With Inserted Or External Form For Bag Patents (Class 141/316)
  • Patent number: 10836526
    Abstract: A method for picking goods (4a . . . 4c) in a picking zone is proposed, whereby at least one bag (6) and a box-shaped loading aid (5a . . . 5d) are provided, the bag (6) is inserted in the box-shaped loading aid (5a . . . 5d), a picking aid (7a . . . 7d) is inserted in the bag (6), goods (4a . . . 4c) are packed in the bag (6) and the box-shaped loading aid (5a . . . 5d) together with the bag (6) and the goods (4a . . . 4c) is finally transported out of the picking zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: TGW Logistics Group GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Doppler, Harald Schroepf
  • Patent number: 10798884
    Abstract: The lawn debris collection device is configured for use in the collection of debris. The lawn debris collection device is configured for use with a trash bag. The lawn debris collection device holds the trash bag in an open position during the collection of debris. The debris is moved to the upwind side of the lawn debris collection device where the debris remains trapped until the debris is placed in the trash bag. The lawn debris collection device folds flat when not in use. The lawn debris collection device comprises a first side support, a second side support, a center support, and an elevated ring structure. The center support and the elevated ring structure attach the first side support to the second side support. Both the center support and the elevated ring structure are configured to hold a trash bag in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Inventor: Joseph Sweeney
  • Patent number: 10595537
    Abstract: A funneling apparatus is provided that can be used in filling a food item, such as a taco shell. The funneling apparatus includes two opposing elongated walls connected on their ends by two opposing end walls. An opening is formed inside the funneling apparatus between the elongated walls and the end walls, which includes a top portion configured to receive contents and a bottom portion configured to dispense the contents. A concave section is provided along the base of each of the first elongated wall the second elongated wall. During use of the funneling apparatus with an item such as a taco shell, the concave section exposes the interior of the side walls formed by the taco shell. The end walls of the funneling apparatus prevent the contents inserted into the opening from spilling out of the taco shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventor: John Paul Girgenti
  • Patent number: 9027748
    Abstract: A liquid filling kit having a container with a separable bottom and top member and containing the remaining cooperating elements of the filling kit. A plurality of elongated legs, a pouch holding rack and a filling member are provided to allow flexible pouches to be filled and sealed with premixed liquids for subsequent use. The bottom member may be adapted to receive the elongated legs to thereby elevate the pouch holding rack and the filling member so that the premixed liquids may be poured through the compartments of the filling member into the open pouches held by the holding rack therebelow. Subsequent use of the filling kit, the components may be disassembled for storage within the bottom and top members forming the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: William Perkins
  • Patent number: 8794272
    Abstract: A granular filler transfer device is provided for transferring granular fill material from a source container into a destination container. The device includes a tubular member having a first end portion flared outwardly approaching a first end of the tubular member and a second end portion flared outwardly approaching a second end of the tubular member. A first strap is removably coupled to the tubular member proximate the first end portion. The first strap is configured for securing around an opening of a source container holding a granular filler material. A second strap is removably coupled to the tubular member and positioned proximate the second end portion. The second strap is configured for securing around an aperture of a destination container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventors: Karen L. Foley, David Darryl Roberts
  • Patent number: 8763843
    Abstract: A water storage assembly is disclosed including a flexible bladder having a water storage cavity, a water inlet in fluid communication with said cavity, a water outlet in fluid communication with said cavity, and a rigid frame adapted to support said bladder wherein said bladder wherein said bladder is secured to said rigid frame and said bladder is adapted to expand and contract upon flow of said water into and out of said cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Graeme Alexander Marett, Andrew Waudby
  • Publication number: 20140096864
    Abstract: A device (100, 200) for transferring material (11, 211) into a bag (40, 240) including a funnel (10, 210) having a sidewall (58, 258) with a step (13, 213), and the funnel (10, 210) includes an outlet end (52, 252). The bag (40, 240) having an opening (45, 245) receives the outlet end (50, 252) of the funnel (10, 210) and the step (13, 213). Further, the device (100, 200) includes a support (20, 220) for receiving the funnel (10, 210) in combination with the bag (40, 240). The support (20, 220) includes a top surface (12, 212). The step (13, 213) rests generally above a portion of the top surface (12, 212) to substantially secure the bag (40, 240) between the funnel (10, 210) and the support (20, 220).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: John Kalember, Scott A. Brauer
  • Patent number: 8684045
    Abstract: A means for retaining a resealable bag in an open position for filling purposes is described which includes a surround having an interior dimension less than a nominal width of one side of an unfilled and sealed bag. A pair of cut-outs formed into the surround are shaped and sized to guide edges of a bag during insertion into the surround, retain the upper corners of the bag to prevent axial movement of the bag once inserted, and bias the mouth of the bag in a open position to receive contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Russell Paul Moehle
  • Patent number: 8656966
    Abstract: A yard waste bag device is provided having a rectangularly tubular structure with rounded lower edges, adapted to maintain a bag opening while loading contents therein. The device comprises two open ends, a hollow interior and rotating corners adapted to allow a condensed, folded configuration for storage. A user may slide this assisting device into a yard waste bag in order to maintain the bag opening, whether in a vertical or horizontal position. Once the yard waste bag is full, the assisting device may be removed and stored. There is a designated marker within the device to identify the fill mark for the bag to prevent overfilling. A handle may be provided in the top edges of the device to facilitate removal of the device once the bag has been filled. The lower edges of the device are rounded to facilitate smooth entry into a yard waste bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventors: John Copland, Lesley Copland
  • Patent number: 8622098
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container for fluids, in particular liquids, such as beer or water, comprising an outer casing, preferably spheroid and preferably made of a rigid material, a gas and/or liquid tight inner casing of a flexible material located inside the outer casing, a valve part for filling the container with a fluid, and at least one vent via which the inside of the outer casing communicates with the outside at least during filling. One or more spacers are located between the inner casing and the outer casing, providing one or more venting paths at least during filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Eurokeg B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Veenendaal, Jan Dirk Veenendaal, Hubert Joseph Frans Hanssen
  • Patent number: 8511048
    Abstract: An automated method for forming a packaged good article includes establishing a continuous path of travel for a mandrel. The mandrel defines an open interior between a package side and a loading side. With the mandrel at a first angle, a packaging material is wrapped about the mandrel at a first station along the path of travel to define a partial package. Product is dispensed into the partial package at a second station. With the mandrel at the second angle, the partial package and the mandrel are separated from one another at a third station. The first angle of the mandrel (at the first station) differs from the second angle of the mandrel (at the third station). The partial package is closed to form a packaged good article. In some embodiments, the mandrel is horizontal at the first station and is vertical at the third station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Brenton L. Smith
  • Patent number: 8479780
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling top opening refuse bags including an upright bag supporting structure and a separate hopper supportable on the upright structure for directing refuse into a refuse bag. The upright support structure and hopper both have a collapsible design which permits folding from an open operative condition to a substantially flat condition for storage. The hopper is formed by a unique arrangement of trapezoidal panels which permit collapsing of the hopper to the substantially flat condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Jesus Daniel Fernandez, David J. Fernandez, Jr., Nicolas G. Walters
  • Patent number: 8413691
    Abstract: A system to transport solids in liquid media, especially in the field of maritime and land transportation of fruits or vegetables in the agricultural produce area, or of any product having to be transported in liquid media for their protection against environment and the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Andesocean S.A.
    Inventors: Michael John Stead Faille, Peter Herbert Burger
  • Patent number: 8333224
    Abstract: A method of filling a cartridge having one or more pouches and a filling system therefore. The method may include the steps of placing the pouch on a support, placing a first cartridge half over the pouch and the support, placing the pouch and the first cartridge half on a second cartridge half to form the cartridge, maneuvering the cartridge to a filling unit, and filling the pouch within the cartridge. The filling system may include a pouch transport system, a pouch and cartridge pallet, a pouch transfer assembly to position a pouch from the pouch transport system on the pouch and cartridge pallet, a cartridge takeoff device to position a first cartridge half on the pouch and a second cartridge half on the pouch and cartridge pallet, a cartridge assembly device to place the first cartridge, half with the pouch on the second cartridge half, and a cartridge filling unit to fill the pouch of the cartridge with a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Robert V. Sheehy, Mark F. Friedlein
  • Publication number: 20120279610
    Abstract: A sandbag filling device and method for assisting one person with easily and quickly filling a flexible bag with sand to form a sandbag. The device has a body which fits in the open top end of the flexible bag and is placed in an upright position against the closed bottom end thereof to allow one person to dump sand in the bag. The body can have a generally cylindrical or, for improved storage and transport, conical shaped structure. Alternatively, the body can have ends that are moved to an overlap area for insertion into the flexible bag and filling the bag with sand. When not formed for use, the body can lay flat or be curved, for ease of forming, both of which allow quick and easy storage and transport of a plurality of sandbag filling devices. Handles ease removal of the device from the flexible bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: David Allan Krum
  • Patent number: 8272410
    Abstract: A method for filling a dispensing bag includes inserting a collapsed bag within a chamber of a bin and securing a lower end of the collapsed bag to the bin. After securing the lower end of the collapsed bag to the bin, a hoist coupled to an upper end of the collapsed bag is manipulated so that the hoist raises the upper end of the collapsed bag within the chamber while the lower end of the collapsed bag remains secured to the bin so as to expand the collapsed bag within the chamber of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: HyClone Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Elgan, Brett L. Allred, Gary Graetz, Jeremy K. Larsen, Jim A. Austin
  • Patent number: 8261782
    Abstract: A liquid reclamation apparatus for use in changing automobile oil includes a container, a portable receptacle within the container and dimensioned to hold a volume of oil sufficient to perform an oil change and a cover releasably secured to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Fredette, David Fredette
  • Patent number: 8104520
    Abstract: A method of forming a transportable container of bulk goods begins by placing the distributing end of a hopper over the open top of a bunched bag. Bulk goods are dispensed from the distributing end of the hopper through the open top of the bag to establish a level of bulk goods in the bag. The hopper moves vertically relative to the closed base of the bag during the dispensing of bulk goods from the distributing end of the hopper to maintain vertical spacing between the distributing end of the hopper and the level of bulk goods in the bag. A hopper fill level is maintained in the hopper during the dispensing of bulk goods from the hopper. An outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag while filling the bag to form the transportable container. The outer wrap is maintained near the level of bulk goods in the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: Dave Ours, Sharon Juntunen, Stanley Davis, Clark Kreider
  • Patent number: 7992598
    Abstract: A method for filling a dispensing bag includes inserting a collapsed bag within the chamber of a bin, the chamber being bounded by a floor and an upstanding sidewall. A first port formed on the collapsed bag is securely fixed within a port hole formed on the floor of the bin. A hoist mounted on the bin is manipulated so that the hoist raises an upper end of the collapsed bag within the chamber while the first port remains fixed within the port hole so as to expand the collapsed bag within the chamber of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: HyClone Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Elgan, Brett L. Allred, Gary Graetz, Jeremy K. Larsen, Jim A. Austin
  • Patent number: 7975732
    Abstract: A device (1) for holding sacks open, with a frame (2), wherein the frame (2) forms the opening (5) of the device (1) for holding sacks open, and the opening (5) can be closed by means of a cover element (3), which is mounted in a pivotable manner on the frame (2), the frame (2) having at least one guide element (2a), by means of which the cover element (3) can be moved from a first position into a second position, wherein the cover element (3) in the first position can be pivoted and optionally closes or exposes the opening (5) of the frame (2), and in the second position the cover element (3) serves as a ramp over the side web (2j) of the frame (2), lying on the ground, and is held on the frame (2) in a manner secure against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Italia Stampa s.r.l
    Inventor: Reinhard Schoniger
  • Patent number: 7913721
    Abstract: The present invention is a recyclable oil drain pan intended to encourage proper disposal of used motor oil. The recyclable oil drain pan generally consists of a stiff outer container and a flexible inner container. The stiff outer container has a recessed upper surface that can be sloped towards an opening that passes through the upper surface. The opening of the outer container connects to the opening of a flexible inner container that receives the used oil. The opening can be sealed via a cap or plug to effectively contain the used motor oil. Preferably the entire apparatus would be recyclable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: John Henecke
  • Publication number: 20110041954
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of devices and methods, which may aid in leaf and debris (or other particles) cleanup or transport sometimes used in conjunction with tarps and/or filling of garbage cans and garbage/leaf bags, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, a funneling apparatus generally includes a sheet having edges defining a perimeter. A stay may be disposed along at least one of the edges and at least partially along the perimeter of the sheet. The funneling apparatus may be reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the sheet is substantially flat and a second configuration in which the sheet is rolled into at least one funnel-like configuration. The stay may be operable for helping the sheet remain substantially flat for the first configuration of the funneling apparatus and/or for helping retain the funnel-like configuration for the second configuration of the funneling apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Noonan
  • Patent number: 7886778
    Abstract: A cartridge for storing a flowable substance in a bulk container is disclosed. The cartridge includes a shell having a breakable score line and configured to sit inside the bulk container and a bag positioned within the shell and configured to be filled with the flowable substance. The bag has a port for introducing the flowable substance into the bag and a drain spout in fluid communication with the bag, allowing the flowable substance to be drained from the bag after filling. The breakable score line is configured to separate due to force exerted on the shell as the bag is filled, allowing the bag to expand inside the bulk container. A method of filling a bulk container with a flowable substance using the cartridge is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Menasha Corporation
    Inventor: Richard B. McDowell
  • Publication number: 20110005636
    Abstract: An implement for mechanically filling multiple sandbags at a time is used on a loader bucket of loader-type equipment. The implement has a planar surface in which a plurality of filler apertures are formed in a plurality of rows evenly spaced over its surface area. Each filler aperture has a tensioner ring around the aperture for holding a drawstring held in a sleeve around an open end of the sandbag. A trigger mechanism is movable to a locked position in which the drawstring of the sandbag is pulled tight so that the open end of the sandbag is held in place on the tensioner ring, to an unlocked position in which the trigger mechanism lifts the drawstring off the tensioner ring to allow the sandbag filled with filler material to pull on and cinch the open end of the sandbag closed, and to a release position in which the cinched sandbag is released to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph W. Hartley, III
  • Publication number: 20100294396
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling seal for a container flexible at least in sections, for example a bag or a hose, comprising a first and a second longitudinal sealing bead, which in each case are fitted with first and second sealing elements, and a coupler seal, which is provided with a longitudinal bead with adjacent third and fourth sealing elements, which can be connected reversibly, in particular sealed to the environment, with the first or respectively second sealing elements of the first and second sealing beads. Furthermore, the invention relates to a docking device, formed by two inventive coupling seals. At this point, the first and second sealing elements of the first coupling seal engage in each case in complementary first and second sealing elements of the second coupling seal. In addition, the invention relates to a container flexible at least in sections, whereof the opening is fitted with an inventive coupling seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: GEA NIRO GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Koch, Peter Lais
  • Patent number: 7736057
    Abstract: An article to aid loading a leaf bag is disclosed. The article has a tubular body member configured and arranged to fold substantially flat and insert into a leaf bag and a funnel structure extending from the tubular body member, which is also configured and arranged to fold substantially flat. The funnel structure comprises at least one panel connected to at least one flexible insert to form a substantially cone-shaped funnel that empties into the tubular body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Leaf Bag Funnel, LLC
    Inventor: David VanBost
  • Patent number: 7661635
    Abstract: A bag holder (650) for holding a t-shirt bag (651) includes a holder frame (652) and a holder handle (654) that is secured to the holder frame (652). The holder frame (652) selectively holds the t-shirt bag (651) and including a first handle restraint (658) that restrains a first bag handle (651B) of the t-shirt bag (651), and a second handle restraint (660) that restrains a second bag handle (651D) of the t-shirt bag (651). The holder handle (654) is movable relative to the holder frame (652) between a carrying position (678) in which the holder handle (654) is used for carrying the holder frame (652) and the t-shirt bag (651), and an attachment position (680) in which that holder handle (654) is used for hanging the holder frame (652) and the t-shirt bag (651) near a vertical surface (676). With this design, the bag holder (650) can easily be carried and moved by hand, and the bag holder (650) can be easily secured to a door (686).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Cool Stuff, LLC
    Inventor: Peter McConnell
  • Publication number: 20100012220
    Abstract: A dimensionally stable receptacle for accommodating at least one flexible packing drum in an interior space of the receptacle comprises a bottom, a side wall at least one suction line leading into the interior space, at least one passage device, and at least one feed opening. At least one first docking coupling is located in or adjacent to the feed opening and/or forming the feed opening, for docking a first feeding conduit for bulk material such that, when a flexible packing drums located in the receptacle is coupled to the first docking coupling of the feed opening, the interior space may be sealed, in which a state of vacuum is obtainable through suction in the suction line. The invention further relates to a filling module and method for filling a flexible packing drum with bulk material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: GEA NIRO GMBH
    Inventors: Michael S. Waldron, Freddy Vandenbroucke, Jurgen Boeckx, Peter Lais, Martin Koch
  • Publication number: 20090114311
    Abstract: A cartridge for storing a flowable substance in a bulk container is disclosed. The cartridge includes a shell having a breakable score line and configured to sit inside the bulk container and a bag positioned within the shell and configured to be filled with the flowable substance. The bag has a port for introducing the flowable substance into the bag and a drain spout in fluid communication with the bag, allowing the flowable substance to be drained from the bag after filling. The breakable score line is configured to separate due to force exerted on the shell as the bag is filled, allowing the bag to expand inside the bulk container. A method of filling a bulk container with a flowable substance using the cartridge is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: MENASHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Richard B. McDowell
  • Patent number: 7472727
    Abstract: A stand to which a sandbag can be easily and quickly, yet securely, attached and which includes a funnel portion that directs sand into the attached sandbag. The stand includes legs that are foldable for storage and a clip system for quickly and securely attaching and detaching sandbags to the funnel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Ryan N. Sherrard
  • Patent number: 7404531
    Abstract: An improved plastic trash bag holder is presented. The invention will hold a standard t-shirt shopping bag firmly and permit the bag to be held in the hand by means of an attached handle or placed on a vertical flat surface by means of screw or other attachments mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Peter McConnell
  • Patent number: 7395842
    Abstract: An apparatus to aid in the filling or refilling of a flexible, collapsible container having a pour spout and a method for using same. The apparatus includes a center frame element having attached to its upper end an upper frame element adapted to receive at least a portion of the pour spout of the container. At its lower end, the center frame element is attached to a lower frame element adapted to cradle a lower portion of the container being filled and to urge the container toward the center frame element as the flexible, collapsible container fills and expands. The apparatus is portable and may be removably mounted to a variety of vertical or horizontal surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: John J. Dyer
  • Patent number: 7357158
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for filling an improved aerosol dispenser with a first and a second fluid product and an aerosol propellant. The process comprises the steps of filling a first and a second inner container located within an aerosol container with the first and the second fluid products. The aerosol container is filled with the aerosol propellant. The improved aerosol dispenser separately stores the first and second fluid prior to use. The improved aerosol dispenser mixes and dispenses the first and second fluids for discharge from a terminal orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Seaquist Perfect Dispensing Foreign
    Inventors: Patrick Timothy Yerby, Mark Neuhalfen
  • Patent number: 7353851
    Abstract: A bulk bag filler is provided having a frame assembly, a bag filling head, rotatable hooks for engaging bag loops and latch assemblies to engage the rotatable hooks. Each of the latch assemblies include an actuatable latch pin to release the rotatable hook, and upon release, the latch assemblies are gravity driven to return to a latching position in which the rotatable hooks are re-engageable. A method for loading a bulk bag with a bulk material is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Flexicon Corporation
    Inventors: Keith W. Sterner, David R. Gill, John F. Simonof, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7350547
    Abstract: A tensioner and method for use in holding the mouth of a bag in an open position has an annular body made of flexible and resilient material with a perimeter of fixed length. The tensioner can be compressed by manually forcing a periphery of the annular body inward. In the compressed position, the annular body is inserted into the mouth of the bag and the inward pressure is removed to allow the annular body to expand against the sides of the bag with sufficient pressure to hold the bag open and to hold the annular body in the installed position within the bag. A tensioner and bag in combination is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Frank K. Quiring
  • Patent number: 7284579
    Abstract: A fluid bin assembly includes a bin having a floor with a side wall upstanding therefrom. The floor and the side wall bound a chamber. The floor has an opening extending therethrough that communicates with the chamber. A retention plate is removably mounted to the floor of the bin so as to at least partially cover the opening extending therethrough. The retention plate at least partially bounds a porthole that openly communicates with the chamber of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Hyclone Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Elgan, Brett L. Allred, Gary Graetz, Jeremy K. Larsen, Jim Austin
  • Patent number: 7252123
    Abstract: A grout bag housing support in the shape of cylinder has an upper open end and a lower open end, with a sidewall having passageways at the lower end through which water may drain during the grout bag filling operation. A securing collar is dimensioned to fit in the upper end of the cylinder in order to hold a grout bag firmly in place while being filled, and to thereafter permit removal of the grout bag upon removal of the securing collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Ricky W. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7174924
    Abstract: A method for filling a container with a plurality of particles includes the step of filling a radially flexible container through a large diameter with a plurality of particles to a fill level. The method also includes the step of reducing the large diameter of the radially flexible container to a smaller fill diameter in vertical relationship to the fill level as the fill level rises during filling of the flexible container. The method also includes the step of varying the vertical relationship between the fill level and the smaller fill diameter in response to the density of the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: David C. Ours, Randall L. Cary
  • Patent number: 7168460
    Abstract: An apparatus for decanting pulverulent product (Q) into a receptacle (50) made of deformable material which receptacle is arranged in a container made of rigid material and is temporarily placed upstream of a lock system containing so-called glove boxes, a shaft (64) is rotatably mounted at a distance (n) from an adjustable base (B), on which shaft at least one hood designed as a glove box, at least one hood trough (80) made of metallic material, preferably of stainless steel, is fixed; at least one support plate (78) for the rigid container is attached to length-adjustable piston/cylinder units (76) at an adjustable distance from the shaft (64), the support plate being parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis (N), and the rigid container is sealingly connected at the other end to a connecting tube (34a) which projects into the hood or the hood trough (80) or the hood system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventors: Yves Dietrich, Frédéric Dietrich
  • Patent number: 7114534
    Abstract: The present invention is a composite trash container that includes a container body defining a trash chamber and an opening that provides access to the trash chamber; a support mounted to the container body adjacent the opening, the support having a flange extending therefrom that is configured for rotational mounting a tubing cassette above the trash chamber, wherein the support encloses less than all of the opening to the trash chamber so that trash can be passed through the opening and into the trash chamber; a tubing cassette rotationally mounted to the flange of the support; and a tube sealing means for forming trash packets from tubing that is dispensed from the tubing cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Chomik, Mark Yoho
  • Patent number: 7066220
    Abstract: A novel yard waste collection system is provided which can be used with both paper and plastic trash and lawn waste bags. A pair of upside down U-shaped members are provided which are connected by four pivoted arms to create a support frame such that the support frame can be held in either an open or closed position. The open end of the U-shaped members faces towards the ground with the closed end of the U-shaped members being on the top side of the support frame when in use. When the support frame is in closed position, the device is relatively flat for easy storage in a closet, garage, or storage shed. The four pivoted arms, two on each side of the pair of U-shaped members, are pivotally connected to the two U-shaped members such that a first U-shaped member is held below the second U-shaped member. The device can be pivoted to an open position such that the two U-shaped arms remain in a generally parallel position in respect to one another forming a rectangular box shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Take and Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael C. Take, Randall H. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7007725
    Abstract: A sanitary bag having an outlet tube, the bag adapted to be sanitarily filled with water by an end-user of the bag, and an insulated container to hold the bag in a location remote from a water-filling location, the container including a spigot, wherein the outlet tube of the bag extends through the spigot. A method including attaching an input member from a sanitary water supply to an inlet of a bag in a substantially sealed configuration, filling the flexible bag with water, removing the input member from the inlet without allowing any contaminants to reach the water, and placing the flexible bag within a portable insulated container for use at a location remote from the filling location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Shaun Peltier
  • Patent number: 7004212
    Abstract: A bulk bag filler for filling bulk bags having bag hanging loops and a fill spout is provided. The filler includes a bag filling head having at least a moveable portion that can be moved from a filling position, in which the hanging loops are suspended from hanging loop supports in a position to allow the bulk bag to be filled, to a bag attaching position, in which at least some of the hanging loop supports for attachment of a bulk bag to be filled and a bag spout connection are positioned in proximity to a side of the bag filler. A method for loading a bulk bag is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Flexicon Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Gill, Keith W. Sterner, John F. Simonoff, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6978812
    Abstract: A mobile bag filling system for filling bags with fluent matter, such as sand, and comprises a hopper, a flume, and first and second conveyor systems. The hopper receives the fluent matter from a source and an auger within the hopper moves the fluent matter onto the first conveyor system and transfers the fluent matter from the hopper up a ramping section to the flume. The flume directs the fluent matter into at least one holding receptacle, or sandbag. The second conveyor system receives the sandbag after it has received the fluent matter and moves the sandbag sufficiently to one side of the flumes to allow a user to fill another sandbag. The mobile bag filling system may also include a sandbag docking station configured to receive the sandbag after the sandbag has received the fluent matter and disconnected from the flume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Joe Summerville
  • Patent number: 6932126
    Abstract: An open frame has a base. The base has horizontal parallel legs. The base has first free ends and second ends. An integral horizontal connecting leg is between the legs. The open frame has a pivotable support. The open frame has angled legs. The angled legs have lower ends and upper ends. A connecting plate is provided between the ends. The open frame also has a pair of pivot brackets. Each bracket has a lower pin pivotably extending through the first end of a horizontal leg. Each bracket has an upper pin pivotably extending through the lower end of an angled leg. A cylindrical lower hoop is coupled to the connecting plate. A cylindrical upper hoop has an operative position such that it is centered over the first hoop. Secured to the upper hoop is a plate. The second hoop may be rotated from the first hoop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Andrew J. Spagnolo
  • Patent number: 6901974
    Abstract: The present invention is a composite trash container that includes a container body defining a trash chamber and an opening that provides access to the trash chamber; a support mounted to the container body adjacent the opening, the support having a flange extending therefrom that is configured for rotational mounting a tubing cassette above the trash chamber, wherein the support encloses less than all of the opening to the trash chamber so that trash can be passed through the opening and into the trash chamber; a tubing cassette rotationally mounted to the flange of the support; and a tube sealing means for forming trash packets from tubing that is dispensed from the tubing cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Chomik, Mark Yoho
  • Patent number: 6874544
    Abstract: A pressurized dispensing system (10) for dispensing a multi-component product, comprises an outer body (11) defining a first chamber (8) constructed to contain a first component of said product; an inner container (20), disposed within said body, defining a second chamber (7) constructed to contain a second component of said product and maintain said second component separate from said first component; a dispensing head (50), in fluid communication with said first (8) and second (7) chambers, through which the product is dispensed; and a modular valve assembly (5), including a valve constructed to move between a closed position, in which said first and second chambers are sealed, and an open position, in which said first and second components flow simultaneously from said first and second chambers to said dispensing head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: William T. O'Connor, Robert G. Petit, M. Scott Curry
  • Patent number: 6843283
    Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for emptying casks (1) equipped with an external bag (11) and an internal bag (12) containing powdery products. It comprises a glove box (12) consisting of a bell made of a transparent material. It is provided, on its upper part, with an opening for the passage of a suction rod (3, 31, 32) equipped with sealing means between said pipe and the bell. The lower part of the bell is provided with means adapted to be urged in sealed position on the upper part of a cask (1). The bell (2) is suspended to a frame (5, 15) for its vertical displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Frédéric Dietrich
  • Patent number: 6698474
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in handling a bag. The apparatus includes a center support member, a bag tensioner mounted to the support member and a pair of spaced apart tines mounted to the tensioner and extending downwardly with respect to the tensioner. The tines have a length greater than a length of the bag sides and a width for defining an opening in a bag. The tensioner is adjustable from a bag tensioning position to a bag release position, such that in the release position the first and second tines are disposed at the bag release distance such that the tines are insertable into the open end of the bag. When a bag is mounted on the tines and the apparatus is set upon a flat surface, the support member and the tines locate the apparatus such that an opening in the bag is readily accessible for loading food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: William J. Trsek
  • Patent number: 6637474
    Abstract: A portable levee system including a substantially U-shaped lower frame having a hopper truss extending from said lower frame, a hopper support frame slidably connected to vertical hopper support members depending from the hopper truss. A hopper is positioned in the hopper support frame and a bag rail depends from the hopper support frame and beneath the hopper. The hopper frame may be adjustable manually by rack and pinion, by a hydraulic system, or by other mechanical means. The bag rail may have a plurality of bag guides disposed therein for quickly and easily positioning a levee bag beneath the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Westwind Levee Systems, LLC
    Inventor: David K. Hall