Alternating Patents (Class 141/248)
  • Patent number: 8955563
    Abstract: A device for filling soluble containers is provided. The device includes an assembly for orienting capsules comprising a sheet component having a top sheet, a bottom sheet and a sliding sheet adapted to move between the top and bottom sheets. The top sheet includes slots for accommodating capsules, and the bottom sheet includes notches adapted to orient the capsules into a filling position. In a first position, the slots in the sliding sheet align with the slots in the top sheet. In a second position, the slots in the sliding sheet align with the notches in the bottom sheet. The assembly also includes a base component for guiding the oriented capsules therethrough. The base component can have an antistatic sheet fastened to the bottom surface. The sheet component can be loose fitted to the base component. An assembly for filling capsules is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventors: Raj Vikram Tahil, Santosh Puransingh Bhagat, Ajay Virendra Mistry
  • Patent number: 8944120
    Abstract: Filling a container with a filling material having a first and second liquid components in a predetermined ratio includes supplying the first component from a tank to the container through a filling material line that defines opposite first and second directions, the line being closable by a valve. A flow-rate measuring unit determines an amount of first liquid component fed through the line in the second direction. The method also includes feeding the second component into the line, the line having been at least partially filled by the first component, and detecting an amount of the second component fed therein. Detecting the amount of the second component includes using a flow-rate measuring unit to detect motion of the first component caused by feeding the second component. The method then includes displacing at least a portion of the first component from the line along the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Andre Neuhäuser, Norman Gras
  • Patent number: 8826948
    Abstract: A filling machine with at least one volumetric metering system which comprises a cylinder provided with a piston driven by electric or pneumatic actuation device connected to a parametrisable control unit of the machine, and provided within the lower portion with a first suction opening connected by a first suction duct to a first storage tank, with a second inlet opening connected by a second suction duct to a second tank, and with a discharge opening connected by a discharge duct to a filling nozzle. Valve systems formed of clack valves are mounted in the suction ducts and on the filling nozzle, each valve system being driven individually for opening and for closing by individual electric and/or pneumatic actuation device connected to the control unit of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Philippe Macquet, Thierry Loaec
  • Patent number: 8800608
    Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products is provided with a gripping and carrier device to transfer at least one container between a magazine and a dosage station for the preparation of a pharmaceutical product, and a box-type holding frame defining a chamber for the housing of magazine, gripping and carrier device, and dosage station; the chamber displaying an access aperture to magazine and being crossed by a sterile air flow adapted to avoid the entry of air from the external environment through aperture itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Health Robotics, S.R.L.
    Inventors: Paolo Giribona, Werner Rainer, Daniele Baldassari, Alferino Gabbarrini, Pietro Paluselli
  • Patent number: 8646493
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for changeover of containers of a highly soluble substance in a continuous flow process, fluid is flowed through a container of the substance to generate a solution until the substance is depleted and the concentration of the solution starts to drop. The solution from the first container is then directed through a second container containing a charge of the substance to maintain a saturated solution. When the first container is fully exhausted, the flow of fluid is switched to isolate the first container and to flow the fluid directly into the second container whereupon the first container can be safely removed. The arrangement is operated as a lead lag system with solution flowing through the containers at or close to plug flow to minimize mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: EnviroTower Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Tyler Bell, Steven Lloyd Siverns
  • Patent number: 8646492
    Abstract: A device and method for loading catalyst pellets into reactor tubes of a chemical reactor. A direct mechanical force is applied to one or more pellets where bridging occurs that is different from the forces applied to the surrounding pellets in order to break up the bridge so as to allow catalyst particles to fall through an opening into the reactor tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Extundo Incorporated
    Inventors: Clifford L. Johns, Munaf N. Chasmawala, Dennis McAndrews
  • Patent number: 8297320
    Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products is provided with a gripping and carrier device to transfer at least one container between a magazine and a dosage station for the preparation of a pharmaceutical product, and a box-type holding frame defining a chamber for the housing of magazine, gripping and carrier device, and dosage station; the chamber displaying an access aperture to magazine and being crossed by a sterile air flow adapted to avoid the entry of air from the external environment through aperture itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Health Robotics S.R.L.
    Inventors: Paolo Giribona, Werner Rainer, Daniele Baldassari, Alferino Gabbarini, Pietro Paluselli
  • Patent number: 7975642
    Abstract: An automatic seasoning device that includes a hopper, a seasoning dispenser positioned to receive seasoning from the hopper; and a moveable transition tray positioned to receive seasoning from the seasoning dispensing drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Franke Technology and Trademark Ltd
    Inventors: Brian R. Rudesill, Mark Edward Allegra
  • Publication number: 20110088811
    Abstract: A gas fuel supply apparatus includes: first and second mouthpiece attachment sections capable of detachably attaching thereto mouthpieces of first and second gas containers and provided in communication with each other; and first and second check valves provided in a communication passage, communicating between the mouthpiece attachment sections, in corresponding relation to the first and second gas containers. The first and second check valves prevent a gas fuel, let out from any one of the first and second gas containers, from flowing into the other of the gas containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru SHUDO, Masanori FUJINUMA, Hiroaki KOJIMA
  • Patent number: 7849891
    Abstract: A device for measuring a hard granular object. The device includes a measuring vessel, a holder, a shutter, and a pressing means for pressing the holder against the measuring vessel. The measuring vessel includes a first face, a second face parallel to the first face, and a space formed between the first and second faces for receiving hard granular object supplied from first face side. The holder is located on the side of the first face., includes a through hole communicable with the space, and is slidable along the first face. The shutter is located on the side of the second face, includes a through hole communicable with the space, and is movable parallel to the second face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kureha Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitugi Hashiba, Hitoshi Takahashi, Eisaku Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7357162
    Abstract: A device for accurately metering food. The device includes an outer part and an inner metering part having a dosing chamber and a piston block slideably mounted therein. The housing outer part has three passageways, and the dosing chamber is configured, dimensioned, and positioned to alternately connect two of the three passageways of the outer part. The inner metering part is configured, dimensioned and positioned for rotation within the outer part. The outer housing part and the inner metering part are mounted concentrically with the inner metering part and the inner metering part has only one degree of liberty in rotation around a central axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Lars Askman, Richard E. Ludwick
  • Publication number: 20080023101
    Abstract: An automatic seasoning device that includes a hopper, a seasoning dispenser positioned to receive seasoning from the hopper; and a moveable transition tray positioned to receive seasoning from the seasoning dispensing drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Brian R. Rudesill, Mark Edward Allegra
  • Patent number: 7287559
    Abstract: Sauerkraut that is free of added vegetable oil or other lubricant is prepared for packaging in small volumes by substantially continuously delivering a supply of the sauerkraut to a hopper (20) with an open top (22), the sauerkraut being delivered to the hopper at a location between a baffle (24) that periodically reciprocates within the hopper and a plurality of openings (28) at a bottom of the hopper. A tube (26) extends substantially vertically downwardly from each of the openings, and sauerkraut in the hopper is positively caused to flow from each of the openings into and through a tube that is aligned with the opening by rotating a rotatable screw (40) with a larger diameter upper portion (40a) that extends downwardly through the hopper and a smaller diameter lower portion (40b) that extends downwardly from the upper portion into and at least substantially through a tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: The Fremont Company
    Inventors: Jerry Schuett, Dale J. Elford, Donald B. Slessman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7234494
    Abstract: A device for filling soluble containers such as capsules comprises an assembly for orienting and separating capsules including double blind capsules which have a longer cap length and shorter body length wherein such assembly has a top sheet for loading the capsules and a bottom sheet for orienting the capsules loaded therein and such said sheets capable of being relatively displaced with respect to each other. Slots are provided in the top sheet for limiting such displacement by setting free configuration for orientation of the capsules. An open closable gate is mounted to the top sheet for enabling easier loading and containment of the capsules within the top sheet, for orienting the capsules. The filler assembly has at least a pair of sheets having profile cut portions and profile-cut strip for gripping the body of the capsules especially capsules having a longer cap length and shorter body length such as double blind capsules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Raj Vikram Tahil, Santosh Puransingh Bhagat, Poovakkala John Oommen
  • Patent number: 7198077
    Abstract: An improved machine and method for automatically proportioning-out or measuring-out a predetermined quantities of a variety of selected products and feeding the predetermined quantities of product into the individual chambers of a multiple-chamber dispensing container. The multiple-chamber dispensing containers are fed by a conveyor that is driven by a stepper-motor, to the filling location. The filling cycle begins when an empty container is recognized by a sensing mechanism. The machine and method causes the measured products to be deposited simultaneously into all of the individual chamber of the multiple-chamber dispensing container. The cycle is completed at a predetermined time period after the container was recognized. When a cycle has been completed the conveyor is energized. The next cycle begins when the next container is recognized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventors: Levent T. Uzkan, Joseph J. Koy, Raymond E. Gabert
  • Patent number: 7128103
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electrochemical system, a hydrogen gas fueling system, a cascade system, and methods for using the same. The hydrogen gas fueling system comprises a multiple-stage compressor disposed in fluid communication with a hydrogen gas source, the compressor configured to cool hydrogen gas received at a stage of the compressor, a cascade section comprising at least two hydrogen gas storage zones disposed in fluid communication with the compressor at the outlet of the compressor, and a hydrogen gas dispensing section disposed in fluid communication with the cascade section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Mitlitsky, John F. Boyle, Luke T. Dalton, Blake Myers, Hassan Obahi, Jason K. Shiepe
  • Patent number: 7104292
    Abstract: A gas storage and dispensing system, including multi-vessel arrays of gas dispensing vessels that require successive change-over to provide ongoing supply of gas to a gas-consuming process, with a pump coupled in gas flow communication with the array. The system is provided with capability for time delay auto-switchover sequencing of the switchover operation in which an endpoint limit sensing of an on-stream gas dispensing vessel is responsively followed by termination of gas flow to the pump, inactivation of the pump, autoswitching of vessels, reinitiation of gas flow to the pump and reactivation of the pump. The system minimizes the occurrence of pressure spikes at the pump outlet in response to pressure variation at the pump inlet incident to switchover of gas supply from one vessel to another in the multi-vessel array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Wodjenski
  • Patent number: 6971554
    Abstract: This device for the controlled distribution of pulverulent products includes a feed container (1) for said product having an outlet aperture sealed by a rotor (6) provided with a plurality of transfer cavities (7, 8), each of which comprises an inlet aperture and an evacuation aperture, the paths of said inlet apertures successively passing opposite said outlet aperture in order to be filled with said product and said evacuation apertures passing successively opposite a distribution aperture (13, 14) connected to device (12) to evacuate said pulverulent product from said transfer cavities (7, 8), for emptying therein, of sealing surfaces (5a, 5b) of said inlet and evacuation apertures, disposed along said respective paths and means (M, 15) to drive said rotor (6). Said rotor comprises device to link said cavities to said rotational axis, arranged to give said cavities a degree of freedom in a substantially perpendicular direction to said sealing surfaces (5a, 5b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: EXA SA
    Inventor: Pierre Rochat
  • Patent number: 6955198
    Abstract: A gas storage and dispensing system, including multi-vessel arrays of gas dispensing vessels that require successive change-over to provide ongoing supply of gas to a gas-consuming process, with a pump coupled in gas flow communication with the array. The system is provided with capability for time delay auto-switchover sequencing of the switchover operation in which an endpoint limit sensing of an on-stream gas dispensing vessel is responsively followed by termination of gas flow to the pump, inactivation of the pump, autoswitching of vessels, reinitiation of gas flow to the pump and reactivation of the pump. The system minimizes the occurrence of pressure spikes at the pump outlet in response to pressure variation at the pump inlet incident to switchover of gas supply from one vessel to another in the multi-vessel array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Wodjenski
  • Patent number: 6896010
    Abstract: The invention concerns painting installations comprising painting machines or robots (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b), each with a sprayer (12) and a paint reservoir (13), associated with the sprayer and designed to supply it, the machines or robots being arranged along a painting line for motor vehicle bodies (2). Each machine or robot is provided with a fluidic connector, designed to co-operate discontinuously with a dispensing system (14a, 14b, 15a, 15b) comprising a color shade-changing unit. Each dispensing system (14a, 14b, 15a, 15b) is arranged between two consecutive machines (6a, 7a; 6b, 7b; 8a, 9a; 8b, 9b), and is common to those two machines, which are successively connected thereto to fill their respective reservoirs each time there is a color shade change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Eisenmann France Sarl
    Inventors: Dominique Cebola, Michel Fouvet
  • Patent number: 6772806
    Abstract: An installation for filling receptacles comprises a rotary platform supporting a first filling station comprising a first feed vessel having first filling nozzles connected thereto, and at least one second filling station comprising a second feed vessel having second filling nozzles connected thereto, the second filling nozzles being adjacent to the first filling nozzles and the installation further comprising displacement members for imparting relative displacement between the receptacles and the filling nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: SERAC Group
    Inventor: Damien De Villele
  • Patent number: 6684915
    Abstract: A multiple head bottle filling apparatus and method for filling bottles used in animal feeding. Manifold assemblies designed for filling bottles disposed in at least two differently sized trays is easily removably affixed to the rear back splash of the filling apparatus. Each manifold assembly includes a respective set of liquid discharging members, including openings arranged in a respective grid pattern. Each grid pattern corresponds to the bottle opening, alignment pattern for each differently sized tray. The respective grid patterns of the liquid discharging members are in fixed relationship to each other. Liquid feed lines, manually or automatically activated, supply liquid for bottle filling to a respective one of the manifold assemblies and, in turn, the respective set of liquid discharging members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Ver Hage Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard P. Ver Hage
  • Patent number: 6431407
    Abstract: An automatic container filler (20) having a frame (22) that supports a hopper (24). A dispensing unit (26) is located at the bottom of the hopper (24) that selectively feeds a fluent material, such as sand, into a plurality of discharge chutes (28). The automatic container filler (20) is designed such that fluent material, such as sand, is fed into the hopper (24). The dispensing unit (26) moves the fluent material from the hopper (24) through the discharge chutes (28) into containers such as sandbags. The dispensing unit (26) deposits a predetermined amount of the fluent material through each of the discharge chutes (28) and into containers in sequential order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff W. Hogan, Donald R. Oehrlein
  • Publication number: 20010050115
    Abstract: A system and method for dividing a single stream of long, cooked noodles into a plurality of product streams. The system includes an inlet conduit for receiving the stream of cooked noodles, a rough portioner for dividing the stream of noodles into discrete portions, and a diverter mechanism which selectively directs the discrete portions into one of two outlet streams. Additional diverter mechanisms may be disposed in the outlet streams to further divide and redirect the noodles into any number of final outlet streams. The final outlet streams are directed toward container filling machines which precisely measure the noodles and place them into containers. A computerized logic controller can accommodate the failure of any one or more container filling machines by stopping flow to any combination of final outlet conduits while maintaining uninterrupted operation of the remainder of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: Richard Price, Byron Larson
  • Patent number: 6286717
    Abstract: A product supply apparatus for a weighing system (3) for supplying a weighed product quantity (4, 5) to a product receiving device (7) of a packaging machine (8) is formed to prevent spreading of the supplied product quantity when discharging from a collecting receptacle (11, 12) and falling through the product receiving device (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Multipond Wagetechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Schmidhuber
  • Patent number: 6269850
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dividing a single stream of long, sticky product into a plurality of product streams, comprising a product input conduit for providing a single stream of product, and having a rough portioner disposed therein for dividing the stream of product into discrete portions. The discrete portions are then dropped into a first diverter mechanism comprised of a reciprocating slide block mechanism, which selectively directs the discrete portions into two outlet streams. Additional diverter mechanisms may be disposed in the outlet streams to further divide and redirect the product into any number of final outlet streams, such as four, eight, etc. The final outlet streams are directed toward container filling machines which precisely measure the product and place it into containers as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Multi-Fill, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Price, Byron D. Larson
  • Patent number: 6179021
    Abstract: A material transfer system for loading a pair of spaced, open-topped receptacles with a material capable of gravitationally flowing toward the open-topped receptacles from a source along a material flow path having a segment along which the material falls downwardly utilizes an elongated support frame mounted adjacent the receptacles and a divider mechanism which is positionable in vertical registry with and thereby covers the spacing defined between the two receptacles. A motor is drivingly connected to the divider mechanism for moving the mechanism along the length of the support frame and into a position at which the divider mechanism is positionable in vertical registry with the segment of the material path through which the material falls downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Robert M. McFall
  • Patent number: 6179017
    Abstract: A filling assembly for an aseptically operating deep-drawing packing machine, wherein a conveying region for the web of packing sheet is provided within a pipe held in sterile condition. Arranged behind a packing sheet-forming station is a filling station comprising at least one loading tube stationary with respect to the conveying region yet displaceable in a direction vertical to the conveying region. In order to enable the packing machine to continue to run also during cleaning of the filling station, two filling stations are arranged in series on the pipe maintained in sterile condition within openings displaceable on the sterile pipe above the conveying region. Only one of the said filling stations is respectively in the operating position while the other of said filling stations is in the cleaning position. The filling stations in view of their displaceable openings on the sterile pipe are reciprocable between an operating position and a cleaning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Hassia Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Walter
  • Patent number: 6145709
    Abstract: An automatic container filler (20) having a frame (22) that supports a hopper (24). A dispensing unit (26) is located at the bottom of the hopper (24) that selectively feeds a fluent material, such as sand, into a plurality of discharge chutes (28). The automatic container filler (20) is designed such that fluent material, such as sand, is fed into the hopper (24). The dispensing unit (26) moves the fluent material from the hopper (24) through the discharge chutes (28) into containers such as sandbags. The dispensing unit (26) deposits a predetermined amount of the fluent material through each of the discharge chutes (28) and into containers in sequential order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff W. Hogan, Donald R. Oehrlein
  • Patent number: 6105637
    Abstract: A fill hopper assembly (30) includes two fill hoppers (50) and (52) which are reciprocated back and forth beneath a feed hopper (14) and over discharge openings (72 and 74) of a discharge bridge plate (32). The upper fill hopper bridge plate (34) includes an intermediate bridge (48) that closes the hopper extension (28) when the fill hopper assembly is in transition to place one of its fill openings (36 or 38) beneath the feed hopper extension (28). The fill hopper bridge (48) closes the fill hopper extension until one of the fill openings (36 or 38) is in registration with the extension (28). Likewise, the discharge bridge plate (32) includes a bridge (76) that closes the bottom openings of the open-ended fill hoppers (50 and 52) when the fill hoppers are centered and as they approach their laterally displaced discharge openings (72 or 74).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: H. Richard VerMehren
  • Patent number: 6041965
    Abstract: A dispensing system and method for two different fuels having different octane ratings respectively stored in two storage tanks, according to which a flow line extends from each tank to a chamber for receiving each fuel from its corresponding tank. A conduit extends from the chamber to a system for passing fuel from the chamber to the system for dispensing; and a valve is provided in the chamber for selectively blocking flow of the non-selected fuel into the chamber while permitting flow of the selected fuel into the chamber for passage, via the conduit, to the system. The valve eliminates any flow of the non-elected fuel into the chamber caused by the flow of the selected fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Smith
  • Patent number: 5813444
    Abstract: A method for filling containers utilizing at least two filling members. The containers to be filled are placed in a receptacle and at least two filling members are placed over the containers with the apertures of the filling members corresponding to the openings of the containers to be filled. Particulate matter is then disposed on top of the filling members and passed through the apertures in the filling members filling the containers below. A scraper is used to push and/or pull the particulate matter off of one filling member onto the other filling member. The now clean filling member is removed and the containers which are now filled with particulate matter are removed as well. The particulate matter is then moved from the second filling member onto the first in order to fill the new containers under it. The second filling member now being cleared of particulate matter is removed and the containers under it which are now filled are then removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Donald P. Cashion
  • Patent number: 5704405
    Abstract: For metering of heavy gas which is intended for use in filling insulating glass panes with heavy gas or in the assembly of heavy gas-filled insulating glass panes, heavy gas is introduced into A space (5) of a cylinder (1) whose internal space is divided by a piston (2) into two spaces (5 and 6), piston (2) moving as other space (6) becomes smaller, so that heavy gas flows out of the latter. The displacement path of piston (2) is measured by displacement sensor (7) and electronic rule (4). Furthermore, the temperature and pressure of the heavy gas flowing out of space (6) via connection (20) are measured and the displacement of piston (2) is interrupted as soon as the amount of heavy gas determined on the basis of the displacement path and the values of temperature and pressure of the discharging heavy gas corresponds to the required amount of heavy gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Peter Lisec
  • Patent number: 5699839
    Abstract: A liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling station which does not vent natural gas vapors. Three cryogenic storage vessels alternately serve as dispensing, conditioning, and receiving vessels. A natural gas compressor transfers vapor between the vessels and evacuates vapors vented from tanker trucks and vehicles. Heat absorbed by the LNG is utilized to warm the fuel for use in vehicles by bubbling the vapors through the LNG in the conditioning vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Acurex Environmental Corporation
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Dehne
  • Patent number: 5697523
    Abstract: A container or hopper with a flexible weigh container as an inner member, in which the weigh container is supported through at least one weigh cell on a frame. In order to weigh-in a material to be proportioned, a throttling device is provided at the bottom end of the weigh container. To avoid complicated distributing arrangements and assure precise dosing, the flexible weigh container extends further downwardly like a hose through the throttling device and its bottom is attached to a movable spout which in turn is displaceable in such a manner that the flexible, hose-like extension of the weigh container is carried along with it so as to selectively discharge through different outlets of the container or hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Otto Brandauer
  • Patent number: 5626740
    Abstract: When determining an activity of particular predetermined ions in a sample liquid by use of a device for measuring ionic activity including a pair of ion-selective electrodes which are selectively responsive to particular predetermined ions, a pair of spotting holes through which a sample liquid and a reference liquid are respectively supplied to the ion-selective electrodes and a porous bridge which communicates the spotting holes with each other so as to permit the sample liquid and the reference liquid spotted to the spotting holes to electrically contact with each other, for instance, the sample liquid is first spotted to one of the spotting holes of the device for measuring ionic activity with a first spotting tool, and at least one of the first spotting tool and the device for measuring ionic activity is thereafter moved to remove the first spotting tool away from the device for measuring ionic activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunichi Seto, Kenichiro Yazawa, Osamu Seshimoto
  • Patent number: 5547000
    Abstract: Colored silicone sealant are made in an apparatus by (i) programming a central computer to control the operation of a mixing device and a plurality of dosing units actuated by a ball screw table/servo-motor mechanism; (ii) supplying sealant base and pigments to the dosing units; (iii) activating the ball screw table/servo-motor mechanism in response to signals from the computer; (iv) metering predetermined volumes of sealant base and pigments at a predetermined rate; (v) conveying metered portions to the mixing device; and (vi) dispensing colored silicone sealant into a cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel N. Kemp, Timothy W. Mitin, Kenneth J. Rohman, Christopher C. Shirk, Ronald W. Wieck
  • Patent number: 5493869
    Abstract: A system for recovering at least two different and incompatible types of refrigerant that includes a compressor having an inlet for connection through first and second parallel inlet paths to equipment under service, and an outlet for connection through first and second parallel outlet paths to refrigerant storage containers. The first inlet and outlet paths terminate in connector fittings of a first configuration, and the second inlet and outlet paths terminate in connector fittings of a second configuration different from the first. Solenoid valves are associated with the inlet and outlet paths, and are actuated alternately so that the inlet and outlet paths are not simultaneously connected to the compressor. The connector fittings are mounted on a panel that has a sliding door for selectively exposing either but not both sets of connector fittings. The chance of misconnection and mixing refrigerant types is thereby reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Roger D. Shirley, Gary P. Murray, Kenneth W. Manz
  • Patent number: 5454408
    Abstract: A variable-volume compressed natural gas ("CNG") storage vessel connected to a line supplying pressurized natural gas is described. The vessel connects to a dispensing station having a connection head--a fitting that allows a vehicle tank quickly and easily to be interconnected with and disconnected from the dispensing station. When a vehicle tank is being filled, or alternatively when a storage vessel is being replenished from the gas supply line, a controller responds to the pressure within the storage vessel to vary the volume of that vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Thermo Power Corporation
    Inventors: Francis A. DiBella, Michael D. Koplow, Richard Mastronardi
  • Patent number: 5409046
    Abstract: A method of refueling a road transportation vehicle or the like comprising receiving and storing liquid natural gas in a relatively large supply tank at relatively low temperature and moderate pressure, dispensing the liquid natural gas from the supply tank generally exclusively on demand when a vehicle is present for refueling, delivering the dispensed gas to a high-pressure fuel tank on the vehicle while simultaneously converting it to compressed natural gas at relatively high pressure and moderate temperature through the addition of energy to the gas primarily in thermal form. In one embodiment the pressure of the natural gas is elevated by a mechanical pump while in another embodiment the pressure of the natural gas is raised primarily by the addition of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventors: Paul F. Swenson, George H. Eversole
  • Patent number: 5404921
    Abstract: A system for charging compressed air cylinders with air for breathing incorporates a fragmentation containment chamber having walls of 1/4" minimum thickness steel plate and a carousel mounted in the front panel for transferring the cylinders into and out of the chamber. Specially configured locking plates are moved in and out of locking position for the carousel in accordance with the pressurizing operation. A rotary valve serves to insure that compressed air can only be transferred to the cylinders within the cylinder when they are in position for charging and not to the cylinders outside the chamber. A grating at the bottom of the chamber permits high pressure air to exit the chamber safely in case of any malfunction. Safety interlocks and automatic controls operate in accordance with rotation of the cylinders on the carousel results in the easy, rapid and safe charging of the breathing air cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: American Bristol Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Lamoreaux, Robert G. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 5284187
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating powdered coal in a solid-fuel injection installation. Such an installation comprises a powdered coal storage bunker, at least one lock connected to the circuit for pneumatically transporting the coal, at least one filtering screen connected between each lock and the bunker, a pressurized inert-gas source for pressurizing each lock and forming the pneumatically propelled flow of the coal and a circuit for pressure-equalizing and depressurizing each lock through a filter. According to the present invention, the major portion of the inert gas for depressurizing each lock is subjected to a filtering operation before being injected through the bottom of the storage bunker into the mass of coal and being discharged through a filter at the top of the bunker. The residual portion of the inert depressurizing gas is shunted directly towards the top of the storage bunker. The present invention also relates to a device for implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.
    Inventor: Louis Schmit
  • Patent number: 5257577
    Abstract: An apparatus which collects recyclable refuse in sorted compartments. Through either automatic sensors or through an operator panel, the apparatus determines the contents of the refuse and directs it to the proper compartment or container. In this manner, recyclable material such as aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastics, etc. are easily sorted to encourage the recycling of this material. Further, periodically, the refuse within the compartments are compacted and disinfected to reduce handling requirements and odors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: Melvin D. Clark
  • Patent number: 5234035
    Abstract: A supply tank having a plurality of dip tubes extending therein is provided. One dip tube is provided for each storage tank that is to be filled by the supply tank. The dip tubes are of different lengths, and their lengths are related to the amount of syrup each dip tube is to deliver. A source of compressed gas communicates with the tank to force the syrup in the tank up the desired dip tube and into the delivery line connected to the onsite syrup storage tank. When the level of syrup in the tank falls below the end of the dip tube through which delivery is being made, the flow of fluid therethrough stops, and the compressed gas forces all of the syrup in the delivery line into the storage tank. By controlling the length of the dip tubes the amount of syrup delivered can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Valley Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Neeser
  • Patent number: 5049270
    Abstract: A filter apparatus is used to filter tap water and to automatically fill two containers. This apparatus includes a filter subassembly, a housing subassembly, a water control subassembly, and first and second containers. The water control subassembly includes a center see-saw chute receiving filtered water from a supply line from the filter subassembly, and includes a left pivoted chute and a right pivoted chute, each receiving a selectively directed water stream from the center chute. Each pivoted chute has a float at one end thereof, in contact with the water in its respective container when about full. An upward force from its container water pivots each left and right chute, when the container is about full, causing the respective water stream to be redirected in the opposite direction along its chute to a reservoir and drain line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Cuno, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Carrano, Raymond M. Petrucci
  • Patent number: 5022444
    Abstract: Apparatus for filling containers alternately with predetermined quantities of material has two container positions to be fed alternately and a material guide arrangement with alternative outlets that supply the material to containers at these two positions. A pair of container support frames are arranged side by side on the front pair of a main frame, and these support frames are mounted by pivot arms to the main frame in a parallelogram arrangement. Rearwardly of the main frame front part are counterweights or counterbalances supported on either upper or lower ones of the pivot arms. An upper part of each of the support frames has a mechanism that coacts with a cooperating mechanism on the material guide arrangement to change the position of a diverter plate when the container that is being filled overbalances the corresponding counterbalance and causes the associated support frame to descend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignees: Thomas D. Kendall, Margaret J. Kendall
    Inventors: Thomas D. Kendall, Peter T. Baddet
  • Patent number: 5010929
    Abstract: The invention greatly increases the versatility and the speed at which an automatic packaging machine may fill boxes or other containers. Two fill stations are provided for alternately filling empty boxes as they move in single file past two separate fill stations. If no empty box is available to receive the product, a transfer cup is diverted and travels over one of two alternate paths at the fill station would otherwise fill the missing box. The product dumped from any non-diverted transfer cup goes into a corresponding box. The product dumped from any diverted transfer cup is returned to the start of the fill cycle. This way, the machine may simultaneously (i) fill one box with two separate products, (ii) fill alternate boxes with two different products or product volumes, or (iii) fill different kinds of boxes with product. A swing arm enables a part to be moved at each of the fill stations so that it may be repaired, maintained or cleaned without having to disassemble the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Tisma Machine Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Tisma
  • Patent number: 4898217
    Abstract: The device comprises at least two metering chambers which are so counter weighed as to be in a balanced condition on corresponding yoke members, each chamber bearing on a measuring cell, the two chambers operating, alternatively, with a loading step from the gas storage tank and a fueling step for filling the motor vehicle gas cylinders, under the control of a programmed computer or processor designed for driving a plurality of solenoid valves included in the gas supply circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Inventors: Leonard Corbo, Carlo Draghi
  • Patent number: 4852892
    Abstract: A fuel system for vehicles having two gasoline or diesel fuel tanks includes a single filler port fitting having a Y-junction located close to the mouth of the filler, so that, when the user is at the gas pump, the spout of the fuel filling hose may be directed into either of the branch channels to fill either one tank or the other tank, selectively, or may be employed to fill both of the two fuel tanks. In addition, venting arrangements from each of the tanks are coupled to the filler port fitting to accommodate smog reduction requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Inventor: Richard M. Reid
  • Patent number: 4765383
    Abstract: A motor vehicle with twin tires which includes one tire with a winter tread and a further tire with a summer tread arranged on a common rim. Each tire is provided with a device for the air pressure regulation for achieving a selective pressure decrease and increase. The device for the air pressure regulation is connected with a device for the air pressure control by way of a common control unit. Actuating switches influencing the control unit serve for the mutually matched pressure adjustment of the tires for the summer and winter operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Helmuth Bott