Gas And Other Material Separating Passage Or Chamber Patents (Class 141/44)
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Publication number: 20040154691Abstract: A Dustless Stacker hood for suppressing dust generated during the stockpiling of materials such as coal. The Dustless Stacker hood receives coal from overhead chute; the received coal falls through Dustless Stacker hood to the top of a stockpile, and the Dustless Stacker hood confines dust inside Dustless Stacker hood. The dust-laden air swirls within the Dustless Stacker hood through a recirculation pipe and back to the overhead chute to enhance an agglomeration process which causes the dust particles stick together and fall to the top of stockpile.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventor: John S. Fischer
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Patent number: 6719016Abstract: A pressurized container includes a vessel defining a chamber therein. A housing that is connected to the vessel defines an outlet that is fluidly separated from the chamber by a closure member. A moveable member may be seated within and form a seal with the housing and abut the closure member. Activation of an initiator propels the moveable member through the closure member, thereby fluidly connecting the chamber and the outlet. The pressurized container might include an obstruction partially blocking an outlet path and another initiator that breaks the obstruction when activated, thereby further opening the outlet path. The pressurized container might include a main path fluidly connected to the outlet, a first secondary path that connects the main path to the chamber, and a second secondary path that also connects the main path to the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2003Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Inventor: Michael F. Fink
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Patent number: 6681813Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the removal of fluid from a container (10), which carries a gas and which in the area of a collection point (12) for the liquid has a removal connection (14), to which can be connected a collection container (18) by means of a removal conduit (16), which container can be connected through an equalization conduit (20) with an equalization connection (22) arranged on the container (10), which connection is different from the removal connection (14). In this manner a liquid removal device of small structure is made available as a maintenance unit which can be connected with only very short time period of the container being out of commission and in turn can also be rapidly separated therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Hydac Technology GmbHInventor: Herbert Baltes
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Patent number: 6668874Abstract: A gas-assisted flow and filling device for transporting particulate material and filling die cavities includes a source of low-pressure gas for delivering gas to a chamber that is separated from a fluidizing chamber by a porous distributor plate which permits the gas to flow through the particulate material and out a vent screen so that the particulate material is permitted to flow out of the fluidizing chamber essentially free of gas and wherein the pressure of the gas delivered to the fluidizing chamber is sufficient to provide a gas bearing to said particulate material adjacent the distributor plate, but not high enough to cause turbulence in said fluidizing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: MatsysInventors: Roderick Rowland, Tony F. Zahrah, Rajkumar Raman, Phillip A. Parrish
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Patent number: 6634396Abstract: The object of this invention is to improve safety by preventing the leakage of liquid caused by the internal pressure of a container. A liquid path plug in which a pipe is provided in the lid section of the plug, and a gas path plug which does not have a pipe are attached to openings of the container. The engaging groove section is formed on the end surface of the liquid path cap which closes the through hole provided in the liquid path plug section of the liquid path plug. The engaging protrusion section and the engaging hole section are formed on the end surface of the gas path cap which is provided in the gas path plug section of the gas path plug and closes the through hole. The gas path cap is detached by engaging the engaging pin of the detaching fixture on the engaging hole section of the gas path cap and by turning the gas path cap.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Surpass Industry Co. Ltd.Inventor: Toshihiko Ozawa
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Patent number: 6604558Abstract: A multicomponent, ground based system for reducing the hazard of explosion of aircraft fuel in the on board tanks of aircraft. The system is adapted to provide a supply of scrubbed fuel having a low concentration of dissolved oxygen. The scrubbed fuel can be supplied from bulk storage tanks to dispensing stations nearby the aircraft loading and boarding positions at an airport. The system also includes equipment adapted to wash the ullage of the aircraft fuel tanks to remove excess oxygen above the fuel in the tanks. The system further includes a gas cleaning unit to strip excessive amounts of volatile organic compounds from gas exhausted during operation of the system thereby producing environmentally benign atmospheric emissions. The system also includes redundant sources of inert gas so that the system can continue to operate in the contingency that one of the inert gas sources temporarily ceases to operate.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: L'Air Liquide Société Anonyme à Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Étude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventor: Richard A. Sauer
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Patent number: 6601617Abstract: A method for actuating an onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) valve to selectively enable passage of fuel vapor from a fuel tank to a collection canister for the fuel vapor. The method includes determining whether a filling event is occurring and determining a fuel level within the fuel tank. The ORVR valve is selectively opened and closed in connection with whether a fueling event occurs and whether the fuel tank is full.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Trevor L. Enge
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Patent number: 6578597Abstract: A vent module is adapted to be mounted in a top wall of a fuel tank to vent fuel vapor from the tank to a vapor recovery canister located outside the tank. An outer shell is positioned around the vent module to define a fuel vapor transfer passageway arranged to conduct liquid fuel droplets into a liquid fuel accumulation chamber. A fuel vapor transfer port is formed in the outer shell to admit fuel vapor into the fuel vapor transfer passageway. A fuel vapor inlet port is formed in the vent module to lie below the fuel vapor transfer port. Liquid fuel entrained in fuel vapor is shed as fuel vapor flows laterally from the fuel vapor transfer passageway into the vent module through the fuel vapor inlet port so that “demoisturized” fuel vapor flows into the vent module and liquid fuel droplets fall into the liquid fuel accumulation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.Inventors: J Bradley Groom, Dennis M. DeCapua
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Patent number: 6557591Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a gaseous product includes a horizontal container having inlet and outlet ports, an elongated hollow tube inside the container, a purifying medium inside the tube, inlet and outlet control means adapted to control delivery of the fluid to the inlet port and to control delivery of a gaseous product from the outlet port. The tube has a first opening, a second opening spaced apart from the first opening, and an internal axis between the first and second openings. The first opening is in fluid communication with the outlet port and the second opening is in fluid communication with a vapor space in the container. A portion of the internal axis adjacent the second opening is at an angle greater than zero degrees relative to the horizontal longitudinal axis of the container. Each of the inlet and outlet control means preferably are single ported valves.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Martin Pearlstein, Benjamin Lee Hertzler, Lawrence Paul Jarrett
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Patent number: 6533002Abstract: A cooling unit is mounted to an upper wall of a fuel tank so as to cool fuel. A control valve and a vent valve are disposed in a vapor line extending from a float valve to a canister. The control valve and the vent valve are disposed in parallel with one another and constitute a valve member. A cooling unit is mounted to an evaporation passage between a float valve and the valve member. Operation of the cooling units serves to cool fuel and inhibit generation of vapor. If the pressure in the fuel tank exceeds a control pressure, a control circuit opens the control valve and performs control such that the pressure in the fuel tank becomes lower than a running-state relief pressure.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahide Kobayashi, Takashi Ishikawa, Katsuyuki Kido
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Patent number: 6520218Abstract: In a first respect this invention is a container, comprising: a cylindrical, hollow body capped on both ends by a base and a top; a conduit that bisects the top and extends into the interior of the container; and a perforated housing that encompasses the portion of the conduit that extends into the interior of the container. In another broad respect, this invention is a removable splash guard, comprising: a housing having a top and bottom that define an internal space; a lower tube that bisects the bottom, wherein the lower tube has a upper portion which is angled; an upper tube that bisects the top, wherein a portion of the second tube that extends into the internal space contains at least one hole; and a partition interposed between the upper and lower tubes that serves to block movement of a chemical from the lower tube to the opening at the inboard end of the upper tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1998Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: John N. Gregg, Gregory W. Harris, Frank L. Cook, Robert M. Jackson
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Patent number: 6510875Abstract: A new inflating device and method for inflating an inflatable object are described. The inflating device includes two compartments: one containing a gas-generating agent and the other containing an activating agent. When mixed, the gas-generating agent and the activating agent produces a gas in situ. The device further includes an activator connected to both compartments and is capable of effectuating mixing between the two agents upon activation. A hose assembly of the inflating device delivers a the gas generated to an inflatable object, such as a flat tire.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: PennzoilInventors: Jiafu Fang, Troy H. Scriven, Dewey P. Szemenyei
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Patent number: 6470922Abstract: Apparatus for the recovery of an inert gas, preferably for the recovery of CO2, for use in counterpressure filling machines, the filling elements of which—prior to introduction of a liquid filling material into a container—evacuate this container and at least prepressurize this container with an inert gas under pressure from the pressurizing gas distribution channel:and which elements, during the subsequent introduction of a filling material, conduct the inert gas containing return gas displaced from a corresponding container into a return gas collection channel, wherein a first evacuation system is provided with which the air can be removed from the bottle, and then there is carried out a prepressurizing of the bottles using an inert gas; and a second independent evacuation system is provided with which can be removed and collected, independently of the first evacuation, the inert gas that is being removed by suction.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AGInventor: Siegmar Sindermann
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Patent number: 6443190Abstract: A method for actuating an onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) valve to selectively enable passage of fuel vapor from a fuel tank to a collection canister for the fuel vapor. The method includes determining whether a filling event is occurring and determining a fuel level within the fuel tank. The ORVR valve is selectively opened and closed in connection with whether a fueling event occurs and whether the fuel tank is full.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Trevor L. Enge
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Patent number: 6435227Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring liquid chlorine or other process material from a larger container to one or more smaller containers, including a valve assembly used to minimize chemical loss, is disclosed herein. The valve assembly minimizes chlorine or other process material loss to the environment by sealing the manifold and the filled cylinder from the environment while the valve assembly is disconnected. The apparatus and methods disclosed herein minimize caustic use associated with purging of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: California International Chemical CorporationInventor: Michael W. Heinle
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Patent number: 6357492Abstract: A liquid changer includes a base, a liquid tank, a pump and a changeover valve. The base has two insert grooves for the liquid tank and the pump to fit therein to stand up. The changeover valve is located at one side of the pump. Switching the changeover valve to IN or OUT position can pump out the liquid in the liquid tank or exhaust out the liquid in a container of any other use. Thus the liquid changer can be used in two ways by means of the changeover valve easily switched. In addition, the pump is located outside the liquid tank, increasing liquid volume to be stored in the liquid tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2001Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Sgr-Bin Hsu
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Patent number: 6340036Abstract: A control method for discharging particles and an apparatus executing the method are disclosed. The control method includes steps of passing particles through a particles-supplying path connected to a supplying section of the particles at one end of it, and having a delivery opening for discharging the particles at the other end of it and controlling to form a cover consisting of at least a part of the particles by changing a density of at least a part of the particles existing in the particles-supplying path so as not to discharge the particles from the delivery opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Yoshihiko Toyoizumi, Chuji Iino
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Patent number: 6336479Abstract: A vapor recovery system for a fuel dispenser having a valve positioned in the hanging hardware for testing for leaks along a vapor recovery line. Vapor valves placed along the vapor recovery line allow for isolating sections of the recovery line to determine the position of any leaks. A vapor pump positioned on the vapor recovery line provides for changing the pressure within the line and a vapor sensor positioned on the vapor recovery line determines the amount of pressure within the line. A control system controls the vapor pump and valves and receives signals from the pressure sensor for determining the position of leaks along the vapor recovery line.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems Inc.Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
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Publication number: 20010052371Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Inventor: Michael David Christy
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Patent number: 6325112Abstract: A vapor system for a fuel dispenser having at least one vapor sensor placed along a vapor recovery line for determining the amount of captured vapor. The vapor amounts are determined by the sensor at a number of times during the fueling process. These are sent to a control system which compares the amounts and determines whether they are within a predetermined range. Consistent readings indicate that the vapor recovery system is operating correctly. Inconsistent results indicate either a leak within the vapor recovery line, or fuel is being drawn into the vapor recovery line. These problems within the vapor recovery system can be diagnosed and the necessary corrective steps may be implemented.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems Inc.Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
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Patent number: 6318418Abstract: A worm metering apparatus which includes a metering tube having an end, the end has an annular barrier element, made of sintered metal, that communicates with a negative-pressure source and an overpressure source gas source. A pressure meter is also provided, which measures the negative pressure that prevails in a line to the barrier element. To prevent the barrier element from becoming clogged with bulk material particles, the overpressure gas is conducted to the barrier element during the operation of the worm metering apparatus, in order to detach adhering particles of bulk material.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Guenter Grossmann, Anton Ettenhofer
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Patent number: 6302159Abstract: An apparatus and method for chemical processing of multiple mixtures is disclosed. The apparatus provides selective purging of a liquid-phase of the mixtures. The apparatus can be used for processing many different types of mixtures under a wide variety of processing conditions, including but not limited to protein digestions, and is particularly well suited for processes requiring solid-liquid contacting. The apparatus includes an array of vessels or wells for containing the mixtures. The wells have openings that generally define a surface. A perforated plate and a film are disposed above the openings of the wells. The film is sandwiched between the perforated plate and the surface defined by the openings of the vessels, covering and sealing the vessels. A probe is used to perforate the film and to pressurize the vessels, which drives liquid out of the wells via through-holes formed in their bottoms.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Genomic Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Paul Thomas Ryan, Kevin Auton
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Patent number: 6302164Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid hydrocarbons includes a vapour recovery circuit having a vapour/liquid separator and a vapour flow controller. The vapour/liquid separator has a receiving chamber in which liquid is collected and is mounted in the vapour recovery circuit upstream of the vapour flow controller. The recovery chamber is connected to a bleeding pipe having an inlet fitted with a non-return valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Tokheim Services FranceInventors: Jean-Pierre Nitecki, Jacques Fournier
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Patent number: 6253802Abstract: An electronic onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system including an electrically operated ORVR valve that selectively opens and closes a fuel vapor path between a fuel tank and a collection canister. An electronic control circuit generates control signals to selectively open and close the ORVR valve. The electronic control circuit receives one or more inputs from one or a plurality of sensors and evaluates the one or more inputs to determine whether to activate the ORVR valve. The sensor inputs include at least a sensor indicating fuel is being introduced into the filler neck and may also include at least a sensor indicating a fuel level within the tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Trevor L. Enge
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Patent number: 6244310Abstract: A system for monitoring and testing the operation of a vapor recovery system within a fuel dispensing device. The system utilizes strategically placed sensors within the fuel dispensing device to gather data pertaining to each pump and hose combination for that fuel dispensing device. The gathered data is forwarded to an internal digital controller processing device where calculations are performed and results are compared to baseline results stored in memory within the digital controller. Anomalous results are displayed and/or printed. The system operates in both automatic and manual diagnostic modes. The automatic diagnostic mode runs continuously without interfering with the normal operation of the fuel dispensing device.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems Inc.Inventors: Steven L. Rowland, Hal C. Hartsell, Jr.
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Patent number: 6234216Abstract: A pipe with a plurality of gas outlet apertures is inserted inside a fill pipe of a liquid storage tank. The fill pipe has an outlet normally covered by the tank contents. The gas pipe conveys the gaseous contents of the fill pipe to a separate outlet as refilling liquid is introduced into the fill pipe. This allows the gas inside the fill pipe to be separately vented from the fill pipe without disturbing the liquid contents of the tank.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1997Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Inventor: Carl Denby
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Patent number: 6213169Abstract: In a mechanical single-chamber filling system for filling bottles or similar containers with a liquid product, each filling element has a return gas tube that forms a gas or return gas duct that emerges in a gas space of a toroidal bowl. In this gas or return gas duct there is a mechanically actuated pressurization gas valve. The pressurization gas valve is simultaneously realized in the form of a Trinox valve, namely to regulate a Trinox pressure in the respective container, largely independently of the pressure in a Trinox duct.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AGInventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
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Patent number: 6213170Abstract: A valveless fuel tank assembly for a vehicle including a fuel tank having an interior chamber to hold fuel therein. The valveless fuel tank assembly also includes a vapor canister to adsorb fuel vapor in the fuel tank. The valveless fuel tank assembly includes a fill-limit tube connected to the fuel tank and communicating with the interior chamber and a tank vent tube connected to the vapor canister and operatively connected to the fill-limit tube. The valveless fuel tank assembly further includes an oleophobic filter connected to the fill-limit tube to allow vapor fuel to communicate with the vapor canister and to prevent liquid fuel from communicating with the vapor canister.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David Howard Burke, Mahlon Richard Pachciarz
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Patent number: 6206057Abstract: A refueling fuel level responsive control valve with a two-stage closing operation providing an initial soft shutoff cue to the filler nozzle operator, and a subsequent final shutoff after a limited amount of “roundoff” filling to a maximum fuel level. The control valve includes two float-operated valve elements which dose serially in response to initial shutoff and final shutoff refueling fuel levels. The initial shutoff partially closes the control valve to create a temporary shutoff-inducing increase in fuel tank pressure. Final shutoff occurs after allowing a few round-off “clicks” of the filler nozzle to fully close venting through the control valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: G. T. Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert P. Benjey, Rudolph Bergsma
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Patent number: 6189578Abstract: A filling system for filling bottles or similar containers with a liquid product under counter pressure has a plurality of filling elements. Each filling element has a liquid valve for the controlled dispensing of the product as well as a plurality of gas ducts realized in a housing, by means of which ducts at least three separate and individually controlled control valves for each filling element can be controlled so that a wide variety of processes can be conducted for the bottling of the product, and namely merely by varying the actuation of the control valves or by varying a corresponding program for a microprocessor-assisted or computer-assisted control device.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AGInventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
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Patent number: 6167920Abstract: A method for actuating an onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) valve to selectively enable passage of fuel vapor from a fuel tank to a collection canister for the fuel vapor. The method includes determining whether a filling event is occurring and determining a fuel level within the fuel tank. The ORVR valve is selectively opened and closed in connection with whether a fueling event occurs and whether the fuel tank is full.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Trevor L. Enge
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Patent number: 6152196Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a filling and venting system for a fuel tank which includes a canister having a fill section and a vent section defined therein. The fill section including a fuel inlet portion for the introduction of fuel thereinto and a fuel outlet portion configured to be attached to a fuel tank for directing fuel thereinto. The vent section includes a vapor outlet port configured to be attached to a vent and a vapor inlet port configured to be attached to the fuel tank to permit vapor to pass from the fuel tank, through the canister and to the vent. The vapor inlet port is configured to project into the fuel tank to a level below a level at which the fuel outlet port enters the fuel tank. A partition assembly includes a wall separating the fill section and the vent section. The wall includes an opening defined therein which permits fluid to flow therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Inventor: Peter A. Kehoe
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Patent number: 6123118Abstract: A fuel dispenser's vapor recovery system nozzle capable of responding to the presence of an onboard vapor recovery system (ORVR) in an automobile. The invention includes a vapor recovery nozzle having a vapor passage in its nozzle spout and a vapor inlet in communication with the vapor passage. The spout includes a moveable seal mounted on the spout with the seal having a first position adjacent to the plurality of vapor inlets and a second position covering the vapor inlets so as to substantially block the passage of vapors through the vapor inlets. The seal may be biased in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
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Patent number: 6085771Abstract: A two-stage venting on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) valve for controlling fuel tank venting to a storage canister during tank filling. A float actuated poppet has a small second stage venting hole therethrough. The poppet is mounted for relative movement with respect to a second stage vent valve member disposed on the float. During tank filling, venting is through a first stage relatively large flow area passage until rising fuel level causes the poppet to close the first stage vent flow area. Venting during continued filling is through the second stage venting hole in the poppet. After first stage valve closure relative movement or lost motion occurs between the first and second stage valve members.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Robert P. Benjey, Rudolph Bergsma
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Patent number: 6082415Abstract: A system for monitoring and testing the operation of a vapor recovery system within a fuel dispensing device. The system utilizes strategically placed sensors within the fuel dispensing device to gather data pertaining to each pump and hose combination for that fuel dispensing device. The gathered data is forwarded to an internal digital controller processing device where calculations are performed and results are compared to baseline results stored in memory within the digital controller. Anomalous results are displayed and/or printed. The system operates in both automatic and manual diagnostic modes. The automatic diagnostic mode runs continuously without interfering with the normal operation of the fuel dispensing device.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems IncInventors: Steven L. Rowland, Hal C. Hartsell, Jr.
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Patent number: 6076567Abstract: A filling machine assembly (10) for filling a beverage container (12), such as a bottle or can, with a beverage, such as a carbonated drink, juice or water. The filling machine (10) includes a support housing (14) having an inner fluid chamber (20) for supplying the beverage to be discharged into the container (12). A valve housing (22) is mounted to the bottom of the support housing (14) for controlling the discharge of the beverage and a control device (24) is mounted to the top of the support housing (14). A vent tube (26) is actuated upward and downward via the control device (24) and extends into the valve housing (22). A support tube (34) extends between the control device (24) and the valve housing (22) and has a bore (36) surrounding the vent tube (26). An actuation device (42) moves the vent tube (26) within the bore (36) relative to the support tube (34) a predetermined stroke between a filling position and a non-use position.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Crown Simplimatic IncorporatedInventors: Jens Naecker, Wolfgang Wilke, Kecheng Ding
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Patent number: 6065507Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of an ORVR-equipped vehicle having a fuel tank filler pipe including an annular vapor block mounted in the fuel tank filler pipe. The vapor block has sufficient length to substantially block vapor flow through a plurality of vapor return openings in a vacuum assist nozzle spout and further includes an internal diameter complementary with the outside diameter of the nozzle so as to prevent the creation of a vapor tight seal.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
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Patent number: 6006799Abstract: To diminish the escape of fuel vapors from a fuel tank filling tube during filling of the tank, a valve is provided that is switched by insertion of a fuel pump nozzle into the filling pipe so that fuel vapors escaping upon filling of the fuel tank are transmitted with comparatively low flow resistance to an active carbon receptacle. When the fuel pump nozzle is removed from the filling tube, the valve is returned to its normal operating position in which venting of the tank takes place through an upper portion of the tank filling tube and through a gravity valve and a pressure holding valve.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventors: Burkhard Kraft, Liane Ludwig, Rolf Reinke
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Patent number: 5996649Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently metering and transferring a cryogenic liquid, such as liquefied natural gas, from a storage vessel to, for example, a vehicle fuel tank. The apparatus incorporates a programmable controller, a motor-driven pump and a network of conduits with motor-operated valves and liquid sensors for effecting a priming of the pump with liquid free of vapor and a cool-down of the flow passages prior to a transfer operation for ensuring that a vapor-free liquid is delivered. A pair of flow meters, one for liquid and the other for returned vapor, allows a reliable determination of the amount of liquid delivered to--and remaining in--a receiving vessel. The apparatus employs a delivery nozzle with quick-disconnect valved fittings and a delivery nozzle incorporating features which allow it to be handled by an operator without the use of heavy gloves.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Cryogenic Fuels, Inc.Inventors: Harold E. Sutton, Roy E. Adkins
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Patent number: 5983958Abstract: An onboard vapor recovery system for a vehicle fuel system having a fuel tank, a filler neck dynamically sealed by high pressure fuel flow from a filler nozzle, and a vapor recovery apparatus such as a carbon canister. The system includes a liquid level operated control valve which shuts off refueling with a two-stage closing operation providing an initial soft shutoff and a final shutoff. The system also preferably includes a valve in the fuel tank to maintain a predetermined pressure head sufficient to hold the system closed against further refueling at least temporarily, and a positive action, one-way check valve in the lower end of the filler pipe to prevent spitback of fuel from the pressurized tank once refueling has ceased.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: G.T. Products, Inc.Inventors: Rudolph Bergsma, Robert P. Benjey
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Patent number: 5954100Abstract: Beverage fill valves, adapter nozzles for placement at the discharge end of beverage fill valves, novel counterpressure, and snift discharge valves including plungers, actuators or buttons, and unique counterpressure snift flow paths in novel combination with fill valves and/or fill valves with adapter nozzles, and related methods are disclosed, whereby automatic filling of a can having a smaller diametral opening at the top thereof is accommodated.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1996Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Servi-Tech, IncInventors: Terry E. Nish, Cecil Ray McCray
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Patent number: 5950688Abstract: An apparatus is provided for preventing the spillage of fuel into the water or onto a marine vessel when filling a fuel tank on the vessel. A vent line is coupled between the fuel tank and a vent port of the vessel, at least one valve assembly coupled within the vent line, and an overflow container is coupled within the vent line between the valve assembly and the vent port. The valve assembly defines a drain hole for permitting small quantities of fuel, gases and/or vapors to pass through the valve assembly and into the overflow container. A fill container defines an inlet port for receiving a fuel nozzle to fill the fuel tank with fuel and an outlet port coupled in fluid communication with a fill line for receiving a fuel nozzle to fill the fuel tank with fuel, and an outlet port coupled in fluid communication with a fill line for the passage of fuel between the fill container and the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: LNG&K, Inc.Inventor: Joseph R. Langlois
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Patent number: 5904189Abstract: A fuel dispensing system, parts therefor and methods for making the same are provided, the system having a venturi section for removing liquid from a normal drape area of a hose assembly of the system, the venturi section having an inlet unit that is positioned in a vapor recovery fluid passage of the hose assembly generally at the actual drape area of the hose assembly even when the actual drape area is disposed intermediate the normal drape area and a dispensing nozzle or is disposed intermediate the normal drape area and the source of liquid fuel as well as when the actual drape area is disposed generally at the normal drape area.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Berger, Randy C. Foster, Timothy J. Hampton, Jack S. Hargus, Richard L. Marsh, David A. Masseth
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Patent number: 5896897Abstract: The invention is a filling valve which mounts to a filling machine having a storage tank for filling bottles or containers with liquid. The liquid passage of the filling valve is formed by a valve stem detachably connected with a sleeve. The two-piece design permits easy cleaning, replacing, and interchanging of the valve parts. The sleeve and valve stem are provided with large diameter bores in order to maximize fluid flow and minimize fill time. The bores of the sleeve and valve stem are provided with smooth tapered surfaces to reduce liquid turbulence.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Inventors: David Lewis, Donald Walden
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Patent number: 5884677Abstract: A filling apparatus (10) for filling beverage containers (C) with carbonated liquid beverage (B) includes a rotating filling table (16) in which is supported a central tank (26). Beverage containers (C) are sequentially brought into registry with the filling table (16) where they undergo successive phases of vacuum, counter pressure, fill/vent, and snifting before they are released to a separate capping operation. A liquid supply (14) feeds liquid beverage (B) to the bottom of the central tank (26) and a CO2 supply (32) feeds pressurized CO2 into the top of the central tank (26). A plurality of valve housings (44) are spaced in generally equal radial and equal circumferential increments about the periphery of the filling table (16) and are associated with a beverage container (C) being filled. Liquid (36), gas (38) and vent (40) conduits extend between the central tank (26) and each valve housing (44).Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1998Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Crown Simplimatic IncorporatedInventor: Ted McKaughan
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Patent number: 5860458Abstract: An onboard vapor recovery system for a vehicle fuel system having a fuel tank, a filler neck dynamically sealed by high pressure fuel flow from a filler nozzle, and a vapor recovery apparatus such as a carbon canister. The system includes a liquid level operated control valve which shuts off refueling with a two-stage closing operation providing an initial soft shutoff and a final shutoff. The system also preferably includes a valve in the fuel tank to maintain a predetermined pressure head sufficient to hold the system closed against further refueling at least temporarily, and a positive action, one-way check valve in the lower end of the filler pipe to prevent spitback of fuel from the pressurized tank once refueling has ceased.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1996Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: G.T. Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert P. Benjey, Rudolph Bergsma
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Patent number: 5832348Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing fine particulate material includes a hopper for storing material to be dispensed, a discharge tube having a discharge nozzle and an auger for feeding stored material from the hopper to the discharge tube. The fine particulate material is regulated by a meter which meters the amount transferred by the auger to the discharge tube. Material is transferred to a container to be charged by positioning it against the discharge nozzle so that the auger transfers a predetermined amount of material from the hopper to the discharge tube. Material laden displaced air from the container escapes into a settling tube where the material in the displaced air is allowed to settle and fall by gravity into the container.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Faircove SystemsInventor: William Rankin
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Patent number: 5797434Abstract: An onboard vapor recovery system for a vehicle fuel system having a fuel tank (10), a filler neck (12) dynamically sealed by high pressure fuel flow from a filler nozzle, and a vapor recovery apparatus such as a carbon canister (18). The system preferably uses an inventive liquid level operated control valve (20) which shuts off refueling with a two-stage closing operation providing an initial soft shutoff and a final shutoff. The system also preferably includes a valve (22) in the fuel tank to maintain a predetermined pressure head sufficient to hold the system closed against further refueling at least temporarily, and a positive action, one-way check valve (24) in the lower end of the filler pipe (12) to prevent spitback of fuel from the pressurized tank (10) once refueling has ceased.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: G.T. Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert P. Benjey, Rudolph Bergsma
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Patent number: 5794666Abstract: A gaseous fuel filling structure includes a coupler connected to a gaseous fuel supply system, a gaseous fuel cylinder that stores a gaseous fuel at a high pressure, a fuel dissipation preventing device that prevents dissipation of the gaseous fuel, and a switching device that is selectively placed in a first state in which the coupler is connected to the gaseous fuel cylinder and disconnected from the fuel dissipation preventing device, or a second state in which the coupler is connected to the fuel dissipation preventing device. The switching device includes a member(s) for preventing back flow of the gaseous fuel from the gaseous fuel cylinder toward the coupler.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuji Yanagawa, Keigo Kato, Koichiro Muta, Tadao Ikihara, Tamon Tanaka
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Patent number: 5787940Abstract: A system and method for the delivery of cryogenic fluid, more particularly a cryogenic fuel, such as, for example, but not limited to an liquified natural gas (LNG), to a cryogenic fluid using source, and more particularly an LNG fuel source, and even more particularly an LNG fuel-operated engine. The system includes a source of a cryogenic fluid, more particularly an underground tank and with a liquid level within the underground tank source. The system includes a delivery pump to deliver cryogenic fluid from the underground tank source, to a cryogenic using source, typically an LNG fuel source above the underground tank source, with the pump located below the liquid level of the cryogenic fluid in the cryogenic fluid fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Process Systems International, Inc.Inventors: John W. Bonn, Anker Gram