Patents Issued in March 19, 2019
  • Patent number: 10233006
    Abstract: An airtight sheath includes a first buffering unit, a second buffering unit, a bottom buffering unit, and a foldable unit. Two terminating sides are formed at opposite sides of the second buffering unit to be heat-sealed to two opposite sides of the first buffering body. A packing space is formed and surrounded by the first, second, and bottom buffering units. The foldable unit includes a bending body, and a plurality of abutting air columns. The bending body is bendable from the second buffering unit so that the foldable unit is foldable into the packing space, where the packing space is capable of being narrowed by the abutting air columns and the first buffering unit. The airtight sheath is capable of fittingly packing an object having a small size as the foldable unit is folded, or an object having a larger size as the foldable unit is unfolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventors: Tai-An Liao, Kao-Hsiung Liao
  • Patent number: 10233007
    Abstract: A package includes a chamber portion, a hollow frame adjacent to the chamber portion, and a frangible chamber closure zone between the chamber portion and the frame. A method of releasing at least one agent into a chamber portion of a package includes rupturing a frangible closure between the chamber portion and a hollow frame to release the at least one agent contained in the hollow frame into the chamber portion. A process of packaging includes providing a base web; placing a product on the base web; positioning over the product a lid web; fixing the lid web to the base web to form a chamber portion enclosing the product; fixing the lid web to the base web to form a hollow frame adjacent to the chamber portion; and including an agent in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Cryovac, LLC
    Inventors: Alessandra Secchi, Riccardo Palumbo, Dario Distefano, Serena Della Bianca
  • Patent number: 10233008
    Abstract: A container for preserving the freshness of a stored food product is disclosed. The container has a receptacle with a piston and seal arrangement that creates a variable volume for food storage. A vent and seal arrangement allows for the removal of air as the piston is moved within the receptacle to reduce the volume within. A removable engaging member pushes the piston upward in order to reduce the inner volume of the container as the food stored in the container is consumed. This reduction in space and associated removal of air inhibit the oxidation and spoilage of many popular foods such as guacamole. With the engaging member removed, the container is also useful for serving the stored food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Guac-Lock LLC
    Inventors: Sharon Lonner, Jane Caplan, Ran Lerner, Flavio De Roma Leao
  • Patent number: 10233009
    Abstract: The objective is to provide a container for microwave oven and a package for microwave oven in which a clearance which is formed between a flanged portion and a lid material and a content may enter is made narrower while maintaining automatic vapor discharge function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: KYORAKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Ishikawa, Tomohiro Yuhara
  • Patent number: 10233010
    Abstract: An aerosol actuator which may be connected to a container to form an aerosol delivery system or package wherein the aerosol actuator includes four parts: a base, a trigger, a locking ring, and an orifice cup; the locking ring including a lock stop and the trigger including a locking post to lock and unlock actuation of the aerosol actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Silgan Dispensing Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Steven A. Sell
  • Patent number: 10233011
    Abstract: A unit package (10) is utilized to hold an appliance (12) such as a microwave oven. The unit package may include an impact absorbing base (14) which supports the appliance. A transparent flexible liner (40) extends in surrounding relation of the appliance. A plurality of straps (44) including respective flexible loops (46) which serve as handles, extend in surrounding relation of the liner, the appliance and the base. A plurality of unit packages are arrangeable in a stack for transport including layers of rows in supported connection with a pallet (52). A sleeve (64) extends in surrounding relation of the stack. Frangible adhesive strips (84, 86) enable opening the sleeve to expose the unit packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: DANBY PRODUCTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Jim Estill
  • Patent number: 10233012
    Abstract: A unitary package including a rolled tissue product and a packaged tissue product overwrapped with a packaging film. The packaged tissue product may be disposed in a box body which is in-turn co-packed with the rolled tissue product to increase the stability of the package. The rolled tissue products preferably comprise a dry tissue web wound about a core. The packaged tissue product preferably comprises a stack of tissue sheet products and more preferably a stack of wet tissue sheet products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Amie Mae Wentz, Jacob Louis Winston-Galant, Kimberly Ann Malec, Lauren Spencer McClure, Joseph Ralph Bennett
  • Patent number: 10233013
    Abstract: Agriculturally active products are disclosed that are used to eliminate or otherwise control pests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Donald B. Campbell, James M. Breuninger, Charles W. Arnett
  • Patent number: 10233014
    Abstract: Four embodiments of a tray are disclosed for transporting and storing milk containers and for nesting the trays for their return trip to their origin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ORBIS Corporation
    Inventor: Robert G. Nussbaum
  • Patent number: 10233015
    Abstract: The invention relates to a freight container (1), such as an air freight container, or an freight container kit comprising a base (3), a framework and panels (2) forming side walls and roof, where an elongated area along the edge of at least two of the panels (2) of the container are folded to form open profiles (5) fitting into a corresponding open profile in an adjoining panel in such a way that the open profiles form a closed hollow profile (9) when combined. The invention also relates to a method for assembling the above freight container kit, comprising the steps of; providing a base (3), arranging frame elements (4) at least around the access opening, joining and fixing the open profiles (5) of neighboring panels to each other and joining and fixing the frame elements (4) to the edges of the panels (2) lacking open profiles (5) and to the base (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Nordisk Aviation Products AS
    Inventor: Christian Arnesen
  • Patent number: 10233016
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermoplastic bag comprised of a front panel and a back panel. The front panel and back panel are generally joined along a first side edge, a second side edge, and a bottom edge of the respective front panel and back panel. The front panel has a distal edge with the distal edge folded over the front panel to provide a hem and an overlap area immediately below the first hem. The overlap encapsulates a scent carrier that provides a scent to the thermoplastic bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Poly-America, L.P.
    Inventor: Brad A. Cobler
  • Patent number: 10233017
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cover assemblies for use with containers such as large dumpsters or roll-off containers. The cover assembly generally includes a cover portion, a frame portion, and one or more mounting arms. The cover is coupled to the frame, and the frame is movable with respect to the mounting arm from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position comprises a closed position and wherein the second position comprises an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: TB Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Richard Boesch
  • Patent number: 10233018
    Abstract: A trash collector, including a bucket 1 and a lid 4, which covers the bucket and is fastened pivotally in the area of an upper brim of the bucket, in order to pivot it upwards to open the trash collector. A pedal arrangement 3, 20 is arranged in the area of a base of the bucket, and a lever arrangement 8, 12 connects the pedal arrangement to the lid in order to pivot open the lid by a motion of the pedal arrangement. The lid is embodied in several parts and has at least two lid sections 5, which are each pivotable about as separate axis 30, 30?, and a frame element 6, which is provided detachably and/or pivotally in the area of the upper brim of the bucket and to which the lid sections 5 are fastened in a pivotal fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ROTHO KUNSTSTOFF AG
    Inventors: Christian Thoma, Bruno Meier
  • Patent number: 10233019
    Abstract: A warehousing system for storing and retrieving goods disposed in containers is provided. The system includes a multilevel storage array including an array of storage shelves for holding containers thereon, at least one substantially continuous lift for transporting containers to and from at least one level of the storage array, at least one transport vehicle located on the at least one level and configured to traverse a transport area transporting containers between the at least one continuous lift and container storage locations so that the at least one continuous lift communicates non-deterministically, via the transport vehicle, with storage locations of each of the storage shelves on the at least one level, an infeed transport system linked to the at least one continuous lift, and an order fulfillment station for generating order containers corresponding to customer orders where the order containers are entered onto the storage shelves of the storage array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Symbotic, LLC
    Inventor: John Lert
  • Patent number: 10233020
    Abstract: In a palette accommodation device in which a nozzle palette to which a suction nozzle can be installed is stored, a plurality of storage sections (parts on one pair of comb teeth which are positioned at the same height) for storing the nozzle palette, are installed to be aligned in the vertical direction. In addition, a support arm moves in the vertical direction, and moves in the direction of approaching the storage section and in the direction of being separated from the storage section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazumi Hoshikawa, Kenji Shimosaka
  • Patent number: 10233021
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to autonomous vehicles, such as autonomous ground vehicles (“AGVs”) that may be utilized to transport items to specified locations (e.g., residences, dormitory rooms, etc.), operate as a safety escort for a human moving from one location to another (e.g., from a campus library to a dormitory room), form ad-hoc wireless networks with other autonomous vehicles, and/or to operate as a mobile security station that can provide direct connection between a person at the location of the autonomous vehicle and security, rescue, and/or other personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tye Michael Brady, Darren Ernest Canavor, Ethan Zane Evans
  • Patent number: 10233022
    Abstract: A draper belt (8) having a carry layer (14), a pulley cover layer (13), and a reinforcing layer (12) which is disposed between the carry layer (14) and the pulley cover layer (13). The draper belt (8) has a first edge (30) and a second edge (31), and cleats (7) on the carry layer (14) which run from the first edge (30) to the second edge (31) of the draper belt (8). The reinforcing rods (15, 18, 19, 20) contain metal. In some other aspects of the disclosure, two methods for ensuring adhesion between the reinforcing rods (15, 18, 19, 20) and the cleats (7) of the draper belt (8) are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ContiTech Transportbandsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: David W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10233023
    Abstract: A spiral overlay for a conveyor belt includes a plurality of wire spirals assembled together in intermeshing relationship on connecting rods to provide a conveying surface and an opposing surface with a belt thickness extending in the vertical direction. Each of said wire spirals formed of a single length of wire and forming a helix extending laterally across the belt, said spiral comprising opposed arcuate linking bends at a forward end and a rearward end along the longitudinal axis, and at least one intermediate loop formed between said opposed arcuate linking bends and disposed within the belt thickness, said spirals arranged relative to one another such that said linking bends of one spiral are intermeshed with linking bends of an immediately adjacent one of said spirals and said intermeshed linking bends of adjacent spirals are adapted to receive one of the connecting rods to operatively connect said spirals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ashworth Bros., Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Trinch, Jonathan R. Lasecki, William Banks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10233024
    Abstract: A vented bucket for use in an endless conveyor system, such as a bucket elevator, includes two oppositely disposed side panels joined by a rear panel, a bottom panel, and a front panel. At least one vent tube extends along or within one of the rear panel, side panels or front panel in a substantially vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: William F. Hart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10233025
    Abstract: An idler wheel support for a conveyor belt comprises a gear rack adjustment mechanism or for use in adjusting the position of one end portion an idler wheel supporting frame. The gear rack is provided at said one end portion of the frame, such as on a foot, or on a base to which the foot is slidably coupled. A tool comprising a gear is selectively positioned for pivoting on the foot or base that does not have the gear rack with the gear engaged with the gear rack. When so engaged, pivoting the gear shifts said one end portion of the frame and adjusts the angle of the frame relative to the longitudinal conveyor frame axis and adjusts the longitudinal tracking of the conveyor belt. The gear can be mounted on a lever and positioned for pivotal engagement with the gear rack to enable adjustment of the belt tracking while the belt is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Transco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg Mattila
  • Patent number: 10233026
    Abstract: A method is provided for removing slack in a chain conveyor driven between a first sprocket and a second sprocket, the first sprocket and the second sprocket rotating in a first direction. The method includes: locking the second sprocket to prevent rotation of the second sprocket in a second direction opposite the first direction; operating the first sprocket in the second direction to position a slack portion between the first sprocket and the second sprocket; and removing at least one chain link from the slack portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventor: Gareth Rimmington
  • Patent number: 10233027
    Abstract: An indexing or ratcheting conveyor configured to advance loads includes a frame defining the inlet end and the outlet end of the conveyor, an indexing device with a gravity rocking pushers mounted on moving rails and pushing on the loads, the rails mounted for movement on receptacles and a powered member linked to carrying members and configured to advance the loads along a conveyance path in a direction from the inlet end to the outlet end of the conveyor. The conveyor can also include a second device configured to move the loads, disposed at the outlet end only, in a direction from the outlet end to the inlet end prior to discharge of the load outwardly from the outlet end. The conveyor can be used as a component of an oven configured to cook or bake dough in containers with electrical resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ZME, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Robert McCafferty, Zachary Gerald Soles
  • Patent number: 10233028
    Abstract: A conveyor controller for being implemented into a conveyor system includes control circuitry and one or more network interfaces for coupling with other conveyor controllers. In one embodiment, the control circuitry configured for detecting whether a another conveyor controller is connected and to determine which network interface is used in order to set the direction of the conveyor system. In another embodiment, the control circuitry is configured, to receive configuration data from a conveyor controller connected to a network interface, and to detect if another conveyor controller is and to transmit configuration message to another conveyor controller that includes additional configuration data associated with the conveyor controller. In still another embodiment, the control circuitry transmits configuration data to a replacement conveyor controller upon getting a request from the replacement conveyor controller that has been connected to a network interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Insight Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Combs, James P. Knapke, Dimitar Ivanov Petrov, Timothy A. Barnes, David W. Sellers
  • Patent number: 10233029
    Abstract: A conveyor belt scraper (44) which has a molded base (10), a scraper element (46) which is molded to the base (10), and resiliently compressible inserts (80, 82) between relatively movable opposed surfaces of the base (10) and the scraper element (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: BRELKO PATENTS (PTY) LTD.
    Inventor: Paul Christian
  • Patent number: 10233030
    Abstract: For a component receiving member provided with a component reception recess shaped according to a component that is a storage target, and side wall section that a component held by suction nozzle contacts when moved in the left-right direction, when the component is released in a state contacting the side wall section, the component is stored in the component reception recess by leads of the component falling along a tapered surface and the component rotating 90 degrees due to its own weight. Therefore, even in a case in which the component is held by suction nozzle with an upper surface facing up, the component is stored in the component reception recess with the upper surface facing up by the component rotating 90 degrees at the component receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru Matsumoto, Shunji Morikawa
  • Patent number: 10233031
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a display panel turnover device. The display panel turnover device includes: a holder comprising two inverted-V shaped supports arranged oppositely and a rotating shaft pivotally assembled on top ends of the two inverted-V shaped supports, wherein each inverted-V shaped support comprises a front leg and a rear leg; an adjustment lever having a first operating position and a second operating position, located between two front legs and two rear legs and substantially parallel to the rotating shaft; a frame configured to retain a periphery of a display panel therein, wherein a top of the frame is secured to the rotating shaft, and a bottom of the frame is secured to the adjustment lever; and a front door and a rear door respectively arranged at a front side and a rear side of the frame and capable of being opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., HEFEI BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xikui Hao, Zhiyu Qian, Yong Sun, Fangqing Li, Wei Min, Anlong Xu
  • Patent number: 10233032
    Abstract: An apparatus including a delivery device including a tray, and a device for changing the tray from a receiving state to a dumping state; a device for supplying one or more materials to the delivery device, while the tray of the delivery device is in a receiving state; a track device including a track and a motor; and a mold having an elongated opening, wherein the delivery device is configured to move back and forth on the track of the track device in response to the motor of the track device; wherein the track of the track device is substantially parallel to the elongated opening of the mold; and wherein the device for changing the tray from the receiving state to the dumping state causes one or more materials to fall from the tray through the elongated opening of the mold into an inner chamber of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Alex Xie
  • Patent number: 10233033
    Abstract: A work-piece transfer apparatus, comprising at least one work-piece engagement structure; at least one first robot arm pivotally connected to the work-piece engagement structure; a first motor coupled to the first robot arm and being adapted for translating the first robot arm fore and aft in a generally horizontal direction; a second motor; at least one second robot arm being in operating driving relationship with the second motor and operatively coupled with the work-piece engagement structure for raising and lowering the work-piece engagement structure; and a support structure for supporting the apparatus or portions thereof; wherein the first motor and second motor are operated synchronously to raise, lower, and/or translate the work-piece engagement structure in a fore and aft direction by way of one or both of the first robot arm and second robot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: DIEBOTICS IP, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Richard Launiere
  • Patent number: 10233034
    Abstract: A product distribution unit removes rows of products from a production flow conveyed on a main conveyor and conveys them by a distribution device to a packaging machine. A waiting belt, which is arranged beneath the main conveyor and can be displaced in the main direction of conveyance, is used for taking over rows of products from the main conveyor and delivering the rows of products to a discharge belt desynchronized from the main conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ROTZINGER AG
    Inventor: Kurt Philipp
  • Patent number: 10233035
    Abstract: In one aspect, a transfer guard member having a body for being positioned in a gap intermediate conveying surfaces, an upper portion of the body for spanning the gap and outer portions of the upper body for slidingly engaging the conveying surfaces, and a pair of spaced, resilient legs having distal end portions for resiliently and slidingly engaging the conveying surfaces. In another aspect, a transfer guard member having a body and at least one attachment member of the body configured for being detachably fixed to a mounting bar. The body has at least one recess adjacent the attachment member for receiving at least one attachment member of another transfer guard member fixed to the mounting bar so that upper transfer surfaces of the attachment members are adjacent one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing Company
    Inventor: Mark Steven Pettinga
  • Patent number: 10233036
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method comprising a device (1) having at least two separating surfaces (2, 2?) for separating planar and three-dimensional solids, which can be light, medium, and heavy, wherein the device can be installed and integrated into existing system for separating different material streams, such as garbage and waste. The bulk goods (3) to be separated and fed first to a first separating surface (2), and then to a second separating surface (2?) in succession, whereby a high degree of separation between light and heavy bulk goods (3) is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Dirk Barnstedt
  • Patent number: 10233037
    Abstract: A maintenance access system for a storage and retrieval system having a storage and retrieval space and automated transport vehicles disposed in the space. The system includes at least one maintenance access control unit associated with a portion of the space, at least one barrier in the space and defining a boundary of the portion of the space and configured to substantially prevent the passage of the vehicles past the at least one barrier, and a controller connected to the control unit, the controller being configured to receive a signal from the at least one control unit for isolating the portion of the space associated with the at least one control unit, where the controller in response to the signal closes the at least one barrier isolating the portion of the space and effects the removal from or shutting down of vehicles within the portion of the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Symbotic, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Cyrulik, Robert Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10233038
    Abstract: A self-aligning interface (6300) is attached to a robotic carton unloader (6100) and provides an interface between an extendable conveyor (6200) and the robotic carton unloader (6100). The self-aligning interface (6300) can include a positional measurement device (6320, 6320b, 6320c) mounted on the robotic carton unloader (6100) and operatively engaged with the extendable conveyor (6200) to provide positional information about the location of the extendable nose conveyor (6220) relative to the positional measurement device (6320, 6320b, 6320c). A control unit (6180) is attached to the robotic carton unloader (6100) for full robotic control of robotic carton unloader (6100) and the unloading process. The control unit (6180) is connected to the positional measurement device (6320, 6320b, 6320c) and the extendable conveyor (6200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Intelligrated Headquarters, LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Girtman, Nathan Blough, Dean Roper, Steven W. Griggs, John Simons
  • Patent number: 10233039
    Abstract: A raising/lowering conveyance apparatus has at least two sets of container holders operable to be raised/lowered in conjunction with each other, and to be freely movable closer to or away from containers in the back-and-forth horizontal direction. A sensor operable to detect the upper end height of the transferred containers which have been transferred and raised is attached to a position near the lower end of each container holder, to determine abnormality in posture of the transferred containers through a comparison operation between the value of the upper end height of the transferred containers detected by the sensor and the normal value of the upper end height of the transferred containers calculated on the basis of the height of the container being handled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Miyoshi, Jun Hamaguchi, Masato Inaba
  • Patent number: 10233040
    Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes: a housing; a sheet supply tray; and a dust proof cover including a first cover and a second cover. The sheet supply tray is supported to the housing and pivotally movable between a closed position and an open position. The first cover is supported to the housing and pivotally movable between a first position in proximity to the sheet supply tray and a second position away from the sheet supply tray. The second cover is connected to the first cover and pivotally movable about a second pivot axis between a third position in proximity to the sheet supply tray and a fourth position away from the sheet supply tray. The second cover has a center of gravity positioned closer to the housing than the second pivot axis is to the housing in a state where the sheet supply tray is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Ozeki, Shinya Yamada, Shoko Kodama
  • Patent number: 10233041
    Abstract: A sheet supporting apparatus includes a body, a supporting portion configured to be held in an elevating manner by the body and to support a sheet, a sheet regulation portion regulating a position of the sheet supported on the supporting portion, a movement portion capable of moving between a first position where the sheet regulation portion regulates the position of the sheet supported on the supporting portion, and a second position where the supporting portion is regulated from elevating with respect to the body, and a movement regulation unit regulating the movement portion from moving to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shunsuke Okazaki, Akira Matsushima
  • Patent number: 10233042
    Abstract: Both the inboard and outboard fluffer nozzles of a top vacuum corrugation feeder are configured to allow adjustability in angle of air flow. This is to allow the direction of the air to be angled more towards the lead edge or trail edge of a top few sheets in a stack of specialty sheets. The fluffer nozzles are also adjustable in a horizontal plane for positioning at desired locations along the sheet stack. This allows the air to overcome barriers created by the design of specialty media that would otherwise trap the air and prevent it from being distributed between sheets. The cross-section of the nozzles is also adjustable, providing a smaller or wider throat in order to allow the air velocity to be optimized to best separate the sheets in problem areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy D Slattery, Douglas K Herrmann
  • Patent number: 10233043
    Abstract: There is provided an image recording apparatus including a transporting path, a recording section, a first and second rollers pinching the recording medium therebetween, a supporting member which rotatably supports the second roller, a holding member which is movable along a transporting direction of the recording medium, a bias applying member which applies a bias on the holding member, in an opposite direction opposite to the transporting direction and a load member which generates a load in the opposite direction, with respect to the recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noriyuki Kawamata, Yuji Koga, Wataru Sugiyama, Kenji Samoto
  • Patent number: 10233044
    Abstract: A conveying apparatus includes: a casing formed with a first sheet-conveyance passage and a second sheet-conveyance passage positioned inwardly as compared with the first sheet-conveyance passage; a cover member including a first resin member having a first guide surface for defining the first sheet-conveyance passage, a second resin member attached to the first resin member and located on an inner side of the casing than the first guide surface and defining the first sheet-conveyance passage, and a third resin member attached to the second resin member at a position opposite to the first resin member with respect to the second resin member and having a third guide surface for defining the second sheet-conveyance passage; and a metal frame attached to the second resin member at a position between the second resin member and the third resin member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masatomo Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10233045
    Abstract: A sheet delivery system includes: a joining unit configured to join, to an intermediate section of a sheet being delivered from a delivery-side original material roll, an end section of a sheet of a standby-side original material roll; and an operation robot configured to retrieve the end section of the sheet from the standby-side original material roll and convey the end section of the sheet to the joining unit. The sheet delivery system is configured to set, in advance, a sheet retrieval position at which the sheet is retrieved from each of the original material rolls, for each of the original material rolls. The operation robot is configured to convey the end section of the sheet from each of the sheet retrieval positions to the joining unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ZUIKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Sato, Yosuke Nishimura, Shinichiro Nagafuchi
  • Patent number: 10233046
    Abstract: A sheet discharging device includes a stacking portion configured to stack a sheet; a discharging portion configured to feed the sheet so as to be discharged to the stacking portion, wherein the discharging portion includes a first roller configured to feed the sheet and a second roller provided so as to be contactable to a sheet surface opposite from another sheet surface to which the first roller is contactable to; and an electrically discharging member configured to electrically discharge the sheet in contact with the sheet fed by the discharging portion. As viewed in a widthwise direction perpendicular to a discharging direction of the sheet, the electrically discharging member is provided so as to extend through between rotational axes of the first and second rollers in the discharging direction of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoyuki Maeda
  • Patent number: 10233047
    Abstract: A printing system capable of properly changing a content of a notification based on occurrence of a full state of a sheet in an output destination. A printing system which is able to output a sheet to any of a plurality of sheet stacking units includes a determining unit configured to determine whether a first setting for selecting a specific sheet stacking unit as an output destination of the sheet is performed or a second setting for automatically selecting any sheet stacking unit from among the plurality of sheet stacking units as the output destination is performed, a notification unit configured to perform a notification according to occurrence of a fully-stacked state in the output destination, and a control unit configured to change a content of the notification based on the determining by the determining unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuuki Maeda
  • Patent number: 10233048
    Abstract: A post-processing apparatus includes a loading tray, a post-processing unit for performing predetermined post-processing on a sheet before ejecting the sheet onto the loading tray, and a drawing paddle for sending the sheet conveyed toward the loading tray in a direction opposite to the conveying direction to draw the sheet to a predetermined position on a processing tray. The drawing paddle includes a paddle rotation shaft disposed above the processing tray with a predetermined distance from the processing tray, and a paddle blade fixed to the paddle rotation shaft. The paddle blade is a laminated body including an elastic sheet to be in contact with the sheet to be post-processed and a reinforcing sheet reinforcing the elastic sheet. The elastic sheet has a first length longer than the predetermined distance and the reinforcing sheet has a second length shorter than the predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Terumitsu Noso, Yasunori Ueno, Rina Okada
  • Patent number: 10233049
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a financial device and a method for controlling the same. The financial device includes: a multi-media storage module including a first storage part having a first stacking space in which media are stacked and a second storage part disposed under the first storage part and having a second stacking space in which media are stacked, in which the multi-media storage module has the first stacking space and the second stacking space provided at different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: LG CNS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Jae Yong Kim, Jong Kwang Kim, Yoon Seok Choi, Do Yeon Kim, Chang Ho Moon, Sung Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 10233050
    Abstract: Implementations of a tape holder are provided. In some implementations, the tape holder may be used to secure a roll of tape to a magnetic surface. In some implementations, the tape holder is comprised of a base member and a spool support. In some implementations, the base member has one or more magnets on one side for securing the tape holder to a surface. In some implementations, the spool support is configured to secure a roll of tape to the tape holder. In some implementations, the spool support is configured to receive a roll of tape thereon. In some implementations, the spool support may include one or more flexible members thereon configured to releasably secure a roll of tape on the spool support. In some implementations, the tape holder may include a bearing shelf. In some implementations, the bearing shelf may be configured to support a roll of tape thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Timothy Briggs
  • Patent number: 10233051
    Abstract: A method for assembling a reel comprising a first flange, a second flange and a barrel is disclosed. This method comprises (i) securing at least one spring-loaded magnetic guide to a base; (ii) positioning the first flange over the at least one spring-loaded magnetic guide and the base, so that a distal end of the at least one spring-loaded magnetic guide is inserted through a first hole in the first flange, (iii) connecting the barrel to the first flange, (iv) connecting the second flange to the barrel so that the barrel is located between the first and second flanges, (v) inserting at least one threaded fastener through a second hole in the second flange such that a distal end of the at least one threaded fastener is magnetically attached to the distal end of the at least one spring-loaded magnetic guide, and (vi) connecting the at least one threaded fastener to the first flange to form the reel. Also disclosed are the structures of the spring loaded magnetic guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Carris Reels, Inc.
    Inventor: David Ferraro
  • Patent number: 10233052
    Abstract: A strap may be removably attachable to a container. The strap may include a retractor having an opening, a retraction spring and a brake. The strap may further include a strip of flexible material attached to the retraction spring and extending through the opening of the retractor. The strap may also include clips attaching the retractor and distal end of the flexible material to the container. The strip of flexible material may move from a fully retracted position, where the distal end of the strip of flexible material is nearest the retractor, relative to the entire length of the strip of flexible material, to an extended position where the distal end of the strip of flexible material is furthest from the retractor. The retraction spring may bias the strip of flexible material into/toward the fully retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: William F. Joyner
  • Patent number: 10233053
    Abstract: A door switch inspection device for detecting an abnormal condition of a landing door switch used in an elevator is disclosed. Each of a plurality of landing door switches is disposed on a corresponding landing door at each landing floor for detecting an open/closed state of the landing door. The door switch inspection device includes a plurality of voltage detection units connected to the ground side of their respective landing door switches for detecting a voltage value of their respective landing door switches, and a switch contact monitoring unit for detecting an abnormal condition of a landing door switch, which is carried out by calculating a voltage difference between two adjacent floors and comparing the voltage difference with a threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Atsushi Yamada, Hisanori Seki
  • Patent number: 10233054
    Abstract: An elevator car upper handrail apparatus, in which a connecting body is provided between respective ends of first and second side handrails on a landing side. The connecting body includes an opening/closing member which is rotatable between a closed position, in which a path for movement of a worker from a landing to a car upper surface is closed by the opening/closing member, and an open position, in which the path for movement is opened by the opening/closing member. The opening/closing member is configured to return automatically to the closed position. When the opening/closing member is in the closed position, the connecting body transmits an external force applied to one of the first and second side handrails in the width direction of a car to the other of the first and second side handrails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahide Ishiguro, Naoyuki Maruyama, Hironobu Kamada, Hideki Miyahara, Kazuya Shindo
  • Patent number: 10233055
    Abstract: A pneumatic vacuum elevator cylinder has a cabin inserted therein. A structural plate of the cabin has a liner attached thereto. This liner has an integral bumper formed on an external surface thereof for impact the inner surfaces of the pneumatic vacuum elevator cylinder. The bumpers have a variety of features that facilitate the smooth ride of the cabin within the elevator cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventors: Carlos M. Ascua, Juan Carlos de Ledebur