With Nonsystem Support Patents (Class 141/341)
  • Patent number: 11021284
    Abstract: A bottom fillable espresso cartridge base and apparatus and method for filling and plugging the bottom of the espresso cartridge base. The espresso cartridge base includes an open bottom and a press in bottom plug. The top of the espresso cartridge may be sealed by a foil lid or the like, or be open and an adhesive attachable lid may be included for attachment by a user. A first method utilizes a hand held multi-function tool including a cartridge holder with a holder lid to capture the espresso cartridge, and a bottom tamper and plug seating arm. A second method utilizes a stationary base residing on a flat surface, a cartridge holder to retain cartridges on the base, and individual tools to fill and tamp brewing material in the cartridge, and to attach the bottom plug to the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Adrian Rivera
  • Patent number: 10912407
    Abstract: A bottom fillable espresso cartridge base and apparatus and method for filling and plugging the bottom of the espresso cartridge base. The espresso cartridge base includes an open bottom and a press in bottom plug. The top of the espresso cartridge may be sealed by a foil lid or the like, or be open and an adhesive attachable lid may be included for attachment by a user. A first method utilizes a hand held multi-function tool including a cartridge holder with a holder lid to capture the espresso cartridge, and a bottom tamper and plug seating arm. A second method utilizes a stationary base residing on a flat surface, a cartridge holder to retain cartridges on the base, and individual tools to fill and tamp brewing material in the cartridge, and to attach the bottom plug to the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventors: Adrian Rivera, Kenneth L. Green
  • Patent number: 9033007
    Abstract: Provided is a gathering device for gathering plastic members. The gathering device includes a gathering portion and a tray detachably connected to the gathering portion. The gathering portion includes an outer shell, a hollow inner shell and a number of fans. The inner shell is received in the outer shell. The inner shell includes a number of vent. The fans are positioned between the outer shell and the inner shell for blowing ions into the inner shell through the vents. The tray is configured for containing the plastic members passing through the gathering portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Min-Tsang Tseng
  • Patent number: 8991442
    Abstract: A rotary filling machine includes a magnetic funnel attachment that can be easily installed, removed, and reinstalled into the machine for cleaning, changing the size of the funnel, inspecting, or replacing a damaged funnel. The magnetic funnel attachment includes a fill plate segment for receiving one or more funnels, and a funnel for attachment to the fill plate. The fill plate and funnel have mating alignment mechanisms to assist in the correct positioning of the funnel on the fill plate segment, and magnets to assist in the coupling of the funnel to the fill plate segment. This is especially helpful in creating a quick and easy method for funnel installation and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: David Navin, Mark D. Green
  • Publication number: 20140299229
    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 he 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 dement. 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Marty FRIEDLICH
  • Patent number: 8826949
    Abstract: A canning funnel includes an upper bowl that tapers downward to form a relatively narrower neck to direct the food items into a jar. A lower skirt surrounds the neck, forming a seat between the skirt and the neck. The skirt includes a cutaway portion with markings to allow a user to see headspace remaining in the jar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Progressive International Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Kent
  • Patent number: 8602071
    Abstract: A bag filling assembly is provided for facilitating clean and efficient filling of a flexible resealable storage bag. The assembly includes a frame and a pole coupled to and extending from the frame. The pole has a top and a bottom with the bottom being coupled to the frame. A funnel is coupled to the top of the pole and includes an open bottom, an open top, and a perimeter wall extending between the open bottom and the open top. A bag support is coupled to the frame and positioned under the funnel for supporting a bag under the funnel to receive matter passing through the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Mark S. Eno
  • Patent number: 8578976
    Abstract: An above-ground, structure-mounted rain water collection, storage, and utilization apparatus is herein disclosed, comprising a vertical plastic tank situated along a wall of a structure where downspouts are typically present. Rain water would flow from a downspout into a screened top portion of the tank. Once filled, integral overflow spouts may be utilized to divert excess water to either another apparatus unit, a downspout, or a hose for normal grade level dispersal. The apparatus would be supported by a base structure at grade. The bottom of the tank would be tapered to avoid the collection of silt and would terminate in a conventional spigot valve providing conventional connection to a hose system for subsequent recycled use. The apparatus may also be provided with an alternate in-line pump to provide a pressurized supply of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen D. Davis
  • Patent number: 7975734
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Martin Makowiec, Emil Stola
  • Patent number: 7464735
    Abstract: A funnel stand that includes a housing supporting an internal funnel connected to a fuel hose that can be folded or rolled up for storage inside the housing and extended through a hose opening for placement in a fuel tank opening. The funnel stand may also include a ballast to stabilize it as a free-standing device or a base plate configured for permanently or semi-permanently affixing the funnel stand to a loading surface. In addition, the funnel stand may include a lid covering the funnel opening, a door covering the hose opening, and handles to facilitate carrying the device by hand. The funnel stand is designed to be suitable for delivering fuel from a hand-held gas can into the fuel tanks on small watercraft, such as small boats and personal watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Kelcamax Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Chad Shultz
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040154696
    Abstract: A funnel is disclosed that can be attached by a mounting device to a vehicle. This allows the motorist to have a funnel immediately available to make the job of pouring oil or other liquids into a vehicle easier. A mounting device is provided that can be attached by any common attachment means such as a peelable adhesive, to existing vehicles. In another embodiment a mounting clip can be permanently integrated onto the interior of a hood of a car when the car is manufactured. A funnel may be capable of being attached and detached from the mounting clip. The mounting device may include one or more clips. The mounting device may include a clamping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Koncelik, William Bruder
  • Patent number: 6453954
    Abstract: A oil drainage re-directing device for preventing oil from dripping on a U-joint when an oil filter is removed. The oil drainage re-directing device includes a panel having a top surface, a bottom surface, a back edge, a front edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The panel is divided into a left portion and a right portion along a longitudinal axis of the panel. The left portion is in an angular relationship with the right portion such that the top surface of the panel defines an angle generally between 120 degrees and 150 degrees. The panel comprises a substantially rigid material. A foot is attached to the bottom surface of the panel and is positioned generally between the front and back edges. The panel is positioned on a U-joint of a vehicle and under an oil-filter for preventing oil from falling on the oil-filter when the oil filter is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 6401770
    Abstract: A fluid shielding and collection tool for use in temporarily protecting a vehicle's components while maintaining the vehicle. The shielding and collecting tool includes a collecting planar surface, the collecting planar having a raised border and a downspout extending from the raised border. Additionally, a mounting mechanism adapted for mounting on the vehicle's components to be shielded and to support the collecting planar surface at the needed orientation to cause the fluids to be collected and diverted towards a final collecting device is attached to the device to support the planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Robert L. Eimer
  • Patent number: 5921292
    Abstract: An oil change kit apparatus includes a cylindrically-shaped pan that supports a bracket at its upper annular surface. The bracket has a threaded bushing that receives an externally threaded stem of a funnel, the stem having a hollow open ended flow bore. The funnel adjusts in elevation relative to an underlying support surface, floor, etc. by rotation of the funnel relative to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Jerry N. Fouts
  • Patent number: 5647415
    Abstract: A drain funnel for drums having retaining pockets for the storage of closure caps for the pouring spout and vent opening of the drum. The funnel also is provided with a cover to permit the funnel to remain in place without the escape of fumes from the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: ENPAC Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Onders, Darel Taylor
  • Patent number: 5267711
    Abstract: A bag holder device is disclosed then comprises first and second component members interconnectable to form a composite beam member. Each component member has a respective end portion so that when the component members are interconnected, the end portions are oppositely disposed. Each end portion has a support surface that is delimited by a border over which a portion of a bag's wall overhangs when draped onto the support surface. Respective to each end portion is housing that fits thereover to clamp the overhanging bag portion about the border and to clamp the portion of the bag draped on the support surface about the border. Each housing is pivotally attached about its respective end portion in order to rotate on and off the respective end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: Thomas Perreault
  • Patent number: 5033521
    Abstract: An extendable cap for sealing a fluid inlet port having a holding plug which when removed, allows a telescoping funnel to be extended from a base section attached to the fluid inlet port. The extended telescoping funnel defines a fluid conduit through which a fluid may be guided into the fluid inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: Gregory A. Martin
  • Patent number: 4974647
    Abstract: A system for collecting used oil from an engine and/or pouring new oil into the engine. The system envisions an open-topped drain pan which can be used in draining the oil, the drain pan being placed below the drain plug of the engine. The wide mouth of the open top ensures against oil spillage on the pan side wall. The pan is also provided with a top or cover having a diameter complimental to the pan diameter and is threadedly engageable therewith for sealing purposes when sealing is desired. The cover includes a spout at one side thereof to facilitate the draining of the used oil therefrom if such is desired or the pouring of new oil from within the pan into the engine, also as desired. The pan also includes a manually engageable rim portion for facilitating the transport of the pan to a distant location for the proper disposal of the used oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: James T. Eastom
  • Patent number: 4913201
    Abstract: The liquid fuel funnel features a no-drip configuration which includes an elongated generally horizontal fuel-receiving rear portion with an open top, which may bear a closeable lid, and a front, fuel-dispensing, spout portion which is preferably oval in transverse cross-section and which curves and tapers downwardly and forwardly to an open exit end which may bear a removable plug. That end may be generally vertical or at an angle thereto. The funnel can include one or more detents for releasably holding the funnel in a proper pouring position with the spout portion within and against a fuel container opening such as a vehicle gasoline tank opening. The detents can be on the bottom and top of the spout portion. The top detent can be on a long angled leaf spring or the like connected to and extending about the top of the spout portion. The funnel is preferably of metal and can be made economically of one-piece durable construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Inventors: Ronald C. Lucero, Nick V. Agnoletto
  • Patent number: 4640185
    Abstract: A funnel stock/sauce separator for separating fat from liquid is provided and consists of a funnel having a conical vessel for storing therein the liquid which is to be separated from the fat at top of the liquid, a cylindrical housing which supports the funnel onto a support surface and a manually operated closure member positioned within the funnel over a spout for controlling outflow of the liquid through the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Inventor: Auvin H. Joyner