Plural Connected Receivers Filled By Serial Flow Patents (Class 141/35)
  • Patent number: 11143406
    Abstract: A fuel injector for a turbomachine includes an outer heat shield configured to sit on and/or within a combustor dome to orient the fuel injector relative to the combustor dome and/or a fuel manifold. An inner surface of the outer heat shield includes an outer heat shield seal surface. The injector also includes a fuel prefilmer seated at least partially within the outer heat shield. An outer surface of the fuel prefilmer includes a prefilmer seal surface configured to mate with the outer heat shield seal surface such that the fuel prefilmer seats on the outer heat shield seal surface and such that the prefilmer seal surface is configured to allow the surfaces to slide relative to one another in both a radial and axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Delavan Inc.
    Inventors: Lev Alexander Prociw, Jason A. Ryon, Gregory A. Zink
  • Patent number: 10960757
    Abstract: A transport refrigeration system having: a refrigerated cargo space (119); a refrigeration unit (22) in operative association with the refrigerated cargo space, the refrigeration unit providing conditioned air to the refrigerated cargo space; a first engine (150) configured to power the vehicle; a second engine (26) configured to power the refrigeration unit; a first plurality of fuel tanks (350) fluidly connected to first engine, the first plurality of fuel tanks configured to supply fuel to the first engine; a second plurality of fuel tanks (330) fluidly connected to second engine, the second plurality of fuel tanks configured to supply fuel to the second engine; and a single filling point (310) fluidly connected to the first plurality of fuel tanks and second plurality of fuel tanks. The single filling point (310) is configured to receive fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lionel Pourcheresse, Andrew Stumpf
  • Patent number: 10954975
    Abstract: A system and method of collecting and disposing of fluid during a medical procedure. Fluid is drawn from a fluid source into a first reservoir in communication with a vacuum source. The fluid passes through an open fluid transfer valve into a second reservoir in communication with the vacuum source. While the fluid continues to be drawn into the first reservoir, the fluid transfer valve is closed after a predetermined volume of the fluid passes into the second reservoir. The fluid collected in the second reservoir is measured and evacuated from the second reservoir. The fluid transfer valve is opened and the steps are repeated until the medical procedure is completed while the first reservoir remains in uninterrupted communication with the vacuum source during the medical procedure such that fluid is capable of continuing to be drawn into the first reservoir without interruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Skyline Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Schmidt, David Johnson, David Dauwalter
  • Patent number: 8851102
    Abstract: A windshield washer fluid supplying system for a vehicle having a windshield washer device comprising a reservoir mounted in the vehicle for storing washer fluid is disclosed, the supplying system comprising a supplying tube having a first end portion and a second end portion; a first end piece comprising a portion mountable on the reservoir and an aperture therethrough for receiving the first end portion of the supplying tube so as to enable fluid communication between the first end portion of the supplying tube and the reservoir; and a second end piece comprising a portion adapted for mounting on a container of washer fluid placed in the vehicle and an aperture therethrough for receiving the second end portion of the supplying tube so that the second end portion of the supplying tube extends inside the container proximate a bottom portion thereof when the second end piece is mounted on the container, thereby establishing a siphonage circuit between the reservoir and the container with the supplying tube for
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Francine Lacoste, Michel Pigeon
  • Patent number: 8827969
    Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Martini, Lawrence Guerra
  • Patent number: 8740866
    Abstract: A waste collection and disposal system for use in health care facilities is provided. The system includes a mobile waste collection unit for moving between use areas in the health care facility to collect waste material generated during medical procedures including body fluids, body tissues, saline, etc. The waste collection unit includes stacked upper and lower waste containers for receiving the waste material. During use, the upper waste container can be emptied into the lower waste container for temporary storage. In addition, different vacuum levels can be provided in the waste containers during complex procedures. Once a user desires to empty the waste collection unit, the waste collection unit is wheeled to a docking station. At the docking station, the waste material is off-loaded to a waste drain and the waste collection unit is cleaned and rinsed for further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Reasoner, Chamara Gamhewage, Joseph P. Hepp, III
  • Publication number: 20140090742
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system comprising: a fuel source; a first trailer comprising a first manifold in fluid communication with a first fuel train; and a second trailer comprising a second manifold in fluid communication with a second fuel train, wherein the first and second manifolds are connected in series to the fuel source using flexible hose tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Billy Don Coskrey, Jonathan Barrett Coulter
  • Patent number: 8663180
    Abstract: An irrigation system comprising: a reservoir with an inlet for pouring liquid into the reservoir, the inlet defining a closing element for closing the inlet; an insertion member defining an insertion end for insertion into a body cavity a human being, the insertion member defining at least one opening; and a liquid tube fluidly connecting the reservoir and having with the insertion member. At least one of reservoir and the insertion member is permanently fastened to the liquid tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Allan Tanghoej, Marlene Corydon Sinvani, Jesper Grøndahl Lund, Lars Olav Schertiger
  • Publication number: 20140048171
    Abstract: The device (1) for the preparation of containment units (4) of biological liquids includes a main body (2) which defines at least a filling channel (3), having at least an inlet gap (3a) of a biological liquid and at least an air outlet gap (3b), and includes a plurality of containment units (4) arranged in succession to one another and defining respective containment chambers (5) positioned along the filling channel (3) and placed in between the inlet gap (3a) and the outlet gap (3b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: BIOMED DEVICE S.r.l.
    Inventor: Marco Bertoni
  • Patent number: 8647315
    Abstract: A medical canister connector is presented for connecting to a medical canister, which has a patient port and a reduced-pressure port. The medical canister connector includes a first connection member that is coupled to a patient-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a patient port on a medical canister and has a patient-port opening with a first longitudinal axis. The medical canister connector also includes a second connection member coupled to a reduced-pressure-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a reduced-pressure port on the medical canister and has a reduced-pressure-port opening with a second longitudinal axis. A spacing member or pressure transport member may be used to couple the first connection member to the second connection member. The spacing member or transport member flexes and twists during connection. The medical canister connector may also help organize one or more pressure-sensing conduits. Methods are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Simmons, Alexander Sammons, Kenneth Knowles
  • Publication number: 20130340883
    Abstract: Apparatus for processing liquids or liquid-based substances includes a plurality of volumes at least two of which are defined at least in part by one or more phaseguides inside the volume and/or in a conduit connected thereto for controlling aliquoting of one or more liquids or liquid-based substances inside the volume. Each volume has an upstream and downstream side with respect to meniscus advancement direction via which it may be filled with or emptied of one or more liquids or liquid-based substances. The apparatus also includes at least one common upstream-side conduit connected to supply a liquid or liquid-based substance via a plurality of the inlet or extraction conduits, a plurality of the phaseguides exhibiting a predetermined level of stability and one or more of the phaseguides exhibiting a predetermined different stability compared with the stability of at least one of the other phaseguides whereby to control the preference order in which the volumes fill and/or empty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITEIT LEIDEN
    Inventors: Paul Vulto, Sebastiaan Johannes Trietsch, Heiko Jan van der Linden, Thomas Hankemeier
  • Patent number: 8603057
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically limiting the drainage of a bodily fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient into a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a vent having an hydrophobic filter for the passage of air to facilitate the movement of CSF yet to maintain a closed system. The system includes a buoyant float hingedly connected with the top of the collection chamber in one embodiment. When fluid rises in the collection chamber to a predetermined volume, buoyant force raises the float and causes a seal plug mounted on top of the float to seal one of an inflow port or a vent port. The float is limited to pivoting movement in one plane and to a certain angle within that plane. The system and method avoid overdrainage of CSF from the patient and overfilling of the collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Integra LifeSciences Corporation, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Brian Hoffman, Michael McDermott, William R. Chang, Eric Scott Clasen
  • Publication number: 20130269825
    Abstract: A multi-vial dispensing cassette provides serial dispensement into a plurality of dispense vials. Needle holders may be provided for one or more vials in the cassette and at clip may be incorporated into the needle holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: GE HEALTHCARE LIMITED
    Inventors: Nigel J Osborn, Roger Pettitt
  • Patent number: 8500705
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the analysis apparatus capable of collecting the body fluid such as urine or blood, for embodiment urination and measuring or calculating the specific constituent from the collected body urine, and the apparatus for collecting body fluid capable of using by connecting to the analysis apparatus and its related article, in which the apparatus for collecting and analyzing for the body fluid of a patient consists of the body fluid collecting part and the collecting part case, the apparatus for collecting body fluid consists of the body fluid collecting part, the total tube and adapter, the collecting part is constructed with the absorbing tube, the sensor tube, the cleansing tube and the passage and is attachable/detachable connected to the collecting part, a diaper and pants exclusive for a patient are provided as the related article such that it is convenient to possess and has effects in the urination having no relations to the intention of a patient or in case of unable to use
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Kyungin Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyoung Hun Kim
  • Patent number: 8449510
    Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Martini, Lawrence Guerra
  • Patent number: 8292857
    Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Martini, Lawrence Guerra
  • Patent number: 8267282
    Abstract: A quantitative dropper structure includes a resilient bottle body, a nozzle detachably sealingly connected to a bottle opening of the bottle body, and a transfer mechanism having a flow path formed of a first transfer pipe, a remaining liquid reservoir and a second transfer pipe. The nozzle has a dispensing orifice and a bottom wall formed with a perforation. The first transfer pipe has a first end communicating with the remaining liquid reservoir and a second end downward extending near to a bottom section of the bottle body. The second transfer pipe has a front end passing through the perforation to communicate with the liquid reservoir and a rear end communicating with the remaining liquid reservoir. When compressed, the liquid flows in the flow path into the liquid reservoir. After a predetermined volume of liquid is contained in the liquid reservoir, the liquid is quantitatively dispensed from the dispensing orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Hsi-Wen Pai
  • Patent number: 8221366
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically limiting the drainage of a bodily fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient into a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a vent having an hydrophobic filter for the passage of air to facilitate the movement of CSF yet to maintain a closed system. The system includes a buoyant float hingedly connected with the top of the collection chamber in one embodiment. When fluid rises in the collection chamber to a predetermined volume, buoyant force raises the float and causes a seal plug mounted on top of the float to seal one of an inflow port or a vent port. The float is limited to pivoting movement in one plane and to a certain angle within that plane. The system and method avoid overdrainage of CSF from the patient and overfilling of the collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Integra LifeSciences Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Hoffman, Michael McDermott, William R. Chang, Eric Scott Clasen
  • Patent number: 8216197
    Abstract: A medical canister connector is presented for connecting to a medical canister, which has a patient port and a reduced-pressure port. The medical canister connector includes a first connection member that is coupled to a patient-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a patient port on a medical canister and has a patient-port opening with a first longitudinal axis. The medical canister connector also includes a second connection member coupled to a reduced-pressure-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a reduced-pressure port on the medical canister and has a reduced-pressure-port opening with a second longitudinal axis. A spacing member or pressure transport member may be used to couple the first connection member to the second connection member. The spacing member or transport member flexes and twists during connection. The medical canister connector may also help organize one or more pressure-sensing conduits. Methods are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc
    Inventors: Tyler Simmons, Alexander Sammons, Kenneth Knowles
  • Patent number: 8201690
    Abstract: End user filled protective packaging with self-sealing air bubbles includes a bubble layer, a valve layer and a valve cover layer. A plurality of bubble cell patterns are formed on the bubble layer with adhesive, glue or heat sealing. The valve layer is attached to bubble layer. A plurality of check valves are formed on the valve layer with adhesive, glue or heat sealing. An air opening is formed through each one of the plurality of check valves to inflate the plurality of bubble cells. The valve cover layer is attached to the valve layer. A row with at least one bubble cell is filled with air by applying a source of air at an entrance of the check valve. Inflation of the at least one bubble cell causes the valve layer and valve cover layer to contact each other to seal the check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Larry C. Gess
  • Publication number: 20100230001
    Abstract: Methods and systems for selectively fuelling a vehicle are provided. One example method of fuelling a vehicle may include receiving a fuel in a fuel reservoir in the vehicle, and directing the fuel to one of a plurality of storage tanks based on a fuel type. In one example, the directing of fuel may include adjusting one or more fuelling valves positioned between the fuel reservoir and the plurality of storage tanks to vary a direction of fuel flow to the plurality of storage tanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Shane Elwart
  • Patent number: 7694701
    Abstract: A check valve for an air-packing device comprises upper and lower check valve films that are placed between upper and lower packing films that form the air-packing device contour. The check valve can be advantageously used for the air-packing device having a multiplicity of air containers. A common air duct that allows compressed air to flow into each air container through the check valve is formed between the upper and lower check valve films independently from other films such that the check valve can be placed flexibly in the air-packing device. Peeling agents are applied between the upper and lower check valve films to create the common air duct by preventing heat-sealing between the films. Air passages are formed in each check valve between air guide seals and separation seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Air-Paq, Inc.
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Koyanagi
  • Patent number: 7621898
    Abstract: A waste collection and disposal system for use in health care facilities is provided. The system includes a mobile waste collection unit for moving between use areas in the health care facility to collect waste material generated during medical procedures including body fluids, body tissues, saline, etc. The waste collection unit includes stacked upper and lower waste containers for receiving the waste material. During use, the upper waste container can be emptied into the lower waste container for temporary storage. In addition, different vacuum levels can be provided in the waste containers during complex procedures. Once a user desires to empty the waste collection unit, the waste collection unit is wheeled to a docking station. At the docking station, the waste material is off-loaded to a waste drain and the waste collection unit is cleaned and rinsed for further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Brent S. Lalomia, Stephen J. Reasoner, Stephen P. Isham, Chamara Gamhewage, Mark A. Wasserman, Glen D. Rocque, Troy E. Durnell, Grant T. Westphal, Brian MacLachlan
  • Patent number: 7618407
    Abstract: The invention includes a bag system for collecting a biological fluid, in particular blood. The system includes a device for collecting the fluid which is in fluid communication with at least one fluid collection bag, and a device for sampling the fluid to be collected which includes at least one sampling receptacle. The sampling device includes a device for transferring the fluid from the bag system into the sampling receptacle or receptacles, in which the transfer device is provided with a device for associating the receptacle or receptacles. The transfer device may be arranged to allow the support of the receptacle or receptacles in a standby position, the guidance of the receptacle or receptacles to a transfer position and, after transfer, the dissociation of the receptacle or receptacles from the bag system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: MacoPharma
    Inventors: Sylvie Demay, Francis Goudaliez, Thierry Verpoort
  • Publication number: 20090178727
    Abstract: A combination water conservation apparatus a container system placed to collect condensate from an air conditioner window unit or central unit. The container system may optionally comprise one or two containers with the single container system recovering water and retaining a first selected reserve quantity while dispensing excess/overflow water to a watering bucket for use by transport to a selected area for watering. The watering bucket has a lid with a spout and water input/air input hole for filling via a funnel, or for relieving vacuum during pouring. If a second container is utilized, it receives the excess/overflow from the first container and dispenses its excess/overflow to the watering bucket. A reserve quantity is retained in each of the containers, and the reserve is selected by placement of a spout at a height selected to retain the chosen reserve quantity of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen A. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7481252
    Abstract: A check valve for an air-packing device comprises upper and lower check valve films that are placed between upper and lower packing films that form the air-packing device contour. The check valve can be advantageously used for the air-packing device having a multiplicity of air containers. A common air duct that allows compressed air to flow into each air container through the check valve is formed between the upper and lower check valve films independently from other films such that the check valve can be placed flexibly in the air-packing device. Peeling agents are applied between the upper and lower check valve films to create the common air duct by preventing heat-sealing between the films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Air-Paq, Inc.
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Koyanagi
  • Patent number: 7461671
    Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic sample collector for liquids which are discharged from a chromatographic column, a dialysis apparatus, or a reaction container, for example, and are consecutively collected at a give volume division, a method for collecting samples of a liquid in a predefined chronological sequence, and uses of the inventive sample collector. The volume is divided by assigning one or several gas-permeable liquid barriers (4, 5) to each collection container (3). The sample collector can be produced as one piece which is for single use and is made of polypropylene, Teflon, or other suitable materials. The inventive sample collector has the advantage that it requires no source of energy and can be autoclaved and miniaturized, among other things. The design of the inventive sample collector makes it possible to keep the content of the collection containers free from oxygen or immediately freeze the liquid flowing into the collection containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignees: Humboldt-Universitaet Zu Berlin, L.U.M. GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Ehwald, Dietmar Lerche, Holger Woehlecke
  • Patent number: 7096892
    Abstract: In the fluid filling device A of the present invention, when installed in the fluid filler port B1 of the drum B, the hollow internal space of the tubular body 10 provided with the communication part 10a communicating with the internal space of the drum B is divided into the fluid inlet part 10b for leading waste oil into the drum B from outside and the fluid outlet part 10c for leading the waste oil filled into the drum B to the outside of the drum B. The fluid filling device A is further provided with the fluid inlet 11 for leading the fluid from the fluid filler port outside the container in communication with the fluid inlet part 10b and the fluid outlet 12 for leading the fluid filled into the container to the outside of the container in communication with the fluid outlet part 10c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Masaru Tawa
  • Patent number: 7025098
    Abstract: A bandolier of syringes for use in an automated syringe handling system is provided. The automated syringe handling system generally receives syringes and fills the syringe with a substance, such as a medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, the syringe handling system is a system that disperses one or more medicaments into the syringes in an automated manner. The bandolier includes a web, e.g., a strip of transparent material partially encapsulating bodies of syringes that are bound to the web at a prescribed interval. The bandolier includes a feature disposed within the prescribed interval and between the syringes with the feature being different from the surrounding web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: ForHealth Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel A. Osborne
  • Publication number: 20040232061
    Abstract: The liquid transfer apparatus includes a liquid storage drum, a liquid transfer structure on said storage drum and a transfer container positionable on the liquid transfer structure. The liquid transfer structure includes a pump, a level sensor and a riser hose member. The riser hose member has one end in the drum and another end in communication with the pump. The pump and the level sensor remove a desired amount of the liquid from the storage drum through the riser hose member into the transfer container. The riser hose member includes a rigid riser tube inserted into said drum, a free end of the riser tube resting on or adjacent a bottom surface of the drum, allowing the drum to be completely emptied of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Jack R. Dillon
  • Patent number: 6808515
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a multiply connected type liquid waste disposal apparatus to unify the kind of canister bottles used for multiple connection, to provide plural patient hoses for separate use, to enable easy visual recognition of a content capacity even if a liquid waste disposing capacity is increased, and to rapidly solidify an absorbed liquid waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignees: Gunma Koike Co., Ltd., Koike Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Takahashi, Kazuo Koike, Eiichi Takano
  • Patent number: 6722404
    Abstract: A bandolier of syringes for use in an automated syringe handling system is provided. The automated syringe handling system generally receives syringes and fills the syringe with a substance, such as a medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, the syringe handling system is a system that disperses one or more medicaments into the syringes in an automated manner. The bandolier includes a web, e.g., a strip of transparent material partially encapsulating bodies of syringes that are bound to the web at a prescribed interval. The bandolier includes a feature disposed within the prescribed interval and between the syringes with the feature being different from the surrounding web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: ForHealth Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel A. Osborne
  • Patent number: 6659122
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for an automotive vehicle having an internal combustion engine, comprises a fluid inlet line configured to receive fuel from a vehicle refueling station. A manifolded Y-connector includes an inlet port at an upper end of the Y-connector and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet line, an elliptical lower wall, a manifolded section extending from the inlet port to the elliptical lower wall, and a first and a second outlet port having substantially equal circular cross sections and each having a straight portion extending perpendicularly from the lower wall. A height of the manifolded section from the upper end to the lower wall is approximately four to five times a diameter of one of the outlet ports. The supply system further includes first and second fuel tanks fluidly connected to the first and second outlet ports of the manifolded Y-connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Akram R. Zahdeh, Edward J. Strzelecki
  • Patent number: 6588460
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for filling at least one cell of an accumulator (12) with electrolyte is described, having a vacuum pump (14) for evacuating the cell of the accumulator (12), and having a filler device (16) for introducing the electrolyte into a fill opening (32) of a cell, and having a container (18) for receiving the entire accumulator (12), the container (18) communicating with the vacuum pump (14) via a connection stub (20), so that the accumulator (12) can be put in its entirety under a vacuum, and the filler device (16) has at least one delivery line (22) for the electrolyte, which line is extended in vacuum-tight fashion into the container (18). The delivery line (22) on each end has a respective filler head (34) with an outlet stub (36), and the outlet stub (36) engages the inside of the fill opening (32) of a cell with play (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: CMW Automation GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Wipperfurth, Markus Rompel
  • Patent number: 6508265
    Abstract: A dual fuel tank (10) including first fuel tank (12) and a second fuel tank (14). A single fuel hose (16) allows fuel to enter the first fuel tank (12) from an outside source. When the fuel level in the first fuel tank (12) reaches an overflow level (17), fuel passes through a transfer tube (18) from the first fuel tank (12) into the second fuel tank (14). A transfer fuel pump (20) communicates fuel from the second fuel tank (14) to the first fuel tank (16) such that the level of fuel in the first tank (12) is maximized relative to the available fuel in the system. A main fuel pump (22) communicates fuel from the first fuel pump (12) to a remote target (24). In this way the fuel is available from a single location within the dual fuel tank (10) at a wider range of angles of vehicle travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Anthony Bertouille, James Michael Cook
  • Patent number: 6435225
    Abstract: A treatment method for the internal surface of a moulded polyethylene plastics material container such as a drum, comprising the steps of: introducing an ionisable gas, such as argon, into the container; generating a plasma of the introduced gas by applying electric field of sufficient strength to the container and introduced gas, so as to cause an interaction with the internal surface of the container; coating the internal surface of the container with a curable epoxy-based first polymeric composition; and then curing the polymeric composition to form a coating on the internal surfaces of the container. A second coating, preferably with electrical conductive properties, may be applied and cured over the first coating. Conductive properties may provided by including conductive particles such as antimony doped tin dioxide, graphite or metal powders, in the second composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Harcoster Drums Limited
    Inventor: Michael David Christy
  • Patent number: 6338368
    Abstract: A gravity refilling system for adding water to wet cell batteries. The system is for one or more batteries and utilizes apparatus mounted to the underside of a golf car seat. The apparatus includes a reservoir tank, a valve assembly, a disconnect assembly and cell plugs that will automatically prevent overfilling of battery cells. The valve assembly has mechanism for individually controlling a plurality of refilling operations. The system does not require the operator to have any physical contact with the batteries as they can be acidic and potentially hazardous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Donald S. Hassell
  • Patent number: 6286564
    Abstract: The water cooler bottle has a cylindrical body in order to enable it to be used with most water cooler units, and is enclosed on one end by a top portion and on the other end by a bottom portion. The top portion has a spout portion extending outwardly therefrom. The bottom portion with exception to a circular recessed portion is preferably horizontal in order to allow the bottle to be stored in an upright position while resting on the bottom portion. The circular recessed portion has a wall section and a floor section. The floor section has an aperture therethrough which is positioned concentrically to the cylindrical body. A circular cap is removably disposed within the circular recessed portion in order to seal the aperture. The circular cap has a top surface and a side wall peripherally extending around the cap. The top surface has a gripping means mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Loura L. Wallace
  • Patent number: 6253801
    Abstract: An air and gas vessel (1) having a downward opening is mounted within a tank (10, 20) for transport of liquid, e.g., oil. From the top side of the vessel runs a conduit (2) toward the inlet of the bridging hose (5) to the next tank. The conduit (2) may be closed by means of a cock (3). When the tank is filled with liquid from level A with the cock (3) closed, a volume will be stored in the vessel (1) when the tank is filled to level B. In order to drain the bridging hose (5), the cock (3) is opened. The confined air/gas volume will use up into the bridging hose (5) and the liquid volume will run back into the tank. The tanks may then be closed by means of the cocks (4) prior to starting the transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Green Trac Holding A/S
    Inventor: Svein Olaf Lie
  • Patent number: 6095206
    Abstract: A method and device for filling a container with liquid up to a predetermined level. The device includes a cylinder and a piston movable within the cylinder between a rest position and a fill position. A supply of liquid for filling the container is provided to a first end of the piston at alternating pressures to cycle the piston back and forth between the rest and fill positions. Each time the piston reaches its fill position, supply liquid is added to the container. With each cycle the device draws fluid from the container and then attempts to compress the drawn fluid with a second end of the piston. When the fluid drawn is gas, the piston can compress the gas to continue moving to the fill position. When the drawn fluid is liquid, the piston can not compress the liquid and thus is stopped to prevent further filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: William E. M. Jones
    Inventors: William E. M. Jones, Trevor Alden, Anatoly Galperin
  • Patent number: 5636665
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collectively filling and emptying fluid in a plurality of tanks, particularly in a railway train. The apparatus enables filling and emptying via a hook-up at the filling terminal or discharge terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Svien O. Lie
  • Patent number: 5404918
    Abstract: The storage tank consists of a main tank and ullage tank connected by a relatively small passage having a flow rate capacity up to 30% of the main fill line. To fill the tank, liquid cryogen is delivered to the main tank by either a top or bottom fill. Because the fill line is significantly larger than the passage, the main tank will become liquid full while the ullage tank remains substantially empty. When the tank becomes liquid full a dramatic drop in the flow rate will result that can be detected by a relatively insensitive, and inexpensive, flow monitoring device thereby to stop the filling operation. The ullage tank will retain trapped gas and gradually allow the liquid from the main tank to enter the ullage tank through the passage until the liquid level in the tanks are equal. Once the liquid levels in the tanks equalize, a vapor space is created above the liquid to accommodate vaporizing cryogen and provide long hold times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Valley Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Gustafson
  • Patent number: 5329976
    Abstract: A medication dispenser (2, 120) is used to directly fill a syringe (8, 134) with measured amounts of one or more liquid medications, typically two different types of insulin, from containers, such as vials (4, 6) and cartridges (230, 232, 234) each having a septum at one end; each cartridge has a pierceable piston (256) at the other end. The septum of each container is pierced by hollow liquid spikes (54) while hollow gas spikes (56) pierce the septum of the vial and the piston of the cartridge. Liquid is pumped out of the container and air is replaced into the container through the liquid and gas spikes. Two of the cartridges can contain a diluent (231) and a lyophilized component (233) respectively; the diluent in the first cartridge can be pumped into the second cartridge through a one-way valve to create a mixed pharmaceutical which is then pumped into the syringe, with or without another pharmaceutical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Habley Medical Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Terry M. Haber, William H. Smedley, Clark B. Foster
  • Patent number: 5241997
    Abstract: A plurality of capacitors of the type each including capacitor elements with a very small gap between adjacent electrodes are filled and impregnated with a capacitor oil with the aid of a capacitor oil filling/impregnating apparatus. The apparatus comprises an impregnating chamber including a capacitor oil supplying portion, a charging/discharging platform having a plurality of capacitors placed thereon, and distributing/supplying means arranged above the charging/discharging platform so as to allow the capacitor oil to be supplied to the respective capacitors from above by its free falling-down induced by a dead weight of the capacitor oil itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Nippon Petrochemicals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Tai, Shozo Hayashi, Hideyuki Dohi, Kunio Sugisawa
  • Patent number: 5179984
    Abstract: An underground storage tank system has an internal retained capacity area for receiving excess liquid from a filling operation. The storage tank system comprises a rigid storage tank, a fill pipe, a vapor recovery tube, a vent line, a dispensing line, and a trapped vapor release valve. A vapor recovery extension tube and vent extension line each extend into the storage tank. The uppermost of the lower end of the vapor recovery extension tube and lower end of the vent extension line within the storage tank defines a horizontal plane above which is an internal retained capacity area. The trapped vapor release valve is closed during a filling operation so that eventually a build up of pressure occurs within the retained capacity area to prevent further flow of liquid to the retained capacity area of the tank. Opening of the trapped vapor release valve relieves the pressure in the retained capacity area thereby allowing excess liquid in the fill pipe and delivery hose to drain into the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Bruce R. Sharp
  • Patent number: 5174354
    Abstract: A carbonated beverage delivery system having at least two syrup storage tanks. Each storage tank is provided with a valve that allows air to vent from the tank during delivery, acts as a nozzle to deliver cleaning solution during clean-up operations and, most significantly, meters the amount of fluid delivered to the tank and prevents inadvertent overfill. The tanks are also provided with a syrup feed pipe and drain pipe for filling and discharging the tank, respectively. The drain pipe can be connected to a mixing valve that also receives carbon dioxide and water from separate sources. These components are mixed at the mixing valve to create the desired carbonated beverage which is then delivered to a beverage dispenser. The feed pipe can be connected to a delivery truck supply tank such that its supply of syrup can be replenished. The volume of syrup carried by the truck supply tank is less than the total volume of all the storage tanks to be filled from the supply tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Valley Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Neeser, Martin S. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5105858
    Abstract: A stackable, lightweight water dispenser bottle and method of using a plurality of such bottles in conjunction with a conventional water cooler is disclosed. The bottle comprises a generally parallelepipedal container body with rounded edges and corners with a plurality of dimples in a top portion and complementarily shaped protuberances on a bottom portion. The top portion has a central depression therein with a round hole surrounded by a cylindrical collar sealed by a screw-on cap. A neck portion rising from a central depression in the bottom portion terminates in an opening communicating with the interior of the container body and is sealed with a plastic cap after the water bottle is filled. A first such water bottle can be inverted and sealingly inserted into the opening at the top of a water cooler to partially fill the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventor: Lionel R. Levinson
  • Patent number: 5078187
    Abstract: An underground storage tank system has an internal retained capacity area for receiving excess liquid from a filling operation. The storage tank system comprises a rigid storage tank, fill pipe, vent line, vent extension line, dispensing line, and trapped vapor release valve. The vent extension line extends into the storage tank. The lower end of the vent extension line within the storage tank defines a horizontal plane above which is an internal retained capacity area. The trapped vapor release valve is closed during a filling operation so that eventually a build up or pressure occurs within the retained capacity area to prevent further flow of liquid to the tank. Opening of the trapped vapor release valve relieves the pressure in the retained capacity area thereby allowing excess liquid in the fill pipe and delivery hose to drain into the rigid storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: Bruce R. Sharp
  • Patent number: 5049270
    Abstract: A filter apparatus is used to filter tap water and to automatically fill two containers. This apparatus includes a filter subassembly, a housing subassembly, a water control subassembly, and first and second containers. The water control subassembly includes a center see-saw chute receiving filtered water from a supply line from the filter subassembly, and includes a left pivoted chute and a right pivoted chute, each receiving a selectively directed water stream from the center chute. Each pivoted chute has a float at one end thereof, in contact with the water in its respective container when about full. An upward force from its container water pivots each left and right chute, when the container is about full, causing the respective water stream to be redirected in the opposite direction along its chute to a reservoir and drain line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Cuno, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Carrano, Raymond M. Petrucci
  • Patent number: 5042840
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system for storing and transporting a liquid in which a series of tank cars each have a hollow tank body with an inlet and an outlet supported on a frame with a plurality of wheels on the frame. In one embodiment, these cars are connected together with a sealable male fitting and female fitting which interengage to allow fluid flow between the cars. Using this valve arrangement, a series of cars hooked together may be filled from a single fill point or station. A method of storing and transporting a liquid involving these storage cars is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Diversey Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore R. Rieple, David J. Rumics, Jack D. Moore, Waldon A. Strangberg