Abstract: A coffee beverage system is described including a coffee bean packaging cartridge and a coffee brewing apparatus. The packaging cartridge includes a container holding coffee beans and transportation component for transporting coffee beans towards an exit opening of the cartridge. The coffee apparatus comprises a grinder for grinding the coffee beans from the cartridge and a brewing device for brewing coffee from ground coffee obtained by the grinder. A metering chamber holds a predetermined amount of coffee beans and comprises a bottom portion which forms a part of the grinder, said bottom portion rotates around an axis extending in a vertical direction. A second coffee bean packaging cartridge includes a second dosing device separate from the first dosing device for preparing and/or supplying a dose of coffee beans to the entrance opening of the coffee brewing apparatus independent of the coffee brewing apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pole weight device and method of filling a weighting enclosure, comprising an integrated funnel structure to assist in filling the enclosure. In one aspect, the device comprises a body defining a first chamber. The first chamber includes a closed bottom, closed sides and an upwardly facing open top. The funnel can extend outwardly from the open top in a deployed position and can fold inside of the chamber in the retracted position. A closure can be disposed at the interface of the funnel and open top. A single or a plurality of chambers can be defined in the body, each with its own integral funnel. The chambers can be of any desired shape and size. A closure can be provided to the opening in the chamber.

Abstract: A funnel for filling sand bags includes a bowl having a reinforced wall and a reinforced lip extending along a perimeter of the bowl. The funnel further includes an elongate section formed integrally with the bowl and defining a flow path from the bowl. The elongate section includes an opening distal to the bowl, and also includes at least one rib formed in the elongate section and extending along at least a portion of the perimeter of the elongate section. A base is formed integrally with the elongate section and is sized and shaped to allow the funnel to be free-standing when receiving sand. A stop integrally formed with the base includes a flange that extends along at least a portion of the interior surface of the base.

Abstract: A fluid distributor for uniformly distributing flow of a feed onto a chromatography column in a cost-effective way defines a distribution channel of generally conical shape between a solid back plate and a packed bed in the column, wherein the fluid distributor comprises at least two circular and/or annular fluid-permeable porous disks essentially filling the volume of the distribution channel.

Abstract: A coolant filling assembly including a coolant bottle having a threaded neck, and a coolant filling aid having a cap that threadingly couples to the threaded neck of the coolant bottle. The coolant filling aid includes a conical body having a seal assembly at an end thereof. The cap is positioned between the conical body and the seal assembly, and the seal assembly sealingly engages an inner surface of the threaded neck of the coolant bottle.

Abstract: A material-channeling tray comprising a tray surface, an opposing bottom surface, and a sidewall extending from the tray surface and bottom surface. The tray surface has a plurality of channel openings and a handle opening extending through the tray surface and the bottom surface. The sidewall has an exterior surface and an interior surface, with the interior surface and tray surface defining a tray volume. The sidewall extends away from the tray surface forming an angle between the interior surface and the tray surface that is at least ninety degrees. The invention further comprises a plurality of channel walls, each forming a channel, wherein the plurality of channel walls are attached to and extend from the bottom surface, and each of the channels is positioned subjacent to one of the channel openings.

Abstract: A layering device for producing a layered drink in a drinking container may include a hollow cup with an open top. A circumferential sealing rib may be formed on an exterior surface of a wall of the cup. An opening through the wall may be positioned axially between the rib and the open top of the cup. An outer diameter of the rib may engage with an interior surface of the drinking container.

Abstract: A refuelling stand that is lightweight and easily portable which includes a funnel; a support for the funnel, which is optionally collapsible, and a conduit which is removably attached to the end of the funnel. The conduit can be made of flexible material which may be rolled up for storage alongside the support or may be formed of inflexible tubing. The refuelling stand may also include at least one stabilizing element. The refuelling stand is designed to be a free-standing apparatus which is not intended to be permanently or semi-permanently affixed. In addition, the refuelling stand can be entirely disassembled in the form of a kit which further includes instructions for use. The refuelling funnel stand is designed to be suitable for delivering fuel from a hand-held fuel can into the fuel tanks of, for example, watercraft, lawnmowers, snowblowers and the like.

Abstract: A concrete funnel and placement system comprising a funnel-type apparatus removably securable to a concrete chute having a retainer element coupled to a funnel element. The funnel element includes a downwardly sloping base forming an aperture for concrete to flow through. The aperture may be any shape or size, and one or more interchangeable discharge plates may be included in order to selectively change the shape and/or size of the aperture. Further, the aperture of the funnel element may be selectively opened or closed. Bearings, sprockets, rollers or other rotatable mechanisms may be included to allow the funnel element to rotate 360° with respect to the retainer element. The retainer element may include a gasket forming a seal with the funnel element to prevent concrete from impeding rotation.

Abstract: A hopper of a commodity conveyor apparatus for use with an agricultural implement has a bin configured to hold a volume of a granular commodity. The bin is movable between a first position at which the bin can be loaded with the granular commodity and a second position at which residual granular commodity can be recovered from the bin. The hopper further has a fill opening formed in the bin and adapted for loading the granular commodity into the bin when the bin is in the first position. A discharge opening is configured to be flow-coupled to the commodity conveyor apparatus and a container is removably attached to the bin for recovering the residual granular commodity from the bin when the bin is in the second position.

Abstract: A stripping basket for use in fly fishing from surf or a jetty having a smooth interior surface free of protrusions and having a converging lower end and adapted to be mounted to one side of an angler below the waistline slightly tilted forward for facilitating line stripping and casting during use.

Abstract: A funnel structure includes a funnel body, which has a top surface made inclining at a predetermined slope and a circumferential wall forming opposite cut-offs for stably holding an oil bottle that pours oil into an oil case and has a bottom end forming a joint tube and a first key, an extender, which has a top end forming a first joint bore and a first keyway for receiving and jointing the first joint tube and the first key and a bottom end forming a second joint tube and a second key, and a conic cap, which forms a second joint bore and a second keyway for receiving and jointing the second joint tube and the second key. The conic cap has a bottom end forming a round tube and two opposite projections to mate inward-projecting flanges and notches forming in an oil feeding port of the oil.

Abstract: A filling device directs a flow of a substance into a container. The filling device includes a bowl, a spout connected with the bowl, and a pusher. The pusher is connected with the spout to extend below the spout. The pusher has rounded bottom corner edges and is configured to move an inner lining away from an opening of the container without tearing the inner lining when the filling device is inserted in the opening.

Abstract: A biomass fractionator and method are described for inputting ground biomass and outputting several vapor streams of bio-intermediate compounds along with syngas and biochar. In one embodiment, a method for biomass fractioning, comprises dispensing biomass into thin sheets of ground biomass; subjecting the thin sheets to ramps of temperature; and selectively collecting various groups of compounds as they are released from the thin sheets.

Abstract: The application provides a funnel, funnel assembly, and a system for eliminating splash from drain pipes that discharge from an elevation above a floor drain.

Abstract: A unified system, device and method for bulk dispensing a product in a safe and sanitary environment preventing micro and macro contamination, adulteration and product mix-up. The system comprises a bulk product dispenser having a discharge valve; a container/bag holding to-be-dispensed product in a UV-proof, fluid-impermeable, sealed environment, having a tear-tab adapted for releasing the product from outside the dispenser; and a containment device removably attachable with the discharge valve which measures and dispenses the product to the consumer.

Abstract: The Vent & Drain provides an improved funnel with a built-in air vent. The invention includes a small air vent along one entire side of the funnel. The included air vent provides an escape for air during pouring which creates a smoother flow of the liquid. The improved flow will prevent liquid from erupting, stop splashes, spills, and or bubbling which will shorten the time it would normally take to pour a liquid. The Vent & Drain also promotes a cleaner environment due to less spillage of liquid.

Abstract: A tablet supply apparatus including a main body having a case accommodating unit at the upper portion thereof, plural tablet cases provided in the case accommodating unit, each of the tablet cases having tablets accommodated therein, a hopper provided at the lower side of the tablet case in the main body, a nozzle for filling tablets received by the hopper into a container, the nozzle comprising a passage through which tables drop, a shutter which is freely opened and closed so as to allow or prohibit passage of dropping tablets through the nozzle, and a sensor for detecting passage of the tablets dropping through the passage at an upper side of the shutter. Furthermore, a tablet feeder for adding deficient tablets to the hopper comprises plural cells for accommodating tablets and an endless belt on which the cells are arranged on a line side by side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating a funnel, a tool for carrying out said method, and a funnel of flat material, more particularly of plastic-coated paper. The invention further relates to a receptacle for a pulverulent and/or liquid medium, comprising a funnel disposed in a pouring or discharging region. According to the invention, a blank of flat material is shaped to a funnel-shaped sleeve (3) having an outlet opening (30), an inlet opening (31), and an opening angle (?) and the funnel-shaped sleeve (3) is swaged in at least one subregion to effect enlargement of the opening angle (?).

Abstract: A bag, consisting of a single-layer or multi-layer bag wall, which is bonded to form a tube (1) and, at least at one end, has a bottom (4) which is suitable for filling with charge through a filler of a bag-filling machine, is folded and bonded and is realized with a valve opening (13), and said bag wall being designed to dissolve in a moist environment thereby releasing the charge, makes complete dissolving of the bag wall (2) possible even in the region of the bottom (4) which is provided with the valve opening (13), characterized in that the bonding of the bottom (4) is effected using a dextrin adhesive.

Abstract: An eccentric funnel (1) for feeding liquid aluminum to the fill chamber of a die casting machine is arranged above the same and includes an upper part (2) designed as a feed channel (4) and connected to a lower part designed as a filling tube (3). Following a straight starting piece (5), the feed channel (4) continues with ever increasing curvature, until it ends over the opening of the filling tube (3) in congruence therewith. In this way, the aluminum is given a rotary motion, whereby a homogeneous flow is achieved. Over the filling tube (3), the speed of the aluminum is drastically reduced, so that it is conducted at a low impact speed downward into the filling chamber, taking up the opening surface of the filling tube (3). In this way, washout and erosion is prevented in the filling chamber, thereby achieving a long service life of the die casting machine.

Abstract: A funnel (1) comprising a funnel body (2) defining an upper inlet opening and a lower discharge opening, the inlet being of greater diameter or width than the discharge opening, at least a portion of the funnel body being define by or having mounted thereon an attachment means (16) permitting the funnel to be attached to a substantially vertically arranged body panel of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment said attachment means comprises one or more regions or portions of a magnetic material (16) for attachment to steel body panels of the vehicule or other ferromagnetic objects. In an alternative embodiment said attachment means may comprise one more suction cups. Preferably at least a portion of the funnel body is formed from a flexible or callapsible material whereby the funnel can be manipulated between an in use configuration and a collapsed or folded configuration to enable the funnel to stored in a compact form.

Abstract: A water funnel and an ice maker for a refrigerator, the water funnel including a water collecting portion having a discharge hole through which water is collected and discharged; and a drain tube having a path therein, the path downwardly extending to be communicated with the discharge hole and having a uniform cross section or a cross section increasing toward a lower side thereof, whereby a blockage of the path is prevented and thusly water is smoothly supplied to the tray.

Abstract: A container (1, 2) for storing and dispensing a liquid, the container including an access port (16) having a frangible seal (18) for allowing contained liquid to be dispensed. A vent (19) permeable to vapour but impermeable to liquid is also provided so that vapour may be vented from the interior of the container.

Abstract: A lighted funnel, particularly a lighted funnel used to fill the fuel reservoir of an automobile, comprises (a) a funnel, (b) a handle, and (c) a means of automatically illuminating the funnel, such as a micro switch that is closed by the gravitational force on a weight. When the funnel is oriented in the upright position, the illumination means automatically lights the funnel and indicates to the user that the funnel is in a substantially level position. When the funnel is oriented in the downward position, the illumination means is automatically switched off.

Abstract: An appliance dispenser includes a housing defining a recess. The housing includes a receptacle support member and a fixed funnel. An ice dispensing passage extends through the fixed funnel and operably connected with an ice bin. A variable funnel includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is adjacent the fixed funnel. The distal end is movable between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A funnel assembly includes a perimeter wall that has a frusto-conical shape and has an upper edge and a lower edge wherein a diameter of an interior bounded by the perimeter wall decreases from the upper edge to the lower edge. Each of the upper and lower edges defines openings into the interior. The perimeter wall has an aperture extending therethrough. A tool is extendable through the aperture to engage a drain bolt of an oil pan. The aperture is spaced from the upper and lower edge.

Abstract: A container filling device is provided for filling a container with desired headspace. The container filling device includes a siphon and a funnel having a bottom region configured to engage a container. The siphon extends through an opening in the bottom region and a sidewall such that a first end of the siphon has a first elevation and a second end of the siphon has a lower elevation than the first elevation. The bottom region is provided with an opening for the outflow of liquid from the receiving area into the container. Excess liquid flowing into the container beyond a desired headspace escapes from the container through the siphon. A liquid filler system can be provided with a frame, a plumbing system, and an alignment system for engaging and disengaging the container filling device with the container.

Abstract: A container is provided that is used as a container permitting easy transfer into another container without spilling of contents at the time of work of refilling. The present invention relates to a container that is fitted in a container body of tubular shape having an open end, a bottom part and a side wall and that transfers contents into a preservation container. This container has: a funnel component (201) provided with a funnel (220) whose diameter decreases from a larger opening side toward a smaller opening side and provided with a plurality of ribs (228) that extend radially from the center of an opening part (222) on the smaller opening side of the funnel (220) so as to bridge a part with another part of the inner surface of the opening part (222) on the smaller opening side; and a container body.

Abstract: System for replenishing washing or cleaning agents, comprising a spout placeable on the opening of a bottle and having a first collar with a fastener for fastening the spout to a bottle, a second collar with a fastener for fastening a closure and/or metering cap on the spout, a wall extending from the first collar or second collar, a funnel, and an adapter element connectable to the pouring opening of a replenishing container and that comprises a cylinder element and a peripheral collar, a membrane for closing the replenishing container and preventing leakage of washing or cleaning agents out of the replenishing container, wherein the cylinder element of the adapter element has a guide groove configured such that the cylinder element can be detachably placed over the funnel and the web of the spout, whereby the positioning of the adapter element relative to the spout is determined.

Abstract: A three-part laminated surface construction can be shaped and molded by hand and will retain that shape until the particular need is met, such as controlling the flow of liquids and resins, or establishing a protective cover. The surface construction includes a center sheet of lead with rubber layers secured over the lead. The perimeter of the rubber layers are secured together. The lead sheet can be provided with outer flaps, one soft rubber side and the other rubber side abrasion-resistant for folding around and protection from sharp objects.

Abstract: A load smart system for continuously loading preformed pouches into a fill-seal machine is provided. A plurality of pouches are disposed within a pouch delivery device, each of the pouches having an upper edge and an indicia. The fill-seal machine includes a rotating turret having a plurality of radially extending grippers. The rotating turret rotates the plurality of gripper pairs between a loading station, an opening station, a filling station, a sealing station, and an unloading station. A robotic transfer device is positioned between the pouch delivery device and the loading station of the fill-seal machine. The robotic transfer device includes an optical sensor positioned on a gripper member. During operation, the optical sensor scans the indicia to determine the pouch characteristics and a controlling station controls the gripper member to deposits the pouch within the gripper pairs at the loading station a predetermined distance from the upper edge of the pouch.

Abstract: A holding rack (101, 201, 301, 401) has individual positions or compartments for dosage units (102, 102?, 202, 302). Each of the dosage units has a supply receptacle (104, 104?, 204, 304) and a dispensing head (103, 103?, 203, 303) that are connected to each other. The holding rack (101, 201, 301, 401) is equipped with a means for active user guidance (105, 105?, 210, 305) which, in a process of dispensing measured substance quantities from the different dosage units into a receiving container (411), directs the user in taking out and returning the different dosage units that are seated in the holding rack.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for introducing a sample into a cryogenic system comprising, an airlock chamber, a sample path having a first end connected to the airlock chamber and a second end connected to a cryogenic helium bath, an equilibrator, inserted into the sample path and positioned between the airlock and the cryogenic bath and which allows for passage of a sample to the cryogenic helium bath, and a cooling unit to coupled to the equilibration to control the temperature of the equilibrator. A machine-readable medium, comprising instructions which when executed by a controller causes a sample to be positioned within the cryogenic system, is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel filler tube assembly is provided and may include a filler tube having a tubular body defining an inlet larger than an outlet and a funnel insert having a first cylindrical section, a second cylindrical section, and a third cylindrical section disposed between the first cylindrical section and the second cylindrical section. The first cylindrical section may be received in the inlet of the filler tube with the inlet engaging the insert between the first cylindrical section and the third cylindrical section when the first cylindrical section is disposed within the inlet of the filler tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices facilitating the addition of items into containers. In particular, the present invention relates to devices configured to assist in supplying food items into mixing containers.

Abstract: A filling device is disclosed for allowing substances to fill a beverage container. The filling device may direct a flow of liquid into a container. The filling device may have a bowl with a round and a flat portion, a neck, a wall dividing the bowl into sections, and a plurality of fingers at the terminal end of the neck. One section of the filling device may allow the substance to fill the beverage container while the other section allows air to escape.

Abstract: An oil filter change method and apparatus for use with Harley Davidson motorcycles employs a filter funnel adapted to fit beneath the oil filter prior to removal. A drain hose may be attached to a spout portion of the funnel, the filter is punctured, and oil allowed to drain therefrom. Once drained, the filter is fully removed, and is held in the funnel for removal, with minimal or no oil spillage onto the engine of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A method for reducing product breakage while filling a product into a package and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes reducing the momentum of product falling through a filling apparatus to reduce collisions of the product with other product and with the apparatus, thus reducing breakage. The vertical momentum, in one embodiment is transferred to horizontal momentum by imparting a swirling motion onto the product via swirling vanes located on the funnels. Because the product swirls in a controlled direction, collisions and breakage is effectively reduced. In another embodiment, the product encounters bumpers which absorb a portion of the products momentum and which prevent damaging collisions.

Abstract: Provided is a replacement basket configured to house a pellet bed through which fluid may pass. The flow direction of the fluid prevents the bed of pellets from fluidizing within the replacement basket. Provided also is a system using the replacement basket and a method of providing pellets in the replacement basket. According to example embodiments, a replacement basket may include a top surface portion, a bottom, and at least one vertical wall with a hole. The hole is configured to allow a flow of fluid to enter the replacement basket. A plenum, below the pellet bed, may allow a flow of fluid to proceed through the pellet bed in a downward direction. A central pipe may be provided in the replacement basket to allow the flow of fluid in the basket to exit the replacement basket.

Abstract: A sanitary beverage system and apparatus is presented. The system includes a frustoconically shaped receptacle having a first aperture, a middle portion, and a second aperture to facilitate the transfer of a liquid between a beverage receptacle and a beverage container. The first aperture has a sufficient diameter to prevent contact between an aperture of the beverage container and a beverage receptacle, and the transfer of bacteria therewith. At least one portion of the housing of the frustoconically shaped receptacle is adapted to form a secure coupling with a beverage container.

Abstract: A cap assembly and method therefore is disclosed. The cap assembly preferably has a funnel coupled thereto. Preferably, the funnel is stored within the cap assembly so that it will always be available for use. Further preferably, the user could avoid getting any of the liquid on his/her hands because the funnel would be capable of being placed into position and stored without the user ever having to touch it.

Abstract: A bottle includes an open ended hollow cylinder comprising an open first reservoir adapted to contain a quantity of first material, and an open second reservoir adapted to contain a quantity of second material; a funnel fitted on the cylinder to anchor on the joining portion of the first and the second reservoirs for sealing; and a cap releasably secured to an upper portion of the cylinder. The funnel comprises two opposite depending slopes having a third opening, and two adhesive papers each releasably disposed on the third opening, the adhesive paper having a tab extending out of the top of the third opening such that opening the bottle, tearing off the adhesive papers by pulling the tabs, closing the bottle, and slanting the bottle will communicate the first material with the second material through the opened third openings and the funnel.

Abstract: A funnel-type apparatus removably securable to a concrete chute having a retainer element coupled to a funnel element. The funnel element includes a downwardly sloping base forming an aperture for concrete to flow through, and the aperture may be any shape or size. Bearings, sprockets, rollers or other rotatable mechanisms may be included to allow the funnel element to rotate 360° with respect to the retainer element. The retainer element may include a gasket forming a seal with the funnel element to prevent concrete from impeding rotation. The retainer element may be hingedly secured to the concrete chute allowing the retainer element to be adjusted such that it is substantially horizontal while pouring concrete, independent of the angle of the concrete chute.

Abstract: A funnel, shaped like a tube, to aid transferring liquids from one vessel to another. Universal bung fittings or adaptor connections to fit the funnel and to fit a variety of containers. Calibrations on a transparent funnel. Mechanical or electronic volume flow counters to measure the quantity transferred. Hermetically sealed connection between the liquid container and the entrance to the tube. Removable hermetically sealable cap on base of funnel to catch drips.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a gas lock with a cylindrical base body fixed in the opening of a container that can be filled with bulk material, wherein the cross section of said base body essentially corresponds to the cross section of the opening in the container, with a gas supply and with at least one gas outlet that is fluidically connected to the gas supply. The gas lock features means suitable for sealing the container opening in a nearly gas-tight fashion on the lower end of the cylindrical base body, wherein said means control the quantities of bulk material and gas being introduced into the container and are realized in such a way that a gas flow is formed in the direction of the bulk material flowing into the container. These means may consist, for example, of a sealing cone.

Abstract: A combination water conservation apparatus a container system placed to collect condensate from an air conditioner window unit or central unit. The container system may optionally comprise one or two containers with the single container system recovering water and retaining a first selected reserve quantity while dispensing excess/overflow water to a watering bucket for use by transport to a selected area for watering. The watering bucket has a lid with a spout and water input/air input hole for filling via a funnel, or for relieving vacuum during pouring. If a second container is utilized, it receives the excess/overflow from the first container and dispenses its excess/overflow to the watering bucket. A reserve quantity is retained in each of the containers, and the reserve is selected by placement of a spout at a height selected to retain the chosen reserve quantity of water.

Abstract: A funnel for introducing and dispensing a material may include a first hollow frusto-conical structure including an intake port and a first exit port, where the diameter of said first exit port is smaller than the diameter of the intake port. The funnel may include a second hollow structure including a sealing element for sealing the first exit port. The second structure may mate with the first structure for forming a passage from the first structure through the second structure. Rotating the second structure with respect to the first structure may bridge a gap between the sealing element and the first exit port for sealing the passage. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A laboratory instrument with a dosage-dispensing device for the delivery of measured doses of a dosage material in the form of a powder, paste or granulate into at least one target container is equipped with dosage material funneling device which is arranged between an outlet opening of the dosage-dispensing device and the target container. The dosage material funneling device includes an agitating means and at least one funnel holder arranged on the agitating means, wherein the funnel holder serves to receive an exchangeable funnel which in its installed condition in the laboratory instrument, when the latter is ready for operation, presents a profile which decreases in width in the direction of gravity.

Abstract: A combination scoop-funnel device has a scoop shaped member and a funnel shaped member. The members are removably attached to each other by a ring protrusion on the scoop shaped member and a ring receptor on the funnel shaped member that create a ring snap when the members are pressed together.