Means To Assemble Container Patents (Class 29/773)
  • Patent number: 11772949
    Abstract: A device for holding a container in a container handling machine, for example for holding a support-ring-free bottle for the application of a screw closure, includes a carrier and a holding arrangement arranged on the carrier. The holding arrangement is movable relative to the carrier between a closed position for holding the container and an open position for releasing the container. The holding arrangement includes a collar-shaped support projection for supporting the container on a retaining ring of the container. The collar-shaped support projection includes a support projection region of a first holding arm and a support projection region of a second holding arm. The first holding arm and the second holding arm are arranged on the carrier so as to be pivotable in relation to one another for moving between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Bruno Landler, Markus Schoenfelder
  • Patent number: 11623853
    Abstract: A fluid supply apparatus includes a container supply holder configured to supply a container to a cap separator using a loading box, the container including a detachable nozzle cap, and configured to store a process fluid, a cap separator configured to receive the container from the loading box and separate the nozzle cap from a container body of the container using a cap clamper and a rotation actuator, the cap clamper configured to clamp and hold the nozzle cap, and the rotation actuator configured to rotate the container body, a fluid supplier configured to supply the process fluid contained in the container body through a fluid supply line, and a controller configured to control the container supply holder, the cap separator, and the fluid supplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kibeom Kil, Dongsoo Lee, Wooram Oh, Sangho Jang
  • Patent number: 11618263
    Abstract: A fluidic ejection cartridge having a unitary integrally-formed body of sintered metal having an upper portion, a lower portion, a sidewall, and a bottom having a nosepiece, the body defining a reservoir. In various embodiments, the body includes at least one of copper, copper alloy, iron steel, carbon steel, iron-copper steel, copper infiltrated steel, copper steel, iron-nickel steel, nickel steel, low alloy steel, hardened steel, diffusion alloyed steel, 300 series stainless steel, 400 series stainless steel, and soft magnetic alloy. Some embodiments include a lid of the sintered metal disposed over and sealed to the upper portion of the body. Some embodiments include a chip in fluid flow communication with the reservoir. Some embodiments include a filter disposed in the reservoir at the lower portion of the body. Some embodiments include a volume of an ejectable fluid disposed within the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventor: G. Allan Ping
  • Patent number: 8950062
    Abstract: A screw locking tool is used for performing a screw locking operation of an electronic device. The electronic device has a screw hole. The screw locking tool includes a baseboard, a hollow frame, a guide rod, and a sleeve member. The baseboard has a containing space for containing the electronic device. The hollow frame is movably disposed on the baseboard. The guide rod is disposed in the hollow frame and has a guide slot formed thereon. The sleeve member is movably disposed through the guide slot and has a guide hole. The sleeve member is used for moving along a first direction to a position where the guide hole is aligned with the screw hole when the electronic device is contained in the containing space and the hollow frame covers the baseboard, so as to guide a screw to be screwed in the screw hole through the guide hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Yun-Jun Wang
  • Patent number: 8677594
    Abstract: A method, and apparatus for performing the method, is provided for the purpose of forming and inserting seal pieces into a container cap of a type which comprises an integral cup-like member having a top panel, a skirt depending from the top panel, and a plurality of cap lugs formed in the rim and extending partially inward from the rim. A supply strip of flexible seal material is directed into proximity to the inserting stations and precisely cut seal pieces from the strip are inserted into the caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Dayton Systems Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Cook
  • Patent number: 8522424
    Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment, a wiring connection apparatus comprises a tray including a plurality of wiring connection members for connecting a plurality of wiring and a tray holder body, which holds the tray, wherein the tray is rotatably provided in the tray holder body, and a wiring introduction opening for introducing the plurality of wiring into the tray is formed in proximity to an axis of rotation of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yoshinori Hoshino, Naoya Yamazaki, Hiroshi Katagiri, Hideaki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8371014
    Abstract: A method of forming a metallic container includes the steps of providing body and lid portions, placing the body and lid portions together, keeping portions of the body and lid portions in contact with one another, and reciprocally rotating the lid portion with respect to the body portion, thereby generating frictional heat and forming a friction weld therebetween. An apparatus for attaching the lid and body portions of a metallic container includes a base to support the body, a support assembly to support a flange of the body, and a sonitrode for contacting a flange of the lid, wherein the flanges of the lid and body are held together between the support assembly and the sonitrode. A motor reciprocally rotates the sonitrode relative to the support assembly, thereby moving the flanges relative one another to generate frictional heat and create a friction weld therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: New Sonic Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: James T. Williamson
  • Patent number: 8371023
    Abstract: A spout installation device capable of reliably installing spouts onto correct positions on a pouch. The spout installation device has a pouch supply section for supplying a pouch (P), first and second spout supply sections for respectively supplying an inlet spout (SA) and an outlet spout (SB), and first and second spout installation sections for installing the inlet spout (SA) and the outlet spout (SB), which are supplied by the spout supply sections, onto the pouch (P) supplied by the pouch supply section. For each time of installation of the inlet spout (SA) and the outlet spout (SB) onto the pouch (P), an upper inclined edge and a lower edge of the pouch (P) are positioned by a positioning unit of the pouch supply section and by a positioning/holding mechanism of the second spout installation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Seal International, Inc.
    Inventor: Syuuichi Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 7849597
    Abstract: A method (100) and an apparatus for manufacturing a heat-dissipation device (10) with a vacuum chamber and a working fluid therein are disclosed. The method includes the following steps: vacuuming a hollow metal casing (12) through a first open end (121) thereof until an interior of the casing reaches a predetermined vacuum degree; sealing the first open end; filling a predetermined quantity of working fluid into the casing through a second open end (123) thereof; and sealing the second open end. The apparatus includes a vacuum pump, a liquid-storage tank and a set of processing device, as used respectively for the above vacuuming, liquid-filling and sealing steps. By this apparatus, the heat-dissipation device can be manufactured at a same place without the requirement to shift the casing from one place to another place during the manufacture of the heat-dissipation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tay-Jian Liu, Chao-Nien Tung, Cheng-Chi Lee, Chuen-Shu Hou
  • Patent number: 7832078
    Abstract: A process for making a medicinal vial in which a vial and a closure are moulded in parallel in respective vial and closure moulds, then the closure and vial are automatically assembled together, all in a sterile environment. An apparatus for performing this process is also provided. By the process and apparatus of the invention sealed vials with a sterile interior may be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Aseptic Technologies S.A.
    Inventors: Jacques Thilly, Christian Vandecasserie
  • Publication number: 20100199484
    Abstract: A method of forming a metallic container includes the steps of providing body and lid portions, placing the body and lid portions together, keeping portions of the body and lid portions in contact with one another, and reciprocally rotating the lid portion with respect to the body portion, thereby generating frictional heat and forming a friction weld therebetween. An apparatus for attaching the lid and body portions of a metallic container includes a base to support the body, a support assembly to support a flange of the body, and a sonitrode for contacting a flange of the lid, wherein the flanges of the lid and body are held together between the support assembly and the sonitrode. A motor reciprocally rotates the sonitrode relative to the support assembly, thereby moving the flanges relative one another to generate frictional heat and create a friction weld therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: James T. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20100192367
    Abstract: A spout installation device capable of reliably installing spouts onto correct positions on a pouch. The spout installation device has a pouch supply section for supplying a pouch (P), first and second spout supply sections for respectively supplying an inlet spout (SA) and an outlet spout (SB), and first and second spout installation sections for installing the inlet spout (SA) and the outlet spout (SB), which are supplied by the spout supply sections, onto the pouch (P) supplied by the pouch supply section. For each time of installation of the inlet spout (SA) and the outlet spout (SB) onto the pouch (P), an upper inclined edge and a lower edge of the pouch (P) are positioned by a positioning unit of the pouch supply section and by a positioning/holding mechanism of the second spout installation section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: FUJI SEAL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Syuuichi Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 7748101
    Abstract: A method of forming a metallic container includes the steps of providing body and lid portions, placing the body and lid portions together, keeping portions of the body and lid portions in contact with one another, and reciprocally rotating the lid portion with respect to the body portion, thereby generating frictional heat and forming a friction weld therebetween. An apparatus for attaching the lid and body portions of a metallic container includes a base to support the body, a support assembly to support a flange of the body, and a sonitrode for contacting a flange of the lid, wherein the flanges of the lid and body are held together between the support assembly and the sonitrode. A motor reciprocally rotates the sonitrode relative to the support assembly, thereby moving the flanges relative one another to generate frictional heat and create a friction weld therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: IP Technologies Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: James T. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20100018965
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a round container and to a round container configured for said method, which provide faster construction of the round container, mostly independent from the precision of the preliminary work in spite of high final precision, and which provide simple transportation of the components to the construction site. This is accomplished by the invention through setting up wall profiles (2), which are continuous over the wall height of the round container (1) and which have in particular a flat inner surface, continuously along the circumference and by connecting them with one another and with the subsurface in particular through bolting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: SCHMIDT-SEEGER GMBH
    Inventors: Franz Gõtz, Michael Nieberler
  • Patent number: 7634847
    Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing sterile containers such as specimen containers includes one or more moulding machines to manufacture vials and cooperating caps from thermoplastic materials. After moulding and cooling the vials and caps are transported under sterile conditions to an assembly station where the caps and vials are combined to form closed containers. By maintaining the sterile conditions between manufacture and assembly of the container parts, the interior of the container is also maintained sterile thereby avoiding the need for further, post production sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Erik Forsberg
  • Patent number: 7584639
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to produce can bodies (24?) comprising a can shell (24) and a closing element (31b, 32, 31a) that is fixed to one face of the can shell (24). Said aim is achieved by producing a tube (11) from a metal strip (1), optionally from directly adjacent sections (112), by means of a shaping step, at least one optional cutting step, and a continuous welding step, sections of said tube (11) being used as closed convex surfaces for cans. The sections are shaped by a shell-shaping device in such a way that can shells (24) are provided into which a closing element (31b, 32, 31a), especially a can bottom (31b), can be inserted. The longitudinal seam (11a, 124) can be produced inexpensively and at great precision essentially as a continuous seam in the welding step by means of simple installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Crebocan AG
    Inventor: Werner Boltshauser
  • Publication number: 20090090725
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a reservoir, in particular a cryogenic reservoir, provided with two concentric envelops (1, 3), i.e. the internal (1) and external (3), respectively, defining an interwall space (2) therebetween, wherein said internal space (2) is exposable to a reduced operational pressure and the internal envelop (1) is exposable to an internal positive process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Alain Ravex, Laurent Allidieres, Jean-Paul Bacca
  • Patent number: 7490454
    Abstract: A capping device fits caps onto containers by applying an axial force to the caps as they are threaded onto the containers. The capping device utilizes a spindle rotatable about an operational axis for imparting rotation to a capper unit. A connector coupled to the capper unit is releasably coupled to the spindle by a quick release mechanism. The quick release mechanism is normally biased in the locked position and is configured to automatically move from the unlocked position back to the locked position when the connector mates with the spindle as a user re-connects the capping unit back to the spindle. Methods of releasing and re-connecting the capping unit to the spindle are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Adcor Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Brown
  • Publication number: 20080277602
    Abstract: A long-term storage container (1) for storage of radioactive material to inhibit radioactive radiation therefrom to the outside of the container, the top of said container to be closed by a screw-on radioactive radiation inhibiting lid (7), said container having an integral inner container part (2; 34; 62; 62?) of a first material, e.g. plastic material, an integral outer container part (3; 43; 69) of a second material, e.g. plastic material, and radioactive radiation inhibiting material (4; 38; 68) in an inter-space between the walls and bottoms of said inner and outer container parts. To fill the inter-space an inter-space container part (4; 38; 68) is integrally moulded through injection or pressure moulding and then fitted onto the inner container part (2; 34; 62; 62?) to subsequently mould the outer container part (3; 43; 69) onto the outside of the inter-space container part (4; 38; 68). A specially made container lid (7) is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Frank Stengrimsen
  • Publication number: 20080277398
    Abstract: Welded 36% Ni—Fe alloy steel and a method of making such welded steel for use in storage tanks, pipelines, and other equipment associated with cryogenic substances is disclosed. The welded steel has a similar coefficient of thermal expansion in both the weld and base steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventor: Stuart L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7430804
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a heat pipe, including the steps of: providing a hollow body with an open end and an opposite close end; filling a predetermined quantity of working fluid into the hollow body through the open end thereof after an interior of the hollow body having been evacuated to a predetermined vacuum degree; and sealing the open end of the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chuen-Shu Hou, Chao-Nien Tung, Tay-Jian Liu
  • Publication number: 20080216312
    Abstract: A plug insertion device for inserting a plug into a container. The device includes sides defining an opening therebetween. The opening receives a plurality of containers having openings at the upper end thereof. A platen having a plurality of insertion pins is pivoted over the sides. A sheet of plugs is positioned over the openings in the containers. The insertion pins engage the plugs and insert them into the containers upon application of a force to the platen. A return spring returns the insertion pins to their retracted position allowing for the removal of the plugged containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Lendell J. Williams, Mark L. Bannan
  • Patent number: 7404255
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing non-condensing gas in heat pipe are disclosed, In this method, a resilient pad is abutted against an opening of a pipe body of the heat pipe after a working fluid is filled into the heat pipe. The heat pipe is then heated to remove the non-condensing gas by pressure difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Jia-Hao Li
  • Publication number: 20080072412
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering and identifying a container utilizing a thin film material and a frame. The thin film material covers a through hole in the frame and has a perforation that defines an outer detaching surface an inner covering surface commensurate with the container opening. The method comprises the steps of attaching the thin film material to a frame having the through hole; disposing the frame onto an open top surface of the container; depressing a portion of the frame to detach the thin-film from the frame along the perforation and further sliding the frame coaxially to circumscribe the base of the container where it identifies information about the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Monte Solazzi
  • Patent number: 7293395
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing container assemblies having a cup-shaped insert disposed within a container. A container conveyor conveys a series of open containers along a lower horizontal path, the container conveyor bringing each container in turn to a stop at an insertion station. A generally vertical inserter chute is disposed above the insertion station for conducting a generally cup-shaped insert through the inserter and out the lower end into a container positioned at the insertion station. An insert conveyor disposed above the inserter conveys a series of inserts along an upper horizontal path, each insert on the insert conveyor having an open end and an opposite closed end and being in an inverted orientation such that the open end of the insert faces downward. A lead one of the inserts being conveyed on the insert conveyor tips over and falls into the inserter in an upright orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Galloway, James E. Gunter, Mark Palmieri
  • Publication number: 20030234451
    Abstract: A new and improved electrical connector is provided for Ball Grid Array (BGA) devices and Direct Chip Attach (DCA) devices that solves the prior art problems of mismatch in the coefficient of thermal between a semiconductor die and its substrate, PC board or carrier. The electrical connector consists of a resilient loop of wire that is permanently wire bonded at a first and a second bond position to an electrode or contact pad of a die or an interposer. The closed loop of wire is stable in the X and Y direction and resilient in the Z direction which enables the wire bonded die or interposer to be temporarily attached to a carrier or test board for all forms of tests as well as being removable and reworkable even after being permanently soldered in place on a substrate or PC board. Since the loop shaped connectors are resilient in X, Y and Z directions, the die or interposer may be clamped onto a PC board or substrate to provide a lead free electrical connection that does not require any underfill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Eli Razon
  • Patent number: 6662428
    Abstract: A casing and a lid which are supplied to a casing/lid supply machine are fed to a main assembly line where a light-shielding sheet is mounted on the casing and a film cover supplied from a film cover assembly line is mounted in the casing. Pressers supplied from a presser assembly line are mounted on the lid. The casing and the lid are combined with each other, completing a film case. The film case manufacturing system is capable of efficiently manufacturing highly accurate film cases and is relatively compact in structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiro Esaki, Hideki Matsuzawa, Masami Seko, Nobuo Matsuda, Hiroki Omote, Kazuo Tanabe
  • Patent number: 6651305
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically handling sample cups closed with a screwable cap is disclosed. The apparatus for automatically opening, closing and transporting sample cups comprises a transportable gripper (11) which includes a rotatable gripper tool (21) adapted to enter and engage with a recess (35, 36) of said cap (34) to form a connection which can be locked by rotating the gripper tool (21) in a first sense with respect to said sample cup (31) and which can be unlocked by rotating the gripper tool (21) with respect to said sample cup (31) in a second sense opposite to the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: Walter Fassbind, Rolf Schnarwiler
  • Patent number: 6519839
    Abstract: A cartridge positioning and holding mechanism has a fixed guide for positioning a single-open-ended cartridge when the single-open-ended cartridge is inserted in an axial direction thereof with a cap positioned ahead, and a movable chuck openable and closable for forming and holding the single-open-ended cartridge after a film coil is inserted into the single-open-ended cartridge in an axial direction of the spool of the film coil. The film coil can be inserted into the single-open-ended cartridge highly accurately and efficiently with a simple and small arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiaki Suzuki, Susumu Sato, Takayuki Kambara
  • Patent number: 6418608
    Abstract: A convertible flange insertion machine for the insertion of a pair of internally threaded flanges into a drum head of a shipping container is disclosed. The machine includes a pair of continuously moving drum head conveyor chains running along conveyor supports and between a pair of tooling dies that upon compression insert flanges into the drum head. A pair of flange conveyors run along side the drum head conveyor and include a pair of side rails with two lips for guiding the lips of flanges according to two different flange styles. The flange conveyors terminate at a lateral transfer mechanism. One lateral transfer mechanism includes an indexer with two pawls that sequentially indexes flanges in a two step procedure over a pair of spring loaded stops and into the receiving pocket of a tooling block. The tooling block places the flanges over the tooling die where a release assembly forces the flanges out of the tooling block and onto the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Rieke Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn R. Keesler
  • Publication number: 20020088114
    Abstract: A metal finishing barrel side opening has a cover secured by a series of cover and barrel tabs, the cover slid into a secured position with the cover tabs partially overlain by the barrel tabs. A locking handle member assembly includes a graspable portion supported on a deflectable spring blade attached to the cover at one end which allows the handle assembly to move away from an aligned locator feature on the barrel as the cover is pushed into position. When the cover is shifted lengthwise, the handle assembly moves past the locking feature, and the locking blade pushes the handle assembly back down alongside the locking feature which then prevents reverse sliding of the cover back from under the barrel tabs. When the handle is pulled to initiate removal of the cover, the handle assembly is then moved out above the locking feature to enable the cover to be slid to the released position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Richard J. Jessup, Gerald J. Romito, Mark Olstyn
  • Publication number: 20010032353
    Abstract: A dispensing system for use in an area of interest, the system comprising at least one device for sanitize conditioning a medium, a sentry for detecting an object and for communicating with the at least one device, the sentry itself comprising a detector for detecting the object and a controller, operatively coupled to the detector, for maintaining a count of the number of objects detected by the detector, wherein the controller transmits one or more variables, based on the count, to the at least one device to cause the at least one device to sanitize condition the medium in accordance with the one or more variables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Carl D. Contadini, John J. Dean
  • Publication number: 20010013169
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically handling sample cups closed with a screwable cap is disclosed. The apparatus for automatically opening, closing and transporting sample cups comprises a transportable gripper (11) which includes a rotatable gripper tool (21) adapted to enter and engage with a recess (35, 36) of said cap (34) to form a connection which can be locked by rotating the gripper tool (21) in a first sense with respect to said sample cup (31) and which can be unlocked by rotating the gripper tool (21) with respect to said sample cup (31) in a second sense opposite to the first.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: Walter Fassbind, Rolf Schnarwiler
  • Patent number: 6216340
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically handling sample cups closed with a screwable cap is disclosed. The apparatus for automatically opening, closing and transporting sample cups comprises a transportable gripper (11) which includes a rotatable gripper tool (21) adapted to enter and engage with a recess (35, 36) of said cap (34) to form a connection which can be locked by rotating the gripper tool (21) in a first sense with respect to said sample cup (31) and which can be unlocked by rotating the gripper tool (21) with respect to said sample cup (31) in a second sense opposite to the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: Walter Fassbind, Rolf Schnarwiler
  • Patent number: 6082078
    Abstract: A method is provided for joining a flexible container to a threaded closure. According to the method, a flexible container is inflated with pressurized gas before applying torque to the container. A base of the flexible container is engaged in a container receptacle of a capping apparatus, then the capping apparatus is operated to cause a neck of the flexible container to engage a threaded opening in the closure. The bottle is then inflated and the capping apparatus is operated to thread the neck of the flexible container into the opening in the closure by causing relative rotation between the flexible container and the closure. The pressurized gas stiffens the flexible container and prevents it from buckling or twisting under torque loads applied to screw the container into the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: R & B Machine Tool Company
    Inventors: Lawrence H. Weber, James M. Sheely, J. Robert Corson
  • Patent number: 5809640
    Abstract: Web spooling equipment has an improved means for closing a preform shell about a film spool or similar object. The improved equipment utilizes a rotatably mounted jaw assemblage having a pair of jaw members for opening to receive a preform shell enclosing a wound spool or similar object and then closing about the preform shell to form a near perfect round cylindrical shape. Precision movements of the jaw assemblage are governed by connecting links and a series of pivot members connecting the jaw members and connecting links. The closed preform shell is then transferred downstream of the closing step by the jaw assemblage for independent treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Stephen M. Reinke, Joseph R. Luterek
  • Patent number: 5778616
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a scrubber pressure vessel to a base. The scrubber has a skirt which is mounted directly onto the base. The base has two orthogonal longitudinal beams. The beams are oriented with respect to the pressure vessel such that the forces directed to the scrubber by its attached piping are parallel to one of the beams. The skirt is attached to the base on the longitudinal axes and the connections may vary in stiffness such that the natural frequencies of the system along both axes can be adjusted to avoid the operating frequency which would otherwise result in resonance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Beta Machinery Analysis Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian C. Howes
  • Patent number: 5621960
    Abstract: A method and apparatus which provides for holding a closure that has threads stationary and rotating the container about its longitudinal axis to apply the closure on the container. Preferably the closure and container are in inverted position. The method of cutting provides for holding the container and closure in inverted positioned, gripping the container and moving a knife transversely of the longitudinal axis of the container to sever the bottom from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Kaminski
  • Patent number: 5493774
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for assembling two, mating, threaded containers. The threaded end of the first container is disposed in the threaded port of the second container. The second container is clamped to prevent rotation of the second container. A cam is rotated to engage a torque-applying assembly to produce relative movement between the clamp assembly and the torque-applying assembly. This effects sequential engagement and disengagement of the torque-applying assembly and the first container. The torque-applying assembly is rotated relative to the clamp assembly while engaged with the first container to effect threaded engagement of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Richard W. Grabenkort
  • Patent number: 5467527
    Abstract: A capping unit wherein a number of capping heads, movable with a supporting carrousel conveyor about a first axis, are each rotated about a respective second axis by a respective first shaft movable axially on the carrousel conveyor, for moving the respective head to and from a respective container movable with the carrousel conveyor and coaxial with the second axis. Each head provides for closing the respective container with a cap presenting an internally threaded ring nut mounted for rotation on a pump-operated nozzle, and presents a first and second gripping device for respectively gripping the nozzle and the ring nut and controlled by a second shaft movable axially in relation to the first shaft. The first gripping device is angularly fixed in relation to the carrousel conveyor, whereas the second gripping device rotates with the capping head about the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianpietro Zanini, Renzo Vesentini, Carlo Corniani
  • Patent number: 5448818
    Abstract: A method of assembling a collapsible ink reservoir for a liquid ink printer cartridge comprising the steps of attaching a first sidewall to a frame member along a sealable junction to form an open assembly; assembling a pressure regulator; inserting the pressure regulator of said assembly step into the open assembly of said attaching step; and affixing a second sidewall to the open assembly of said attaching step to form an enclosed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Joseph E. Scheffelin, George T. Kaplinsky, David W. Swanson, Tofigh Khodapanah, James E. Clark
  • Patent number: 5394601
    Abstract: A multiple wedge quick connect and/or disconnect is disclosed in three basic cylindrical embodiments with variations for hand and machine assembly of the connection. One cylindrical part includes a plurality of radially extending pins. Another cylindrical part includes at least one radially extending bearing surface. The two cylindrical parts are coaxially aligned by slidably engaging the pins in corresponding slots formed in the walls of the second cylindrical part. A plurality of wedges are then moved between the pins and bearing surface(s) to either hold them or force them apart, thereby securing the two cylindrical parts in tight detachable engagement. An optional gasket may be deformed between the two cylindrical parts to provide an enhanced seal when they are connected. The connection is broken by removal of the wedges from between the pins and bearing surface(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Shintech, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel J. Sutton, Thomas W. Meissner
  • Patent number: 5379507
    Abstract: A tank construction including an outer shell of steel material comprised of two half members welded together. The half members are formed by a deep drawing process. An inner shell of non-corrosive material is cast inside the outer shell by a rotational casting procedure with the external surface of the inner shell located adjacent the internal surface of the outer shell. The inner shell of non-corrosive material provides a substantially leak-fight liner for the outer shell to thus prevent contact between the contents of the tank and the outer shell. The rotational casting of the inner shell inside the outer shell is accomplished by charging the outer shell with a non-corrosive material and then subjecting the outer shell to a rotational casting movement while heat is applied to the outer shell. The outer shell serves as a mold for the inner shell wherein the mold (outer shell) becomes a permanent part of the completed tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: State Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 5308075
    Abstract: A golf practice aid is configurable by the user to simulate the contour of sloping or irregular terrain. The golf practice aid includes a flexible bag filled with a granular media such as plastic pellets. A flexible mat is adhered to an outer surface of the flexible bag-like enclosure. The flexible mat has a tufted surface which simulates natural turf and defines a practice area for practicing one's golf swing. In use, the bag is shaped to the desired configuration by manually pressing on the outer surface of the bag to shift the granular media. Once the desired configuration is obtained, the air is extracted from the bag. The bag collapses as the air is extracted to retain the pellets in the desired shape and to form a relatively rigid surface to support underlying the pressure mat upon which the user can stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: Joseph H. Theriault
  • Patent number: 5274910
    Abstract: A system for the handling and storage of large capacity collapsible shipping containers particularly adapted for use at major airports handling large volumes of cargo. The system provides a specific location for storing large numbers of collapsed containers in planar juxtaposed vertical relation including a multicompartment rack. The pallet elements of the containers are separated during disassembly and are stored in a horizontal stack in a well adjacent the rack. The rack may be moveable from a point adjacent the well to permit a similar rack to be positioned in its place. Means is also provided for the movement to and from this location of erected containers for use at a remote location or the collapse of erected containers for storage in the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Julius B. Kupersmit
  • Patent number: 5220717
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making capsules of dehydrated sludge which can omit conventionally required unit operations, reduce or eliminate the cost of the equipment and power, heat energy and consumables required for operation, and assures simple operation. The method includes the steps of shaping a steel strip into the form of a channel, supplying sludge into the channel formed in the previous step, shaping the channel formed steel strip with the sludge charged therein such that it has practically a circular cross-section to enclose the sludge, pressing and crushing an outer periphery of a steel tube shaped in the previous step to form a constriction, pressing and cutting the constriction and repeating series of the above-described steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Matsuoka, Yasuhito Kougami
  • Patent number: 5210920
    Abstract: Apparatus for precision assembly of photoreceptor drum having a thin-walled hollow tube and at least one end bell, includes an assembly fixture head having a drum collet for uniformly gripping an end of the hollow tube to true its cross-section; a means for defining the extreme distal end of the photoreceptor drum opposite the gripped tube end; an end bell collet for supporting the first end bell concentric with the gripped tube end; and a slidable cylindrical sleeve for selectively positioning the end bell a predetermined axial distance from the extreme distal end of the drum. Further, the apparatus is provided with a means for curing flowable adhesive which is applied between the end bell and the gripped tube end to securely fix the end bell concentric with the cross-section of the hollow tube at the uniform predetermined axial distance from the extreme distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Richard J. Manzolati
  • Patent number: 5201109
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detachably joining two members at a plurality of points along their corresponding edges and without longitudinal displacement of these edges during and after closure of the joint. A movable wedge means is advanced between pairs of force receiving points connected to each of the two members. As the wedge means is advanced in the apex direction, the pairs of points are forced apart and, in direct response, the corresponding edges are drawn together. Variations on two fundamental embodiments are disclosed, one is linear and the other is circular. In the linear embodiments, two doors, panels or bars are joined. In the circular embodiments, round tubes or rods are joined or a circular cap is secured to a container or enclosure. The invention may also be embodied in kits for joining linear or circular members. In other embodiments, a gasket material and/or other component is retained between the corresponding edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Shintech, Inc.
    Inventor: Claude J. Harding
  • Patent number: 5172470
    Abstract: When shaping a film cartridge having a hollow cylindrical shell and caps mounted on ends of the shell, a shell plate is brought into abutment with a mandrel having a perfectly circular cross section and bent around the mandrel by a bending roller. A cap is mounted on an end of the hollow cylindrical shell while it is on the mandrel, and the cap is clinched to the hollow shell while the cap and the hollow shell are grasped from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruo Ichikawa, Sanpei Iida, Koichi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5161302
    Abstract: An apparatus simultaneously forms a plurality of sleeve and plunger assemblies and creates dispensers of the pushup type. A platen inserts a plurality of plungers into a corresponding plurality of cardboard sleeves. The apparatus provides a plurality of sleeves at a particular location, aligns a corresponding plurality of plungers with an open end of each sleeve and sealingly engages each plunger in a displacable manner within the corresponding sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: Martin Mueller