Supply Or Flow Path Not Concentric With Receiver Inlet Patents (Class 141/333)
  • Patent number: 10450180
    Abstract: A tool kit comprised of multiple components from which select components may be assembled to provide a customized funnel construction with an adapter matched to a crankcase filling port of an internal combustion engine. Selective components of the kit may be arranged to provide an efficient and easily assembled oil filing device which provides improved access to crankcase filling ports of internal combustion engines. The components can easily be rearranged depending upon the design of the filling port of engine which is being serviced. The kit includes a common funnel section, one or more unique nozzle sections which in combination are compatible with two or more distinct unique adapters. This combination enables the use of a funnel of universal design for and with adapters of distinct design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventor: Randall J. Ploeger
  • Patent number: 9560948
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a fluid distribution system for storing and delivering fluid to a surface to be cleaned, and includes a supply tank defining a chamber with a fill opening and a fill cap pivotable between an open position and a closed position to selectively cover the fill opening and which includes a funnel for filling the supply tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Gang Huang, Hui Wu
  • Patent number: 8973625
    Abstract: An oil filling device includes an oil filling funnel, an extendable tube assembly, a direction adjustment assembly, and a coupling assembly. The oil filling funnel is mounted to a first end of the extendable tube assembly. The extendable tube assembly has a second end mounted to the direction adjustment assembly. The direction adjustment assembly is mounted to the coupling assembly that is attachable to an oil filling hole of an engine. The direction adjustment assembly enables adjustment of the direction of the extendable tube assembly and the oil filling funnel with respect to the engine, while the extendable tube assembly allows the oil filling funnel to be selectively moved toward or away from the oil filling hole. Thus, the oil filling device may accommodate various heights and angles of oil filling hole of engine and allows filling of oil into the engine to be conducted in a smoother manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Lih Yann Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Po Lin Liao
  • Patent number: 8939182
    Abstract: A liquid collection system includes a liquid collection portion configured to attach to a waste receptacle having a waste receptacle opening. The liquid collection portion has a liquid collection opening which extends into the waste receptacle opening. The liquid container also has a liquid reservoir portion attached to the liquid collection portion and in communication with the liquid collection opening. A fill indicator is in communication with the liquid container. The fill indicator is configured to indicate when an amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir portion has a predetermined volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Jay Vincent Lambke
  • Patent number: 8875753
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: David Norris
  • Patent number: 8875751
    Abstract: A storage and dispensing container includes: a housing having a bottom plate with a feed opening defined therein, and a generally cylindrical outer wall extending around an outer periphery of the bottom plate; a funnel disposed at a lower end of the housing, in flow communication with the feed opening; a drum having an outer wall defining an interior that is partitioned into at least two chambers which are open at upper and lower ends thereof, the wall including a cylindrical portion which is coupled to the outer wall of the housing, such that the drum is rotatable relative to the housing; and a removable cap which closes off the upper end of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Moses Nueman, Jr., Wayne Grubaugh, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140027007
    Abstract: A method for fluid control including the steps of packaging a fluid product for use by an end user in a packaging container housing substantially everything required for consumption of the fluid product; enclosing in the packaging container a receptacle adapted to be employed to receive degraded fluid prior to use of the fluid product; and substantially sealing the receptacle after receiving the degraded fluid for subsequent transport of the degraded fluid and an apparatus therefor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Juan H. VARGAS
  • Patent number: 8631841
    Abstract: A funnel having a collection area disposed at one end of the funnel. A base surface of the collection area is flat. A flange surrounding an inlet opening is positioned spaced from the collection area. When the funnel is placed in a vertical orientation with the base surface of the collection area contacting a horizontal surface, a lowermost edge of the flange surrounding the inlet opening is aligned with the base surface of the collection area. The funnel is thereby supported in a vertical orientation on the horizontal surface by two contact points. In this position, the residual fluid in the funnel is transferred by gravity to collect within the collection area. No residual fluid is allowed to escape from the interior of the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Navajo Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Levy, Ming Shan, David L. Martin
  • Patent number: 8485234
    Abstract: A funnel for filling a container with liquid through an aperture in a side wall of the container includes a panel that has a fill spout. A rim is disposed on a lower edge of the panel and adapted to engage a lower inner surface of the side wall. A tab extends from the panel and is adapted to engage an outer surface of the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Pfaff, Kevin R. Krueger, Anthony J. Nicosia, James S. Graham, Jonathan N. Barber
  • Patent number: 8448679
    Abstract: A water treatment device for filling at least one bottle with treated tap water includes a housing unit having a reservoir, and at least one valve arranged in fluid communication with the reservoir, the valve having a water inlet/air exit port arranged adjacent to the housing unit, and a water exit/air inlet port arranged opposite the water inlet/air exit port, whereby when the valve is actuated to its open condition, water flows through the valve and into the bottle, and air entrapped in the bottle flows through the valve and into the surrounding environment. When the valve is in its closed condition, air and water do not flow through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Judd D. Olson, Sean C. McGreevy, Kent E. Lageson, Kevin E. Kinzer, Paul J. Cobian, Benjamin P. Williams
  • Patent number: 8430138
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: John McGeary
  • Patent number: 8088117
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a fill port for a flexible container such as a flexible self supporting dewatering or marine structure. The container includes a flexible material having at least one opening and a fill port having an inner port body and an outer port body. At least one face of the inner and/or outer port body has a plurality of cellular surfaces with cavities that do not extend through the inner and/or outer port body on which they are positioned. The cavities receive a portion of the flexible material when the inner port body, the flexible material, and the outer port body are secured together and in use, thus minimizing stresses on the flexible material surrounding the fill port by equally distributing the forces acting on this material during the filling stage and thus reducing the risk of tears or failure to the flexible container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nicolon Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Charles Stephens, Edward Warren Trainer
  • Publication number: 20110169243
    Abstract: A funnel for filling a container with liquid through an aperture in a side wall of the container includes a panel that has a fill spout. A rim is disposed on a lower edge of the panel and adapted to engage a lower inner surface of the side wall. A tab extends from the panel and is adapted to engage an outer surface of the side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Pfaff, Kevin R. Krueger
  • Patent number: 7896039
    Abstract: The distributor serves for a pairwise delivery of two liquids to a plurality of infeed sites in a reactor or in a column with a density of at least 50 sites per m2. The distributor has a pair of main passages that supply pairs of secondary passages with different liquid. Each pair of secondary passages is formed by a pair of upstanding side parts and an upstanding partition wall. Each side part has a base extending from a lower edge to the partition wall to define a secondary passage therewith for receiving liquid from a respective one of the main passages, and each base has a plurality of outlet apertures for the outflow of liquid from the respective secondary passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventors: Christian Gottlieb Bachmann, Emil Fehr
  • Patent number: 7721774
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: LBP Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Cook, John Schwan, Paul Petriekis
  • Patent number: 7270159
    Abstract: A funnel apparatus for aiding in filling containers, such as gasoline tanks on lawnmowers and similar items, with a liquid material. The funnel apparatus comprises a main body member having a first predetermined shape. There is a throat member having a second predetermined shape and connected to a bottom portion of the main body member for insertion into such container to be filled. A pair of adjustable stabilizing legs are engageable with the main body member for preventing the funnel apparatus from tipping over during filling. The adjustable stabilizing legs are disposed in spaced apart relationship. There is also an indicating means engageable with at least one of the main body member and the throat member for indicating what level such liquid being added to such container is at.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Lawrence C. Burns
  • Patent number: 7000950
    Abstract: A filler neck for a fuel tank used on busses achieves higher filling rates by varying the geometry and cross sectional size of the filler neck depending on local slope of the neck and available space to fit the neck, particularly between a bus chassis frame rail and the bus body floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Robert H. Neely, Jr., David J. Martin, Howard L. Pratt, Brad A. Hively, Len A. Hindsley
  • Patent number: 6966935
    Abstract: A filter cleaner for wet/dry vacuum is provided for effectively cleaning filter cartridges employed for use in a class of vacuum cleaners commonly referred to as “wet/dry vacs.” The filter cleaner apparatus includes a cylindrical catch tank supported by a base. The catch tank supports an attachable circular lid. A motor cover, which is disposed atop the circular lid, is mounted with a handle. Housed within catch tank is an electric motor which spinably drives an upper filter plate via a rotatable shaft. A lower filter plate assembly housed within catch tank includes a rotatable lower filter plate being spring-biased in an upward manner. The lower filter plate assembly further includes a debris directional funnel which directs debris to a removable collection tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas J. Neighbors, Peter L. Barrett
  • Patent number: 6901976
    Abstract: A device is positioned on the top of a beverage can for receiving saliva expectorated by a tobacco chewer and directing the saliva into the can. The device incorporates structure making the combination of container and can spill resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventors: Anthony Bautista, Brian Goodell
  • Patent number: 6715647
    Abstract: A funnel with support assembly for pouring paint from a can, having a funnel and a funnel support having a holster and a stand upon which the holster is supported. The funnel may be supported upon the funnel support. The funnel has a large opening located in proximity to the funnel top, a small opening located in proximity to the funnel bottom, and a cap for sealing its small opening. In use, the holster and stand are positioned above a paint tray. The user seals the small opening of the funnel with the cap and attaches the large opening of the funnel to the top of an open can of paint. The can of paint and the attached funnel are then inverted and positioned within the holster. The user begins the flow of paint by removing the cap from the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Todd Ivins
  • Patent number: 6685758
    Abstract: A material disposal system ideally suited for use in container filling operations and includes a cover member and a hopper having a lower door operable relative to the hopper by pneumatic or other actuating means for opening and closing the passage disposed above a drum or other container to be filled. The cover member and hopper are fixedly attached to each other. The cover member forms a seal around the inside of the container opening such that air and other gases escaping from the container by the filling or other material handling operation are directed through filter means which separate airborne particulates therefrom. The material disposal system is adaptable for covering and sealing a wide variety of containers. The filter means is adaptable for filtering a wide variety of materials and particulate sizes for removal of noxious gases, vapors and other airborne effluents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Sprague Air Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bennett, Thomas P. LeClair
  • Patent number: 6561387
    Abstract: The material transport system is for conveying water softener salt to a water softener brine tank located in the interior of a structure such as a house. A portable loading hopper is employed from outside of the house. The hopper is located adjacent and demountably attached to the exterior wall of the structure and has an open top and a bottom end. The hopper has converging side walls extending towards the bottom end and terminating in an annular collar. A coupling is secured to the collar with the coupling having a first extension. A 60° elbow is provided with a flange for receiving the first extension and is secured to the coupling. A tubular second extension is secured to the elbow and extends through the exterior wall into the interior of the structure. A feed tube having an enlarged end is located in the interior of the structure. The second extension extends into the enlarged end of the feed tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Larry R. Slawson
  • Patent number: 6450219
    Abstract: A versatile pouring system (10) reducible to constituent components having independent and combinatorial functionality. The pouring system (10) comprises a funnel (12), including a removable filter (26); a first spout (14); a second spout (16); and a cap (18). The funnel (12) is semi-rectangular with an offset neck (24) to securely receive and support common one quart fluid containers. The removable filter (26) is operatively positioned within the funnel neck (24) to trap and retain residue or debris. The spouts (14, 16) are of different lengths and are coupleable with the funnel (12), with one another, or with common wide or small-mouthed fluid containers. The cap (18) fits both spouts (14, 16). All four constituent components can be assembled into a single coherent unit for convenient storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Vicki Ingram
  • Patent number: 6340038
    Abstract: A versatile pouring system (10) reducible to constituent components having independent and combinatorial functionality. The pouring system (10) comprises a funnel (12), including a removable filter (26); a first spout (14); a second spout (16); and a cap (18). The funnel (12) is semi-rectangular with an offset neck (24) to securely receive and support common one quart fluid containers. The removable filter (26) is operatively positioned within the funnel neck (24) to trap and retain residue or debris. The spouts (14, 16) are of different lengths and are coupleable with the funnel (12), with one another, or with common wide or small-mouthed fluid containers. The cap (18) fits both spouts (14, 16). All four constituent components can be assembled into a single coherent unit for convenient storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Vicki Ingram
  • Patent number: 6318422
    Abstract: A funnel structure with different cross-sectional shaped bowl and spout for transferring viscous food materials from one vessel to another, to eliminate the problem of entrapped air causing splashing. The funnel has a circular bowl and a spout with a square cross-section which can be offset from the circular bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventors: Robert N. Woratyla, Joseph B. Soisson
  • Publication number: 20010032682
    Abstract: A funnel structure with different cross-sectional shaped bowl and spout for transferring viscous food materials from one vessel to another, to eliminate the problem of entrapped air causing splashing. The funnel has a circular bowl and a spout with a square cross-section which can be offset from the circular bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Robert N. Woratyla, Joseph B. Soisson
  • Patent number: 6105640
    Abstract: Sandbag filling apparatuses and methods of forming sandbag filling apparatuses are described. In one embodiment, a light-weight sandbag filling apparatus includes a base which is placable on the ground proximate a pile of sand. A support member is connected with the base and extends away therefrom. A pair of spaced-apart, sand-intake funnels are supported on opposite sides of the support member. The funnels include respective inlets and outlets and are positioned by the support member above the ground a distance which is sufficient to enable both (a) a person standing on the ground proximate the sand pile to shovel amounts of sand directly into the inlets, and (b) a person or persons to hold a sandbag adjacent one or both of the outlets to receive sand amounts which are shoveled directly into the associated inlet. In another embodiment, a sandbag filling apparatus includes a base, a support post connected with the base and extending away therefrom along a long axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventors: David D. Holand, Ronald M. Stone
  • Patent number: 6089417
    Abstract: Chip bin comprising, an upper container part, a discharge opening, and, arranged between the container part and the discharge opening, a discharge zone, preferably without moving parts, the discharge zone having a curvilinear roller shape in any freely chosen horizontal cross-section and the number of corners in the geometrical curvilinear figure of the cross-section is more than two, preferably three, in that the cross-section of the discharge zone decreases from the container part (5) down towards the discharge opening (4), and in at least one section of the discharge zone having a downwardly continuously decreasing curvilinear roller shaped cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Vidar Martin Snekkenes, Sven-Erik Olsson, Per Johan Erik Nystrom, Kenneth Olof Bellstrom
  • Patent number: 5937919
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a layering apparatus for the disposition of multiple fluids in sequence, into a receptacle, in a series of separate layers. The apparatus includes a tubular shaped column having an open upper end and a lower end having a base plate arranged thereacross. The base plate is arranged at an angle of between about 35.degree. to 60.degree. with respect to the longitudinal axis of the column. An annular flange is arranged about the upper end of the column to permit the column to be supported by an upper edge of a receptacle in which the column is disposed. An opening is arranged in the column adjacent the base plate, to permit the even, controlled drainage of fluid into a receptacle after receipt of that fluid in the upper end of the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventors: Panayiotis M. Zavos, Panayota N. Zarmakoupis-Zavos
  • Patent number: 5884676
    Abstract: An oil filter drainage box having a plurality of support members for holding spent oil filters. The drainage box comprises a container having four side walls, a lid and a base member. The spent oil filters are placed on the support member and the residual oil in the filters drains out due to gravitational forces. The base member is inclined slightly to allow the oil to collect in a reservoir which is situated within the base member. There is a plurality of support posts extending upwardly perpendicular to the base member for engaging the spent oil filters. The lid provides a watertight seal which prevents the oil from leaving the box and damaging the environment. The reservoir is provided with a valve assembly. The valve assembly has a coupling which is attached to the reservoir, a valve, and a hose. The hose is attached to an oil vacuuming unit, which is preferably mobile and carries a complement of storage tanks and air compressor/vacuuming units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Gary Sage
  • Patent number: 5857503
    Abstract: A fluid channeling device to facilitate the draining of fluid from a fluid reservoir in a motor vehicle. The device may be attached to the vehicle so that it remains generally fixed, or the device may be temporarily attached to the vehicle for use while changing the fluid in the vehicle. The device is generally positioned below or in proximity to where the drained fluid will originate so that the device collects and channels fluid flowing from the point of origin. The device also includes an elongated throat section so that a hose may be attached to the device to further facilitate channeling the drained fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Transnav, Inc.
    Inventor: Percy P. Vreeken
  • Patent number: 5819822
    Abstract: A fluid filler tool for a spin-on fluid filter comprises a tubular housing having an annular peripheral wall, an open end and a closed end. The closed end has one or more openings to allow fluid to flow therethrough and into fluid inlet ports of the fluid filter. The closed end has centrally located venting means for allowing air inside the filter to escape therefrom when the fluid filler tool is positioned on the filter and when the filter is being filled with fluid. The closed end has centrally located tool positioning means for allowing the filler tool to sealingly and removably fit into a centrally located fluid exit port of the spin-on filter. The fluid filler tool allows the filter assembly to be pre-filled with a fluid only through the fluid inlet ports and prevents any fluid from entering the fluid exit port of the filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin P. Schneider, Roger J. Rohlfing
  • Patent number: 5803140
    Abstract: An oil drain funnel for removable attachment to the bottom of an engine oil pan for receiving oil draining therefrom having a magnetic retention device on the rim of the opening for receiving fluids thereinto, and a crossmember supported by the sidewall of the funnel and spanning the entrance to the opening of the outlet of the funnel to prevent the passage of the oil pan drain plug therethrough while allowing the flow of oil through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: David Edward Jodoin
  • Patent number: 5782276
    Abstract: A horizontal oil filter discharge control tool is a vessel with an open end, configured to suspend wedged between a loosened oil filter and filter mounting fixture, while a filter drains. The vessel may have two open ends, creating a funnel, or it may have an open end and a closed end. The rim of an open end may be concave in at least one plane. A concavity of one plane is designed to recieve filter diameters within a given set of parameters, while additional concavities may be provided to recieve filter diameters within a different given set of parameters. Blades extending along the interior surface on one surface in each plane and beyond the rim of the vessel, provide a structure from which the vessel is suspended. In operation, the vessel is held beneath a filter prior to rotating and loosening the filter. On rotating the filter, the blades of the vessel are slid between the filter and its' fixture. The filter is then hand tightened, wedging the vessel, by the blades. The filter is left to drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Gary Hartman Kilgore
  • Patent number: 5577539
    Abstract: A drainfield funnel suitable for use with either 55 gallon or 30 gallon drums, the funnel comprising a bottom having two drum rim receiving channels, one sized to correspond to a 55 gallon drum and the other sized to correspond to a 30 gallon drum, a perimeter lip, a funnel surface sloping to a spout and a generally horizontal drainfield surface formed by a number of discrete object support members, where preferably the linear openings between the object support members are relatively limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce, Jesse Ehredt
  • Patent number: 5478478
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separatory funnel for preventing vortexing of liquid and identifying an interface between immiscible liquids, said separatory funnel having a baffle plate completely covering the space directly above the outlet opening of the separatory funnel and positioned such that at least a portion of the periphery of the baffle plate is placed directly against the interior wall of the separatory funnel chamber, forming at least one passage for the flow of liquid through the chamber. The present invention also relates to a method of separating a mixture of at least two immiscible liquids that reduces contamination and allows the mixture to form a distinguishable interface so that the liquids can be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Sandra M. Griswold
  • Patent number: 5458169
    Abstract: A grout distributing device having a body including a bottom wall and inner and outer sidewall assemblies which cooperate to define a common upwardly open grout receiving hopper in the upper portion of the body. The common hopper communicates with a pair of funnel-like grout distribution passageways therebelow which open through the bottom wall. The inner and outer wall assemblies are formed by trapezoidal plates, the inner wall assembly being disposed wholly within the confines of the outer wall assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: John A. Biafore
  • Patent number: 5415210
    Abstract: A funnel is designed for attachment to one end of a cylindrical drum and includes an inclined funnel surface depending toward a discharge opening passing through an opening adjacent one edge of the drum. Around the inclined surface is a raised flange and outside the flange is a depending skirt. The skirt is attached to the peripheral wall of the drum by screw fasteners. The flange includes a plurality of recesses with each recess defining a horizontal bottom wall which sits on the end of the drum. A lid is also provided for engagement onto the funnel and comprises a dome central section and a peripheral depending section for engaging over the outer surface of the flange of the funnel. The peripheral section includes a plurality of recesses corresponding to the recesses of the flange to act as a friction fit within the recesses to hold the lid in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Garnet Hannah
  • Patent number: 5377728
    Abstract: Apparatus for funneling waste into a drum containing four trapezoidal sidewalls. The four trapezoidal sidewalls coupled to form a non-symmetric truncated pyramid having a vertical axis. A drain pipe having a circular cross-section with a vertical axis that is coincident with the axis of the pyramid. The drain pipe has external threads for coupling with a drum. A coupling plate is coupled to the pyramid. Four rectangular sidewalls are coupled to the truncated sidewalls to form an upper extension of the pyramid. Vertically extending supports depend from the apparatus sidewall that has notches to position over the peripheral flange of a drum. A filter is supported within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Kevin L. McLeighton
  • Patent number: 5349997
    Abstract: A portable and highly efficient method for filling the hard to reach watering stands of inside trees, and particularly where the environment or nearby objects are susceptable to damage from splashes or spilled water. The invention is made up of approximately four sections of loosely fitting tubing sections with an angular set funnel at the top, which are held together with a tensioned inside elastic cord, and which can be placed downward through the limbs of an inside tree to quickly feed water from the funnel to the watering stand with a syphon effect generated by the moving water in the full length assembled tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Inventor: Craig H. Rial
  • Patent number: 5349995
    Abstract: A device for collecting oil contained in plastic containers that are placed inside a housing that includes a puncturing assembly mounted to a slanted platform. The platform has a central opening through which the discharged oil passes. A flexible conduit is connected to the outlet in the housing at one end and the other end of the flexible conduit is connected to a storage tank with sufficient capacity to store a substantial amount of oil. A hingedly mounted cover in said housing helps in the urging and pressing of the plastic container against the puncturing assembly. The puncturing assembly includes a separator to ensure the faster rate of unit flow of the oil from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Inventor: Fernando Perez
  • Patent number: 5246046
    Abstract: The spill resistant bubble solution container is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design, prevents spillage of liquid when filled to the fill line or below, and oriented in any position. It is principally intended for use by young children in avoiding the spillage of bubble solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: Michael R. Schramm
  • Patent number: 5236021
    Abstract: A powder filling apparatus comprised of a frame means having a cylindrical channel extending therethrough. A cylindrical funnel means is rotatably mounted in the channel, the funnel means having a bore extending therethrough. The bore has an axial section for receiving a flow of powder and an angled section at a preselected angle from the axis for directing the powder flow from the funnel means. A drive means is operatively connected for rotating the funnel means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bernard P. Bewlay, Dennis J. Dalpe, Peter G. Frischmann
  • Patent number: 5172739
    Abstract: A waste-liquid transfer device. In a first embodiment, the device includes a receiver assembly having a horizontal bottom wall and a vertical side wall integral with the bottom wall, providing a receiver cavity for temporarily holding the waste liquid. The vertical side wall defines a cylinder concentric with a standard fifty-five-gallon drum having a top with an opening in it. The receiver assembly fits snugly over the top of the drum, and a drain tube extending downward from the bottom wall fits into the opening in the top of the drum. In a second embodiment, the device includes a receiver assembly having a horizontal bottom wall and a vertical side wall integral with the bottom wall, providing a receiver cavity for temporarily holding the waste liquid. The device further includes a drain pipe leading from the receiver assembly to a storage tank, and a frame supporting the receiver assembly during the transfer operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: Michael J. Ristroph
  • Patent number: 5148842
    Abstract: A funnel-adapter that allows one to fill up a large pitcher or jug directly from the ice or water dispensing unit of a conventional water/ice dispenser unit of a refrigerator. The funnel-adapter has a main, curved-shaped, hollow main frame that is opened at its top and at its bottom. The curvature of the adapter is such that the horizontal lower open end is offset from the horizontal, upper open end, so that when the upper open end is inserted into a water/ice dispenser of a refrigerator and pushed against one of the actuator switches for causing the dispensing of ice or water, the lower open end will be horizontally spaced outwardly of the air space of the water/ice dispenser, so that a large pitcher or container, to be filled with water or ice, may be located directly under the lower open end for funneling the dispensed water or ice into the interior volume of the pitcher or container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventor: Dale Boust
  • Patent number: 5117878
    Abstract: A drainfield funnel having a substantially horizontal drain surface sloping towards an opening, a substantially vertical rim around the perimeter of the drain surface and a tube extending down from the opening. The slope of the drain surface is less than 10 degrees. Preferably, the drain surface is uneven, having ridges and channels aligned with the opening. Additionally, a relatively horizontal lip extends from the top of the rim towards the interior of the device. In another embodiment, an annular shoulder connects the opening to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Patent number: 5091998
    Abstract: A funnel device to facilitate urination by women in an upright position includes a semi-rigid funnel rim contoured to surround the female genital region. A flexible funnel body depends from the rim and is sealed to the rim around the circumference. The funnel body has a continuous wall sloped inwardly and towards the front of the funnel body. The funnel body terminates in an orifice situated toward the front of the funnel body. A bendable, elongated disposal tube is sealably attached to the funnel orifice and is inclined downward and outward at an angle with regard to the funnel body. The tube is circumferentially corrugated to enable bending for storage and for directing urine flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventor: Carlos Witzke
  • Patent number: 5033520
    Abstract: A refuse disposal container for receiving waste comprises a conventional drum, a top assembly for fixing to the upper end of the drum and a rolling support structure for supporting the drum. The top assembly can include a fixing ring or clamping band for embracing the upper edge portion of the drum and a pivotable cover to protect the drum contents from rain and the like. The rolling support structure may be in the form of a cart. The top assembly provides a hollow space for taking up a funnel and further tool. A filling device and a vent device each are provided with a metallic filter screen to protect the container against explosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: Manfred Kuehmichel
  • Patent number: 5018559
    Abstract: A circular funnel apparatus for industrial use with a closeable lid able to set securely on top of a standard 55 gallon drum. This apparatus consists of four different assembled pieces:1. A funnel with a supporting circular frame body with a cylindrical extruded drain in the bottom of the funnel, able to extend down into a standard bung hole of a 55 gallon drum.2. A hinged lid fastened to the funnel frame body capable of closing off the funnel by closing the lid or by lifting and rotating the lid 165 degrees opens the funnel into which paint materials can be poured.3. Fastened to the underside of the lid (attached 90 degrees or perpendicular to the lid) is a cylindrical rod. With the lid in the closed position, the rod is exactly centered over the cylindrical drain in the bottom of the funnel.4. Fastened to the end of the cylindrical rod, opposite the end which is attached to the lid, is a circular disk that serves as a plug to the cylindrical drain in the bottom of the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Larry J. Branan
    Inventor: Larry J. Branan
  • Patent number: RE36131
    Abstract: The spill resistant bubble solution container is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design, prevents spillage of liquid when filled to the fill line or below, and oriented in any position. It is principally intended for use by young children in avoiding the spillage of bubble solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Michael R. Schramm