a retaining mechanism that retains the stack of laboratory sample carriers, and an ejector mechanism including a displaceable mechanism comprising a carrier support portion and a carrier transporting portion which are hingeably interconnected. The stack is supported by the carrier transporting portion and the carrier transporting portion is supported by a carrier transporting portion support of the ejector mechanism when the displaceable mechanism is in a first carrier receiving position and configuration. The displaceable mechanism is displaced from the first carrier receiving position and configuration to a second carrier release position and configuration by a further displacement mechanism of the ejector mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas Fergus Hughes
  • Patent number: 10118777
    Abstract: A server rack ramp includes an upper ramp section, a lower ramp section and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly may include a body and arms. The lower ramp section may be pivotally connected to the body of the linkage assembly by a first hinge. The body of the linkage assembly may be connected to the arms by a second hinge. The arms of the linkage assembly may be connected to the upper ramp section by a third hinge. The lower and upper ramp sections may be movable between a folded position and an unfolded position via the linkage assembly. When the upper ramp section is unfolded, the lower and upper ramp sections are moveable longitudinally relative to one another via rotation of the arms relative to the main body of the linkage assembly and relative to the upper ramp section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventors: Daniel W Tower, Paul E Westphall
  • Patent number: 10118778
    Abstract: A driven gear is relatively movable to a first support position and to a second support position on a support member. When a first gear rotates in a first direction, the driven gear rotates at the first support position in conjunction with rotation of the first gear to permit the rotation of the driven gear. When the first gear rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the driven gear moves to the second support position under a force received from the gear in an area where the driven gear meshes with the first gear. Then, at the second support position, the driven gear is locked on a locking member and thus stopped, preventing the first gear from rotating in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomomichi Kawashima
  • Patent number: 10118779
    Abstract: A feeder includes a pressing section that presses a medium after a feeding force is applied on the medium in a direction in which a leading edge of the medium set in a setting section in a feeding direction abuts on an abutment section during feeding of the media by a feed roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Miyauchi, Hiromichi Kitsuki, Kosuke Nomoto
  • Patent number: 10118780
    Abstract: A sheet transfer guide, which is disposed along a sheet conveyance passage through which a sheet passes, provided to guide the sheet, and is included in an image forming apparatus and an image reading device, includes a base material, a coat layer formed on the base material and having a surface roughness smaller than a surface roughness of the base material, and a guide face to which the sheet contacts. The coat layer is formed on the guide face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Ishida, Toshiaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10118781
    Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes a sheet container, a separation feeder, a plurality of conveyance drivers, a multifeed detector, a sheet detector, and a conveyance controller. The conveyance drivers are driven to convey a sheet to a conveyance completion position on a sheet conveyance path. The multifeed detector detects occurrence of a multifeed on the conveyance path. The sheet detector detects presence or absence of the sheet at a sheet detection point on the conveyance path. The conveyance controller controls the conveyance drivers to be continuously driven until a preceding sheet preceding multifed sheets is conveyed to the conveyance completion position after the multifeed detector detects the occurrence of the multifeed. The conveyance controller controls the conveyance drivers to stop in a period in which at least one of the multifed sheets is present at the sheet detection point after the preceding sheet is conveyed to the conveyance completion position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Andoh, Munekazu Hirata, Naoto Kitamura, Koji Hatayama, Kaoru Tada, Yasunobu Youda
  • Patent number: 10118782
    Abstract: A sheet feeder includes a controller configured to perform a driving process of supplying a motor with an electric current to rotate a roller, perform a stopping process of stopping supplying the electric current in response to determining that the motor has not rotated before a second sensor detects a sheet, when an accumulated rotational quantity of the roller is less than a threshold, set a retry upper limit to a first value, the accumulated rotational quantity being detected by a first sensor in the driving process performed for a first time, when the accumulated rotational quantity of the roller is equal to or more than the threshold, set the retry upper limit to a second value more than the first value, and repeatedly perform the driving process and the stopping process until a number of retries reaches the retry upper limit or until the second sensor detects the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keisuke Wakakusa
  • Patent number: 10118783
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing absorbent sheet products includes a store with an absorbent web which is to be dispensed; a conveying mechanism for feeding the absorbent web; a severing mechanism for severing the web so as to form absorbent sheet products; a first collecting mechanism in direct contact with at least one of a roller of the conveying mechanism and the severing mechanism for collecting negative electrical charges; a second collecting mechanism in direct contact with the absorbent web for collecting positive electrical charges from the web; and a conductive material in direct contact with the first collecting mechanism and the second collecting mechanism. The conductive material, the first collecting mechanism, and the second collecting mechanism are configured such that the negative electrical charges of the first collecting mechanism and the positive electrical charges of the second collection mechanism are mutually cancelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventor: Daniel Persson
  • Patent number: 10118784
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a packaging machine and a method, wherein one embodiment of a protective device comprises a protective hood and the protective hood is lifted around a shaft comprising two rolls, and is shifted by means of guides in the protective hood on the rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Albert Gabler, Wolfgang Negele, Stefan Bieringer