Patents Issued in July 21, 2020
  • Patent number: 10717522
    Abstract: A flight control apparatus for fixed-wing aircraft includes a first port wing and first starboard wing, a first port swash plate coupled between a first port rotor and first port electric motor, the first port electric motor coupled to the first port wing, and a first starboard swash plate coupled between a first starboard rotor and first starboard electric motor, the first starboard electric motor coupled to the first starboard wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: AEROVIRONMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Dana J. Taylor, Phillip T. Tokumaru, Bart Dean Hibbs, William Martin Parks, David Wayne Ganzer, Joseph Frederick King
  • Patent number: 10717523
    Abstract: An aircraft includes propellers at a center of the airframe; a first power source; a pitch adjuster to change pitch angles of the propellers; a plurality of attitude control propellers; a second power source lower in output than the first power source; and a control circuit to control attitude of the airframe. The control circuit includes a first yaw rotation generation control unit to control first yaw rotation generated by torques of the propellers with the pitch adjuster; and a second yaw rotation generation control unit to control a second yaw rotation generated by torques generated by a difference in rotation speed between the attitude control propellers. The control circuit is configured to control the first yaw rotation generation control unit and the second yaw rotation generation control unit in accordance with a magnitude of a command value of yaw rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Hideomi Sakuma
  • Patent number: 10717524
    Abstract: A configurable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may include swappable avionics that may be selectable for use with other UAV components to build a customized UAV just prior to deployment of the UAV that is configured to deliver a package to a destination. Various factors may be involved in the selection of the avionics, such as an availability of different avionics, payload requirements (size, weight, etc.), environmental conditions along an anticipated route of flight, a region of use of the UAV, compatibility, a distance of the flight, power considerations, security considerations, and/or other factors. The avionics may include various hardware and/or software which may provide control output (e.g., data, power, and/or mechanical) to other components and/or systems, including a propulsion system. Coupling devices may selectively couple the avionics to other components of the UAV, such as to a battery, a cargo bay or package, and/or to a propulsion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Boyes, Nicholas Kristofer Gentry, Walker Chamberlain Robb
  • Patent number: 10717525
    Abstract: An aircraft control system and control method are disclosed. The system comprises a remote control apparatus with a first control rod and a flight controller associated with an aircraft. The first control rod is configured to move in a first movement direction to control a motion of the aircraft in a first motion direction when an external force is applied on the first control rod and after a withdrawal of the external force, the first control rod returns to a preset position. The remote control apparatus operates to generate one or more control signals corresponding to the withdrawal of the external force. The flight controller controls the aircraft to maintain a flight state based on said control signals and one or more state signals, which are generated based on a measurement of the flight state by a flight controller associated with the aircraft state measurement sensors carried by the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao
  • Patent number: 10717526
    Abstract: An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has a fuselage, a rotor system, and a wing configured for selective positioning during flight of the UAV to a deployed position, a stowed position, and to positions between the deployed position and the stowed position. The UAV has a flexible wing skin at least partially carried by a leading arm and the leading arm is rotatable relative to the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Levi Charles Hefner, Danielle Lynn Moore, Andrea Chavez, Kirk Landon Groninga, John Lloyd, Daniel Bryan Robertson
  • Patent number: 10717527
    Abstract: A UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) arm mechanism includes an arm fixed device, a control device, a limiting device, and an arm connecting device, wherein the control device is adapted for controlling an assembly and disassembly of the arm fixed device and the arm connecting device, the limiting device is adapted for relatively fixing the arm fixed device and the arm connecting device; the control device is adapted for driving the limiting device to be detached from the arm connecting device, so as to achieve that the arm fixed device and the arm connecting device switch among at least three different states through a relative rotation. The UAV and the UAV arm mechanism can be locked up through the positioning pins, and also can be folded and disassembled after pressing the controlling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Yuneec International (China) Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yu Tian, Wenyan Jiang
  • Patent number: 10717528
    Abstract: A virtualized infrastructure for guiding delivery drones, a drone delivery method, and a wingless delivery drone are disclosed that includes a container for storing payloads; a plurality of thrust motors arranged in an array on an X-Y surface below and parallel to a bottom surface of the payload container; and a drone electrical system configured to control the operations of the array of the thrust motors so as to fly the container from the first address to the destination address upon receiving the optimal flight route from the virtualized infrastructure and to maintain the balance to payload container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventor: Trung Vo Tran
  • Patent number: 10717529
    Abstract: A method for transporting liquid with a UAV transport that includes docking the UAV transport with a first station and supplying the UAV transport with liquid from the first station. The UAV transport undocks from the first station and flies to the vicinity of a second station. The UAV transport docks with the second station and delivers at least a portion of the liquid to the second station. A UAV for use therewith and a method for maintaining a feed tray at the second station are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Whole Life Living LLC
    Inventor: John M Russo
  • Patent number: 10717530
    Abstract: A belly bar method and apparatus use to attach, carry and release external cargo from a hovering aircraft. The belly bar apparatus has articulated tubing tool connected to an airframe of the hovering aircraft at a first mounting end and at a second mounting end. The articulated tubing tool has a first external catch and a second external catch mounted on the articulated tubing tool. The first external catch is manually configured for optional attach, carry and release of the external cargo via the cyclic. The second external catch is electronically configured for optional attach, carry and release of the external cargo proximate the collective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P.
    Inventors: Gordon Brent Winfree, Mike Patton
  • Patent number: 10717531
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method to load stores on an aircraft. The device may include a controller configured to: assign one or more stores to the aircraft; and control at least one actuator to: control a position of the aircraft; load the one or more stores onto one or more corresponding lift portions; position the one or more stores relative to a position of the aircraft determined in accordance with sensor information from at least one sensor; and secure the one or more stores to the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventor: Victor A. Grossman
  • Patent number: 10717532
    Abstract: A lavatory monument configured to be positioned in an aircraft interior that includes an enclosure that includes first, second, third and fourth walls, and defines a lavatory interior, a first lavatory compartment that includes a first urinal unit positioned therein, and a second lavatory compartment that includes a second urinal unit positioned therein. The first lavatory compartment includes a first door and the second lavatory compartment includes a second door. A divider wall separates at least a portion of the first lavatory compartment from at least a portion of the second lavatory compartment. The first door is positioned on one of the first or second walls and the second door is positioned on one of the first or third walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: C&D ZODIAC, INC.
    Inventors: Ian Geoffrey Scoley, Scott Savian
  • Patent number: 10717533
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat, preferably multiple-seater, which is deformable at the centre thereof and makes it possible to respond to deformation stresses in the event of an accident, impact or crash. In the case of a three-seater seat, the seat is primarily formed by four legs (10), a central seat portion (12), two end seat portions (11) and three backrests (13). The seat portions are bordered by two side bars (18) and one front bar and one rear bar. The front and rear bars are each formed by a central bar (14) or (16) which is extremely flexible, while the end bars (15, 17) of the end seats (11) are extremely rigid. The invention can also be used in aircraft seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: EXPLISEAT
    Inventors: Benjamin Saada, Vincent Tejedor
  • Patent number: 10717534
    Abstract: A headrest frame for a seat is disclosed. In various embodiments, the headrest frame includes a main body portion having a stowed length; a top portion configured to assume a stowed position and a deployed position with respect to the main body portion, the deployed position defining a deployed length greater than the stowed length; and a deployment mechanism configured to urge the top portion into the deployed position from the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert E. Duckert, Kenneth J Davis
  • Patent number: 10717535
    Abstract: A two-phase type heat transfer device (10) for heat sources operating at a wide temperature range. The heat transfer device (10) includes an evaporator (21) collecting heat from a heat source, a condenser (21) providing heat to a cold sink by a first working fluid passing through liquid and vapor transport lines (25, 27) that connect the evaporator (21) and the condenser (23). The evaporator (21) is arranged inside a saddle (31) configured for avoiding that the temperature of the first working fluid in the evaporator (21) is greater than its critical point. The invention also refers to aircraft ice protection systems using the heat transfer device (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space S.A.
    Inventors: Ana Belen Blanco Maroto, Francisco Jose Redondo Carracedo, Alejandro Torres Sepulveda, Donatas Mishkinis, Juan Martinez Martin
  • Patent number: 10717536
    Abstract: Method and system to sense ice protection fluid and verify a Fluid Ice Protection System (FIPS) is distributing the ice protection fluid correctly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jason J. Jackowski, Steve G. Mackin
  • Patent number: 10717537
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a parachute deployment system includes a parachute coupled to a release via a first load path. The first path includes crown lines. The release is adapted to attach the parachute to a rocket via the crown lines, and disengage the parachute from the rocket if a load shifts from the first path to a second path. The system also includes a line constrainer between the release and the parachute. The crown lines pass through the line constrainer, and the line constrainer is adapted to restrict an extent to which the crown lines are able to extend away from a longitudinal axis. An example release includes a back plate configured to couple a tow line to crown lines and a soft pin. The pin is adapted to separate from the back plate in response to tensioning of the release line, causing the parachute to disengage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Kitty Hawk Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Swan, Craig Western, Damon Vander Lind, Amy Qian, Timothy Mattson, Eric Miller
  • Patent number: 10717538
    Abstract: An aircraft includes an airframe parachute system. The parachute system includes an activation system, an extraction system, a harness system, and a parachute assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Cirrus Design Corporation
    Inventors: Garrett John Homan, David A. Rathbun, Kevin P. Welsh, Jeremy Travis Engel, Anthony Dale Kasher
  • Patent number: 10717539
    Abstract: A hybrid gas-electric turbine engine for turboprop or turboshaft applications is disclosed together with associated methods. In various embodiments disclosed herein, the turbine engine comprises a turbine configured to be driven by a flow of combustion gas; a turbine shaft configured to be driven by the turbine and transfer power to a load coupled to the turbine engine and an electric motor configured to transfer power to the load coupled to the turbine engine. The rotor may have a rotor axis of rotation that is radially offset from a shaft axis of rotation of the turbine shaft. In some embodiments, the electric motor may be a multi-rotor electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: David H. Menheere
  • Patent number: 10717540
    Abstract: Latch housing assemblies, latch hook assemblies, and latch assemblies are disclosed. Various disclosed latch housing assemblies include a latch pin coupled to an inner housing, and an outer housing having an inner surface coupled to an outer surface of the inner housing via at least one of a fuse pin and a spring. Various disclosed latch hook assemblies include a latch hook coupled to a latch housing, a weak point in the latch housing disposed between an inboard mount and an outboard mount, and a catch member mounted to the inboard mount and the outboard mount. Various disclosed latch assemblies include a latch housing, a bolt, and a deformable bushing at least partially surrounding the bolt, the deformable bushing configured to deform about a radius in response to a compressive load of about 1,000 lbf to about 3,000 lbf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Sean Pretty
  • Patent number: 10717541
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle has an internal combustion engine, and a fuel and lubrication system comprising a fuelling system for fuelling the engine and a lubrication system for delivering lubricating oil to the engine. The fuelling system comprises a fuel reservoir from which fuel can be delivered to the engine. The fuel reservoir comprises a main tank and a header tank. The lubrication system comprises an oil tank. The oil tank is accommodated internally within the main tank to provide an integrated assembly. The arrangement provides for warming of lubrication oil for the UAV engine using several available heat sources. Further, the arrangement facilitates a configuration and layout intended to minimise or negate any undesirable moments of inertia for the UAV during flight as fuel and oil is consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: ORBITAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
    Inventors: Geoffrey Paul Cathcart, Stephen John Karay, Nicholas Coplin, John Howard Tubb, Callan Murray Bleechmore, Donald Andrew Railton, Mario Charles Muscat
  • Patent number: 10717542
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the use of the fuel cell systems on board aircraft and other passenger transportation vehicles and to methods of using heat, air, and water generated by such fuel cell systems. The heat may be used to address condensation within the aircraft. The heat may be used to help evaporate excess water that would otherwise condense in the aircraft skin. The excess water collected may be used to create humidification for cabin air. In other examples, the heat, warmed air, or warmed water may be delivered to other locations or heating systems for beneficial use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Zodiac Aerotechnics
    Inventors: Samuel Klassen, Franck Masset, Andreas Hoogeveen, Hanane Zraaia, Loic Bouillo, Christian Thiry, Guillaume Gager, Charles Foncin, Jakub Landa, Remko Schiphorst
  • Patent number: 10717543
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating electrical power for powering a device associated with a bladed rotor driven by a gas turbine engine of an aircraft are disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotor shaft coupled the bladed rotor of the aircraft and driven by a turbine shaft of the engine via a speed-reducing gear train. A speed-augmenting power transfer device has an input coupled to the rotor shaft and an output for outputting a rotation speed higher than a rotation speed of the rotor shaft received at the input of the speed-augmenting power transfer device. An electric generator disposed in a hub of the bladed rotor is coupled to the output of the speed-augmenting power transfer device and configured to generate electrical power for the device associated with the bladed rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Lazar Mitrovic, Richard Ullyott
  • Patent number: 10717544
    Abstract: A toggle release mechanism comprises a base element and a toggle element rotatably mounted at a first end to the base element about a first axis for rotation between a first, locking position and a second, release position. The mechanism further comprises a link element mounted at a first end to a second end of the toggle element about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The first end of the toggle element comprises a first stop and the base element comprises a second stop opposed to the first stop. The first stop and the second stop are in contact when the toggle element is in its locked position, preventing rotational movement of the toggle element in one rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Izabela Pawelec, Krzysztof Kulakowski, Tomasz Olszak
  • Patent number: 10717545
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the health of propellers in an aircraft is provided. The method includes receiving a first propeller pitch angle of a first propeller of an aircraft; calculating a first residual pitch angle which is the difference between the first propeller pitch angle and a second propeller pitch angle; and comparing the first residual pitch angle to at least one threshold. The at least one threshold may include upper and lower thresholds. It is established that the health of the propeller may be impaired if the residual pitch angle is outside the at least one threshold, for example it exceeds the upper threshold or is below the lower threshold. If it is established that the health of the propeller may be impaired, an alert is made for inspection and maintenance to take place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: RATIER-FIGEAC SAS
    Inventor: Abdellah El Haloui
  • Patent number: 10717546
    Abstract: Self-contained mobile solar-powered escalator systems for aircraft entry comprising a security canopy and safety walls for protection, an electric cargo vehicle, an escalator, a lift system, exiting platform, leveler/stabilizers, heavy duty front and rear suspension, formal arriving platform, handrails, repair compartments, expandable waterproof and bulletproof canopy, distance light indicator, inflatable rubber bumper, and emergency brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: ESME, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel E. Guajardo, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10717547
    Abstract: A method for supporting a structure includes coupling an index pin to the structure, moving an index head relative to the structure to receive the index pin within a bore extending through the index head, and actuating a pin lock of the index head to retain the index pin within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Paul R. Stone
  • Patent number: 10717548
    Abstract: A deployable multi-section boom comprising a first hinge assembly including a base section adapted to be attached to a structure, a movable section that is pivotably attached to the base section and a first boom attached to the movable section. The first hinge assembly is configured to allow the first boom to pivot in a first direction to a first predetermined maximum angle with respect to the base section. A first constant torque assembly constantly urges the first boom to pivot in the first direction and includes a component attached to the base section of the first hinge assembly. The multi-section boom includes a second hinge assembly that includes a first section attached to the first boom and a second section that is pivotably attached to the first section. A second boom is attached to the second section of the second hinge assembly wherein the second hinge assembly allows the second boom to pivot in a second direction to a second predetermined maximum angle with respect to the first boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventor: Luis H. Santos Soto
  • Patent number: 10717549
    Abstract: A spacecraft for removing space debris is disclosed. The spacecraft includes a satellite bus, a shield member foldable on an outer side face of the satellite bus and disposed facing towards space debris to reduce a movement speed of the space debris, and a support member configured to support the shield member with respect to the satellite bus, in which the shield member includes a central panel configured to overlap one face of the satellite bus, a plurality of first panels connected to peripheral sides of the central panel and radially extended, and a plurality of second panels located between the first panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Korea Aerospace Research Institute
    Inventor: Joon Min Choi
  • Patent number: 10717550
    Abstract: A system and methods are provided for combining systems of an upper stage space launch vehicle for enhancing the operation of the space vehicle. Hydrogen and oxygen already on board as propellant for the upper stage rockets is also used for other upper stage functions. Specifically, gases from the propellant tanks, instead of being dumped overboard, are used as fuel and oxidizer to power an internal combustion engine that produces mechanical power for driving other elements including a generator for generation of electrical current, mechanical power for fluid pumps, and other uses. The exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine is also used directly in one or more vehicle thrusters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frank Charles Zegler
  • Patent number: 10717551
    Abstract: A spacecraft system includes a plurality of spacecraft in a stack. The stack has one or more layers, each layer includes at least two spacecraft, and each spacecraft is releasably coupled to one or more adjacent spacecraft in the stack. The spacecraft system also includes a controller configured to, for each layer, (i) cause the layer to release from the stack, and (ii) after the layer releases from the stack, cause the at least two spacecraft in the layer to release from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Miguel A. Estevez, Jason D. Flathom, Gary E. Lemke, Dennis Yoichi Nakasone, Christopher P. Volk, Elvis D. Silva
  • Patent number: 10717552
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of feeding devices, in particular for feeding rockets on the ground. A feeding device (4) of the invention comprises at least two mutually complementary feeding connectors (5, 6), a breakable connection member (15) connecting these two feeding connectors (5, 6) together and presenting a breakable section (15c) between these two feeding connectors (5, 6), and a force transmission member (16) connected to said breakable section (15c) in such a manner as to transmit a breaking load thereto in order to unlock the connection between the two feeding connectors (5, 6). During unlocking, a breaking load transmitted by the force transmission member (16) thus serves to break the breakable section (15c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: ARIANEGROUP SAS
    Inventors: Olivier Yhuellou, Georges Verdier, Olivier Adam, William Barre
  • Patent number: 10717553
    Abstract: A filling system includes a conveyance chamber in which a center wheel for conveying vessels is housed inside, a filling chamber where filling machines are housed inside, an inlet/outlet wheel that transfers the vessels from the center wheel to the filling machine, an opening that allows conveyance of the vessels, and a shutter that closes the opening. The inlet/outlet wheel includes grippers configured from a fixed section and a movable section. The movable section can be raised or lowered with respect to the rotational axis of the inlet/outlet wheel. When the shutter closes the opening, movable section is raised or lowered by a predetermined amount relative to the fixed section, after which the movable section is rotated by a predetermined amount to a position where it does not interfere with the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: SHIBUYA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yukinobu Nishino, Katsunori Tanikawa, Koji Kaya, Kengo Ikeda, Shigeki Koishi, Masaaki Eda
  • Patent number: 10717554
    Abstract: Control of a wrapping apparatus is facilitated by enabling an operator to input a load containment force requirement and/or a minimum number of layers of packaging material to be applied to a load, with a wrap control system automatically determining wrap force and other parameters required to meet user input requirements and/or parameters to minimize the expertise required of an operator and to provide more consistent and reliable wrapping of loads. In addition, a wrapping apparatus may be controlled to apply at least a minimum number of layers of packaging material to a load throughout a contiguous region thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: LANTECH.COM, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, Michael P. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10717555
    Abstract: A binding machine for gardening includes a main handle, a clincher arm and a tape gripping device. The main handle is configured to draw out a tape. The clincher arm is provided such that an end portion side of the clincher arm is configured to be close to and be away from a tape guide. The tape gripping device is attached to the clincher arm and is configured to grip the tape drawn out from the main handle. The tape gripping device includes a support portion and a gripping member. The support portion is provided on the clincher arm. The gripping member is provided so as to face the support portion. The tape gripping device is configured to sandwich and grip the tape by the support portion and the gripping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: MAX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Ishiguro, Susumu Hayashi, Satoshi Taguchi
  • Patent number: 10717556
    Abstract: In a method for producing a collection of pre-products by wrapping a second pre-product around a first pre-product, it is provided according to the invention that said method comprises a number of steps. In one step, a first pre-product is provided, which has an edge region. In another step, a second pre-product is provided. In a further step, the second pre-product is conveyed into a wrapping position. In a further step, the first pre-product is conveyed, with the edge region in front, against the second pre-product located in the wrapping position, as a result of which a wrapping operation is initiated on the second pre-product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: FERAG AG
    Inventors: Othmar Brunschwiler, Roland Lengweiler
  • Patent number: 10717557
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaning unit for use with blister packaging includes a plate configured to closely overlie a conveyor having open blister packaging containing objects to be packaged, such as brushes. Angled slots on a lower portion of the plate apply full and uniform coverage of wells of the blister packaging as the packaging is indexed below the plate by the conveyor. Open areas of the plate are spaced apart by solid areas on either side of an open central area of the plate in flow communication with a source of vacuum or suction. The solid and open areas cooperate with the slots to direct air from the edges to the central suction area in a manner that keeps the objects in the wells more stable as they enter and exit the suction area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Team Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ted Miller, Eric Crabtree, Matthew Schumaker, Bobby Mason
  • Patent number: 10717558
    Abstract: A method of packaging a series of differently shaped objects. The method includes receiving a first object to be packaged and identifying a first length of a stock packaging material suitable for enclosing the first object. The method continues by creating, with a bag making machine, a first bag from the stock packaging material having approximately the first length, which leads to substantially enclosing the first object in the first bag. Then the method continues by receiving a second object to be packaged, the second object having a shape or size different from the first object. A second length of the stock packaging material suitable for enclosing the second object is identified. The method continues by creating, with the bag making machine, a second bag from the stock packaging material having approximately the second length, followed by substantially enclosing the second object in the second bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Morrisette Paper Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Lockhart, Don Carlton
  • Patent number: 10717559
    Abstract: A label applicator with a label peeling function includes a frame supported by a support machine, a suction unit that is supported by the frame and has a suction pad, a claw member having a sharp tip that is disposed under the suction pad, a moving mechanism that is supported by the frame, and supports the claw member so as to be movable in an up-down direction relative to the suction pad, and a lock device that locks movement of the claw member in the up-down direction relative to the suction pad, in a state where the suction pad is placed on top of and in contact with an end of a label lying on the tip of the claw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshio Motowaki
  • Patent number: 10717560
    Abstract: Disclosed is a container made of plastic material including a body extending along a longitudinal axis between an opening and a base, the base having: a seat forming a setting plane for the container; a concave arch, rotational around the longitudinal axis and extending from the vicinity of the seat to an amorphous central zone; and stiffening bosses that protrude from the concave arch and that extend radially to the interior of the arch. The stiffening bosses are angularly spaced from one another by alternating first bosses and second bosses that are distributed along: a first annular band in which the first bosses extend; and a third annular band in which the second bosses extend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventor: Michel Boukobza
  • Patent number: 10717561
    Abstract: The invention relates to a layout for a box, having a bottom wall, four sidewalls and a cover, wherein the sidewalls each share a crease line with the bottom wall; wherein adjacent sidewalls share a connecting surface, which connecting surface shares a crease line with each of the two adjacent sidewalls; wherein the connecting surfaces are provided with at least one diagonal crease line; wherein the at least one diagonal crease line of the connecting surface coincides in one point with both crease lines between each of the adjacent sides and the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Bioboxx Trading B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Coenraad Govers, Harman Bonno De Jonge, Wim Meulman, Petrus Wilhelmus Laagland
  • Patent number: 10717562
    Abstract: A package is provided, comprising a packaging material having a bulk layer and being formed into a three-dimensional container by folding the packaging material along predefined crease lines thus forming a fracture along the crease lines. The package comprises a plurality of corners, wherein at least one of the corners is arranged at an area of the packaging material in which two or more crease lines intersect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Hans Johansson, Lars Bergholtz, Jens Quist
  • Patent number: 10717563
    Abstract: Provided herein is a collapsible bulk-sized shipping box made of corrugated plastic. The rectangular box comprises four joined sidewalls, wherein left and right sidewalls are bisected by vertical fold lines allowing the sidewalls to be collapsed inwards. Bottom flaps also extend from the bottom of respective sidewalls and hinge inward about a fold line to provide a bottom side of the box when in use or fold flush with the sidewall when collapsed. The front wall of the box comprises a door flap that hinges inward and outward about a fold line. In addition, a door retaining puck attached to an outer surface of the front wall and configured to resist the door flap opening outward but deflect under application of sufficient force thereby allowing the door flap to open outward completely and provide access to the interior of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Utility Packaging Systems
    Inventors: Joseph Lanza, James Maione, Joshua Hauge
  • Patent number: 10717564
    Abstract: The present application provides a child resistant zipper bag. The zipper of the protective zipper bag is designed with a special structure and can only be opened in a special way, so that children can be effectively prevented from opening the bag casually, thereby playing a role of protecting children. Moreover, the first connection bar is assembled with the second connection bar through the second meshing teeth being meshed with the first meshing teeth. Therefore, the movement between a first zipper belt and a second zipper belt is limited, and the opening of the bag body due to sliding between the first zipper belt and the second zipper belt is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventor: Liwen Huang
  • Patent number: 10717565
    Abstract: A dispensing closure for a squeeze bottle comprises an outer element, an intermediate element and an inner element. The outer element (3) comprises an outwardly-deflectable diaphragm (35) surrounding an outlet opening (36). The intermediate element (5) comprises an annular seat (57) underlying the outlet opening (36) of the outer element and support structure (56) for the annular seat, with an inflow opening (552) through the annular seat (57) and an outflow opening (551) through the intermediate element around the annular seat (57). The inner element comprises a blocking portion (48; 148) and support structure (46; 146) mounting the blocking portion in the closure aligned with the annular seat. The diaphragm has an inward closed position in which the annular seat of the intermediate element engages around the outlet opening to block flow, and an outwardly-deflected position in which it allows outflow through the outflow opening and outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: RIEKE PACKAGING SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Simon Christopher Knight
  • Patent number: 10717566
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns an erecting spout cap for pouring liquid from containers without removal of the cap itself. The erecting spout cap comprises a lever in the outer lining of the cap embodiment, a memory recoil tongue, and a spout embedded in the casing of the cap, wherein relieving the use of two hands to open and close liquid containers. The lever is engaged with one finger which slides the seal of the cap open. The inner annular wall comprises a concave means to align the erecting spout cap with a stopper material. The serving spout comprises a type of “funnel” to precede passing liquid. An erecting and auto-retracting spout in a closure article thus secures liquid contents from foreign objects and provides a direct and accurate pour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventor: Johnathan James Williams
  • Patent number: 10717567
    Abstract: A discharge container including: a container body having an outer layer body with an outside air introduction hole and an inner layer body held inside of the outer layer body and configured to be deformable to undergo volume reduction; an inner plug having a partition wall covering an opening of a mouth and a sealing tube protruded from an undersurface of the partition wall and in abutment with an inner periphery of the mouth; a discharge cap having a discharge port from which contents are discharged and attached to the mouth to surround the inner plug from outside; and a valve body disposed between the inner plug and the discharge cap and configured to open/close an outflow hole provided in the partition wall, wherein the inner plug or the discharge cap has a deformation suppressing portion in abutment with an outer periphery of a upper end of the mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: YOSHINO KOGYOSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Sakamoto, Katsuhito Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 10717568
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tube closure assembly. The assembly includes a tube head that includes a neck and a closure liner sealing said neck, and a cap that includes a punch provided with at least one tooth. The one or more teeth are configured to peripherally cut said closure liner. The cap is configured to transition from an open flush position, in which the one or more teeth are flush with said closure liner, to a perforation position, in which the one or more teeth perforate the closure liner, then from the perforation position to an end-of-travel position allowing partial cutting of the closure liner, the transition from the perforation position to the end-of-travel position being carried out with an angular rotational range below 360°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: ALBEA SERVICES
    Inventor: Sylvain Defert
  • Patent number: 10717569
    Abstract: A smart cap for use with a liquid container and a system therefor is disclosed herein. The components of the smart cap preferably comprise a micro motor, a microcontroller, a wireless transceiver (BTLE), a lithium ion battery, LED indicators, a waterproof rated charging port, a nozzle quick connect, a controllable valve, a touch sensor, a thermal sensor, a physical button, an impeller, and a cap housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Hyduro, Inc.
    Inventor: Miles Bowles
  • Patent number: 10717570
    Abstract: A cap for bottles that allows a user to select additives. A base has an axis with a coaxial cavity, typically threaded, for attachment to the bottle. A housing rotates and reciprocates on the axis between a selecting position where the housing and base are pulled apart and an operative position where the housing and base are pushed together. Compartments with additives and one or more vacant locations are arranged in a circle around the axis inside the housing. An opening in the compartment bottom is covered by a frangible seal. As the housing rotates, the compartment openings or vacant location align with an aperture in the base that extends into the cavity. Spikes extending from the aperture puncture the compartment opening seal when the housing is pushed to the operative position, allowing the additive to flow into the bottle. The vacant locations provide positions for storage and transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: ZM2 Design, LLC
    Inventor: Wojciech Zalewski
  • Patent number: 10717571
    Abstract: A clam shell cover cap device is a lockable closure which fits over existing medication vials used in the pharmacy and medical industries. It comes preset, with a random combination. The combination is marked with an indicator sticker. The clam Shell Cover Cap may be used to lock a vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: GATEKEEPER INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Simpson, Nathan D. Langley