With Testing Or Weighing Receiver Content Patents (Class 141/83)
  • Publication number: 20150101701
    Abstract: A tire inflation system and a method of control. An inflation pressure of a tire may be checked when a tire pressure sampling interval has elapsed. The tire pressure sampling interval may be adjusted based on a type of pressure drop when the inflation pressure is less than a target tire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Simon Dean, Kenneth Flory, Robert W. Trostle, Jonathan Honig, Anatoli Koulinitch
  • Patent number: 8985164
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling flow of a flowable material. The flowable material passes from a product supply through one or more valves which are coupled to a controller. The controller is also coupled to one or more sensors operable to generate a signal indicating whether flowable product is present or not present at a specific level within a container. The controller is programmed to operate the valves based on signals received from the sensors. The sensors may be associated with the feed container and used to control metering of flowable product out of the feed container, or they may be associated with a container and used to control filling of the container with flowable product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Caneel Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Jonathan Seeman, Dewey Privette, Donna Elizabeth Seeman
  • Publication number: 20150075671
    Abstract: Apportioning apparatus for apportioning moist cut or ground tobacco material with moisture content of at least 35%. Apportioning apparatus includes metering unit; weighing cell; and control unit coupled via a first data link to the metering unit and via a second data link to weighing cell. Metering unit is configured to add a predetermined portion of tobacco material to a receptacle, and metering unit and weighing cell are arranged relative to each other such that, while receptacle is being filled by metering unit, a weight of the added tobacco material is detected by weighing cell, and data relative to the detected weight is communicated via first data link to the control unit. Control unit is configured to control metering unit via second data link on the basis of received data relative to weight of added tobacco material such that a predetermined portion of tobacco material is added to receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: HAUNI MASCHINENBAU AG
    Inventors: Christofer OVERBECK, Jens BARKEMEYER, Daniel BAUER, Sindy JESKE, Csaba KRESZL
  • Publication number: 20150075672
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling inflation of a tire. Tire pressure may be determined by providing pulses of pressurized gas to a tire valve. The pulses of pressurized gas may not open the tire valve when the tire pressure is greater than or equal to the target tire pressure, thereby inhibiting overinflation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Trostle, Anatoli Koulinitch, Kenneth Flory
  • Publication number: 20150059918
    Abstract: A pump system includes a pneumatic pump, a hose, a nozzle that can attach to a tire of a vehicle, and a processing device. The processing device receives a target tire pressure for the tire, receives a current tire pressure of the tire, and controls the operation of the pneumatic pump according to the target tire pressure and the current tire pressure. A method includes receiving a target tire pressure for a tire of a vehicle, receiving a current tire pressure of the tire, and controlling operation of a pneumatic pump according to the target tire pressure and the current tire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Yellin Schondorf, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Robert Bruce Kleve, Greg Swadling, Dilip B. Patel
  • Publication number: 20150047740
    Abstract: A wheel inflation apparatus including a wheel engagement unit that suspends a tire/wheel assembly and at least one inflation unit coupled to the robotic arm, each inflation unit being configured to inflate the tire/wheel assembly. A load measuring unit is configured to sense an amount of load being applied to the wheel/tire assembly. A controller is coupled to the load measuring unit for receiving a load signal and determining an internal air pressure of the tire/wheel assembly based on the load signal. The controller controls the at least one inflation unit based on the determined internal air pressure and a target (desired) air pressure value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Lawson, Barry A. Clark
  • Publication number: 20150034207
    Abstract: A process for filling pharmaceutical product containers in a container filling machine with the stages of: filling the container with the corresponding pharmaceutical substance through filling means in a filling station of the filling machine, weighing the filled container in a filled container weighing station to confirm that the quantity of pharmaceutical substance with which the container has been filled lies within the desired range, in which when the quantity of pharmaceutical substance with which the container has been filled lies outside the desired range the filling means are moved to the filled container weighing station and the container is topped up with a quantity such that the total substance placed in the container in the two stages lies within the desired range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: JORDI BOIRA BONHORA
  • Patent number: 8944119
    Abstract: A method and system of gas refilling management for gas storage canister utilizing identification accessing control includes an identification information transmission device, a control device, and a gas refilling equipment, which are applicable for management of refilling of at least one storage canister. The storage canister is provided with an information identification label, which contains at least one record of canister information. By using the identification information transmission device to first read the information contained in the label of a storage canister, the control device may then set a refilling condition based on which the gas refilling equipment carries out a refilling operation to the storage canister, so as to suit for management of refilling various types of gas storage canisters to provide the best performance in a practical application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Asia Pacific Fuel Cell Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Jefferson Ys Yang, Feng-Hsiang Hsiao, Hong-Shi Chang, Chih-Hsueh Chen
  • Patent number: 8938936
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks, wherein a product flow of polysilicon chunks is transported via a feed channel, separated by at least one screen into coarse and fine chunks, weighed and dosed to a target weight by a dosing balance, discharged via a discharge channel and transported to a packaging unit where a first plastic bag is filled with the polysilicon chunks and sealed, the plastic bag containing polysilicon chunks being packaged with a further plastic bag which is formed by a shaper and subsequently welded, wherein the at least one screen and the dosing balance at least partially include a hard metal on their surfaces and the shaper for forming the plastic bag includes a wear-resistant coating. Also disclosed are a dosing unit, a packaging unit and a device for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks, which contains a dosing unit and a packaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Wacker Chemie AG
    Inventors: Matthias Vietz, Rainer Hoelzlwimmer, Bruno Lichtenegger
  • Publication number: 20140360621
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with a liquid filling material includes a container treatment unit, a weighing unit, container carriers, weighing cells, a conveying element, filling positions, container receptacles, and a container-conveying section. As the conveying element, on which the filling positions are formed, rotates, it introduces filling material into the containers. The conveying element includes the container-conveying section, which moves the containers in a container-conveying direction. The weighing unit, which is made in the conveying element, weighs containers on the container-conveying section. Each container receptacle forms a weighing position with an associated container carrier and weighing cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Ludwig Clusserath
  • Patent number: 8905089
    Abstract: A liquid transportation system includes a loading station where a liquid is loaded into a container of a delivery vehicle, and a drop off location where the delivery vehicle transfers the liquid into a storage tank. The storage tank includes a tank marker including a first identification device that generates a first signal. The first signal identifies a type of liquid to be stored in the storage tank. The delivery vehicle includes a product marker having a control system and a second identification device. The second identification device identifies a type of liquid contained in the container. The control system receives the first signal and the second signal and determines whether the type of the liquid stored in the container is the same as the type of liquid to be stored in the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: CHS Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Evans
  • Publication number: 20140332114
    Abstract: A gas-filling device (1) in which the design pressure of a pressure accumulator can be reduced while downsizing a compressor includes a compressor (4) and a pressure accumulator (5). In advance, a relationship between a filling pressure and a target flow rate is determined in accordance with the volume of a tank (3), the filling pressure is detected, and the target flow rate is determined. A flow rate of a gas to be supplied into the tank (3) is controlled according to the target flow rate. In a case where the target flow rate is equal to or less than a maximum discharge flow rate of the compressor (4), the gas is supplied to the tank (3) only from the compressor (4). In a case where the target flow rate is greater than the maximum discharge flow rate, the gas is supplied to the tank (3) from the compressor (4) and the pressure accumulator (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Kenji Nagura, Hitoshi Takagi
  • Publication number: 20140332115
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with a filling material includes a transport element that rotates in a transport direction, filling positions formed on the transport element, and a common carrier common to all positions and moving with the transport element. Each filling position has a filling element, a weighing cell secured to the carrier, a container carrier, and a functional element assigned to the filling position on the common carrier. The common carrier is adjustable to move by an adjustment unit either in or opposite to the transport direction. The adjustment unit corresponds to a distance between functional elements of filler positions that are adjacent to each other in the transport direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan Lorenz, Andreas Fahldieck
  • Patent number: 8875749
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of samples by means of a dosage-dispensing device, a weighing system with a load receiver, a processor unit, a memory unit, and an exchangeable dosage-dispensing unit. A target container is set on the load receiver. The dosage-dispensing unit and/or the target container includes electrically insulating material. The dosage-dispensing unit has the capability to change positions relative to the load receiver. While the dosage-dispensing unit is in a first position and a target container is on the load receiver, a starting weight value is determined, the dosage-dispensing unit is brought into a second position, a dosage-dispensing cycle delivers a dosage material in a predefined amount from the dosage-dispensing unit into the target container by means of the processor unit, the dosage-dispensing unit is brought into the first position, and while the dosage-dispensing unit is at rest in the first position, an ending weight value is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Bruno Nufer, Siegfried Gluvakov
  • Patent number: 8869844
    Abstract: An apparatus includes means for providing one-way degassing valves to be installed on corresponding containers; means for placing a viscous liquid in each of the plurality of one-way degassing valves to provide a corresponding plurality of installable one-way degassing valves; means for capturing an image of at least a portion of at least some of the plurality of installable one-way degassing valves; and control means for automatically and non-destructively determining for the at least some of the plurality of installable one-way degassing valves, prior to installation on the corresponding containers, by using the image, whether the viscous liquid has been properly placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC
    Inventors: Arthur A. Sagy, Julio A. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8872045
    Abstract: A filling device for containers, especially for beverage bottles, having a filling valve with a discharge opening, a holder for the container in a suspended arrangement, and a weighing device. In order to obtain a robust weighing device and a more precise measurement at least one portion of the weighing device is arranged vertically above the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Bernd Sobiech
  • Publication number: 20140311104
    Abstract: A continuous rotary machine for filling capsules with pharmaceutical products is provided with at least one dosing wheel having a plurality of pockets each defined by a respective upper seat, which is suited to receive and hold a closing cap of a capsule and by a respective lower seat, which is suited to receive and hold a bottom of the capsule, and is provided with a measuring device to measure the weight of the bottom or of the bottom and of the pharmaceutical product contained in the lower seat itself; the upper seat being radially mobile between a forward position, in which the lower and the upper seats are vertically aligned with each other, and a retracted position, in which the lower and the upper seats are vertically staggered with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: MG 2-S.r.l.
    Inventors: Ernesto Gamberini, Davide Nannetti
  • Patent number: 8866029
    Abstract: A link apparatus supplies objects discharged from a weighing machine to package bags being conveyed successively at a high speed and comprises plural hopper groups each including n hoppers; and plural arms configured to convey an associated hopper group along a revolving path including a first area where the objects are supplied to the hopper group and a second area under which package bags are conveyed successively. The arms convey the hopper groups from the first area to the second area in a predetermined order, the n hoppers sequentially conveyed to the second area are located above the n package bags conveyed to a region under the second area; the hoppers are located above the package bags in the second area, and the hopper groups are stopped in the first area. The hopper groups discharge the objects, when the hopper groups are conveyed in the second area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Shozo Kawanishi
  • Publication number: 20140299221
    Abstract: Fluid transfer systems are disclosed that can be configured to transfer precise amounts of fluid from a source container to a target container. The fluid transfer system can have multiple fluid transfer stations for transferring fluids into multiple target containers or for combining different types of fluids into a single target container to form a mixture. The fluid transfer system can include a pump and a destination sensor, such as a weight sensor. The fluid transfer system can be configured to flush remaining fluid out of a connector to reduce waste, using air or a flushing fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Patent number: 8851127
    Abstract: Methods and systems for pharmaceutical compounding are described. In one embodiment a system comprises a solution of a pharmaceutical in an injection vehicle, the solution being contained in a vessel. The system also includes one or more tubes, a filter, and one or more valves. The system presents a sterile environment for compounding the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Express Scripts, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Marquis, Douglas Lang
  • Patent number: 8841565
    Abstract: A filling system for containers that are supplied to a filling device via a supplying device and that are removed from the filling device via a removal device, said filling system includes a measuring device for weighing the filled containers. The measuring device is formed by circulating measuring sensors that convey containers from an inlet side to an outlet while concurrently weighing the containers, and circulating synchronously with the container flow. The measuring sensors are oriented at right angles to a direction along a horizontal belt along which the containers are conveyed. Each one has measuring fingers that collectively form a multi-fingered measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Herrmann, Jan Peter Hecktor
  • Publication number: 20140261870
    Abstract: A dilute chemical solution may be prepared in response to a dispense request by combining multiple concentrated chemicals with a diluent. In one example, a target amount of diluent is dispensed into a container until a measured weight of the diluent reaches a target weight. A first concentrated chemical is also dispensed into the container until a measured weight of the first concentrated chemical reaches a target weight. The liquid solution containing the diluent and the first concentrated chemical is withdrawn from the container and applied on a second concentrated chemical that is a solid state product so as to cause the second concentrated chemical to at least partially dissolve and enter the container. In some applications, the first and second concentrated chemicals react with one another to generate an active molecule in the chemical solution that is not present in either of the two concentrated chemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Keith E. OLSON, Paul R. KRAUS, Sherri TISCHLER, Brandon J. SCHIRMER
  • Publication number: 20140261879
    Abstract: Provided is a single infrared emitter dispenser monitor for refrigeration appliance that includes a dispenser that dispenses at least one of water and ice. A vessel detector includes an infrared emitter, a first infrared detector, and a second infrared detector. The infrared emitter emits radiation having an angle of dispersion such that both of the first and second infrared detectors receive the radiation emitted by the infrared emitter. The first infrared detector is arranged more frontward than the second infrared detector. In further examples, an elapsed time between detection signals is compared to a minimum elapsed time, and a dispensing signal is only sent if the elapsed time is greater than the minimum elapsed time. By this configuration, the number of input/output lines running into a control device is reduced, and it is possible to detect a failed emitter if both detector signals fall to zero at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Jerry Baack
  • Publication number: 20140261857
    Abstract: An example method for analyzing data in a collaborative network in accordance with the present disclosure is receiving a configuration of a divider, the divider being placed in a container, identifying a number of compartments in the container based on the configuration of the divider, determining a size for each compartment in the container based on the configuration of the divider, and storing a portion size for each food product based on the size of each compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: David Justin Landskroner, David Ian Weissman
  • Publication number: 20140251497
    Abstract: A Hall effect grain level switch is positioned adjacent a grain fill opening at an upper portion of a grain enclosure. A Hall-voltage generator is coupled to the housing in a fixed position. An elongate member is pivotably coupled to the housing with the magnet being mounted adjacent a proximal end of the elongate member. A grain contact member is coupled adjacent a distal end of the elongate member. The Hall-voltage generator and magnet are positioned adjacent each other to provide a first output signal state when the elongate member extends vertically in a rest position. The Hall-voltage generator and magnet are distanced from each other to provide a second output signal state when the elongate member is pivoted to a non-vertical switched position in response to grain moving the contact member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: CTB, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Stephen MULLEN, Brent J. Bloemendaal
  • Publication number: 20140238537
    Abstract: An object collecting and discharging device, comprises an inner collecting chute; an outer collecting chute, a first discharge path having a first upper opening and a first lower opening; a second discharge path having a second upper opening, a third upper opening and a second lower opening; a third discharge path having a fourth upper opening and a third lower opening; a fourth discharge path having a fifth upper opening and a fourth lower opening; a fifth discharge path having a sixth upper opening, a seventh upper opening and a fifth lower opening; and a sixth discharge path having an eighth upper opening and a sixth lower opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: YAMATO SCALE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kohei Kikuchi, Kazuo Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 8813793
    Abstract: A paint formulation and dispensing apparatus for mixing paint from a can having an open top and to a receiving can. The apparatus includes a dispensing lid attached to the paint can so that the lid overlies the open top of the paint can. The lid includes a spout and a reservoir having a plunger slidably disposed in it such that the position of the plunger determines the volume of the reservoir. A valve is disposed in a passageway in the lid and is movable between a first position in which the valve fluidly connects the passageway to the reservoir, and a second position in which the valve fluidly connects the reservoir to the spout. A weight scale is positioned below the spout and the receiving can is positioned on the weight scale. The weight scale generates an electronic signal to a programmed processor which generates output signals to control both the position of the valve as well as the position of an actuator which engages the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Dedoes Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Boboltz
  • Patent number: 8814420
    Abstract: The invention proposes a system for gravimetrically combining individual bulk material components in one or a plurality of transport container(s). The system comprises a plurality of storage containers for storing the bulk material components equipped with one dosing unit each in order to transfer a respective bulk material component into the transport container. Each of the storage containers is associated with a weighing means disposed below each storage container. The transport containers can be moved between the dosing units of the supply containers along a guidance and cooperate with the weighing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: AZO Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Pahl, Helmut Bauer, Christian Leist
  • Publication number: 20140230960
    Abstract: A refilling station for personal dispensers includes a housing having one or more docks that are configured to receive and retain compatible personal dispensers therein. The refilling station also includes a manifold system that fluidly couples a refill container to one or more personal dispensers. Thus, when a personal dispenser is placed in the dock, it is automatically refilled with material, such as sanitizer, from the refill container. The refilling station may also include a sanitizing light to disinfect the personal dispensers as they are being refilled to reduce the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: NICK E. CIAVARELLA, JESSE P. CARLSON, JACKSON W. WEGELIN, MICHAEL GALLO
  • Patent number: 8800345
    Abstract: A load carrier with a receiving pan for a free-flowing substance, a calibration weight holder for supporting a calibration weight, and a connector element for connecting the load carrier to a load receiver of a weighing cell. The receiving pan is arranged between the connector element and the calibration weight holder and is designed to be loaded with the free-flowing substance through a passage in the calibration weight holder. The calibration weight holder can be loaded with a calibration weight independently of the load status of the receiving pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Andreas Metzger, Peter Schilling, Stephan Baltisberger, Hans-Rudolf Burkhard
  • Patent number: 8800610
    Abstract: A filling device for filling containers with a liquid has a first port for supplying a first liquid to the filling device, a second port spaced from the first port for supplying a second liquid to the filling device A mixing chamber within the filling device includes a first liquid channel which guides the first liquid from the first port to the mixing chamber, and a second liquid channel which guides the second liquid from the second port to the mixing chamber, wherein the first liquid channel and the second liquid channel guide the first liquid and the second liquid separately from one another A valve body controls discharge of the liquids from the filling device through an outlet to the container. The valve body is disposed at least partially between the mixing chamber and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Rupert Meinzinger
  • Patent number: 8803009
    Abstract: Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: MannKind Corporation
    Inventors: Trent A. Poole, David F. Bonneau, Per B. Fog
  • Publication number: 20140221720
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and devices for storing and/or disposing of hazardous waste material such as calcined material. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a filling nozzle having a valve body having a distal end and an outer surface, the outer surface proximate the distal end being configured to sealingly and removeably couple to an inner surface of a filling port of the container. In certain embodiments, the method comprises (a) coupling an outer surface of a filling nozzle with an inner surface of a filling port of a container to form a first seal (b) adding hazardous waste material into the container (c) decoupling the filling port from the filling nozzle and (d) inserting a fill plug into the filling port, the fill plug forming a second seal with the inner surface of the filling port, the second seal being distally spaced from at least a portion of the first seal with respect to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: AUSTRALIAN NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ORGANISATION
    Inventors: Salvatore Moricca, Walter Guillermo Bermudez, Allan Grant Murray
  • Patent number: 8783307
    Abstract: The present invention provides a CNG time fill system having a compression system including a gas dryer and one or more gas compressors, a gas storage system for storing the natural gas, a manifold time fill system for filling a plurality of natural gas vehicles with the natural gas, a pressure transducer or pressure transmitter for detecting the pressure within the manifold time fill system, and an automatic shut off valve for selectively stopping the flow of gas into the manifold time fill system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Clean Energy Fuels Corp.
    Inventor: Denis Ding
  • Patent number: 8770238
    Abstract: A delivery device for delivering composition in a container filler installation, the device comprising a tube having at least an end provided with a nozzle and an opposite end provided with means for fastening to a feed line of the filler installation, and the device further including a plate fastened to the tube and provided with a support having a portion extending in register with the nozzle to support a container. The invention also provides a filler installation including at least one such device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Graffin
  • Publication number: 20140174588
    Abstract: A contaminated hydrogen charging preventing system that prevents contaminated hydrogen from being supplied to a vehicle. In particular, a sensor that is disposed in a charging pipe that charges a hydrogen tank of a vehicle with senses/detects contaminates in the hydrogen. Upon sensing contaminated hydrogen, a controller configured to control a cutoff valve is controlled to close charging pipe so that the contaminated hydrogen cannot be supplied to the vehicle. In addition, a hydrogen charging station may also terminate the flow of hydrogen to a dispenser based upon receiving contaminated hydrogen information from the controller within the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Chul Ho Yim
  • Patent number: 8757220
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metering device for fine grained powder (1), in particular for medicinal powder (1) for pulmonary administration, and to a method for operating the metering device. The metering device comprises a powder pump and a metering mechanism (3), wherein the metering mechanism (3) comprises a continuous powder passage (4) and at least one metering chamber (5) with an outlet valve (6). The metering chamber (5) branches off from the powder passage (4) at an angle. The metering chamber (5) has a larger cross section than the powder passage (4). The powder (1) is conveyed through the powder passage (4) by means of the powder pump, the at least one metering chamber (5) being filled with the powder (1) in a self-levelling manner. The conveying by means of the powder pump is then interrupted, and at least one target container is filled from the metering chamber (5) with the outlet valve (6) being opened and a residual quantity of powder (1) remaining in the metering chamber (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Harro Höfliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Scharger
  • Patent number: 8757223
    Abstract: A hydrogen filling apparatus fills a hydrogen tank, for example, mounted on a fuel cell vehicle with hydrogen stored in a hydrogen storage tank. After the hydrogen tank has started to be filled with hydrogen in a hydrogen filling process, the hydrogen filling process is stopped for a predetermined time, and a temperature and a pressure in the hydrogen tank are detected while the hydrogen filling process is being stopped. Thereafter, a time needed to fill the hydrogen tank with a predetermined amount of hydrogen is calculated based on detected values of the temperature and the pressure, and the calculated time is displayed on a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuro Uemura
  • Patent number: 8757217
    Abstract: A method for delivering liquid color directly into the screw barrel of a plastic resin process machine including weighing a container of liquid color; pumping liquid color from the container into the plastic resin process machine screw barrel; and continuously comparing actual readings from the scale to expected readings based on a desired predetermined liquid color usage rate and continuously regulating speed of pumping in response to such comparison to supply liquid color directly into the to the plastic resin process machine screw barrel according to a selected recipe of resin material to produce plastic parts having desired color characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen B. Maguire
  • Patent number: 8757225
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with liquids and in particular with beverages may include a filling device, which fills the liquid into the container. The filling device has a valve device for controlling the liquid flow into the container including a first supply line for supplying a first liquid to the filling device and comprising a second supply line for supplying a second liquid to the filling device, wherein the first supply line and the second supply line are separate from one another at least in some sections. The apparatus may have a control device configured in such a way that, at the start and at the end of a filling process for a container, this container is filled only with the first liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Erwin Knieling
  • Patent number: 8746294
    Abstract: A metering device for powdery substances, particularly for preparing dental and dental laboratory powder compounds. The powder compounds can be filled into a storage container (1) and fed from the storage container (1) to a vessel (9) using a discharge device. The lower region (3) of the storage container (1) is tapered, and in the storage container (1) an insert (4) is arranged, which has at least one upwardly tapering section (5), wherein the insert (4) is arranged in the tapered lower region (3) of the storage container (1). A through-passage (7) remains clear between the lower edge (6) of the tapering section (5) of the insert (4) and the tapered lower region (3) of the storage container (1). The insert (4) and/or the storage container (1) is associated with a vibration unit (8). The vessel (9) receiving the metered powder can be placed on a weighing unit (10), wherein the weighing unit (10) and the vibration unit (8) are operatively connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Amann Girrbach AG
    Inventor: Timo Koch
  • Patent number: 8733589
    Abstract: Systems and methods for activating polymer within a water treatment facility. The system includes a polymer makedown unit for blending and mixing diluent and polymer, the makedown unit including a polymer pump and a back pressure regulator operatively connected to the polymer pump. The system further includes a source of polymer including a sealed storage container for the polymer capable of being pressurized with compressed gas. The container includes a chamber for storing polymer under pressure, the container being capable of being pressurized by compressed gas, and an outlet for outputting pressurized polymer to the polymer makedown unit. There may also be provided a desiccant filter connected by a pressurized gas line for providing dry compressed gas into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Klenzoid Company Limited
    Inventors: Josh Ince, Paul Winsor
  • Publication number: 20140137982
    Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensers of fluids such as liquids, powders or particulate solids and in particular, relates to apparatus to quickly, hygienically and accurately dispense predetermined measures of fluid products into a vessel according to the capacity of the vessel. In the preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a fluid portion dispenser comprising at least one fluid reservoir, one or more nozzles, each of which being fixed to a work surface and having a nozzle outlet configured to dispense fluid from and a pump unit, connecting each reservoir to a nozzle and configured to pump fluid from each reservoir to a nozzle wherein each nozzle includes an activation mechanism, adapted to identify the capacity of a vessel in association with a nozzle outlet and activate the pump unit to dispense a portion of fluid from the nozzle outlet according to the capacity of the vessel identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: RAD I.P. Pty Limited
    Inventors: Ross William Nicholls, Adam James Preston
  • Patent number: 8726945
    Abstract: Removable chemical reservoirs are translucent and have filling marks on a front, hollow handle where chemical concentrate fill levels are visible and measurable. The reservoirs are filled with new concentrate from a current fill level mark to a full level mark and the volume of concentrate filled between the marks is calculated for filling and inventory purposes. The front handle is narrower than the reservoir sides and flanges at the upper end of the reservoir to facilitate in and out sliding of the reservoir for billing and cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Cintas Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Sand, Matthew S. Hayas
  • Publication number: 20140124092
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device for transferring fluid between a supply reservoir and a fill reservoir includes a metering reservoir and a manifold that forms at least part of a first channel that is fluidly connected with the metering reservoir. The first channel comprises a first cannula extending from the manifold. The manifold forms at least part of a second channel fluidly connected with the metering reservoir. The second channel comprises a second cannula extending from the manifold. A third channel extends through the manifold and comprises a third cannula having a first end proximate a distal end of the first cannula and a second end proximate a distal end of the second cannula. A first check valve is disposed within the first channel and a second check valve is disposed within the second channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: VALERITAS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert R. Gonnelli, Robert L. Standley, Steven F. Levesque
  • Patent number: 8701721
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling flow of a flowable material. The flowable material passes from a product supply through one or more valves which are coupled to a controller. The controller is also coupled to one or more sensors operable to generate a signal indicating whether flowable product is present or not present at a specific level within a container. The controller is programmed to operate the valves based on signals received from the sensors. The sensors may be associated with the feed container and used to control metering of flowable product out of the feed container, or they may be associated with a container and used to control filling of the container with flowable product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Caneel Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Jonathan Seeman, Dewey Privette, Donna Elizabeth Seeman
  • Publication number: 20140102582
    Abstract: An ice vending machine automatically provides ice to a customer based upon a request from the consumer for the ice. In some embodiments, the ice vending machine includes an ice bagging system. In some embodiments, the bagging system operates without the use of a counterweight. In some embodiments, the ice vending machine includes a view window to view the ice being bagged. In some embodiments, the ice vending machine is an ice and liquid water vending machine that automatically provides ice or liquid water to a customer based on a request from the customer for the ice or liquid water. In some embodiments, the ice and liquid water vending machine includes an ultraviolet light flushing assembly. In some embodiments, the ice and liquid water vending machine includes a chill tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: ICE HOUSE AMERICA, LLC
    Inventors: Ernest Chip Venet, III, Steven Alan Weeks, Daniel LaDon Dunn, Troy Doom
  • Publication number: 20140076454
    Abstract: A fluid manifold system includes a manifold port assembly having a housing with an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports formed thereon and a carousel having a plurality of spaced apart fluid paths that extend therethrough from a first end to an opposing second end. The carousel is rotatably coupled with the housing so that when the first end of each fluid path is aligned with the inlet port on the housing, the second end of each fluid path is aligned with a corresponding different one of the plurality of outlet ports. A container is fluid coupled to each outlet port by a fluid line. The inlet port can be selectively coupled with a fluid source while a motor can control rotation of the carousel relative to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: HyClone Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Kjar
  • Patent number: 8662115
    Abstract: A fuel gas station, a fuel gas filling system, and a fuel gas filling method which can check whether information on temperature of the inside of a fuel tank is correct, so that a fuel tank is properly filled. The fuel gas station calculates a difference of temperature between a temperature of the inside of the fuel tank and a temperature of fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel tank after supplying of fuel gas for a predetermined length of time. When the calculated difference of temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the fuel gas station determines that the information on temperature of the inside of the fuel tank is abnormal, and reduces at least one of supply flow and supply quantity of fuel gas as compared to when such information is normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Mori
  • Patent number: 8662357
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for dispensing toners. In one aspect, a cap and valve assembly is provided including a movable valve assembly, the movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position; a toner path, which when open is configured to allow toner to flow from a toner container to an output aperture; and an air inlet path, which when open is configured to couple an air source to the toner container; where in a first valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are closed, and in a second valve assembly position the toner path aid the air inlet path are open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman