Patents Examined by James R. Hakomaki
  • Patent number: 11718438
    Abstract: A fuel additive bottle has a neck and thread pattern that allows insertion into a capless diesel fuel system so the bottle's contents can be poured by gravity into a fuel tank. The neck of the bottle is elongated and has a diameter of approximately 0.932 inches, and the novel thread pattern includes thread interruptions that form two or four threadless paths. In use, the spring loaded tabs of a capless fuel system are depressed by the threadless path portion of bottle, thereby triggering the self-sealing mechanism to open, so the fluid receiving aperture is exposed. The use of the threadless paths facilitates the safe and easy entry and removal of the bottle from the capless fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Inventor: William Edward Baker
  • Patent number: 11498827
    Abstract: A system for delivering fuel to an equipment fuel tank. The system includes a remote fuel storage tank and a valve assembly coupleable to the equipment fuel tank. The system includes a fuel supply line extending between the remote fuel storage tank and the valve assembly and a pneumatic valve disposed in the fuel supply line. The pneumatic valve can prevent flow of fuel into the fuel supply line or can enable flow of fuel into the fuel supply line. The valve assembly includes pressure tubes to detect changes in fuel level inside the equipment fuel tank. A switch actuates the pneumatic valve to prevent the flow of fluid in response to an overfilled position; and actuates the pneumatic valve to enable the flow of fluid in response to an underfilled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Maxum Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Bush, David Froehle
  • Patent number: 11493175
    Abstract: A hydrogen refilling station for filling tanks of fuel cell electric vehicles includes a liquid hydrogen tank that feeds liquid hydrogen to an upstream end of a filling circuit that also includes a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger exchanges heat between the liquid hydrogen and heat transfer fluid flows to thereby cool the heat transfer fluid and vaporize the liquid hydrogen to provide a supply of high pressure hydrogen gas for filling hydrogen-fueled vehicle tanks at a downstream end of the circuit. Because the liquid hydrogen is surrounded by the heat transfer fluid inside the heat exchanger, little if any fogging occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Vincent Fairy
  • Patent number: 11465897
    Abstract: Provided is a device for automatic refueling of a vehicle that includes a nozzle having a flexible filler pipe with an open end. The filler pipe is inserted, with the open end first, into the tank pipe to deliver fuel through the open end into the tank pipe. An axial pressure is applied to the filler pipe to insert the filler pipe into the tank pipe. The filler pipe includes an inner fuel pipe of flexible hard plastic material, and an outer metal coil or a series of metal rings. The metal coil or metal rings are arranged to run in parallel to and outside of the inner fuel pipe. The metal coil is arranged to run in and along a recess in the surface of the inner fuel pipe and the metal rings are disposed in a series of annular recesses in the surface of the fuel pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Sten Corfitsen
  • Patent number: 11465785
    Abstract: A fluid storage bag comprising a storage bag sealed to a collapsible quick filling and self-sealing fill tube. After partially filling the storage bag, through the fill tube, to a desired level with water or other liquid the storage bag is inverted, thereby collapsing and effectively sealing the fill tube against itself. After use, the storage bag may be re-filled, or recycled. In one example, a 4 inch wide fill tube extends at 6 inches into the storage bag, with the last 5 inches creating a funnel to a 2 inch bottom width. In other examples air or other gas may be introduced through the fill tube; and as the bag is pressurized, the fill tube collapses and seals so that the bag may serve as a flotation device, air mattress, pillow or other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: David M. Dodgen
  • Patent number: 11441738
    Abstract: A pressure vessel system for a motor vehicle has at least one pressure vessel, to which an extraction line is connected. The extraction line has a connection point, to which a connection line leading to a consumer is connected. The connection point of the extraction line includes a first coupling part of a quick coupling, to which a second coupling part of the quick coupling, arranged on the connection line, is connected. The first coupling part has a non-return valve, which closes the extraction line when the second coupling part is decoupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lorenz Ehgartner, Marcus Juentgen, Andreas Pelger
  • Patent number: 11427453
    Abstract: A device for filling containers with a liquid includes a filling unit; an elevating mechanism; and optionally a conveyor suitable to support and have the containers advance in succession to the filling unit. The filling unit includes connections connected to a source of the liquid, a source of an inert gas and a suction device; a pipe comprising a first tube and a second tube, and a retainer to hold the containers in the filling unit. The elevating mechanism varies the depth with which the pipe and/or at least one of the tubes is inserted in the container. A method for filling containers with a liquid is also provided, wherein the liquid and an inert gas are injected simultaneously through two separate tubes. The tubes are each connectable/connected to one of the connections connectable/connected to a source of liquid, a source of an inert gas and to a suction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: DR TECH S.R.L.
    Inventors: Livio Dal Lago, Alberto Ruggin
  • Patent number: 11401152
    Abstract: An improved apparatus, system, and method of transporting a fluid product such as milk or juice is provided. A flexible tank or bladder is used to temporarily store the raw milk or juice and/or facilitate handling of the milk/juice between the supplier (e.g., farm), processing/bottling facility, and retail facility or storage facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: CREATIVE EDGE DESIGN GROUP, LTD.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Soehnlen, Gregory M. Soehnlen
  • Patent number: 11402067
    Abstract: Gas pressure actuated fill termination valves for cryogenic liquid storage tanks and storage tanks containing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Chart Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Patelczyk, Ian Neeser, Paul Drube
  • Patent number: 11377341
    Abstract: A distribution station includes a mobile trailer and a delivery system. The delivery system includes a pump, a manifold fluidly connected with the pump, reels, hoses, valves situated between the manifold and a respective different one of the hoses, and fluid level sensors. There is also an additive injector fluidly connected with the delivery system and operable to introduce controlled amounts of an additive into the delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: FUEL AUTOMATION STATION, LLC
    Inventor: Ricky Dean Shock
  • Patent number: 11371657
    Abstract: The invention is related to a tank system for storing a high pressure gas. The invention provides a system for storing a gas, the system comprising at least two tanks, a first tank and a last tank, the first tank comprising an inlet port connected to a system inlet, the last tank comprising an outlet port connected to a system outlet, each tank being provided with an on tank valve comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, and a communication line leading into the tank, each on tank valve comprising a communication line between the inlet port and the outlet port of the on tank valve, the outlet port of the on tank valve of the first tank being connected to the inlet port of the on tank valve of the last tank, the at least two tanks being serially connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: PLASTIC OMNIUM NEW ENERGIES FRANCE
    Inventors: Corentin Michel Roger Bouron, Bjorn Criel, Eric Deparis
  • Patent number: 11371658
    Abstract: A pressure relief system comprises a pressurized vessel containing a fuel source and comprising a thermal pressure relief device, a heat shield coating disposed on an outer surface of the pressurized vessel, a sensor in thermal communication with the heat shield and configured to receive thermal energy from the heat shield, and an electronic control module electrically coupled to the sensor and the thermal pressure relief device. The sensor, responsive to receiving a threshold amount of thermal energy from the heat shield coating, may transmit a signal to the electronic control module. The electronic control module may activate the thermal pressure relief device in response to the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Nikola Corporation
    Inventors: Livio Richard Gambone, David Leigh Grottenhaler, Jesse Michael Schneider
  • Patent number: 11371656
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus A for a hydrogen gas dispenser includes a receiving-side gas flowing unit 1 including a receptacle 11 configured to be connected to a nozzle C1 of a hydrogen gas dispenser C and an inspection unit including a rate-of-pressure-rise inspection unit 2 configured to measure a rate of pressure rise of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas dispenser C and a dispensed-amount inspection unit 3 configured to measure a dispensed amount of the hydrogen gas. The inspection apparatus A for a hydrogen gas dispenser is capable of measuring a dispensed amount and a rate of pressure rise of the hydrogen gas dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: IWATANI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaru Ito, Goichi Inoue, Koichi Tsuda
  • Patent number: 11353161
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a module for depressurisation and storage of a portion of a gas layer coming from at least one cryogenic tank. Some other embodiments are directed to a system using such a module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: ENGIE
    Inventors: Patrick Subreville, Philippe Liegeois, Yacine Zellouf, Karim Osman, Hicham Guedacha
  • Patent number: 11351677
    Abstract: In the manufacture of certain cosmetics packaging, small metal pans are used to carry the cosmetic material, and these are incorporated in cosmetics carriers. The cosmetic material is initially in a powder form that is compressed into the pan prior to the pan being assembled into a carrier A multi-pan insertion tool includes a control plate and one or more interface plates that can, in turn, be attached to the control plate. Each interface plate corresponds to a different pan configuration. The interface plate includes a plurality of protrusion sites that each correspond to a single pan. An air passage from each protrusion site passes through the tool to the valve on the control plate that is controlled by an operator (either open or closed). A vacuum hose is attached to the valve to create the necessary vacuum/suction. The operator can then use the tool to pick up multiple pans at once, using suction, and then deposit the pans into a press for powder loading and then compression of the powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Oxygen Development LLC
    Inventor: Jeronimo Olea
  • Patent number: 11345526
    Abstract: A spout assembly for a flexible bag having a base flange, a body and a dual lead thread. The base flange has a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one of the top surface and the bottom surface are configured for coupling to a flexible bag. The body extends from the base flange and includes a proximal end corresponding to the base flange and a distal end spaced apart therefrom, and, an inner surface and an outer surface. The dual lead thread extends along the outer surface of the body between the proximal end and the distal end. The dual lead thread has a first threadform and a second threadform. The first threadform has a first threadform length. The second threadform has a second threadform length. The length of the first threadform is different than that of the second threadform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Scholle IPN Corporation
    Inventors: Kyle Erickson, Chris Murray, David Bellmore
  • Patent number: 11339925
    Abstract: A station and method for refilling a tank or tanks with pressurized gas in which liquefied gas is vaporized in a vaporizer. One portion of the vaporized gas is compressed to produce a compressed gas. Another portion of the vaporized gas is not compressed but instead is fed to a heat exchanger where it is used to cool the compressed gas. The thus-warmed gas is reinjected into a filling line that feeds the liquefied gas to the vaporizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Sosthene Grandjean, Thierry Ott
  • Patent number: 11328890
    Abstract: A method for replacing a volume of coolant fluid in a circulating system in diesel engine system that includes the steps of establishing pneumatic connection with at least one location in the diesel engine coolant fluid circulating system; establishing fluid connection with at least one point in the diesel engine coolant fluid circulating system, the fluid connection location being different from the pneumatic connection; and after pneumatic and fluid connection is established, drawing a vacuum pressure through said pneumatic connection and introducing the volume of coolant fluid into the through said fluid connection as well as a device for accomplishing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: K.J. Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Ram D. Bedi, George Blundy
  • Patent number: 11326740
    Abstract: To provide a gas filling method in which it is possible to estimate a volume of a tank with high accuracy even when the tank has a small volume. A hydrogen filling system includes a hydrogen station having a pressure accumulator of compressed hydrogen gas, a vehicle having a hydrogen tank, a connection tube system that connects the accumulator and the tank, and a flow rate sensor and a station pressure sensor provided on the connection tube system. A hydrogen gas filling method is a method of filling the tank with the hydrogen gas from the pressure accumulator and includes estimating a volume of the hydrogen tank based on detection values of the flow rate sensor and the station pressure sensor and a volume value of the connection tube system, after a start of filling of the hydrogen tank with the hydrogen gas from the pressure accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigehiro Yamaguchi, Yuzo Fujita, Kiyoshi Handa
  • Patent number: 11312614
    Abstract: The present invention solves some of the problems of the prior art by providing a method, system and apparatus for readily refilling the reservoir of a smoking-substitute device with liquid from a dispenser. The method, system and apparatus of the present invention prevents liquid from being dispensed until the dispenser is securely and sealably engaged to the smoking-substitute device, provides independent liquid and gas pathways between the dispenser and reservoir, and substantially alleviates the problems of spillage and/or leakage when dispensing liquid from the dispenser into the reservoir of the smoking-substitute device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Fontem Holdings 1 B.V.
    Inventors: Kenneth Scott, Christopher Lord, David Jones, Stephen J. McDonald