Filling Means Controlled By Gas Condition In Receiver Patents (Class 141/39)
  • Patent number: 11370646
    Abstract: A device for filling a fill product into a container to be filled in a beverage bottling plant. The device includes a fill product reservoir for storing the fill product, a fill product channel, and a filling member in fluid communication with the fill product reservoir via the fill product channel. The filling member is configured to introduce the fill product into the container to be filled and the filling member communicates via media channels to provide media flows for two or more functions: flushing the container with a flushing gas, pre-pressurizing the container before it is filled, returning gas displaced during the filling of the container, relieving a gas overpressure in the container, and circulating a hot fill product through the filling member for controlling a temperature. A single media channel of the media channels is configured to provide the media flows for at least two of the functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Josef Doblinger, Holger Mueller, Franz Braun, Christian Gebauer, Angela Gruenwald, Bruno Landler, Sebastian Passberger
  • Patent number: 11312604
    Abstract: The present application provides a filling line for filling a container with one of a number of different beverages. The filling line may include a water circuit with a counter-pressure nozzle to fill the container with carbonated water and one or more micro-ingredient towers with a number of micro-ingredients therein positioned downstream of the counter-pressure nozzle to fill the container with the micro-ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventors: Anish Mehta, Gregg Carpenter, Eric L. Spann, Mamunur Rahman, Hitesh Patel, Dinesh C. Patel, Manuel I. Garcia, Sergey Grey Ivanov
  • Patent number: 11124402
    Abstract: Systems and methods for filling a beverage container with a carbonated fluid at ambient temperature while minimizing foam formation are provided. The carbonated fluid can maintain a laminar flow through the filling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: PEPSICO, INC.
    Inventor: Enver Bulunmaz
  • Patent number: 11079070
    Abstract: A method of transporting liquid petroleum gas (LPG) comprising coupling reverse thread fittings of a first tank to reverse thread fittings of a second tank, the first tank storing the LPG; and allowing the LPG to flow from the first tank to the second tank through the reverse thread fittings of the first tank and the reverse thread fittings of the second tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventor: Gary A. Moser
  • Patent number: 11014799
    Abstract: A device for filling a container with a sterilized filling product, preferably for filling a beverage container with a sterilized beverage in a beverage bottling installation, comprising a sterilization device for sterilizing the filling product, a sterile tank for buffered receiving of the filling product sterilized in the sterilization device, and a filling device which has a filling valve for the filling of the container to be filled, wherein the filling valve is a proportional valve for controlling and/or regulating the filling-product flow of the filling product into the container to be filled, and the proportional valve is connected in a buffer-free manner to the sterile tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Holger Mueller, Juergen Soellner, Sebastian Baumgartner, Josef Doblinger
  • Patent number: 10526182
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling cans with an uncarbonated liquid fill includes a rotatable rotor, can holders, filling elements, a can-pickup station, a can set-down station, and either a movable clamping element or an underpressure acting on a can's bottom. The filling operation is either pressureless filling, free-jet filling, or hot free-jet filling. During a filling operation, the rotor moves a can from the pick-up station to the set-down station. Either the clamping element or the underpressure then fixes the can to either a circumferential side with respect to the rotor or a filling-element support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Clusserath, Timo Jakob, Thomas Stolte
  • Patent number: 10179725
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a container that contains liquid filling-material includes a source of inert gas at a treatment pressure that is higher than a fill pressure that is used to fill said container, and filling elements. A typical filling element includes a housing, and a first controlled gas path that selectively connects the source to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
  • Patent number: 10065844
    Abstract: The invention relates to the food industry, and specifically to commercial equipment, and can be used for dispensing beer and other foaming and carbonated beverages from an isobaric container. The device includes a drainage channel which is connected by means of a three-way flow switch to tubes for feeding gas and beverage, a unit for securing the neck of a plastic bottle to the open end of the drainage channel and a control valve which is connected to the drainage channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventor: Sergei Aleksandrovich Buchik
  • Patent number: 10040582
    Abstract: Filling devices for isobaric filling machines for filling bottles with alimentary liquids such as beer or wine are provided. Such devices provide a high degree of precision with respect to the filling level of the bottle, are constructionally and functionally simple and are easy to wash and sterilize. Isobaric filling machines which include one or more such devices are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: GAI MACCHINE IMBOTTIGLIATRICI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Gai
  • Patent number: 10040678
    Abstract: Filling devices for lever filling of bottles with liquids are provided. Such devices may include a body having a vertical inner cavity, an outer tube which is fixed at the top to a bottom wall of a main vessel intended to contain the liquid with which the bottles are to be filled, extending through the inner cavity of the body and projecting downward from the body, an inner tube which is arranged coaxially with the outer tube, extending with a lower portion thereof inside the outer tube and projecting upward from the outer tube, so as to reach with its top end a level higher than the level of the liquid contained in the main vessel. Filling machines containing such devices are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: GAI MACCHINE IMBOTTIGLIATRICI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Gai
  • Patent number: 9908651
    Abstract: A method for treating packages includes ink jet printing designs on packages, arranging packages on a treatment position of a package transport path, and at least intermittently charging the packages, during printing thereon, with a gaseous sterilizing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Ehmer, Martin Schach
  • Patent number: 9791105
    Abstract: A pressure vessel refueling system enables fast refueling of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel tanks. The system includes a pressure vessel having a gas inlet/outlet port and a liquid inlet/outlet port; a first liquid at least partially filling the pressure vessel; a liquid layer of a second liquid floating on top of the first liquid, wherein the second liquid is immiscible with the first liquid; a gas at least partially filling the pressure vessel above the liquid layer of the second liquid, the gas in fluid communication with the gas inlet/outlet; and a pump in fluid communication with the liquid inlet/outlet of the pressure vessel, whereby the first liquid can be pumped or returned to/from storage into or out of the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Mosaic Technology Development Pty, Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Anthony Whiteman, Derek Shane Fekete
  • Patent number: 9718567
    Abstract: Method for producing tilled containers from parisons made from a thermoplastic material, wherein the respective parison is at least conditioned thermally and is subsequently shaped during a shaping and filling phase in a mold by the action of the pressure of the supplied filling substance into the respective container at a shaping and filling pressure, wherein, during the shaping and filling phase, the parison is guided at least temporarily through a stretching rod and/or is stretched in the axial direction, and wherein, at least at the end of the shaping and tilling phase, the respective container has an internal pressure which corresponds to the shaping and filling pressure (p2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KHS GMBH
    Inventors: Ludwig Clüsserath, Wilfried Ehmer
  • Patent number: 9498965
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ink and/or solvent cartridge (10) for an industrial printer, such a cartridge including at least one semi-rigid or deformable volume (14), being provided with an aperture (16), and having a given maximum capacity VCmax, and holding a hermetically enclosed volume of liquid comprising an ink and/or a volatile solvent, and a gas volume, the sum of these 2 volumes being lower than the maximum capacity VCmax, and in the whole temperature range between 10° C. and 35° C. and for a 1 bar pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: DOVER EUROPE SÁRL
    Inventor: Alain Pagnon
  • Patent number: 9173520
    Abstract: A beverage preparing device includes a beverage outlet that is vertically adjustable and is adapted to dispense a beverage into a receptacle. The beverage outlet has a safety device including a safety switch or safety sensor for interrupting height adjustment of the beverage outlet when the beverage outlet approaches or contacts the receptacle. An actuating member is pivotable about a joint so as to activate the safety switch or safety sensor. The actuating member includes a contact surface adapted to activate the safety switch or safety sensor and an additional contact surface for interrupting the height adjustment of the beverage outlet when an upper end position of the beverage outlet is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Jungclaus, Ulrich Van Pels
  • Patent number: 9133005
    Abstract: The method for filling containers comprises the following stages: closing an exhaust duct in a calibrated manner (61,62) according to a calibration to an exhaust pressure that is lower than the distribution pressure; placing into position a container to be filled; opening a distribution valve (24) and keeping it open until the closure of an exhaust check valve (46); closing the distribution valve (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Graffin
  • Patent number: 9010381
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filling system for filling bottles or similar containers (2) with a liquid filling material, said system comprising at least one filling element, a liquid channel formed in a housing of the filling element and connected to a tank for providing the liquid filling material, and at least one outlet for dispensing the liquid filling material into the respective container attached to the filling element. Said filling system also comprises a liquid valve in the liquid channel, a gas return tube that projects past the at least one outlet on one end, for controlling the level of the filling material in the filled container, and is connected to a gas chamber, formed for example in the tank, by means of a fluid connection. The filling system also comprises an open fluid channel inside the filling element, in the region of the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
  • Patent number: 8973624
    Abstract: A fill control system includes a fuel storage vessel, a fuel inlet in fluid communication with the fuel storage vessel to provide fluid communication between a fuel source and the fuel storage vessel, and a fill control valve disposed between and in fluid communication with the fuel inlet and the fuel storage vessel, an actuation of the fill control valve causing a pressure level upstream thereof which emulates a full condition of the fuel storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jörg Schulze
  • Publication number: 20150047739
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the start pressure within a gas tank (4) to be refueled, said method comprising the steps of connecting the gas tank (4) to a dispenser volume (3) of a dispenser unit (3, 5-7, 10, 11), which volume (3) is significantly smaller than the volume of the gas tank (4) to be refueled, applying a pressure to the gas in the dispenser volume (3), which pressure is equal to or higher than the pressure within the gas tank (4), so that gas start to flow from the dispenser volume (3) into the gas tank (4) through a check valve (9), which is a part of the gas tank (4), and determining the start pressure by measuring the pressure at the interface (8) between the dispenser unit (3, 5-7, 10, 11) and the gas tank (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: H2 Logic A/S
    Inventors: Morten Wistoft-Ibsen, Leif Kappel Petersen, Peter Bodker
  • Patent number: 8899278
    Abstract: A method for dispensing compressed gas from two or more compressed gas storage volumes to receiving vessel such as vehicle fuel tanks. Control instructions are provided to cycle the compressed gas storage volumes through pressure cycles in a rolling rotating cascading manner such that each of the compressed gas storage volumes cycle from an upper pressure limit to a lower pressure limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Perry Cohen, David John Farese, Ravi Subramanian
  • Patent number: 8794275
    Abstract: A filling device for filling containers with a liquid, including several filling elements, each of the filling elements having a filling valve, a filling tube and a return gas tube, where the filling tubes of the filling elements are arranged at a first common support and the return gas tubes of the filling elements are arranged at a second common support, and where the position of the second common support can be adjusted relative to the position of the first common support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Gruber, Walter Neumayer, Erwin Knieling
  • Patent number: 8783307
    Abstract: The present invention provides a CNG time fill system having a compression system including a gas dryer and one or more gas compressors, a gas storage system for storing the natural gas, a manifold time fill system for filling a plurality of natural gas vehicles with the natural gas, a pressure transducer or pressure transmitter for detecting the pressure within the manifold time fill system, and an automatic shut off valve for selectively stopping the flow of gas into the manifold time fill system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Clean Energy Fuels Corp.
    Inventor: Denis Ding
  • Patent number: 8776839
    Abstract: A filling element for filling containers includes a housing having a liquid channel, a connection for feeding liquid into the channel, a discharge port for discharging liquid into a container provided in a sealed position on the filling element, a valve in the channel between the connection and the port, an actuator for opening and closing the channel, a gas path for pre-stressing the container's interior with gas and returning displaced gas, a switching valve in the gas path, the valve being switchable by the actuator between a first state for use while pre-stressing and a second switched state for use with displaced gas, wherein in the first state, the gas path has a first effective flow cross section, and in the second state, the gas path has a second effective flow cross section, the second effective flow cross section being different from the first effective flow cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Clusserath, Manfred Hartel
  • Patent number: 8726946
    Abstract: A method for filling bottles or similar containers with an oxygen sensitive effervescent liquid beverage filling material under counterpressure and a filling machine for the performance of this method are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Clüsserath, Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch, Manfred Härtel
  • Publication number: 20140076290
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for fueling a device using a cryogenic fluid. The apparatus may comprise: a cryogenic fluid supply container; a vessel connected to the supply container with an entrance valve to regulate flow of cryogenic fluid from the supply container; a heat transfer system capable of transferring heat from a device to the vessel to heat gas in the vessel; and an accumulator connected to the vessel with an exit valve to regulate flow of gas from the vessel to the accumulator. The accumulator may be capable of being connected to a device. In other embodiments, methods are provided of controllably mixing at least one fluid within a fluid mixing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel A. Watts, Jason A. Grow
  • Patent number: 8617296
    Abstract: A filling pistol for the filling under pressure of an object essentially with nitrogen. The filling pistol has a housing with an inlet opening connectable to an air source, such as an air compressor, to supply air to the pistol. A separation device is incorporated downstream of and connected to the inlet opening to obtain essentially nitrogen-rich gas. An outlet opening is connected to the separation device and is connectable to the object to supply nitrogen-rich air from the filling pistol to the object. The separation device is provided between the air inlet and the nitrogen outlet of an exchangeable separation cartridge. An operating element sets the filling pistol to an operating condition to fill the object with nitrogen-rich air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Mfg. Etten-Leur NL
    Inventors: Barry Dallinga, Johannes Henricus Antonius Marie Kamp
  • Publication number: 20130333799
    Abstract: Provided is an LNG refueling system which can deliver LNG to an LNG-fueled ship and an LNG-refueled ship or can introduce the LNG from an LNG carrier, and more particularly, an LNG refueling system which separately has a low-temperature LNG tank and a high-temperature LNG tank such that both a low-temperature LNG and a high-temperature LNG can be handled, prevents an increase in pressure in the low-temperature LNG tank, and increases stability, and includes a flashing drum to change a high-temperature LNG to a low-temperature LNG such that both the high-temperature LNG and the low-temperature LNG can be supplied. Further, the present invention relates to an LNG refueling system including a boil-off gas treatment system to facilitate treatment of boil-off gas and a boil-off gas treatment method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Dae Jun Chang, Su Won Seo, Jiheon Ryu
  • Patent number: 8534327
    Abstract: A gas charging apparatus includes a gas supply source; a fuel gas charging line L connected to the gas supply source, to charge a fuel gas into gas tanks, respectively; a temperature information acquiring section which acquires temperature information in the gas tanks; a pressure information acquiring section which acquires pressure information in the gas tanks; a relation data acquiring section which acquires correspondence relation data indicating a correspondence relation between a temperature and a pressure in the corresponding gas tank; a temperature difference calculating section which calculates a temperature difference between the gas tank having the highest internal temperature and the gas tank having the lowest internal temperature among the plurality of gas tanks; and a control section which performs control so as to stop the charging of the fuel gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shusuke Inagi, Natsuru Miyazaki, Chihiro Uchimura, Akira Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20130180619
    Abstract: A method for filling bottles or similar containers with an oxygen sensitive effervescent liquid beverage filling material under counterpressure and filling machine for the performance of this method. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Ludwig CLÜSSERATH, Dieter-Rudolf KRULITSCH, Manfred HÄRTEL
  • Patent number: 8453682
    Abstract: A method for dispensing a compressed gas for reducing the amount of residual gas in dispensing station storage vessels before refilling is required. The method comprises transferring compressed gas into receiving vessels in a first series of fill-ups where each of the receiving vessels receive compressed gas from a first mobile storage device and subsequently from a second mobile storage device, transporting the first mobile storage device to a refilling station after the first mobile storage device has been depleted to a selected depletion level, refilling the first mobile storage device at the refilling station, and transferring compressed gas into receiving vessels in a second series of fill-ups where each of the receiving vessels receive compressed gas from the second mobile storage device and one or more of the first mobile storage device after refilling and a third mobile storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Bernard Bonner, Joseph Perry Cohen, David John Farese, Edward Clyde Heydorn, Ravi Subramanian
  • Patent number: 8393364
    Abstract: In, for example, a direct methanol type fuelcell, fuel is allowed to be injected little by little when the fuel is injected and supplied from the outside to a fuel receiving part reduced in the amount of remaining fuel on the fuelcell body side and an electromotive part can be prevented from being damaged by keeping the pressure in the fuel receiving part at a fixed level or less when the fuel is injected. Specifically, when a fuel CL filled in a refuelling container C is injected into a fuel receiving part T in several lots, a fuel injecting operation is repeated in which the volume of the refuelling container C is shrunk and reduced to supply the fuel into the fuel receiving part T in a proper amount and then the original volume of the refuelling container is restored to thereby absorb the atmospheric gas in the fuel receiving part T, which makes it possible to inject fuel continuously without any hindrance to the injection of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignees: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masayoshi Tanaka, Kenji Yoshihiro, Kenjiro Tanaka, Daisuke Imoda, Kenichi Takahashi, You Yamamori, Koichi Narutaki, Kinuyo Shintani
  • Publication number: 20130037166
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment for filling at least one downstream tank with a cryogenic liquid, from an upstream store which contains, at a storage pressure above atmospheric pressure, the cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase at the bottom of the tank, and the cryogenic fluid in the gas phase at the top of the tank, said upstream store being suitable for feeding liquid withdrawn from the bottom of the store to the downstream tank, as well as to be supplied with fluid from the outside, characterized in that one generates and maintains a pressure difference between the upstream store and the downstream tank, by pressurizing the gas phase of the upstream store at a pressure that is greater than the equilibrium pressure of the store.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Bernard, Olivier Pouchain
  • Patent number: 8365779
    Abstract: The present invention is aimed at providing a method for simply measuring the liquid quantity of liquid material in a receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nakagawa, Masaaki Muro, Tetsuro Shigeno, Naoyuki Nakamoto
  • Patent number: 8360112
    Abstract: The inventive method for filling a pressure gas container from a gas source pressure with a high pressure for a predetermined filling time selected or calculated prior to filling and at a determined temperature consists in forming a connection in the form of a fluid passage between the source and container, in carrying out a plurality of the passage opening-closing sequences during predetermined sub-intervals of the predetermined filling time, wherein the curve of a current pressure in the container follows, according to a time, a theoretical straight line linking the pressure measured prior to filling and after thereof during the filling time, the predetermined filling time is subdivided into a number of the time sub-intervals ranging from two to several hundreds and having respective determined duration, preferably ranging from 5 and 20 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Laurent Allidieres, Jaya-Sitra Pregassame, Thomas Charbonneau
  • Patent number: 8286672
    Abstract: This invention is about a gas filling apparatus for filling a gas into a storage apparatus for storing a semiconductor element or a reticle. The gas filling apparatus comprises a base and a port. The storage apparatus is loaded on the base. The port comprises a receiving part, which is connected with an air entrance of the storage apparatus. The contact portions of both the top of the receiving part and the air entrance of the storage apparatus are cambered surfaces and these two portions contacts in a ring fashion which is formed by the cambered surfaces mated with each other. The port also comprises a hole for the gas to pass through, and a joint port to connect with the air source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Gudeng Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Hung Wang, Ming-Long Chiu
  • Patent number: 8281820
    Abstract: Methods for loading a compressed fluid, such as natural gas, into and discharging the compressed fluid out of containment are provided. The compressed fluid is injected into a bottom portion of a container system for storage and/or transport until a target pressure is reached after which gas is withdrawn from an upper portion of the container system at a rate to maintain the target pressure while the compressed fluid is injected in the bottom portion. The compressed fluid is cooled through an expansion valve and by refrigerated chillers or by injecting a cold liquid of the same chemical composition as the compressed fluid, such as liquid natural gas, into the compressed fluid prior to injection into the container system. Withdrawal or discharge from the container system to a receiving facility begins with blow down from the bottom portion of the container system without a displacement fluid and continues until pressure falls below an acceptable differential pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: EnerSea Transport LLC
    Inventor: Charles N. White
  • Publication number: 20120186692
    Abstract: A container filling assembly includes a plurality of fluid storage containers, and a fluid inlet for supplying a fluid from a fluid source to the containers. A vacuum source creates a vacuum in the containers to draw the fluid into the containers and thereby fill the containers. A connective structure connects the vacuum inlet and the fluid inlet in fluid communication with the containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Lawrence Bullen
  • Publication number: 20120138192
    Abstract: A filling machine for filling a container with a pourable food product, comprising a tank, a support structure, a first fluidic line through which food product may flow, connected with the tank and connectable with the inner volume of the container a filling valve and a distributor comprising at least two ducts defining, with a cavity of filling valve, at least partially a second fluidic line along which a fluid may flow; distributor element comprising a first and a second control valve may either be left open in respective first configuration over the whole operation of filling machine or be displaced between open and closed configuration during a step of the operation of filling machine on the basis of one parameter between the nature of container and the nature of pourable food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Simone Campi, Paolo Tedoldi, Annalisa Malfatto
  • Publication number: 20110232802
    Abstract: A filling pistol for the filling under pressure of an object essentially with nitrogen. The filling pistol has a housing with an inlet opening connectable to an air source, such as an air compressor, to supply air to the pistol. A separation device is incorporated downstream of and connected to the inlet opening to obtain essentially nitrogen-rich gas. An outlet opening is connected to the separation device and is connectable to the object to supply nitrogen-rich air from the filling pistol to the object. The separation device is provided between the air inlet and the nitrogen outlet of an exchangeable separation cartridge. An operating element sets the filling pistol to an operating condition to fill the object with nitrogen-rich air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Barry Dallinga, Johannes Henricus Antonius Marie Kamp
  • Patent number: 8002873
    Abstract: A method of increasing the nitrogen concentration within a tire of a vehicle includes transporting a mobile nitrogen concentrating apparatus to a position adjacent the vehicle and concentrating a nitrogen content of a compressed first gas to obtain a second gas. The method also includes coupling the nitrogen concentrating apparatus in fluid communication with the tire and programming an inflator to purge the tire to a predetermined pressure and then pressurizing the container to a predetermined pressure. The method also includes purging the container of a portion of the existing gas and introducing a portion of the second gas into the tire to create a first gas mixture. The method additionally includes purging the container of a portion of the first gas mixture, and introducing a portion of the second gas into the tire to create a second gas mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Wrosch, Anthony F. Grzelakowski
  • Patent number: 7832433
    Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a fuel storage chamber having a fuel gas stored within a plurality of microspheres. A releasing mechanism releases the gas from the microspheres, such as by fracturing the spheres or diffusing the gas through the spheres. A ratcheting mechanism controls the release of the gas, such as hydrogen, from the microspheres. The ratcheting mechanism is controlled by either the pressure within the fuel storage chamber or an electronic controller. Additionally, the gas-generating apparatus of the present invention includes a fuel introducing system that has a fuel transporting system that is pressure regulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Societe Bic
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 7766055
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake, Markus M. Enzelberger, Mark L. Adams, Carl L. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20100089488
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container (1) for fluids, in particular liquids, such as beer or water, comprising an outer casing (2), preferably spheroid and preferably made of a rigid material, a gas and/or liquid tight inner casing (4) of a flexible material located inside the outer casing (2), a valve part (5) for filling the container (1) with a fluid, and at least one vent (13) via which the inside of the outer casing (2) communicates with the outside at least during filling. One or more spacers are (16; 18) located between the inner casing (4) and the outer casing (2), providing one or more venting paths at least during filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: EUROKEG B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Veenendaal, Jan Dirk Veenendaal, Hubert Joseph Frans Hanssen
  • Publication number: 20090260711
    Abstract: An inflation system includes a bladder incorporated into an article of outdoor gear or apparel. The bladder is incorporated into the article of outdoor gear and apparel so as to provide insulation to a user. The inflation system includes a gas canister that includes a reservoir of dry gas. A valve mechanism allows the dry gas to be used to selectively inflate and deflate the bladder to provide a desired amount of insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Nathan Alder, Cory Tholl, Brady Woolford
  • Publication number: 20090178728
    Abstract: A filling apparatus and method including a carrier for transporting containers and having a plurality of valves, each of the valves being opened for an individual, specific period of time to control a flow of liquid into the respective containers, while the containers are transported by the carrier. An exit feed path transports the containers after the containers have been filled, and a sensor, such as a camera, detects a level of liquid in the respective containers, while the containers are on the exit feed path. The sensor produces a signal that is stored as data representing the level of liquid for the individual containers. The data is then tracked and used for valve optimization. A period of time that each individual valve is opened for subsequent fillings is adjusted based on the signal and the historical performance of each valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicants: SIDEL, PRESSCO TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Don W. COCHRAN, Roberto SCHIANCHI, Franco MUTTI, Andrea LUPI
  • Publication number: 20090165888
    Abstract: This invention is about a gas filling apparatus for filling a gas into a storage apparatus for storing a semiconductor element or a reticle. The gas filling apparatus comprises a base and a port. The storage apparatus is loaded on the base. The port comprises a receiving part, which is connected with an air entrance of the storage apparatus. The contact portions of both the top of the receiving part and the air entrance of the storage apparatus are cambered surfaces and these two portions contacts in a ring fashion. The port also comprises a hole for the gas to pass through, and a joint port to connect with the air source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Sheng-Hung Wang, Ming-Long Chiu
  • Publication number: 20090095370
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant having a filling machine with multiple beverage filling elements, a filling machine with multiple beverage filling elements, a filling element and related method. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Dieter-Rudolf KRULITSCH
  • Patent number: 7287562
    Abstract: A vessel mouth gasket unit is fitted around the outer periphery of a valve body which is internally formed with a filled liquid passage. A first gasket having a smaller diameter and a second gasket having a larger diameter is mounted on the lower surface of the unit. The filling valve is made up of a liquid valve opening and closing air cylinder which opens and closes a liquid valve 8 disposed in the filled liquid passage, and a vessel mouth gasket auxiliary air cylinder which urges the unit downward. The valve body has an outer diameter which is greater than the aperture diameter of a bottle-like first type vessel and less than the aperture diameter of a second type vessel having a larger aperture. The operating pressure of the auxiliary air cylinder is controllable and the filling operation takes place by urging the gasket against the first vessel with a low load and by urging the gasket against the second type vessel with a high load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunori Tanikawa, Shinya Kamori, Futoshi Konishi, Kenichi Tsukano
  • Patent number: 7178565
    Abstract: A mobile self-contained self-powered station having a plurality of vessels delivers a pressurized fluid to a receiving tank (e.g., a fuel tank of a hydrogen-powered vehicle) without using mechanical compression, external electric power, or other external utilities. The station includes first and second vessels, a conduit in fluid communication with the receiving tank and each of the first and second vessels, means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the first vessel to the receiving tank, means for measuring continuously a pressure differential between the increasing pressure in the receiving tank and the decreasing pressure in the first vessel, means for discontinuing the transfer from the first vessel when a predetermined limit value is reached, and means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the second vessel to the receiving tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Paul Eichelberger, David John Farese, Joseph Perry Cohen, Richard Layton Colwell
  • Patent number: 7178563
    Abstract: A method of filling a portable tank with compressed oxygen-enriched gas includes the steps of providing a coupling such that when a portable tank is connected with the coupling oxygen-enriched gas can flow through the coupling into the portable tank; directing oxygen-enriched gas from an oxygen concentrator to a compressor; compressing the oxygen-enriched gas in the compressor; directing compressed oxygen-enriched gas from the compressor to a reservoir; storing the compressed oxygen-enriched gas in the reservoir; and thereafter directing stored oxygen-enriched gas from the reservoir to the coupling to enable filling of a portable tank with compressed oxygen-enriched gas from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph B. Richey, II, Gerold Goertzen