Patents Issued in June 30, 2020
  • Patent number: 10696441
    Abstract: Beverage container packaging assemblies including a bottom tray, center support, and top tray are disclosed. The bottom tray includes a plurality of cup-shaped elements. The cup-shaped elements are configured to accommodate a bottom portion of a beverage container. The center support is disposed between and in contact with the bottom tray and a top tray of a molded paper pulp. The center support includes a plurality of center support posts, a plurality of recessed elements, and a plurality of beverage container support cavities that are bounded by at least one of the center support posts. The support cavities are configured to surround at least a portion of the beverage container. The top tray includes a plurality of vertical members comprising at least one deformable element and a plurality of bottle neck accommodating spaces each bounded by the at least one deformable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Acorn West LLC
    Inventors: John Gilligan, Rick Gant, David Weissberg, Ron Valtierra, Gord Heyting, Chris Russell
  • Patent number: 10696442
    Abstract: A telescoping graphic block package includes a tray configured to package and display product placed therein. A graphic block is slidingly connected to the tray for telescoping relative to the tray along a telescoping axis. A set of folding panels connects the tray to the graphic block. The tray can include a bottom panel and two side panels on either end of the bottom panel. The side panels can be opposed to one another along the telescoping axis. A back panel can be connected to the bottom panel. A front panel can be connected to the bottom panel across from the back panel relative to the telescoping axis. The graphic block can include a front panel, a top panel, and side panel orthogonal to both the front panel and the top panel, wherein the side panel of the graphic block is normal to the telescoping axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: Alexander C. Sin
  • Patent number: 10696443
    Abstract: A package may include a sled configured to receive a product, and a sleeve configured to receive the sled through a first or second opening. The sleeve may include a top wall, a bottom wall, and first and second sidewalls, defining the first and second openings. The sleeve may include a rib extending downward from the top wall and positioned substantially parallel to an edge of the top wall proximate the first opening. The rib may engage the sled when the package is in a closed position, and in response to a force sliding the sleeve relative to the sled, the rib may deflect and produce an indication of opening or closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Mundt, Connie Yang, Jonathan M. McCarren, Bhautik H. Mehta, Evan M. Rosebrock
  • Patent number: 10696444
    Abstract: A container includes a plurality of panels integrally arranged with respect to each other and with respect to a set of orthogonal x, y and z axes, the plurality of panels being foldable to create the container. The plurality of panels include a first panel disposed parallel to the z-axis, the first panel having a first side portion, a second side portion, and a display portion disposed between the first and second side portions, the first and second side portions and the display portion being coplanar and bordering at least a portion of a product display opening. The first panel further includes a first relief feature disposed between the display portion and the first side portion, and a second relief feature disposed between the display portion and the second side portion, wherein the at least a portion of the product display opening and the first and second relief features are formed by an absence of material of the first panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Corrugated LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Keith Dorminey, Okebola Okerinde
  • Patent number: 10696445
    Abstract: A blank for a carton includes: a sheet of material defining a plurality of panels separated by a plurality of fold lines, the panels defining an enclosure including first perforation lines which demarcate a separation of the enclosure into a lower portion and an upper portion; the panels within the lower portion defining an open-top enclosure; and the upper portion including second perforation lines defining a display tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: U.S. COTTON, LLC
    Inventor: Abby Morgan Miller
  • Patent number: 10696446
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a packaging box. The packaging box includes a box body, a cover body, a pressing member, a linkage member, and a lifting member. The box body includes a base plate. The cover body is configured to be closed or opened relative to the box body. The pressing member is connected to the box body. The linkage member is connected between the pressing member and the cover body. The lifting member is connected to the box body and is located above the pressing member. When the cover body is opened relative to the box body, the linkage member moves with the cover body to drive the pressing member to press against the lifting member, so that at least one part of the lifting member is pushed by the pressing member to move away from the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Chuan-Ming Lee, Lin-Hua Xu
  • Patent number: 10696447
    Abstract: A combination shipping carton and display stand contains a number of items such as pouches, bags, containers or products to be displayed for retail sale, distribution or other purposes. The carton serves as a shipping container for transport and/or storage of the products. When the products are to be displayed for retail sale or distribution, an upper shipping portion of the carton is removed by tear strips to expose the products in a display stand. The products are arranged and maintained in an orderly fashion by a pair of wedges inside of the carton and formed by the carton material to cant the products for enhanced display to the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: The C.W. Zumbiel Company
    Inventor: Steven J. Block
  • Patent number: 10696448
    Abstract: A plastic tank is comprised of two parts, a base and a top, that are permanently joined to each other by welding at a circumferential joint formed by two mating flanges of the parts. Fusion weld elements are captured on the faying surfaces of the flanges of the assembled parts, and the elements are melted by internal heating of metal portions of the elements. Two spaced apart circumferential welds which define an annular space are formed. The pressure within the annular space is changed in a test procedure to verify the integrity of the welds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: INFILTRATOR WATER TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Paul R Holbrook, Roy E Moore, Jr., Bryan A Coppes, Gregory Trude
  • Patent number: 10696449
    Abstract: Composite pallets and methods for making and using composite pallets are disclosed. An example composite pallet may include a base layer. The base layer may include a first base board, a second base board, and a cross-member extending between the first base board and the second base board. The cross-member may include a first end region designed to be detachably coupled to the first base board, a second end region designed to be detachably coupled to the second base board, and at least one curved section positioned between the first end region and the second end region. The cross-member may include a polymer. An intermediate layer may be coupled to the base layer. The intermediate layer may include a plurality of intermediate boards. A top layer may be coupled to the intermediate layer. The top layer may include a plurality of top boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: INTEGRATED COMPOSITE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald C. Hawley, Derek J. Mazula
  • Patent number: 10696450
    Abstract: A container comprising a first side-panel section separated from a second side-panel section. Each of the first and second side-panel sections includes a side portion fold line extending laterally across the side-panel sections, such that each side-panel section presents two side portions. Furthermore, the container includes a pair of end flaps extending along lateral edges of the first and second side-panel sections and separated from the side-panel sections via primary fold lines, with the end flaps operable to connect the first and second side-panel sections together. The container is configured to be erected from a knockdown configuration by folding together the first side-panel section and the second side-panel section, and extending the first side-panel section and the second side-panel section away from each other such that the container forms a rectangular perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Vanguard Packaging, LLC
    Inventors: David Anthony Valentini, Jerry Ryan Frost
  • Patent number: 10696451
    Abstract: A combined PV panel assembly jig and forklift transport pallet is used to assemble PV panels for transport to a field array from a protected manufacturing environment. The panels are assembled to have adhesively applied rails for transport by a robotic drone on a ground-support rack and are pre-wired. The PV panel assembly jig holds, protects, and aligns the PV panels in an upside down position, opposite to their operational position, for ease of wiring in order to decrease the manual labor required in the field. Once the pallet is transported to the load station at the end of a row of solar panel racks in the field array, a robotic loader lifts the upside down PV panels from the combined PV panel assembly jig and forklift transport pallet in an arcing overhead motion that lifts, tilts, and deposits the PV panels in an upright position at the loading station of a railed rack support as ground-mounted in a solar panel field array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventors: Eric Bramwell Britcher, Jeffrey Allen Moore, John Andrew Samuels
  • Patent number: 10696452
    Abstract: A self aligning stacking ring guides stacked cans into alignment. The self aligning stacking ring includes radially protruding alignment bumps angularly spaced apart at a common radius corresponding to a recess in the bottom of common cans. The self aligning stacking ring guides tend to center a can placed over the self aligning stacking ring guides to make stacking cans easier and quicker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher Werner, Dawnn Winter, Norman Levine
  • Patent number: 10696453
    Abstract: A collapsible folding container to provide a safe and secure location for delivered packages, comprising a base panel that is securably attached to a base frame, the base frame that is vertically mountable on a structure that is permanently hinged to the rear edges of a left side rear panel, a right side rear panel, a lid, and a bottom plate, a front panel permanently hinged to the front edges of the left side front panel and right side front panel, the left side rear panel permanently hinged to the rear edge of the left side front panel, and the right side rear panel permanently hinged to the rear edge of the right side front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: AH HA! ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventor: Paul David Sena
  • Patent number: 10696454
    Abstract: A combination carrying device includes a rigid basket having a flexible bag nested therein. The flexible bag may be formed from one or more fabrics or like materials and define a tapered volume having a pair of handle extensions. The rigid basket may be formed from plastics or like materials and include rotatable handles mounted to sides of the rigid basket via one or more mounting bores. A customer carrying a combination carrying device in a retail establishment may place one or more items in the flexible bag nested within the rigid basket, and extract the flexible bag from the rigid basket after executing a purchase for the items therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiao Wang, Thomas Duester, Ashley Anne Arhart, Matthew James Bird, Jason Michael Famularo, Aaron Benjamin Nather
  • Patent number: 10696455
    Abstract: By securely affixing or bonding a multi-layer film to the terminating end of a closure/stopper, with the multi-layer film being constructed for promoting the transfer of all of the desirable gases, chemicals, and/or compounds while preventing the transfer of undesirable gases, chemicals, and/or compounds, a unique, closure or stopper having a sealed and/or barrier bearing terminating end is achieved. In this way, wine sealed in the wine bottle by the closure/stopper of the present invention is assured of possessing a long storage life, while also having the flavor, bouquet, taste, and quality desired for the wine fully maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: VINVENTIONS USA, LLC
    Inventors: Darrell James Miller, Lindsay Herman Davis, Marco Josef Otto Kirch, Daniel Robert Bartholomew, Olav Marcus Aagaard, Malcolm Joseph Thompson
  • Patent number: 10696456
    Abstract: A cap assembly for a container that includes an outer-shell and an inner-element that is received within the outer shell. The outer shell includes a recess on the interior surface of a top portion and the recess includes a top flange section that restricts the opening. The recess receives a complementary end wall that extends from the inner-element and which has a lip that mechanically locks within the recess thereby keeping the shell and liner together. In embodiments a clutch plate is positioned between the shell and liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Brandriff, Charles Bentley, Christopher LePine
  • Patent number: 10696457
    Abstract: To provide a spout-equipped container that is excellent in hermetical-sealing performance. The spout-equipped container includes a container and a spout. The spout includes a spout base, an opening element accommodated in a cylinder of the spout base, an activating body which moves the opening element, and a heat sealed sheet which covers an inner opening which fronts an accommodating part in the spout base. The opening element is formed so as not to be get out of the spout base, is formed so as to move toward the heat sealed sheet, and has its center where a spout through hole is formed. The heat sealed sheet is formed so as to be partially torn by the opening element to make the accommodating part of the container and an outer opening of the spout base communicate with outside via the spout through hole of the opening element, and is formed so that an accommodated substance is poured outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: MELODIAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ohkubo, Takayuki Monden
  • Patent number: 10696458
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a receptacle system and component parts thereof, for example a carafe with a lid, wherein an elongated object, for example a (stirring) rod can remain in the opening of the receptacle when the lid is in place. The previously known receptacle systems are susceptible to damage. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide advantageous components of a receptacle system and an advantageous receptacle system per se, wherein the susceptibility to damage is reduced. This object is achieved by a holding device, a lid device and a receptacle system as disclosed herein. According to an embodiment, the holding device essentially has a hollow cylindrical device body, which in turn is composed inter alia of two cylinder portions which are connected to one another by means of a folding device. Both cylinder portions are connected to one another by means of the folding device, such that they can pivot about a pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: VitaJuwel GmbH
    Inventor: Ewald Eisen
  • Patent number: 10696459
    Abstract: A reinforced cable tie generally includes an elongate strap having a first end, a second end and an elongate planar strap body therebetween, a head having an upstanding central wall separating a first and a second elongate parallel passageway through the head for respective receipt of the first and second ends of said strap, a locking device supported in the head for retaining the first and second ends of the strap and a continuous reinforcement disposed in and extending substantially continuously along a path defining the strap. In a method for forming a cable tie, a continuous reinforcing strand is co-extruded within an elongate strap and a head is assembled to the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Dariusz Bednarowski, Kathryn F. Murphy, Krzysztof Dudek
  • Patent number: 10696460
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are water-soluble films and resulting packets including a water-soluble film coated by a powder, wherein the powder includes a mixture of a powdered lubricant and an active agent. Optionally, the active agent may be encapsulated, e.g. microencapsulated, for release of the active agent through mechanisms including, but not limited to, mechanical rupture, melt, ablation, dissolution, diffusion, biodegradation, or pH-controlled release. Active ingredients described include enzymes, oils, flavors, colorants, odor absorbers, fragrances, pesticides, fertilizers, activators, acid catalysts, metal catalysts, ion scavengers, bleaches, bleach components, fabric softeners and combinations thereof. Examples of packet fills include laundry detergents, bleach and laundry additives, fabric care, dishwashing, hard surface cleaning, beauty care, skin care, other personal care, and foodstuffs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: MONOSOL, LLC
    Inventors: David M. Lee, Yashodhan S. Parulekar
  • Patent number: 10696461
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a packaging includes a first panel including a first end and a second end, wherein first and second opposing perimeter side edges define the first panel and extend between the first end and the second end, and a first area having an inside surface is defined by the first end, the second end, and the perimeter side edges. A second panel includes a third end and a fourth end, wherein third and fourth opposing perimeter side edges define the second panel and extend between the third end and the fourth end, a second area having an inside surface is defined by the third end, the fourth end, and the perimeter side edges and wherein the second end is coupled to the third end at a first fold line. First and second tongues extend from third and fourth opposing perimeter side edges, respectively, at second and third fold lines, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Consolidated Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Scott Jones, Adam Mitchell Geerts, Craig Lowery Lombardi, Andrew Cunningham Charters
  • Patent number: 10696462
    Abstract: A closure assembly for a bag, comprises, a first closure having a first longitudinal member, the first longitudinal member having a first end and a second end, the longitudinal member being provided with a clamping arrangement adapted to clamp a bag, the clamping arrangement comprising a first clamp at the first end and a second clamp at the second end, wherein, a bottom surface of the longitudinal member comprises two edges adapted to be separated under force and snap into a closed position elastically, wherein the first clamp and the second clamp are adapted to limit the separation between the two edges and a second closure having a second longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member having a hollow cross section defining a cavity adapted to receive the first closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventor: Edyta Ryszawy
  • Patent number: 10696463
    Abstract: A package includes a container and a closure. The container includes a body formed to include a product-storage region adapted to store products therein and a brim coupled to the body and formed to include a mouth opening into the product-storage region. The closure is coupled to the brim of the container by melting a portion of the closure together with a portion of the brim to block access to the products stored in the product-storage region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Jay S Swamy
  • Patent number: 10696464
    Abstract: An inflatable package wine bag includes a bottom wall, a first fixing structure, and a second fixing structure. The first fixing structure includes a first connecting portion and a first bending portion. The second fixing structure includes a second connecting portion and a second bending portion. The first bending portion includes a first inner side surface wall and a first opening, and the second bending portion includes a second inner side surface wall and a second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: KUNSHAN AIRBAG PACKING CORP
    Inventors: Kao-Hsiung Liao, Ping-Yuan Liao
  • Patent number: 10696465
    Abstract: A method for treating open cut edges of a packaging sleeve, blank or web material of a packaging material rolled up into a roll, in particular a composite cardboard/plastics material, by applying or introducing a disinfectant-containing treatment agent to or into the outer region of the cut edges. To provide a particularly resource-efficient composite packaging and a production method required for this purpose, it is proposed that at least some of the treatment agent is not applied directly to the cut edges, but that a load carrier is loaded, which load carrier absorbs the treatment agent so that an actively sterilising atmosphere which is created then acts on the open cut edges of the packaging sleeve, blank or web material and performs the desired sterilisation. The invention also relates to a packaging material, to a combipack produced therefrom and to a container for receiving the packaging material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: SIG Technology AG
    Inventor: Hans-Willi Mainz
  • Patent number: 10696466
    Abstract: The cleaning kit includes a first liquid-tight container and a second liquid-tight container adapted to be received within the first container to be ruptured by the application of pressure to the container by a user. The second container includes a sealable liquid-tight pouch; a baffle extending at least partially across the pouch adapted to reduce accidental rupture caused by handling during shipping and a frangible seal along at least a portion of an outer edge of the pouch. A cleaning liquid may be in the second container, wherein the second container is adapted to be openable while it is located in the first container to release the liquid from the second container into the first container. Also, there may be at least one absorbent applicator in the first container and adjacent to the second container in the first container whereby the release of cleaning liquid from the second container is applied to the applicators in the first container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Berkshire Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Whitmore B Kelley, Jr., Susan E Faile, Justin J Autry, David Capotosto
  • Patent number: 10696467
    Abstract: A cooler box includes a body portion and a cover portion pivotally turnably connected to each other via a hinge structure. The body portion has a storage opening and internally defines a storage space communicable with the storage opening; and includes, from an outer to an inner side, an outer shell, an insulation layer and an inner shell. The body portion further includes a binding frame assembled to an upper end thereof. The binding frame includes two substantially parallelly extended clamping wall portions, which together inwardly clamp on the outer shell, the insulation layer and the inner shell, such that the insulation layer is fixedly held in an enclosed space defined in between the binding frame, the outer shell and the inner shell. With the binding frame, different components of the cooler box can be more easily assembled together to reduce the assembling time and increase the productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: FTI GROUP (HOLDING) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Jerry Moon
  • Patent number: 10696468
    Abstract: An orientation independent delivery device including a replaceable cartridge that may be installed on a foundation. A cartridge includes a gas chamber, a delivery chamber, a gas cell, and a delivery aperture. The gas chamber includes a gas-side rigid portion and a gas-side flexible barrier. The gas-side flexible barrier is sealed to the gas-side rigid portion. The delivery chamber includes a delivery-side rigid portion and a delivery-side flexible barrier. The delivery-side flexible barrier is sealed to the delivery-side rigid portion and is oriented adjacent to the gas-side flexible barrier. The gas cell is coupled to the gas-side rigid portion of the gas chamber. The gas cell increases a gas pressure within the gas chamber to expand the gas-side flexible barrier. Expansion of the gas-side flexible barrier applies a compressive force to the delivery-side flexible barrier allowing a delivery material to escape from the delivery chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Microlin, LLC
    Inventors: Ashok V. Joshi, John H Gordon
  • Patent number: 10696469
    Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure relates to a carton for dispensing compressed tissue sheets comprising a carton having an oversized carton opening and a compressed stack of tissues, such as facial tissues. The compressed carton can significantly reduce costs associated with shipping such low density products. The oversized carton opening permits the compressed stack of tissues to expand, releasing the compression of the tissue stack and allowing the tissues to be dispensed normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: James Alexander Hallam, Dennis Edward Fryer, Martin Christopher Bunce, Peter Booth, James Mallion
  • Patent number: 10696470
    Abstract: A gas delivery device configured to be inserted into a structure. The gas delivery device also being configured to be attached to a vehicle. The gas delivery device including a housing and a canister rack disposed within the housing. The canister rack being configured to hold two or more chemical agent canisters. A gas delivery apparatus including a gas delivery device and triggering device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: J&N TACTICAL LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Herr
  • Patent number: 10696471
    Abstract: A container (100) includes a first side (101) defining an aperture (107), a second side (102), and a plurality of other sides (103,104,105). The first side, the second side, the plurality of other sides defining an interior volume (106) of the container. A plurality of gloves (1001) is disposed within the interior volume such that one or more gloves may be drawn from the container through the aperture. An antimicrobial coating (302) disposed upon one or more of the first side, the second side, and the plurality of sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alyson Ovitt, Paul Lishnevsky
  • Patent number: 10696472
    Abstract: A container including a side wall having a hollow interior, an outwardly extending flange positioned above an upper end of the side wall, a lower end of the side wall having a first wall positioned thereon, a second wall extending upwardly from the first wall into the hollow interior of the side wall, a third wall extending inwardly and downwardly from the second wall, and a base extending inwardly from the third wall. A method of thermoforming the beverage container using a thermoforming operation is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph Borse, Michael Borse, Robert J. Borse
  • Patent number: 10696473
    Abstract: A material transport system and method having a frame with a plurality of upright frame members, upper lateral frame members, central lateral frame members, and lower lateral frame members. In one aspect, removable sidewalls can be affixed to the frame. In other aspects, the removable sidewalls have a density that is less than the density of the frame members. In other aspects, a modular container can be disposed in the frame. The frame can be constructed from a material having a lower density than the materials used for the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Can Do Logistics LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Hess, Preston M. Hess, Dan Koxlien
  • Patent number: 10696474
    Abstract: The carriage decking device comprises four deck maneuver rails arranged in pairs and opposite one another, and connectors, connected at the deck maneuver rails, and which are capable of sliding up and down along the deck maneuver rails. A certain number of positioning holes are axially distributed on the deck maneuver rails. Yokes are connected on external sides of each connector, and partitions are fastened between the yokes. A depressed mounting cavity is provided on the internal side of each yoke, and a stop pin is provided inside the mounting cavity. A connecting hole that aligns with the stop pin is provided on each connector, and the stop pin extends into the connecting hole. A clutch that enables the stop pins in the mounting cavities to connect with the positioning holes of corresponding deck maneuver rails or to detach from the positioning holes simultaneously is provided between two neighboring yokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Zhejiang Topsun Logistic Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shengliang Niu
  • Patent number: 10696475
    Abstract: Granular material flows out through the discharge opening of a silo and through a sealed housing to a target location. A vent opening in a top portion of the silo has a vent cover operative to selectively open and close the vent opening. When the vent cover is closed, air movement into an upper portion of the silo is prevented. A gate is operative to control a flow of granular material through the discharge opening. A vacuum conduit has a lower input end thereof connected to an interior of the housing, and an upper output end thereof located in an upper portion of an interior of the silo. Material flowing out of the silo creates a vacuum drawing dust from the housing up the vacuum conduit into the silo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Quickthree Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Alvin Herman, Erin Herman
  • Patent number: 10696476
    Abstract: A cassette for packing waste material into an elongated tube of flexible material is provided. The cassette includes a ring-shaped receptacle defining a central opening and a storage area for receiving the elongated tube of flexible material. The cassette also includes a cover at a top portion of the storage area and a plurality of projecting elements extending from a periphery of the cassette and being configured to support the cassette in a waste storage container. Also provided is a cassette which includes a lip having a variable projection width. A waste storage container is also provided including a cassette holder having a hollow area for removably receiving a cassette, the cassette being configured to matingly fit into the hollow area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL REFILLS COMPANY LTD.
    Inventor: Michel Morand
  • Patent number: 10696477
    Abstract: An inductive garbage bin lid for being disposed on a barrel includes a main body and an opening system. The opening system is arranged on the main body and includes a lid, a processing unit, a lighting unit, and a driving unit. The lid covers the opening at a normal state. The sensing unit and the lighting unit are electrically connected to the processing unit respectively. The driving unit electrically connects the processing unit and the lid therebetween. When an object is detected by the sensing unit, the sensing unit sends an actuating signal to the processing unit to further actuate the driving unit to drive the lid to open to leave the opening. The processing unit selectively actuates the lighting unit to light at different lighting modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Shek
  • Patent number: 10696478
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an automated storage system and remotely operated vehicle or robot for picking up storage bins from a storage system. The inventive vehicle or robot comprises a vehicle body, which vehicle body further comprises a first section for storing vehicle driving means and a second section for receiving any storage bin stored in a storage column within the storage system, a vehicle lifting device which is at least indirectly connected to the vehicle body in order to lift the storage bin into the second section, a first set of vehicle rolling means connected to the vehicle body in order to allow movement of the vehicle along a first direction (X) within the storage system during use and a second set of vehicle rolling means connected to the vehicle body in order to allow movement of the vehicle along a second direction (Y) in the storage system during use. The second direction (Y) is oriented perpendicular to the first direction (X).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventor: Ingvar Hognaland
  • Patent number: 10696479
    Abstract: A storage and retrieval system including a storage structure having storage shelves, each storage shelf having slats for supporting stored items where the slats are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, an autonomous transport vehicle including at least one sensor configured to sense each of the slats and output a signal indicating when a slat is sensed, and a controller for verifying a location of the autonomous transport vehicle within the storage structure based on at least the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: SYMBOTIC, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Sullivan, Michael Cyrulik, Stephen C. Toebes
  • Patent number: 10696480
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an storage module has first and second guide rails that are spaced from one another along a lateral direction. Each guiderail has an upper track and a lower track spaced from one another along a vertical direction, and first and second connecting tracks that connect the upper track to the lower track at first and second ends, respectively. A plurality of inventory carriers that are supported between the guiderails and are arranged end-to-end along the upper and lower tracks. A drivetrain drives the carriers to translate along the upper and lower tracks at a first speed, and drives the carriers to translate along the connecting tracks at a second speed, faster than the first speed. Increasing the speed of the carriers at the connecting tracks can prevent the carriers from colliding with one another when transitioning between the upper track and the lower track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dinesh Mahadevan, Martin Peter Aalund, Jon Stuart Battles, Jon David DeFant, Benjamin Douglas Garcia, Vahideh Kamranzadeh, George T. Davies, Steven Eric Nuetzman
  • Patent number: 10696481
    Abstract: A conveyor employs a low-tension, direct drive conveyor belt, and a position limiter assembly. The position limiter assembly includes a primary position limiter and a secondary position limiter. The primary position limiter provides line of contact engagement with the conveyor belt while the secondary position limiter has an extended, static limiting surface for engaging the conveyor belt if the conveyor belt disengages from a drive sprocket prior to the line of contact with the primary position limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jeff Batchelder, Michael Hendrik DeGroot
  • Patent number: 10696482
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying an article in a conveying direction is provided. A conveyor includes a plurality of modular links and one or more removable connectors for interconnecting adjacent links of the plurality of modular links to form an endless chain for conveying the article in the conveying direction, at least one of the links comprising an upper link surface sloping in both the conveying direction and a transverse direction, thereby forming an apical region for contacting and supporting the article for conveyance along at least a forward run in the conveying direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Dorisio, James L. Layne
  • Patent number: 10696483
    Abstract: A driver for use on a feed chain having elongate oval chain links that have two chain link legs. The driver is wider than the width of the chain link, so as to project beyond both sides of the chain link. The driver has a snap connector that allows the driver to be snapped onto the two chain link legs. A locking bar may be used with the driver to prevent the chain link legs from inadvertently releasing from the snap connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventor: Franz Josef Kühlmann
  • Patent number: 10696484
    Abstract: Conveyor systems and assemblies for use in conveyor systems are provided. In some embodiments, a conveyor system comprises a mechanical chain and a chain adjustment assembly. In other embodiments, a conveyor system comprises a panel mount assembly, and in still other embodiments, a conveyor system comprises a support structure and a leveling assembly. In yet other embodiments, a conveyor system comprises a conveyor track assembly and a conveyor top protection assembly. Any embodiment of the conveyor system may also comprise a blocking bar configured to be positioned under a lower conveyor track assembly and/or a cap positioned between an end of a conveyor track assembly and a sprocket. Further, a cover assembly for a conveyor system may comprise a shield positioned over a sprocket assembly and/or an idler assembly of the conveyor system. A guard for positioning at an end of the conveyor system also may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventor: George W. Massey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10696485
    Abstract: A packaging method is implemented via an industrial plant including a formation of packaging machines (M1-M4) arranged in succession and supplied via one and the same conveyor line (120). The method includes operating the machines further downstream as primary machines and the machines further upstream as reserve machines and establishing a constant presence of products on the conveyor line for each primary machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: SOREMARTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele Ratto, Sergio Mansuino
  • Patent number: 10696486
    Abstract: A tensioning system maintains tension within a target range for an endless belt of a conveyor. The tensioning system may include a movable carriage that supports a take-up pulley that provides tension to the conveyor belt. The tensioning system may also include various hydraulic components supported on a repositionable cart. One example hydraulic component is a hydraulic cylinder that is in tension between the movable carriage and the repositionable cart. An accumulator initially pressurized to a predetermined pressure may be connected so as to supply pressure to the hydraulic cylinder. One or more flow-restriction valves between the hydraulic cylinder and the accumulator may substantially increase a pressure in the hydraulic cylinder during phases when a piston rod is rapidly drawn out of the hydraulic cylinder by tension waves in the endless belt. Further, a check valve may permit substantially unimpeded fluid flow from the accumulator to the hydraulic tensioning cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS (USA), INC.
    Inventors: Martin S. Lurie, Mark Alspaugh, Ruben E. Lezius, Kalin Tonchev, R. Steven Kasper, Vladimir Svirsky
  • Patent number: 10696487
    Abstract: A pallet conveying apparatus includes a pair of straight rails configured such that a pallet is movably mounted thereon, a pallet linear feeding unit configured to convey the pallet mounted on the straight rails, a pair of curved rails provided in a curved manner to couple both end parts of the pair of straight rails, and a pallet curved feeding unit configured to convey the pallet mounted on the curved rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: NITTOKU CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenta Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 10696488
    Abstract: A system and an apparatus capable of independently driving movers are described herein. The system and apparatus includes: a track that forms a path for movers; a plurality of movers movably mounted on the track for moving along the path; and a plurality of drive elements fixedly arranged along the track. The drive elements each have a surface that is oriented to contact a driven member of the movers. The drive elements are configured to sequentially engage the driven member of a plurality of the movers to provide controlled independent motion of the movers along the track. The drive elements may be driven by rotary motors. A method of independently driving movers is also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Jason Lee DeBruler, Stephen Douglas Congleton, Mark Neil Howdyshell
  • Patent number: 10696489
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to conveyor systems and methods for controlling induction of items within the conveyor systems. In one scenario, a conveyor control system implements a hardware sensor in a conveyor system to generate sensor readings regarding an operational status of a first zone in an operational environment, where the first zone is an area where orders are fulfilled. The conveyor control system receives sensor data from the hardware sensor of the conveyor system. The sensor data includes feedback information for controlling the conveyor system. The conveyor control system then evaluates the received sensor data to determine which conveyable items are currently in the first zone and, based on the evaluation, induces the conveyable items onto the conveyor for the first zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Packsize LLC
    Inventor: Andreas Harnesk
  • Patent number: 10696490
    Abstract: A system for ordering elements. The system includes i) a source with a plurality of elements that are randomly arranged; ii) a plurality of source output lines associated to the source; iii) a synchronising station with a plurality of synchronising channels; and iv) a processing unit configured for starting up and timing the functions of one or more from among the source with a plurality of elements, the plurality of source output lines and the synchronising station. The processing unit has a synchronising module configured for sending, independently, to each motorising means, one from among a setting signal of a predefined velocity or a stop signal. Also included is a method for ordering elements that describes the functions of the corresponding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: SYSTEM LOGISTICS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Pederzini, Andrea Ori