Return Bias Patents (Class 100/266)
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Patent number: 11387126Abstract: An apparatus includes a base configured to receive at least one component. The apparatus also includes a handle connected to the base and extending away from the base. The apparatus further includes a clip configured to slide along at least part of the handle towards and away from the base. The clip is configured to secure the at least one component to the apparatus and to release the at least one component from the apparatus. The clip is configured, after the at least one component is secured, to be locked in order to prevent release of the at least one component from the apparatus. The handle may include a lock configured to selectively prevent movement of the clip along the handle passed the lock.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2019Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Heather D. Leifeste, Ron C. Stevens
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Publication number: 20140096691Abstract: A crusher for containers such as aluminum cans and plastic bottles is disclosed. The container crusher includes a base and a movable plunger that travels on support rods mounted on the base. The base and plunger have recesses that retain the container when it is crushed. Springs bias the plunger into its open position, and may be used to limit the downward movement of the plunger to provide a clearance distance from the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Inventor: David Martin
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Patent number: 8667894Abstract: System and methods for piling and compressing pieces of insulation wool. The system includes a piling tower for receiving and piling multiple pieces of insulation wool and compression plates for compressing multiple pieces of insulation wool. The system includes a first and a second compression plate having plane and smooth upper and lower surfaces, whereby the compression plate can be slid out from between two compressed pieces of insulation wool. The compression plates receive a batch between the compression plates and compress the batch by moving one compression plate towards the other. The pressure on the insulation wool does not need to be relieved after the pieces have been compressed once as the system and method makes it possible to gradually increase compression toward the bottom of the piling tower by shifting between the first and second compression plate being used for compressing a batch of pieces of insulation wool.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Seelen A/SInventor: Per Nissen
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Patent number: 8621991Abstract: A pistol grip spring compressor system including a spring lock unit, an actuator assembly, and an anvil module such that the spring lock unit secures a valve spring coil of a valve spring unit from an internal combustion engine in a fixed position relative to a frame element to permit an anvil, provided by the anvil module and positioned against a valve spring retainer of the valve spring unit, to maintain compression on the valve spring while the valve spring unit is separated from an automobile internal engine combustion block.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Inventors: Rodolfo Lopez, Alexander Lopez
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Patent number: 8555782Abstract: A garbage bin cover with compressing function which has a bin cover and a garbage compression plate. The bin cover is disposed with a through hole. The garbage compression plate is disposed with a handle which corresponds to the through hole. The bin cover is disposed at a bottom side thereof with two or more first connecting members. The garbage compression plate is disposed with two or more corresponding second connecting members. An extendable member is disposed between each of the first connecting members and the corresponding second connecting member. When in use, the garbage compression plate compresses the garbage and thereby decreasing the garbage volume, and preventing the garbage from making the hand or foot dirty and the bad odor from escaping.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Jiangmen Foreign Trade Group Co., Ltd.Inventor: Henry Liao
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Patent number: 8505448Abstract: An improved structure of trashcan includes an outer can with a controllable upper cover. The upper cover has a connecting hole with a stepping part that moves downward in the outer can when being stepped. A base is at the bottom of the upper cover. First, second, third, and fourth tracks surround the stepping part at symmetrical positions of the base. Each track accommodates a restoring assembly that connects to the stepping part so that the stepping part can restore its original position after the stepping part moves to the bottom of the trashcan. The first track and the second track are stacked vertically. The third track and the fourth track are also stacked vertically. This configuration decreases the area occupied by the base. As a result, the stepping area of the stepping part is increased for the user's convenience to step on.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Inventor: Wen-Hsiung Ko
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Patent number: 8397356Abstract: A clamp with a bottom clamp bar that has a planar upper surface is provided. The clamp may also include a top clamp bar connected to the bottom clamp bar, and a pressure distribution bar between the top clamp bar and the bottom clamp bar. The pressure distribution bar may have a planar lower surface in facing relation to the upper surface of the bottom clamp bar. An object is capable of being disposed in a clamping region between the upper surface and the lower surface. The width of the planar lower surface may be less than the width of the upper surface within the clamping region. Also, the pressure distribution bar may be capable of being urged away from the top clamp bar and towards the bottom clamp bar.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: U.S. Department of EnergyInventors: Donald J. Pak, Samantha A. Hawkins, John E. Young
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Patent number: 8307763Abstract: The can crusher is a device capable of crushing aluminum and steel cans. The device incorporates a wheeled base that supports thereon an assembly that includes a container for housing the cans and mechanisms for crushing the cans. The crushing mechanisms include a hydraulic jack, a sliding crank system, extension springs, a single-phase, geared motor, a movable plate and a pressure gauge.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Kuwait UniversityInventors: Hanan M. Al-Awadhi, Mohammed Al-Essa, Ahmed Al-Jama'an, Abdulwahab Al-Qabandi
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Patent number: 8074485Abstract: A tool head assembly for a pressing device includes a tool head frame having a first die and a moving ram having a second die operatively coupled to the moving ram. The moving ram is movable along a gripping stroke between an open position and a closed position. The second die is configured to hold a work piece between the second die and the first die when the moving ram is in the closed position. The tool head assembly also includes a latch mechanism, wherein the latch mechanism is actuated to release the moving ram from the open position to the closed position to thereby hold the work piece within the tool head assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventor: David Alan College
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Patent number: 8042461Abstract: A pneumatic compressor for the compression of waste comprising a cylinder (1) with a piston (2), which via a piston rod (4) activates a compression plate (3), which is slidably mounted in a compression chamber (5) which has a top door (6) through which waste paper is thrown into the compressor, and a bottom door (7) through which a finished bale can be taken out, which compression takes place in a series of compression cycles, which each time is charged with a new portion of waste, until the waste offers a counter pressure corresponding to the pressure which the piston (2) can exert at a pressure of 8 bars. In 80-90% of the compression cycles necessary for the compression of a bale, the piston (2) reaches its bottom position in the cylinder, and each time the pressure reaches a pressure of 8 bars in the cylinder (1).Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Mil-Tek Balers A/SInventor: Kristian Skannerup
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Publication number: 20100236430Abstract: The can crusher is a device capable of crushing aluminum and steel cans. The device incorporates a wheeled base that supports thereon an assembly that includes a container for housing the cans and mechanisms for crushing the cans. The crushing mechanisms include a hydraulic jack, a sliding crank system, extension springs, a single-phase, geared motor, a movable plate and a pressure gauge.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: Hanan M. Al-Awadhi, Mohammed Al-Essa, Ahmed Al-Jama'an, Abdulwahab Al-Qabandi
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Patent number: 7640779Abstract: A hemming apparatus (1) includes a holder unit (2), a lower die (3) on which the holder unit (2) is installed, and an upper die (4) which is installed on the lower die (3) vertically movably. The holder unit (2) includes a base (5) secured to the lower die (3) by means of bolts or the like; a working tool holder (7) which is rotatably supported on the base (5) so that a hemming punch (6) can be disposed at a nonworking position and a working position; and a resilient means (8) for resiliently urging the working tool holder (7) so as to dispose the hemming punch (6) at the nonworking position.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Oiles CorporationInventor: Tadashi Sasahara
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Patent number: 7562622Abstract: A manually operated press comprises an actuation lever coupled to a shaft assembly. An actuation of the actuation lever is transformed into a stroke movement of a press ram. A clutch assembly is provided for interrupting a flow of force between the actuation lever and the press ram. The clutch is adapted to separate an input shaft from an output shaft depending on predetermined pressing parameters. The input shaft extends as an inner shaft through the output shaft. The clutch assembly has a first clutch designed as a stroke stop for immobilizing the input shaft with a press housing depending on the pressing parameter, and a second clutch designed as an overload clutch for interrupting a flow of force between the input shaft and the output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Gebr. Schmidt Fabrik fuer Feinmechanik GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Hartmut Babiel, Peter Sutermeister
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Patent number: 7536949Abstract: A pressing cylinder, preferably for use in a refuse compressor, which when in use is preferably in a vertical position, and at the bottom is coupled to a pressing plate and at the top to a secured top plate and which can activate the pressing plate in upward and downward directions, includes preferably three cylinder sections, a first, lower cylinder section which at the bottom is attached to the pressing plate, a second, intermediate cylinder section which can be displaced telescopically in the cylinder's longitudinal direction on the first cylinder section, and a third, upper cylinder section which at the top is attached to the top plate, and which can be displaced telescopically on the second cylinder section. The cylinder can have a large diameter and operate at a correspondingly low working pressure and can therefore have a small wall thickness or be produced of materials other than steel. The pressing cylinder consequently becomes light, easy to operate and cheap to produce.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Mil-TeK Balers A/SInventor: Kristian Skannerup
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Patent number: 7536948Abstract: A can crushing device, which crushes the can along its cylindrical axis, supports the can on a can platform, dents the side of the can and flattens the can. A can chute or feed hopper feeds cans to the crush chamber, while various collection devices receive the crushed cans.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Inventor: Raleigh L. Cockrum
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Patent number: 7461592Abstract: A wall mountable can crushing apparatus for self-feeding and rapidly repeating manual crushing of beverage cans or the like through user striking includes a housing section for feeding cans through a chute and detaining cans in a crush chamber before crushing. A punch pad for receiving the user strikes is attached to a movable portion carrying a crush piston from a retracted position into a crush position driven into contact with a can in a crush chamber. The piston is biased to be returned to the retracted position after a can is crushed and a discharge allows a crushed can to freefall out of the apparatus. Novelty features such as a pressure activated sound card or advertising mounts may be added to the can crusher for promotional appeal.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2007Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Inventor: Colin A. Van Deusen
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Patent number: 7434507Abstract: A system and trash receptacle for compacting trash within the trash receptacle including a receptacle having upstanding front, side and back panels, a closed bottom, and a lid. The front panel is pivotably movable about a lower pivot axis located at a lower margin thereof by a drivable power unit operably connected between one side panel and front panel. This pivotal movement of the front panel into the interior volume of the receptacle compacts the trash within the receptacle to minimize the frequency of receptacle emptying required. A vehicle includes a power output which is temporarily engagable with the power unit as the vehicle is driven up to the trash receptacle, the power output driving the power unit to close the front panel to compact the trash within the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Inventors: Christopher R. Sherwood, Lisa Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 7360484Abstract: The present invention is a self-standing unit designed to compact aluminum cans. A stand is connected to a vertical housing, which is hollowed out and contains a can slot, a slot for a handle, and a plurality of slots for a plurality of springs to operate. Connected to the vertical member are the springs, which also connect to a crushing device. The crushing device fits inside the hollow section of the vertical member and has the handle located near the top of it. The invention is spring loaded so that the can slot normally stays open for placing a can inside to be crushed.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Inventors: John A. Murray, Everlena C. Murray
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Publication number: 20080006160Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that is capable of crushing paper and aluminum and steel cans. The machine is assembled using the following components: hydraulic bottle jack, extension springs, single-phase geared motor, sliding contact mechanism, and pressure gauge. The input system consists of two major parts, the driving system and the sliding contact mechanism. The driving system is an electric motor with a gearbox. This geared motor is single-phased so it can be utilized in residences and restaurants. The sliding contact is divided to three main parts: the crank, slider and lever. The hydraulic jack is a lifting device that uses liquid-oil to raise heavy objects, but in this case its objective is to crush the cans while being raised. The frame is divided into four main parts: container, vertical frame, lower plate and upper plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2006Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventors: Hanan M. Al-Awadhi, Mohammed Al-Essa, Ahmed Al-Jama'an, Abdulwahab Al-Qabandi
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Patent number: 7191701Abstract: A manual trash compactor for a trash bin is disposed inside a lavatory unit of an aircraft. A trash bin disposed within a wash basin in a lavatory unit of an aircraft has a lid through which trash is thrown in disposed on an upper surface of the wash basin. Below the lid is equipped a container for trash. A trash compactor has a trash compressing member pivotably disposed via a shaft 154 on a frame. The trash compressing member is pivoted manually using a handle to compress and reduce the quantity of the trash inside the container.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Jamco CorporationInventors: Masahito Fukuizumi, Ushio Itakura
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Patent number: 7111549Abstract: A guide system is provided to slidingly guide a reciprocating dynamic balancer weight within a press machine. An elongate stationary guide rail is disposed within a vertical channel formed at one side of the balancer mass. In this configuration, the guide rail is arranged in guide support relationship to the balancer mass. An arrangement of wear plates is mounted to the guide rail to provide additional bearing support to the reciprocating balancer mass. An arrangement of hydrostatic pads is mounted to the guide rail in facing opposition to the balancer mass to enable the formation of a hydrodynamic/hydrostatic lubricating action therebetween during reciprocation of the balancer mass. A machined steel plate is secured to the balancer mass at the same side where the guide rail is located and includes a set of lateral apertures formed therethrough that receive guide support members extending therethrough. The guide support members anchor the guide rail to the press crown.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: The Minster Machine CompanyInventor: Edward A. Daniel
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Patent number: 7077059Abstract: An apparatus for compacting and storing cigarette butts includes a housing having a central bore with a releasable bottom closure, a closable upper extremity, and a plunger which can be forced downwardly to compact butts within the bore. The plunger also serves as releasable closure for the upper extremity of the bore.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Inventor: Johnny Cobb
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Patent number: 7066084Abstract: The apparatus according to the invention comprises a housing or frame for receiving the bottle, an element for fixing the bottle, a heating element surrounding part of the bottle and compressing means for compacting the softened bottle, wherein the housing or frame is constructed to receive the bottle with its mouth part upwards, the heating element or the part of the heating element surrounding the bottle is at most 60 mm high, and is arranged around the neck part of the bottle in its starting position and the fixing element is a sealable plug in the compressing means, to be fitted into the mouth of the bottle and having an air channel, the cross section of which is preferably adjustable, preferably with flow control means. The flow control means may be a valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Inventor: Lajos Simon
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Patent number: 6983685Abstract: A garbage can capable of compressing garbage volume consists of an outer cylinder and a top cylinder. A top cover has a top plate with a through hole. The circumference of the top plate extends downwards to form an inner wall and the outer circumference of the top plate extends downwards to form an outer wall such that a space between the outer and inner walls can be formed. The front and the back sides of the space form a front trough and a back trough respectively and a small sheaf is placed on the front and back sections of the left and right hand walls of the space with a pedal located below the upper cover. A reset component includes mainly a first elastic part and a second elastic part. The first elastic part is located inside the front trough of the top cover, and the two ends have been fixed on a wire pedal. The second elastic part is placed inside the back trough of the top cover, and the two ends are fixed respectively on pedal with the wire.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Inventor: Wen-Hsiung Ko
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Patent number: 6959643Abstract: A trash compactor includes a base member, an elongated stationary support member connected thereto, a mechanism for selectively compressing trash, and a hydraulic mechanism for operably controlling the compressing mechanism. The compressing mechanism includes a plurality of elongated telescopic tubes slidably engageable with each other wherein one of the plurality of tubes has a hollow interior and includes a helical spring member housed therein. The hydraulic mechanism includes a sump and a flexible conduit in fluid communication therewith, a manually operable pump connected upstream of the sump, and a valve connected to the pump for controlling the flow of fluid through the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Inventors: Denise A. Sammons, Ellis W. Sammons
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Patent number: 6755124Abstract: A manually operable press comprises a manually pivotable actuating lever for effecting a forward press stroke and a return stroke of a press slide. A mechanical return stroke interlock inhibits a return movement of the press before the press slide has come to a lower end position of the press stroke. A cam plate within said return stroke interlock is connected for being pivoted together with the actuating lever. The cam plate has a groove-shaped guide cam provided with a plurality of lock protrusions. A spring-biased lock pin runs along the guide cam and is adapted to run freely along the guide ram in an operational direction but is inhibited by the lock protrusions within the guide cam from running in a direction opposite the operational direction. An opening each is provided in the guide cam at the lock protrusions. Unlocking pins are provided in each of the openings.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Gebr. Schmidt Fabrik fur Feinmechanik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Werner Schubert
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Patent number: 6718870Abstract: The invention is concerned with a hand held hydraulic pressing apparatus (1) with a hydraulic cylinder (8), in which a hydraulically actuated piston can be displaced to carry out a pressing or cutting operation. The apparatus has a piston head (5) and a piston shank (16), the piston shank (16) being connected to a tool carrier (10). The tool carrier (10) is part of an inter-changeable apparatus head (9). In order to simplify to change the apparatus head, the invention proposes, that an interchangeable apparatus head (9) has in each case a piston shank (16) with a return spring (22).Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2000Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Gustav Klauke GmbHInventor: Egbert Frenken
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Patent number: 6336399Abstract: A press die includes a lower die, a slide cam movable along the lower die, and an energizing body disposed between the slide cam and the lower die to abut against both surfaces thereof for biasing the slide cam for movement in one direction along the lower die. The slide cam is provided with a plug having an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the energizing body and abutting against an end surface of the energizing body. This arrangement enables easy attachment and detachment of the energizing body to and from the press die.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Umix Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mitsuo Matsuoka
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Patent number: 6311597Abstract: A punch and die set is provided for use in a stamping press having a punch assembly and a die assembly reciprocated by a driving mechanism. The punch and die assemblies are aligned to a common center and are structured to slidably engage one another for positive guidance of the punch and die tools without the need for other guidance by shafts, bars or the like. One of the punch assembly and die assembly can be non-fixedly carried by the drive mechanism, allowing the guidance of the engaged punch and die assemblies to define the relative positions of the tools. This arrangement eliminates any stack-up of tolerances between the assemblies and substantially reduces misalignment during stamping, including any misalignment that may be introduced by the press driving mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1999Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Humdinger, Inc.Inventors: Michael Schroth, Thomas Rooney
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Publication number: 20010022142Abstract: A manually operable press comprises a manually pivotable actuating lever for effecting a forward press stroke and a return stroke of a press slide. A mechanical return stroke interlock inhibits a return movement of the press before the press slide has come to a lower end position of the press stroke. A cam plate within said return stroke interlock is connected for being pivoted together with the actuating lever. The cam plate has a groove-shaped guide cam provided with a plurality of lock protrusions. A spring-biased lock pin runs along the guide cam and is adapted to run freely along the guide ram in an operational direction but is inhibited by the lock protrusions within the guide cam from running in a direction opposite the operational direction. An opening each is provided in the guide cam at the lock protrusions. Unlocking pins are provided in each of the openings.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2000Publication date: September 20, 2001Inventor: Werner Schubert
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Patent number: 5884556Abstract: An improved trash handling device for receiving trash in a trash container enclosed within a housing where the housing has a completely enclosed manually operated trash compactor for selectively compacting the trash received in the container, wherein the compactor includes a pyramid-shaped compacting plate for engaging the trash in the container, a foot lever for rotating the compacting plate downwardly from resting position into the trash container, a pneumatic spring for biasing the compacting plate to resting position, and a safety lock preventing delivery of trash to the container during a compacting cycle.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Koncept Kreations, Ltd.Inventors: Frank H. Klepacki, David G. Klepacki
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Patent number: 5881599Abstract: A cam (1) for a press die comprises: a movable cam slide (3) having a cam slide (3) which has a cam surface (2) and is movable in an X-direction; a cam driver (4) for moving the cam slide (3) in the X-direction by abutting against the cam surface (2) of the cam slide (3); and a returning spring (5) for returning the cam slide (3) to its original position. The returning spring (5) is disposed in a bottomed hole (11) formed in the cam slide (3) and whose one end (41) abuts against a main body (12) of the cam slide (3) in the bottomed hole (11), a holder (43) holds the coil spring (42). The holder (43) is provided with a rod (45) which is slidably passed through a through hole (44) and extends through the bottomed hole (11) in such a manner as to be surrounded by the coil spring (42); and a spring seat (48) which is provided in threaded engagement with one end portion (47) of the rod (45) at a bottomed-hole (11) side so as to receive another end (46) of the coil spring (42).Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1996Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Oiles CorporationInventors: Tadashi Sasahara, Hideyuki Morioka
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Patent number: 5765473Abstract: A foot operated device for crushing beverage cans.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1997Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Inventor: Tommy L. Gummelt
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Patent number: 5735196Abstract: An apparatus for applying a force to laminated integrated circuit cubes in an oven chamber includes a force-applying member, an actuator for the force-applying member, and sealing structure for sealing the force-applying member to an opening permitting access by said force-applying member into the oven chamber. The sealing structure has a flexible sleeve, and the force-applying member passes through the sleeve. A first end of the sleeve is hermetically sealed to the force-applying member, and a second end of the sleeve can be hermetically sealed about the opening. The force applying member can move within the opening and the flexible sleeve will flex with this movement.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: IBM CorporationInventors: Stanley Robert Jordan, Gary Leon Stewart, Ralph Trollinger
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Patent number: 5619915Abstract: The present invention is a manually operated trash compactor with a refuse container mounted on a mobile platform. The container has a first section fixed to the platform and a second section pivotally attached to the first section. A latch is mounted to the container to hold the container closed during compaction. A compaction plate is mounted to a rack gear and pinion gear assembly. The assembly is rotatable between a starting position, with the compaction plate disposed over the refuse container, and a position lateral to the container. A drive wheel is connected to the pinion gear to rotate the pinion gear to selectively adjust the rack gear and compaction plate into the container to compress refuse in the container lined with a trash bag. A compression spring is mounted on the rack gear to facilitate automated return of the compaction plate to its starting position. A tension adjuster is in contact with the rack gear to control the rate of return of the rack gear.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1995Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Pack-A-Drum, Inc.Inventors: William E. Wagner, K. N. Singh Chhatwal
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Patent number: 5555794Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable hinge apparatus for use with a cooker having multiple stacked heating plates and a support pin extending across one side of the cooker to form a common pivot axis. The hinge apparatus includes an array of adjustable hinges formed to be positioned adjacent one another on the support pin. Each hinge includes a hinge block having a pivot aperture sized for sliding movement of the support pin therein and an arm extending away from the hinge block. The arms of adjacent hinges are formed for attachment with consecutively stacked heating plates and the hinge block of each hinge is formed to slide on the support pin perpendicular to the pivot axis and independently of adjacent hinges. Thus, the hinging apparatus in accordance with the present permits variable spacing and free floating vertical movement between heating plates, and prevents relative horizontal movement between the plates by maintaining a common pivot point for all plates in the various positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Assignee: SaniServ, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Templeton, Robert S. Ragan
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Patent number: 5501144Abstract: A hand held press used to remove the liquid packing fluids in a can of food by biasing the lid of the can against the contents of the can. The press includes an upper pressing element and a lower pressing element. The upper pressing element has a perforated region that acts as a strainer. The perforated region is advanced against the lid and into the can, wherein displaced packing fluids are collected within a receiving area defined within the perforated region. A pour spout then allows the collected fluids to be removed in a controlled manner. The lower pressing element retains the can in a predetermined orientation as the can is being pressed. Accordingly, the angle at which the displaced fluids will pour is controlled by the manipulation of the press and the can of food held firmly within the press.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1994Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Inventor: Keith Bryson
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Patent number: 5419250Abstract: A device for removing excess grease and juices from a cooked hamburger. The device includes a container having a bottom and sidewall which extends upwardly to define a container cavity, the periphery of the sidewall defining a rim. A handle is coupled to the sidewall remote from the container cavity. A cover having a top and integral sidewall extends downwardly to define a cover cavity, the periphery of the sidewall defining a rim. A handle is coupled to the sidewall remote from the cover cavity, and a hole is disposed through the top wall. A coupling component is for coupling the cover to the container. A draining plate having a plurality of draining holes therethrough is adapted to rest on the rim of the container between the cover cavity and container cavity when the container is coupled to the cover. A pressing component is disposed through the hole of the container and located within the cover cavity and is used to press a cooked hamburger against the surface of the draining plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1993Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Inventor: Jason Ferguson
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Patent number: 5396838Abstract: A can liquid extractor for removing liquid from a pre-opened cylindrical can containing solids packed in a liquid medium, comprising a can support base having engaging elements which retain the can and lid in place, an inverting apparatus which allows a can to be inverted while retaining the can and its lid in place, and a compression apparatus comprising a handle, pivotable compression arm, and ram assembly for exerting force upon the lid and can held in static relation, whereby water is expelled from the can interior around the edge of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1994Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Inventor: Joseph A. Casapulla
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Patent number: 5383397Abstract: An oil filter crushing apparatus includes a frame on which is mounted a filter platform configured to receive a used oil filter for crushing. An air spring actuating device is secured within the frame, and a ram is secured to a lower end of the air spring. A control valve regulates the flow of a pressurized gas into the air spring which then forces the ram toward the filter platform to crush the filter. A safety pneumatic circuit prevents inadvertent actuation of the ram.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1993Date of Patent: January 24, 1995Assignee: KCS Industries Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Battles, Harold E. Hollnagel
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Patent number: 5337656Abstract: An oil filter crushing apparatus has a crushing frame (12, 312) mounting a filter platform (16, 316) on which a used oil filter is supported on end for crushing by a ram device (40, 336) having a single ram rod (52, 338). An air spring actuating device (42, 344) is mounted on the frame (12, 312) and operates on low pressure shop air for selectively forcing the ram device (40, 336) downwardly to crush the filter against the platform (16, 316).Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1993Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Assignee: KCS Industries Inc.Inventor: Harold E. Hollnagel
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Patent number: 5333542Abstract: Apparatus for collecting and storing empty aluminum containers for recycling. The containers are inserted into a chute having a regulating feed mechanism. The cans fall out of this one-by-one into a crushing zone between a reciprocating ram and a stationary platen, and interrupt a sensor beam which initiates the crushing cycle of the ram. After crushing, the cans drop into a container past the outer end of a can stop. The stop is counterbalanced so that empty cans will be retained in the crushing zone for flattening, while partially full containers displace this and fall through. The drive mechanism for the ram is provided by a compound eccentric cam having thrust and retraction faces, and first and second roller followers for engaging these. Preferably, the assembly is mounted in a cabinet for inclusion in a stand of vending machines.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1993Date of Patent: August 2, 1994Inventors: Lorne S. Lewis, Gary W. Lewis
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Patent number: 5295432Abstract: A hand utensil for draining liquid from canned foods, or for removing can lids after opening and of the type have a receiver base unit (30) with a fixed handle (36) which contains a pass through shaft (32, 34) containing a spring (18) in which the T shaped plunger handle (10) passes through when compressed causing the magnetized plate (22) to place pressure on a lid of an opened can, and when uncompressed the T shaped plunger handle (10) will return to its original position causing the can lid to be removed from the can attached to the magnetized plate (22). The utensil is made of an inflexible material so that it is strong enough to safely provide the required pressure.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1993Date of Patent: March 22, 1994Inventors: Patricia M. Keville, Thomas J. Murphy, Jr.
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Patent number: 5272968Abstract: A hand utensil for draining liquid from canned foods, or for removing can lids after opening and of the type having a base (20) with a grip (26) which contains a pass through hole (22) containing a spring (19) in which the T shaped handle (10) passes through when compressed causing the magnetic plate (30) to place pressure on a lid of an opened can, and when uncompressed the T shaped handle (10) will return to its original position causing the can lid to be removed from the can attached to the magnetic plate (30). The utensil is made of an inflexible material so that it is strong enough to safely provide the required pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1992Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Inventors: Patricia M. Keville, Thomas J. Murphy, Jr.
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Patent number: 5240549Abstract: A fixture (10) for bonding multiple components together includes a bottom plate (20), a middle plate (22) and a top plate (24). The plates (20), (22) and (24) are aligned by dowels (26) and clamps (30). Bottom plate (20) has a rectangular pocket (32) for holding heat sink (14) and alignment pins (34) for locating plastic pin grid array (PPGA) package (12) over the heat sink (14). An annular projection (40) covered with a conformal pad (42) extends from bottom surface (44) of the middle plate (22). Dowel (50) extends through openings (46) and (36) in the top and middle plates (24) and (22) to apply pressure to chip (16). A first spring (56) is mounted on the dowel (50) and compressed between the top plate (24) and a snap ring (58) to provide pressure from the dowel (50) on the chip (16). A second, larger diameter spring (60) is compressed between the middle plate (22) and the top plate (24) to provide pressure from the middle plate (22) on the PPGA (12).Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1991Date of Patent: August 31, 1993Assignee: Digital Equipment CorporationInventors: William Hamburgen, John S. Fitch
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Patent number: 5220866Abstract: A trash container having a base and sides, at least a portion of the sides being formed of resilient horizontal pleated material throughout the circumference thereof, and a plunger fitting within the trash container and having a horizontal cross-section conforming to the internal horizontal cross-section of the trash container, the plunger including lips extending about the periphery thereof and shaped and dimensioned to fit over the upper edges of the sides. Alternatively, the top of the container may be used as a plunger. Pressure on the plunger will cause the sides to compress the pleated material, permitting the plunger to be pressed downwardly on the trash and compacting it. In a modification, the sides are rigid and the resilient pleated material is in the top of the container. The pleated or other resilient material has a memory and, so, will return to its original shape after pressure is removed.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1990Date of Patent: June 22, 1993Inventors: Stanley I. Mason, Jr., Michael D. Handler, Scott D. Salmon, Peter L. Wilson
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Patent number: 5218904Abstract: A manually-operated refuse compactor apparatus includes a lower platen and an upper platen extending generally parallel to and spaced above the lower platen, a frame structure stationarily supporting the lower platen and positioning the upper platen in alignment above the lower platen, and a pair of yieldable reciprocal support mechanisms attached to the frame structure and yieldably supporting the upper platen from the frame structure for undergoing reciprocal rectilinear movement toward and away from the lower platen for crushing items between the platens. The frame structure has upright post members between and along which the upper platen is slidably mounted for the rectilinear reciprocal movement toward and away from the lower platen. The yieldable reciprocal support mechanisms are stretchable to permit downward movement of the upper platen and are also retractable to cause return movement of the upper platen to an upper home position.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1992Date of Patent: June 15, 1993Inventor: Leland C. Loveland
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Patent number: 5215010Abstract: The free ranging press allows a hydraulic jack to exert a workforce pressure simultaneously in two directions, by dividing the force and then recombining the force. By positioning the jack between a crossbeam of the movable press frame and the movable press platen both the jack rod and jack housing are capable of moving in concert to thereby reclaim profitable workforce pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1992Date of Patent: June 1, 1993Inventor: Jerome A. Johnson
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Patent number: 5182985Abstract: A high speed pneumatic press is provided with an arrangement which reduces moving mass thereby reducing the tendency of the press to vibrate and "walk" during operation and also minimizing wear on the press. The press includes a fluid actuated ram having a ram cylinder and ram piston, the ram cylinder being lower in mass than the ram piston and connected to a reciprocating platen thereby reducing the moving mass associated with the reciprocating platen.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1991Date of Patent: February 2, 1993Assignee: Contour Roll CompanyInventor: Timothy A. Gutowski
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Patent number: 5174199Abstract: An oil filter crusher includes a housing within which a piston assembly is mounted for reciprocating movement. The crusher is connectable to an external source of pressurized air, and an air valve is located in the interior of the housing for controlling supply of pressurized air to the piston assembly. A door is mounted to the housing for movement between open and closed positions. An actuator arrangement is provided between the door and the air valve, for actuating the air valve upon closing of the door to initiate a crushing stroke of the piston assembly. A locking arrangement is provided between the piston assembly and the door, to prevent the door from being moved to its open position during the crushing stroke of the piston assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1991Date of Patent: December 29, 1992Assignee: Gardner Barn Equipment Co., Inc.Inventors: David A. King, Kenneth R. Hepp