Stacked Similar Units Patents (Class 211/194)
  • Patent number: 11273954
    Abstract: A pallet that is stackable in an up-down direction in which upper end portions of a plurality of columns of a pallet disposed in a lower stage are inserted into inserted portions provided in lower end portions of columns of a pallet disposed in an upper stage. A height of at least one column is higher than heights of other columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Daisuke Asami, Tomoaki Ihara, Takumi Shigemasa
  • Patent number: 11161119
    Abstract: A holder that can be used to stand up a PCR tube on a flat surface or held in a user's hand. The holder has a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion and a third elongated portion. The first elongated portion having a magnet, the second elongated portion having a tube holding means and the third elongate portion acting as a stabilizer to allow the holder to standup in an upright position. The third elongate portion can also be used as a gripping surface to be held between fingers of a hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: DH Technologies Development Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Andras Guttman, Marton Szigeti
  • Patent number: 11110507
    Abstract: A convex portion projecting from a plate member includes a base, a convex body, and a guide. The base is part of the plate member. The convex body erects in a cylindrical shape from the base. The guide is at a top end of the convex body. The base includes a first inner circumferential surface, a second inner circumferential surface, and a third inner circumferential surface. The first inner circumferential surface is continuous with an inner circumferential surface of the convex body and extends in a direction opposite to an erecting direction of the convex body. The second inner circumferential surface is continuous with the first inner circumferential surface and intersects the erecting direction of the convex body. The third inner circumferential surface is continuous with the second inner circumferential surface and is larger in diameter than the first inner circumferential surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Keisuke Iwakami
  • Patent number: 10955314
    Abstract: A sampling apparatus and method for collecting chemical and biological samples is disclosed and claimed. A surface sampling apparatus is designed to simplify taking successive environmental samples using one hand. In addition, the sampling bag used with the apparatus serves as both safety barrier and transport bag and is prepared with multiple sampling surfaces and in wet or dry formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of The Army
    Inventors: Peter A. Emanuel, Calvin C. Chue, Daniel J. Angelini, Kristy L. Williams, Aleksandr E Miklos, Kyle D. Ford
  • Patent number: 10883291
    Abstract: A gate assembly is disclosed including a gate rail and an upright including a plurality of walls defining a cavity therebetween. A first of the walls includes an opening that is configured to receive the gate rail therethrough such that the gate rail extends into the cavity. The gate assembly further includes a gate corner insert configured for insertion into the cavity of the upright through a second opening of the upright. The gate corner insert includes a base and a plurality of protrusions extending from the base. The base and the plurality of protrusions define a second cavity therebetween with first and second protrusions of the plurality of protrusions defining a third opening in communication with the second cavity. The third opening and the second cavity are configured to receive the gate rail therein for removable attachment to the gate corner insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Eastern Wholesale Fence LLC
    Inventor: Christopher DeLuso
  • Patent number: 10870308
    Abstract: Adjustable frames for use with hanging folders and related methods are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes an adjustable frame for hanging folders. The frame is to couple to a first rail and a second rail spaced relative to each other to cooperatively receive a first folder. The frame is movable between an expanded position and a contracted position to enable the first and second rails to receive a second folder sized differently relative to the first folder. The example apparatus also includes a receptacle disposed on the frame to receive a first clip for coupling the first rail to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: LSC COMMUNICATIONS US, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Joseph Bantle, Su Chew Lee
  • Patent number: 10773920
    Abstract: A rack assembly that includes first and second side wall assemblies, a mid center bar extending between the first and second side wall assemblies, first and second front cradle bars extending between the first and second side wall assemblies, first and second male nesting members secured to the top of the first side wall assembly, first and second female nesting members secured to the bottom of the first side wall assembly, third and fourth male nesting members secured to the top of the second side wall assembly, and third and fourth female nesting members secured to the bottom of the second side wall assembly. A front cradle space is defined between the first and second front cradle bars and a rear cradle space is defined between the first and second rear cradle bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: UNITED RENTALS, INC.
    Inventor: Rickey L. Crozier
  • Patent number: 10717142
    Abstract: In various embodiments, apparatuses for receiving and supporting one or more components during processing thereof at process temperatures greater than approximately 1000° C. feature refractory metal shelves separated by refractory metal support posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: H.C. STARCK INC.
    Inventors: Maria Bozena Winnicka, Scott Jeffrey Volchko, Stan Wojciechowski, Abhishek Bhattacharyya
  • Patent number: 10600338
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for demonstrating optical properties of a lens for spectacle glasses are disclosed. A demonstrational tool exposes a spectacle lens or a pair of spectacle glasses to polarized light to demonstrate how the removal of polarized, reflected light from a display reduces glare. Further, the demonstrational tool exposes a phototrope lens or a pair of spectacle glasses with phototrope lenses to UV- or HEV-light to demonstrate the reversible self-tinting of the phototrope lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Kastner
  • Patent number: 10132430
    Abstract: A coupling clamp includes a pair of holding members for holding a pair of tubular members to be arranged parallel to each other. The pair of holding members includes a first holding member having an engaging portion extending vertically from one side surface of the first holding member, and a second holding member having an engaged portion extending vertically from one side surface of the second holding member facing the one side surface of the first holding member. The engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged in a vertical direction relative to a length direction of the pair of holding members such that the first holding member relatively slides to the second holding member and the first holding member is arranged adjacent to the second holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignees: NIFCO AMERICA CORP., TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Takahiro Hasegawa, Hayato Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9788650
    Abstract: A foldable post for a shelving apparatus includes an upper post member, a lower post member, and a post joint for connecting the upper and lower post members end-to-end. The post joint includes an engaging tongue extended from an end portion of the first post wall of the upper post member, an engaging groove provided at an end portion of the first post wall of the lower post member, and a pivot hinge pivotally coupled the second post walls of the upper and lower post members, such that when the upper and lower post members are pivotally moved to engage the engaging tongue with the engaging groove, to the upper and lower post members are interlocked and coupled with each other end-to-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Frank Tsai
  • Patent number: 9723925
    Abstract: A foldable post for a shelving apparatus includes an upper post member, a lower post member, and a post joint for connecting the upper and lower post members end-to-end. The post joint includes an engaging tongue extended from an end portion of the first post wall of the upper post member, an engaging groove provided at an end portion of the first post wall of the lower post member, and a pivot hinge pivotally coupled the second post walls of the upper and lower post members, such that when the upper and lower post members are pivotally moved to engage the engaging tongue with the engaging groove, the upper and lower post members are interlocked and coupled with each other end-to-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventor: Frank Tsai
  • Patent number: 9713378
    Abstract: A shelving apparatus includes a supporting frame, a plurality of foldable posts for coupling with the supporting frame, and a post joint. Each foldable post includes an upper post member and a lower post member, wherein each of the upper and lower post members has a first post wall and a second post wall extended from the first wall at an angle. The post joint includes an engaging tongue extended from an end portion of the first post wall of the upper post member, an engaging groove provided at an end portion of the first post wall of the lower post member, and a pivot hinge pivotally coupled the second post walls of the upper and lower post members. When the post members are pivotally moved to engage the engaging tongue with the engaging groove, the upper and lower post members are coupled with each other end-to-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: Frank Tsai
  • Patent number: 9526333
    Abstract: A modular storage system employs flat-sided container modules that each have door/lid access on multiple sides thereof and are stackable atop one another in a stable manner by cooperating recesses and feet at the lid and bottom of the container module respectively. Securing clips can be employed to secure adjacent container modules together in various relative positions using pre-defined sets of clip-accommodating grooves in walls of the container modules. Accessories include a table-top module for creating a flat uninterrupted workspace atop a container module, a cooler tray insert for ice-cooled storage of food or beverage items within a container module, a vacuum sealed bag insert for collapsed air-tight storage within the container module, and shelving rack modules cooperatively stackable with the container modules for additional storage flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventor: Kevin W. Nielson
  • Patent number: 9474369
    Abstract: A shelving apparatus includes a supporting frame and a plurality of foldable posts for coupling with the supporting frame. Each foldable post includes an upper post member, a lower post member and a post joint, wherein each of the upper and lower post members has a first post wall and a second post wall extended from the first wall at an angle. The post joint includes an engaging tongue extended from an end portion of the first post wall of the upper post member, an engaging groove provided at an end portion of the first post wall of the lower post member, and a pivot hinge pivotally coupled the second post walls of the upper and lower post members. When the post members are pivotally moved to engage the engaging tongue with the engaging groove, the upper and lower post members are coupled with each other end-to-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Frank Tsai
  • Patent number: 9414503
    Abstract: A multi-display device includes a main frame, a plurality of module supporters disposed on the main frame, a plurality of display modules which are hung on the plurality of module supporters, and a spacer positioned between the two adjacent display modules. Each of the plurality of display modules includes a display panel. The spacer includes a base plate extending in a width direction of the display modules, a first protrusion extending from a first surface of the base plate, and a second protrusion extending from a second surface opposite the first surface of the base plate. The base plate includes a portion which protrudes further than the two adjacent display modules in the width direction of the display modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jaekwan Lee, Sangpil Byun, Donghyun Kim
  • Patent number: 9380885
    Abstract: A modular seating and shelving system including two or more blocks. Each block includes six sides defining an open interior. Each block includes a first side having a first protruding member, a second side having a recess, a third closed side, and fourth side having an opening to enable access to the open interior of each block. Each block may be utilized individually or may be interlocked with another block to form children's furniture such as seating or shelving. The configuration of the modular seating and shelving unit enables a children to utilize and maneuver blocks with ease to form various pieces of children's furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: Nguyen Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9340322
    Abstract: A transport pallet comprising a chassis for supporting goods to be transported, and having feet extending below the chassis for supporting the chassis with a lifting fork space beneath the chassis. The pallet also includes legs provided around the perimeter of the chassis. The legs enable the pallets to be stacked one on another, and have a hollow upper portion and/or a hollow lower portion. Leg extensions are also provided for fitting into the hollow legs to provide separation between the chassis of the stacked pallets. These can be height adjusted. The pallets are generally made of steel or aluminum but can also be made of plastics material having a metal center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Philip John Fox Harris
  • Patent number: 9320355
    Abstract: A bottle rack includes a plurality of first frame bodies, a plurality of second frame bodies and a plurality of connecting rods. Each of the first frame body includes a first assembling portion and a second assembling portion. The first assembling portion and the second assembling portion of the first frame body are embedded into the second assembling portion of another one of the first frame bodies and the first assembling portion of still another one of the first frame bodies respectively. Each of the second frame body includes a third assembling portion and a fourth assembling portion. The third assembling portion and the fourth assembling portion of the second frame body are embedded into the fourth assembling portion of another one of the second frame bodies and the third assembling portion of still another one of the second frame bodies respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Chao-Lung Lee
  • Patent number: 9192250
    Abstract: A modular wire grid rack system is provided that includes a pair of storage racks, each storage rack having a plurality of intersecting wire rods, and a plurality of posts connected to the storage racks and separating the storage racks. An intermediate storage assembly is locatable between the pair of storage racks and includes a retaining element configured to be seated on one of the posts and a shelf arm, in the installed disposition of the intermediate storage assembly, a load imposed on the shelf arm by a supported object urges the angular ends of the channel engaging protrusion of the retaining element to move toward one another, thereby reinforcing the strength and stability of the seating of the retaining element on the respective post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventor: Scott D. Maurer
  • Patent number: 9084478
    Abstract: A modular portable stand that can be quickly and easily assembles and disassembles by one person without using any tools or hardware. Unassembled, the stand includes two base members, two side members, and four legs. Interlocking the components at each corner provides a stiff and sturdy perimeter frame when assembled, that becomes more rigid when loaded with plant propagation trays, fish tanks, or other heavy items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Ortega
  • Patent number: 9038834
    Abstract: A shelving structure may include a predetermined number of shelf boards, rear plates, connecting members, and frame members. The shelf board is a rectangular board with two expanded side edges. The rear plate is a hexagonal plate with corners modified into arc-shaped inward recesses and with U-shaped slots extending inwards in the middle of the recesses. The U-shaped slot has continuous undulating bounding edges on both of its sides. The connecting member has two clamping planes linked by a base. The frame member has three equally distributed holding slots extending through both ends. Each outer surface between two neighboring holding slots of the connecting member has a recessed strip with regularly spaced extension plates for installing additional components. The shelving structure can be readily installed or uninstalled and can be modified or rearranged according to space restraint or other requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: SUN YU TA Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Hua Liu
  • Patent number: 8997993
    Abstract: A stackable tray is provided that includes a tray having a bottom, a pair of side walls each having an upper edge, and a rear wall. A pair of support columns is provided on each side wall. Each of the support columns includes: a protrusion extending upwardly from a top portion of the support column; a first groove formed in a bottom portion of the support column, the first groove being aligned with the protrusion in the vertical direction; and a second groove formed in the bottom portion of the support column, the second groove being aligned with the upper edge of the respective side wall in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: E.M.I. Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman L. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 8978903
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8955700
    Abstract: A tire rack includes a base having a plurality of apertures in a bottom surface, and a plurality of posts extending from a top surface of the base. Each of the plurality of posts has a reduced diameter portion having dimensions corresponding to the apertures in the bottom surface of the base. The tire rack further includes a plurality of side bars. Each side bar extending between two of the plurality of posts, and each side bar having a plurality of apertures. The tire rack also has a plurality of crossbars. Each crossbar extends between two of the plurality of side bars, wherein each crossbar has a first end removably received in an aperture of a first side bar and a second end removably received in an aperture of a second side bar. The plurality of crossbars are configured to receive a plurality of tires in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dealer Tire, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Barber, Mark King, David Shaffstall
  • Publication number: 20140353271
    Abstract: A storage unit includes shelf-support racks and shelves coupled to the racks. Any number of racks and shelves can be used to form a modular storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Eric W Kruse, Larry Voris
  • Patent number: 8881918
    Abstract: A horseshoe game caddy for removably retaining horseshoes and stakes for playing a horseshoe game. The caddy includes a plurality of horseshoe racks supported by posts in vertically spaced relation. Each of the horseshoe racks are adapted to removably support at least one of the plurality of horseshoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Eastpoint Sports Ltd., LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Nally, Adam B. Abramson, James P. Burns
  • Patent number: 8857634
    Abstract: A transport pallet comprising a chassis for supporting goods to be transported, and having feet extending below the chassis for supporting the chassis with a lifting fork space beneath the chassis. The pallet also includes legs provided around the perimeter of the chassis. The legs enable the pallets to be stacked one on another, and have a hollow upper portion and/or a hollow lower portion. Leg extensions are also provided for fitting into the hollow legs to provide separation between the chassis of the stacked pallets. These can be height adjusted. The pallets are generally made of steel or aluminium but can also be made of plastics material having a metal centre.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Philip John Fox Harris
  • Patent number: 8833573
    Abstract: A modular packaging system for shipping and displaying palletized products is provided. The packaging system comprises a plurality of vertically stacked trays for holding the products, corner posts extending between vertically adjacent trays for spacing and supporting the trays, and one or more separate elongated braces located under and supporting one or more of the trays. The ends of the braces extend into openings in the corner posts. The system is strong enough not only to support the weight of the products on the trays and withstand the vibration and impact forces that can occur during shipping, but to withstand the weight of one or more units stacked on top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignees: Sonoco Development, Inc, Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Valentine Tomaszewski, John G. Olmsted, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8777019
    Abstract: The portable beverage rack of the present invention is a generally square or rectangular receptacle which may safely store one or more bottles in u-shaped channels which cradle the bottles and prevent movement of the bottles while in transit or while travelling on a boat or an RV. The u-shaped channels may contain a rubber pad on the inside surface to prevent sliding, rolling or other lateral movement of the bottles. The portable beverage rack also contains a securement mechanism, such as a strap, buckle or band which extends over the top of the bottles to prevent vertical movement of the bottles. Additionally, the rack includes means to attach the rack to a wall or other vertical surface using a separate wall mounted base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Amy L. Dovell
  • Patent number: 8714864
    Abstract: A post coupler includes coupler flanges, reverse bend flanges extending therealong and tapered end projections extending longitudinally from said coupler flanges defining ends of the coupler, the length of the reverse bend flanges being less than the overall coupler length between ends of the rounded end projections, and the reverse bend flanges preferably oriented along outer surfaces of said coupler flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Edsal Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Wojtowicz, Thomas St. Germain, Mitchell Liss, Al Dunaj
  • Patent number: 8714652
    Abstract: A frame of rectangular configuration, constructed of structural components and usable in connection with modular furniture. Front and back frame components are interconnected by a pair of side components, and a locking bar member extends between the side components and is movable therealong while remaining essentially parallel to the back component. The locking bar member has a straight edge in alignment with and parallel to a straight edge of the back component, such that when the locking bar member is brought into a relatively close relation to the back component, the straight edges of the back component and the locking bar member can hold therebetween a backrest equipped with cleats in a secure, fixed position, without the need for screws, bolts, pins or other joinder elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Ice Magic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Whidden, Lawrence W. Bechtold
  • Patent number: 8714307
    Abstract: A support structure of the present disclosure provides a stable and expansible material storage system or work platform. The support platform includes a plurality of apertures, typically sized and configured to receive standard grade lumber sizes. The support platform may be used singly for storing materials or for working on the materials or two or more additional support structures can be combined to support multiple work pieces in a tiered and/or side-by-side arrangement, or to create a stable workstation. The material support capability of support structure is also expansible both horizontally and vertically, and for ease of storage, multiple support structures are nestable or may be individually collapsible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Barry N. Burnett
  • Patent number: 8668542
    Abstract: A multiple use, light weight, cost-effective, indoor and all-weather outdoor construction toy for stimulating children's imaginations and encouraging physical activity comprises a basic modular unit with open ended cup-like coupling-means on its perimeter for male to female coupling and decoupling to other couple-able units, is described. The coupling-means may be molded as an integral part forming one seamless basic unit. The open bottom end of the coupling means provides for coupling, the open top end prevents the buildup of snow inside the coupling unit. Coupling can be achieved via coupling-means on basic units to each other or through the use of accessory independent coupler-units. The basic unit of the modular toy may be in the form of a saucer, disc, an oval, or in a rectilinear-shape for use as a sled, skiing device, a flotation device, or as fort building modules. Additional accessory parts include skis and inner-tubes, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Joshua D Bruzgul
  • Patent number: 8657241
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a base member for a portable intravenous stand. The base member includes a plurality of segments configured to facilitate the close nesting or alignment of multiple portable intravenous stands; and thus reducing the amount of space required for storing the portable intravenous stands when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Maxtec, LLC
    Inventors: Darryl Zitting, Jeffrey Valjean Anderson, Carl Ross Wecker
  • Patent number: 8540476
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a system for storing and/or transporting platforms of pipette tips. The system includes packaging in which a stacked tower of platforms may be transported. Embodiments of the present invention further include a loader for transferring platforms from the packaging to a rack for holding pipette tip platforms. The loader transfers the platforms by accessing the uppermost platform in the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Labcon, North America
    Inventor: Thomas Moulton
  • Patent number: 8460622
    Abstract: Discussed herein are methods and devices for storing, handling, loading or dispensing of pipette tips. Some embodiments allow repetitive loading of an array of multiple pipette tips that are stored in a nested configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Biotix, Inc.
    Inventor: Arta Motadel
  • Patent number: 8459476
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for video and audio components. According to one embodiment, the present invention generally comprises carbon fiber composite shelves separated by carbon fiber posts and supported by carbon fiber legs. The posts and legs are secured by studs. Adjacent to at least the bottom surface of each of the shelves at each opening where a stud passes through is a polyurethane ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Mohammad Ghassem Malekmadani
  • Patent number: 8434631
    Abstract: A rackable, collapsible, and stackable unit including corner posts being foldable inwardly and downwardly, side bars connecting a pair of opposite corner posts, upper end bars connecting a pair of adjacent corner posts, lower end bars connecting the pair of adjacent upright corner posts, a core holder located on the upper end bars for retaining one end of a core, a plurality of hinges, one connected at each joint between each corner post and the side bars, and hinged support braces pivotally and diagonally connected between one of the corner posts and one of the side bars to hold the corner posts in an upright position when the unit is opened and which, in combination with the hinges, makes it possible to fold the corner posts inwardly and downwardly so as to lie substantially flat against the side bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Alfred Knox Harpole
  • Patent number: 8424689
    Abstract: A modular racking system for storing, displaying and dispensing optical contact lenses. The system includes a reconfigurable, vertically-stacked array of modules. Each module is assembled from standard panels and includes a number of tray positions. Removable trays are slidably mounted in the modules, are vertically repositionable within the modules, and are provided in differing product configurations for different types of products or packaging. A contact lens dispensing matrix is defined by various positional indicia within the racking system, to designate various contact lens characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Bryan McConnell, Lucille Levitt, Robert Daniel, II
  • Patent number: 8360255
    Abstract: An integrally formed shelf used for being fastened to another shelf includes a main body, a back plate, and two side plates. The main body includes a first bottom plate and a second bottom plate stacked to each other. The main body has a bottom edge and two side edges, and the two side edges are connected with the bottom edge, respectively. The back plate is connected with the bottom edge, and the back plate includes a first fastening sheet extending from the bottom edge. The two side plates are connected with two sides of the back plate. Part of the respective side plate is sandwiched between the first bottom plate and the second bottom plate, and each of the side plates includes a second fastening sheet extending from the side edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Pegatron Corporation
    Inventor: Hong-Jun Chen
  • Patent number: 8316765
    Abstract: A marker carrier device has carrier elements for carrying respective markers, the device being re-configurable between a compact configuration and a selection configuration in which the markers are accessibly presented for selection. Carrier devices loaded with markers are received at a receiving station of a marking unit. The markers are selected from the carrier individually whilst in the marking unit and marked by a marking device with a predetermined indicium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hellermanntyton Limited
    Inventor: Steven Blanks
  • Patent number: 8302339
    Abstract: A display system utilizing a graphics box as a primary component is disclosed. The graphics box greatly increases the flexibility and aesthetic appeal of displayed graphics cards. The ability to mass produce the graphics box, use multiple graphics boxes to deliver displays of different size and information content and, especially, the ability to reuse the graphics boxes, means that costs of the disclosed display system are relatively low and are achievable without a decrease in the aesthetic appeal of the entire display. Structures for supporting the graphics box to further increase the flexibility of the display system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventors: Randy Pender, Van Stry Erik
  • Patent number: 8297450
    Abstract: A modular rack for mounting avionics equipment comprises an upper rectangular frame, a lower rectangular frame, and a plurality of struts interconnecting the upper rectangular frame and the lower rectangular frame. Each strut is at least partially formed of an electrically conductive carbon fiber composite material and includes at least one flange extending substantially orthogonal to the strut. The flange includes a plurality of mounting holes to allow avionics equipment to be mounted to the rack. A method of mounting avionics equipment in an aircraft is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Martin P. Zavidniak, Dale J. Shabra, Phillip Y. Chou, George Gaffoglio
  • Patent number: 8272520
    Abstract: A method for a standalone open frame in one example is configured to support a rack-mount electronic component of a predetermined size selected from any of a plurality of predetermined sizes. The standalone open frame is configured to securely engage the rack-mount electronic component through employment of at least one set of rack-mount adapters that is configured for the predetermined size of the rack-mount electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven F. Manzi, Michael L. Wortman
  • Patent number: 8210374
    Abstract: A rackable, collapsible, and stackable unit including corner posts being foldable inwardly and downwardly, side bars connecting a pair of opposite corner posts, upper end bars connecting a pair of adjacent corner posts, lower end bars connecting the pair of adjacent upright corner posts, a core holder located on the upper end bars for retaining one end of a core, a plurality of hinges, one connected at each joint between each corner post and the side bars, and hinged support braces pivotally and diagonally connected between one of the corner posts and one of the side bars to hold the corner posts in an upright position when the unit is opened and which, in combination with the hinges, makes it possible to fold the corner posts inwardly and downwardly so as to lie substantially flat against the side bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Alfred Knox Harpole
  • Patent number: 8182763
    Abstract: A rack for holding samples and various reagents, wherein the rack may be used for loading the samples and reagents prior to using the reagents. The rack accepts complementary reagent holders, each of which contain a set of reagents for carrying out a predetermined processing operation, such as preparing biological samples for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides extracted from the samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: HandyLab, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Duffy, Kerry Wilson, Kalyan Handique, Jeff Williams
  • Patent number: 8061536
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tool box set fastener, which include a first fastening structure, which has mounting base fixedly fastened to a vertical wall or upright support and a coupling unit formed integral with the mounting base, and a second fastening structure, which is connectable to a tool box set to secure the tool box set to the first fastening structure and has a coupling base connectable to the coupling unit of the first fastening structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Steelworks Hardware, LLC
    Inventors: Pei-Ying Lin, Chanwa Nguy
  • Patent number: 8020715
    Abstract: A standalone open frame of an apparatus in one example is configured to support a rack-mount electronic component of a predetermined size selected from any of a plurality of predetermined sizes. The standalone open frame is configured to securely engage the rack-mount electronic component through employment of at least one set of rack-mount adapters that is configured for the predetermined size of the rack-mount electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven F. Manzi, Michael L. Wortman
  • Patent number: 8011503
    Abstract: Protective modular holders for CDs and DVDs can be assembled into a storage assembly from which each disc and its accompanying literature can be removed without opening an individual holder. Two outer elements and an inner element form a module which receives two components, such as a pair of discs, or a disc and a booklet. Each side of the inner member cooperates with the corresponding outer element to form a disc receiving opening with openings aligned or at 90° or 180° offsets. The units are connected at the corners to adjacent units with the openings in selected alignments to form a storage assembly. The assembly may be expanded by connecting additional holder units. The outer elements and inner members cooperatively form a slot and label rail for receiving a label when the elements are joined together. The inner holder member surfaces may include a disc cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Erick V. Hartman