Gas And Other Material Separating Passage Or Chamber Patents (Class 141/44)
  • Patent number: 5156199
    Abstract: A system for recovering vapor emerging from a tank to which liquid is being delivered wherein a vapor pump sucks vapor from the tank with a volumetric flow that is equal to the volumetric flow of the liquid as modified so as to compensate for the change in volume of the emerging vapor caused by its proximity to the entering liquid, and apparatus for measuring the actual vapor flow and adjusting the volumetric flow of the vapor pump so that it is equal to the flow required for ideal compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Gilbarco, Inc.
    Inventors: Hal C. Hartsell, Jr., Kenneth L. Pope
  • Patent number: 5150742
    Abstract: A device for recovering vapor in a vehicle fuel tank has a hydraulic motor arranged in the way of a liquid duct for feeding volatile liquid from a fuel reservoir tank to a gun nozzle mounted at the free end of the liquid duct, and a pneumatic pump arranged in the way of a vapor duct for feeding the vapor in the vehicle fuel tank through the gun nozzle to the fuel reservoir tank. The hydraulic motor and the pneumatic pump have a pair of meshing rotors, respectively. One pair of rotors are of substantially same configuration and size with those of the other pair of rotors. The rotors of the pneumatic pump are driven by the hydraulic motor rotors through multiplying gearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Tokyo Tatsuno Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Motohashi, Yooichi Harada, Tsuyoshi Yanagihara
  • Patent number: 5148840
    Abstract: A hose assembly and method of making the same are provided, the hose assembly having a first fluid passage therein for conveying a volatile liquid in one direction to a container and a second fluid passage therein for returning the vapors of the volatile liquid from the container, the assembly comprising a flexible inner hose having an outer peripheral surface and defining the first fluid passage therein, and a flexible outer hose having an inner peripheral surface and being disposed around the inner hose, the inner peripheral surface of the outer hose and the outer peripheral surface of the inner hose defining the second fluid passage therebetween, the inner hose having a substantially straight Venturi section therein that tends to remove liquid from a certain area of the second fluid passage, the inner hose having adjacent intermediate ends, the Venturi section having opposed ends respectively interconnected to the ends of the inner hose to provide the first fluid passage therewith, the ends of the inner ho
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 5141037
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle includes a nozzle body and a projecting spout and surrounding bellows which define a fuel supply passage and a vapor return passage connected to corresponding concentric passages within flexible coaxial hoses. The body supports a manually actuated control valve within the fuel passage, and a pressure responsive check valve is also located within the fuel passage adjacent the spout. The check valve includes a valve member normally biased against a tapered valve seat, and a first venturi suction passage extends from the valve seat to control a pressure responsive diaphragm mechanism for automatically closing the manually actuated valve when fuel blocks a suction vent line within the of the spout. A second venturi suction passage extends from the valve seat through the nozzle body and connects with a fuel evacuation passage within a flexible tube which extends downwardly into the vapor passage within the coaxial hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Catlow, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Carmack, Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 5129432
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle assembly is disclosed for adapting a conventional gasoline pump dispensing nozzle to perform as a Stage II vapor recovery system by effectively collecting the vapors forced out the vehicle fuel tank during a refueling operation. The assembly permits the pump dispensing gun to form a seal with the rim of a vehicle's fill pipe, with operator assistance, to prevent the vapors from escaping into the environment by collecting the vapors within the nozzle assembly, and routing the vapors to a collection tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventor: Michael D. Dugger
  • Patent number: 5103877
    Abstract: A tank vapor vent valve for a vehicle on board fuel emissions vapor recovery system has a liquid-vapor separator integrated into its design. A blocking valve is held closed when the tank is not being filled, but springs open when the nozzle is inserted to fill the tank, allowing venting flow out of the tank. A cup suspended below the valve catches entrained liquid fuel to keep it out of the canister line, and pulls the blocking valve shut when full. When the nozzle is removed, a drain plug at the bottom of the cup is automatically pushed open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Carl H. Sherwood, Kenenth W. Turner
  • Patent number: 5102012
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing system and method of making the same are provided, the system comprising a storage tank for the fuel and being disposed in the ground, a dispensing pump disposed above the ground, a first flexible hose construction having an inner surface and being disposed in the ground for conveying fuel from the tank to the pump, and a second flexible hose construction having opposed ends one of which is interconnected to the pump, the second hose construction being disposed above the ground for dispensing fuel from the pump into a fuel container of a transportation vehicle or the like through a nozzle interconnected to the other of the ends thereof, the second hose construction having electrical conductor structure extending therealong for dissipating static electricity from the nozzle to the pump, the first hole construction having leak detection structure for detecting leakage of the fuel therein through the inner surface thereof and for providing an electrical conductor structure therealong for dissip
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy C. Foster
  • Patent number: 5088528
    Abstract: A hose assembly and method of making the same are provided, the hose assembly having a first fluid passage therein for conveying a volatile liquid in one direction to a container and a second fluid passage therein for returning the vapors of the volatile liquid from the container, the assembly comprising a flexible inner hose having an outer peripheral surface and defining the first fluid passage therein, and a flexible outer hose having an inner peripheral surface and being disposed around the inner hose, the inner peripheral surface of the outer hose and the outer peripheral surface of the inner hose defining the second fluid passage therebetween, the inner hose having a substantially straight Venturi section therein that tends to remove liquid from a certain area of the second fluid passage, the inner hose having adjacent intermediate ends, the Venturi section having opposed ends respectively interconnected to the ends of the inner hose to provide the first fluid passage therewith, the ends of the inner ho
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 5082033
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling bottles or other containers under the influence of counterpressure by of a filling unit, pressurized gas is led into the bottle after terminating the inflow of liquid, with the pressurized gas valve and liquid valve being closed and with a bypass of the gas return tube, and the liquid that thereby remains above the lower open tip of the gas return tube is expelled into a space having a lower pressure than exists in the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Krones AG Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Wilhelm Weiss
  • Patent number: 5056569
    Abstract: A hose assembly and method of making the same are provided, the hose assembly having a first fluid passage therein for respectively conveying a volatile liquid in one direction to a container and a second fluid passage therein for returning the vapors of the volatile liquid from the container, the assembly comprising a flexible inner hose having an outer peripheral surface and defining the first fluid passage therein, and a flexible outer hose having an inner peripheral surface and being disposed around the inner hose, the inner peripheral surface of the outer hose and the outer peripheral surface of the inner hose defining the second fluid passage therebetween, the inner hose having a Venturi therein that tends to remove liquid from a certain area of the second fluid passage, the outer hose having wire reinforcing therein to tend to prevent inward crushing of the outer hose in a manner to damage the Venturi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn K. Walker, Rodger P. Grantham, Guy L. Renshaw
  • Patent number: 5042537
    Abstract: A hose assembly and method of making the same are provided, the hose assembly having a first fluid passage arrangement therein for conveying a volatile liquid in one direction to a container and a second fluid passage arrangement therein for returning the vapors of the volatile liquid from the container, the assembly comprising a flexible inner hose unit having an outer peripheral surface and defining the first fluid passage arrangement therein, and a flexible outer hose unit having an inner peripheral surface and being disposed around the inner hose unit, the inner peripheral surface of the outer hose unit and the outer peripheral surface of the inner hose unit defining the second fluid passage arrangement therebetween, the inner hose unit having a Venturi section therein that tends to remove liquid from a certain area of the second fluid passage arrangement, the inner hose unit having adjacent intermediate ends, the Venturi section having opposed ends respectively interconnected to the ends of the inner hos
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 5040574
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling cans with a liquid such as beer or soft drinks. The filling machine includes a turntable having a surface to support a plurality of open top cans and a reservoir containing a liquid is spaced above the supporting surface. A plurality of filling heads are mounted on the reservoir and serve to dispense the liquid into the individual cans. Each filling head includes a spring loaded cylindrical tulip adapted to seal against the upper edge of the can and a vent tube and fill tube are disposed concentrically within the tulip. The lower end of the vent tube communicates with the can while the upper end is sealed against the surface of the reservoir and when the sealing engagement is released the vent tube communicates with the headspace of the reservoir. The lower end of the fill tube carries a valve that controls flow of liquid from the reservoir into the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: H & K Inc.
    Inventors: Ulrich H. Petri, Friedrich Rademacher, Siegmar Sindermann
  • Patent number: 5040575
    Abstract: A fuel tank having a trapping device arranged in its filler pipe for trapping fuel vapors during refuelling which has an internal closure flap which not only closes off an end of the filler pipe but also closes off connection to an activated carbon filter. Insertion of a fuel nozzle opens the flap valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heiner Oeffling, Harald Bohringer, Dieter Scheurenbrand
  • Patent number: 5035729
    Abstract: A fuel tank venting system for a boat (10) includes a fuel tank (12) the interior of which is open to a filler tube (14) and a vent line (18). A liquid separation and recovery device (20) is connected to the vent line and an outlet line (28) which is open to atmosphere. Vapor delivered to the device through the vent line enters an inlet (24) and passes through an opening (64). The vapor then passes through a screen (86), around a sphere (82) that is buoyant in the liquid fuel, and escapes from the device through an outlet (26). When liquid fuel enters the device, the sphere rises blocking flow to the outlet. The trapped liquid passes through an opening (48) into a cavity (42). The liquid entering the cavity displaces a spring loaded piston (56). When liquid is no longer being delivered to the cavity, the piston pushes the liquid back out the inlet and down the vent line to the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Hodgkins
  • Patent number: 5035271
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle includes a nozzle body and a projecting spout and surrounding bellows which define a fuel supply passage and a vapor return passage connected to corresponding concentric passages within flexible coaxial hoses. The body supports a manually actuated control valve within the fuel passage, and a pressure responsive check valve is also located within the fuel passage adjacent the spout. The check valve includes a valve member normally biased against a tapered valve seat, and a first venturi suction passage extends from the valve seat to control a pressure responsive diaphragm mechanism for automatically closing the manually actuated valve when fuel blocks a suction vent line within the of the spout. A second venturi suction passage extends from the valve seat through the nozzle body and connects with a fuel evacuation passage within a flexible tube which extends downwardly into the vapor passage within the coaxial hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Catlow, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Carmack, Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 4995433
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser seal to be used in an inlet of a fuel tank having an orifice of a reduced diameter. The seal comprises a sealing ring made of a polymer material which is provided with a sealing lip which can engage with the fuel dispenser. The sealing ring is held in a support body of a basically tube-like shape and in at least a partial section the support body is elastically configured and can be inserted into the inlet through orifice by a reversible diameter reduction. In the inlet it can engage with a projection of the inlet facing in radial direction towards the interior and it can be firmly attached in axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Bernd Beicht, Joachim Heinemann, Frank Keller, Reinhard Tinz
  • Patent number: 4989650
    Abstract: In a method for filling bottles or other containrs under the influence of counterpressure by means of a filling unit, pressurized gas is led into the bottle after terminating the inflow of liquid, with the pressurized gas valve and liquid valve being closed and with a bypass of the gas return tube, and the liquid that thereby remains above the lower open tip of the gas return tube is expelled into a space having a lower pressure than exists in the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Krones AG Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Wilhelm Weiss
  • Patent number: 4977936
    Abstract: A sealing assembly is provided for use in a filler neck sized to receive a fuel-dispensing nozzle. The sealing assembly includes an elastic seal member between the filler neck and a fuel-dispensing nozzle and a seal retainer for clamping the seal member in the filler neck to define in the filler neck an outer chamber communicable with the atmosphere and an inner chamber. The seal is configured to admit the fuel-dispensing nozzle into the inner chamber without coupling the inner and outer chambers in vapor communication. The sealing assembly partitions a fuel-conducting passageway in the filler neck to limit flow of vapors and gases through the passageway during dispensing of fuel into the filler neck and past the sealing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Stant Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Thompson, Emil Szlaga, Robert S. Harris
  • Patent number: 4967809
    Abstract: A device for mounting in a fuel dispensing hose that has a flexible inner tube defining the fuel conduit, and a tubular outer sleeve that defines with the inner tube an annular vapor return passage. The device includes a venturi section adapted for serial connection with the inner tube within the outer sleeve. The section comprises a cylndrical block that connects at each end with an end of the inner tube and defines a venturi forming part of the fuel conduit. The block also has an aspirator means that defines at least two radial ports communicating between the venturi throat and the annular vapor passage. Each radial port has a check valve to block fuel flow from the fuel conduit to the vapor passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Tokheim Corporation
    Inventor: Warren P. Faeth
  • Patent number: 4951720
    Abstract: A hose assembly and method of making the same are provided, the hose assembly having a first fluid passage arrangement therein for conveying a volatile liquid in one direction to a container and a second fluid passage arrangement therein for returning the vapors of the volatile liquid from the container, the assembly comprising a flexible inner hose unit having an outer peripheral surface and defining the first fluid passage arrangement therein, and a flexible outer hose unit having an inner peripheral surface and being disposed around the inner hose unit, the inner peripheral surface of the outer hose unit and the outer peripheral surface of the inner hose unit defining the second fluid passage arrangement therebetween, the inner hose unit having a Venturi section therein that tends to remove liquid from a certain area of the second fluid passage arrangement, the inner hose unit having adjacent intermediate ends, the Venturi section having opposed ends respectively interconnected to the ends of the inner hos
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 4932444
    Abstract: An onboard fuel vapor recovery system for a motor vehicle includes a fill neck assembly mounted at the inlet end of a dual passage fuel tank fill pipe in which fuel dispensed into the fuel tank during a refueling operation passes through an inner conduit while fuel vapor displaced from the tank by incoming fuel passes upwardly through a vapor passage between the inner conduit and an outer conduit loosely surrounding the inner conduit, the fill neck assembly including a vapor valve movable to an open position in response to unsealing of the inlet to the inner conduit in preparation for a refueling operation, opening of the vapor valve permitting fuel vapor displaced from the tank during the refueling operation to flow into a vapor receiving canister from which the vapor is subsequently withdrawn for combustion in the vehicle engine, the fill neck assembly also including a float valve for signalling the filling of the tank to capacity and a pressure relief valve in the fill neck assembly protecting the system i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Colt Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Micek
  • Patent number: 4930550
    Abstract: The disclosed gaseous fuel torch apparatus is adapted for use in cutting, welding, heating or other such operations involving the heating, cutting, or fusing of either metallic or non-metallic materials. The apparatus includes a fueling module for supplying gaseous fuel to a torch at an elevated pressure from a relatively low pressure gaseous fuel source, such as a natural gas supply system for example. The fueling module also preferably includes a selectively-operable alternate system for supplying such compressed gaseous fuel for other applications, including the recharging of one or more storage vessels for example. The fueling module includes features by which its gaseous fuel discharge pressure can be infinitely varied and preselectively adjusted within the capabilities of the fueling module's compressor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Fuel Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Czerwinski, Eugene Gabany, Shanti S. Sharma, John W. Turko
  • Patent number: 4892123
    Abstract: In a system for discharging particulate material from a reactor, the material is conveyed pneumatically from a drain zone of the reactor via a first vacuum line to a gas/solids separator and solids we fed from the separator to a receiving vessel via a gas-tight line and an inlet port provided on a cover member sealingly engaged with the top of the vessel. The majority of the gas is re-cycled from the separator to the drain zone via a main vacuum return line and the remainder of gas is drawn from the separator to the receiving vessel via a further vacuum line and a gas inlet provided on the cover member. Gas is passed from the receiving vessel to the main vacuum return line via an outlet port provided on the cover member and an auxiliary vacuum return line. The cover member is mounted for movement towards and away from the receiving vessel so that successive receiving vessels can be covered by the cover member and filled with separated solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Technivac Limited
    Inventor: Patrick G. Sheehan
  • Patent number: 4881578
    Abstract: A combined filler neck and vapor vent line valve is provided by inner and outer pipes that are maintained in concentric relation by a sleeve tightly inserted between the outer pipe and an out-turned flange at the end of the inner pipe. This provides a convenient path out of the fuel tank for displaced tank vapors. Vapor control is provided by a stepped cylindrical valve body that rides up and down within the upper end of the inner pipe and the sleeve so that a seal on the outside of the valve body can cover and uncover openings in the flange to block and un-block a vapor path to the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory E. Rich, Roy A. Giacomazzi, Jack C. Wilds
  • Patent number: 4877146
    Abstract: A recovery system is provided for recovering fuel vapor normally discharged from a fuel system during refueling. The recovery system includes a fuel tank filler neck, a vent system coupled to the filler neck, and a double-sealed cap for actuating the vent system as it is removed from the neck. The neck has a mouth and axially spaced-apart upper and lower side outlets. The double-sealed cap includes a closure rotatably engaging the neck, a first seal for establishing a movable primary seal between the closure and axially outer side wall of the neck and a second seal for establishing a movable secondary seal between the closure and at least an axially inner side wall of the neck. The primary and secondary seals move in an axially outward direction relative to the neck in response to removal of the cap, causing the primary and secondary seals to be broken in sequence as the cap is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Stant Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Harris
  • Patent number: 4827987
    Abstract: A device for mounting in a fuel dispensing hose that has a flexible inner tube defining the fuel conduit, and a tubular outer sleeve that defines with the inner tube an annular vapor return passage. The device includes an aspirating block adapted for serial connection with the inner tube within the outer sleeve. The section comprises a cylindrical block that is connected in series with ends of the inner tube and defines a venturi or jet pump forming part of the fuel conduit. The block also includes bypass passages for fuel to bypass the venturi and to increase the fuel flow through the block. The aspirating block also has radial aspirator ports which communicate between the venturi throat or jet pump and the annular vapor return passage. Each radial aspirating port includes a check valve to permit only one-way fuel flow from the fuel conduit to the vapor passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Tokheim Corporation
    Inventor: Warren P. Faeth
  • Patent number: 4811763
    Abstract: An arrangement for filling fuel tanks, especially nonvented motorcycle fuel tanks, which includes a cylinder secured at the tank walls, surrounding the tank filling opening and projecting into the tank, a short pipe piece adapted to be extended and retracted in the cylinder which is adapted to be stopped in its extended position projecting out of the tank walls and which has a length that corresponds essentially to the insertion depth of the discharge pipe of a filling nozzle with a suction device for the fuel vapor-air-mixture. The arrangement additionally includes a cover for closing off the filling opening when the short pipe piece is retracted and a seal for preventing the discharge of fuel vapor-air-mixture to the atmosphere during the filling of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Kupske
  • Patent number: 4798306
    Abstract: Both puff losses and fuel fill vapor losses are recovered by a venting arrangement that includes a vapor storage canister connected fitting opening through the upper end of a filler pipe valve, a valve downstream from the fitting, and a seal upstream from the fitting. A cap extension holds the valve closed, and also wipingly engages the seal. When the cap is removed, the valve is opened, but the seal stays engaged until the cap is fully removed and the extension fully withdrawn, so that puff loss vapors are directed out through the fitting to the storage canister. When the fuel nozzle is inserted, it wipingly engages the same seal, so that fuel fill vapors are similarly recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Roy A. Giacomazzi, Rolland D. Giampa
  • Patent number: 4776366
    Abstract: The disclosed gaseous fuel torch apparatus is adapted for use in cutting, welding, heating or other such operations involving the heating, cutting, or fusing of either metallic or non-metallic materials. The apparatus includes a fueling module for supplying gaseous fuel to a torch at an elevated pressure from a relatively low pressure gaseous fuel source, such as a natural gas supply system for example. The fueling module also preferably includes a selectively-operable alternate system for supplying such compressed gaseous fuel for other applications, including the recharging of one or more storage vessels for example. The fuelilng module includes features by which its gaseous fuel discharge pressure can be infinitely varied and preselectively adjusted within the capabilities of the fueling modules's compressor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Michigan Consolidated Gas Company
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Czerwinski, Eugene Gabany, Shanti S. Sharma, John W. Turko
  • Patent number: 4687033
    Abstract: In a coaxial hose system for a fuel distribution system, a product delivery hose is centrally located within a vapor recovery hose, whereby the area between the product and vapor hoses provides a return path for vapors developed at a nozzle during refueling of a vehicle. A venturi pump is located in the product hose, and operable over a range of flow rate of the fuel through the product hose, for sucking fuel back into the product hose from an area of the vapor path where fuel may accumulate due to backflow from the nozzle, thereby substantially insuring a clear vapor path and more complete delivery of metered fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Gilbarco, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Furrow, Harold R. Young, G. Frank Dye
  • Patent number: 4655265
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the transfer and dispensing of brittle solid particles, the apparatus comprises a transfer and dispensing device including a chamber divided into first and second sections by a transverse partition wall provided with one or several holes, of a diameter smaller than that of the solid particles, the two sections communicating with one another through said holes. The first section is a dispensing section proper, ending at its lower end with an opening defined by the open lower end of said chamber, wherreas the second suction or discharge section, cooperates with a suction and discharge device. The apparatus ensures an accurate proportioning and a high rate of introduction of the solid particles into bottles, reaching 25000 bottles per hour, without damaging them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Champagne Moet & Chandon
    Inventors: Bruno H. J. Duteurtre, Philippe A. Coulon, Rene M. Goutard
  • Patent number: 4628973
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying volumetric metering devices especially for machines for packaging infusion products, in which the metering devices are of the type having a metering chamber within which a metering drum rotates in a discontinuous manner. The apparatus comprises a fixed hollow body facing the body of the metering device and provided with a vertical supply duct for the product to be metered, a frustoconical hollow body in the shape of a funnel rotating in an inclined manner in the fixed hollow body, with its upper, wider opening below the supply duct and with its lower, smaller opening communicating with the metering chamber in the vicinity of the metering drum, a shutter for regulating the flow of the product along the lower internal surface of the rotary funnel-shaped hollow body at least in the vicinity of its lower smaller opening, and variable speed gearing controlled by the drive means of the packaging machine so as to rotate the funnel-shaped body about its own inclined axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: IMA-Industria Macchine Automatiche-SpA
    Inventor: Alessandro Grazia
  • Patent number: 4597945
    Abstract: A sterilization apparatus suitable for sterilizing food and medicines containing solid particles, which comprises a forcing device, a sterilizer, a backpressure tank and a backpressure device. The sterilization apparatus is sterilized beforehand under application of a backpressure by employing the forcing device and the backpressure device. The products are sterilized in the sterilizer under pressure by the forcing device and the backpressure tank, and then the sterilized products are collected in the backpressure tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: House Food Industrial Company Limited
    Inventors: Ko Sugisawa, Kazuya Sekiguchi, Kiyoaki Tsuzi, Akinobu Ono
  • Patent number: 4531558
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying fuel to a gaseous fuel consuming device, such as a gaseous fueled vehicle or the like, generally includes one or more gas compressors for compressing the gaseous fuel to a predetermined pressure, preferably less than 500 psig (3450 kPa). The apparatus preferably also includes apparatus for cooling the compressed gaseous fuel at least to ambient temperatures. Sorbent filtering and storage means are also preferably provided for maximizing the amount of fuel to be stored in the apparatus in order to supply a quick initial charge of the gaseous fuel to the vehicle or other gaseous fuel consuming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Michigan Consolidated Gas Co.
    Inventors: Larry J. Engel, John W. Turko
  • Patent number: 4434821
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a vat (1) in the bottom of which a certain number filling devices (22) are arranged around the axis of the vat. Each device contains a filling pipe in communication with the vat (1) and which is traversed by a vent tube which is connected at its top with a connection pipe (54) outside the vat and debouching in the upper part of an air-liquid separator (56). The lower part of this separator is connected to a vat of liquid (64) by means of a pipe (62). At its top it is connected by pipes (58) to a pipe (60) in which the pressure is lowered. Since the vat is mounted on a rotary shaft (4), the pipe (60) is connected to the pipe (58) by a rotary joint on the cover of the vat. Likewise, a pressurized pipe from the vat is mounted, by means of the same rotary joint, inside the cover of the vat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: Service de Propriete Indust. Centre de Recherches de Pont a Mousson
    Inventor: Marcel A. Bacroix
  • Patent number: 4406671
    Abstract: Gas-contaminated particulate material is passed through a vacuum chamber wherein it is subjected to an electric field to charge the gaseous contaminants to cause the gaseous contaminants to separate from the particulate material and enter a gas flow path through a vacuum-outlet conduit inflow communication with a vacuum source. A series of electrical potentials are established in the vacuum outlet conduit by a series of electrodes spaced from one another. Adjacent potentials or electrodes are of opposite polarity and the distance between adjacent potentials or electrodes decreases in the direction of the gas flow path out the vacuum outlet conduit whereby the vacuum and the electrodes move the gases from the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventor: Walter J. Rozmus
  • Patent number: 4310033
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing and vapor recovery system designed to be utilized in gasoline stations, or the like, in which the gasoline is pumped from a storage tank, through a first conduit system, and to each of several dispensing units for dispensing the gasoline to the vehicle tanks. A portion of the gasoline at each dispensing unit is diverted from the first conduit system into a second conduit system before it passes to the dispensing nozzle, and means are responsive to the gasoline flow through the second conduit system for drawing vapors from the receptacle into the second conduit system. A sump tank is connected to the second conduit system for receiving the mixture of diverted gasoline and vapor, and means are provided which are responsive to the operation of the pump for drawing the diverted gasoline from the sump tank to an additional conduit for passage back into the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Assignee: The Marley-Wylain Company
    Inventor: Elmer M. Deters
  • Patent number: 4269614
    Abstract: In order to limit the dispersion into the air of fines during the processing, handling and transport of fines-containing material, a hollow plow-like member is employed to insert the fines onto a conveyor belt well below larger particulate matter being conveyed by the belt. The plow-like member has a generally narrow V-shaped cross section, and the sidewalls flare outwardly at its lower terminus. The plow-like member is positioned just above the belt surface and is oriented with its leading edge facing the direction of material flow. Thus, the larger particulate matter lumps are lifted and folded back from each side of the plow-like member's centerline to define a space into which fines can be inserted through the tool interior. After the larger particulate matter lumps pass the member trailing edge, they fall back toward the belt center and cover the deposited fines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: Sunoco Energy Development Co.
    Inventor: Keith L. Shelstad
  • Patent number: 4074734
    Abstract: A system is provided for delivering any of two or more liquids from their respective storage tanks into a tank truck or the like while avoiding contamination of the liquid being delivered with any significant amount of a previously delivered liquid. Means are provided for collecting vapor from the tank truck and for minimizing evaporation losses of the liquid being delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1978
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Gerard Anthony De Beau, Harold Arnold Price
  • Patent number: 4057086
    Abstract: Fuel vapors displaced from a vehicle's fuel tank during refueling are recovered by a system employing a liquid jet pump to produce a suction. A minor portion of a conventional fuel pump's output is diverted from the usual metering-and-dispensing conduits, passed through the jet pump, and then recycled to the fuel reservoir which supplies the fuel pump. The familiar fuel dispensing nozzle is provided with passages for conveying vapors away from the vehicle fuel tank. A vapor conduit links those passages with the jet pump thereby aspirating the displaced vapors to the jet pump and, ultimately, the fuel reservoir. Valving arrangements in the nozzle's vapor passages are suited for use with various vapor recovery systems, as is a mechanism which automatically interrupts the dispensing of fuel when there arises a danger of either fuel or vapor escaping from the vehicle's tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1977
    Inventor: James W. Healy
  • Patent number: 4014153
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for excluding a noncondensible gas from voids in a particulate product and thereafter filling the degassed product into a container. If the product includes only entrapped voids, a liquid is directed upwardly through the product in a degassing chamber to purge noncondensible gases from the voids. The upper end of the chamber is then closed at a point below the liquid level and the lower end of the chamber is opened to discharge the degassed product and liquid into a separating mechanism which causes the product to gravitate into the container and the liquid to be collected in a sump for recirculation.If the product is a low free liquid porous food product that includes both entrapped and occluded voids, the degassing chamber is first closed and vacuumized. The liquid is then directed upwardly through the product in the degassing chamber while vacuumization continues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1977
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Donald C. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4010779
    Abstract: An apparatus for recovering vapors expelled from a tank during filling. The apparatus includes a conduit arrangement for selectively conducting vapor to one of a storage tank or a vapor liquefying means. Vapor conducted to the liquefying means is contacted with refrigerated liquid for liquefaction by condensation and/or absorption. Periodically, liquid and liquefied condensable portions of the vapor are discharged from the liquefying means and are replaced with fresh liquid. A pressure controller determines the flow path of the vapor to the storage tank or the vapor liquefying means wherein only a portion of the vapor is conducted to the vapor liquefying means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1977
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Lyle W. Pollock, Glenn H. Dale
  • Patent number: 4000061
    Abstract: An enclosed particular dry product is conveyed through a conduit by a gaseous fluid formed by a vacuum blower. Metered hoppers feed the product into the conduit. A cyclone removes the product from the fluid and conveys the same to a separating screen. The desired size product is recovered and passed through a flexible sock to minimize breakage and loaded into a vessel. The undesired size is fluid conveyed to a recovery receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1976
    Assignee: Browning-Ferris Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Bowling, Glenn W. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 3984320
    Abstract: An apparatus and a control system for receiving the mud-like discharge from a liquid clarifying vessel and dewatering it into the form of slugs by vacuum means connected to the annular space surrounding a stand pipe connected to the discharge outlet. A timing and control system effects squeeze-out action and discharges the dewatered slugs from a flapper valve on a timed basis, as well as effecting periodic clean-out action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Inventor: Bernard B. Barefoot
  • Patent number: 3969781
    Abstract: A mooring and cargo handling system for difficult-to-handle cargo such as liquified natural gas (LNG), is provided, which includes a swivel unit mounted on a mooring station and having rotatably connected sections respectfully coupled to a shore installation and to a ship that is moored to the mooring station. The swivel unit sections are connected by a rotary bearing and rotary outer seal, and the unit has a wall forming an auxiliary chamber extending along the bearing and seal, so that evaporating LNG must pass through the auxiliary chamber before it can escape through the bearing and outer seal. A gas pipe connects the auxiliary chamber to the ship or the shore installation where the evaporated gas can be flared or reliquified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1973
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1976
    Assignee: Imodco, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Reid, Jr.