Closures And Chutes Patents (Class 232/44)
  • Patent number: 11805930
    Abstract: A system for the delivery and secure receipt of packages from unmanned vehicles to improve security and protection of the packages upon delivery. A UAV receptacle provides a water-protected interior to protect a package. The UAV receptacle includes a door in one side that allows a reception tray to extend out and back in, and which locks to protect the package so received. The UAV receptacle detects a drone in proximity. Upon confirming that delivery is for the UAV receptacle, the reception tray extends to a reception position. A sensor detects the package on the reception tray upon delivery from the drone. The reception tray is of a mesh material to reduce water retention. The UAV receptacle retracts the reception tray and closes a door to seal the package within the UAV receptacle. The UAV receptacle may notify user devices that the package has been received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Inventor: John K. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 10304273
    Abstract: A system allows dwelling access to third parties. An intelligent door lock system at the dwelling includes a device configured to be coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device, with the device sensing movement of the drive shaft to assist in locking and unlocking a lock of a lock device. The intelligent door lock system is configured to be in communication with a server. An occupant/or owner, or end-dwelling user of the dwelling communicates with the server to grant a third party secured access to a dwelling, which can be programmatic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: August Home, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Johnson, Christopher Kim, Tejash Unadkat, Bharadwaj Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 9875596
    Abstract: A fee collection device has a tube, a chamber in the tube, a bonnet that covers and locks the top of the tube, and a collection bag that attaches to the bottom of the chamber. The tube is mounted vertically in the ground. The chamber is removable from the tube. The chamber has three vertically spaced, angled plates with serrated lower edges projecting inwardly alternately from the front and back of the chamber. The lower two angled plates are hinged. The chamber has support arms that allow the chamber to rest above the tube while the collection bag is emptied. The bonnet locks with a puck lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Inventor: Randy McNeil
  • Patent number: 9624709
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flap drive system for a flap which is movably mounted on a furniture carcass. The flap drive system is arranged on a sidewall of the furniture carcass. The flap drive system includes a mechanical actuating unit having an actuating arm that can be connected to the flap and an accumulator acting upon the actuating arm, and an electric drive, fastened on the mechanical actuating unit for driving the flap. The electric drive has at least one electric motor, and a gear stage which allows the transmission of force from the electric drive onto the mechanical actuating unit. The gear stage is designed as a separate component, and has a housing that is independent from the mechanical actuating unit and the electric drive or an independent mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Friesenecker, Wolfgang Bohle
  • Patent number: 9016558
    Abstract: An access opening closure device is provided for enabling passage of food or medication into a confined space without providing direct access from within the confined space to outside of the confined space. The device includes a housing assembly including a body and a cover, and a slide assembly including an access door and a frame. The body defines a receptacle and first and second openings. The housing assembly is pivotally coupled to the slide assembly and is movable from an operative position to a stowed, non-operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Thomson Alexander
  • Patent number: 8960435
    Abstract: A stackable and linkable container system that includes a container having a cavity; an entry slot formed in at least an upper portion of the front wall; an exit slot formed in at least a lower portion of the front wall; a cover; one or more vertical stack aligning tabs extending from a top surface of the cover; one or more ribs extending from an outer surface of the bottom wall; at least one horizontal aligning dovetail extending from the first side wall; at least two, spaced apart, horizontal aligning pins extending from the second side wall, wherein at least one horizontal aligning dovetail socket is defined between the spaced apart horizontal aligning pins, and wherein the horizontal aligning dovetail is formed so as to be at least partially received within the horizontal aligning dovetail socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Caleb D. Rideout
  • Publication number: 20150028093
    Abstract: Provided is a fare box which enables passengers to smoothly pay fares using bills without hesitation even when a bill transportation passage is disabled due to jamming of a bill or a breakdown. Two entrances, which are a bill normal receiving opening and a bill backup receiving opening, are provided as bill receiving openings of the fare box. Either of the bill normal receiving opening and the bill backup receiving opening is allowed to be selectively opened by a shutter member. At normal times, the bill normal receiving opening is put into operation with the shutter member positioned at a normal position. When a bill normal transportation passage has become jammed with a bill, the shutter member is shifted from the normal position to a bypass position on the basis of an operation performed on a bill receiving opening switch lever, whereby the bill backup receiving opening is opened instead of the bill normal receiving opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Kenji KIMOTO, Yasuhiro SUZUKI, Takashi MATSUNO
  • Publication number: 20150021383
    Abstract: Provided is a fare box which enables passengers to smoothly pay fares using bills without hesitation even when a bill transportation passage is disabled due to jamming of a bill or a breakdown. Two entrances, which are a bill normal receiving opening and a bill backup receiving opening, are provided as bill receiving openings of the fare box. Either of the bill normal receiving opening and the bill backup receiving opening is allowed to be selectively opened by a shutter member. At normal times, the bill normal receiving opening is put into operation with the shutter member positioned at a normal position. When a bill normal transportation passage has become jammed with a bill, the shutter member is shifted from the normal position to a bypass position on the basis of an operation performed on a bill receiving opening switch lever, whereby the bill backup receiving opening is opened instead of the bill normal receiving opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Kenji KIMOTO, Yasuhiro SUZUKI, Takashi MATSUNO
  • Patent number: 8919525
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gate mechanism (100) mounted on a side frame (210) of a financial automated machine cash slot (230a), wherein the gate mechanism comprises a gate (10), a driving mechanism (20) and a pair of locking mechanisms (30) controlling the gate (10), with the lower end of the gate (10) being connected with a front end (240a) of the frame side (240) in such a way as to be able to slide up and down, and the upper end of the gate (10) being connected with an upper end (240b) of the frame side (240) in such a way as to be able to slide back and forth, and the driving mechanism (20) driving the upper end of the gate (10) in sliding back and forth at the upper end (240b) of the frame side (240), while causing the lower end of the gate (10) to move up and down at the front end (240a) of the frame side (240), thus achieving opening and closing of the gate (10). The gate mechanism (100) can reduce the motion enveloping space of the gate (10) and has the advantage of a compact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: GRG Banking Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dongbo Liu, Shaohai Huang
  • Patent number: 8777098
    Abstract: A collection canister having a wall mounting plate having a baffle. The collection canister having a first half having a back component and a pair of side components. The first half being removably coupled to the wall mounting plate. There is a second half having a front component and a pair of side ends. The second half is removably coupled to the first half in a clam shell manner. There is a locking bar which secures the plate and halves together. There is a contents viewing window and a display window, for advertising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Wayne Spencer
  • Patent number: 8727162
    Abstract: A cover for a medical waste disposal receptacle and a method of manufacturing a cover for a medical waste disposal receptacle. The cover generally comprises a body portion configured to substantially close an open end of the receptacle and a lid portion hingedly interconnected to the body portion via an integrally formed hinge extending between the lid portion and a portion of the body portion. The body portion includes a covering surface with an access opening therethrough and at least a first, fixed sloped slide surface depending from the covering surface configured to provide a fixed tortuous path extending from the access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventor: M. Brian Finnestad
  • Patent number: 8668134
    Abstract: Provided is a fare box which enables passengers to smoothly pay fares using bills without hesitation even when a bill transportation passage is disabled due to jamming of a bill or a breakdown. Two entrances, which are a bill normal receiving opening and a bill backup receiving opening, are provided as bill receiving openings of the fare box. Either of the bill normal receiving opening and the bill backup receiving opening is allowed to be selectively opened by a shutter member. At normal times, the bill normal receiving opening is put into operation with the shutter member positioned at a normal position. When a bill normal transportation passage has become jammed with a bill, the shutter member is shifted from the normal position to a bypass position on the basis of an operation performed on a bill receiving opening switch lever, whereby the bill backup receiving opening is opened instead of the bill normal receiving opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Lecip Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Kimoto, Yasuhiro Suzuki, Takashi Matsuno
  • Patent number: 8651367
    Abstract: A charitable collection canister comprising, in combination a container having a money recess therein. There is next a lid having an inside surface. The lid is removably coupled to the container. The lid has a money slot, with the money slot having an inwardly and rearwardly oriented tab. The canister has an internal light emitting diode, with a battery electronically coupled thereto. Lastly, there is a window panel, with the window panel being coupled to the inside surface of the lid. The light emitting diode is visible through the window panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Wayne Spencer
  • Patent number: 8646682
    Abstract: A charitable collection canister comprising, in combination a container having a money recess therein. There is next a lid having an inside surface. The lid is removably coupled to the container. The lid has a money slot, with the money slot having an inwardly and rearwardly oriented tab. Lastly, there is a window panel, with the window panel being coupled to the inside surface of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Wayne Spencer
  • Patent number: 8578885
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the disposal of animal waste, and is particularly concerned with providing a solution that is economical, hygienic, and environmentally sound. This invention may be used domestically in two main varying ways: in a configuration whereby the invention connects into any access point of a domestic sanitary sewer system, or via an in-line configuration whereby the invention is incorporated into any standard waste downpipe. This invention may be used commercially in a public setting whereby the invention is incorporated into a ‘vending’ machine, allowing limited access for use by varying limited access means and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Eoin Franklin
  • Patent number: 8523051
    Abstract: A refuse collection apparatus includes a body portion extending between upper and lower ends. The apparatus includes a refuse container having bottom and side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall and defining an open top and an interior area. A lid is releasably coupled to an upper edge of the side wall and configured to cover the container open top, the chute lower end being fixedly attached to the lid. An exhaust fan is operatively mounted to the lid in communication with the container interior area and configured to withdraw air from the container interior area when actuated. An input station is coupled to the chute upper end and configured to interface with the building wall, the input station having an access door movable between open and closed configurations selectively allowing and preventing access to the chute body portion, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Terence C. Clancy, Elizabeth W. Clancy
  • Patent number: 8500000
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for locking and unlocking the roller shutter (12, 15) of a container (10) that can be inserted into a rack (11) and removed therefrom. The roller shutter (12, 15) is pulled open by a stationary pin engaging therewith during insertion of the container (10), it is pulled shut by the same engagement of the pin (14) when the container (10) is pulled out of the rack (11). In the closed position, the roller shutter (12, 15) shall be locked reliably and accurately. Two locking pins (21, 22) that can be actuated by cam tracks (35, 36) extending in longitudinal direction of the rack (11) and provided at the rack (11) serve for this purpose. The first locking pin (21) serves to lock the roller shutter (12, 15), the second locking pin (22) keeps the roller shutter (12, 15) in its exactly defined closed position during the locking by the first locking pin (21). As a result thereof, position errors of the roller shutter (12, 15) during locking and unlocking are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
    Inventor: Elmar Berendes
  • Patent number: 8474690
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a depository (10) that can receive deposit containers (20) from persons authorized to open a door lock (24). The depository includes a depository head (12) and a chest (14). A security curtain assembly (36) is movable by an actuator to block the deposit entry opening into the chest. The security curtain assembly comprises a plurality of movable plate members (52, 54, 56). At least one processor is in operative connection with sensors that can sense conditions which correspond to an attack on the depository. The at least one processor causes the actuator to close the security curtain assembly in response to a sensed attack. The processor can also cause alarms to be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Davis, Virgil Barnes, Robert V. Artino, Gary Baker, Neil Gromley
  • Patent number: 8360307
    Abstract: The invention provides a closures (106) for a compartment (100) having one or more walls (112, 114, 116, 118) and an opening (110) defined by at least one of the walls (112, 114, 116, 118). The closure (106) is associated with at least one fastener located inside the compartment (100). The fastener can hold the closure (106) in a first position (eg. closed) relative to the opening (110). The fastener is adapted to cause the closure (106) to assume a second position (eg. open) relative to the opening (110) upon receipt of a suitable signal. The closure (106) has at least on indicium (108) visible from outside the compartment (110). The indicium (108) is adapted to provide a visual indication of a status of the closure (106) or the compartment (110), such as closure open, closure closed, compartment empty, compartment occupied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Telezygology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dickory Rudduck, Lachlan Richard Goldspink
  • Patent number: 8297494
    Abstract: Apparatus that includes alarms with indicators to prevent burglary and theft includes a depository (10) operative to receive deposit containers (20) from authorized persons who open a lock (24). The apparatus includes a depository head (12) and a chest (14). A security curtain assembly (36) comprising a plurality of movable plate members is operative to selectively block an opening in the top of the chest that communicates with the head in response to an actuator. The actuator operates responsive to at least one circuit to cause the security curtain to close responsive to sensing conditions that may correspond to an attack through one or more sensors. Alarms are given locally or remotely when the at least one circuit senses conditions that may correspond to an attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Davis, Virgil Barnes, Robert V. Artino, Gary Baker, Neil Gromley
  • Patent number: 8245905
    Abstract: A ballot receptacle is provided with frame having an opening through which ballots are deposited into a receptacle and a sliding closure cooperating with the frame to seal the opening. A tamper evident seal is used to lock the closure in a sealed arrangement and thereby secure the ballots in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Paul D. Lantz, Robert J. Cohn
  • Patent number: 8157159
    Abstract: The flipping trash can is adapted especially for use in fast-food restaurants or the like. The trash can includes a pedal-operated, spring-biased lid. When the lid is opened, a tray (with trash thereon) is positioned on a tray receiving mechanism that flips the tray so that trash thereon is deposited in a trash bin. The mechanism is designed to then move the empty tray to a storage area for retrieval and reuse. A sound-emitting, electronic device may be attached to the lid and is programmed to emit the phrase “Thank You” when the lid opens. The receptacle can be designed in different configurations (animals, spaceships, autos, etc) to attract attention and enhance aesthetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: Sara A-Abdulrahman Al-Hadhoud, Reem Abdullah Al-Oufan, Hessa Saeed Al-Ajeel, Mona Ahmed, Rehab Al-Naki
  • Patent number: 8141735
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel container (1) for holding foodstuffs. The container is of the type used for a holding bulk food product to be dispensed by a self serving customer in the bulk food section of a supermarket or health food establishment. The container includes a self closing lid (2) and is specially shaped to avoid the existence of a “dead space” which can lead to product in that portion becoming stale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Durapod System Limited
    Inventors: Timothy Paul Woods, Lawrence Basil Hart
  • Patent number: 8136718
    Abstract: An after hour depository device, having a framework including a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and having a front opening, a hopper assembly including a door having a front face and bottom portion, a handle disposed on an upper end of the front face, and a deposit hopper on the inside of the door, and a horizontal shaft fixed to and extending from at least one side of the bottom portion of the hopper assembly, the horizontal shaft having an end portion extending through the first sidewall, the horizontal shaft and the hopper assembly being pivotable within the framework between a closed position in which the door covers the front opening of the framework, and a full open position in which the front opening is uncovered. A lever arm fixed to the end portion of the horizontal shaft at a rotary angle, the lever arm including a distal arm end extending radially, and a gas spring secured pivotably at a first end to the distal end of the lever arm, and secured pivotably at a second end to the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Security Systems Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Snyder, Arthur D. Flint, Jr., Daniel P. Grabowski, Joshua G. Bollin
  • Patent number: 8123112
    Abstract: A self-locking security mechanism for coin-operated machines. This mechanism consists of two units. The first unit mounts inside a coin-operated machine in alignment with the coin chute for receiving coins passing through the first unit. A second unit has a flexible bag secured thereon into which the coins are stored after passing through the second unit. This second unit also includes a door, which slides to an open condition by two teeth from the first unit when the second unit is connected by sliding into the first unit. The door is pushing the pivoting arm, which passes the snap stops and stays in preset condition. A pivoting arm is attached to the pivoting stopper with a spring between them. When the second unit is removed from the first unit, the door slides to a closed condition and releases the stopper. The spring lifts the stopper and blocks the door from sliding to an open condition. Only an authorized person can unlock the locked coin receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Alexander Nikon
  • Patent number: 8020752
    Abstract: A security receptacle generally includes an outer housing defining an inner chamber and having an inlet thereto, and a movably connected top door for selectably closing the inlet, wherein the top door is configured for movement between an open position and a closed position. The security receptacle further includes an inner shield for dividing the inner chamber into a receipt chamber and a holding chamber to prevent user access to the holding chamber from the inlet, wherein the inner shield is driven by the movement of the top door through a cam assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Hjorth Consultant, Inc.
    Inventor: Jens Hjorth
  • Patent number: 8002172
    Abstract: A shredding/recycling paper collection system and device, wherein a cabinet-style housing with a self-locking door is adapted with a paper guard member to prevent unauthorized reach-in access and assist with directional feed, and wherein the door-mounted paper guard member and the uniquely supported collection bag hangers facilitate easy authorized access to collection bag contents, while also providing secure positioning for weighty materials within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Bengt Lager
  • Patent number: 7997522
    Abstract: A center-pull dispenser for dispensing paper towels from a continuous roll, wherein each individual towel is separated from an adjoining towel by a plurality of perforations. The dispenser comprises a housing having a housing back and a detachable front cover hingedly connected thereto at the lower periphery of said housing back and front cover for opening and closing the housing, a paper support tray removably connected to a lower portion of the housing back and having a centrally located dispensing nozzle, an opening in the lower periphery of the housing through which the towels are dispensed, a detachable wall-mounting member for removably mounting the housing back to a wall, and a locking member for releasably locking the front cover to the housing back and the housing back to the wall-mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Cintas Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Petras Titas, Christopher Andrew Brizes, Mark Edward Cipolla, Paul Dana Stephens, Christopher Daniel Carsten
  • Patent number: 7913898
    Abstract: There is provided a collecting container. An exemplary collecting container comprises an insertion opening on the front of the collecting container that is adapted to receive objects. The exemplary collecting container additionally comprises a receiving device arranged to receive the objects and to convey them to a storage space in the collecting container, the storage space containing a filling-level measuring means that is connected to a blocking device preventing the receiving device from being opened when a defined filling level has been reached in the storage space, the receiving device comprising a roller shutter box whose receiving area is formed by at least two side walls and a bottom. The exemplary collecting container further comprises a roller shutter that is adapted to be moved in rails on the side walls, the blocking device being configured so that it can block the movement of the roller shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventors: Steffen Frankenberg, Martin Räss, Ramin Benz, Sven Hein, Boris Paul
  • Patent number: 7878389
    Abstract: The invention provides a closure (106) for a compartment (100) having one or more walls (112, 114, 116 and 118) and an opening (110) defined by at least one of the walls (112, 114, 116 and 118). The closure (106) is associated with at least one fastener located inside the compartment (100). The fastener can hold the closure (106) in a first position (e.g. closed) relative to the opening (110). The fastener is adapted to cause the closure (106) to assume a second position (e.g. open) relative to the opening (110) upon receipt of a suitable signal. The closure (106) has at least on indicium (108) visible from outside the compartment (110). The indicium (108) is adapted to provide a visual indication of a status of the closure (106) or the compartment (110), such as closure open, closure closed, compartment empty, compartment occupied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Telezygology Inc.
    Inventors: Dickory Rudduck, Lachlan Richard Goldspink
  • Patent number: 7850065
    Abstract: A column alternatively supports one of a plurality of arrays of different pluralities candles in different configurations. A plurality of donation or payment mechanisms are mounted on the column for alternative modes of receiving diverse monetary transactions elements, such as cash, credit card and debit card, with resultant automated actuation of the at least one of the electronic candles upon receipt of one of the monetary transaction elements. The column includes jimmy-proof, pilfer-proof and tamper-proof features for securing cash collected in an authorized accessibly collection box. A replaceable paperboard collection box is removably disposed in the secured column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Gabor Lederer
  • Patent number: 7832625
    Abstract: A method of promoting customer donations at a place of business includes providing a donation receptacle including a collection inlet, a proceeds bin, and at least one perforated section. The collection inlet is configured to receive monetary donations. The proceeds bin is configured to store the monetary donations received via the collection inlet. A donation path is at least partially defined between the collection inlet and the proceeds bin such that the monetary donations received via the collection inlet move along the donation path to the proceeds bin. The at least one perforated section is positioned along the donation path and is configured to separate the monetary donations from undesired refuse also received via the collection inlet. The donation receptacle is assembled to a cavity formed in a wall structure at the place of business.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Northgreen Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Nordgren, Nathaniel R. Hallee
  • Patent number: 7726552
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides an apparatus and method for securely collecting, storing, and disposing of documents by attaching a reusable, secure, lockable closure to a cardboard receptacle box. The lockable closure has a slot in the top to allow documents to be deposited in the box. Two opposing side surfaces of the lockable closure have an interior lip that engages the box flap in such a way as to prevent the unwanted removal of the closure. The closure can be secured to the box with a locking seal such as a cable tie through locking holes located on the top surface and two opposing sides of the lockable closure as well as the box flaps and box sides. A hole allows removal of the lockable closure by exerting pressure on the flap. The disclosed method provides the steps of providing a single lockable closure, a plurality of receptacle boxes, and a number of locking seals capable of fitting through the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Mike Chadima
  • Publication number: 20100102126
    Abstract: An improved mail depository type container (10), and communication device(s) system for the deposit and aggregation of commodities (100), like paper documents, memory enabled electronic devices and other physical objects, for physical collection and transformation of said objects via shredding or recycling to an unreadable state. The container (10), similar in design to a Federal Express/UPS drop box, provides a storage area (24) whereby substrates containing sensitive data are stored, a deposit slot (62) where commodities are placed; a user identifier such as credit card reader (54) whereby user information can be electronically communicated (98) to remote locations, a mechanism (80 to 92) triggered by user card, permits delivery to storage area (24), via a locked access door (30). User deposit transaction also authenticated at container by paper receipt (55).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew N. Benson
  • Publication number: 20100006636
    Abstract: There is provided a collecting container. An exemplary collecting container comprises an insertion opening on the front of the collecting container that is adapted to receive objects that are dropped in and a removal opening, inside the insertion opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventors: Steffen Frankenberg, Martin Räss, Ramin Benz, Sven Hein, Boris Paul
  • Patent number: 7641103
    Abstract: A wall mounted log chute for holding and transferring fire wood through a wall of a dwelling is disclosed. The chute is mounted within the confines of the wall of a dwelling and having an outside and an inside position. In the outside position the chute is capable of receiving fire wood and other materials. These other materials include but are not limited to coal, feed, bio fuels and household refuse. The chute is capable of material transfer of any nature. When the desired amount of wood or other material is arrived at the chute is mechanically or manually operable from the outside position to the inside position. The reverse operation is also true. The chute is capable of holding the wood in the inside position and a storing facility or can be emptied to repeat the process. One embodiment allows the chute to be controlled from the first position to the second position by a hydraulic arm and an electrical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Wayne K. Tomich
  • Publication number: 20090314828
    Abstract: A security receptacle generally includes an outer housing defining an inner chamber and having an inlet thereto, and a movably connected top door for selectably closing the inlet, wherein the top door is configured for movement between an open position and a closed position. The security receptacle further includes an inner shield for dividing the inner chamber into a receipt chamber and a holding chamber to prevent user access to the holding chamber from the inlet, wherein the inner shield is driven by the movement of the top door through a cam assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: HJORTH CONSULTANT, INC.
    Inventor: Jens Hjorth
  • Patent number: 7604107
    Abstract: The invention concerns a service and/or product dispensing apparatus comprising a coin-receiving device, a coin-storage box (5) and said chute (7) transferring coins from the receiving device to the box (5). The invention is characterised in that said chute (7) co-operates with a closing device (8) comprising a trap (82) mobile between a position closing and a position opening said chute (7), said device (8) co-operating with control means (40) adapted to trigger the displacement of the trap (82) into its closing position when at least part of the coin-receiving device (4) is being dismantled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Parkeon
    Inventors: Thierry Richard, Jean Escalier
  • Patent number: 7578024
    Abstract: A trash container having a base disposed on a support surface. The base has an aperture adjacent the support surface. A receptacle is disposed above the base. The receptacle contains debris received from an opening in an upper end of the receptacle. A vacuum draws debris through the aperture into a channel adjacent to the base and toward the receptacle. A collection chamber is associated with the receptacle and is configured to receive and collect debris from the vacuum and direct debris into the receptacle. The trash container can also include a lid disposed on an upper end of the receptacle. A method of collecting debris for depositing in a trash container includes providing suction to an aperture in a base of the trash container to draw debris from a surface adjacent the container. The method also includes capturing the debris drawn through the aperture in a collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel Hughes
  • Patent number: 7565999
    Abstract: A display and dispensing device for lottery-type tickets or the like that is securable to prevent the dispensing of the tickets when desired. The device includes a housing of box-like configuration having an open rear end, a door pivotally attached to the housing open end and a security shield pivotally attached to the door and being alternatively located in an open condition allowing said lottery tickets to be dispensed and a closed condition blocking the dispensing of said tickets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Owner Revolutions Inc.
    Inventor: Craig A. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7472779
    Abstract: A transition frame and a chute system incorporating the same. The frame includes two first chain connectors and three second chain connectors which are positioned in different configurations on the frame. The frame defines a central opening through which at least a portion of a chute section is receivable. The first and second chain connectors allow chains to be attached to the transition frame to connect the chute to a support system or to connect different types of chute sections together. If the chute is formed from a plurality of molded sections and rolled sections, the frame can be oriented in such a manner so as to allow at least two chains to extend between the frame and the molded sections and at least three chains to extend between the frame and the rolled sections. The frame can be inverted as required to allow the molded sections to be positioned above or below the rolled sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Chazem Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Hadi C. Boustani, Howard T. Ayres
  • Patent number: 7448530
    Abstract: A laundry hamper having a shallow box-like container with an open front and a door slidably mounted on the front of the container to close the open front. The door has a height less than the height of the front of the container. The door is movable on the container between a lowered position where the bottom of the door is adjacent the bottom of the container and the top of the door is spaced from the top of the container to provide a top inlet opening to the interior of the container, and a raised position where the top of the door is adjacent the top of the container and the bottom of the container is spaced from the bottom of the container to provide a bottom outlet opening from the interior of the container. The outlet opening is closed when the inlet opening is open, and the inlet opening is closed when the outlet opening is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Winikoff
  • Patent number: 7431200
    Abstract: A donation receptacle is described including a collection inlet, a proceeds bin, and at least one perforated section. The collection inlet is configured to receive monetary donations. The proceeds bin is configured to store the monetary donations received via the collection inlet. A donation path is at least partially defined between the collection inlet and the proceeds bin such that the monetary donations received via the collection inlet move along the donation path to the proceeds bin. The at least one perforated section is positioned along the donation path and is configured to separate the monetary donations from undesired refuse also received via the collection inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: NorthGreen Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Nordgren, Nathaniel R. Hallee
  • Publication number: 20080230346
    Abstract: A construction debris chute system comprising a construction debris chute formed by a plurality of common panels with the plurality of common panels each comprising a first panel, a second panel and a bottom panel that are linked to each other by a set of hinges a construction debris receiver box comprising a frame box and a chute-receiving portion extending at an angle from the frame box; and a bottom discharge unit comprising a discharge platform frame fitted to extend over a portion of a dumpster and a chute-supporting base extending upwards at an angle from the discharge platform frame for receiving a second end of the construction debris chute therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Craig Kohler
  • Patent number: 7422144
    Abstract: A system to separate and store trash in a multi-floor building includes a waste chute with at least one intake door located on a floor of the building. A login device identifies a user and a selection device selects the type of trash to be discarded. A first receptacle and at least one additional receptacle are provided. A diverter assembly diverts trash placed into the chute to the first receptacle or one of the additional receptacles. A controller includes a selector for selecting the particular category of trash is connected to the diverter assembly. A scale is connected to each additional receptacle for measuring the weight in each additional receptacle. The system stores the weight of the recyclable material deposited in connection with the particular user. A computer system processes and stores data. A method of using the system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Importico
  • Patent number: 7419087
    Abstract: A collection device comprises a shell and an outlet structure. The shell has top and bottom ends, front and rear sides, and left and right sides. The front side defines a front opening, the bottom end defines a lower opening, and an interior cavity connects the front and lower openings. The outlet structure extends downwardly from the shell and has a top end defining an upper opening and a bottom end defining an exit. The outlet structure top end attaches to the shell bottom end and encircles the shell lower opening. An interior cavity connects the outlet structure upper opening and the outlet structure exit. The outlet structure interior cavity is in communication with the shell interior cavity to allow items to pass between the shell front opening and the outlet structure exit. A method of discarding waste using a collection device is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Starco, LLC
    Inventor: Loyd E. Owen
  • Patent number: 7389910
    Abstract: A collection canister system having a front panel and a rear panel. The rear panel has top and bottom edges and side edges there between and forwardly extending sides. The front panel has top and bottom edges and side edges there between and rearwardly extending sides rotatably coupled to the sides of the rear panel. An opening is adjacent to the top of the front and rear panels for deposition of charitable contributions. A plurality of locks facilitate the securement of the contributions within the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Wayne Spencer
  • Patent number: 7195147
    Abstract: A portable promotional ashtray and methods of manufacturing the same. The portable promotional ashtray may have a rectangular outer housing with an upper lip attached to the front portion and having a promotional display a rectangular drawer having a rear portion that is higher than the sides of the rectangular drawer to partially removably contain the rectangular drawer within the rectangular outer housing and containing an extinguishing substance; and a looking mechanism for securing the rectangular drawer when in a closed position. A promotional display may be affixed to the outer housing. As such a portable, disposable ashtray for giveaways at bars, restaurants is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventors: Kenneth Neil Price, Carmine Russo
  • Patent number: 7185802
    Abstract: A collection canister system having a front panel and a rear panel. The rear panel has top and bottom edges and side edges there between and forwardly extending sides. The front panel has top and bottom edges and side edges there between and rearwardly extending sides rotatably coupled to the sides of the rear panel. An opening is adjacent to the top of the front and rear panels for deposition of charitable contributions. A plurality of locks facilitate the securement of the contributions within the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Wayne Spencer
  • Patent number: 7021527
    Abstract: Permits retrofit trash and linen chute inlet door replacement without destruction of existing B-Label wall/door frame assemblies and introduces advancements never before seen in the chute industry: Compliance to updated U.L.® Standards for B-Label doors, smoke suppression, and air tightness. The invention serves as the basis for a new U.L.® standard for certified retrofit installation of inlets. The inlet provides applicable ADA compliance. The latter results from several design features including a choice of four-access control/operating systems: mechanical, electronic, electro-pneumatic, and fully pneumatic. Each control system defaults a to the “Fail-Safe/Door-Closed” position in the event of component failure, thereby insuring the continued operation of the U.L.®/Life Safety features. Previous art fails in a “door open” position, destroying life safety functionality. Fail-Safe default is the basis of a proposed new NFPA-82 requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventors: Edward Lawrence Repic, Michael Wayne Ennis, Seymour Oestreicher