Interlocked Discharge Means, Support And/or Coupling Patents (Class 141/346)
  • Patent number: 5560405
    Abstract: Flow control system (10) for controlling the flow between first and second containerized systems (12,14) has a first flow control member (20) positioned in the first containerized member (12) for cooperating with a second flow control member (22) positioned in the second containerized system (14). The first flow control member (20) has a fluid flow channel (28) in fluid communication with a proboscis member (50) having a through channel (58) in the second flow control member (14). Displacement of the flow control members (20,22) toward and away from one another enables the proboscis member (50) to open and, alternatively, close communicating fluid flow channels connecting the first and second containerized systems (12,14), without apparent leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Clark E. Harris, Joseph A. Manico, Mari-Kim Cooke, Jerry Carmen
  • Patent number: 5558140
    Abstract: A fluid container draining device for draining fluid from a fluid container, an oil filter, in a controlled manner. The fluid container draining device has a threaded screw with a sharpened tip and a channel communicating between an opening at a forward end of the screw and a rear region of the threaded screw. When the screw is turned it will penetrate the wall of the fluid container and enter the fluid containing cavity of the fluid container. The threaded screw has a radially extending abutment surface to provide fluid tight sealing between the screw and the fluid container's walls to prevent fluid leakage. A fluid valve is positioned at the rear region of the screw to provide fluid flow control between the interior of the fluid container and outside the fluid container. The fluid valve is provided with a fitting for connection to a suction line to thereby permit fluid to be evacuated from the fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Clark Technology Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Clark, II
  • Patent number: 5546979
    Abstract: A fluid container draining device for draining fluid from a fluid container, such as an oil filter, in a controlled manner. It has a front threaded screw with a sharpened drill tip. It has an internal channel communicating between an opening at the forward end of the screw and a rear region of the threaded screw. A fluid valve is positioned at the rear region of the screw in fluid connection with the channel. The fluid valve provides fluid flow control between the interior of the fluid container and the outside of the fluid container. The fluid valve has an internally threaded front region which screws into the externally threaded rear region of the screw, and an externally threaded rear region, onto which a fluid evacuation line is to be attached. A turning portion for turning the device into the wall of the container is located on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Clark Technology Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Clark, II, Poul Van Santen
  • Patent number: 5540266
    Abstract: A device for coupling two containers comprises connecting branches having essentially circular cross section with each of the connecting branches having a closing member at one end which is essentially circular in cross section for closing the end facing away from the container. When the two connecting branches are brought together, the two closing members are combined into a single member moved by a single actuator so that no clearance is required in each of the branches between the end of the branch and the member. Thus, problems with dirt and atmospheric impurities in a space between the closing member and the end of the connecting member are greatly reduced to prevent contamination of the contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Buck Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Gerhard Grau, Martin Koch
  • Patent number: 5540265
    Abstract: The invention concerns a bag to accommodate solid or fluid concentrate which is used to prepare dialysis fluid using a dialysis machine. The bag consists of a bag body and at least one opening, whereby the opening is sealingly surrounded by a plug component (220). In the coupled state with a second plug component (210), the plug component (220) forms a flow connection with the interior of the bag. The plug component also has coupling means (276, 278) which are suitable to be connected with a second complementary plug component (210), which is disposed on the dialysis machine. By means of the plug connector, in the coupled state, a first flow path is formed from the dialysis machine to the interior of the bag and a second flow path is formed back from the interior of the bag to the dialysis machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg, Walter Pieper, Daniel Weber
  • Patent number: 5511692
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of and apparatus for negative pressure dispensing of fluids wherein a dispense valve assembly (12) seals a container (18) and has valves (26) for ingress of ambient air and (38) for egress of dispensed fluid respectively, and a coupling head (58) mates with the dispense valve assembly and has a mechanism (62, 74, 84) operative to open the air and fluid valves and form a sealed connection (52, 84) solely with the fluid valve, such that fluid can be pumped out of the container via the fluid valve and the coupling head, whilst ambient air flows into the container via the air valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Royal Packaging Industries Van Leer B.V.
    Inventor: John D. Willingham
  • Patent number: 5507326
    Abstract: A fluid overfill and identification system uses a pulsed signal to both detect an overfill condition and identify a fluid product contained in a compartment. The pulsed signal is converted into an optical pulsed signal which is used with a retroreflective prism to detect when a fluid in the compartment has reached a desired capacity. Encoded in the pulse width of the same pulsed signal is the specific fluid product located in the compartment. Furthermore, different pulse frequencies are provided depending on whether the tanker truck is at a service station or at a loading terminal, thus allowing the system to distinguish between the two. At a marketing terminal, a new code is loaded into the system as a new fluid product is loaded into a compartment. A residue sensor may detect residual fluid in the compartment, and prevent the loading of a new fluid product and a new ID code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Scully Signal Company
    Inventors: Gary R. Cadman, Jagjit S. Thiara
  • Patent number: 5502553
    Abstract: A developing device using dual-component developer which is detachably attachable a first cartridge accommodating toner or a second cartridge accommodating starter incorporating at least carrier. The developing device has a developing section which develops an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive member, a coupling which detachably holds a first cartridge or a second cartridge and having a first aperture corresponding to a replenishment aperture of the first cartridge as well as a second aperture corresponding to a replenishment aperture of the second cartridge, toner buffer which supplies toner from the first cartridge to the developing section by predetermined amounts when the first cartridge is attached to the coupling, and a replenishment path provided between the developing section and the coupling for supplying starter from the second cartridge directly to the developing section when the second cartridge is attached to the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiki Masuda, Akio Kimura
  • Patent number: 5490546
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices for transferring, without the risk of contamination, products flowing out under gravity from an upper receptacle (1) or pipe (43) towards a lower receptacle (1) or pipe (16).The device [according to the invention] includes a hermetic enclosure (19, 45) covering the orifice (18, 44) of one of the receptacles or pipes (16, 43), it being possible for the mouth of the orifice (5, 11) of the other receptacle (1) or pipe to be inserted therein, this other receptacle (1) or pipe [includes closing-off means]including a flange (10, 14) capable of closing the enclosure (19, 45) when the mouth of the other receptacle is inserted therein so that a flow of inert gas can be driven through the inside volume of the hermetic enclosure (19, 14) preventing cross-contamination between the content of the receptacle (1) or pipe (43) and the ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Elveco msj S.A.
    Inventor: Willy Lhoest
  • Patent number: 5484004
    Abstract: There is disclosed a transfer closure valve for safely filling and emptying containers of any type with a liquid, pasty or powdery medium. The medium flows from a barrel into another container without escaping into the environment. The closure valve has a first housing in which is arranged a rotatable or slidable second housing which is fixed to a filler pipe. The second housing is provided with a lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering a lifting cap which opens or closes a lower outlet opening of the first housing. In a first position of the second housing the lifting cap closes the outlet opening, whilst in a second position of the second housing the filler pipe is brought into register with an upper connecting piece of the first housing and the lower outlet opening of the first housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Alfred Bolz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alfred Bolz
  • Patent number: 5477895
    Abstract: An assembly or a container including such an assembly which allows powder contents to be dispensed into a cap prior to the removal of the cap, the position of the thread engaged cap relative to the body of the container determining, to some extent, the volume of the materials being dispensed, the container otherwise being closable prior to the removal of the cap with the dispensed contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Carter Holt Harvey Plastic Products Group Limited
    Inventor: George L. Willard
  • Patent number: 5472025
    Abstract: An adaptor for stabilizing a funnel in the opening of a container consists of a body of metal or plastic which contains a central bore internally threaded at each end for accepting the threaded stem of a funnel. The body is externally threaded on one end to engage internally threaded container openings and at the other end contains an internally threaded cavity to engage externally threaded container openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventors: Randy Conrad, Karin M. Conrad
  • Patent number: 5467806
    Abstract: A two-part coupling structure includes a male coupling part and a female coupling part which are mutually engageable to open fluid communication between a fluid-storage vessel and a conduit. The coupling parts are disengageable from one another to discontinue fluid communication between the vessel and the conduit, and also to close communication between ambient and each of the vessel and conduit. The retention volume of fluid which is trapped between the connected male and female coupling parts and which is exposed to or lost to ambient when the coupling parts are disconnected is very small. Because of particular structural features, the coupling parts will function reliably even with fluid having chunks or particulates of non-fluid material therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas K. Stricklin, Chester Savage
  • Patent number: 5462101
    Abstract: The system includes a coupler which attaches to both a baby food jar and a squeezable baby bottle so that the baby food jar can be inverted on the squeezable bottle to gravitationally transfer the baby food without spilling. Thereafter, a nozzle attaches to the coupler or directly to the squeezable baby bottle. The nozzle terminates in a baby feeding spoon. A manual valve is fitted into the nozzle to close it when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Silva Mouchmouchian
  • Patent number: 5425479
    Abstract: A bag valve and spout for a bag-in-box bag wherein the bag valve is all plastic and recyclable. The bag valve is caused to rotate inside of the spout as a result of the hose connector being a screw threadedly connected to and disconnected from the bag valve. In the open position, holes in the bag valve align with holes in the spout, and vice versa for the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: William S. Credle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5425400
    Abstract: A transfer port apparatus is provided for transferring an item through a port formed in a wall of a housing and into an interior region of the housing. The apparatus includes a door collar assembly formed to include an aperture therethrough, an arcuate groove surrounding the aperture, and threads for coupling the door collar assembly to the wall of the housing so that the aperture is in communication with the port to permit insertion of the item into the interior region of the isolation chamber. The apparatus also includes a door gasket located in the arcuate groove of the door assembly, and a door configured to be inserted into the aperture of the door collar assembly. The door has an outer peripheral surface aligned with the door gasket. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for biasing the door gasket against the outer peripheral surface of the door to retain the door in the door collar assembly and to seal the door in the door collar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Lee A. Francis
    Inventor: Michael A. Szatmary
  • Patent number: 5417939
    Abstract: A dispensing system is provided comprising a detergent supply pack (1) for supplying solid state detergent material to a dispensing device (4) associated with a washing machine and said dispensing device, which supply pack comprises packaging material for said solid state detergent material, said solid state detergent material and a closing/release device for promoting release of the detergent solid from the supply pack into the dispensing device, whereby the closing/release device comprises two movable parts (3a,3b) in between which the packaging material is clamped and which, after closing, are blocked by locking studs, such that the locking studs can be released by placing the supply pack on a top centring frame of the dispensing device which is used as a key for opening the movable parts and introducing the solid detergent into the dispensing device.There are also provided a detergent supply pack and a dispensing device which are adapted for use in a dispensing system according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerrit K. Bunschoten, Lambertus G. Van Der Heyden
  • Patent number: 5402836
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a valve assembly to include a cap which is removably secured to a spout of a water bottle. The cap further includes an aperture for receiving a hollow shank having an opened top and an opened bottom. A shaft is received in the opened bottom of the shank for permitting the shaft to slide freely and vertically within the shank. The shaft further includes at least one hole encompassing the side wall of the top area and a stop extending outwardly from an enclosed top. This stop contacts the opened top of the shank to maintain for the assembly to be in a closed position, accordingly, providing the hole to be covered by the shank. Located at the bottom of the shank is a first flange and located at the bottom of the shaft is a second flange. A locking ring is releasably attached to the shaft for maintaining the valve assembly to be in a closed position. In order to activate the valve assembly, the cap is attached to the spout of a bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventors: Pat K. Hasper, Wolfgang A. Hasper
  • Patent number: 5402216
    Abstract: A mechanism for opening/closing a toner falling aperture is adapted to open/close a toner falling aperture formed in the bottom of a toner cartridge main body in which toner is housed. Disposed inside of the toner cartridge main body is a screw conveyor for conveying the toner to the toner falling aperture. While the toner cartridge is not under use, an elastic sealing member attached to the top surface of the bottom of the toner cartridge main body, closes the toner falling aperture. One end of the sealing member is secured to the screw conveyor. When the toner cartridge is set to a predetermined portion of the main body of an image forming apparatus and the screw conveyor is driven, the screw conveyor takes up the sealing member while winding the same thereon, thus opening the toner falling aperture. The sealing member to which toner is sticked, is taken up by the screw conveyor and held inside of the toner cartridge main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Komaki, Shuji Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 5394908
    Abstract: A storage container (12) is filled with a combustible mixture of gases including a flammable gas and a primary gas which contains an oxidizer gas. A fill head (50) has a continuous annular ridge (130) which extends around a gas outlet (132) from the fill head. The ridge (130) indents the material of the storage container (12) around an opening (152) in the storage container through which a flow of gas is directed during filling of a chamber in the storage container to provide a gas tight seal between the ridge and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Maness
  • Patent number: 5385179
    Abstract: A method is provided for installing a nozzle restrictor assembly in a fuel filler tube. The method comprises the steps of attaching a restrictor plate to an inner surface of the fuel filler tube, coating the restrictor plate and the fuel filler tube, and inserting a closure plate through a first slot formed in the restrictor plate so that the closure plate is positioned to block the opening. A nozzle restrictor assembly is also provided which comprises a restrictor plate sized for insertion into a fuel filler tube and a mechanism for selectively closing an opening formed in the restrictor plate upon withdrawal of a fuel filler nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Pilot Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Bates, Daniel N. Smith, Richard F. Little
  • Patent number: 5379812
    Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignees: Deere & Company, American Cyanamid
    Inventors: Myron L. McCunn, Donald K. Landphair, Richard M. Neysinck, Richard A. DePauw, William R. Lundie, Douglas P. Brown, Jeffrey A. Hoffman, Frank D. Tenne, Patrick D. Holverson, Keith Woodruff
  • Patent number: 5351864
    Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus comprising a container, such as a silo or hopper for storing and distributing flowable material, to receptacle such as an I.B.C. via an outlet, there being a device adapted for removing and replacing a closure of the receptacle, particularly on passage of material into the receptacle.In a preferred arrangement, outlet of the silo is normally obturated by a conical (or frusto-conical) closure device which is raised and lowered by pneumatic devices in the form of an air bellows mounted in the silo on a frame. The bellows is within a cone, and there is also a device for oscillating the cone, such as a vibrator, in order to obviate bridging or rat-holing of material during discharge. The bellows is housed within a hygienic cover for cleanliness. The cone is connected with the bellows via a connector which may be in the form of a telescopic tube. The tube passes through the apex of the cone and is secured thereat as by a nut and bolt arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Matcon Limited
    Inventors: Ivan Semenenko, Glenn Selch
  • Patent number: 5343904
    Abstract: A device for pressurizing an aerosol can (11) in order to refill it with propellant gas (10) comprises a housing (12) containing an air compressor (14) which consists of a cylinder (15), a driving motor (16) and a plunger, a filling nozzle (18) for injecting pressurized air into the aerosol can, a mechanism for activating said compressor when a can is fitted to the filling nozzle, and a mechanism for deactivating said compressor when the air injected into the can reaches a predetermined pressure. A coupling member is provided for coupling the device and the aerosol can when the latter is positioned in a seating (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventor: Charles Kaeser
  • Patent number: 5332013
    Abstract: An unmanned conveying device for a clean room is capable of restraining a spontaneous oxide film from growing in case that an unmanned carriage is obliged to stop for a long time due to its own cause of a cause at a destination spot while it conveys a semiconductor wafer from one spot to the destination spot. It is a first aspect of the invention to provide the unmanned conveying device which is self-propelled for conveying an object from a ground facility to a destination spot while loading an object to be conveyed thereon, characterized in that the object is accommodated in a container and the container is connected to an inert gas reservoir through a gas supply passage so that the atmosphere in the container can be replaced by a nitrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanao Sugita, Hitoshi Kawano, Teppei Yamashita
  • Patent number: 5328059
    Abstract: A sealed bottled water dispenser for using an inverted water supply bottle which has a sealing cap which, when pierced, causes water to flow into a sealed water conduit. A source of filtered air is connected to said water conduit to supply cleaned air to said water supply bottle. A check valve is placed in the water conduit to prevent unfiltered air from entering the water supply bottle through the water conduit. A check valve can be used in the water conduit to prevent water from reaching the air filter after the water supply bottle is delivering water. The latter check valve also prevents water from exiting the water bottle through the air filter, if an air leak is present in the water supply bottle. A cover is provided for sealing the water dispenser when a water bottle is not in place. The insertion of an inverted water bottle into the dispenser causes said cover to open to allow water to flow directly from the water supply bottle into the water conduit without flowing into a reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Gary J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5303751
    Abstract: A sealed, flexible plastic sheet bag for storing liquids that is penetrable by a spiked connector through a spike channel fitting. The spike channel fitting is sealed between a pair of folds on one side of the bag so that the inside port of the channel is adjacent to the folded plastic sheet. The spike is inserted through the channel of the spike channel fitting and punctures the plastic sheet to tap the bag to remove the liquid. Leakage is prevented by both the seal between the plastic sheet and the spike and the seal between the bag and the spike channel fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Glenn L. Slater, Pritpal Virdee
  • Patent number: 5301723
    Abstract: An LNG refueling facility includes a nozzle for mating with the receptacle on a motor vehicle to deliver a flow of LNG to the vehicle's tank. The nozzle is supplied with a flow of dry gas to purge moisture-laden air from around surfaces which mate with the receptacle to prevent freezing of moisture on the mating surfaces when the nozzle turns very cold. The nozzle also includes a boot enclosing mechanical linkages for latching the nozzle to the receptacle. Dry gas is supplied to the interior of the boot to displace air from around the mechanical linkages and thereby prevent moisture from freezing onto the mechanical linkages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Hydra Rig, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Goode
  • Patent number: 5295518
    Abstract: A two-piece hygienic cap to close the neck opening of an inverted liquid container has a lid portion to overlie and sealingly close the container opening and an annular skirt portion extending axially away from the lid to surround a portion of the container neck. The lid portion is provided with an axially inwardly extending recess including an outer sleeve and an inner plug portion connected thereto. The cap is adapted to cooperate with a feed tube or probe dimensioned for insertion into the recess for separating the plug portion from the sleeve to permit the discharge of liquid from the container. When the tube or probe is withdrawn from the recess, the plug portion is drawn into the sleeve to close the recess and reseal the container. The tearable skirt of the cap includes a line of weakness and a pull tab permitting easy removal of the cap from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Henry E. Baker, John B. Baker, David H. Baker, Peter K. Baker, Edward H. Donselman, Ronald C. Katz
  • Patent number: 5293913
    Abstract: The system ensures the proper placement of bottles which deliver material to a system. The system prevents male components from being mounted on incorrect female components. The male components can be tubes, and the female components can be covers which fit on the openings of bottles. A first key is formed on a first male component and a complementarily-shaped first keyway is formed on a first female component. Additional male and female component pairs have similar key-keyway pairs. Each key and each keyway includes first and second projections. The first projection is located in a reference position, and the second projection is located a predetermined distance from the reference position. This distance for each component pair is selected to identify the particular component pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Duane A. Preszler
  • Patent number: 5293911
    Abstract: A method and system for transfer of fluids, such as paint, using a fluid canister carried by a transfer device, such as a robot, instead of having paint lines connected to a delivery device, such as a spray gun, carried by the robot. A novel mechanism for initially docking and then filling the canister from a fluid outlet of a pressurized source of fluid without straining the robot is provided. Also, a novel mechanism for cleaning the canister between canister fillings is provided so that paint colors can be changed without loss of productive robot time. In one embodiment, the canister is integrated with the robot. Also, a novel, non-contact sensor is provided for providing a signal to allow the metering of the paint entering or/and discharged from the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Fanuc Robotics North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Hadi A. Akeel
  • Patent number: 5289854
    Abstract: A two-piece hygienic cap to close the neck opening of an inverted liquid container has a lid portion to overlie and sealingly close the container opening and an annular skirt portion extending axially away from the lid to surround a portion of the container neck. The lid portion is provided with an axially inwardly extending recess including an outer sleeve and an inner plug portion connected thereto. A feed tube or probe is dimensioned for forcible insertion into the recess for separating the plug portion from the sleeve to permit the discharge of liquid from the container. When the tube or probe is withdrawn from the recess, the plug portion is drawn into the sleeve to close the recess and reseal the container. A removable protective seal overlies the recess to prevent contamination from entering the sleeve and a tearable skirt on the cap includes a line of weakness and a pull tab permitting easy removal of the cap from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Henry E. Baker, John B. Baker, David H. Baker, Peter K. Baker, Edward H. Donselman, Ronald C. Katz
  • Patent number: 5279341
    Abstract: A filling device for transportable containers and other suitable receptacles for the receipt of liquids, which facilitate a reliable and particularly feasible indication of faulty conditions encountered during operation in consideration of the handling thereof. A valve which closes off a filling tube of the container is actuated in dependence upon the connecting conditions of the filling device to the container; such as a tank container. When the filling device is not adequately coupled with an inlet pipe or any other device of the tank container, flow of liquid filling material cannot be initiated inasmuch as this flow is positively inhibited by the valve. Pursuant to another aspect, a vent or relief valve is automatically actuated in dependence upon the connected condition. The vent valve is also only first opened then when there has taken place a satisfactory or proper coupling with the respective tank container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Schering Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Manfred Schirmacher
  • Patent number: 5273083
    Abstract: An improved bottle cap and valve assembly are provided in a bottled water station, wherein the station (10) includes an actuator probe for engaging a bottle cap on an inverted water bottle installed onto the bottled water station. The actuator probe includes a probe head for opening a bottle cap valve member, thereby permitting downward water flow from the bottle. Dual flow paths formed through the actuator probe permit smooth downward water flow through one flow path, substantially without glugging, to an underlying station reservoir simultaneously with upward air flow through the other flow path from the reservoir to the bottle interior. The preferred probe head captures and retains the severed valve member in a position for slide-fit sealing re-engagement with the bottle cap when the bottle is removed from the station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Ebtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce D. Burrows
  • Patent number: 5263521
    Abstract: A waterproof fixture (14) is attached to the hopper (12) for transferring a powder product (P) which has been fabricated in a pharmaceutical reactor into a transport container (10). The container (10) is attached to the device (14) by a two door transfer system (26, 44). The device (14) permits the opening of the double doors, to empty the openings in front of the hopper and the container and to join the same automatically by means of telescoping delivery lines (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: SNE La Calhene
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Brossard, Dominique Cagnac, Claude Gerard
  • Patent number: 5259423
    Abstract: By employing two independent, separate and distinct flow paths which are controllably sequentially opened during use in a single actuation operation, an error-free, spill-free flame and explosion proof liquid delivery/filling system is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, both flow paths are normally maintained in a closed, sealed configuration, requiring an actuation force to controllably, sequentially open the flow paths. In addition, by providing a cooperating, mating liquid transfer assembly, the container on which the liquid delivery/filling system is mounted can be refilled with safety and ease, completely eliminating spillage of the liquid. In this way, a fully integrated, cooperating, liquid flow controlling system is realized. Furthermore, a process for distributing toxic chemicals is disclosed which provides full control over the chemicals being distributed and prevents unwanted spillages, misuse, and mishandling of the chemicals in an unpressurized, gravity fed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Link Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 5259534
    Abstract: A cap for a liquid container is provided with the cap having a sidewall, an upper surface, an aperture sidewall, and an insert. The aperture sidewall includes an interior surface and a bottom. the insert has a sidewall portion and a bottom portion. The insert is adapted to be displaceable axially along the interior surface of the aperture sidewall in a first and a second direction. It is adapted when displaced axially in the first direction to cooperatively engage with the aperture sidewall so as to form a fluid-tight seal. The insert is adapted when displaced axially in the second direction to permit the passage of liquid through the aperture. The cap is adapted to be retained in fluid-tight sealing relationship with a liquid container by a screw-thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: National Packaging
    Inventor: Larry G. Lynd
  • Patent number: 5257653
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a safety release disconnection for a fluid conduit. The connection includes a pin and a U-shaped slot with an ejector spring adjustably biased by a loading nut. Check valves are provided in both connection elements and are opened by contact or interfacing of the valves. A rigid moment arm points in a direction perpendicular to the direction that a vehicle pulls away from the filling stand. A pull away while the system is connected to the vehicle will trigger the safety release disconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Precision General Inc.
    Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger
  • Patent number: 5256203
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying an anaerobic adhesive to the inside of the necks of cartridge cases preparatory to insertion of bullets therein to provide a seal between the inside of the necks and the bullets, the cases being held standing on end, mouth end up, in a holder arranged in a rank and file format, the holder being indexed to bring successive rows of cases under a set of adhesive dispensing nozzles which are lowered for entry of the tips of the nozzles into the upper ends of the cases in a row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Thomas B. Moore Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas B. Moore, Kevin E. Craig, Gerard J. Gragnani
  • Patent number: 5251661
    Abstract: A device for the remote filling of an oil tank, particularly an oil tank of an aircraft engine, is provided with a lock which interconnects the inlet nozzle of the oil filler and the outlet nozzle of excess oil remover so that the oil supply pipe cannot be connected to the inlet nozzle to supply oil to the tank until the removal pipe has been connected to the outlet nozzle of the excess oil remover. The lock includes a locking member which engages in a notch in a slide valve housed in the inlet nozzle to prevent the valve from moving to open the nozzle while a slide valve in the outlet nozzle is closed, but which moves clear of the notch when the outlet nozzle slide valve is opened by connection of the removal pipe to the outlet nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation S.N.E.C.M.A.
    Inventors: Michel G. Hugues, Gilles C. G. Massot
  • Patent number: 5238029
    Abstract: A method and system for transfer of fluids, such as paint, using a fluid canister carried by a transfer device, such as a robot, instead of having paint lines connected to a delivery device, such as a spray gun, carried by the robot. A novel mechanism for initially docking and then filling the canister from a fluid outlet of a pressurized source of fluid without straining the robot is provided. Also, a novel mechanism for cleaning the canister between canister fillings is provided so that paint colors can be changed without loss of productive robot time. In one embodiment, the canister is integrated with the robot. Also, a novel, non-contact sensor is provided for providing a signal to allow the metering of the paint entering or/and discharged from the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Fanuc Robotics North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Hadi A. Akeel
  • Patent number: 5238034
    Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic fueling of automotive vehicles, comprising a robot which includes a fueling pistol and which is operative, to move the fueling pistol automatically from a rest position to a vehicle fueling location. The invention is characterized in that the fueling pistol (16) includes a rigid, first tubular element (20), which is intended to be moved by the robot (1) towards a receiving plate (21) provided with a hole and forming part of the vehicle fueling location. A flexible second tube (26), is arranged within the first, rigid tube (20) for movement from a first terminal position, in which the outer free end (27) of the second tube (26) is located within the first tube (20), to a second terminal position in which the second tube projects from the first tube. A pipe connector is provided between the hole and the fuel pipe of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: Sten Corfitsen
  • Patent number: 5224527
    Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignees: Deere & Company, American Cyanamid
    Inventors: Myron L. McCunn, Donald K. Landphair, Richard M. Neyrinck, Richard A. DePauw, William R. Lundie, Douglas P. Brown, Jeffrey A. Hoffman, Frank D. Tenne, Patrick D. Holverson, Keith Woodruff
  • Patent number: 5222530
    Abstract: A hygienic cap to close the opening of an inverted liquid container is provided for a liquid dispensing system for drinking water or other potable fluid. The cap has a lid portion to overlie and sealingly close the container opening and an annular skirt portion extending axially away from the lid to surround a portion of the container neck. The lid portion is provided with an axially inwardly extending recess including an outer sleeve and an inner plug portion integrally formed with a frangible connection therebetween. A feed tube is dimensioned for forcible insertion into the recess for breaking the frangible connection and separating the plug portion from the sleeve to permit the discharge of liquid from the container through the tube. When the tube is withdrawn from the recess, the plug portion is drawn into the sleeve to close the recess and reseal the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Henry E. Baker, John B. Baker, David H. Baker, Peter K. Baker, Edward H. Donselman, Ronald C. Katz
  • Patent number: 5222531
    Abstract: A hygienic liquid dispensing system includes a cap to close the opening of an inverted liquid container enclosing drinking water or other potable liquid. The cap has a lid portion to overlie and sealingly close the opening and an annular skirt portion extending axially away from the lid to surround a portion of the container neck. The lid portion is provided with an axially inwardly extending recess including an outer sleeve and an inner plug portion integrally formed with a frangible connection therebetween. A feed tube is dimensioned for forcible insertion into the recess for breaking the frangible connection and separating the plug portion from the sleeve to permit the discharge of liquid from the container. A mounting apparatus is also provided to fit on the upper portion of a water cooler cabinet and defines an annular ring for supporting the shoulder of an inverted bottle or container thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Henry E. Baker, John B. Baker, David H. Baker, Peter K. Baker, Edward H. Donselman, Ronald C. Katz
  • Patent number: 5213309
    Abstract: A coupler for sampling specimen comprises a socket having a central hole, a plug insertable in the central hole of the socket, formed therein with a fluid passage for communicating with the interior of the supplying pipe and having a fixed position at which the socket is fixed to said plug, and a valve provided in the plug, adapted to close the fluid passage at the fixed position and having a sampling position at which the valve opens the fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Reichi Makishima
  • Patent number: 5199847
    Abstract: A balloon inflator utilizes a bypass motor such that the inflation or working air is separate from the motor cooling air. The intake for the motor cooling and inflation air is separated from exhaust vents to limit any recirculation of the air, assuring that the inflation air be maintained as cool as possible. An impaler is maintained in an involute to achieve the requisiting inflation pressure. A free floating inflation nozzle is maintained within a collar and is adapted for engagement with an output of the involute when inflation activity is desired; otherwise the nozzle is disengaged from the involute allowing the air from the involute to otherwise be exhausted. The motor driving the impaler is selectively interconnected with a half wave rectifier for speed selectability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Premium Balloon Accessories
    Inventors: David C. Nelson, William E. Bartasevich, Robert L. Waldo, Wesley A. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 5186224
    Abstract: A filling device for transportable containers and other suitable receptacles for the receipt of liquids, which facilitate a reliable and particularly feasible indication of faulty conditions encountered during operation in consideration of the handling thereof. A valve which closes off a filling tube of the container is actuated in dependence upon the connecting conditions of the filling device to the container; such as a tank container. When the filling device is not adequately coupled with an inlet pipe or any other device of the tank container, flow of liquid filling material cannot be initiated inasmuch as this flow is positively inhibited by the valve. Pursuant to another aspect, a vent or relief valve is automatically actuated in dependence upon the connected condition. The vent valve is also only first opened then when there has taken place a satisfactory or proper coupling with the respective tank container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Schering Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Manfred Schirmacher
  • Patent number: 5184652
    Abstract: A universal medication port includes a cylindrical member having an internal bore with a plurality of radial passageways extending therefrom. A plunger is disposed within the internal bore of the cylinder, the plunger having an internal bore with a plurality of radial passageways extending therefrom. The plunger is movable in response to insertion of a needle-less hypodermic syringe into the internal bore of the cylindrical member so as to align the respective passageways in the plunger and the cylindrical member with one another to establish a fluid path from the syringe through the internal bore of the plunger and respective passageways in the plunger and the cylindrical member to a receptacle, such as a vial, an intravenous bottle or intravenous delivery system, in which the cylindrical member is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventor: Chin-Fu Fan
  • Patent number: 5172740
    Abstract: By employing two independent, separate and distinct flow paths which are controllably sequentially opened during use in a single actuation operation, an error-free, spill-free flame and explosion proof liquid delivery/filling system is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, both flow paths are normally maintained in a closed, sealed configuration, requiring an actuation force to controllably, sequentially open the flow paths. In addition, by providing a cooperating, mating liquid transfer assembly, the container on which the liquid delivery/filling system is mounted can be refilled with safety and ease, completely eliminating spillage of the liquid. In this way, a fully integrated, cooperating, liquid flow controlling system is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker