Plural Tanks Or Compartments Connected For Serial Flow Patents (Class 137/571)
  • Publication number: 20080276965
    Abstract: A control for an automatic washer to operate the washer through a wash cycle determined based upon various soils and stains in the substrate load to be washed with a wash liquor in a wash zone of the washer. The control has a plurality of stain/soil type entrées, which can be at least one of selected and detected, and cleaned with a particular wash cycle. The control has dispensing control over at least one wash liquor additive. The control has a user input to permit the user to customize the operation of the control with regard to the dispensing of the various wash liquor additive and a timing mechanism. The control has operational control over the particular wash cycles using the dispensing control to dispense additives to the wash liquor at selected times during the wash cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: TIMOTHY NICHOLAS AYKROYD, COLLEEN M. DOYLE, TREMITCHELL WRIGHT, JOEL ADAM LUCKMAN, JANICE M. KAEDING, MICHAEL STEPHEN HENDRICKSON
  • Patent number: 7445759
    Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Spyros J. Papageorge
  • Publication number: 20080217260
    Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: SPYROS J. PAPAGEORGE
  • Publication number: 20080149199
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a saddle tank for internal combustion engines of motor vehicles, comprising an oblong boom, which is connected at one end to a swirl pot located in the first chamber and rests toward the other end on a lower saddle surface of the saddle and a retainer for a Venturi nozzle or pump, which is mounted so it is rotatable on the other end of the boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Walter BLEUEL
  • Publication number: 20080135101
    Abstract: The microfluidic device includes a rotatable platform, a plurality of connection ports disposed at a portion of the platform proximate to a shaft connection hole, the plurality of connection ports capable of being connected to an external connector for selectively injecting and discharging fluid and being closed by the connector, a trap chamber disposed at a portion of the platform further away from the shaft connection hole than the plurality of connection ports, the trap chamber including an inlet connected with at least one connection port of the plurality of connection ports, an outlet connected with another connection port of the plurality of connection ports and structures which enlarge a contact area with the fluid and a temporary storage including an inlet connected with the outlet of the trap chamber and an outlet connected with another connection port of the plurality of connection ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hun-joo LEE, Nam HUH, Soo-suk LEE, Sung-ouk JUNG, Soo-hyung CHOI
  • Patent number: 7380626
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator is equipped with one or more downsizing scheme including at least one of: (i) a bubble removing device for removing bubbles in hydraulic fluid, (ii) a hydraulic tank including a main tank and a variable capacity tank arranged separately from each other, and (iii) a variable capacity tank or hydraulic tank which is fitted to the rear surface of the upper cover of the seat-side block. Thus, the lateral section of the seat can be ultimately downsized to provide a large space around the seat. Then, unlike the prior art, a canopy or a cab of a larger hydraulic excavator can be securely arranged on the upper swing body of a small hydraulic excavator. Since such large parts can be commonly used with large hydraulic excavators, it is possible to significantly reduce the cost of the hydraulic excavator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouji Chikaishi, Akiko Konishi, Shotaro Ishii, Noboru Kanayama, Kazuhiro Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20080006333
    Abstract: A multi-fuel system includes a high vapor pressure fuel tank and a low vapor pressure fuel tank. The high vapor pressure fuel tank contains a fuel a saturated vapor pressure of which is high so that the concentration of fuel vapor in a vapor space of the tank in the normal temperature range becomes higher than an upper-limit of an ignitable concentration of vapor. The low vapor pressure fuel tank contains a fuel a saturated vapor pressure of which is low so that the concentration of a fuel vapor in vapor space of the tank in the normal temperature range becomes lower than the upper-limit of an ignitable concentration of vapor. The vapor space in the high vapor pressure fuel tank communicates with the vapor space in the low vapor pressure fuel tank through a communication pipe, and the vapor space in the low vapor pressure fuel tank is connected to canister 15 through a vapor pipe and a check valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicants: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Randall D. Partridge, Kouseki Sugiyama, Tomihisa Oda, Keiji Yoeda, Yoshihiro Iwashita
  • Patent number: 7252111
    Abstract: Apparatus far equilibrating differences between flow rates into and out of closed pipeline systems, which apparatus includes a tank having a supply line and a discharge unit, with a displaceable plate; the supply being fed to the tank through the displaceable plate, the discharge from the tank being through an outlet at the bottom of the tank and the plate moving upwards or downwards to automatically change the volume of the tank in accordance with differences between the supply rate and the discharge rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: tesa Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sven König, Hermann Neuhaus-Steinmetz, Ulrich Reiser, Norbert Grittner
  • Publication number: 20070163659
    Abstract: A fuel tank includes a component, a reservoir unit having a fuel pump, a tank body formed with an opening through which the reservoir unit and the component are inserted, a flange operable to close the opening, and an extensible connecting unit which connects a lower face of the flange and the reservoir unit. The extensible connecting unit includes a first sliding member which is slidable with respect to the reservoir unit in a vertical direction, and a second sliding member which is slidable with respect to the first sliding member, and is attached to the lower face of the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Uhara, Masakazu Kitamoto, Gaku Hatano, Koichi Hidano, Masaaki Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 7216633
    Abstract: A movable fuel valve lies within a housing at an end of a housing fuel passage. A fuel tube has a nozzle end inserted within a first end of the housing fuel passage while the movable valve element is situated at a second end of the housing fuel passage and controls fuel flow from the second end of the housing fuel passage. The nozzle end remains surrounded in fuel when the valve element is closed and sealed against the second end of the housing fuel passage. When the fuel pressure within the housing fuel passage is greater than a fuel pressure on the other side of the valve, the fuel flows from the housing fuel passage, through the part of the housing surrounding the valve, and into the reservoir. The movable valve element prevents fuel from flowing from the main-side of a fuel tank to the sub side of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Denso International America, Inc.
    Inventors: William E Attwood, Patrick K Powell
  • Patent number: 7207318
    Abstract: A method for operating a converter for the energy conversion of fuel from at least one main fuel supply, and from at least one auxiliary fuel supply for operating the converter directly and/or by operating an auxiliary unit, comprises: detecting the amount of fuel in the main fuel supply; detecting the amount of fuel in the auxiliary fuel supply, at least with respect to a predetermined minimum amount; in response to the minimum amount being reached, generating a signal that blocks at least one of a) filling of the main fuel supply, and b) startup of the converter via a control unit; and deactivating the blocking in response to the auxiliary fuel supply being replenished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: FEV Motorentechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Lepperhoff, Helmut Pleimling
  • Patent number: 7182071
    Abstract: Fuel for an engine is supplied from a first fuel tank. Return fuel from the engine is gathered in a second fuel tank for resupply to the engine. The second fuel tank is connected to and replenishable from the first fuel tank. The engine receives all its fuel from the second tank. On the second fuel tank there is a level device for regulating the fuel level. The level device is supplied with fuel from the first fuel tank via a first line. The first line has an inlet which is intended for fuel and which is connected to the second fuel tank in order to be able to remove fuel from the latter. The inlet is arranged at a level corresponding to the intended fuel level in the second fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Scania CV AB (publ)
    Inventor: Jonny Hansson
  • Patent number: 7178512
    Abstract: A fuel container for a marine propulsion system is provided with a pump and a hose connected to an outlet of the pump and disposed within the cavity of the fuel container. The hose is provided with an opening, formed through its wall, through which a fluid can flow under certain circumstances. The opening is disposed in an ullage within the container and allows gaseous elements to be purged from the container when flow is induced from the container back to a fuel reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Brian L. Merten
  • Patent number: 7168442
    Abstract: A liquid handling system transfers liquid (e.g. water, bearing marine animals) between two tanks each having a respective liner which is movable between a lining position (when filled with liquid) and an inverted position (when its respective tank is emptied). In an initial state, liquid is held in a first tank. By supplying air to a space between the first tank and its liner, its liner is progressively lifted and liquid passes along a channel onto the initially inverted second liner (which acts as a baffle to slow the liquid flow). Air in a space between the second liner and the second tank is vented so transferred liquid sinks the second liner to fill the second tank. A ballast liquid may be used in the spaces. Initially held in the second tank, the ballast liquid flows via a passage into the first tank as transfer of liquid progresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Ian McRobert
  • Patent number: 7137409
    Abstract: A multilayered pressure vessel (10) fabricated from at least one single ply sheet of flexible material (100) having an approximate longitudinal midline which divides the material into an inner portion (130) having an inner surface, an outer surface, an edge, a seam allowance, and a width, and an outer portion having an inner surface, an outer surface, an edge, a seam allowance, and a width. The width of the outer portion (120) is greater than the width of the inner portion (140). A primary seam (250) binds the outer portion and the inner portion to the material sheet at the midline proximate the outer portion edge and inner portion edge. The sheet (100) is wrapped into a continuous substantially 720 degree wrap to form a generally cylindrical vessel body having possible multiple fluid passageways, at the election of the user. The primary seam (250) is concealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Alexander S. Pouchkarev
  • Patent number: 7124768
    Abstract: A method of transferring an aqueous polymer dispersion with a temperature ?50° C. from a vessel 1 via a connecting line to a vessel 2 is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Wassmer, Hardy Korb, Steffen Funkhauser, Martin Meister, Gerald Wildburg
  • Patent number: 7100634
    Abstract: An assembly for connecting two adjacent liquid collection basins is provided. The assembly includes a flume for connecting a first liquid collection basin to a second liquid collection basin. The flume comprises a generally rectangular structure having a top section, bottom section and two side sections, with an inward flange along one side of the flume and an outward flange along an opposite side of the flume. The flume is inserted through an opening in a wall of the first collection basin, through an opening in the wall of the second collection basin and affixed to each wall, in some embodiments with the use of a support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Robb, Katherine K. Flamm, Thomas P. Carter
  • Patent number: 7096892
    Abstract: In the fluid filling device A of the present invention, when installed in the fluid filler port B1 of the drum B, the hollow internal space of the tubular body 10 provided with the communication part 10a communicating with the internal space of the drum B is divided into the fluid inlet part 10b for leading waste oil into the drum B from outside and the fluid outlet part 10c for leading the waste oil filled into the drum B to the outside of the drum B. The fluid filling device A is further provided with the fluid inlet 11 for leading the fluid from the fluid filler port outside the container in communication with the fluid inlet part 10b and the fluid outlet 12 for leading the fluid filled into the container to the outside of the container in communication with the fluid outlet part 10c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Masaru Tawa
  • Patent number: 7080662
    Abstract: A water recycling system and method of use is disclosed for use in a building having a basement with water seepage accumulating in a sump area by providing a holding tank which receives water pumped by a sump pump for later use either in the interior or exterior of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: James M. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7073525
    Abstract: A multi-tank connecting device has a main tank with a fuel pump and one or more auxiliary tanks. A fuel pipe connects the main tank and the auxiliary tank and allows fuel to flow between the main tank and the auxiliary tank. A fuel isolating device closes the fuel pipe when the vehicle ascends or descends a slope. The auxiliary tank is disposed lower than the main tank. The fuel isolating device includes a ball, a panel attached to a rod, a spring attached to the panel, a switch, a throttle valve actuator, and a throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Chan-Bok Chung
  • Patent number: 7059346
    Abstract: An assembly for connecting two adjacent liquid collection basins is provided. The assembly includes a flume for connecting a first liquid collection basin to a second liquid collection basin. The flume comprises a generally rectangular structure having a top section, bottom section and two side sections, with an inward flange along one side of the flume and an outward flange along an opposite side of the flume. The flume is inserted through an opening in a wall of the first collection basin, through an opening in the wall of the second collection basin and affixed to each wall, in some embodiments with the use of a support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventors: Dennis Robb, Katherine K. Flamm, Thomas P. Carter
  • Patent number: 7004185
    Abstract: An improved method for loading propellants into separate tanks on a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) uses three innovative methods. The liquid loading provides three liquid transfer methods, integrated and coordinated to provide less complicated loading and unloading operations, transfers, and cools and controls the liquids to provide a safe, cost effective solution to reusable vehicle tanking and de-tanking under commercial conditions. To insure the density of the propellant is maximized by cooling in a quick liquid loading environment, pre-cooling may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kistler Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: George E. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6938633
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for supplying process liquid s for a machine tool, which are able to reduce the consumption power and power factor of the pump 21 to a large extent in comparison with prior arts while maintaining the effects of process liquid s according to prior arts. The invention is embodied so that process liquid s such as coolant or cleaning fluid is supplied to necessary points by causing the process liquid s to flow down, which is stored in a sub tank 20 installed at a suitable height in a machine tool, by a gravity action when intermittently supplying the process liquid s such as coolant or cleaning fluid to the necessary points such as a workrest 2 and a workpiece w fixed thereon; the supplied process liquid s is collected into a main tank 19 on the other hand; and the process liquid s stored in the main tank 19 is transferred into the sub tank 20 by the pump 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Horkos Corp.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Sugata, Tadashi Makiyama, Takanori Miyata
  • Patent number: 6918406
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chemical supply apparatus including a first tank in which at least two chemicals supplied from each supply bath are mixed, circulating means for circulating the chemicals in the first tank to uniformly mix the chemicals therein, a second tank for storing the mixed solution provided from the first tank, a distributor for distributing the mixed solution to supply the mixed solution to each processing unit, and a heating unit mounted upon a supply line for supplying the mixed solution to the distributor to heat up the mixed solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: DNS Korea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-yong Bae, Doo-keun An
  • Patent number: 6837994
    Abstract: The special features of the water treatment apparatus in the present invention are that a tank fitted with a raw water inlet and a treated water outlet on the upper part, has within said tank an upper chamber and lower chamber which divide said tank into two sections, upper and lower, and is fitted with a separating wall which can be raised and lowered to adjust the water level in said upper and lower chamber, the upper chamber above said separating wall and the lower chamber below said separating wall both being filled with water. By use of this apparatus, a novel water treatment apparatus is provided which can be extremely easily assembled into a water treatment facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Izawa
  • Publication number: 20040216783
    Abstract: In a feed device (2) for a motor vehicle, a ventilation element (10) is arranged in a feed line (7) which is guided into an intermediate tank (8) arranged upstream of a surge chamber (3). The ventilation element (10) has an opening (11) which is closed when the fuel is flowing and is released if the flow fails. Drainage of the intermediate tank (8) by means of a siphon effect is therefore avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Bernd Rumpf
  • Patent number: 6808515
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a multiply connected type liquid waste disposal apparatus to unify the kind of canister bottles used for multiple connection, to provide plural patient hoses for separate use, to enable easy visual recognition of a content capacity even if a liquid waste disposing capacity is increased, and to rapidly solidify an absorbed liquid waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignees: Gunma Koike Co., Ltd., Koike Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Takahashi, Kazuo Koike, Eiichi Takano
  • Publication number: 20040182453
    Abstract: In a fuel supply system constituted such that there is disposed a saddle type fuel tank provided with a main chamber and an auxiliary chamber on both sides of an upwardly protruding center portion of a bottom face thereof, a fuel transfer tube which is mounted to lie over the protruding portion of the fuel tank, is connected to a fuel introduction port of a jet pump disposed on a main chamber side, to pump fuel in the auxiliary chamber via the fuel transfer tube, at least a part of the fuel transfer tube is formed by arranging alternately a plurality of bellows portions each of which cross section is changed, and a plurality of straight portions each of which cross section is fixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: HITACHI UNISIA AUTOMOTIVE, LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Ida, Takashi Kokojima, Takeshi Hidaka
  • Patent number: 6792966
    Abstract: A fuel transfer apparatus for providing fuel to a vehicle engine from a plurality of fuel tanks. A transfer pump is positioned intermediate a pair of fuel tanks and is operable to transfer fuel therebetween. Fuel is provided to the engine from a first one of the two fuel tanks. Excess fuel is returned to the first one of the two fuel tanks. When the level in the first fuel tank is less than the level in the second fuel tank by a predetermined amount, the transfer pump transfers an amount of fuel from the second fuel tank to the first fuel tank. Fuel level sensors are utilized to monitor the level of fuel in the two fuel tanks and report to a microprocessor which controls the transfer pump. The microprocessor utilized to control the transfer pump may be incorporated into the transfer pump, may be a stand alone microprocessor, or may comprise an existing vehicle circuit board such as, e.g., the electronic control module (ECM). A fuel transfer line interconnects the two tanks and is located above the two tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Harvey
  • Publication number: 20040177886
    Abstract: A fuel feed apparatus including a sub-tank is received in a fuel tank having multiple tank sections. Multiple jet pumps respectively transfers fuel received in the tank sections into the sub-tank. Therefore, even if a fuel amount received in a single tank section decreases, fuel can be steadily supplied from another tank section. Intermediately pressurized fuel in a fuel pump is supplied to the jet pumps, so that fuel can be steadily supplied to the jet pumps regardless of fuel consumption amount in an engine. Fuel is drawn from an upstream side of a pressure regulator, and supplied to the jet pump. The pressure regulator has an urging unit, and controls fuel pressure without using a diaphragm. Therefore, the pressure regulator is simplified and downsized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Nagata, Masaaki Konishi
  • Patent number: 6732755
    Abstract: A battery watering system includes a filler unit mounted by means of an attachment mechanism to the flanged apertures of a three cell six volt lead acid battery. The filler unit is connected by a supply and drain line to a feed unit in the form of a reservoir tank and pumping assembly including a centrifugal pump, a DC pump motor connected to the pump by a pump coupling, and an auxiliary battery. The pump and the battery form part of a control circuit which includes a current sensing relay having a corresponding set of relay contacts. Water is pumped from the tank into a trough of the filler unit via the supply line. An array of three output ports each include a narrowed inlet, a downpipe extending inwardly into each cell of the battery, and a pair of breather tubes. On completion of the replenishment operation, excess water flows back through the supply and drain line into the tank. The invention extends to the attachment for coupling the filler unit to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Johan Christiaan Fitter
  • Publication number: 20040025946
    Abstract: A self-adjusting fluid surface skimmer and a wastewater treatment system incorporating the same are provided. In one embodiment, the skimmer includes an intake passage and an outlet passage. The intake passage comprises first and second passageways connected by a flexible coupling. A collar is positioned around the first passageway near an intake opening. At least one buoyant member is attached to the collar and facilitates self-adjustment of the skimmer. A gas inlet is disposed in the outlet passage and allows for the movement of gas through the outlet passage, which creates a suction effect in the intake passage. The wastewater treatment system comprises an aeration tank disposed in a settling tank such that a clearance is created between the two tanks. A skimmer according to the present invention is disposed within the clearance. The skimmer enables further removal of solids from treated fluid within the settling tank prior to leaving the treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Matthew L. Sharb
  • Patent number: 6688331
    Abstract: A support (1) through which first and second outlet pipes (7) from a first tank (9) is connected to a second tank (42). The support (1) has rear wall (17) separated from a front wall (37) by a spacer (39) to define rectangular cavities (33) therein. The rear wall (17) has a first and second sleeves (5) that extend therefrom and are correspondingly located in the outlet pipes (7). The front wall (37) has openings (35) therein that are aligned with openings (3) defined by the first and second sleeves (5). First and second claw rings (15) are correspondingly attached to the first and second sleeves (5) and first and second tubular pipes (41.1,41.2) are pushed through the claw rings (15) and into the first and second outlet pipes (7). Radial protrusions (13) on the claw rings (15) engage the tubular pipes (41.1,41.2) to define a sealed connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rémi Demersseman, Philippe Come, François Gaffe
  • Patent number: 6679227
    Abstract: A grounded fuel delivery module for a fuel system of a vehicle includes a fuel pump adapted to pump fuel from a fuel tank to an engine of the vehicle. The grounded fuel delivery module also includes a retainer contacting the fuel pump and a cover adapted to cover an opening in the fuel tank. The grounded fuel delivery module further includes at least one guide rod interconnecting the cover and the retainer to complete an electrical circuit used for grounding of components attached to either one of the cover and the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ulf Sawert, Sharon Elizabeth Beyer, Bruce Albert Kuehnemund
  • Patent number: 6648558
    Abstract: Particulate material entrained in pressurized gas such as compressed air is conveyed from a pressure vessel to a discharge vessel through a conveyor duct. The discharge end of the duct is fitted with a flow restrictor producing a discrete constriction of the flow discharging from the duct into the vessel with the result that the pressure drop along the main part of the duct is reduced so that lower velocities can be maintained within the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Birrus International PTY Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Shultz
  • Patent number: 6640832
    Abstract: A fuel delivery unit includes an installation holder accommodating at least a first reservoir with a fuel pump arranged therein, a fuel filter and a cover closure for a fitting opening in a fuel tank. The fuel delivery unit additionally includes a second reservoir which in the installation position is disposed beside the first reservoir and communicates therewith. The first and second reservoirs are accommodated by the installation holder displaceably and/or pivotably relative to each other at least between a fitting configuration and an installation configuration. At least one reservoir at least in the installation configuration is arranged at least partly outside the projected area of the cover closure in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rüdiger Walter
  • Patent number: 6631732
    Abstract: A pump-over fermentation tank has a valve between the pump-over chamber and fermentation chamber providing multi-directional diffusion of the pump-over liquid into the fermentation or extraction chamber. The valve is opened slowly for irrigation of the fermentation cap and is opened rapidly to achieve mixing of the contents in the fermentation chamber. The valve is self-centering in the near-closed position, and in a particular embodiment has diffusers on the perimeter of the valve to direct the pump-over liquid to different regions of the surface of the contents in the fermentation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen F. Koster, Mark A. Nilson
  • Publication number: 20030183281
    Abstract: A battery watering system includes a filler unit mounted by means of an attachment mechanism to the flanged apertures of a three cell six volt lead acid battery. The filler unit is connected by a supply and drain line to a feed unit in the form of a reservoir tank and pumping assembly including a centrifugal pump, a DC pump motor connected to the pump by a pump coupling, and an auxiliary battery. The pump and the battery form part of a control circuit which includes a current sensing relay having a corresponding set of relay contacts. Water is pumped from the tank into a trough of the filler unit via the supply line. An array of three output ports each include a narrowed inlet, a downpipe extending inwardly into each cell of the battery, and a pair of breather tubes. On completion of the replenishment operation, excess water flows back through the supply and drain line into the tank. The invention extends to the attachment for coupling the filler unit to the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Johan Christiaan Fitter
  • Patent number: 6561213
    Abstract: A fluid distribution system for supplying a gas to a process facility such as a semiconductor manufacturing plant. The system includes a main fluid supply vessel coupled by flow circuitry to a local sorbent-containing supply vessel from which fluid, e.g., low pressure compressed gas, is dispensed to a fluid-consuming unit, e.g., a semiconductor manufacturing tool. A fluid pressure regulator is disposed in the flow circuitry or the main liquid supply vessel and ensures that the gas flowed to the fluid-consuming unit is at desired pressure. The system and associated method are particularly suited to the supply and utilization of liquefied compressed gases such as trimethylsilane, arsine, phosphine, and dichlorosilane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Luping Wang, Terry A. Tabler, James A. Dietz
  • Patent number: 6554025
    Abstract: A battery watering system includes a filler unit mounted by means of an attachment mechanism to the flanged apertures of a three cell six volt lead acid battery. The filler unit is connected by a supply and drain line to a feed unit in the form of the reservoir tank and pumping assembly including a centrifugal pump, a DC pump motor connected to the pump by a pump coupling, and an auxiliary battery. The pump and the battery form part of a control circuit which includes a current sensing relay having a corresponding set of relay contacts. Water is pumped from the tank into a trough of the filler unit via the supply line. An array of three output ports each include a narrowed inlet, a downpipe extending inwardly into each cell of the battery, and a pair of breather tubes. On completion of the replenishment operation, excess water flows back through the supply and drain line into the tank. The invention extends to the attachment for coupling the filler unit to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Johan Christiaan Fitter
  • Patent number: 6508265
    Abstract: A dual fuel tank (10) including first fuel tank (12) and a second fuel tank (14). A single fuel hose (16) allows fuel to enter the first fuel tank (12) from an outside source. When the fuel level in the first fuel tank (12) reaches an overflow level (17), fuel passes through a transfer tube (18) from the first fuel tank (12) into the second fuel tank (14). A transfer fuel pump (20) communicates fuel from the second fuel tank (14) to the first fuel tank (16) such that the level of fuel in the first tank (12) is maximized relative to the available fuel in the system. A main fuel pump (22) communicates fuel from the first fuel pump (12) to a remote target (24). In this way the fuel is available from a single location within the dual fuel tank (10) at a wider range of angles of vehicle travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Anthony Bertouille, James Michael Cook
  • Patent number: 6503363
    Abstract: A system for conditioning an alkaline etching solution for reducing contamination in a silicon wafer etching process. The system includes a conditioning tank for mixing a conditioned alkaline etching solution, the conditioned alkaline etching solution including a conditioning chemical; a conditioning chemical introduction system configured to add the conditioning chemical to the conditioning tank; and a buffer tank for storing the conditioned basic etching solution before using the conditioned alkaline etching solution in an etching process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: SEH America, Inc.
    Inventors: Masami Nakano, Michito Sato, Brian D. West
  • Patent number: 6491054
    Abstract: A modular fluid storage tank, intended for underground storage of water, utilizing alternating circular and octagonal ribs in the main body and curved, ribbed, end caps. Interconnection of the tanks uses rigid pipe or semi-flexible hose. The coupling between the pipe and the tank incorporates a fitting, integrally molded into the tank, which extends into the interior of the tank, and a flexible sleeve which fits over, and is clamped to, the fitting and the pipe. The coupling is protected from the environment and is accessible from within the tank after installation for inspection and repair without the need to excavate the tank. The tank preferably has approximately equal length and diameter for improved strength. It is relatively small and lightweight, suitable for transport to and installation at a remote location without heavy equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: John D. Small
  • Publication number: 20020134440
    Abstract: A storage device for a pressurized fluid includes a main container having an exterior. A reserve container is within the main container. A first valve is operatively connected to the reserve container. The first valve is a one-way valve. The first valve admits pressurized fluid from the main container to the reserve container and prevents fluid from flowing through the valve from the reserve container to the main container. A second valve is operatively connected to the reserve container. The second valve has an actuator accessible from the exterior of the main container for opening the second valve to discharge pressurized fluid from the reserve container to the main container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Tony Mandzuk
  • Patent number: 6453924
    Abstract: A fluid distribution system for supplying a gas to a process facility such as a semiconductor manufacturing plant. The system includes a main fluid supply vessel coupled by flow circuitry to a local sorbent-containing supply vessel from which fluid, e.g., low pressure compressed gas, is dispensed to a fluid-consuming unit, e.g., a semiconductor manufacturing tool. A fluid pressure regulator is disposed in the flow circuitry or the main liquid supply vessel and ensures that the gas flowed to the fluid-consuming unit is at desired pressure. The system and associated method are particularly suited to the supply and utilization of liquefied compressed gases such as trimethylsilane, arsine, phosphine, and dichlorosilane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Luping Wang, Terry A. Tabler, James A. Dietz
  • Patent number: 6436720
    Abstract: A variable residence time chamber module that provides an additional residence time for a reaction of mixed reactants to reach completion. The module includes a thermally insulated housing in which are disposed a plurality of residence time chambers. A rotary inlet valve and rotary outlet valve select among the plurality of chambers, coupling them respectively to an inlet port through which the mixed but incompletely reacted reactants are supplied and an outlet port through which a desired product of the reaction is withdrawn. A heat transfer media is preferably used to control the temperature of the residence time chambers, so that an optimal reaction temperature is provided. The mixed reactants pass through the inlet valve into a selected one of the plurality of residence time chambers. Once the selected residence time chamber is full, the inlet valve is actuated to supply the mixed reactants to a successive residence time chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Cellular Process Chemistry, Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastian Oberbeck, Andreas Oberbeck, Klaus Golbig, Michael Hohmann
  • Publication number: 20020096220
    Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus has a sub tank inside a main tank that stores a fuel, and a jet pump nozzle inside the sub tank. A part of the fuel taken in from the sub tank to be supplied to an engine is sprayed from a tip of the jet pump nozzle. The fuel inside the main tank is drawn into the sub tank from a bottom part by a negative pressure caused by the jet pump nozzle. A holding device for holding the jet pump nozzle in the sub tank is provided between the sub tank and the jet pump nozzle when the jet pump nozzle is inserted into the sub tank. Therefore, it becomes possible to assemble the jet pump nozzle and the fuel supply system in advance outside the sub tank, and after that, to attach that jet pump nozzle to the sub tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Takashi Iwamoto, Toshihide Kimisawa
  • Patent number: 6422263
    Abstract: A control system for maintaining the liquid levels in a plurality of reservoirs connected in series includes a parenthetical control module and one or more nested control modules. The parenthetical control module includes a proportional only level controller in electrical communication with the level sensor of said last reservoir (VOUT) in the series and is adapted to produce an output signal that becomes a set point for one or more PID flow controllers controlling the inflow (FIN) into the first reservoir (V1) in the series. The nested control module, one for each reservoir upstream of said last reservoir (VOUT), includes a proportional only level controller in electrical communication with the respective level sensor of each respective upstream reservoir and is adapted to produce an output that becomes a set point for one or more PID flow controllers adapted to control the respective outflows of said respective upstream reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Guy Kevin Spicer
  • Patent number: 6422262
    Abstract: A device for discharging liquid such as raw materials and fuels capable of discharging liquid stably even under such conditions that the environment of a discharge space varies drastically and suddenly by adjusting discharge conditions to optimum ones according to fluctuation of surrounding environment is provided by controlling fluctuation in pressure in the buffer vessel 2 according to fluctuation in pressure in the mixing/reaction vessel 3 with installation of buffer vessel 2 and control means 10 between liquid discharge means 4 for mixing/reaction vessel 3 for discharged liquid, and the storage tank 1 for liquid to be discharged, and also by installing release means capable of releasing pressure in vessel 2 to surrounding atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihisa Takeuchi, Nobuo Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6382225
    Abstract: A fuel storage and distribution system for heavy and medium duty trucks which include dual fuel tanks (24, 26). An electric transfer pump (22) transfers fluid from the tank with the greatest volume to the tank with the lowest volume. Fuel level sensors (18, 20) measure the fluid levels in the fuel tanks (24, 26) and provide inputs to the electric transfer pump (22). Fuel may be transferred in either direction between the two fuel tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry J. Tipton