With Content Manipulator Means Patents (Class 206/559)
  • Patent number: 11958657
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lidded magazine (100) for holding plural generally flat sample collection cards (10) in spaced parallel relation, the magazine is open at its top and includes upstanding opposed side walls (110,120), each wall (110,120) further including plural opposed pairs of inwardly extending wall ribs (112,122) spaced along each wall (110,120) to provide therebetween card accepting slots, a first slot dimension (W) being defined by the spacing between an interior face (154) of each wall, the magazine being characterised in that the walls (110,120) at the top (152) of each slot (150) are tapered outwardly such that the first dimension (W) is greatest at the top of the slot (150).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: QIAGEN HEALTHCARE BIOTECHNOLOGIES SYSTEMS GmbH
    Inventors: Kathryn Louise Lamerton, Michael John Smith, Phillip Evans, Kristina Swann
  • Patent number: 11860153
    Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing strips, including at least one cartridge which includes a recess including a first portion with a base shaped to receive at least one strip, the storage device further including at least one dispensing member including a projection with a contact surface shaped to cover at least a first end of each strip, wherein the dispensing member is at least partially housed in a second portion of the cartridge recess, the first portion of the recess and the second portion of the recess are connected by an angled intermediate portion and the dispensing member is configured to be rotatable between a rest position in which the projection extends away from the angled intermediate portion and an operating position in which the projection converges with the angled intermediate portion so as to at least press the first end of each strip against the angled intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: BIOMÉRIEUX
    Inventor: Denis Januel
  • Patent number: 11727342
    Abstract: Methods and systems for prescription drug shipping selection are provided. In one embodiment, a shipping temperature for a prescription drug may be identified. A forecast temperature may be determined for a shipping origin and a forecast temperature may be determined for a shipping destination. One or more potential packing configurations capable of achieving the shipping temperature between the shipping origin and the shipping destination may be determined. A shipping cost for each of the one or more potential packing configurations may be calculated. Packaging materials and labor cost may additionally be considered. Other methods and systems are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategie Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob J. Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 11565514
    Abstract: A release film of a protective module for manufacturing a display device, includes a film layer including a first surface facing a protective panel which is attachable to a display panel of the display device, and a second surface opposite to the first surface; an embossed pattern layer protruding from the second surface of the film layer; and the embossed pattern layer including a plurality of intaglio portions arranged along the film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yonggi Ko, Hyoung-Jin Lee, Hyeji Jang
  • Patent number: 11388969
    Abstract: An apparatus for temporary storage of one or more rings or other valuable items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventor: Christine Mendy
  • Patent number: 11150146
    Abstract: Various techniques are described to compensate for weather and other extraneous temperature conditions along a transit route when preparing a product for cold-chain shipment packaging. The origin and destination of the shipment may be determined to calculate one or more transit routes, which may include each stage along each transit route. Weather data may be received from one or more sources to build a weather database for one or more locations, which may be used to generate a temperature profile indicating the expected temperature and duration at each stage of transit to which the cold-chain shipment will be exposed. Thermodynamic calculations may then be performed in accordance with the temperature profile to determine the best available packaging option to prevent the product's temperature from falling outside of a desired or mandatory cold-chain temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: WALGREEN CO.
    Inventors: Luke Holbrook, Edwin Charles Musisko, Daniel Shandel
  • Patent number: 10909492
    Abstract: Methods and systems for prescription drug shipping selection are provided. For example, a shipping temperature for a prescription drug may be identified. A forecast temperature may be determined for a shipping origin and a forecast temperature may be determined for a shipping destination. One or more potential packing configurations capable of achieving the shipping temperature between the shipping origin and the shipping destination may be determined. A shipping cost for each of the one or more potential packing configurations may be calculated. Packaging materials and labor cost may additionally be considered. Other methods and systems are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob J. Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 10605674
    Abstract: Various techniques are described to compensate for weather and other extraneous temperature conditions along a transit route when preparing a product for cold-chain shipment packaging. The origin and destination of the shipment may be determined to calculate one or more transit routes, which may include each stage along each transit route. Weather data may be received from one or more sources to build a weather database for one or more locations, which may be used to generate a temperature profile indicating the expected temperature and duration at each stage of transit to which the cold-chain shipment will be exposed. Thermodynamic calculations may then be performed in accordance with the temperature profile to determine the best available packaging option to prevent the product's temperature from falling outside of a desired or mandatory cold-chain temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: WALGREEN CO.
    Inventors: Luke Holbrook, Edwin Charles Musisko, Daniel Shandel
  • Patent number: 9963286
    Abstract: A protective structure for protecting bottles, particularly wine bottles, comprises a first pair of elements (10) which are spaced apart horizontally. The elements have recesses (12, 14) in their upper surfaces for receiving bottles. There is a second pair of elements inverted with respect to the first pair and having recesses in their lower edges. The recesses of the second pair of elements register with the recesses of the first pair of elements so as to define circular bottle receiving openings. A ring of cushioning material lines each opening. The cushioning material is in the form of semi-circular strips, the strips of registering recesses forming a ring, or in the form of a complete ring. Each ring includes a web (24) which lies against the semi-circular faces (20, 22) of the recesses (12, 14) and flanges (26) which lie against the side faces of the elements (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: JF HILLEBRAND LIMITED
    Inventor: Pierre Corvisier
  • Patent number: 9518873
    Abstract: An electronic system performs thermal management during its operation by proactively taking into account expected solar thermal loading. According to one embodiment, the electronic system determines its location and a solar thermal load value expected to affect its location. The system also determines a temperature offset value based on the solar thermal load value and predicts a future temperature for the system based on the temperature offset value and a then-current temperature for the system (e.g., as may be detected by one or more temperature sensors). The electronic system compares the predicted temperature to at least one threshold and executes a thermal mitigation procedure in the event that the predicted temperature exceeds one or more of the thresholds. According to another embodiment in which the electronic system is transportable, the determined solar thermal load value may include a solar thermal load profile for the system's expected route of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Krishna K. Bellamkonda, Morris B. Bowers, Paul B. Crosbie, Brett L. Robertson, Maninder S. Sehmbey
  • Patent number: 9420860
    Abstract: A receptacle for storing and organizing hair accessories and jewelry items has a main body with rotatable base. The main body is formed from a plurality of contiguous columns. The columns are radially symmetrical about a vertical central axis, and one or more of the columns may include one or more compartments. The tops of the contiguous columns define the top of the main body and have a petal shape. The petal shaped tops define a central compartment between them. The central compartment includes a hinged lid connected proximate to its peripheral edge. The compartments may house various means of storing and organizing hair accessory and jewelry items. In a preferred embodiment, the top of the main body is shaped like a flower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Julianne R. Jaffe
  • Patent number: 9192249
    Abstract: A display including a tray having a front side and a back side and two side walls. One or more display compartments are formed within the display. A pusher arm is provided for each of the compartments. Each pusher arm has an upper side and a lower side and is connected on the lower side to the back side of the tray and slidably connected on the upper side to each of the display compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventors: Charles P. Schwester, Ron Sosna, Michael Wooters
  • Patent number: 8672136
    Abstract: A tray system is disclosed, comprising a tray for carrying food articles which is magnetized in at least one magnetized area of the tray, and comprising at least one holder adapted for holding a filled food article, the tray and the at least one bread holder being adapted such that when the bread holder is placed on the at least one magnetized area of the tray, the bread holder is attracted to the tray, the magnetic attraction force between the bread holder and the tray being large enough in order to prevent the holder from falling over when filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Roberto D'Amico
  • Patent number: 8607983
    Abstract: A system for discretely packaging liquid or solid medication, or other substances, comprising a tray (10) with individual compartments (12) each containing a removable pot (17) and a perforated sealed sheet (21) enabling individual pots to be removed from the tray (10) for dispensing of its contents. The system also includes a computer and printer with software to create printed matter for the sheet (21) representative of the contents of the individual pots (17). An outer container (24) may receive several such filled and sealed trays (10) and an information sheet (28). One or more windows (30) in the container (24) provide a visual display of the contents. The system enables safe, accurate and easy packaging and dispensing of medication or other substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Protomed Limited
    Inventors: Norman Niven, John Niven
  • Publication number: 20130295241
    Abstract: A system for packaging forming a container can provide an improved form of food packaging. The container includes a base element and at least two lateral side elements, and forms a tray element. The tray element defines an open cavity for containing contents, and has a back and front edge. At least one of the lateral side elements has at least one moveable element integrated with, and forming an extension of, the lateral side element at a first fixed end of the moveable element(s). The moveable element(s) is/are capable of being folded into the cavity and around the contents, and is of a length such that the second, free end of the moveable element(s) extend(s) around the contents to the front edge of the tray element. The second free end is capable of being pulled to cause the contents to move towards the front edge of the tray element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Philip B. Wesby, John Luisi, Richard Luisi
  • Patent number: 8439200
    Abstract: A dining tray for use in preventing accidents and possibly food spillage. The tray includes a central T-shaped member and a pair of opposing L-shaped side members which engage rotated lateral members affixed to food containers. The method of use includes the steps of placing the lateral members of the food containers onto the inside, upper bottom surface of the tray and then by rotating the food container the lateral members engage the T-shaped member and L-shaped members whereby the containers are then held securely in place. After eating the food containers can be rotated in an opposite direction to release the lateral members for removal and cleaning purposes. In an alternate embodiment of the invention a locking clamp engages the tray and secures it to a table top or other surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventors: Randall A. Sorrells, Newton R. Stell, IV
  • Publication number: 20130105353
    Abstract: A tray system is disclosed, comprising a tray for carrying food articles which is magnetized in at least one magnetized area of the tray, and comprising at least one holder adapted for holding a filled food article, the tray and the at least one bread holder being adapted such that when the bread holder is placed on the at least one magnetized area of the tray, the bread holder is attracted to the tray, the magnetic attraction force between the bread holder and the tray being large enough in order to prevent the holder from falling over when filled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Roberto D'Amico
  • Publication number: 20120228174
    Abstract: A tray for transporting goods, in particular beverage packs, on a transport medium with a basic element with a support surface for the transport goods in which at the basic element, a foldable support for supporting the transport goods is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Kai Wegener, Klaus Dittmaier
  • Publication number: 20120168345
    Abstract: An attractive and unique tray to carry and present a plurality of drinking vessels, more specifically shot glasses, includes a holding tray comprising a base and a cap having a corresponding size and shape of the base, and mounted to the base. A plurality of holders are each rotatably mounted to at least one of the base and the cap. Each holder includes its own base and wall defining an internal chamber therein and further having one or more internal cushions mounted to at least one of the wall or base and operative to cushion an object placed in the chamber. An actuating mechanism is rotatably mounted within the holding tray, the actuating mechanism having an actuating knob accessible from an exterior of the holding tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Brad Beckerman, Matthew Pashkow
  • Publication number: 20110180436
    Abstract: A mayo stand having a springy material positioned on the mayo stand tray. The springy material is of sufficient softness and thickness so that it is easily depressed downward by the finger and thumb force of a doctor or his assistant so that a surgical tool on the tray is easily graspable. In a preferred embodiment the springy material is cut from a ½ inch thick foam polyurethane sheet and is adhesively attached to a thin, flexible plastic bag. The thin, flexible plastic bag is clean and sterile and covers the mayo stand and the mayo stand tray. Preferably the flexible plastic bag is a single use item that is disposed of following the completion of the medical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Fabian von Posern, John Gamble
  • Publication number: 20110089076
    Abstract: A container for discretely packaging liquid or solid medication, or other substances, comprising a tray (10) with individual compartments (12) each containing a removable pot (17) and a perforated sealed sheet (21) enabling individual pots to be removed from the tray (10) for dispensing of its contents The perforated sealed sheet (21) is of laminated construction and comprises an upper layer (30) of CPET which is surface-treated to be ink jet printable, an intermediate layer (33) bonded to the layer (30) and sealingly attachable to the tray (10). A removable paper backing layer (34) provides sufficient structural rigidity to enable the flexible laminated sheet (21) to pass through an ink yet printer whereby details of the intended contents of the pots (17) may be printed on the sheet (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Norman Niven
  • Patent number: 7527018
    Abstract: An apparatus has a base having a side that defines an interior space, and a periphery that defines an aperture above the interior space. A bowl element has a rim and is shaped to fit into the interior space such that the rim abuts the periphery. A lever mechanism has a lever, a fulcrum having an aperture, a pair of ears on opposite sides of the aperture, pins extending from each of the pair of ears into the lever for pivotally mounting the lever on the fulcrum, and an attachment element for attaching the fulcrum to the base. The lever has a proximal end adapted to abut the bowl element, and a distal end opposite the proximal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Gloria L. Manley-Hood
  • Publication number: 20080142402
    Abstract: At least one movable interlocking sidewall structure provides alteration of the physical dimensions for a solid pharmaceutical or nutraceutical temporary storage cavity and/or transmission channel. Preferably a plurality of interlocking sidewall structures are simultaneously adjusted so that an array of cavities and/or transmission channels may have their physical dimensions simultaneously altered by the mechanical action of a drive member. Advantageously the adjustment of the structure provides a more suitable space within which a solid pharmaceutical or nutraceutical product may be temporarily stored or transferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Edward David Kames
  • Patent number: 6915904
    Abstract: A tray for use in order-picking system is presented. The tray includes a base part on which order-picking articles (for example retail articles) can be stored, a frame which is attached to the base parts, and a sliding part for displacing the order-picking articles in the direction of a removal position of the order-picking articles. It is thus possible to perform the picking operation of one of the articles in an economically-favorable posture irrespective of how full or empty the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Witron Logistik + Informatik GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Winkler
  • Patent number: 6763937
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a paint box (1) with replaceable color pans (6), having at the bottom of the paint box (1) a holding rail (4) which engages in a downwardly open groove (17) formed on the underside of a protruding rim (15) of the color pans (6), said rail forming a swivel bearing with a swivel axis parallel to the box bottom (2). The groove (17) has a cross section widening in downward direction and the color pans (6) rest loosely on the holding rail (4). Furthermore, on the side of the holding rail (4) close to the color pans (6) provision is made for holding elements (7, 8) extending up from the box bottom (2) and enabling the individual color pans (6) to be securely fixed by frictional engagement with the box bottom (2). Provision is made for a respective push-button (16) on the protruding rim (15) of the color pans (6) on the side of the holding rail (4) remote from the color pans (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Pelikan PBS-Produktionsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Günter Scholz
  • Publication number: 20040007492
    Abstract: A tray for use in an order-picking system comprises a base part on which order-picking articles as for example retail articles can be stored, a frame which is attached to said base part and a sliding means (4) for displacing the order-picking articles in the direction of a removal position of said order-picking articles. It is thus possible to always perform the picking operation of one of the articles in an economical favourable posture irrespective of how full or empty the trays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Walter Winkler
  • Patent number: 6550636
    Abstract: A sheet article dispenser includes a housing and a double-acting spring designed to urge a stack of sheet articles toward an access opening in the housing to allow only the outermost sheet to be removed one at a time. The double-acting spring includes a thin flexible panel and a resilient band. The panel has opposite ends flanking a middle section. The ends each have a pair of lateral notches at opposite edges for receiving the resilient band. The ends are flexed inwardly to form an S-shaped structure with arcuate surfaces on each side of the middle section that can deform elastically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Menasha Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond Simpson
  • Patent number: 6397163
    Abstract: A computer-based method of determining a thermal exposure of a product disposed within a shipping container to determine whether a conditioned environment is required for shipping. A shipping route is defined from a first geographic location to a second geographic location. The thermal characteristics of the shipping container are provided, as is a historical weather database. Ambient temperatures, cloud cover and humidity from the historical weather database are retrieved which correspond to the shipping route. A system of mathematical equations are generated to correspond the retrieved ambient temperature to an ambient temperature within the shipping container and to the product temperature. The corresponding product temperature is compared to a thermal exposure profile for the product to determine if the corresponding product temperature is within the thermal exposure profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: William G. Hoyt, Thomas R. Kolankiewicz, Nadine N. Muehlbauer, Dennis L. Segur
  • Patent number: 5890596
    Abstract: A thermoplastic tray (1) for mixing, at the time of use, at least two products A and B, includes a thermoplastic body (2) forming at least two compartments (3, 4), a first compartment (3) containing the product A and a second compartment (4) containing the product B. Each of the compartments has an opening (8, 12) delimited by a peripheral edge (9, 14) and closed off in a removable manner by a cover (10, 15), the two compartments being connected together via at least one articulation zone (16). The articulation zone (16) makes it possible to bring a portion of the peripheral edge (14) of the second compartment (4) over the top of the opening (8) of the first compartment (3) by moving the second compartment (4) with a translational movement and then tilting the second compartment (4) so as to pour the product B into the first compartment (3) in order to mix the two products therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Nicolas Albisetti
  • Patent number: 5538134
    Abstract: A disposable allergen container apparatus for individual application to a patient of a plurality of allergens including a tray, a formed thermoplastic cover and an applicator. The tray includes a horizontal top web formed with a plurality of open top, vertically recessed wells arranged in predetermined spaced relationship and configured with respective bottom sinks configured to receive and store a supply of respective allergens therein. The cover includes a plate for overlying the web and is formed with a plurality of nesting rings arranged in the predetermined spaced relationship for centering over the respective sinks and spaced a predetermined distance therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Isadore Pitesky
  • Patent number: 4978510
    Abstract: A sterilizing tray for holding objects while they are being sterilized in a sterilizing solution. At least one end of the sterilizing tray is equipped with a top pivoting end door whose latch can be released by tipping the end of the sterilizing tray against the work surface. Once the latch is released, the weight of sterilized objects in the tipped sterilizing tray pushes the end door open, thereby depositing the sterilized objects neatly on the work surface without their ever having been touched by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Pascal Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence C. Smith
  • Patent number: 4944924
    Abstract: The test tube holder includes an elongated tubular member which supports a pivot member thereby rendering the tubular member and pivot member relatively pivotable with respect to each other. Latch members provided on the tubular member and pivot member are engagable with complementary shaped latch members of other test tube holders to form a linkage. The pivotal relationship between the tubular member and the pivot member permit pivotal movement of one test tube holder with respect to the longitudinal axis of another test tube holder. A pivotal connection between the latch members of adjacent test tube holders also permits tilting of one test tube holder with respect to another test tube holder in the linkage. An adapter member for holding test tubes is insertable in the tubular member and pivot member assembly. The adapter member accommodates one size test tube and can be interchanged with another adapter member that accommodates another size test tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Technicon Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Mawhirt, Joseph E. DiFlora, William J. C. McCandless, George H. Ward
  • Patent number: 4940190
    Abstract: A container for food, the container having an open portion or an openable portion for presenting the food for consumption, a panel with an at least partially frangible portion which can be urged from a position co-planar with the panel to a position extending outwardly of the panel such that when the portion is moved to the extended position the food can be moved towards the open portion or openable portion of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventor: Maurice C. Groves
  • Patent number: 4585124
    Abstract: A food container in the form of an elongate open-top box open at one end is provided with an insert of flexible material for positioning on the base of the container, the insert having a pull tab projecting at the open end of the container. A food item, such as a crepe, positioned on the insert can be removed from the container for consumption by pulling on the pull tab without having to handle the food item. The insert has ridges for frictional retention of the food item as it is withdrawn from the container, and a longitudinal strengthening groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Assignee: Gaichime Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Peter Pride
  • Patent number: 4026395
    Abstract: A display case having a plurality of display trays moving forwardly along a support surface so that articles carried by the trays are visible from above. After the trays have reached the rear of the display case, they are lowered and then moved forwardly below the support surface until they reach the front of the display case where they are lifted onto the support surface and moved rearwardly again. The trays are connected to spaced and parallel continuous chains each extending between a pair of rotatably mounted sprockets adjacent the trays. A crank rotates one of the sprockets through a drive shaft and gear system so that the trays move in accordance with the rotation of the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1977
    Inventor: Arthur E. Johnson