For An Annular Article Patents (Class 206/303)
  • Publication number: 20090139885
    Abstract: A nesting wheel packaging system is provided. The system includes an arrangement whereby a small wheel is nested substantially within a larger wheel. The wheels have a partition disposed therebetween to prevent damage. A plurality of sets of nested wheels is provided on a lower panel and an upper panel is positioned over the wheels to define a first layer or segment of wheels. Thereafter another layer of nested wheels is placed on top of the first layer or segment. The panels may have recessed areas defined therein for retaining the wheels. The arrangement is repeated until multiple layers of nested wheels are provided and are positioned on a pallet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Hsi, Xingxiang Zhang, Eric Qu, YuQian Jiang
  • Publication number: 20090126320
    Abstract: Waste disposal devices and methods are provided. The device includes a housing, a lid, a bucket frame, a pair of members, and a foot pedal. The foot pedal is operatively associated with the lid and the pair of members so that the lid is in the closed position and the pair of members is in the non-use position when the foot pedal is in the upper position. Further, the foot pedal is operatively associated with the lid and the pair of members so that the lid is in the open position and the pair of members is in the use position when the foot pedal is in the lower position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: John Rousso, Steve Mowers, John Cichello, Rick Corney, Michael Jackson
  • Patent number: 7533770
    Abstract: A data disc storage arrangement for a plurality of data discs includes a disc housing having a storage portion, and a disc guider. The disc guider includes a plurality of edge holders spacedly formed on the storage portion of the disc housing, wherein each of the edge holders is adapted for substantially holding a non-data edge of the data disc, such that the disc guider is adapted for spacedly retaining the data discs on the storage portion of the disc housing in an upright manner that data surfaces of the data discs contact with air for preventing the data surfaces of the data discs from being scratched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Hung-Yu Lan
  • Patent number: 7530462
    Abstract: A wafer storage container includes an outer peripheral portion located outside an outer peripheral edge of a wafer, and a placing portion which extends from a position lower than an uppermost surface of the outer peripheral portion to a radial inside of the wafer and on which the wafer is placed at a position lower than the uppermost surface of the outer peripheral portion. The placing portion includes a first inclined surface which descends toward the radial inside of the wafer and can be brought into contact with only the outer peripheral edge of the wafer when the wafer is placed and a second inclined surface which is on a rear side of the first inclined surface, ascends toward the radial inside of the wafer, and can be brought into contact with only the outer peripheral edge of a lower wafer when a plurality of wafer storage containers are stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Toshitsugu Yajima, Toshiyuki Kamada
  • Patent number: 7520386
    Abstract: A saw blade holding and storage apparatus includes a plurality of flexible pockets. Each of the flexible pockets has a back wall and a front wall joined along their bottom and lateral edges. Each of the pockets has a top edge having an opening extending therein and defining a primary opening. The pockets each have an approximately same width and height with respect to each other. The width of the pockets is a distance between the lateral edges. The plurality of pockets includes pockets having one or more sleeves configured for receiving at least one of a plurality of saw blades. Each of the sleeves includes lateral and bottom boundaries formed by attached portions of the front and back walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Griffin
  • Patent number: 7506756
    Abstract: A container lid for a cup-type beverage which includes within the lid a disc-shaped media in which the lid is adapted to be releasably affixed to the beverage container and where the lid is protected from the beverage within the container and wherein the disc may be removed from the lid and utilized for entertainment purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignees: The GARR Group, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John O. Bosworth, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7494010
    Abstract: Disclosed is a race guide wire containment and dispensing system comprising an outer housing and an inner housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: JS Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Opie, Stephen J. Joyce, Thomas Izdebski
  • Patent number: 7487872
    Abstract: A protective cover for use on one or more saw blades. An insert can be positioned on the saw blade(s). The cover is formed from a heat shrinking material that is shrunk around the saw blade(s) to provide a thin close fitting cover that protects teeth on the saw blade(s). A tag can be attached to the cover and/or saw blade(s) and/or an insert. The tag has a security device disposed thereon. The tag can be used to hang the saw blade(s) from a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John Curtsinger, Daniel G. Findle, Leonard R. Baublitz
  • Patent number: 7458920
    Abstract: A method of displaying exercise weight components in a retail environment includes disposing a weight case in a retail environment, the weight case including a bottom member and a first side wall attached to the bottom member, the first side wall including a opening formed into an outer face of the first side wall and adapted to maintain an exercise weight component in a substantially upright manner with the bottom member resting on a support surface. A plurality of exercise weight components is maintained by the weight case, at least one of the plurality of weight components maintained in the opening of the first side wall. The exercise weight component maintained in the opening of the first side wall is presented to an observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Hallar
  • Patent number: 7441653
    Abstract: A package for a digital recording support in the form of a disk formed by a plate with a disk centering piece, wherein the plate comprises at least two radial shoulders defined to cover, when at rest, a marginal zone of the disk and define with the bottom of the plate a slot with a height approximately equal to the thickness of the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Moulage Industrial de Perseigne (MIP)
    Inventor: Francis LaRoche
  • Publication number: 20080245790
    Abstract: A container for holding elastic loops therein is described. The container comprises a substantially planar card having two portions with a folding section therebetween. A foldable, substantially planar sheet is included for holding elastic loops thereon. The sheet is formed such that it can be contained within the card. A separator is pivotally attached with the card. When an elastic loop is placed upon the sheet and the sheet is positioned upon the card, the separator covers a portion of the sheet such that it holds elastic loops against the sheet. Thus, the separator assists in folding both the elastic loops and sheet when the card is being folded along the folding section. For ease of storage and concealment, the card has a shape and size such that when folded, the card is of a substantially similar shape and size as a credit card for placement within a wallet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Yigal Mesika
  • Patent number: 7392900
    Abstract: A package for storing a fragile article includes a plurality of panel integrally connected to one another a fold lines. Pairs of two of the panels oppose one another in a spaced relation wherein the panels form a partial enclosure. A first tab connects to about an open end surface of the enclosure and has a slotted surface formed therein which provides a first retention surface for a portion of the article. A second tab connects about second open end surface and has a shelf with a slotted surface formed therein which provides a second retention surface for another portion of the article and a complete enclosure is so formed wherein the article is retained in suspended manner in a spaced relation from each of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Pakmark, LLC
    Inventor: Sandra G. Semel
  • Patent number: 7380656
    Abstract: An optical disc can structure for deterring theft includes a lower cover and an upper cover. The center of the lower cover has a positioning column. The edge of the lower cover extends outward to form a circular protruding edge. On the protruding edge there are wedging parts. Under the wedging parts there are wedging slots. On the wedging parts there are fixing pins. The lower end of the fixing pin plugs into the wedging slot. A receiving space is formed in the inner part of the upper cover. On the bottom of the external wall of the upper cover there are a plurality of wedging bodies. The wedging bodies have fixing holes. The upper cover covers the lower cover. The wedging bodies can be rotated and wedged into corresponding wedging slots and the lower ends of the fixing pins are located in the corresponding holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Te-Shun Yeh
  • Patent number: 7377387
    Abstract: In a CD storage device, the combination comprising an upstanding post to receive CD's in a stack, and via openings therethrough, a carrier for each CD having circularly spaced retainers to retain the periphery of each CD at spaced locations, an identification zone associated with a retainer, for each CD, and cam surfaces on said carriers for inter-engagement in response to selected CD rotation, for locally elevating the carrier of a selected CD for retrieval off the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Andrez Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 7374041
    Abstract: A flexible storage device that fits over, or is adherable to a surface of, the lid of a compact disk player for receiving and storing compact disks, as well as, portable compact disk players that employ such a flexible storage device, are provided. The inventive storage device serves to increase the functionality of a compact disk player by adding storage capacity, without interfering with the player's effective operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Michael D. Bonzagni, Nicholas Hanges
  • Publication number: 20080078684
    Abstract: A mobile toolbox having hinged tool blade element holder cartridges inside the box body thereof, each tool blade element holder cartridge having two flat storage open chambers separated by a flat retaining panel for holding a respective flat tool blade element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Hung-Lin Lin
  • Patent number: 7334678
    Abstract: A device comprising an elongated tubular member having a first open end, a second open end and a lumen therebetween, the first end and the second end facing in the same direction and positioned so that a first end of a guidewire can extend beyond the device out of the first open end and a second end of the guidewire can extend beyond the device out of the second open end and parallel to the first end of the guidewire and a method of manufacturing and packaging a guidewire comprising the steps of providing a dual distal tip guidewire having a first tip and a second tip, providing a coiled elongated tubular device having a first open end positioned proximate and facing in the same direction as a second open end, and positioning the guidewire in the tubular device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Kesler, Yudit Candocia, Otto E. Anderhub
  • Patent number: 7328791
    Abstract: A lid for a container that includes a first element adapted to releasably engage the container and has first and second raised seals extending from a surface of the first element. The first raised seal has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the second raised seal. An opening is centrally disposed in the first element. A second element is engageable with the first element. The second element includes first and second raised seals extending from a surface of the second element and an opening is centrally disposed therein. The first and second raised seals are aligned with and receive the first and second seals of the first element, respectively. A chamber is defined between the surfaces of the first and second elements and between the first raised seals and the second raised seals of the first and second elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: John O. Bosworth
  • Publication number: 20080017533
    Abstract: A disk container for holding disks includes a base which has a post to run through the disks and a hood mounting onto the base. The post has an anchor end. The hood has a retaining zone which has an opening insertable by the anchor end. The retaining zone holds a movable member through a coupling means. The movable member has a latch notch engageable with the anchor end to form an anchoring relationship at a first position. The movable member may be moved to a second position where the latch notch escapes the anchor end to release the anchoring relationship. Thereby the hood can be anchored or removed easily through a simple operation. Use convenience improves. The entire container is formed with the same diameter. Transportation and storing are easier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Shu-Chi Hong
  • Publication number: 20080017534
    Abstract: A multiple optical disc storage case includes a upper cover, a lower supporting plate, an outer fastener, and a plurality of inner hooks. The upper cover is hollow, and the lower supporting plate is used to assemble with the upper cover. The outer fastener is positioned at one of the upper cover and a lower supporting plate, and has at least one outer hook, at least one stop block and a plurality of resilient block. The outer hooks and the stop blocks are positioned at one side of the outer fastener, and the resilient blocks are equally separated and positioned at the other side of the outer fastener. The outer fastener also has a plurality of inner hooks positioned at the other of the upper case and the lower supporting plate so that the inner hooks are hooked up with the outer hooks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Ming-Chien Lo, Chin-Chi Chang, Hsun-Cheng Chan, Hui-Chi Huang
  • Patent number: 7316312
    Abstract: A “protective structure of disc packaging” of the invention comprises a protective body placed on the top and the bottom sides of a pile of discs; a heat-shrink film covers the protective body and said discs together for avoiding the discs from deforming the heat-shrink film. The characteristic of the invention lies in: the protective body is composed of at least two interlaced disc-shaped plates, which are made of corrugated paper or plastic corrugated sheet with wavy buffer portions. When the upper and the lower disc-shaped plates are disposed, the undulating buffer portions of the disc-shaped plates are vertically stacked up; in addition, the size of each disc-shaped plate is larger than the disc. The invention, therefore, is able to achieve the objectives of retaining the disc quality during the disc packaging and delivery processes, in addition, effectively reducing the disc packaging costs based on the requirement of environmental protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Princo Corp.
    Inventor: Pei-Liang Chiu
  • Publication number: 20070278118
    Abstract: A packaging system for protecting a wheel hub containing inboard and outboard bearings separated by a spacer. The packaging system comprises a shipping retainer having inboard and outboard elements that are reversibly locked together within the axial bore of the wheel hub to seal the ends of the axial bore and maintain the alignment of the bearings and spacer. The packaging system further includes a stackable shipping tray having first and second sides, the first side adapted to receive the inboard end of a wheel hub with the shipping retainer installed and the second side adapted to receive the outboard end of a wheel hub. The shipping tray cooperates with the shipping retainer to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the shipping retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Reginal A. Pete, Gary Tope, Adam Purvis
  • Patent number: 7293489
    Abstract: A carrying case device for a circular saw and the method of interconnecting the circular saw with the carrying case device when the circular saw is in use. A case is provided having a top surface, wherein the case defines an internal area large enough to store the circular saw. A miter assembly is provided that is attached to the top surface of the case. The miter assembly can be rotated on the case. The miter assembly also includes a guide arm that can be lifted and closed about a hinge connection. The guide arm contains a mounting receptacle for selectively receiving and engaging the circular saw. As a result, the circular saw can be raised and lowered against a work piece as though it were a power miter saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Michael D. Wood
  • Patent number: 7290659
    Abstract: A pad package structure for a nailer includes at least one package box having a top formed with a plurality of removable catch plates, a plurality of pads mounted in the package box, and a pull bar mounted on the package box and extended through each of the pads to move the pads. Thus, the package box has a plurality of removable catch plates, so that the pull bar and the pads can be removed from the package box directly by pushing and expanding the catch plates of the package box, thereby facilitating the user operating the pad package structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Yong Song Hardware & Tool Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Chien-Chi Chou
  • Patent number: 7284660
    Abstract: A container for storing and transporting multiple circular saw blades. This invention provides for a circular, portable, carrying case to safely and conveniently store and transport circular saw blades. The invention has several circular trays and each tray had an insert that houses and securely segregates the circular saw blades. The tray and insert feature protects the user from being injured by the saw blades and ensures that the blades do not become dull due to their moving around in the around in the storage container. The invention provides that each circular tray rotates and swings open to allow the user easy access to the saw blades contained inside the storage container. There is a pen that extends through each tray and the pen provides a means for the pivoting action, rotating and swinging action of each circular tray. Each tray has a latching mechanism that secures the tray in place so that the tray does not inadvertently swing open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: David Smith
  • Patent number: 7219735
    Abstract: A packer fluid is provided for use with a wellbore fluid in an annulus or casing bore, having an aqueous portion which contains additives for preventing corrosion, microbiological activity, salt and scale deposition, and an environmentally-acceptable capping fluid which resides at a top of the wellbore to act as freeze protection and as thermal insulation in a the frost penetration layer. The additives in the packer fluid are particularly selected to exist in the aqueous additive fluid and in the wellbore fluid and to be substantially immiscible with the capping fluid and thereby prevent significant migration of the additives into the capping fluid which would compromise its environmental acceptability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Innovative Chemical Technologies Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Clayton Smith, Dan Skibinski
  • Patent number: 7198151
    Abstract: A rope can system which incorporates storage for lariat, piggin string, gloves, and an integral seating arrangement is disclosed. The disclosed invention is particularly well suited for use in competition rodeo scenarios wherein a cowboy or cowgirl has need for storage of competition materials used in calf roping. The present system permits uniform storage of lariat ropes and the like, as well as the piggin string used for securing the calf. Other accessories such as gloves may also be stored in the water-tight compartments of the disclosed invention. A key feature of the disclosed invention is the incorporation of a seating arrangement to permit the rope can to be used as a resting apparatus while the cowboy/cowgirl waits for their opportunity to compete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth Alexander Fomby
  • Patent number: 7191898
    Abstract: A case for holding multiple saw blades includes an upper shell and a lower shell which collectively enclose a volume, with multiple pockets contained within the volume. Each of the pockets is adapted for holding a saw blade such that the saw blade is protected from contact with saw blades in adjacent pockets, and such that each saw blade may be individually accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Union Rich USA, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Williams
  • Patent number: 7178668
    Abstract: A container (10) for holding a bundt cake (12), which avoids an unsightly accumulation of sugar frosting around the central hole in the cake, and which provides strength for stacking containers with cakes therein on top of one another. The container includes a base (14) with a cake-supporting surface (30) and a central upward projection (32) for insertion into the central cake hole, and a cover (16) with a cover top (20) and with side walls (22) that have bottoms (24) that latch to the base. The central upward projection has a plurality of largely vertically extending grooves (40) that allow hot frosting to flow down to a recess (44) lying below the cake-supporting surface. The middle of the cover forms a downwardly-extending post (62) that engages the top of the center projection on the base, to support the cover, especially when containers holding cakes are stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: PWP Industries
    Inventor: Terry Vovan
  • Patent number: 7147107
    Abstract: A platform (40) has a rigid body with an adjustable thickness (t) to selectively occupy any remaining space within a container (20) used for packaging items such as semiconductor wafers (22). The platform (40) in one example has a first portion (42) and a second portion (44). Adjusting the positions of the first and second portions (42, 44) relative to each other selectively varies the thickness (t) of the platform (40) to achieve the desired thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: e.PAK International, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton C. Haggard, James R. Thomas, Song Ping Chen, Ru Zheng Liu
  • Patent number: 7121405
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disc package having a structure in which a cover can be fixed on a base by simply pressurizing the cover with respect to the base in a base shaft axial direction and, at the same time, the cover can be prevented from being accidentally separated from the base while the disc package is being transported. Further, in the disc package, a cover once fixed on a base can be separated therefrom by rotating the cover along the circumference of the base in any direction, i.e., in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. Furthermore, an end portion of a shaft can be fitted into a concave portion of a cover even in case the end portion of the shaft is not aligned with the concave portion of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuichi Ito, Kazuhito Morita, Masaki Oyama, Takayoshi Miyashita, Yoshinori Saito
  • Patent number: 7093714
    Abstract: A roofing washers assembly includes a plurality of stacked roofing washers and a positioning roofing washer is located at an end of the stacked roofing washers. An elongate holding member has a removable end piece connected to a first end thereof and the end piece extends through the central aperture in each of the stacked roofing washers and the positioning aperture of the positioning roofing washer. The end piece has expandable spikes which are pushed inward when passing through the positioning washer and then expand outward after the spikes go through the positioning aperture. The end piece is disengaged from the holding member when the holding member is pulled from a second end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Wen-Sheng Huang
  • Patent number: 7066327
    Abstract: A display package for presenting saw blades includes a first blister portion having a first extension portion. A second blister portion is coupled to the first blister portion and defines an inner space therebetween. The second blister portion includes a second extension portion. A first disk shaped article is disposed in the first extension portion. A second disk shaped article is disposed in the second extension portion. A separator is disposed in the inner space between the first and second articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard R. Baublitz, Ehren C. Staudt, Jonathan S. Leyfert
  • Patent number: 7066325
    Abstract: A media storage container includes a back wall with base and lid pages hingedly connected to the back wall. The base page has a hub to hold a first item of recorded media. An internal page is connected to the hinge wall and has a hub on one surface thereof to hold a second item of recorded media and a hub on the other surface thereof to hold a third item of recorded media. The hub on the internal page facing the base page is offset from the base page hub so that each hub helps hold discs on the facing page. Likewise, the hubs on opposite sides of the internal page are offset for the same purpose where additional internal pages are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Nexpak Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Bird, Michael S. Jaeb
  • Patent number: 7059475
    Abstract: The invention relates to transport and shipping containers for wafers that are processed into semiconductor units. The wafer transport system provides wafer carriers that provide damage protection and particulate protection with minimal contamination of the wafers in the shipper. The invention includes a wafer cushion for cushioning semiconductor wafers that is made of a closed-cell polyethylene material with a surface resistivity of less than 5×107 ohms per square that has less than 1800 ng/g Cl?, 400 ng/g F?/Acetate, 270 ng/g NO3?, 350 ng/g SO42?, and 60 ng/g PO43?ions leachable under moderate conditions. The wafer cushion optimally has no detectable outgassing organics under stringent conditions. The static control properties are the result of carbon that is part of the structure of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Zabka, Matthew Nicolas, David Molitor
  • Patent number: 7051871
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to plastic containers which can be used for holding, organizing and securing optical disks including CDs, DVDs, mini CDs, and mini DVDs. Features of the apparatus serve to prevent dirt, dust, water, and other debris from entering the containers. Additional features include a stackable design that aids in organization and storage of a plurality of optical disks or other items. Some embodiments of the present invention have a hinged top and bottom. Additional features of some embodiments include ears allowing the container to be attached to a travel device such as a notebook or binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Loritz & Associates, D.B.A. L&A Plastic Molding & Tooling
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Loritz
  • Patent number: 6983840
    Abstract: A package including an endless belt; a first cylindrical body contacting an inner surface of the endless belt at a first pressure; a second cylindrical body contacting another inner surface of the endless belt at a second pressure; and a third cylindrical body contacting an outer surface of the endless belt at a third pressure, wherein the endless belt is wound around the first, second and third cylindrical bodies while the first, second and third cylindrical bodies are arranged so as to be parallel to each other and substantially located in one plane, and wherein a surface of each of the first, second and third cylindrical bodies contacting the endless belt has a maximum height of from 0.8 to 150 m when measured by a method based on JIS B 0601.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Yamazaki, Tetsuya Kusano, Mizuho Imaruoka, Satoshi Hasegawa, Kiyoshi Taniguchi, Takato Kiyohara, Naoki Nakatake
  • Patent number: 6974029
    Abstract: A cassette for use in dispensing a pleated tubing to collect waste material is formed of an annular body having a U-shaped cross-section in which is packed the pleated tubing in layered form and of an annular flange which extends over the housing. The flange has an inner portion that extends downwardly to engage the upper part of the inner wall of the annular body and an outwardly projecting portion that extends over the housing. The outwardly projecting portion has an annular funnel area to assist in the sliding of the pleated tubing when pulled through the central core of the annular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Moniteurs Angelcare Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Morand, Claude Maufette, Maurice Pinsonnault
  • Patent number: 6966791
    Abstract: A device for storing computer cables, including a body portion, a lid portion, an optional electrically conductive shield, and a closure for fastening the body and lid portions in a closed position. The body portion includes at least one circumferential channel for storing a cable; the ends of the cable may extend outwards through openings in the device. The device may also include compartments and pockets for storing small accessory items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Phillip G. Farr
  • Patent number: 6932215
    Abstract: A disc storage box includes a body having an inner face provided with two support seats each having an oblique shape. The inner face of the body is provided with two elastic snapping members each located at a center of the respective support seat and each having an inclined angle equal to that of the respective support seat. Thus, the storage box can be used to store two compact discs simultaneously. In addition, the two discs are inserted into and removed from the inner face of the disc storage box in an independent manner without incurring interference, thereby facilitating the user placing and taking the two discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Hsing-Chiou Chang
  • Patent number: 6926150
    Abstract: A package includes a first and a second wafer stored therein in a stacked configuration. The first wafer has interconnection conductor material portions extending from a first surface thereof. The interconnection conductor material portions have a maximum height. An interleaf member is located between the first and second wafers. A first recessed portion is formed in the interleaf member, and it has an outer perimeter shape corresponding to an outer perimeter shape of the first wafer. The first recessed portion has a first depth from a top surface of the interleaf member. A second recessed portion is formed in the interleaf member and located at least partially within the first recessed portion, and it has a bottom surface at a second depth from the top surface. The second depth is greater than the first depth. The second depth minus the first depth is greater than the maximum height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Gonzalo Amador, Sandra Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6915898
    Abstract: A media storage device for retaining media, such as optical disk media. The device includes a base and a spindle projecting from the base. The spindle is configured to receive optical disks around the outer surface of the spindle. The spindle also includes an opening to a channel within the spindle. This opening allows a marking device to pass through the opening into the channel and allows the marking device to be retained in the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Henry Becker, Wayne Elmo Vicknair
  • Patent number: 6910575
    Abstract: A protective cover for use on one or more saw blades. The cover is formed from a heat shrinking material that is shrunk on the saw blade(s) to provide a thin close fitting cover that protects teeth on the saw blade(s). A tag can be attached to the cover and/or saw blade(s). The tag has a security device that is spaced from the saw blade(s) to prevent interference. The tag can be used to hang the saw blade(s) from a display device. An insert card having indicia thereon can be positioned on the saw blade(s) to convey information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John Curtsinger, Daniel G. Findle, Leonard R. Baublitz
  • Patent number: 6905018
    Abstract: Packaging apparatus is provided for packaging a flexible photoconductive belt loop to prevent light from shocking the flexible photoconductive belt loop during shipping and during loading into an image reproduction machine. The packaging apparatus includes (a) a cut sheet of light occluding and protective flexible member for wrapping over the flexible photoconductive belt loop. The cut sheet has a length L2 including a first end, a second end, and (iv) at least one loop tacking aperture formed through a second end portion thereof. The packaging apparatus also includes a first adhesive tape member applied over the second end portion, through the at least one loop tacking aperture, and onto a first end portion. The packaging apparatus further includes a plurality of packaging cores, and a second adhesive tape member applied over the second end and over a portion of the main body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Darcy, III, David W. Martin, Michael S. Roetker, James F. Dildine, Jr., Moritz P. Wagner, J. Stephen Olesiuk
  • Patent number: 6883663
    Abstract: A media disk holder is presented. The media disk holder includes a first portion having a center hub and a second portion. The second portion includes a thru-hole. The second portion is stretchable allowing insertion of a media disk having a center hole through the thru-hole onto the first portion with the center hub fitting through the media disk's center hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Steven Laut
  • Patent number: 6880697
    Abstract: A CD box comprises a seat and a cover. A center of the seat has an insertion hole for receiving the combining post. A periphery of the seat has an annular inner wall. A plurality of protruding strips are disposed around the annular inner wall. An upper surface of each protruding strip is formed as a downward inclined surface. An outer side of each downward inclined surface is formed with a plurality of positioning grooves. A section of annular inner wall is used to space two protruding strips. The sections are called as spacing sections. Each end of the protruding strip is an inclined surface. One edge of the cover has a plurality of inner protruding sheets corresponding to the spacing sections of the seat. Each inner protruding sheet is protruded with a positioning strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Hsi Sung Cheng
  • Patent number: 6868966
    Abstract: A self-standing saw blade package includes a first and second panel. The first panel includes at least two circular portions for receiving saw blades. The circular portions overlap one another such that the length of the at least two circular portions is less than the length of the combined diameters of the circular portions. The two circular portions are offset with respect to one another such that a portion of the saw blades in the circular portion contact one another. Securement members on the first and second panels mate with one another to hold the panels together such that the saw blades are sandwiched between the panels. At least one foot is coupled with the panels to enable the panels to stand with respect to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: George J. German, III
  • Patent number: 6851551
    Abstract: A coin container for receiving coins or tokens therein, comprising a receptacle having a longitudinal wall along a longitudinal axis and end faces at opposed ends of the longitudinal wall. The longitudinal wall has an inner surface defining a cavity portion with the end faces. The cavity portion is adapted to partially receive therein a predetermined number of coins. Grooves protrude radially in the inner surface of the longitudinal wall. The grooves are adapted to receive partially therein at least one coin of the predetermined number of coins thereby separating other ones of the predetermined number of coins in groups of the predetermined number of coins, such that the coins in the grooves are offset radially from the groups. Means are provide for forming a tubular container with the cavity portion of the receptacle to hold the coins captive in the tubular container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Emballage Conseil 2000 Inc.
    Inventor: Réal Lemaire
  • Patent number: 6851202
    Abstract: Ensuring that the correct wheel bearing is installed in the wheel assembly of an aircraft. A plastic mold is designed to hold only one size of wheel bearing. The mold is labeled with the wheel bearing serial number and the corresponding aircraft model number. Because only one size of wheel bearing fits properly in the mold, it facilitates identification and use of the correct size wheel bearing in the aircraft wheel assembly. The mold can be used to ship wheel bearings to air carriers and to store wheel bearings before installation into aircraft wheel assemblies. The mold also offers protection for the wheel bearing from contamination or damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Delta Air Lines, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry E. Schroeder, James M. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6789668
    Abstract: A compact disk container includes a base having a central bar to support serially stacked compact disks, a cover being diametrically smaller than the base and having a downward extended central sleeve, first connecting means including angularly connected horizontal and vertical bars, and second connecting means including angularly connected horizontal and vertical tubes. By connecting the horizontal bar and tube together, the vertical tube to the central bar of the base, and the vertical bar to the central sleeve of the cover laid in a reversed position, compact disks stacked on the base may be shifted along the connected first and second connecting means to the reversed cover, enabling a user to conveniently locate a desired compact disk and remove the same from the container by separating the connected horizontal tube and bar, or the connected vertical tube and central bar from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Hsin-Wen Kuo