With Indicator (i.e., Variable Information Exhibiting Means) Patents (Class 206/459.1)
  • Publication number: 20020104240
    Abstract: An article of commerce comprising a product having an outer label and/or packaging bearing a hologram, the hologram depicting a first image when viewed from one angle and a second image when viewed from a second angle, the first image depicting a problem or task associated with the use of the product and the second image depicting the effect of using the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Howell, Martin Vincent Jones
  • Publication number: 20020106624
    Abstract: Innovative and improved display materials associated with products provide enhanced information to potential or actual purchasers of such products. In an aspect of the invention, electronic product packaging for demonstrative use in association with a product comprises demonstration means adapted to demonstrate visually or audibly the use or capabilities of the product under the control of integrated circuit means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Albert Wai Tai Chan
  • Publication number: 20020096448
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetics case having a melody output function, which generates the melody automatically in opening the case for a makeup so as to attract the interest of users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Chung Bae Lee
  • Patent number: 6422029
    Abstract: A security kit and method for protecting refrigerant systems is provided with a seal member for each service port of an air conditioning system. The kit may also include a validation record for recording identifying indicia from each of the seal members. The seal members are heat shrinkable plastic sleeves adapted to be secured on service ports and heated to shrink around and conform to the service port, substantially interfering with the use of the service port. The seal member is not removable without perceptible alteration. A kit can be provided with seal members for one or more service ports, and a locking ring for further securing the seal member to the service ports, particularly when the service ports have smooth exterior surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Gregory J. Boitnott
  • Patent number: 6418283
    Abstract: An article including: a container with an opening which container is adapted to accommodate and dispense the contents therefrom; a closure seal in contact with the container; and a signal module in communication with the closure. When the closure is infringed by an operator, the signal module will be activated causing, for example, the container to vibrate for a set period of time. This container may be sealed by first and second seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Wegman, J. Stephen Kittelberger
  • Patent number: 6412632
    Abstract: A personal identification method and system for improving personal hygiene in which provision is made for identifying a beverage, food product, or the like, with a particular person so that another person does not inadvertently access the identified item unintentionally. Identifying indicia such as numbers or alphabetical letters are selectable and conditioned by the user to be prominently displayed on the item so as to identify it with the individual involved. For necked beverage containers, in one embodiment, a re-usable snap-on display device, or assembly, is configured to snap onto the neck of the container; in another embodiment, the existing conventional cap-attaching ring is modified to include alpha-numeric indicia and/or to receive a cooperating indicia-indicating display element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Arthur J. Shrader
  • Patent number: 6412637
    Abstract: A plastic food storage container includes a container body having a bottom and a peripheral wall, an upper end of the container body having a peripheral rim; a lid having a peripheral edge adapted to matingly engage the peripheral rim; a region of the lid having a lifting tab extending outwardly from the peripheral edge, and a vent located in the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: Craig Saunders, Edward S. Robbins, III, Ronald White
  • Patent number: 6409568
    Abstract: A packaged toy product in which a number of toy elements are packaged. The packaging comprises a box wherein the top face of the box is provided with a transparent opening. The packaging is also configured with at least one compartment under the transparent opening in which one or more elements of the product are arranged. The compartment is configured as an elongated path with the path corresponding to at least the largest dimension of the elements such that the elements shift a distance along the path under the transparent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Interlego AG
    Inventors: Irene Søgaard, Tina Thomsen
  • Patent number: 6405867
    Abstract: A bottle includes a base and a continuous sidewall extending upwardly from the periphery of the base to a neck. The neck defines an opening which is selectively blocked by a lid. Base and sidewall define a cavity for containing a suncream or the like which a person selectively applies to their skin to reduce the harmful effects of the sun's rays. The package also contains display means for providing a person with the indication of the intensity of UV radiation, or another ambient condition, incident upon the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Crown Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter John Moore
  • Patent number: 6393707
    Abstract: A cursor (151), designated to slide in a case formed by two thicknesses lying alongside the cursor, is formed by cuts parallel to the direction of sliding and by weak links designed to be broken by action on the cursor (151) in the direction of f1 which causes its initial sliding; cuts parallel to the direction of sliding form elongate slots (153) running alongside the cursor (151) and each terminating in a stop (151X) formed by the cursor and in a stop (121x) formed by the material of the intermediate thickness (121) from which the cursor is formed; the two stops (121X; 151X) interact to limit the sliding of the cursor with respect to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Promo Service di Michele Maffei & C. S.A.S.
    Inventor: Michele Maffei
  • Patent number: 6382409
    Abstract: A contact lens case for tracking as time of use for both a left and right contact lens. The case includes a base having a top side; a left side cup and right side cup positioned on the top side of the base each receiving a respective one of the left and right contact lenses; a left side timing mechanism for indicating a month and date related to use of the left contact lens; and a right side timing mechanism for indicating a month and date related to use of the right contact lens. The left and right side timing mechanisms may each include a digital display indicating a month and date related to use of the left and right contact lenses, respectively. Alternatively, the left and right timing mechanisms may each include a month and date wheel rotatably secured to the base for providing a month and date related to a respective contact lens. The rotatable month and date wheels of the left and right timing mechanisms each include a locking mechanism for preventing unwanted rotation of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Ann Scala
  • Patent number: 6382440
    Abstract: A closure includes a plurality of decorative display elements arranged at regular intervals around an outside surface of the closure, the decorative display elements, and gaps between the display elements, serving as engagement locations for a chuck to rotate the closure. According to one aspect of the invention, the display elements are peaked upwardly from an open bottom end of the closure, having wider base ends than distal ends, and the gap formed between the elements is tapered in a downward direction. In one embodiment, the display elements are stepped in profile having different levels of raised planes providing a three dimensional decorative display. The regularly spaced decorative elements also provide an enhanced gripping surface for the fingers of a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Brant, Richard Laveault, Thomas P. Hennessy, Chon Tsai
  • Patent number: 6378906
    Abstract: A system, container, and a label for monitoring the use of a container. The label is ideally inserted into the wall of the container. The label preferably includes an indicating ink that incrementally changes color or changes shade when certain external energy sources are applied. The labeled container can be used in a system of monitoring, characterizing, and recording information and traits regarding containers wherein the incremental changes in the indicating ink are measured. The information, such as counting cycles of container use, is preferably machine-readable, as well as human-readable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Morgan Adhesives Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Pennaz
  • Patent number: 6371296
    Abstract: Receptacle for holding a disposable boxes of tissues therein. The receptacle has two compartments, one for holding a full box of tissues and a second trash receptacle for holding an empty box of tissues, wherein the empty box of tissues is used as a trash bin for the full box of tissues. After the full box of tissues is emptied, the user removes the trash bin box and inserts a new box of tissues therein, and the empty box of tissues is used as a trash bin. Holders such as raised frame edges, and a separate outer wall allow for card shaped objects such as photographs and postcards, and the like, to be inserted and displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Sheila Rumbough
  • Publication number: 20020040860
    Abstract: A method for assembling an unattended delivery device is provided. The method includes the steps of fastening a base to a first external surface, in which the base has a first base weight, and fastening a floor to the base. The method further includes the steps of fastening three walls to the floor, fastening a top to the walls, fastening an electronic assembly base to the top, and fastening an electronic assembly to the electronic assembly base. The method also includes the steps of fastening an electronic assembly cover to the walls and attaching a door to one end of one of the walls, in which the door, the walls, the top, and the floor form an enclosure. An apparatus for unattended delivery is provided. The apparatus includes a base fastened to a first external surface, in which the base has a first base weight, a floor fastened to the base, and three walls fastened to the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: Dickon Isaacs, Peter C. Simpson, Jerimiah P. O'Leary, Jonathan I. Kaplan, Mark A. Zeh, Steven L. Atkins, Hans-Christoph Haenlein, Mark Stein, Timothy J. Ogilvie
  • Patent number: 6364113
    Abstract: A resealable tamper evident container including a first material with a first adhesive at least about a portion of the perimeter of the first material where the first material is at least partially perforated about the perimeter of the first material. The container further includes a second material with a second adhesive at least about a portion of the perimeter of the second material where the first material is engaged with the second material such that at least a portion of the first adhesive remains exposed. The container also includes a tray with a cavity and a flange extending about at least a portion of the perimeter of the tray where the tray is releasably engaged to the second material by at least a portion of the second adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Corium Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian L. Faasse, Jr., Glen E. Groeneweg, Charles E. Piette, Michael G. Marcoux
  • Patent number: 6360888
    Abstract: A glucose sensor package system that includes a glucose sensor and a protective package that indicates exposure to temperature changes to indicate proper temperature control. Also covered are methods of transporting and sterilizing the package. In addition, glucose sensors directed to various sizing and positioning of the electrodes on the glucose sensor are covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Minimed Inc.
    Inventors: K. Collin McIvor, James L. Cabernoch, Kevin D. Branch, Nannette M. Van Antwerp, Edgardo C. Halili, John J. Mastrototaro
  • Publication number: 20020029992
    Abstract: Interchangeable portions of a cooler or container, having a sports logo thereon, allows a single cooler body or container body to have a first logo at one particular time, and a second logo at another time, upon replacement of interchangeable the portions. Preferably, the portions comprise a plurality of cooler tops, each having one of a different sports logo, sports decal, or indicia, each mating directly or through interchangeable hinge portions with the same cooler body, or being secured to a planar portion of the cooler or container. Alternatives for securing the attachment to the cooler planar portion are disclosed and include adhesive, VELCRO brand fasteners, guide members, or elastomeric attaching members. A set of interchangeable cooler tops is available at a point of purchase, so that a customer may purchase a cooler top with a selected sports logo, sports decal, or indicia that may be bundled as a set or purchased individually as a part of a set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Mary Purvis
  • Patent number: 6355161
    Abstract: A set of bottles for containing dialysate chemical formulations, chemical cleaning agents or the like is described. The chemical formulation bottles come in two varieties, sodium bicarbonate and liquid acid formulations, each bottle having a slightly different shape. The different shapes cooperate with a bottle mounting structure in the dialysis machine to insure that bottles are correctly installed on their respective bottle opening mechanism. The bottles also have a detection feature comprising either a raised rim or groove extending around the periphery of the bottle. A sensor assembly in the bottle mounting and opening system detects the detection feature. The detection feature is used by the machine to distinguish between dialysate formulation bottles and chemical cleaning bottles, which do not have the detection feature. The detection feature prevents unintentional installation of the chemical bottle on the opening mechanism for the dialysate chemical formulation bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignees: Aksys, Ltd., Teijin, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dilip H. Shah, Gary Howell, Kenneth E. Pawlak, Masatoshi Ozono, Wade Fournier, Mete Alpan
  • Patent number: 6347706
    Abstract: A lunchbox to promote communication between a caretaker and child comprising a container having a food compartment, a voice recording mechanism and a visual component. The voice recording mechanism is housed inside the walls of the container and enables a caretaker and/or child to record a message and permits said message to be retrieved by the child or caretaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Elizabeth D'Ambrosio
  • Publication number: 20020005368
    Abstract: A reusable lid for a food storage container including a device for removably attaching the lid to the container and a resettable date indicating device for indicating a critical date of the contents of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: BRUNO FERRETTI
  • Publication number: 20020000392
    Abstract: A beverage container (10) has a base member (16) indented to define an elongate external cavity (20). To provide a self-heating can, the cavity (20) is filled with quicklime and closed by a closure (30) which contains water. If the closure (30) is opened with the can inverted, water flows over the quicklime to cause an exothermic reaction. To provide evidence that the closure (30) has been operated to cause self-heating, the internal surface of a lid (34) is colored and/or provided with a bold pattern. The material of part of the closure (30) is transparent and the contained water is colored. For example, the water is red and the surface of the lid (34) is blue. In the initial full and unoperated state, the closure will appear red. After operation, during which the water exits, the closure will appear blue. The fact that the closure has been operated is immediately visually apparent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Matthew J. Searle
  • Publication number: 20010054568
    Abstract: A medication recordkeeping device comprised of a label or sheet with a plurality of characters identifying at least one subject upon which a friably removable mask covering obscures each of the characters. The label or sheet is adapted to be fixedly applied to a medication containing vessel wherein each time an individual unit of medication is consumed, the friable removable mask is removed from a character in order that the underlying subject will be exposed so that a visual record will be kept of the medication consumed. The characters may be dates, numerals or dosage amounts corresponding to a patient's needs or the particular requirements of the medication. The label or sheet preferably also includes an area for recording important information such as a patient's name or medical history. A bar code may be provided for recording relevant information. Further, the label or sheet can be inserted into a housing apparatus which attaches a medicine container thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: Ruth Weisbach
  • Publication number: 20010050242
    Abstract: A calculation aid is disclosed forming an integral part of a medication bottle. The calculation aid provides a reference chart for pediatric elixirs to assist in the accurate calculation of the weight-specific dosage for a child. The bottle includes parallel columns of patient's weights and rows of calculated quantity of elixir corresponding to the calculated dose. A movable indicator with an aperture allows selected viewing of the indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventor: Brian Kaplan
  • Publication number: 20010049147
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying a biological sample associated with a container is disclosed. A universally unique-identifier is associated with each container. In one or more embodiments, the identifier comprises one or more markings having a specular reflectance which differs from the specular reflectance of the outer surface of the container adjacent the markings. A detection apparatus detects the differences in specularly reflected light to identify the identifier associated with the container. The identifier is associated with certain information regarding the container and biological sample. From that point forward, any information about the contents of the container may be retrieved by searching on its container ID. Because the container ID is assured by its manufacturer to be universally-unique, the container and sample may move from one organization to another under the same identifier, and information about the contents of the container may be shared by querying on its container ID.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: PIERRE BIERRE, SREEDHAR PAYAVALA
  • Patent number: 6320505
    Abstract: A video cassette reminder system that provides storage for viewed video cassettes with a signaling system as a reminder that the rented video(s) is due to be returned. The video cassette reminder system eliminates late charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Robert A. Scott
  • Patent number: 6311840
    Abstract: A personal identification method and system for improving personal hygiene in which provision is made for identifying a beverage, food product, or the like, with a particular person so that another person does not inadvertently access the identified item unintentionally. Identifying indicia such as numbers or alphabetical letters are selectable and conditioned by the user to be prominently displayed on the item so as to identify it with the individual involved. For necked beverage containers, in one embodiment, a re-usable snap-on display device, or assembly, is configured to snap onto the neck of the container; in another embodiment, the existing conventional cap-attaching ring is modified to include alpha-numeric indicia and/or to receive a cooperating indicia-indicating display element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Arthur J. Shrader
  • Patent number: 6305546
    Abstract: A plastic food storage container includes a container body having a bottom and a peripheral wall, an upper end of the container body having a peripheral rim; a lid having a peripheral edge adapted to matingly engage the peripheral rim; a region of the lid having a lifting tab extending outwardly from the peripheral edge, and a vent located in the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventors: Craig Saunders, Edward S. Robbins, III, Ronald White
  • Patent number: 6305547
    Abstract: A carrier or container for transporting food or beverages having a built-in audio system. The exterior of the carrier includes indicia which, in the preferred embodiment, is associated with a well-known theme, character or personality. The audio system includes a recording device and transmitting device for enabling a user to record and audibly transmit an audio message or personal greeting. The audio system further includes a storage medium for enabling the user to store a pre-recorded audio message which is associated with the indicia on the exterior of the carrier. In this manner, the message may simulate the voice of the character or person depicted by the indicia. The carrier further includes a handle or strap for enabling the user to easily transport the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Karen M. Curran
  • Patent number: 6298990
    Abstract: A container that includes a sound assembly mounted thereon. The sound assembly includes a sound chip activated by a light sensor. An opening is cut into the container for receiving the sound chip which is mounted on a mounting member. The mounting member, in turn, is sealed to the container such that the opening is completely closed and the mounting member is substantially visually indistinguishable from the exterior of the container. The sound assembly is preferably mounted near the end of the container designed to be opened such that it is activated immediately upon opening the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignees: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc., Graphic Packaging Corporation
    Inventors: Barbara J. Amrod, John A. Bardwell, Kenneth R. Thayer, Susan M. Seamon, Jeffrey S. Gibb, Barbara M. Smith, Dexter R. Below
  • Patent number: 6294236
    Abstract: This invention relates to a muitilayer tamper-evident label comprising: (A) a first and second layer of polymeric film, wherein each layer has an upper and lower surface and the lower surface of the first layer contacts the upper surface of the second layer at a separation interface, (B) a heat-sealable layer, having an upper and lower surface, wherein the lower surface of the heat-sealable layer is bonded to the upper surface of the first layer, and (C) an adhesive layer, having an upper and lower surface, wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is bonded to lower surface of the second layer. In another aspect the invention relates to an article overwrapped in a packaging wrap material and having the tamper evident label inside and bonded to the packaging wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Melvin S. Freedman
  • Publication number: 20010022280
    Abstract: An article, such as a tamper evident container, includes an indicator having a first layer including a thermochromic ink composition, and a second layer, disposed on the first layer, having a composition different from the ink composition of the first layer. The article exhibits better evidence of tampering. The first and/or second layer can be in the form of a message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Rengan Kannabiran, Charles P. Kannankeril, Donald E. Setter, Victor Todman
  • Patent number: 6276533
    Abstract: A calculation aid is disclosed forming an integral part of a medication bottle or closure cap. The calculation aid, in essence, is a detailed weight-dose conversion chart, promoting the accurate dispensing of the weight-specific dosage of a given elixir to a child. The closure cap or bottle includes a parallel rows of indicia for the weight a child, calculated doses appropriate for the specific weight, and calculated quantity of elixir corresponding to the calculated dose. An aperture sleeve allows selected viewing of the indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Brian Kaplan
  • Patent number: 6267242
    Abstract: This invention provides a sheet which has a chemical indicator, in particular, a composition layer for use as an indicator in hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization, and further provides a packaging bag for said sterilization with use of such an indicator. Said composition layer comprises both a dye which can change color when contacted with hydrogen peroxide vapor or plasma derived from hydrogen peroxide, and a certain organic amine compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Nagata, Teiko Sutoh, Makoto Sagara
  • Patent number: 6264033
    Abstract: An article, such as a tamper evident container, includes an indicator having a first layer including a thermochromic ink composition, and a second layer, disposed on the first layer, having a composition different from the ink composition of the first layer. The article exhibits better evidence of tampering. The first and/or second layer can be in the form of a message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Rengan Kannabiran, Charles P. Kannankeril, Donald E. Setter, Victor Todman
  • Patent number: 6264359
    Abstract: A manually rotatable composter 100 including a container 12 having an opening 110 for receiving compostable material. The container includes an outer surface having end sections attached thereto and a plurality of steps 20 capable of accommodating a hand or foot of a person in order to apply a rotational force to manually rotate the container. The steps can be in the form of pockets or protrusions. Indicia 28 can also be included for indicating the rotational state of the composer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: America's Gardening Resource, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin H. Buss, Michael Thomas Heath
  • Publication number: 20010008239
    Abstract: Manufacturing steps for a cathode ray tube or a glass bulb for the cathode ray tube are controlled in such a manner that a two-dimensional matrix code 3 comprised of a plurality of dots is marked by laser in an outer side surface of a glass bulb 1, 5, the two-dimensional matrix code 3 containing the information which can identify individually glass bulbs, and the manufacturing steps are conducted by using a computer and the particulars specified by the serial information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Masayuki Shinoda
  • Patent number: 6241095
    Abstract: A three-dimensional rotating cup includes an exterior fixed cup, an interior fixed cup and a middle rotating layer. The middle rotating layer is inside the exterior fixed cup. The interior fixed cup is inside the middle rotating layer and a transparent fluid is filled inside the clearance between the interior fixed cup and the exterior fixed cup. Furthermore, extending outwardly from the edge of the interior fixed cup is a protruding flange. The bottom of the protruding flange is joined to the top of the edge of the exterior fixed cup. The inside and outside walls of the exterior fixed cup and middle rotating layer and the outside wall of the interior fixed cup include figure paintings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Chin Yeh Yencheng
  • Patent number: 6232876
    Abstract: A mobile object tracking system is provided for tracking the removal and use of specific objects within a group checked out from storage between the time the objects are checked out and the replacement of the objects in the storage. The system includes a system controller and a storage unit that receive and store a series of object carriers therein. Each object carrier includes a series of object holders in which id tags for the group of objects checked out of the storage are received. The object carrier monitors the time each object is removed from the object carrier, which information is thereafter communicated to the system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Key-Trak, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Maloney
  • Patent number: 6224751
    Abstract: A water purifying device that has a collecting jug for purified water, in which a funnel with a filter cartridge filled with purifying medium is fitted in a removable manner, the jug can be closed at the top with a lid. Grips for removing the lid are arranged on the lid, and an indicator is provided for indicating the exhaustion of the purifying medium. The indicator is inexpensive, easily readable and reliably functioning to show the state of exhaustion of the purifying medium. The indicator is secured in an aperture in the top surface of the lid, an indicator panel of which can be seen externally from above and which, by an electronic, battery driven circuit, shows only the respective state of time elapsed, without cooperating with separate signaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Brita GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Hofmann, Erik Fischer
  • Patent number: 6223898
    Abstract: A packaging container or blank therefor, suitable for carrying out quality control of the packaging container or packaging container blank, includes a package or blank having one or more poles (12) for interconnection with electric quality control equipment (24). The packaged product (20) will be directly or indirectly accessible, whereby both the quality of the packed product and the tightness of the surrounding packaging container (1) may be determined in a rational and partly automated manner. This is of particular importance in the production of aseptic packaging containers for, for instance, ready-made, heat-treated soups or similar foods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Paul Mellbin, Paolo Benedetti
  • Patent number: 6213298
    Abstract: A shoe box is provided having a bottom, a front, a back and lateral sides, the box having an open top wherein the front and lateral sides have partial internal flaps folded over their top edges forming an internal border. The back side has an internal panel that is folded over, presenting a display with printed product information. The shoe box may separately or further be provided with a flip tag, i.e, a figurine having an outwardly facing display is secured to an internal surface of the front. The figurine can be folded downwardly and inwardly when in a stowed position and upwardly and outwardly when in a displayed position visible to a prospective purchaser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: BBC International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Chau M. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6193062
    Abstract: A tackle box for storing items, such as fishing tackle, in an organized manner. The tackle box includes a base container with a front panel having a plurality of slidably mounted drawers. The bottom of a top container is detachably attached to a top panel of the base container. The top container has a bottom portion and upper lid portion pivotally coupled to the bottom portion of the top container. The top of the top container has a depression therein defining an upper compartment. A generally transparent window substantially covers the upper compartment of the top of the top container. The top of the top container also has a handler pivotally coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventors: Robert Rysgaard, Clayton Scheuer
  • Patent number: 6179125
    Abstract: A photocurable composition is provided which includes al having bottom and side walls which define a chamber a photocurable material disposed in-the chamber. The wall circulmacribe the bottom wall and includes a rant so that the side wall will substantially attenuate nic radiation while minimally attenuating visible light ng an approximating spectral wavelength greater than nanometers. By that arrangement, the level of the ocurable material may be visualized through the side while still providing sufficient attenuation of nic radiation to provide for long term storage of the ocurable material without substantial curing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James R. Kvitrud, Thomas W. Martin
  • Patent number: 6170662
    Abstract: By providing a prize awarding system which is secretly incorporated into a multi-packed product or assembly, a unique prize delivery system is realized. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the prize award system incorporates a separate, independent housing constructed for being inserted into the void zone or open area which exists between the adjacent product holding containers forming a multi-pack assembly. Although the present invention is employable with any multi-pack product or assembly, products retained in cans, bottles, or similar vessels typically benefit most extensively from the present invention. In the present invention, the prize awarding system incorporates the actual prize or incorporates means for informing lucky consumers that a prize has been won, either in an audible or visual message delivery system, on certificates, vouchers, or similar printed materials, or in an electronic chip assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: James P. Howes