The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 10, 1996
Filed:
Jul. 03, 1995
Nicholas Antonelli, Harrison, NY (US);
Pitney Bowes Inc., Stamford, CT (US);
Abstract
Apparatus for opening a container including at least one moveable panel. The apparatus comprising a frame, vacuum source means, means for gripping the container and a solenoid fixably mounted to the frame. The solenoid including a moveable plunger having a first end and an internal passage having an opening at the first end and being in communication with the vacuum source means. The gripping means mounted to the plunger first end. Also, the apparatus additionally including control means for actuating the plunger between a home position where the gripping means is spaced apart from the moveable panel and an operative position where the gripping means contacts the moveable panel. The vacuum source means for applying negative pressure to the internal passage so that the moveable panel adheres to the gripping means as the plunger moves from the operative position to the home position separating the moveable panel from the container and opening the container.