With Evacuation Of Container Patents (Class 141/7)
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Patent number: 7036322Abstract: A storage tank for cryogenic liquids incorporates an ullage vessel that provides for an ullage space. The ullage vessel is in communication through an ullage line to a fill line that provides cryogen to a cryogen space. The junction where the ullage line and fill line meet is of a certain cross-sectional area. Downstream of the junction, the fill line is of a greater cross-sectional area than at the junction. This creates a pressure reduction at the junction during filling, which causes a net flow of material from the ullage space over the course of filling. Once the tank is liquid full, causing cryogen to be redirected down the ullage line, the smaller cross-sectional area of the ullage line compared to the fill line causes a reduction in flow of cryogen which is detected by the fill pump causing filling to stop.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Westport Research Inc.Inventors: Stephen Noble, Gregory C. Harper
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Patent number: 6941978Abstract: A fuel dispenser with a booted nozzle for vapor recovery is modified to include check valves in a vapor return path. The check valves selectively allow atmospheric air into the vapor return path to alleviate nuisance shut offs at the nozzle when an ORVR vehicle is being fueled. The check valves may be included anywhere in the vapor return path between the nozzle and the vapor recovery vacuum assist pump. The fuel dispenser may further include a pressure sensor in the vapor return line so that the fuel dispenser can determine if the vehicle is an ORVR vehicle or not. If the fuel dispenser determines that an ORVR vehicle is present, the fuel dispenser may modify the operation of the vapor recovery system.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventor: Eric Riffle
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Patent number: 6938649Abstract: A substrate holding part in a substrate processing apparatus includes a fixing table having a suction pipe and a supply pipe, and a holding member having atmosphere flow passages for vacuum-holding a substrate. The holding member is placed on the fixing table. The suction pipe is connected through a pipe to a compressor, and the supply pipe is connected through a pipe and a solenoid valve to a gas supply part. When the substrate holding part holds a substrate, the compressor sucks an atmosphere through the suction pipe to cause the holding member to vacuum-hold the substrate. When the substrate holding part releases the substrate, a gas is supplied from the gas supply part through the supply pipe by opening the solenoid valve while the suction through the suction pipe continues. The substrate holding device and the substrate processing apparatus suppress the deposition of particles on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., LtdInventor: Yoshiyuki Nakazawa
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Patent number: 6911104Abstract: In a sealant-incorporated tire including a loop-shaped sealant chamber filled with a sealant 5 and defined between a tire body 1 and an inner liner 8 by superposing and adhering the inner liner 8 onto an inner surface of the tire body 1, a sealant charging bore 8a is formed in the inner liner 8, and the sealant 7 is charged into the sealant chamber 6 through the sealant charging bore 8a. Then, air present in the sealant chamber 6 is discharged by evacuation and thereafter, a crude rubber sheet74 is adhered in a state in which the periphery of the sealant charging bore 8a has been clamped, thereby closing the sealant charging bore 8a. Thus, it is possible to charge the sealant 7 in a short time, and also to prevent heat generated during vulcanization and formation of the tire from being applied to the sealant 7, thereby preventing the deterioration of the sealant 5.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2000Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toyoaki Hayashi
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Patent number: 6880592Abstract: A canister guard for preventing liquid contamination of an oulet to a canister containing liquid. The canister guard may include baffles extending from a sidewall. Additionally, the canister guard may be configured to be replacable or for retrofitting to conventional liquid chemical containing canisters.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: John N. Gregg, Donn Naito
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Patent number: 6874544Abstract: A pressurized dispensing system (10) for dispensing a multi-component product, comprises an outer body (11) defining a first chamber (8) constructed to contain a first component of said product; an inner container (20), disposed within said body, defining a second chamber (7) constructed to contain a second component of said product and maintain said second component separate from said first component; a dispensing head (50), in fluid communication with said first (8) and second (7) chambers, through which the product is dispensed; and a modular valve assembly (5), including a valve constructed to move between a closed position, in which said first and second chambers are sealed, and an open position, in which said first and second components flow simultaneously from said first and second chambers to said dispensing head.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2004Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: The Gillette CompanyInventors: William T. O'Connor, Robert G. Petit, M. Scott Curry
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Patent number: 6845793Abstract: A method of filling a pressure medium accumulator with a housing having an inner space that is subdivided into two chambers by a metallic pleated bellows used as a media-separating element. The first chamber thereof is filled with a gas and the second chamber is filled with a liquid pressure medium. The bottom valve is provided in a hydraulic port, its closing member being operable by the media-separating element. The valve permits filling of the second chamber with fluid and prevents a complete evacuation of the second chamber. To enable reliable filling of the above-mentioned chambers with corresponding media without damaging the pleated bellows, the method includes the steps of evacuating the second chamber, filling the second chamber with pressure medium and filling the first chamber with a gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., oHGInventors: Manfred Rüffer, Andreas Klein, Christian Albrich von Albrichsfeld
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Patent number: 6836732Abstract: An apparatus and method for ensuring effective and efficient vehicle vapor recovery performance, storage tank system integrity relative to both vapor and liquid containment and for reducing the probability that inaccurate information causes companies to undertake unnecessary, expensive and wasteful loss investigations at gasoline dispensing facilities. A fuel storage and delivery system is transformed from an “open system” communicating directly with the environment to a “closed system” which ensures capture, containment and accurate accounting of both hydrocarbon vapors and liquid phase product.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Arid Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Tedmund P. Tiberi
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Patent number: 6804588Abstract: A system for discriminating malfunction of a radiator of an internal combustion engine, in which conditions for execution of malfunction discrimination of the radiator are decided to be established, when a decline amount of outside air temperature is less than a threshold value, and the malfunction discrimination is conducted by comparing an estimated and detected coolant temperatures with predetermined values. In the system, making the decision that the conditions are not established is prevented, utilizing a parameter related to a quantity of intake air. With this, it becomes possible to inhibit decisions finding that the conditions are not established in certain cases in which such a decision would ordinarily be unreasonably made, such as when the internal combustion engine is started while still insufficiently soaked, etc.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideyuki Oki, Takashi Isobe
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Patent number: 6802344Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Veeder-Root CompanyInventor: Robert P. Hart
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Patent number: 6802345Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Veeder-Root Company Inc.Inventors: Robert P. Hart, Richard K. Lucas
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Publication number: 20040168739Abstract: There is provided a method for metering a quantity of a particulate material onto the surface of a porous retainer comprising the steps of: exposing a first surface of a porous retainer to a pool of particulate material; applying a vacuum to a second surface of the porous retainer to meter material on the first surface; and adjusting the level of the vacuum to regulate the quantity of material metered on the retainer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Stanley George Bonney, Howard Peter Duffield
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Patent number: 6772803Abstract: Interconnecting a fluid interchange apparatus with a power steering system of a vehicle; pumping spent fluid from the power steering system into a fluid receiving container to compress air pressure therein; interconnecting, with a pressure actuated valve, the fluid receiving container and a replacement fluid container, the replacement fluid container holding a replacement fluid; automatically opening the pressure actuated valve when a selected amount of the spent fluid from the power steering system is transferred into the fluid receiving container resulting in an air pressure sufficient to open the pressure actuated valve; and draining, under the force of the sufficient air pressure, the replacement fluid from the replacement fluid container into the power steering system to replace the spent fluid in the power steering system with the replacement fluid.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Inventor: Adam Awad
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Patent number: 6733481Abstract: A containment system for biohazardous fluids is described. The containment system operates under the action of gravity at substantially constant atmospheric pressure. The system includes a container having a first membrane and a second membrane coupled together to enclose a containment volume. The first membrane is characterized by being permeable to gases and impermeable to liquids and aerosols. The second membrane is characterized by being impermeable to gasses and liquids and includes an inlet port configured to receive a tube. A self-sealing inlet port minimizes splashing back and spillage. Particular embodiments include a single-use liner assembly and a rigid, reusable receptacle with a securable lid and a drain for disposing of collected fluids. The receptacle may be coupled to the liner assembly to substantially enclose the liner.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Inventor: Melody Ow
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Patent number: 6712101Abstract: A vapor recovery system in a fuel dispenser includes the ability to self diagnose the continued viability of a hydrocarbon sensor positioned within the vapor recovery system. A control system associated with the vapor recovery system performs a series of tests including passing pure air over the hydrocarbon sensor and passing a gas known to have hydrocarbons therein over the sensor and evaluating the output of the sensor to see if expected values are output. If the measured values are not within tolerable limits, an alarm is generated.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
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Patent number: 6698473Abstract: A filling tube for dispensing a liquid into a container, wherein the tube (10) includes an orifice (36, 40) for dispensing the liquid which conditions a cone-shaped jet, and wherein the tube includes an axial cannula provided with a gas discharge conduit (24) emerging inside the space defined by the cone-shaped jet. The cannula includes a gas intake pipe (28) which emerges inside the space defined by the cone-shaped jet and which sprays a gas stream which flows substantially parallel to the liquid cone-shaped jet, on the inner side thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: SidelInventor: Patrick Decarne
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Patent number: 6691747Abstract: An apparatus for exposing a container traveling along a conveyor to a controlled environment is provided. The apparatus includes an elongated rail and a first elongated gas deflecting member. The elongated rail includes a longitudinally oriented manifold. The longitudinally oriented manifold is adapted to align with a path of the container. The elongated rail also includes at least one inlet opening to receive a controlled environment gas. The first elongated gas deflecting member is positioned adjacent to the manifold. The first elongated gas deflecting member is contoured to deflect a flow of the controlled environment gas exiting the manifold in a direction transverse to the path of the container and into the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: MAP Systems International division of Jescorp, Inc.Inventors: Frank F. Marcus, James J. Sanfilippo, John E. Sanfilippo
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Patent number: 6688340Abstract: An apparatus for changing power steering fluid in an automotive power steering system, uses the components of an fluid receiving container; an fluid supply container; a utility fluid pump, a pressure actuated fluid valve; and a fluid conducting means. The components are arranged such that air is compressed in the fluid receiving container by entry of spent power steering fluid and builds to open the pressure actuated valve so as to drive replacement power steering fluid into the power steering system, replacing the spent fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Inventor: Adam Awad
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Publication number: 20040020552Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of filling a pressure medium accumulator with a housing having an inner space that is subdivided into two chambers by a metallic pleated bellows used as a media-separating element, the first chamber thereof being filled with a gas and the second chamber being filled with a liquid pressure medium, and wherein a bottom valve is provided in a hydraulic port, its closing member being operable by the media-separating element, said valve permitting filling of the second chamber with fluid and preventing a complete evacuation of the second chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventors: Manfred Ruffer, Andreas Klein, Christian Albrich von Albrichsfeld
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Patent number: 6644361Abstract: A suction nozzle for use in a compressive preservation bag that is made of air-impermeable synthetic resin material includes a check valve made of synthetic resin material at a portion thereof. The suction nozzle includes an elongated body having an insertion section that has a flattened, substantially cylindrical shape and is tapered so as to be inserted into the check valve. The insertion section of the body has a plurality of openings communicating with the inside of the body.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Aru CorporationInventor: Ryoichi Otsubo
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Patent number: 6637472Abstract: A coolant transfer machine for an automotive engine includes first and second fluid transfer systems. The first system, operated when the engine is not running, sequentially first removes at least a substantial portion of used coolant from the engine. The first system then collects in a used fluid container the used coolant as the used coolant is being removed and then replaces the removed used coolant with new coolant from a new fluid container. The second system, operated when the engine is running, simultaneously displaces at least a substantial portion of used coolant in the engine with new coolant from the new fluid container and collects the displaced used coolant in the used fluid container. A manually operable switch has a first position that enables operation of the first fluid transfer system and a second position that enables operation of the second fluid transfer system.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Moc Products Company, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Camacho, Eric A Berg, Russell A. Lindquist
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Patent number: 6637468Abstract: A high-speed cleaning system and method in which a liquid is injected by-compressed air into the vacuumed chambers in the automotive cooling systems, in water-cooled engines. The liquid is injected in short period time under pressure, and the cooling system is pre-evacuated and held at a vacuum so that there is no flow restriction to build up high pressure in the cooling system in the short period of time the liquid is injected in the cooling system, and the liquid travels through the cooling system at a high rate of speed. High pressure air is mixed with the liquid before it is injected into engine cooling system, where the liquid/air mixture travels at a high rate of speed creating a hurricane type effect that breaking loose contaminants such as dirt, rust, and other particles and washes them out of the engine cooling system.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Inventor: Derek Chen-Chien Wu
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Patent number: 6622757Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Veeder-Root CompanyInventors: Robert P. Hart, Richard K. Lucas
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Patent number: 6612344Abstract: A vent and fluid transfer fitment for sealing and transferring a fluid from an inverted fluid-filled container without premature leakage to a receiver attachment, has a transfer check valve and a venting check valve which are preferably duckbill valves. The transfer check valve is attached to the fitment for allowing fluid to be transferred from the container when the receiver attachment engages the transfer check valve. The venting check valve is also attached to the fitment for allowing air to displace the fluid as the fluid exits the container, wherein both the transfer check valve and the venting check valve have an inherent sealing pressure created by the static pressure of the fluid within the container. In addition, the inherent sealing pressure of the venting check valve is less than the inherent sealing pressure of the transfer check valve which allows air to enter the container due to the pressure differential created as the fluid is displaced.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Phillip Gene Nagel, James Christopher Bailey, Gordon Edgar Atkinson, Arnold George Benecke
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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: 6581647Abstract: A drumming unit that utilizes a computer controlled drum filling and drum handling system. Drum handling and filling is fully automated, the drums being introduced onto the apparatus on an inlet conveyor, loaded from the inlet conveyor onto a frame at which a plurality of work stations are provided for removing the bung from the drum, filling the drum, and replacing the bung in the drum, and then unloading the drum from the frame onto an outlet conveyor. A hose from the chemical plant, warehouse, or other facility is utilized for filling operations that stays in the facility, thereby preventing reactive chemical and quality concerns. A vapor tight wall is provided to isolate the operator from the filling operations, thereby eliminating the need for a slicker suit, respirator, or other safety equipment. The drumming unit is preferably mounted to a base which is sized to fit onto the bed of a truck or trailer so that the unit can be moved from one location to another for drumming operations.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventors: Hugh Leidlein, Troy Calvert
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Publication number: 20030102048Abstract: An apparatus and method for breaching and venting sealed inner containers disposed within a drum, where the drum is evacuated to created a pressure differential resulting in expansion and rupture of the inner containers. The temperature may also be reduced to below freezing in the drum to reduce the elasticity of the inner containers, and the drum may also be pressurized to implode and rupture the inner containers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2002Publication date: June 5, 2003Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
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Publication number: 20030034084Abstract: A vent and fluid transfer fitment for sealing and transferring a fluid from an inverted fluid-filled container without premature leakage to a receiver attachment, has a transfer check valve and a venting check valve which are preferably duckbill valves. The transfer check valve is attached to the fitment for allowing fluid to be transferred from the container when the receiver attachment engages the transfer check valve. The venting check valve is also attached to the fitment for allowing air to displace the fluid as the fluid exits the container, wherein both the transfer check valve and the venting check valve have an inherent sealing pressure created by the static pressure of the fluid within the container. In addition, the inherent sealing pressure of the venting check valve is less than the inherent sealing pressure of the transfer check valve which allows air to enter the container due to the pressure differential created as the fluid is displaced.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2002Publication date: February 20, 2003Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Phillip Gene Nagel, James Christopher Bailey, Gordon Edgar Atkinson, Arnold George Benecke
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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: 6499516Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes vapor and hydrocarbon concentration sensors positioned in the vapor recovery line to provide accurate feedback relating to the speed and concentration of hydrocarbon laden vapor recovered by a vapor recovery system. The sensors provide diagnostic information about the vapor recovery process as well as insuring that the vapor recovery process is carried out in an efficient manner. Additionally, the sensors may be positioned in an underground storage tank vent apparatus to monitor fugitive emissions from the underground storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventors: Kenneth L. Pope, Richard R. Sobota, Seifollah S. Nanaji, Edward A. Payne
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Publication number: 20020189706Abstract: A containment system for biohazardous fluids is described. The containment system operates under the action of gravity at substantially constant atmospheric pressure. The system includes a container having a first membrane and a second membrane coupled together to enclose a containment volume. The first membrane is characterized by being permeable to gases and impermeable to liquids and aerosols. The second membrane is characterized by being impermeable to gasses and liquids and includes an inlet port configured to receive a tube. A self-sealing inlet port minimizes splashing back and spillage. Particular embodiments include a single-use liner assembly and a rigid, reusable receptacle with a securable lid and a drain for disposing of collected fluids. The receptacle may be coupled to the liner assembly to substantially enclose the liner.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2001Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventor: Melody Ow
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Patent number: 6491069Abstract: A vent and fluid transfer fitment for sealing and transferring a fluid from an inverted fluid-filled container without premature leakage to a receiver attachment, has a transfer check valve and a venting check valve which are preferably duckbill valves. The transfer check valve is attached to the fitment for allowing fluid to be transferred from the container when the receiver attachment engages the transfer check valve. The venting check valve is also attached to the fitment for allowing air to displace the fluid as the fluid exits the container, wherein both the transfer check valve and the venting check valve have an inherent sealing pressure created by the static pressure of the fluid within the container. In addition, the inherent sealing pressure of the venting check valve is less than the inherent sealing pressure of the transfer check valve which allows air to enter the container due to the pressure differential created as the fluid is displaced.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Phillip Gene Nagel, James Christopher Bailey, Gordon Edgar Atkinson, Arnold George Benecke
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Patent number: 6474796Abstract: A simple and high productivity liquid filling method is provided for a small-size liquid container having a high efficiency of use in which an amount of accommodated ink per unit volume is increased and a stable liquid supply can be realized. This method fills a liquid into a liquid container, which includes a first chamber incorporating a negative pressure Generating member and including a liquid supply portion and an atmospheric-air communicating portion, and a second chamber including a communicating portion communicating with the first chamber and forming a substantially closed space. The method includes the step of prohibiting discharge of air within one of the first chamber and the second chamber, and simultaneously filling a liquid into the other chamber while discharging air within the other chamber to the outside of the liquid container, in a state in which the communicating portion is placed at a lower position in a direction of gravity.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1997Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroyuki Ishinaga
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Publication number: 20020144716Abstract: A vacuum transfer system for transferring food grade products. A biased ball in a cage with a substantially uninterrupted cage wall is utilized as a check valve. The ball may be biased by a weight to float in a predictable orientation relative to the cage. The biased ball assures that a certain portion of the ball will consistently engage with and aperture. The biased ball also minimizes chattering of the ball in the cage under high flow conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2002Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventor: Marcus J. Engle
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Patent number: 6460579Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes vapor and hydrocarbon concentration sensors positioned in the vapor recovery line to calculate the vapor-to-liquid (V/L) ratio of the fuel dispenser. If the V/L ratio is not as desired, an adjustment is made to attempt a correction of the V/L ratio. If such correction attempt is unsuccessful, and error is reported.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
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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: 6427730Abstract: A vent and fluid transfer fitment for sealing and transferring a fluid from an inverted fluid-filled container without premature leakage to a receiver attachment, has a transfer check valve and a venting check valve which are preferably duckbill valves. The transfer check valve is attached to the fitment for allowing fluid to be transferred from the container when the receiver attachment engages the transfer check valve. The venting check valve is also attached to the fitment for allowing air to displace the fluid as the fluid exits the container, wherein both the transfer check valve and the venting check valve have an inherent sealing pressure created by the static pressure of the fluid within the container. In addition, the inherent sealing pressure of the venting check valve is less than the inherent sealing pressure of the transfer check valve which allows air to enter the container due to the pressure differential created as the fluid is displaced.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Phillip Gene Nagel, James Christopher Bailey, Gordon Edgar Atkinson, Arnold George Benecke
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Patent number: 6418983Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes vapor and hydrocarbon concentration sensors positioned in the vapor recovery line to provide accurate feedback relating to the speed and concentration of hydrocarbon laden vapor recovered by a vapor recovery system. The sensors provide diagnostic information about the vapor recovery process as well as insuring that the vapor recovery process is carried out in an efficient manner. Additionally, the sensors may be positioned in an underground storage tank vent apparatus to monitor fugitive emissions from the underground storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Gilbasco Inc.Inventors: Edward A. Payne, Richard R. Sobota, Seifollah S. Nanaji, Kenneth L. Pope
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Patent number: 6408894Abstract: A method of producing a device for purifying blood from toxins includes providing a container with an inlet and outlet, preparing a mixture of a porous beaded adsorbent polymeric material with a liquid, and supplying the mixture under the pressure through the inlet into the interior of the container so that liquid is squeezed out of the mixture and leaves the container through the outlet, while the beads of the beaded polymeric material are homogeneously and densely packed in an interior of the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2001Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: RenalTech International, LLCInventor: Vadim Davankov
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Patent number: 6405766Abstract: A float operated fuel tank vapor vent valve having a reduced diameter portion on the bottom of the float which forms a tapered surface. The tapered surface contacts a plurality of spaced resilient fingers when the float drops suddenly; and the float motion is thus arrested silently by deflection of the resilient fingers.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Robert P. Benjey
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Publication number: 20020066493Abstract: A process is provided for filling an at least partially collapsible container comprising one or more fill and/or dispense apertures. The collapsible container is evacuated prior to refilling the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: Timothy Hewlitt, Steven Kelsey, William Maskell, Jerard O'Brien
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Patent number: 6393900Abstract: An aerosol can content analyzer workstation is disclosed which will make available the drug content of an aerosol can by a mechanical extraction process wherein the extraction is performed by isolating the bottom portion of the aerosol can in an extraction chamber. The aerosol can bottom is pierced by a metal punch after the aerosol can bottom is isolated. An extraction solvent is dispensed through spray holes in the metal punch in order to extract the contents from within the can. The extract is then collected in a collection flask and the extract is analyzed in order to determine the drug content.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: SmithKline Beecham CorporationInventors: Charles Amick Buckner, III, Jeffrey Scott Thomas
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Patent number: 6395231Abstract: A device for filling and suction of filter plates in a microtitration plate format which is comprised of a simultaneously working multipipette, two stacking elements, a plate transfer car with a suction station, four lifting drives, and an electric plate holder. The plates emanating from the dispensing stacking elements are filled by the pipettes or the pipette automatic machine and can be deposited on the suction station afterwards with the aid of the plate holder and the lifter. The plates are then lifted together with the weight such that the plate is sufficiently pressed hard on the seal in the suction station. As a result, a corresponding low pressure can be generated in the vacuum station.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1999Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: CyBio Instruments GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Kraemer, Uwe Naumann, Thomas Moore
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Patent number: 6382267Abstract: Hydraulic mounts which include a body member, a partition, a diaphragm and a base member are placed on an apparatus for supporting the body member loosely assembled with the partition, diaphragm and base member. A head member engages the body member and the base member in temporary fluid sealing relationship while air is evacuated from internal chambers of the mount and hydraulic fluid is flowed into the chambers. The head member may then be moved away from the base member and a final assembly of the mount provided by crimping a peripheral upper edge of the body member in forcible engagement with the base member, the partition and the diaphragm. The mount may include spaced apart projections to allow fluid to flow between the partition and the body member during the air evacuation and fluid fill process.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Scott L. Childers, John A. Walterbusch, Raymond H. Louis, Charles J. Cornor
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Patent number: 6360785Abstract: A vacuum assist vapor recovery system, e.g., in or for a fuel dispensing system, having a coaxial hose with an outer fuel conduit for delivery of fuel and an inner vapor conduit for recovery of vapor, includes an indicator assembly for providing indication of vapor flow reduction in the inner vapor conduit, e.g., due to restriction of flow cross-section in the inner vapor conduit or failure of a vacuum pump or other vacuum control device. The indicator assembly includes a detector element in communication with the inner vapor conduit for detection of vapor flow within the inner vapor conduit and an indicator element of vapor flow for indication of vapor flow within the inner vapor conduit detected by the detector element.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1999Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Healy Systems, Inc.Inventor: James W. Healy
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Patent number: 6360794Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a fluid into a container has a carriage movably associated with a holding mechanism along an axis. A piston is attached to the carriage and a cylinder is slidably attached to the piston along the axis. The cylinder has a hole formed therein that extends along the axis. A needle extending along the axis is attached to the piston and passes through the cylinder hole. The needle has a first operative position relative to the piston when the needle is retracted within the cylinder and a second operative position relative to the piston when the needle extends from the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventor: Terry D. Turner
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Patent number: 6334470Abstract: A vacuum assist vapor recovery system for a fuel dispensing system having a coaxial hose with an outer fuel conduit for delivery of fuel and an inner vapor conduit for recovery of vapor, and such a fuel dispensing system includes an indicator assembly for providing indication of vapor flow reduction in the inner vapor conduit. The indicator assembly has a detector element in communication with the inner vapor conduit for detection of vapor flow within the inner vapor conduit and an indicator element of vapor flow for indication of vapor flow and vapor flow reduction within the inner vapor conduit detected by the detector element. The detector element includes a Venturi device disposed in communication with the inner vapor conduit, a diaphragm responsive to the pressure between the Venturi throat and the upstream inner vapor passageway, and a magnet associated with, i.e., reflecting the movement of, the diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Healy Systems, Inc.Inventor: James W. Healy
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Patent number: 6332483Abstract: A method for monitoring vapor-to-liquid flow rate in a fuel dispensing system with a vacuum assisted vapor recovery system having a coaxial hose with an outer fuel conduit for delivery of fuel and an inner vapor conduit for recovery of vapor includes the steps of: determining vapor flow rate in the inner vapor conduit; issuing a signal indicative of the vapor flow rate; determining liquid fuel flow rate in the outer fuel conduit; issuing a signal indicative of the liquid fuel flow rate; comparing the signal indicative of the vapor flow rate and the signal indicative of the liquid fuel flow rate; and, when vapor-to-liquid flow rate is outside a predetermined range, issuing a signal. A vacuum assist vapor recovery system, and a fuel dispensing system equipped with such a vapor recovery system are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2000Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Healy Systems, Inc.Inventor: James W. Healy
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Patent number: 6305440Abstract: A dispensing system (10) that utilizes radio frequencies identification capabilities in a service station environment to reliably and accurately detect an on-board vapor recovery (ORVR) system in a vehicle (26). The dispensing system (10) includes a vapor recovery system (33) for recovering fuel vapors responsive to a fuel being dispensed. The vapor recovery system (33) has a disabling mechanism (42) for selectively preventing its operation. The dispensing system (10) also includes an antenna (22A, 22B, 24A, 24B) for detecting a radio frequency signal from a transmitter (23 or 25) in a vehicle (26). The radio frequency signal may be a single bit indicating that the vehicle (26) has the ORVR system, or may include additional bits indicating a type of fuel to be dispensed. When the transmitter (23 or 25) is within a predetermined distance from the antenna (22A, 22B, 24A, 24B), a controller (20) receives the radio frequency signal from the antenna (22A, 22B, 24A, 24B) and asserts a disable signal (41).Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Dresser, Inc.Inventors: Don C. McCall, Ken W. Taylor
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Patent number: 6305439Abstract: A single step shaft assembly and oil fill process begins with the sleeve and thrust plate being assembled, leaving open the entire shaft cavity. The assembly is then placed in an evacuation chamber, and air is evacuated. A measured amount of oil or hydrofluid is then placed in the shaft cavity. The shaft is then inserted in the shaft cavity and pressed or otherwise inserted into an opening in the thrust plate. When this is done, the oil will disperse throughout the bearing fluid gap and cavity. When properly measured, no oil will exit the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Kirby V. Pool, David Wuester, Thaveesinn Vasavakul, Kok Chai Low