With Recess Or Groove For Article Patents (Class 206/564)
  • Patent number: 11513068
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a pulsed THz beam includes emitting, by THz emitter, pulsed THz radiation of outgoing pulse shape for interacting with target body; detecting, by THz detector, incoming THz radiation comprising THz pulses, and outputting, by THz detector, a raw detector data of pulse shapes of incoming THz pulses; and determining, by pulse shape reconstruction module, a reconstructed incoming pulse shape based on the raw detector data, measuring, by sensor, a time-of-flight quantity (d) affecting the time of flight of the THz radiation; and adjusting operation of at least one of THz emitter, THz detector and pulse shape reconstruction module using the time-of-flight quantity (d), for correcting for variations in time of flight of the THz radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Deran Maas, Branimir Radisavljevic, Mariya Porus, Jacobus Lodevicus Martinus Van Mechelen
  • Patent number: 11491083
    Abstract: An insulin storage and dispensing system for housing a standard insulin bottle and securely keeping the bottle in place when using a syringe to access the port on the top of the bottle to fill the syringe while providing accessibility in the form of a convenient mounting assembly for mounting on a refrigerator, an interior cabinet door or wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Inventor: Jack Wayne Colgan
  • Patent number: 11325129
    Abstract: A collection system including a storage tray and a swab positioned in the storage tray, wherein the swab is configured to collect a sample comprising one or more microorganisms. The system further includes a generally elongate storage device positioned in the tray. The storage device is configured to contain a culture medium therein and configured to receive therein at least part of the one or more microorganisms collected by the swab. The storage tray includes a first recess configured to receive the storage device in a longitudinal configuration, and a second recess configured to receive the storage device in an axial configuration oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: OXOID LIMITED
    Inventor: John Marshall Staton
  • Patent number: 11059641
    Abstract: A dispenser has a bottle (2) and a closure (3) for the bottle (2). The closure (3) has abase (4) forming a dispensing outlet (6) and a flip-cap for openably closing the dispensing outlet (6). The base (4) is attached on the bottle (2). The dispenser (1) further having a hinge (7) which interconnects the flip-cap and the base (4) for swiveling the flip-cap relative to the base (4) between a closed position, in which the flip-cap closes the outlet (6), and an open position in which the outlet (6) is open. The hinge (7) forms a swivel axis. The closure (3) forms a first end (18, 19) in a direction toward the flip-cap and a second end (18, 19) in a direction toward the base (4). The closure (3) in an area between the hinge-level plane and the second end (18, 19) forms an outer surface circumferentially around the longitudinal axis which is at least partly provided by an outer surface of the base (4) and an outer surface of the flip-cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Marc Peuker, Andreas J. Boehm, Martin Preininger
  • Patent number: 10906688
    Abstract: Containers for holding packaging, such as blister-pack packaging, can be formed from a unitary piece of paperboard or other material. The containers have an interior defined by front and rear walls, first and second sidewalls, and a container bottom. The containers also include a divider panel that separates the interior into at least two sections. Flaps having multiple apertures for receiving corners of the packaging can be attached to the first and second sidewalls and the divider wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Royal Box Group, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy P. Burda, Mark D. Rivas
  • Patent number: 10856699
    Abstract: A cutting board defined by a body and includes a handle that is offset from the orthogonal axis of the body. The handle has a generally T-shape and includes a first grip site and a second grip site that are separated from one another by a stem defined by the body of the cutting board. The first and second grip sites are associated with dissimilar and preferably adjacent sides of the body. The handle is oriented such that, when vertically suspended from the handle via interaction with the first and second grip sites, the stem defined by the body extends along an axis that is coincident with the center of gravity of the cutting board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventors: Scott Jackson Collins, Paul Albert Omdoll
  • Patent number: 10822137
    Abstract: A blank for forming a container includes a bottom panel, end panels, and side panels. A first divider panel assembly is defined within the bottom panel and an end panel and includes an upper panel defined within the end panel and an inner panel defined within the bottom panel. The upper panel is configured to be at an angle to the end panel, and the inner panel is configured to be at an angle to the bottom panel in an erected configuration. Second and third divider panel assemblies are defined within the bottom panel and a side panel. The second and third divider panel assemblies include an upper panel defined within the side panel and an inner panel defined within the bottom panel. The panels of the second and third divider panel assemblies are configured similarly to the panels of the first divider panel assembly in the erected configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Smith
  • Patent number: 10743436
    Abstract: A lightweight server (LWS) chassis includes a chassis base having structural configuration that enables placement of the LWS chassis in a nested, stacked configuration with a second LWS chassis placed atop the LWS chassis and a third LWS chassis placed below the LWS chassis. Multiple LWS chasses can be stacked in a vertical space whose height is less than a sum of individual heights of each of the multiple LWS chasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Edmond I. Bailey, Walter Carver
  • Patent number: 10602862
    Abstract: The embodiments provide a secure-grip disposable dish for food. A food surface and a raised rim together give the dish to some extent a concave shape. The dish includes a void for receiving a user's thumb. In a first embodiment the void for receiving a user's thumb is configured as a slot. In a second embodiment the void for receiving a user's thumb is configured as an aperture. An elevated shelf proximal to the void for receiving a user's thumb can be included to provide a spot for the tip of a user's thumb to rest on when the dish is in use. In an alternative embodiment, a void for receiving one or more fingers of a user is substituted for the void for receiving a user's thumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Lawrence Serpa
  • Patent number: 10497911
    Abstract: Provided is a battery module including: a battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells stacked with one another; end plates configured to cover front and rear portions of the battery cell assembly and to be coupled to the battery cell assembly at a side of each of the end plates; and a fixing holder configured to be mounted to a battery cell assembly at an opposite side of each of the end plates in order to at least partially cover the battery cell assembly, and to protrude from front and rear portions of the end plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Yang-Kyu Choi, Seong-Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 10441044
    Abstract: A case for a mobile device, including first, second, third, and fourth sides, each with inside and outside surfaces opposite to each other. The inside surfaces of the first and second sides face each other. The inside surface of the third and fourth sides faces each other. The first and second sides are arranged between the third and fourth sides, and the third and fourth sides are arranged between the first and second sides, so that the four sides form at least part of a frame configured to surround a periphery of the mobile device. At least one of the inside surfaces of the first, second, third, and fourth sides includes triangular protrusions that have a triangular cross section and extend toward the inside of the case, so that an apex of each of the triangular protrusions contacts the mobile device when it is arranged inside the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings S.àr.l.
    Inventors: Randy Yang Chiang, Alan Yu Tung Ng, Bryan Lee Hynecek, Jon Karl Dukerschein, Eric Frasch, Syed Riaz Ahmed, Ivan Chen, Chris Novak
  • Patent number: 10295513
    Abstract: A ferrule container 1 is provided with a ferrule accommodating part 11 and a first column guide part 12. A ferrule is accommodated in the ferrule accommodating part 11. The first column guide part 12 guides a column so as to insert the column into the ferrule accommodated in the ferrule accommodating part 11. Guiding of the column by the first column guide part 12 enables the column to be smoothly and reliably inserted into the ferrule accommodated in the ferrule accommodating part 11. Consequently, unlike a case in which an operator inserts a column while pinching a ferrule with hand, the work of inserting a column into a ferrule can easily be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Takemoto, Hirokazu Taniuchi, Yoshihiko Ide, Masayuki Okada, Yasunori Terai
  • Patent number: 10213913
    Abstract: There is provided a tool storage assembly. The assembly includes a plurality of modular bases. The bases are selectively connectable together at peripheral side portions thereof. The assembly includes a plurality of retaining members coupled to the bases. The assembly includes a plurality of actuators each associated with a respective ones of the retaining members. Selective actuation of selective ones of the actuators releases corresponding selective ones of the retaining members. Remaining ones of the retaining members form a plurality of customized storage receptacles thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Andy Ka Keung Pang
  • Patent number: 10092114
    Abstract: A product display unit. The product display unit includes a base, a distal section, and an extension. The base includes a track that defines a longitudinal axis and that is configured to support a plurality of products thereon. The distal section is configured to releasably engage a distal portion of the base. The extension is configured to selectively engage the distal portion of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventors: Anthony Camello, Andrew Howard, Daniel C. Riley
  • Patent number: 10080635
    Abstract: A container for separating, storing, and dispensing dental picks includes a container to receive a sheet of dental picks, wherein the sheet of dental picks includes multiple interconnected dental picks, a separating device to separate the sheet of dental picks into singular dental picks, and a dispensing device to dispense the singular dental picks, one at a time. A method for separating and dispensing dental picks includes obtaining a sheet of dental picks, wherein the sheet of dental picks includes multiple interconnected dental picks, loading the sheet of dental picks into a container, separating the sheet of dental picks into singular dental picks, and dispensing the singular dental picks one at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: HeyNow LLC
    Inventor: Mark A. Studney
  • Patent number: 10064786
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container-holding tray 1 for holding a plurality of bottomed cylindrical medical containers 50 side by side. The container-holding tray 1 includes the bottom surface part 2 and the container holding convex parts 4 formed on the bottom surface part 2 and configured to hold the medical containers 50, wherein each of the container holding convex parts 4 has a tapered shape that is thin on the upper end side thereof, the plurality of the container holding convex parts 4 are configured to a lattice arrangement on the bottom surface part 2, and simultaneously four of the container holding convex parts 4 are integrated, thereby a container housing part 6 corresponding to one of the medical containers is formed, and the medical containers 50 are configured to be brought into contact with any point from the upper end to the lower end of the four convex parts 4 so as to be held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: DAIKYO SEIKO, LTD.
    Inventor: Daisuke Tsukiji
  • Patent number: 10049341
    Abstract: In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein useful to provide an indication of a stock level of a product support member. Compressed air is directed through a plurality of bores extending through the product support member. A sensor reading of the compressed air can be utilized to determine whether there are products stocked on the product support member due to the products blocking one or more of the bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholaus A. Jones, Robert J. Taylor, Aaron J. Vasgaard, Matthew A. Jones
  • Patent number: 9544993
    Abstract: Provided is a foldable display apparatus that is foldable along a folding line. The foldable display apparatus includes a first display panel for displaying a first image, a second display panel for displaying a second image, wherein the second display panel is spaced apart from the first display panel, and a flexible electric connection unit disposed between the first and second display panels and electrically connecting the first and second display panels, the flexible electric connection unit comprising a groove overlapping with the folding line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Seok Lee, Bong-Hyun You, Seong-Heon Cho
  • Patent number: 9468587
    Abstract: A tray for holding medical containers, including a plurality of elongated parallel cavities that are intended to receive at least one container is disclosed. Each of the cavities includes a first set of contact surfaces for holding the at least one container, and each of the cavities includes a second set of contact surfaces for holding the at least one container when provided with a cap. The first set of contact surfaces and the second set of contact surfaces are arranged such that the at least one capped container is held in the cavity in a reverse orientation with respect to the at least one container when provided without a cap. A packaging for medial containers and a method for packaging medical containers are also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France
    Inventors: Romain Lanier, Adrien Plouvier, Charles Biancon, Franck Carrel
  • Patent number: 9357848
    Abstract: A stacking ring for a chair base may be disposable between a first and second chair base such that the stacking ring generally prevents lateral movement of the first chair base relative to the second chair base. The stacking ring may be integrally formed to the chair base, or separate and disposable between at least two chair bases. The stacking ring may substantially prevent rotation of a first chair base relative to a second chair base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Medway Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Hutchinson, Jr., Richard E. Hutchinson, Gerald A. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 9265378
    Abstract: A beverage capsule storage apparatus and method of use is described. Embodiments of the beverage capsule storage apparatus are typically comprised substantially of a resilient foam panel having a rectangular shape. The foam panel includes a plurality of apertures each adapted to receive a beverage capsule. Beverage capsules include capsules and pods used in single cup brewers. Additionally, an adhesive layer can be included to removably couple the apparatus to a cupboard door or other surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Norman Meindl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9022212
    Abstract: A package system and method are provided for storing and shipping of elongated endoluminal devices. In one aspect, the system includes a packaging tray having a first area to maintain the position of a first portion of the elongated endoluminal device and a second portion retaining an opposing portion of the elongate device. The second portion configured to hold the coupling element of the assembly and being radially spaced outward from the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Spaargaren, Aaron Guerrero, Katie Keller
  • Patent number: 9010536
    Abstract: A nestable can tray includes a base including a plurality of intersecting vertical rib portions. A plurality of horizontal wall portions are connected proximate lower ends of the vertical rib portions. A plurality of annular recesses are formed on an upper surface of the base for receiving lower ends of beverage cans. The tray further includes side walls including side columns extending upward from lower side wall portions at sides of the base. End walls include end columns at ends of the base. The side columns are configured to be partially receivable into side columns of an identical tray nested thereon and the end columns are configured to be partially receivable into end columns of the identical tray nested thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Margaret McCanless, William P Apps, Kyle L. Baltz
  • Publication number: 20150090881
    Abstract: A holder and apparatus for terahertz imaging and/or spectroscopy of beads, particles or microparticles, and methods for terahertz imaging and/or spectroscopy of beads, particles or microparticles and making the holder are disclosed. The holder includes a tray having a substantially planar upper surface, and one or more offsets above or below the substantially planar upper surface. Each offset is configured to hold one of the beads, particles or microparticles, and has a height or depth configured to minimize or eliminate interference between reflections of the terahertz radiation from the tray and reflections of the terahertz radiation from the bead, particle or microparticle in or on the offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Edward E. KING, David A. HEAPS, Gregory Scott SELF, Richard R. MCKAY, Mark J. SULLIVAN
  • Patent number: 8991609
    Abstract: A tray for carrying at least one bottle that has to be positioned and held precisely on the tray, includes a support on which the bottle is intended to be placed, at least two rails running substantially parallel to one another along the support, the rails including at least one shoulder extending above the support toward the other rail so that a lower edge of the bottle can fit between and be immobilized in the rails in a longitudinal or transverse direction and in an upwards direction, each rail having at least one imprint, the imprints being positioned facing one another, each imprint being designed to accommodate an immobilizing element provided on the bottle so that the bottle can be immobilized in the rails in a longitudinal or transverse direction. A bottle used with a tray such as this is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: NOVACYT
    Inventor: Eric Peltier
  • Publication number: 20150083636
    Abstract: An insert for a food holding cabinet provides multiple, individual food holding compartments, which can be operated as encapsulated environments. The insert is made from an elongated tray formed to have at least one food product holding compartment, which is formed at one end of the elongated tray. A slid-able is configured to be able slide back and forth and formed to have at least one additional food product holding compartment. A slid-able cover is configured to be able to slide in the elongated tray, over the slide-able cover. Multiple individual food holding compartments can be uncovered, one-at-a-time as need for food product arises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: PRINCE CASTLE LLC
    Inventors: Loren Veltrop, Mary Morgan
  • Patent number: 8967421
    Abstract: A container base and tray has a container securing portion and a tray or tote portion. The container securing portion secures a container, such as a paint container, to the base and allows a user to transfer the container base and tray (when the container is secured thereto) by way of the container handle. The container securing portion and the tray or tote portion may comprise a single component or may comprise separate, connectable, components. In one embodiment, the tray may secure containers having different sized bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventors: Debra Starkey-Johnson, Duane Marks
  • Patent number: 8960480
    Abstract: A clamshell-style food container having a beverage holder that can also act as a closure mechanism for securing the container in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the food container also has multiple compartments for separating food items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald Clark
  • Patent number: 8944246
    Abstract: A detecting device packing tray is provided which prevents a detecting device from being contaminated and damaged. The detecting device packing tray includes a tray main body configured to support a detecting device including a detection region to detect a reaction result. The tray main body includes a non-contact groove provided at a position corresponding to the detection region of the detecting device when the detecting device is supported by the tray main body so that the detection region does not contact the tray main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Do Gyoon Kim, Jin Tae Kim, Jong Gun Lee, Hyun Min Kim
  • Patent number: 8899421
    Abstract: An insert for a food holding cabinet provides multiple, individual food holding compartments, which can be operated as encapsulated environments. The insert is made from an elongated tray formed to have at least one food product holding compartment, which is formed at one end of the elongated tray. A slid-able is configured to be able slide back and forth and formed to have at least one additional food product holding compartment. A slid-able cover is configured to be able to slide in the elongated tray, over the slide-able cover. Multiple individual food holding compartments can be uncovered, one-at-a-time as need for food product arises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Prince Castle LLC
    Inventors: Loren Veltrop, Mary Morgan
  • Patent number: 8900533
    Abstract: A blister package for a plurality of pipette tips comprises a support block with a plurality of molded pockets that extends into the support block from a first wall. The plurality of pockets is configured to receive the plurality of pipette tips. At least one reservoir located within the support block at a distal end of and in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of pockets. A closure member configured to close the plurality of pockets within the support block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Molecular Bioproducts, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse B. Cohen
  • Patent number: 8895092
    Abstract: A package including a tray (10) provided with a base (11), a plurality of sidewalls (12, 13, 14, 15) extending upwardly and slightly outwardly from said base (11), a primary flange (20) integrally joined to the upper edges of the sidewalls (12, 13, 14, 15) and extending outwardly all around the upper periphery of the sidewalls (12, 13, 14, 15), a rim (21), i.e., a downward flap extending downwardly and tapering slightly outwardly from the outer periphery of the primary flange (20), and a secondary flange (22), i.e., an overhanging portion extending outwardly from the lower edge of the rim (21), said tray being characterized in that a plurality of strengthening ribs (23) extend substantially vertically along the rim (21) and outwardly with respect to the tray body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Morris John Field, Stefano Capitani, Christoforos Chrysanthidis
  • Patent number: 8875893
    Abstract: Medical containers for use in blood collection and processing and medical systems, methods and apparatus for use in blood collection and processing are described. An example medical container to be used during blood collection and processing, the medical container includes an elongated body defining a compartment and a base coupled at a first end of the elongated body. Additionally, the medical container includes a divider extending through the compartment to separate the compartment into a first subcompartment and a second subcompartment, the divider comprising a first material and the elongated body comprising a second material, the first material being relatively more rigid than the second material, the first subcompartment and the subsecond compartment each to accommodate blood pack components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyungyoon Min
  • Publication number: 20140284340
    Abstract: Provided are plate designs that enable a user to hold a plate in one hand, together with a drinking cup in the same hand. The subject designs find use in various situations in which a user desires to hold a plate and a drinking cup simultaneously. The subject designs also find use in various situations in which a user desires to hold a plate securely, in the presence or absence of a drinking cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: John ZOX
  • Publication number: 20140265789
    Abstract: A device for storing utensils, especially tools, comprises at least one storage tray unit (1) for accommodating utensils to be stored, which storage tray unit can be connected to a carrying unit (5) for carrying the storage tray unit (1) and can be removed from the carrying unit (5). The storage tray unit (1) comprises at least one lug (12, 13, 14) which can be inserted into a receiving groove (8) of the carrying unit (5) in order to connect the storage tray unit (1) to the carrying unit (5), the storage tray unit (1) connected to the carrying unit (5) projecting from the carrying unit (5). In order to connect the storage tray unit (1) to the carrying unit (5) in various angular positions, different lugs (12, 13, 14) of the storage tray unit (1) can be inserted into the receiving groove (8) of the carrying unit (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: METZLER GMBH & CO KG
    Inventor: Reinhard Metzler
  • Publication number: 20140197067
    Abstract: An insert for a food holding cabinet provides multiple, individual food holding compartments, which can be operated as encapsulated environments. The insert is made from an elongated tray formed to have at least one food product holding compartment, which is formed at one end of the elongated tray. A slid-able is configured to be able slide back and forth and formed to have at least one additional food product holding compartment. A slid-able cover is configured to be able to slide in the elongated tray, over the slide-able cover. Multiple individual food holding compartments can be uncovered, one-at-a-time as need for food product arises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Prince Castle, LLC.
    Inventors: Loren Veltrop, Mary Morgan
  • Patent number: 8770433
    Abstract: A tray for vibratory conveying of food articles from a hopper is provided. The tray includes a tray body, food inlet portion, and a food outlet portion. An upwardly extending dividing member divides the tray into at least two food inlet conveyor passageways, the inlet conveyor passageways merging into a single food passageway that extends to the food outlet portion. The single food passageway may have an initially wide portion and subsequently narrow to a narrow portion as it approaches a discharge end. This arrangement helps to declump food items, preferably causing food items the size of chicken nuggets to be conveyed in a single-file arrangement along the single food passageway. The single food passageway is preferably non-linear, and may, for example, have a zigzag or serpentine configuration to promote accurate dispensing of food items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Sus, Glenn Schackmuth, Craig Conley, Ron Dorsten, Henry T. Ewald, Jenny M. Hong, David Bone, Brian Rudesill
  • Patent number: 8752701
    Abstract: A brachytherapy packaging system is disclosed including an inner tray containing a plurality of recesses, each recess for holding a strand of linked radiological seeds separated by spacers. An inner tray cover may also contain a plurality of recesses that coincide with the recesses of the inner tray when placed over the inner tray. The inner tray and inner tray cover may be supported by and enclosed in a container made out of a metal such as pewter. A retainer may also be supportable on the top of the container, shaped for holding a forceps or tweezers. An outer tray may be used for supporting and enclosing the container and optional retainer. The outer tray may be sealed with a removable sheet adhesively attached to a rim of the outer tray. Different configurations of the inner tray and inner tray cover may be used for different packaging configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Jacobs, Russell Riescher, Christopher D. Drobnik
  • Publication number: 20140144807
    Abstract: This tray unit comprises a tray (1) that is open at the top and a card holder (6) that is mounted to the outer peripheral face of the tray (1). The tray (1) has a bottom face (2), an outer peripheral wall (3) that rises upward from the outer peripheral part of the bottom face (2), and a flange (15) that extends from the upper face side of the outer peripheral wall (3) in the outer peripheral direction. The card holder (6) is provided with a card insertion portion (7) that is provided along the outer peripheral wall (3) of the tray (1) and to the outside of the outer peripheral wall (3), and to which a card (5) is removably inserted, and a guide portion (8) that is provided at the upper part of the card insertion portion (7) and has formed thereon a sloped face (10) that increases in height from the outer peripheral wall (3) of the tray (1) in the outer peripheral direction of the tray (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keiichi KUROMITSU, Mitsuaki ISHIKAWA, Chikara TAKAUO, Tooru KUSANAGI
  • Patent number: 8720689
    Abstract: Tray includes a first base portion having an upper surface defining a first tier and a second portion having an upper surface defining a second tier. The first tier and the second tier are separated by a height. The upper surface of the first portion and the upper surface of the second portion each have a plurality of spaced-apart wells defined therein. Each well is sized and shaped to receive a food item and has an upper edge with an engagement recess formed therein. The engagement recess is sized to allow a food item within the well to be gripped for removal. The tray can further include a trapping feature to secure a lid, and thus form a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Pactiv LLC
    Inventors: H. Bernard Kirkland, John Kerry Hobbs
  • Patent number: 8714399
    Abstract: Provided are plate designs that enable a user to hold a plate in one hand, together with a drinking cup in the same hand. The subject designs find use in various situations in which a user desires to hold a plate and a drinking cup simultaneously. The subject designs also find use in various situations in which a user desires to hold a plate securely, in the presence or absence of a drinking cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: John Zox
  • Patent number: 8696854
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing self supporting container parts, such as dishes or covers, for containers for foodstuffs to be treated in a microwave oven, said containers each comprising at least one compartment for receiving the foodstuffs, along at least part of the circumferential surface of which compartment a microwave-radiation influencing material layer is provided in the wall of at least one associated container part, comprising the steps of providing a multilayer foil comprising said microwave radiation-influencing material layer and at least one material layer that does not influence microwave radiation, which is bonded thereto on at least one side of the microwave radiation-influencing material layer, bonding one side of the multilayer foil to a remaining portion of the container part in question, in such a manner that the material layer of the multilayer foil that does not influence microwave radiation is present on a free surface of the container part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Winstore Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Franciscus Johannes Maria van de Weijer, Maurits Simon Johannes Maria Driessen
  • Patent number: 8684222
    Abstract: A tray, in particular for catering purposes onboard aircrafts, including a tray body defining a receiving surface for receiving thereon items to be carried by use of the tray. The tray body includes an interlocking device for releasably engaging an interlocking device of the tray body of a similar tray, when at least two trays are positioned such that the receiving surfaces of the tray bodies are overlapping each other partially. The interlocking device of the trays interacting such that when one of the trays is drawn in a drawing direction, the other tray is moved along in the drawing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: deSter Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Ton Tesink, Ruud Vanderheyden
  • Patent number: 8672132
    Abstract: Packing tray for packing fruit and other fragile objects including a drainage system that channels water away from the fruit. The packing tray includes a plurality of cell pockets, each cell pocket having a lowermost sump area with at least one flap door punched out but not removed from the sump area, providing a drainage opening from the cell. Inner and outer cell pocket channels are provided on both the inner and outer surfaces of the cell pockets to direct water flow and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Ramirez, Mark A. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 8657113
    Abstract: A tool storage and bolt organizer device (10) is provided having a tray top (11) including a bolt storage rack (21), and hex head bolt size gauges (19) and (20). A modular bolt storage rack (26) is removably coupled to the bolt storage rack (21) providing for additional bolt storage. The tray top (11) is preferably constructed by a plastic injection molding process and the support frame (35) preferably includes a first leg (38) and a second leg (39) that are pivotally connected. The legs desirably have a generally X-shaped configuration when the legs are placed an upright position and the legs can be collapsed into a storage position. The support frame (35) can be connected to the tray top (11) by inserting the legs (38) and (39) into the clamps (25) to fully erect the tool storage and bolt organizer device (10). The legs (38) and (39) can detached and the tray top (11) can be utilized by itself where the clamps (25) can function as a base to rest on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth G. McCauley
  • Publication number: 20140042053
    Abstract: The present application provides a tray for stacking flatbread in a partially overlapping relationship to each other. The tray includes a structure having a plurality of recesses therein, each of the recesses having an essentially planer trailing and an essentially planer leading surfaces extending between opposing sides of the tray, the recesses therewith arranged inclined relative to each other to form a saw-tooth pattern having peaks and troughs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory Artin Toufayan
  • Patent number: 8640874
    Abstract: A package for holding a plurality of non-spherical products, each product having at least one product axis, is provided. The package comprises a tray defining a tray plane, a plurality of open pockets protruding from the tray plane, each for containing a single product; and each pocket including an angular orienting pocket wall portion for angularly orienting the product within the pocket, so that a product axis is angularly oriented with respect to the tray plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Daniel H. J. Shin, Heather L. Fluegel, Robert J. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8623000
    Abstract: A biological tissue cutting and fluid aspiration system provides a plurality of surgical instruments operable independent of an external control console. In some embodiments, each surgical instrument may include all sensors and controls directly applicable to the surgical instrument, and may be used independently. In some embodiments, instruments communicate status information to each other, and adjust operating parameters based on the communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Doheny Eye Institute
    Inventors: Mark Humayun, Charles DeBoer, Ralph Kerns, Matthew McCormick, Prashant Bhadri, Lawrence Chong
  • Patent number: 8607984
    Abstract: A tray having a socket configured for holding containers of different sizes is provided. The tray includes a socket having a lower portion configured for accommodating a first container, such as a beverage cup, and an upper portion configured for accommodating a second container, such as a bowl, having a base that is larger than the base of the first container. The lower portion of the socket includes a plurality of inwardly-sloping stabilizing walls extending therein that are adapted for supporting a commonly-sized beverage cup within the lower portion of the socket. The upper portion of the socket comprises a shelf structure that is surrounded by a plurality of stabilizing shoulders for supporting a bowl therein. The socket is thus adapted for optionally holding either a beverage cup within the lower portion or a bowl within the upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Huhtamaki, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald V. Breton, Keegan Y. Yang
  • Publication number: 20130320005
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a foldable food tray that includes first and second panels, each having upper and lower surfaces and inner, outer, and side edges. Each panel can also include one or more hinge members and one or more locking members. The hinge member(s) can be operatively coupled to one another to permit the first and second panels to move between a closed position and an open position. The locking member(s) can be configured to releasably lock the first and second panels in the open position, thereby preventing the first and second panels from inadvertently moving from the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: ENVIRONMENTAL DINING, LLC
    Inventors: Michele E. Bardwell, Neal P. Barnes