For Cylinder Patents (Class 206/446)
  • Patent number: 6311732
    Abstract: A cable-guide trough has a set of like U-shaped cross wires aligned with one another and lying in respective generally parallel and longitudinally spaced planes so as to form a trough with a horizontal floor and two upright sides. A set of generally parallel longitudinal wires is joined to the cross wires at the floor and sides. One of the sets is formed at the floor in upper and lower layers vertically flanking the other of the sets at the floor. The wires are all of identical cross-sectional size and shape. Both sets of wires are formed as two layers in the trough floor to produce a four-layer floor. Each wire of the lower layer lies directly underneath a respective one of the wires of the upper layer. The one set can be the longitudinal wires or the cross wires in a three-layer system. Furthermore the one set can be formed in the trough sides as inner and outer layers horizontally flanking the other of the sets at the trough sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Obo Bettermann GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Wilfried Nickel
  • Patent number: 6279760
    Abstract: A rack to hold pre-designed containers such as jars, cans, powered drink tubs and the like, or custom designed containers that specifically interact with the rack. The rack has one or more pairs of resilient arms extending out from a back panel, at about 90 degrees, to form container holders. Each of the resilient top arms has formed protrusions or indents that interact with opposing protrusions or indents within the container lid. The bottom arm is designed to interact with the shape of the base of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Broeski
  • Patent number: 6250468
    Abstract: A tubular film package comprising a tubular film provided with a tear strip secured upon an outside surface of the film. The tear strip is defined by a longitudinal edge of the film and a heat seal joint provided in the film essentially parallel to the longitudinal edge. The film is further provided with at least one slit running from an end of the film to the heat seal line so that pulling of the strip away from the package commencing at the slit causes film to separate proximate the heat seal line thus opening the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Teepak Investments, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert John Huchel
  • Patent number: 6230889
    Abstract: A perfume bottle container includes a bottom base, a position base and a cap combined together. The position base is fitted on a chamber of the bottom base, having a spray hole and plural spring plates, closed on by the cap slidable up and down so as to let the spray hole expose when a perfume bottle placed in the chamber of the bottom base is to be used. The cap has two projecting strips to fit and slide up and down two slide grooves of the position base, and plural insert holes for projecting studs on plural spring plates of the position plates to engage, and the insert holes engage the studs when the cap is moved down to an open position wherein the spray hole is exposed for the perfume sprayed by a nozzle of a perfume bottle. When the cap is moved up to a closed position, the cap hides the spray hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Sin-Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 6213295
    Abstract: A game call holder device which enables the hunter to access a game call unit readily from a bundle or plurality of game calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Phillip Hohn
  • Patent number: 6158587
    Abstract: Resiliently expandable sleeves to locate and protectively separate from each other bottles or other articles placed vertically in a container are each comprised of at least three side walls connected to each other at their adjacent edges, each said side wall being tapered from the width at its upper edge to a lesser width at its lower end, the dimensions of the opening at the top of each said sleeve formed by said upper edges being designed to provide free entry of said article into said tapered sleeve, with further insertion of said article into said sleeve causing each of said side walls to be resiliently deflected outwardly, thereby to create a grasping pressure over the area of contact between the outer surface of said article, and the inner surface of each of said side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Roy William Emery
  • Patent number: 6152303
    Abstract: A two-part hinged carrying case having a first and a second part. First and second molded foam inserts formed from electrically non-conductive resilient foam are positioned, respectively, within the first and second part of the two-part hinged carrying case. The first molded foam insert includes a number of two-part cavities formed therein and open to a first insert surface. Each of the two-part cavities has a first cavity open to the first insert surface having a first diameter less than a diameter of a battery to be inserted therein and a depth greater than one-half a length of the battery to be inserted therein and a second cavity concentrically oriented with the first cavity and in connection with the first cavity. The second cavity has a second diameter at least one-quarter inch less than the first diameter and a depth greater than a positive pole protrusion of the battery to be inserted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventors: Robert J. Ducote, Glenda Ducote
  • Patent number: 6119861
    Abstract: Apparatus for supporting pipes during their storage and transport includes pipe holders having an operating position in which the pipe holders are disposed in superimposed spaced relationship. Pipes are disposed in the spaces between the pipe holders, the pipe holders having an upper side and a lower side with the upper and lower sides having opposed spaced apart recesses for accommodating the pipes. A clamping device is provided for clamping the pipe holders and the pipes into a clamped unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Thread Guard Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Volkrad W. H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6098803
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rod transport container. The container comprises a first partition member and a second partition member removably insertable into said container. The first partition member incorporates one or more first layer lower support cutouts for supporting a lower circumference of one or more first layer rods loaded within the container. The second partition member incorporates one or more first layer upper support cutouts for supporting an upper circumference of one or more of the first layer rods. The first partition member and the second partition member are removably inserted into the container in mutually offset positions along the longitudinal direction of the rods to be loaded within said container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Zeon Kasei Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Nobuo Tanaka, Katuei Yokota, Hiroshi Nakatui
  • Patent number: 6092654
    Abstract: A package for a compressor having a base to which a shell is attached includes a box having side walls and also a bottom wall and a top wall formed from overlying flaps. In addition, the package includes a rigid base formed from overlying panels of slab-like paperboard material. The panels fold relative to each other, and the upper of the two panels contains a cutout which enables that panel to pass over the compressor shell, or over the compressor base, to a position overlying the compressor base. Once the upper panel is over the compressor base, the lower panel is folded under the compressor base so that the compressor base is captured between the two panels of the package base. In this condition the compressor and the package base are inserted into the box. The package base comes to rest against the bottom wall of the box. A sleeve fits around the shell of the compressor and extends between the upper panel of the package base and the upper wall of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Innovative Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter W. Webb
  • Patent number: 6050406
    Abstract: Provided is a storage case for a diffraction grating, which accommodates the diffraction grating in a constant orientation, so as to improve efficiency in the operation for assembling the diffraction grating. The storage sections each accommodate a diffraction grating Each storage section forms a storage space for accommodating a diffraction grating. The storage space is equipped with a rib for engaging the outer peripheral portion of the diffraction grating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Nomura, Masaaki Fukuda, Takashi Ito, Kaneyoshi Yagi
  • Patent number: 6015043
    Abstract: A display package for a bottle is presented having a relatively short base section and a folded wrap-around section. The base section has a top with a hole adapted for receiving the bottom of the bottle. The wrap-around section extends from the back of the base section over the top of the bottle and down to the front of the base. The top of the wrap-around section is shorter in length than the largest diameter of the bottle displayed in the packaging. A window in the front of the wrap-around section allows the upper-front portion of the bottle to extend through the window. In addition, the wrap-around section leaves majority of the bottle exposed through the open sides of the tent-like structure formed by the wrap-around section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: The Traveling Herbalist, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Sandberg, George Webinger
  • Patent number: 6012576
    Abstract: A brush used for scrubbing is stored in a container, when not being used, in a wet state. The brush to be stored may be dipped in a bactericidal liquid which may be filled in a container with a removable top. The container is constructed such that the sponge or fibrous member of the brush is supported, so as not to experience any deforming stress. Before storage, the brush and the container may be subjected to bactericidal heating. Materials of the container and top are selected taking into account the chemical stability of the materials with respect to the liquid used, and the heat resistance of the material with respect to bactericidal heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Naoko Onodera
  • Patent number: 6000324
    Abstract: A device for smashing empty aluminum cans that provides for holding the cans horizontally on the ground while an automobile runs over the cans in order to smash the cans into a flattened configuration for recycling. The device is comprised of a long, narrow backing and a flexible member that is secured to a top surface of the backing. The flexible member is formed into a series of parallel curved flaps for removably holding the cans across the width of the backing and in the path of travel of the automobile. The flexible flaps are resilient and they return to their original configuration after the automobile has run over the device, allowing the smashed cans to be removed from the device and the device to be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Brad H. Grimm
  • Patent number: 5993745
    Abstract: A test tube storage tray assembly with multiple storage bays for individual test tubes is disclosed. The storage tray assembly comprises three sections: a base section, a center section and a cover section. Each storage bay centers a test tube stored at two levels: at the base section and at the center section. The base section and the center section are connected by interlocking rims. The cover section may have a hermetically sealing rim interface with the center section. The test tube storage tray assembly is dimensioned for use in combination with automatic test tube handlers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventor: Paul F. Laska
  • Patent number: 5975301
    Abstract: A caddy for packaging and transporting shirred food casings. A caddy according to the present invention comprises a plurality of shirred food casings, each of the shirred food casings being generally cylindrical and of generally equal length and diameter, with the food casings being arranged in a plurality of generally adjacent but offset rows to form a stack. The stack includes a bottom wall, a top wall, and a plurality of sidewalls. The stack is further defined by a pair of outside rows and a plurality of inside rows. At least one of the inside rows is laterally offset relative to its adjacent rows to thereby form a recessed notch adjacent one of the sidewalls. The same row also forms a protruding casing on the side opposite of the notch. A vacuum sealed peripheral retaining film surrounds the stack to thereby retain the food casings in the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Alfacel s.a.
    Inventors: Alan D. Stall, Jose-Luis R. Valdes
  • Patent number: 5957290
    Abstract: A package for a stick-like article includes a first film having flat portions (14b) and a bulging portion (14a) for enclosing a stick-like article, and a second film which is joined to the first film by heat sealing. Joint portions (33, 34) are formed near both longitudinal ends. Since the package is separated from a packaging container (11) except for areas near both longitudinal ends, fingers can be easily inserted between the package for a stick-like article and the packaging container (11). This makes it easy to remove the package for a stick-like article from the packaging container (11). Since the width of the flat portions (14b) at the lateral edges of the package for a stick-like article can be made narrower, the width of the package becomes narrower. Accordingly, the consumption of the first and second films can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas Stridsberg, Masashi Watanabe, Norio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5950832
    Abstract: A specimen vial storage assembly is described which includes multiple specimen vials, a rigid support member, and a flexible sheet storage device. The rigid support member is substantially uniform in height when placed upon a horizontal surface, and includes at least one upwardly facing first opening whose outer perimeter is defined by at least one perimeter support wall of substantially uniform height. The flexible sheet storage device includes a flexible elastomeric sheet material penetrated by an array of sized second openings which can frictionally bind and secure the specimen vials. The storage sheet device is removably placed upon, and supported by the upper surface of the perimeter support wall of the rigid support member, so that when a specimen vial is pushed downward through one of the second openings and into the first opening, a portion of the specimen vial is frictionally held by the storage sheet device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Brandeis University
    Inventor: Daniel Perlman
  • Patent number: 5950831
    Abstract: The present invention is a holder for a bottled beverage which is constructed from a cardboard blank. The blank defines a plurality of panels which are folded and locked together to form an interior for receiving a bottled beverage. The holder may be decorated or personalized for presentation as a gift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Garcon| Brands Limited
    Inventor: Stephane Millet
  • Patent number: 5947289
    Abstract: A package for a stick-like article includes a first film having flat portions (14b) and a bulging portion (14a) for enclosing a stick-like article, and a second film which is joined to the first film by heat sealing. Joint portions (33, 34) are formed near both longitudinal ends. Since the package is separated from a packaging container (11) except for areas near both longitudinal ends, fingers can be easily inserted between the package for a stick-like article and the packaging container (11). This makes it easy to remove the package for a stick-like article from the packaging container (11). Since the width of the flat portions (14b) at the lateral edges of the package for a stick-like article can be made narrower, the width of the package becomes narrower. Accordingly, the consumption of the first and second films can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas Stridsberg, Masashi Watanabe, Norio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5947297
    Abstract: The packaging case comprises, when assembled, a back part (aback hanging board), a bottom part (a bottom cover), a front part (a front cover, a front hanging board), the boards and covers being formed continuously in this order and bordered by fold lines, and a side part (a side cover, a glue margin) continuously extending from each side edge of the front cover except the neighborhood of the front hanging board and bordered by fold lines. A window is formed in the front cover, and a hook hole is respectively punched in the front and the back hanging boards to make a single matching hook hole. In one side edge of the back hanging board, a U-shaped perforated tear portion is provided for tearing off a part of the side edge glued to a corresponding glue margin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignees: Sigma P.I. Co., Ltd., Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Aoki, Masahiko Ito, Hisashi Nakano
  • Patent number: 5941381
    Abstract: A Utility Carry All for transporting numerous spray bottles in connection with a fluid handling or transporting central container having a handle positioned for balanced transport. The Utility Carry All includes a number of bottle neck size adapter inserts that fit into numerous longitudinal bottle mount openings positioned along the sides of the central transporting container and allow a user to insert a specific adapter size for a particular size spray bottle neck size. The adapter inserts snap into place and can be removed or changed to different bottle sizes. The utility carry all is provided with numerous bottle neck adapters so that the carry all can be customized by the user to carry desired bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Richard L. James
  • Patent number: 5921645
    Abstract: A residential fire equipment cabinet and method therefore typically employed in a residence or other habitable structure for storing emergency fire equipment including at least one standard size fire extinguisher container is disclosed. The fire equipment cabinet includes a construction incorporating a plurality of features including a box-shaped enclosure for housing the emergency fire equipment. The enclosure includes a top portion, an elevated base portion, a back portion and a pair of parallel side portions. A first arcuate-shaped door is provided for sealing the enclosure and includes a mechanism for rotatively attaching the first arcuate-shaped door to the front of the enclosure. Finally, at least a first recessed cavity is formed within the elevated base portion for securing a fire extinguisher container within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: John A. Lapi
  • Patent number: 5911323
    Abstract: Packaging and method for transporting one or more gas generators. The gas generator is separated and insulated from walls of a sub-compartment. Side walls of the sub-compartment have apertures for passing heat and gas from the sub-compartment for dissipation thereof within a container in which the sub-compartment is contained. Passages are allowed in the container during closing thereof for release of heat and gas thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Figgie International Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick H. Bapst
  • Patent number: 5901715
    Abstract: A container for cosmetic products that includes a base, a cover, and a connector to link the base and the cover together. The connector includes at least one elastic strip having a first end coupled to the base and a second end hinged to the inside of the cover in the vicinity of the interface between the base and the cover. The connector is such that when the cover is placed on the base, the connector is not visible on the outside of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: S.E.R.I.C.A.--Services Etudes et Realisations Industrielles par Moulage du Cantal
    Inventors: Alain Cambon, Pascal Genelot
  • Patent number: 5901847
    Abstract: A multi-pack comprising a plurality of containers, each having a respective label attached thereto, and packaging for holding said plurality of containers together, wherein the packaging is formed from a strip of sheet material which also constitutes at least part of said labels, and the packaging includes a plurality of connecting portions each of which extends from one to the other of a respective contiguous pair of the containers to join those containers together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: H. J. Heinz Company Limited
    Inventors: William Neil Colby, Stephen Scott, Julian Harry James Stocker, Michael John Claydon, Margaret Burke, Christopher John Andrew Barnardo, Gregory Berman, William George Dando, David John Livesley, William Frank Tyldesley, Michelle Claire Watson
  • Patent number: 5871700
    Abstract: A holding device for liquids comprises a container open at one end and formed of a light-tight wall which is sealed at an opposite end, and an outer housing open at one end and formed of a gas-tight wall. The container is inserted coaxially in the outer housing, with a substantial portion of the outer surface of the container wall contacting the inner surface of the housing wall without play whereby the container is held in the outer housing by a press fit. The outer surface of the container wall defines at least one continuous groove extending from the sealed ends of the container and outer housing walls to the open container and outer housing walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: C.A. Greiner & Sohne Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Franz Konrad
  • Patent number: 5860526
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of retaining a cylindrical shaped product or container within a shadow carton so that the front label on the product or container does not rotate out of view. The shadow carton comprises an opening to enable the lower portion of the carton to be closed with an adhesive that is then attached to the bottom end of the cylindrical product or container so that the product or container essentially is glued to the bottom of the carton and will not rotate out of position. The bottom of the carton comprises a lower portion with an opening and two side flaps that are cut and scored so that the opening still remains exposed until the bottom of the carton is folded. Adhesive is applied to the bottom of the carton in order to then seal the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Performance Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Burke, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5845802
    Abstract: A carrier for a grease cartridge has a body with an internal chamber for accommodating a grease cartridge and non-cylindrical outside longitudinal surfaces. A cap having non-cylindrical outside longitudinal surfaces aligned with the outside surfaces of the body is releasable connected to the body to close the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Steven A. Bruns, Mark W. Bruns
  • Patent number: 5799790
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging for syringe barrels, wherein the packaging has a thermoformed tray (1) which is provided with a plurality of compartments (2) for receiving the syringe barrels (3). The packaging according to the invention has in comparison with a conventional packaging the advantages that disposal of a single type of material and recycling are possible, that packaging material is saved and that the weight and volume of the packaging are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gunter Ziegert, Jose Luis Suarez Oviedo
  • Patent number: 5792426
    Abstract: A titerplate for instrumental analysis of liquid samples consists of a plurality of wells in which the walls and bottoms are made of two different materials with different physical properties. This allows the interfacial tension at the surface of the liquid to be controlled in such a way that it is essentially planar, allowing more accurate analysis to be performed on the samples. The bottoms of the wells are preferably made of a transparent material, so that the analysis and observation can be done in the transmission mode. The wells may be formed of radiation-absorbing material to prevent radiation cross talk between radioactive specimens. An overgarment replaceable film or foil having depressions aligned with the titerplate wells may be utilized to prevent contamination of the titerplate by samples and allow the reuse of the titerplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft Vertreten Durch Das AC-Laboratorium Spiez Der Gruppe Rustung
    Inventors: Rudolf Portmann, Andreas Hirschi, Andreas Wellenreiter
  • Patent number: 5785177
    Abstract: A package for a stick-like article includes a first film having flat portions (14b) and a bulging portion (14a) for enclosing a stick-like article, and a second film which is joined to the first film by heat sealing. Joint portions (33, 34) are formed near both longitudinal ends. Since the package is separated from a packaging container (11) except for areas near both longitudinal ends, fingers can be easily inserted between the package for a stick-like article and the packaging container (11). This makes it easy to remove the package for a stick-like article from the packaging container (11). Since the width of the flat portions (14b) at the lateral edges of the package for a stick-like article can be made narrower, the width of the package becomes narrower. Accordingly, the consumption of the first and second films can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas Stridsberg, Masashi Watanabe, Norio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5769401
    Abstract: A shock absorber with a pneumatic spring, comprising an outer suspension tube and an inner suspension tube of a suspension unit, whereby elastic roller bellows are connected to the outer and inner suspension tubes, forming a spring chamber. The roller bellows are crimped on one end to the inner suspension tube. When the shock absorber with a pneumatic spring is fully assembled, a safety device is located on the pneumatic spring which centers the outer suspension tube in relation to the inner suspension tube, so that contact between the crimped part and the adjacent roller bellows is prevented, thereby preventing damage to the roller bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventor: Robert Pradel
  • Patent number: 5765684
    Abstract: A paperboard container carrier having a base, a handle extending from and integral with the base, and a shroud having an opening to accommodate the handle. The base supports a plurality of containers which are separated between rows of the containers by the handle. The base preferably has an integrally formed, upwardly extending, base sidewall that extends around a periphery of the base and retains the containers. When the carrier package is assembled, the containers are retained between the base, the shroud and the sidewall. The handle extends between the containers and through the opening in the shroud. The shroud may have a downwardly extending shroud sidewall that extends about a periphery of the shroud thus unitizing a top portion of the containers. The shroud may have at least one aperture that accommodates an upper portion of any one or more of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Van Dore, James A. Broskow
  • Patent number: 5750075
    Abstract: A sampling vial includes a generally cylindrical vial body having first and second reduced diameter sections axially spaced from one another. The first and second reduced diameter sections are aligned along a vertical axis of the vial and preferably have the same inside diameter. The reduced diameter sections function to vertically align a matching vial insert along the longitudinal axis of the sampling vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Sun International Trading , Ltd.
    Inventor: Frederick W. Spike
  • Patent number: 5738067
    Abstract: A cosmetics container is provided having a housing (1) which is coverable by a cap (2). The housing protectively contains a cosmetic or medicinal preparation such as a lipstick or ointment which can be extruded for application to the skin. In solid lipsticks, problems often arise as a result their temperature-dependent characteristics. To avoid such problems, the container of the invention is for use with a pumpable fluid preparation in the form of a paste or viscous liquid. The container acts as a dispenser, having a push-button actuator (10, 20') operable to pump the preparation in a skin contact element (31) with an applicator surface (32) and a dispensing valve (33). In a particularly useful embodiment, the skin applicator surface (31) is arranged in a plane which is inclined in relation to a longitudinal axis (x--x) of the housing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Revlon Consumer Products Corporation
    Inventors: Josef Landwehr, Melvin Edwin Kamen
  • Patent number: 5722219
    Abstract: A method of making a drinking straw includes the steps of selecting a flat material suitable for making a drinking straw, printing indicia on the flat material in a position to form the end portions of the straw so that each end of the straw will have indicia indicating a different type of drink thereon and then forming the flat material into a straw with indicia on each end indicating a different type of drink, such as a diet or regular cola, so that a straw can distinguish a drink by the end of the straw protruding from the drink container. The straw can also be color coded and can be printed on an elongated flat material which is spiraled on a mandrel to form the straw. A straw wrapper can be imprinted on both ends in a similar manner and one end pulled back leaving the indicia on the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Mark J. Dobransky
  • Patent number: 5720390
    Abstract: A spacer (30) for vessels of hazardous materials is formed of a single sheet of cardboard and includes a top panel 32 and a bottom panel 36. The top panel 32 and the bottom panel 36 are spaced from the top and the bottom of the shipping carton, respectively, by upwardly and downwardly projecting members (70, 72, 74, 88, 90, 92, 106, 108, 110, 134). When assembled, ears 120 and 124 fold over the top panel 32 and engage diagonal slots 50 and 52, thereby providing rigidity to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Corrugated Container Corp.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Bostelman
  • Patent number: 5709252
    Abstract: A natural gas distribution system includes a gas cylinder having a first axial end and a second axial end. Protective collars are selectively connected to the cylinder ends. A valve is connected to the first axial end and is disposed within the first protective collar. The cylinder may be stored and transported in crates that have a plurality of compartments. Each of the plurality of compartments is configured to receive one gas cylinder in a substantially horizontal position. The crates in turn may be transported in delivery tracks that have bays with inclined floors and roll-down covering doors. An automatic air ventilation system makes sure that there is always air flow through the track so there is no accumulation of any gas escaping from the cylinders in the track. The truck may be equipped with refueling piping so that individual cylinders are refilled in the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Progas, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Princiotta, Alfred De Tomaso
  • Patent number: 5692833
    Abstract: A two-dimensional inflatable heat-sealable thin-film form is provided for creating a three-dimensional inflated cone with a recess in the base of the cone, useful as a carrying pouch or as an end-cap for cushioning, as well as thermal protection. A preferred manufacturing in-line process for making the cone is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Novus Packaging
    Inventor: Nicholas Paolo DeLuca
  • Patent number: 5690246
    Abstract: The invention provides a container for a sample comprising a hollow body having a base, a side wall and an open end opposite the base, a closure for that body, the closure being arranged to fit to the body to close the open end thereof; and locking means for locking the closure to the body, in such fashion that the contents of the container cannot be removed without it being apparent on subsequent observation of the container. Preferably said closure is provided with a tear-off portion defined thereon by a line of weakness in the material of the closure, removal of the tear-off portion by tearing along said line of weakness allowing removal of the sample from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Versapak (International) Ltd.
    Inventors: Ian Denny Anderson, Michael Denny Anderson
  • Patent number: 5687849
    Abstract: A cassette for supporting a plurality of cylindrically-shaped containers (e.g., test tubes) of randomly varying diameters in spaced parallel relationship includes a frame supporting a plurality of tube centering assemblies in side-by-side relationship. Each tube-centering assembly comprises a housing defining a through opening for receiving a container, and a pair of cooperating collar members slidably mounted on the housing for movement towards and away from each other. Each of the collar members has an arcuate surface adapted to contact a side wall of a received container during the sliding movement thereof. A spring is provided to bias the collar members towards each other and towards engagement with the side wall of a received container, whereby the collar members cooperate in supporting a received container therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Coulter International Corp.
    Inventors: David Borenstein, Kyriakos Christou, Nicholas Parker, John K. Sieh
  • Patent number: 5669502
    Abstract: A vial holder is provided which is easily loaded with a vial, retains the vial in a rigid manner and permits the vial to be discharged in a simple manner. The vial holder can also exhibit two vial retention sections for simultaneously rigidly holding two vials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Berlex Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Holly Ong, Paul Schmid, Cliff Wood, David G. Bragin
  • Patent number: 5635137
    Abstract: The invention relates to a frame for the storage of reagent vessels (4) and to a reagent vessel. The frame has a bottom part and a substantially circular rim, and the reagent vessels can be so stored in the frame that they extend to the rim (3) of the frame. The frame is provided with substantially radial partitions (6) for holding the vessels (4) in place. According to the invention, the partitions (6) are provided with auxiliary protrusions (10) placed so that the distance of the auxiliary protrusions from the rim (3) is substantially equal to the distance between two adjacent partitions (6) at the rim and that the distance between two auxiliary protrusions (10) on adjacent partitions (6) is shorter than the distance of the auxiliary protrusions (10) from the rim (3). The side walls of the reagent vessel (4) of the invention are provided with vertical recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Kone Instruments Oy
    Inventors: Harald Manz, Juhani Makunen, Jari-Pekka Riekkinen
  • Patent number: 5630988
    Abstract: A pipette tip assembly is provided which includes one or more pipette tips, a tip support and a tip holder which is movable between a tip-holding and a tip-releasing position. The pipette tip assembly also includes a position-maintaining structure which is adapted to hold the tip holder in the tip-releasing position until the tip holder is selectively moved from that position. The position-maintaining structure thus eliminates or reduces the potential for inadvertent lifting of the tip holder relative to the assembly. The invention thus provides a pipette tip assembly that facilitates secure transport, minimal handling, and convenient and user-controlled operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Point Plastics Inc.
    Inventor: Philip E. Stolp
  • Patent number: 5589137
    Abstract: A specimen carrier is designed for transporting specimen tubes throughout an automatic laboratory conveyance system. The specimen carrier includes a generally rectilinear carrier body with a forward face having an identification zone delimited thereon. An identification code is marked in the identification zone so as to permit mechanical sensing and identification of the carrier on a conveyor system. A plurality of holes of various diameters and depths are provided in the top surface of the carrier to receive specimen tubes of various types. The deepest holes are located centrally, so that the carrier is stable while retaining specimens therein. A groove is formed in the top surface of the carrier body which extends between the specimen tube holes, so as to communicate any fluid spilling from a test tube to the other empty holes in the specimen carrier, thereby retaining the fluid within the body of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Lab-Interlink, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney S. Markin, Michael R. Newcomb
  • Patent number: 5579929
    Abstract: A device for holding rod-shaped workpieces, especially test tubes, has a base plate spaced at a distance from a support surface. A receiving and clamping device has at least two elastic tongues that are displaceable in the plane of the base plate. The tongues are positioned in a perforation of the base plate and act in pairs on the test tube. The holding device is extremely simple in its design and economical to manufacture, but ensures a reliable securing of the test tube at different levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Hans Schwartz
  • Patent number: 5564568
    Abstract: An insulating cover for keg beer. The cover consists of a relatively flexible insulating material which substantially surrounds one or more kegs of beer. In a first embodiment the cover closely conforms to a single keg of beer, and thus has a cylindrical shape. Handles are provided on the exterior of the cover for easier manual transport of the keg and cover combination. The insulative properties are sufficient to maintain a relatively constant cool temperature without the use of ice, although multiple-use sealed freeze packs may be placed within the cover. In a further embodiment the cover is sized to fit upon a pallet and enclose up to four kegs. A side wall and top of the cover is openable to remove one or more of the kegs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Pleasant P. Rankin, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5558218
    Abstract: Shipping container for transporting a fragile cylindrical sleeve is constructed to facilitate mounting and demounting of the sleeve without any damage thereto. The container is designed to align the sleeve with a mandrel in a surfacing machine or a drum of a nonwoven fabric producing machine, which is useful when a cylindrical sleeve is being transferred from the shipping container onto the mandrel or drum, or vice versa. The container is useful in transporting a blank cylindrical sleeve from its production facility to a surfacing facility, aligning and mounting the blank sleeve on a mandrel in a surfacing machine, removing the machined sleeve from the surfacing machine, transporting the machined sleeve to a nonwoven fabric production facility, and mounting and aligning the machined sleeve on a nonwoven fabric producing machine. The container includes an elongated outer housing having front and rear ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. James, Stephen H. Breitkopf, Robert G. Provell, Ralph A. Moody, III
  • Patent number: 5553709
    Abstract: A container assembly is adapted for holding at least one plastic bottle which includes a capped top and a side handle with an upwardly facing flat area adjacent the handle. The assembly includes a container having a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls spanning the top and bottom walls. The side walls have a height greater than the height of the bottle so that the capped top of the bottle is spaced from the top wall when the bottle rests upright on the bottom wall. A bracing structure is positioned within the container in abutting interengagement between the flat area of the bottle and the top wall of the container to maintain the capped top of the bottle spaced from the top wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Kinetics Container Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Wharton, Jr., James M. Wharton