With Diverse Contents Patents (Class 53/474)
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Patent number: 6062390Abstract: When a recording head unit for an ink-jet printer is shipped, the recording head is filled with a preservative solution, and nozzle surfaces of the recording head are covered with a nozzle protector, while ink-supply ports, to which an ink-cartridge is to be connected, are sealed with a stopper, in order to prevent leakage or evaporation of the preservative solution. Then, the entire recording head unit is vacuum packed in a pouch-like conforming sealing member having a layered structure which is non-permeable to gases. This structure can reliably prevent the preservative solution from evaporating, and keep the interior of the recording head in good condition even if the recording head is stored for a long span of time.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hirotake Nakamura
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Patent number: 6047820Abstract: A greeting card and gift display kit is configured to instill a sense of surprise in an examining customer, so that the customer feels as though he or she is the recipient of a gift, and thereby receives emotional enjoyment, and is motivated to purchase the card and gift for someone else. The kit includes a transparent display case containing a gift box in which both the gift and the card are inserted upside-down, plus wrapping materials for the gift box. The greeting card is placed on top of the box lid facing the front side of the display case, so that a `gift-related` expression on the greeting card is viewable through the front of the display case. A folded card containing use instructions and an aperture for viewing the open gift box from the rear of the display case is inserted in the bottom of the display case.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1999Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Inventor: Frank D. Heinze, IIII
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Patent number: 6035610Abstract: An apparatus for separating individual items from a bandolier of adjacent items have a seam between the items. A pair of upper jaws and a pair of lower jaws open and close horizontally to clamp and release the respective seam. The pair of lower jaws pull the bandolier downwardly through the opened pair of upper jaws. The seam is cut while the pair of upper jaws close to grasp an adjacent seam. The pair of lower jaws open to release the separated item to a delivery system and the pair of lower jaws move upwardly to be adjacent to, and below, the pair of upper jaws. The pair of lower jaws close and the sequence is repeated. At least one sensor identifies an identification feature on the items and transmits signals to a control unit to actuate movement of the pair of upper jaws and the pair of lower jaws. Preferably, a second sensor system assures that separation is only at the respective seams. A method of use is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Exact Packaging IncorporatedInventors: James P. Vonderhorst, William M. Berg
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Patent number: 6029422Abstract: A method of preventing or reducing the incidence of staphylococci and other infections as a result of surgical or medical treatment procedures is implemented by inserting into or attaching to each sterile package containing a tool, implement, or implantable for use in such a procedure at least one impregnable swab containing a solution of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 packaged in a separate sterile pack, for use by the surgeon, therapist, or assistant in wiping down the tool, implement, or implantable, as the case may be, before use to maintain the sterility thereof in such procedure. The solution of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 is in a concentration of about 3% by volume. A plurality of separate sterile packs may be inserted in or attached to the sterile package, in which each of the sterile packs contains at least one swab impregnated with a solution of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 in such concentration.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1999Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Sulzermedica USA, Inc.Inventor: Eckhard Alt
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Patent number: 5966906Abstract: A coupon inserter assembly receives a continuous supply of coupons in the form of a web where the forwardmost coupon is attached to the following coupon along a weakened web portion. The inserter assembly includes a pair of intermittently rotating feed rollers and a pair of continuously rotating delivery rollers. An activation sensor is located at a dispensing location or a conveyor carrying receiving products for receiving coupons. When the activation sensor senses a receiving product, a signal is sent to a clutch-brake to activate the feed rollers. The feed rollers then feed the web into the delivery rollers. When a deactivation sensor located beyond the delivery rollers senses the presence of the forwardmost coupon, a signal is sent to the clutch-brake which stops the rotation of the feed rollers. Because the delivery rollers continue to pull the forwardmost coupon, the two coupons separate along the weakened web portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Northfield CorporationInventors: Craig M. Kuehl, Michael Boehm
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Patent number: 5950820Abstract: A greeting card and gift display kit is configured to instill a sense of surprise in an examining customer, so that the customer feels as though he or she is the recipient of a gift, and thereby receives emotional enjoyment, and is motivated to purchase the card and gift for someone else. The kit includes a transparent display case containing a gift box in which both the gift and the card are inserted upside-down, plus wrapping materials for the gift box. The greeting card is placed on top of the box lid facing the front side of the display case, so that a `gift-related` expression on the greeting card is viewable through the front of the display case. A folded card containing use instructions and an aperture for viewing the open gift box from the rear of the display case is inserted in the bottom of the display case.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Frank D. Heinze, IIII
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Patent number: 5943845Abstract: Process for packaging compact discs (CD's) in CD boxes, in which process a CD box, with a lower side and a lid held thereon in a swingable fashion, is opened, a booklet is inserted into lid of the box, and the box is closed by a swinging back of the lid, characterized hereby, that the booklet and the lid are temporarily pressed firmly against each other during the swinging back of the lid, so that a slipping of the booklet with respect to the lid during the closing is prevented, as well as a device, in particular for carrying out such a process.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Heino Ilsemann Verpackungsmachinen-Vertriebs-GmbH & Co.Inventor: Heino Ilsemann
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Patent number: 5941053Abstract: Apparatus that uses the burster method for positioning coupons from a continuous web at a predetermined time at a predetermined location for insertion is disclosed. Positioning rolls define a bight to receive the leading edge of a coupon and are driven by positioning drive assembly. A feed drive assembly advances coupons to the positioning rolls. Sensors actuate and deactuate the feed drive assembly in response to the presence of a container at a selected position and the presence of a coupon at another sensing position.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1998Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Carol Joyce WittInventor: Thomas George Kotsiopoulos
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Patent number: 5938034Abstract: A package (1) for measured amounts of different photographic chemicals, which are to be stored apart and which are to be discharged simultaneously with a view to stirring into liquid, comprises an outer membrane (4) and at least one partition wall (5) that divides the chamber delimited by the outer membrane into two compartments (3,3). According to the invention, the package comprises a storage portion (12) and a neck portion (13), said partition wall extending across both portions, and those portions of the compartments which are disposed within the storage portion essentially containing the full, measured amounts of chemicals. The neck portion is so designed that a single cut along the cutting line (11) opens both chambers.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1997Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Deltagraph A/SInventors: Birger Josephsen, Kaj Nielsen
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Patent number: 5937617Abstract: A pouch for holding liquids includes a pre-inserted straw within the pouch. A top end of the straw is exposed by removing a portion of the pouch. For manufacture, a web of flexible packaging material, suitable for forming a pouch or bag for storing liquids, is advanced forward in a pouch forming direction. A single straw of suitable length to fit within the confines of a resulting pouch is cut from a continuous length of straw material. The single straw is placed onto the web of packaging material in a location that will be on the inside surface of a single wall of the pouch and there it is secured in place preferably by a heat seal between one side of the straw and the inside surface of the pouch wall. The resulting pouch web material, having a plurality of straws positioned along its length provides a feedstock for forming pouches with pre-inserted straws when using a so called form and fill method of forming pouches or when making pre-made pouches.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Innoflex IncorporatedInventor: James W. Yeager
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Patent number: 5911251Abstract: Empty open-top paint cans travelling along a conveyor are filled with paint and a measured amount of an anti-coagulant agent is showered on to the paint surface before closing the cans. The filling of the cans with paint is accomplished at a first processing station and the anti-coagulant is introduced and the closing of the cans is performed at a second processing station. The anti-coagulant dispensing apparatus is switch-activated and employs a shower head for dispensing predetermined quantities without splashing the paint in the cans. The switch is located on the side of the conveyor and is actuated by paint cans contacting the switch during conveyance.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1997Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: Benjamin Moore & Co.Inventors: Dominic Muscara, Van A Stogner, Brian Banks
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Patent number: 5910089Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1997Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.Inventor: Donald E. Weder
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Patent number: 5907944Abstract: Food packaging with a removable prize therein, and a related method of manufacturing the packaging. Prizes are deposited at a predetermined spacing along an adhesive-coated first surface of a first sheet of plastic wrapping. The first surface of the first sheet of plastic wrapping with the prizes adhered thereon is covered by a second sheet of plastic wrapping. A second surface of the first sheet, opposite the first surface, is covered by a third sheet of plastic wrapping, after food is placed between the first sheet and the third sheet.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1997Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Inventor: Rodolfo Gerardo Murra Giacoman
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Patent number: 5904028Abstract: A diffusing device containing a fragrance or deodorant material includes a gel of a water swellable/water absorbing resin carrying the fragrance and/or deodorant components. The fragrance or deodorant release device can be readily produced on an industrial scale, is easy for a user to handle, and employs a water swellable/water absorbing resin. The gel is produced by enclosing a water swellable/water absorbing resin in a water resistant container, such as a packet, having a water permeable portion and immersing the packet into an aqueous medium containing the fragrance and/or deodorant components whereby the resin absorbs the fragrance and/or deodorant components.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yoji Fujiura, Yukio Zenitani
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Patent number: 5901869Abstract: A tank cap with a lock of a fuel tank comprises: a gasket member (2) for sealing a fuel supply port of the fuel tank; an locking member (3) arranged in a periphery of the fuel supply port; and a slider (4) arranged between the gasket member and the locking member. The slider (4) moves in conjunction with the gasket member, in such a manner that the locking member is prevented from moving in the transverse direction when the gasket member moves in a closing direction in which the gasket member comes close to the locking member, that the locking member is capable of moving in the transverse direction when the gasket member moves in a separating direction in which the gasket member is separate from the locking member, and that the locking member is maintained in a maintaining state in which the stopper is kept intruded into the moving passage of the locking member, even if the gasket member moves in the separating direction, when the locking member is prevented from moving in the transverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Asahi Densi Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shunsuke Ohmura, Takayoshi Mizuno
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Patent number: 5887410Abstract: A bar soap including an embedded premium item. A translucent, glycerin soap is cast in a plastic blister package which is pre-loaded with a selected, premium item. During container filling, the soap is cast to embed the premium item within the soap. A backing card containing text and graphics peculiar to the premium item and soap is bonded to the container under heat and pressure with a suitable adhesive. Multiple packages are mounted to a merchandising strip for display and sale.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: International Beauty Network, IncInventor: Garry Lowenthal
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Patent number: 5881537Abstract: A method of packing a portable basketball goal support system having a base, a ballast tank, and an arm for supporting a basketball goal support pole which can be assembled in an expanded configuration for use and a compact configuration for shipping or storage. In the expanded configuration, the ballast tank extends at least partially behind the support pole providing stability for the base, while in the compact configuration, the ballast tank may be nested within a portion of the base, thereby occupying less space. The overall length, height, and thickness of the support assembly are thus reduced for storage, thus occupying less space when shipped or stored than would be possible in previous conventional designs providing comparable performance.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1998Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Huffy CorporationInventors: Randy R. Schickert, Ronald A. White, Mark E. Davis
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Patent number: 5875615Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink cartridge for use in an ink jet recorder including positioning a container body having a bottom wall and an opening on a pallet such that the bottom wall faces upward, the container body including a porous member, a foam chamber for accommodating the porous member therein, and an ink supply port, having an inlet formed in the bottom surface of the foam chamber and an outlet; inserting packing into the ink supply port; sealing the ink supply port outlet; resetting the container body on the pallet by turning the container body upside down such that the opening faces upward; affixing a filter to the ink supply port inlet; inserting the porous member into the foam chamber; bonding a cover to the opening of the container body; injecting ink into the foam chamber; and sealing the cover.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Kazunori Ito, Seiichi Takada, Masahide Matsuyama, Yuichi Nakamura, Masakazu Sato, Tadatoshi Honzawa, Hisashi Koike, Taeko Nishimura, Masahiko Fukazawa, Kazuo Yamada, Shinichi Yanagisawa, Morio Sato, Kiyoshi Kitahara, Takashi Hara, Takao Kobayashi
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Patent number: 5870884Abstract: A multiple compartment package having a connecting bridge with a frangible internal barrier is made from two composite or thermoplastic sheets or webs welded together to form the front and back walls of the package, and the central bridge portion is defined by one or more partitions spanning the short distance between the webs. In the preferred embodiment, multiple partitions form a plurality of parallel compartment strips to create an obstruction to penetration of substances from one packet to the other. One process for making the invention uses a comb-shaped mask and a thermoplastic insert strip interwoven between the tines of the comb. The tines are extended down between the welding heads of the packaging machine, preventing welding from taking place between the thermoplastic sheets wherever the comb mash is, with the result that the welding occurs between the strip and an alternating one of the side webs creating a zig-zag pattern that forms the vacant barrier compartments.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1996Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Inventor: Brian R Pike
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Patent number: 5865013Abstract: A package for a combination of a hat and garment is disclosed, wherein the package supports a contour of the hat as it would appear when worn by a user, and additionally, the package is configured so that the hat and garment remain in their desired displayable positions and orientations substantially regardless of how the package is handled under normal retail sales handling conditions. In particular, the package of the present invention can be made of molded plastic that is reinforced by various walls and contours to inhibit denting and folding of the package and thereby prevents inappropriate deformation of the hat and garment therein. More particularly, the package is reinforced to prevent the folding or creasing of the brim of the hat, wherein such reinforcements also maintain the brim in a predetermined desirable position.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Imperial Headwear, Inc.Inventor: Rodney Jackson
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Patent number: 5863499Abstract: A self-venting package (A) contains peracetic acid or other strong oxidants in a unit dose that assures sterilization of instruments and equipment in an automated sterilizing apparatus (FIG. 3) or of biological wastes in a biological waste comminuting apparatus (FIG. 4). The self-venting package is constructed of a cylindrical body having first and second vent apertures (12, 14) 180.degree. offset adjacent a first edge (20) and third and fourth vent apertures (16, 18) 180.degree. offset adjacent a second edge (26). The first and second vent apertures are 90.degree. offset relative to the third and fourth vent apertures. The first edge is flattened and sealed forming a pair of corners (40, 42) such that the first and second vent apertures are disposed closely adjacent the first and second corners. The container is filled with peracetic acid or other liquids which liberate gas or vapors. A second end (26) of the container is flattened and sealed in a direction transverse to the first edge.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1997Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Steris CorporationInventor: Raymond C. Kralovic
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Patent number: 5845462Abstract: A coupon inserter assembly receives a continuous supply of coupons in the form of a web where the forwardmost coupon is attached to the following coupon along a weakened web portion. The inserter assembly includes a pair of intermittently rotating feed rollers and a pair of continuously rotating delivery rollers. An activation sensor is located at a dispensing location or a conveyor carrying receiving products for receiving coupons. When the activation sensor senses a receiving product, a signal is sent to a clutch-brake to activate the feed rollers. The feed rollers then feed the web into the delivery rollers. When a deactivation sensor located beyond the delivery rollers senses the presence of the forwardmost coupon, a signal is sent to the clutch-brake which stops the rotation of the feed rollers. Because the delivery rollers continue to pull the forwardmost coupon, the two coupons separate along the weakened web portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1996Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: Northfield CorporationInventors: Craig M. Kuehl, Michael G. Boehm
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Patent number: 5845463Abstract: The technical sector of the invention is that of the domain of bag-forming by packaging such as bags and especially sachets, made from flat webs folded and sealed to form bags which are then filled with liquid, pasty or pulverulent product, and closed.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Inventor: Claude Henri Henaux
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Patent number: 5839259Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a dental floss product formed of a bobbin of wound thread, a dispenser case, and a dispenser insert for rotatably supporting the bobbin of wound thread when positioned within the dispenser case. The dispenser insert is detachably mounted in an insert loading area of a singular dispenser assembly fixture, and the dispenser case is detachably mounted in a dispenser case loading area of the singular dispenser assembly fixture. The bobbin of wound thread is next loaded onto the dispenser insert while the dispenser insert is mounted in the insert loading area. The dispenser insert with the bobbin of wound thread loaded thereon is then detached from the insert loading area, and the dispenser insert with the bobbin of wound thread loaded thereon is loaded into the dispenser case while the dispenser case is mounted in the dispenser case loading area. The lid of the loaded dispenser case is then closed, and the dispenser case is detached from the dispenser case loading area.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard M. Prospero, Erik Lunde, Harry Swanson, Lee Adams
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Patent number: 5829229Abstract: A process (100) for transporting goods between a component manufacturer (102), a product manufacturer (104), and a purchaser (106) includes the steps of:(a) providing a tray (200, 300) having a plurality of compartments (208) which retain securely components (402, 404) manufactured by the component manufacturer (102), and further which retain securely product (502) manufactured by a product manufacturer (104);(b) shipping the tray (200, 300) with components (402, 404) securely retained to the product manufacturer (104);(c) utilizing the components (402, 404) in the manufacture of the product (502);(e) shipping the tray (200, 300) with the product (502) securely retained to the purchaser (106);(f) returning the tray (200, 300) to the component manufacturer (102) after the product (502) has been removed from the tray (200, 300). The process (100) can be managed by a resource manger (108) who tracks the inventory and distribution of trays.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Michael Hyatt, John Stephen O'Connell
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Patent number: 5816028Abstract: A compact disc packaging machine is disclosed for packaging trays, compact discs, booklets and inlay cards in a variety of different sized containers. The compact disc machine is compact in size and its primary functions are mechanically driven. Pneumatics are only used on approximately 10 percent of the machine functions. Because the components are within the easy reach of an operator, the compact disc packaging machine is operated without requiring the operator to circle the machine. Feeders and magazines provide supplies of trays, booklets, inlay cards and compact discs to the machine. The compact disc magazine uses multiple spindles to allow one spindle to be active while the other spindle is replaced. A pick-and-place mechanism lifts the inlay cards, booklets, trays and compact discs and positions them in an intermediate centering positions and then into compact disc boxes. Sensors are used to verify the existence and placement of those items in the boxes.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1996Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Gima S.p.A.Inventor: Carlo Zaniboni
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Patent number: 5806286Abstract: A packing structure for a container for containing semiconductor wafers is disclosed. The packing structure comprises a polypropylene box, and upper and lower pressing members for sandwiching the container for containing semiconductor wafers, wherein both the upper and lower pressing members comprise an olefinic resin.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1997Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Shin-Etsu Handotai Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Oinuma, Katsuaki Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 5806283Abstract: A homogeneous dry mechanical blend of freely flowable pellets, granules or powders comprising plastic resin and/or plastic additive concentrates is vacuum packaged in order to lock the constituents of the blend in place and eliminate their segregation due to differences in specific gravity, size and shape. The vacuum packaged composition remains immobilized until the vacuum package is opened and the vacuum is released. Thus, the homogeneity of the blend is maintained during shipping, handling and storage. Providing a homogeneous customized mechanical blend of plastic compounded additive concentrates is an economical and preferred method of providing an intermediate product to a user for the molding or extruding of a plastic end product.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1996Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Inventor: Richard A. Shafer
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Patent number: 5794414Abstract: A cushioned shipping assembly includes a carton and foam inserts to support a product shipped by a supplier, which elements are successively returned by an end user to be reused in the same or other shipping assembly, while various components are recycled as they become spent. In some embodiments, the carton collapses to a diminished size for return. A resource center reroutes or refurbishes the components, recycling aged or spend pieces. On-premises pelletizing of reclaimed polymer provides a more efficient, environmentally clean system. Spent inserts of identified polymer may be diverted to users of specific resins.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Re-Source America I.P., Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Grey, Wayne Williams, William H. Shaw
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Patent number: 5784861Abstract: Apparatus that uses the burster method for positioning coupons from a continuous web at a predetermined time at a predetermined location for insertion is disclosed. Positioning roll means define a bight to receive the leading edge of a coupon and are driven by positioning drive means at a continuous predetermined speed. Feeding roll means located upstream of the positioning roll means in the excess of one coupon length are driven by intermittent feeding drive means at a speed substantially less than the speed of the positioning roll means. Controlling means actuate and deactuate the feeding drive means in response to timing means related to container position and coupon sensing means at a sensing position between the positioning roll means and the feeding roll means.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1996Date of Patent: July 28, 1998Assignee: C. Joyce WittInventor: Thomas George Kotsiopoulos
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Patent number: 5775061Abstract: A method of shipping a burial casket in a knocked-down configuration and subsequently assembling the casket at its point of destination comprises the steps of providing a kit of disassembled casket components assemblable into a casket having a shell and a cap, packing the kit of components into shipping container, shipping the packaged casket kit to a destination point, removing the kit from the container and assembling the casket from the kit utilizing at least a portion of the shipping container as an interior component of the casket. A casket comprises a shell and cap assembled from a kit shipped in knocked-down configuration, a body support structure positioned in the shell for supporting a body and a floor for the casket upon which to support the body support structure in the shell. The body support structure is formed from the bottom of an elongated, shallow, generally rectangular shipping carton in which the casket kit is shipped. The floor is formed from the top of the carton.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Batesville Casket Company, Inc.Inventors: John R. Enneking, Gary L. Henby, Wilbur A. Schebler, Patrick M. Saaf, Eugene A. Ritter, Andrew Capogrosso
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Patent number: 5775386Abstract: An apparatus and a process for filling a plural chamber container, such as a container, with plural flowable materials. The container might be a two-compartment dentifrice container or a two-compartment adhesive container, for example. The container has internal partitioning dividing it into plural chambers, and the partitioning must be properly positioned to permit supply nozzles to enter the respective chambers. In one embodiment, the partitioning is positioned by probes which are inserted into the chamber, following which relative rotation between the container and the probes causes the probes to position the partitioning. In a second embodiment, air nozzles emit air jets to position the partition. In another embodiment, an electrostatic charge is induced on the container sidewall and on the partition, and the like charges cause the sidewall and the partition to repel each other, positioning the partition.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventor: Patrick Andre Connan
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Patent number: 5775059Abstract: A method of compacting a bill from a flat state into a pleated and wound state for position the bill in a cavity of an associated closure includes providing a bill in a substantially flat state and pleating the bill in a first direction to provide a series of substantially similar pleats. The pleated bill is compacted to set the pleats therein and at least partially wound into a generally circular configuration. The wound bill is positioned within the cavity of the associated closure. An apparatus for compacting and winding the bill and positioning the bill in the closure cavity includes a pleating station for pleating the bill in a predetermined configuration and a compacting station for compacting the pleated bill into a compacted state. The apparatus further includes a winding station having a winding member adapted to engage the compacted bill and to wind the bill into a generally circular orientation.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1997Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.Inventors: Marshall B. Hampton, Larry J. Mattson, Ronald O. Simpson
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Patent number: 5761882Abstract: Partition elements are inserted between articles of a group to be packaged and can extend in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction, by inserting the partitions from the bottom upwardly between longitudinal or transverse ranks of the articles by progressively spacing the ranks apart and bringing them together as the articles are transported along a transport path.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Baumer S.R.L.Inventor: Mario Gambetti
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Patent number: 5761885Abstract: A plastic container for apportionable delivery of flowable, especially pasty materials, has a discharge opening at one end and a self-contained chamber only open to the inside of the container at the other end. The chamber volume is reducible by manual deformation. The chamber is configured in one piece with the container body. The container body is configured as a cylinder. The inside space of the container body receiving the flowable material is separated from the inner volume of the chamber by a separator piston longitudinally slidable in the container body.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1997Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Inventor: Bernd Hansen
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Patent number: 5752364Abstract: Apparatus (10) is disclosed including first and second forming rollers (18, 21) which rotatably abut with an anvil roller (20). The forming rollers (18, 21) each include a periphery forming a continuous forming surface including a plurality of axially and circumferentially spaced grooves (24) each formed as a continuous depression arranged in a serpentine and non-intersecting manner. Food (14) is simultaneously fed by a saddle (36, 36') between a continuous strip of support material (16) and a continuous ribbon of film material (66) as they pass between a first abutment nip of the first forming roller (18) and the anvil roller (20). In a preferred form, the saddle (36') is in the form of a block having first and second lower surfaces (118, 120) corresponding to the shape and located adjacent the first forming roller (18) and the anvil roller (20) in their mating side (32).Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Richard O. Benham, Timothy J. Gluszak, James N. Weinstein, Craig E. Zimmermann
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Patent number: 5741534Abstract: A new structure for packaging foods and the method of preparing foods using the structure which consists of a food receptacle, its cover and a thin partition layer(s) for separating different food components of an entree during the manufacturing as well as during the heating of an entree. As the result of utilizing the present invention, the said entree can be manufactured more economically, also it can be heated and served easier by the end users without mixing the food components before heating, thus yielding a better quality hot food.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1994Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Assignee: Alice H. ChungInventor: Jing-Yau Chung
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Patent number: 5727370Abstract: A protective foam cushion-making apparatus dispenses reactive foam components into an interior space between two panels of plastic film to form protective foam cushions. The apparatus includes a supply of plastic film and a film a driving assembly, such as two pliable rollers. A foam component dispensing assembly is interposed between the film panels and injects reactive foam components into the interior space where they are mixed together to form a mass of expandable foam. The plastic film forms a flexible mixing chamber in the area between the two pliable rollers in which the reactive foam components are mixed together after they are dispensed from the foam dispensing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Inventor: Charles Richard Sperry
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Patent number: 5727365Abstract: A method for packaging flat or stacked article groups within a packaging unit such as a paperboard carton. The method comprises the steps of supplying a stream of packaging units, for example paperboard cartons, supplying at least one stream of articles, for example beverage cans; forming at least one article group, for example a group of from six to twenty-four cans, optionally placing a support base on a top surface of the article group, and loading the article group in the packaging unit. In a stacked packaging mode a second article group is formed and loaded into the packaging unit, on top of the support base on each first article group disposed in the packaging unit. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Riverwood International CorporationInventors: Jeffrey A. Lashyro, Kelly W. Ziegler
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Patent number: 5720157Abstract: An order selection system is disclosed together with a method of operating the system for retrieving multiple types of items stored in preselected storage locations and delivering retrieved items in an orderly sequence to a plurality of packing stations in accordance with the specific requirements of different orders. The order selection system comprises: a dispenser; a conveyor; a dispensing control system; a sorter; a plurality of stacking devices; and identifying means to identify the end of each order.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: SI Handling Systems, Inc.Inventor: Phillip N. Ross
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Patent number: 5714186Abstract: A device for generating a head on a beverage in a sealed can, when the can is opened, comprising a hollow capsule with first and second compartments communicating via tubes with apertures respective each on the opposite side of the capsule from the side of the chamber with which the tube communicates, and a ballast means for orientating the capsule in a position such that, as one chamber charges with liquid, the capsule is caused to rotate and trap a volume of air therein. The capsule may be cylindrical or more preferably spherical in external shape.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Scottish & NewcastleInventors: Stuart Justin Nash, Peter John Houzego, Timothy Michael Wood, Peter Erich Cox
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Patent number: 5709066Abstract: The apparatus can insert into containers, such as narrow mouth bottles, a sheet of material having a lineal dimension which can be from about 2 to 5 times or more than the largest dimension of the container opening. Sheets of material are picked from magazines by a plurality of picker arms as a plurality of containers are moved into alignment. The picker arms move into position over each container. A stabilizer contacts the neck of each container, the stabilizer having a sheet material shaping and aligning mechanism. As the picker arms move downwardly into each container the sheet material is further formed into a tubular shape and inserted into the bottle. The sheet materials are released in the containers and the picker arms retracted from the containers.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1996Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Rodney R. Prochaska, David N. Segner, Scott D. Docken
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Patent number: 5685431Abstract: A packaging system for clutch sets. The system includes a box provided with several packing sheets of compressible foam which can be custom fitted to the clutch set components. The packaging system allows several sizes of clutch sets to be securely packaged in the same size box, and the compressible foam provides a lightweight means for stabilizing the components during shipping or storage. The outside of the box is unmarked except for a label on one side for a bar code or other information. The system includes a sleeve like wrapper with a hole in the side to reveal the label on the side on the box. The outside of the sleeve is imprinted with a brand name and other trade dress. This allows a bearing manufacturer to maintain an inventory of various sizes of pre-packaged clutch sets, along with an inventory of preprinted sleeves. Then, upon receipt of an order from a retail customer, the time necessary to complete the private label packaging of the clutch sets is substantially reduced.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1996Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: L & S Bearing Co.Inventors: Hyrum Chambers, Randy James Millikan, Claude Rappaport
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Patent number: 5682726Abstract: A method for forming and packaging an iontophoretic patch in an inert atmosphere to provide increased shelf-life. The method includes a number of sub-assemblies for forming a well in a laminate material, forming the reservoir and dosing the reservoir, sealing the laminate material and another laminate material together to form a continuous web from which the individual patches are cut. In addition, the patch can be subsequently enclosed in an individual package. In this way, the patch and/or package provides a commercially suitable shelf-life to the drug-filled patch stored therein.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1996Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Becton Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Philip G. Green, Ronald J. Clark, Bernt Fredrik Julius Broberg
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Patent number: 5682728Abstract: A method for integration of the institutional supply chain for medical products utilizing a nested bill of materials on a care event level of a clinical pathway for one or more medical procedures. The medical supplies appropriate for use in a care event are expressed as a bill of materials. Each item of medical supply is assigned a unique identifier which includes at least identification of the item itself, identification of the supplier of the item, and identification of the care event with which the item is to be used. At a first location a portion of the supplies are unitized and containerized. This subassembly is transported to a second and remote location where further of the supplies are unitized and containerized, using the same container. Thereafter the unitized and containerized supplies are transported to the end user thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1995Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: DeRoyal Industries, Inc.Inventors: Autry O. V. DeBusk, Brian C. DeBusk, James M. Mabry, Steven J. Polte
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Patent number: 5675962Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing and transporting articles, such as contact lens sections from a manufacturing line to inspection and packaging stations. The lenses are deposited in a transparent plastic primary package which carries the lenses through the inspection station and becomes part of the primary package when a cover is sealed thereto. The invention includes various assemblies, including lens transfer assemblies, deionized water filling and removal assemblies, a water degassing assembly, a lens inspection assembly, and a lens package sealing assembly. The lenses are removed from pallets at a post hydration station, transported and spatially redistributed, and deposited in the primary packages disposed on a second set of pallets. The packages on the second set of pallets are filled with degassed deionized water. The contact lenses and packages are then transported to an inspection station.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Wallace Anthony Martin, Russell James Edwards, Borge Peter Gundersen, Darren Scott Keene, Ture Kindt-Larsen, John Mark Lepper, Niels Jorgen Madsen, Thomas Christian Ravn, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang, William Edward Holley
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Patent number: 5655354Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated loading of a drilling machine package having a plurality of drill bit receiving openings arranged in a known configuration with verified precision drill bits from a drill bit container is disclosed. The apparatus includes an automated transfer machine which is connected to a control device, a package frame, a container receiving member, and a diameter sensing device. While not necessarily connected to the automated transfer machine, the package frame and the container receiving member are located at positions which are accessible by the automated transfer machine. Further, the diameter sensing device is operably associated with the automated transfer machine. The method of operation includes the control device recalling data specific to a particular job. A drill bit container is placed on the container receiving member.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Tycom CorporationInventors: James C. Baker, Robert C. Henningsgard, Benjamin Mihai, Paul D. Mortell, Tim L. Taylor
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Patent number: 5649410Abstract: The present invention, which relates to post hydration processing of contact lenses and the packages into which the lenses are placed, includes several assemblies which are ideally suited to performing the various steps which are associated with post hydration processing.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Wallace Anthony Martin, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Russell James Edwards, Borge Peter Gundersen, Darren Scott Keene, John Mark Lepper, Niels Jorgen Madsen, Thomas Christian Ravn, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang, Masao Funo, William Edward Holley, Tomoichi Watanabe
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Patent number: 5647413Abstract: A scoop assembly capable of being lifted through a granular material to a headspace of an upright container from a location in the container below the headspace when the granular material is fluidized by shaking the container along a substantially vertical axis. A scoop assembly has a handle portion connected to a measuring portion. The measuring portion has a cavity which is covered by a removable cover which prevents granular material entering the cavity before the scoop assembly is lifted into the headspace. The scoop assembly has an outer shape which is streamlined to enhance lifting speed.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1996Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Robin S. Horrell
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Patent number: RE36035Abstract: The present invention relates to plural compartment assemblies in which materials are stored in at least two separate compartments until the compartments are opened for use. More particularly, the invention relates to a dispensing tube whereby the utilization of a novel insert, a conventional dispensing tube can be divided into separate and discrete compartments at a low cost. The resulting dispensing assembly provides for dispensing more than one material from the same tube and even more particularly co-dispense predetermined proportions of incompatible materials simultaneously and effectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Enamelon, Inc.Inventors: Norman Usen, Anthony E. Winston