Relatively Movable Receptacle Or Drain Pipe And Outlet Patents (Class 137/313)
  • Patent number: 11548697
    Abstract: A micro-spill prevention trough and method for use in with intermediate bulk container (IBC) totes is disclosed herein. The micro-spill prevention trough includes an attachment portion rotationally coupled to fluid retention portion. The attachment portion is configured to be secured under a spout of an intermediate bulk container (IBC) tote. The attachment portion includes a bucket portion defining a fluid retention space. The fluid retaining portion defines a second fluid retention space, wherein the fluid retaining portion pivots between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position a front wall of the fluid retaining portion pivots into the bucket portion of the attachment portion to define a fluid retention container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventor: James Darwin Klosterbuer
  • Patent number: 11377342
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for detection of various leaks within fuel dispensers, such as through visualization within a fuel dispenser. An exemplary fuel dispenser can include a housing having fuel dispensing components disposed therein, a control system in the housing for controlling the dispensing of fuel, and a leak detection assembly for detecting a fluid leak within the housing, and for visually confirming the presence of a leak using an imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: WAYNE FUELING SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Henry Fieglein, Thomas Cerovski
  • Patent number: 10961029
    Abstract: A micro-spill prevention trough and method for use in with intermediate bulk container (IBC) totes is disclosed herein. The micro-spill prevention trough includes an attachment portion rotationally coupled to fluid retention portion. The attachment portion is configured to be secured under a spout of an intermediate bulk container (IBC) tote. The attachment portion includes a bucket portion defining a fluid retention space. The fluid retaining portion defines a second fluid retention space, wherein the fluid retaining portion pivots between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position a front wall of the fluid retaining portion pivots into the bucket portion of the attachment portion to define a fluid retention container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: James Darwin Klosterbuer
  • Patent number: 9440838
    Abstract: An interactive device for catching drips from a spout commonly associated with bag-in-the-box liquid containers. The apparatus attaches to features of the spout and a pendulum element blocks access to the liquid flow path beneath the spout. A cup makes contact with the pendulum, forcing it aside to gain access to the liquid flow path. The pendulum returns beneath the spout, via gravity, when interaction is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Lawrence Michael Paige
  • Publication number: 20150136237
    Abstract: A method for permitting the removal of a canister of fluid from a source of fluid is provided that includes loosening a canister of fluid from a source of fluid to expose a connection between the two, providing a form fitting non-permeable bag for collecting where the bag includes means for securing the top of the bag to prevent collected fluid from spilling out of the bag, wrapping the top of the bag of around the canister to bring the top of the bag proximate to the connection, disconnecting the canister from the connection while the bag is still positioned around the canister, and closing the securing means to close the top of the bag to seal off the canister within the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Richard PLUTA
  • Patent number: 9016509
    Abstract: A drip tray and base assembly for a beverage dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The drip tray and base assembly includes a base for supporting an urn in spaced apart relation above a support surface, such as a counter. The base typically has side walls and a top wall. A drip tray is provided for laying adjacent the base. The drip tray typically has an upper grill-like surface for receiving a cup, container or other receptacle thereon, as well as side walls and a floor. At least one of the side walls of the drip tray is configured with a drain extension for draining fluids accumulating on the floor of the drip tray. A coupling member with walls adapted to removably couple with the base is provided. Furthermore, a coupling member includes walls for removably and fluid sealingly coupling with the drip tray extension and with a drain line so as to carry fluid accumulating on the floor of the drip tray through the drip tray drain extension into a drain line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Schroeder Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Santy, Deborah Absalon
  • Patent number: 8944092
    Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable drain device for containing seepage from a pipe-joint coupling as the coupling is broken open. The drain device has a wrap member made of a sheet material sufficiently pliant to be wrapped around the circumference of the pipe-joint coupling and resistant to the seepage composition. A drain means is disposed on the wrap member, having a drain port passing through the surfaces of the wrap member and a drain neck. The drain neck is disposed to direct seepage out of the installed wrap member. After use, the drain device can be disposed of as solid waste, rather than needing to be cleaned if the seepage was a hazardous material. The drain device being “disposable” allows the avoidance of creating an additional hazardous waste stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Danny Earp
  • Patent number: 8578975
    Abstract: An oil filter change method and apparatus for use with Harley Davidson motorcycles employs a filter funnel adapted to fit beneath the oil filter prior to removal. A drain hose may be attached to a spout portion of the funnel, the filter is punctured, and oil allowed to drain therefrom. Once drained, the filter is fully removed, and is held in the funnel for removal, with minimal or no oil spillage onto the engine of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory R. Ernst
  • Patent number: 8496032
    Abstract: A manually operated seal/closure system for a fluid dispenser manifold is disclosed. The manifold includes at least one nozzle and, more typically, a plurality of nozzles ranging from more than one to twelve or more. The manifold housing includes a sidewall or other stationary structure. The stationary sidewall is pivotally connected to an arm. The sidewall further includes a lateral slot and a curved slot. The arm includes a proximal end pivotally coupled to the sidewall and a distal end coupled to a push plate. The closure system also includes a bracket for supporting a cup and a spring-biased seal. The bracket is coupled to the arm and slidably coupled the sidewall by a pin that extends from the bracket through the lateral slot in the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Fluid Management Operations, LLC
    Inventors: William A. Miller, Scott J. Bratthauer
  • Patent number: 8459314
    Abstract: Battery spill containment trays, battery spill containment systems, and methods of battery spill containment are provided. A spill containment system includes a tray mountable on a rack and including a support surface for supporting a device thereon; and an absorbent member removably installed on the tray below the support surface and configured to absorb a spilled substance of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Expo Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Frazier, Chet Mallory
  • Patent number: 8448661
    Abstract: An exemplary inflatable leak diverter for collecting falling fluids. The invention may comprise one or more flexible, inflatable, generally tubular, circumferential inflation chambers of substantially identical dimensions superimposed upon each other and fixedly joined along their line of juncture, if applicable; a fluid-collecting well portion of the same general plane shape encompassed within the inner contours of multiple chambers; and drain located approximately in the center of the fluid-collecting well portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher McDonald
  • Patent number: 8430136
    Abstract: A tank for a load tap changer includes opposing front and rear walls, opposing side walls, and a bottom wall joined to define a box-like structure. A door structure is removably coupled to one of the walls. An oil catch tray is coupled to the tank and is movable between a retracted, storage position generally adjacent to the bottom of the tank, and an operative position extending outwardly from the one wall to which the door structure is coupled and generally under a portion of the door structure. In the operative position, the oil catch tray is constructed and arranged to collect oil that drips from the door structure and the one wall when the door structure is removed from the one wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Jon C. Brasher
  • Patent number: 8186396
    Abstract: A time and labor saving device used in the aviation refueling process for holding an aviation style fuel nozzle in place over a open vessel with a support base so that the filter screen may be easily inspected while additionally providing for the collection and recycling of fuel that is lost while inspection is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Bruce Piland
  • Patent number: 8172111
    Abstract: The liquid capture device has a horizontal support resting upon a support surface having a front edge in close proximity to the edge of a table. A vertical support member has a second connecting top edge. The first and second connecting devices are complementary to each other. On the lower portion of the vertical support member is a liquid receiving means. The liquid receiving means is located under a spigot so any dripping liquid is captured. The liquid receiving means may also include a corrugated floor. In one embodiment, the vertical support member can be removed from the horizontal support member to empty excess liquid. The connecting means may be a hooking member over a pin; or a magnet. In another embodiment, the connecting means may be a hinge and pin or a flexible hinge. This allows the vertical member to rotate for liquid to flow out through an exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: Janice K. Fowler, Bonnie Young
  • Patent number: 7784486
    Abstract: An inexpensive, compact, conveniently installed drain tap for disposing of water from a condensate hose. The drain tap channels condensate water from a hose to a drain having at least one drain hole. The tap includes a base forming a hollow channel. The base has a spillway at one end of the channel, in fluid communication therewith. A peg extends downward from the base, including at least one hole barb adapted for retractable insertion into the drain hole. A hose connector is formed on the base, adapted for engagement with one end of the hose. The hose connector is in fluid communication with the base channel, so that when the peg is inserted into the drain hole and one end of the hose is engaged with the hose connector, water may flow through the hose, into the base channel and exit from the spillway onto the drain. In preferred embodiments, the hose connector includes at least one hose barb for gripping engagement of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen M. Cagle
  • Publication number: 20100059124
    Abstract: A gas leak detecting system for a gas cooler, which can detect gas leakage continuously by a simple-structured system, and can ensure a fail-safe backup system against troubles by such a simple system, is provided. The gas leak detecting system comprises a gas cooler (1) for cooling a gas, which is supplied to and discharged from the interior of a cooler water chamber (2) via piping, with a coolant supplied to and discharged from the interior of the cooler water chamber; an automatic exhaust valve (12) for automatically discharging the gas, which has leaked into the cooler water chamber, to the outside; a gas leak detecting vessel (8) for accumulating a leakage gas discharged from the automatic exhaust valve; and a gas detecting device (13) for detecting the leakage gas within the gas leak detecting vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryoji Ogasawara, Tsukasa Shimakawa, Michio Kubota
  • Patent number: 7581571
    Abstract: A manually operated seal/closure system for a fluid dispenser manifold is disclosed. The manifold includes at least one nozzle and, more typically, a plurality of nozzles ranging from more than one to twelve or more. The manifold housing includes a sidewall or other stationary structure. The stationary sidewall is pivotally connected to an arm. The sidewall further includes a lateral slot and a curved slot. The arm includes a proximal end pivotally connected to the sidewall and a distal end with an elongated slot disposed therebetween. The closure system also includes a bracket for supporting a cup and a seal. The bracket is coupled to the arm and the sidewall by a first pin that extends from the bracket through the lateral slot in the sidewall and through the elongated slot of the arm. The brackets also coupled to the sidewall by a second pin that extends through the lateral slot of the sidewall and laterally between the first pin and the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Fluid Managment Operations, LLC
    Inventors: John Hsing, Christopher Khoo
  • Publication number: 20090126803
    Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable drain device for containing seepage from a pipe-joint coupling as the coupling is broken open. The drain device has a wrap member made of a sheet material sufficiently pliant to be wrapped around the circumference of the pipe-joint coupling and resistant to the seepage composition. A drain means is disposed on the wrap member, having a drain port passing through the surfaces of the wrap member and a drain neck. The drain neck is disposed to direct seepage out of the installed wrap member. After use, the drain device can be disposed of as solid waste, rather than needing to be cleaned if the seepage was a hazardous material. The drain device being “disposable” allows the avoidance of creating an additional hazardous waste stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Danny Earp
  • Publication number: 20080283127
    Abstract: A fuel vapor adjusting device includes an expansion chamber at a top portion of a fuel tank; an oil spill trip valve being connected to the expansion chamber, which can turn off when there's spilling oil or the fuel tank is fell down; and at least two canisters. Each canister includes a fuel vapor entrance port, a fuel vapor outlet port, and a fuel vapor recycling vent. The fuel vapor entrance port and the fuel vapor outlet port form a fuel vapor filtering passage, and the fuel vapor entrance port and the fuel vapor recycling vent form a fuel vapor recycling passage. The oil spill trip valve, the at least two fuel vapor filtering passages connect in series, and the oil spill trip valve, the at least two fuel vapor recycling passages connect in parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Aaron Wang, Chun-Chao Huang
  • Patent number: 7422038
    Abstract: A system for handling chemicals includes a base; a supply container handling area disposed on the base and configured to hold at least one supply container; a drainage vessel disposed on the base and located with respect to the supply container handing area so as to catch liquids spilled or leaking in the supply container handling area; and an overflow vessel receiving area disposed upon the base and configured to hold at least one overflow vessel. The drainage vessel has an outlet and is configured to allow a liquid spilled or leaking into the drainage vessel to flow out of the drainage vessel through the outlet and into an overflow vessel in fluid communication with the outlet of the drainage vessel. The system may also include a supply container, a trigger-pumped spray bottle, an information display board, and a compliance-status indicator. The system may include multiple supply vessels, drainage vessels, and overflow vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Lewyn B. Boler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7374062
    Abstract: A modular fluid containment system formed of a plurality of fluid containment units and interconnecting channels. The containment units and channels may be comprised of panel units made of flexible non-porous material. The system includes brace members along selected edges of the containment units and panel units which are operative between an operative position in which the edges of the flexible material forming the containment units and panel units are held in an upright position forming side walls defining a containment or channel area and an inoperative position in which the flexible material is allowed to lie along a single plane in flat or folded condition. Connectors are provided along selected edges of the panel units to interconnect the panel units into desired configurations forming the containment system of desired shape and size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Edward W. Van Romer
  • Publication number: 20080053529
    Abstract: An inexpensive, compact, conveniently installed drain tap for disposing of water from a condensate hose. The drain tap channels condensate water from a hose to a drain having at least one drain hole. The tap includes a base forming a hollow channel. The base has a spillway at one end of the channel, in fluid communication therewith. A peg extends downward from the base, including at least one hole barb adapted for retractable insertion into the drain hole. A hose connector is formed on the base, adapted for engagement with one end of the hose. The hose connector is in fluid communication with the base channel, so that when the peg is inserted into the drain hole and one end of the hose is engaged with the hose connector, water may flow through the hose, into the base channel and exit from the spillway onto the drain. In preferred embodiments, the hose connector includes at least one hose barb for gripping engagement of the hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen M. Cagle
  • Publication number: 20070272303
    Abstract: A concrete wash residue collection structure includes a catch basin in which the constituents of wet concrete dislodged by a stream of washing water directed at the working surfaces of concrete handling equipment is first collected is then mounted on a carrier vehicle to be transported along a path along which smaller wash residue collection trays are placed to be lifted and drained into the basin. Throughout this collection process the agitated liquid portion containing the reactive constituents of the concrete entrained therein are then passed into a collection enclosure through slotted filter housings that exclude the larger solid constituents of the concrete like sand and aggregate which further accumulate at the slots to form decanting weirs over which the liquid passes. The liquid collected in the enclosure may is continuously pumped out to be thereafter neutralized while the accumulated aggregate residue collected in the basin is disposed in a landfill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Anthony Vizl
  • Patent number: 6311547
    Abstract: The invention concerns a sensor for detecting leaks in a liquid hydrocarbon dispenser, said sensor comprising a sealed plate arranged at the dispenser base and provided with a collecting container for receiving said liquid hydrocarbons collected by said sealed plate and coming from leaks in the dispenser, said collecting container comprising a sensor at the level of said hydrocarbons, capable of stopping the operation of the dispenser when the hydrocarbon level sensed reaches a predetermined level (N). The invention is useful for protecting the environment against hydrocarbon pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Tokheim Services France
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Nitecki
  • Patent number: 5960995
    Abstract: A drip collecting device for use with a beverage dispenser having a spigot. The drip collecting device includes a plate for supporting the beverage dispenser. A bracket is secured to the plate and extends downwardly therefrom. The bracket has at least two vertically spaced slots formed in it. A cup, having a stud extending from one of its sides, may be secured to the bracket beneath the spigot of the beverage dispenser to collect drips. The height of the cup may be varied by selectively inserting the stud into either of the vertically spaced slots in the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventors: Sandra Ann Leatherman, Franklin Leatherman, Sheri Lynne Selzer, Wayne David Selzer
  • Patent number: 5660307
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing ice includes a bin and a shroud that contains a recess for housing a wheel. The shroud mounts to a front wall of the bin and includes a chute that communicates exterior to the bin. The shroud further includes a curved plate that directs ice into the recess so that the wheel can raise the ice to the chute. A plate mounts at an angle sloping downward towards the front wall of the bin to direct ice onto the curved plate of the shroud. A discharge chute assembly mounts to the ice bin and communicates with the chute of the shroud to permit the delivery of the ice exterior to the bin. A gear motor drives the wheel to facilitate the lifting of the ice to the chute of the shroud. Alternatively, in a combination ice and beverage dispenser, the plate mounted within the bin is replaced with a cold plate mounted within the bin at an angle sloping downward towards the front wall of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Lancer Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Bennet Gibbon Credle, Richard Logue Laughlin
  • Patent number: 5550532
    Abstract: A device and method for containing spills and leaks from fuel handling equipment is provided in which differential sensing means detect the presence of hydrocarbons and nonhydrocarbons such as water. Signals and the responses generated according to them may depend upon the nature and quantity of the substance contained in the device. Signalling may be conducted remotely and excavation and reconstruction of service station grounds is minimized with these devices. In a preferred embodiment, the device is made of unitary construction with the differential sensing means formed as a portion of the surface of a containment vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Glen R. Marshall
  • Patent number: 5165574
    Abstract: A drip cup for catching fluid dripping from the end of a spout is disclosed. The drip cup clamps securely on to the end of the spout. A spring biased clamping pin passes through the wall of the cup and contacts the spout contained within the drip cup. The spout is clamped between the end of the clamping pin and the opposed part of the inner wall of the drip cup. There is a hand manipulated actuator located near the handle of the drip cup that is grasped by a person's hand in order to move the clamping pin and thereby facilitate clamping and releasing of the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Preventative Maintenance Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Ralph D. Ratcliffe
  • Patent number: 5024266
    Abstract: A heated roll comprising a hollow cylindrical shell (10) with a syphon pipe (14) passing into the roll from a rotary joint (13) mounted on an end thereof. A non-rotating part of the rotary joint is mounted with a clearance fit on a pair of fixed parallel guide bars (22). Jacking screws (27) threadingly engaged within a cross bar (26) attached to the non-rotating part of the rotary joint, bearing upon each guide bar thus to enable the longitudinal axes of the rotary joint (13) and the roll shell (10) to be relatively adjustable thus to determine and set an accurate position for the inner open end of the syphon pipe (12) close to the inner wall of the shell (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Simon Container Machinery Limited
    Inventor: Graham Critchlow
  • Patent number: 5007557
    Abstract: A spill container advantageously adapted for use in conjunction with a conventional aquarium is provided. The spill container comprises a receptacle for receiving leaking fluid, and a flexible water-proof compartment for receiving a flow of fluid from the receptacle. The receptacle comprises a containing wall defining a hollow fluid-trapping vessel, an inlet opening for receiving the leaking fluid, and an outlet opening connecting the receptacle to the flexible water-proof compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: James Spence
  • Patent number: 4848400
    Abstract: The rotary fluid coupling decreases the possibility of microcontaminates entering the fluid flow line and is thus especially suitable for processing equipment in manufacturing of wafers and other components for the microcomputer industry. The rotary fluid coupling interconnects a fluid conveying passageway and a spindle element to a duct in a second element such that the two elements are rotatable with respect to each other. An axial channel is provided along the length of the spindle. A planar faced plate is mounted on the spindle. A bore in the spindle plate is in axial alignment with the spindle channel, generally forming a single continuous fluid conveying passageway. A second element has a generally planar distal faced plate. A fluid conducting duct extends from an aperture on the distal face of the second plate to a fluid source with the two faces generally aligned in parallel relationship to each other creating a fluid permeable gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: FSI International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Grant, Bruce T. Mackedanz
  • Patent number: 4644983
    Abstract: Apparatus for reducing spillage in connection with a liquid product loading dock. It has a double funnel arrangement with one funnel attached to the first swivel of plural fill pipes which have swivel joints to permit placing the free end into a mobile tank to be filled. That funnel moves with the fill pipes through about one hundred eighty degrees of freedom, and has structure for receiving the free end of the fill pipes after a filling operation. Consequently, run off of product from the fill pipes goes into the funnel. There is a conduit connected to the funnel outlet that moves with it and extends into a second funnel that is coaxial with the product delivery pipe. From there, the run off is returned to a collection tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Texaco Limited
    Inventor: Stephen R. Bishop