With Testing Or Weighing Receiver Content Patents (Class 141/83)
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Patent number: 8459313Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] A gas fuel vehicle capable of detecting a gas leakage on the back side of a fuel fill port (inside of a vehicle body) extremely easily is provided. [Means for Solving the Problem] The gas fuel vehicle includes: a gas filling port that receives a supply of a gas fuel from a fuel supply device on the outside of a vehicle body; a communicating hole that connects the inside of the vehicle body and the outside of the vehicle body; a shielding member that shields the fuel fill port and the communicating hole from the outside of the vehicle body; and a gas fuel storage unit that stores the gas fuel supplied from the fuel supply device through the fuel fill port. A rod portion of a gas leakage detector is inserted into the communicating hole from the outside of the vehicle body, thereby detecting a gas leakage inside the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuyuki Iida, Keiichi Kondo
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Patent number: 8453686Abstract: Tubes are directed to a filling station (15) for filling the tubes (T) in a tube-filling machine, and, in the filling station, a liquid or highly viscous product (P) is poured into the tubes by means of a filling apparatus (16). Each tube is also weighed and the actual weight is compared with a desired weight. The filling apparatus is adjusted if the variance between the actual weight and the desired weight lies outside predetermined limits. In the process, the weighing of the tubes in the tube-filling machine occurs within 5 sec. after the end of the filling operation, either already in the filling station or between the filling station and an ejection station (22) for bad tubes (T?).Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2008Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: IWK Verpackungstechnik GmbHInventors: Horst Klaus, Matthias Kirsten
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Patent number: 8455773Abstract: An apparatus for weighing containers moved by a transporting arrangement along a path in a weighing station includes a transferring arrangement for transferring containers from the transporting arrangement to the weighing station and vice versa. The transferring arrangement is driven so as to move at least a container to be weighed away from an upstream row of containers for taking at least a container to be weighed to the weighing station, maintaining the container to be weighed in the weighing station for a time necessary for detecting the weight of the container to be weighed, and moving the weighed container towards a downstream row of containers.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: IMA Life S.r.l.Inventors: Claudio Trebbi, Gabriele Gabusi
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Patent number: 8448826Abstract: A dosage-dispensing head has a body with an end surface and an area that couples the head to a source container. The end surface has an outlet opening connected to the coupling area. The head also has a slider, constrained to a guided linear sliding movement parallel to the end surface. An aperture-setting member of the body turns about a rotary axis, orthogonal to the end surface, to actuate the slider. An orifice opening of the aperture-setting member is configured so that the outlet opening is always within the area of the orifice opening. A passage opening of the slider is between the body and the aperture-setting member. By turning the aperture-setting member, the slider moves in a linear path, linearly displacing the passage opening relative to the outlet opening and varying the aperture width of the dosage-dispensing head. This regulates the flow rate of the free-flowing dosage material.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AGInventors: Paul Lüchinger, Sandra Ehrbar
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Publication number: 20130126556Abstract: A topping dispenser includes a refrigerated cabinet for storing one or more toppings therein. An automated dispense mechanism operates to dispense predetermined amounts of the topping from the cabinet, using a weighing system to measure the appropriate amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2012Publication date: May 23, 2013Inventors: Kevin Michael Riester, Gordon Gene Erickson, Bruce Hamilton Koerner, Cheryl Therese Mathena
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Publication number: 20130126041Abstract: A powder doser for accurately dispensing powder, for example a pharmaceutical substance, into a receptacle, the powder doser comprising a hopper with a tip having an aperture through which powder may flow, a closure to close the aperture and a vibration device configured to agitate the hopper, wherein a first portion of the hopper is formed of flexible material and a second portion proximate the tip is formed of substantially rigid material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2013Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: 3P INNOVATION LIMITEDInventor: 3P INNOVATION LIMITED
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Publication number: 20130112316Abstract: The device comprises a connecting pipe (18) having an inlet (18A) capable to be connected to the feed and an outlet (18B) capable to be connected to the storage vat (10), as well as a retaining chamber (20) which branches off from the connecting pipe (18) and which is equipped with a sampling valve (24). The connecting pipe comprises a charging valve (22), located between the retaining chamber and the outlet of the connecting pipe. After the product originating from the feed has been conveyed to the retaining chamber (20), and a sample of the product mixture present in the retaining chamber (20) has been taken to ascertain information relative to the nature of this mixture, and if the ascertained information corresponds to expected information, a charging valve (22) is opened to have the outlet of the connecting pipe (18) communicate with the vat (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: HYPREDInventor: Regis Galland
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Publication number: 20130105042Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products and implementing techniques for mixing liquid components. Quantities of two or more liquid components are transferred from pressurized source reservoirs to one or more destination locations by means of a fluid outlet that includes a dispense valve, and the two or more liquid components are mixed in the destination locations to create a plurality of fluid mixtures. Two or more dispensing technologies can be combined to provide for increased efficiency in the dispensing of high volume liquid components. The amounts of liquid components being dispensed can be monitored during the dispensing to provide feedback control of the dispensing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: FREESLATE, INC.Inventor: Freeslate, Inc.
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Patent number: 8430135Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is provided having a platform for receipt of a container such as a wine glass. The platform is connected to a transducer which is sensitive to weight on the platform and which produces an electrical signal dependant on the magnitude of that weight. Electrical outputs from the transducer are connected to a control unit over connections. The control unit includes a keypad and a display. Control signals from control unit are supplied over electrical connections to a solenoid valve. The control unit controls the flow of material by opening and closing solenoid valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Autopour Pty LtdInventor: Marshall Thomas Waters
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Patent number: 8424572Abstract: A method for controlling an amount of material transferred in a system having a plurality of material feeds and concurrent material transfer periods. The method comprising steps of: supplying each of a primary material having a target weight and a secondary material, to a receiving vessel; determining a decision threshold; feeding the primary material to the receiving vessel, feeding the secondary material into the receiving vessel as or after the primary material begins feeding and before the decision threshold, determining a feed status of the primary and secondary materials at the decision threshold; changing the feed status of one of the primary or secondary materials at the decision threshold; and feeding only the primary material within a feed alone time period until the target weight amount is fed.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Chunsheng C Fu
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Patent number: 8408257Abstract: A liquid medicine dispensing device includes a rotary unit 12 which rotates while holding a plurality of original drug vials 100, and a conveyance mechanism that conveys a prescription bottle 110 in the horizontal direction on the underside of the rotary unit 12. Each of the original drug vials 100 is connected with a discharge nozzle 17 to which a discharge valve 26 is attached, and an air nozzle 29 connected with a pump and an atmospheric relief valve. When discharging liquid medicine, the prescription bottle 110 is conveyed in advance to a position that is directly below an original drug vial 100 required for dispensing. In that state, the original drug vial 100 is inverted by rotating the rotary unit 12 by 180 degrees, and the discharge valve 26 is opened.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Aloka Medical, Ltd.Inventors: Tsuyoshi Ono, Masanori Hamamoto, Yoshiyuki Kojo, Akihiko Maruyama, Hideaki Kubonoya
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Methodology and Apparatus for Storing and Dispensing Liquid Components to Create Custom Formulations
Publication number: 20130074982Abstract: The invention is directed to methodologies and apparatuses in which materials are dispensed in order to create a desired finished product. The invention permits the dispensing of a specific amount of material in a controllable, metered fashion. The invention includes a plurality of storage containers may be positioned within (or eternal to) the machine or equipment in a way that allows the containers to be rotated on an axis such that the material inside each container is turned over on itself resulting in the material being thoroughly dispersed within itself. Additionally, the containers, connectors and hosing prevent the material to be dispensed from coming in contact with the air. This would prevent material inside the containers from drying.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: GFI Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Justin Echterling, Senthil Muthuswamy -
Patent number: 8393358Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a system for recalculating a formula previously used in preparing a mixture made from adding at least two components. The system includes a control apparatus and scale. The control apparatus has a memory for storing the mixture formula. The scale, in communication with the control apparatus, allows the control apparatus to monitor a weight on the scale, such that a final weight of the mixture is stored on the memory. When an end weight of the mixture, defined to be the final weight of the mixture previously prepared minus an amount used by a user, is positioned back on the scale and when the control apparatus receives a recalculation signal, the control apparatus calculates the amount used, recalculates the mixture based on the amount used, and stores a new mixture for subsequent use.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: SureTint Technologies, LLCInventor: Mitchell H. Saranow
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Patent number: 8393361Abstract: A receptacle for the weighing-in of free-flowing substances has a fill opening, a tubular-shaped circumference wall, and a bottom part. The bottom part is connected to the tubular-shaped circumference wall, which it tightly closes off in the direction of gravity when the weighing receptacle is in its operating position. The weighing receptacle can be set on the weighing pan of a balance and can be filled like a beaker with free-flowing substances without allowing the latter to escape therefrom. The bottom part can be opened either by an outside force acting on the weighing receptacle and/or through the influence of a solvent acting on the weighing receptacle, forming an outlet orifice in the bottom part. The weighing receptacle, otherwise tightly sealed in the direction of gravity, can be flushed out with a fluid when the outlet orifice is opened.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2011Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AGInventors: Paul Lüchinger, Sandra Ehrbar
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Patent number: 8393497Abstract: A powder-metering apparatus (1) for dispensing measured doses of a powder into a receiving container has a handling and positioning device (2) with a handling arm (3) designed to handle a metering device (4, 4a, 4b, 4c). The metering device has a reservoir container (31, 31a, 31b, 31c) with a metering head (32, 32a, 32b, 32c) which has a discharge orifice (5, 6) and a flow-control element (34, 35, 36). The flow-control element controls the rate at which powder leaves the discharge orifice. The powder-metering apparatus is equipped with an impact device (11, 111) adapted to shock the metering device with upward-directed force pulses of high intensity and short duration.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AGInventors: Ivan-William Fontaine, Didier Plier
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Patent number: 8389877Abstract: A process for weighing successive flexible filled packs, without conveyance of the packs being stopped and without the conveyance suddenly decelerating, to weighing device which holds and transports the packs in suspension to a delivery position; the weighing process including measuring by a scale the weight of the assembly formed by the weighing device and the weight of the conveyed pack or packs, the average speed of the conveyance of the packs and/or the length of the conveyed distance being selected such that during a predetermined time period a single pack is held and conveyed in suspension by the weighing device. The weighing device for the packs includes first and second endless belts between which holding portions of the packs to be weighed are introduced, and the suspended packs are conveyed by the movement of the endless belts.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Girnet Internacional, S.L.Inventor: Ezequiel Giro Amigo
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Patent number: 8375737Abstract: An ice maker for a domestic appliance comprises an ice tray, a water feed line which can be used to fill the ice tray with water, a water filter which is arranged in the water feed line such that it can be replaced, and a monitoring unit for calculating a value which is representative of the degree of wear of the filter. The monitoring unit has means for changing the representative value by a first fixed step width each time the ice tray is filled.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Georg Hausmann, Peter Nalbach
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Publication number: 20130037165Abstract: A gap amount (62) between a liner (53) and a reinforcement layer (55) before filling gas into a tank (30) is calculated on the basis of a tank pressure and a tank temperature in the tank (30). It is predicted whether a load larger than or equal to an allowable amount acts on the liner (53) by the gas filling on the basis of the calculated gap amount (62). When it is predicted that the load larger than or equal to the allowable amount acts on the liner (53), a filling flow rate at which the gas is filled into the tank (30) is limited in comparison with a case where it is predicted that the load larger than or equal to the allowable amount does not act on the liner (53).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Inventors: Eiji Okawachi, Tsukuo Ishitoya
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Patent number: 8371343Abstract: One provides (101) a plurality of one-way degassing valves (202) that are to be installed on corresponding containers and places (102) a viscous liquid (such as silicon oil) (205) in each of the plurality of one-way degassing valves to provide a corresponding plurality of installable one-way degassing valves (208). These teachings then provide for automatically and non-destructively determining (103), prior to installation of these valves on the corresponding containers, whether the viscous liquid has been properly placed. By one approach, this can comprise using a captured image (210) of at least a portion of each such one-way degassing valve to make this determination.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLCInventors: Arthur A. Sagy, Julio A. Gonzalez
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Publication number: 20130032244Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: Dedoes Industries, Inc.Inventor: Scott Boboltz
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Patent number: 8365780Abstract: A method for filling containers with liquid, where a gas displaced by the liquid out of the container escapes via a return gas path, and the return gas path is cleaned. To make such a method more economic and to save cleaning agents, the return gas path is only cleaned in case of need.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Krones AGInventor: Rupert Meinzinger
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Patent number: 8365779Abstract: The present invention is aimed at providing a method for simply measuring the liquid quantity of liquid material in a receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges ClaudeInventors: Toshiyuki Nakagawa, Masaaki Muro, Tetsuro Shigeno, Naoyuki Nakamoto
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Patent number: 8365777Abstract: A method an apparatus for filling a vessel with compressed gas is disclosed. Gas is compressed into the vessel at a predetermined flow rate using a variable speed pump or compressor. The flow rate is adjusted to increase the gas pressure at a predetermined rate of change. The flow rate is adjusted based upon the instantaneous value of a measured parameter such as gas temperature or pressure or ambient temperature. The parameter is measured by a transducer and the value is fed back to a controller which adjusts the speed of the compressor or pump to produce the flow rate needed to achieve the predetermined pressure rate of change.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: David John Farese, Joseph Perry Cohen
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Patent number: 8364321Abstract: A beverage production module that includes a pump for delivering a beverage via a beverage delivery outlet from the beverage production module, a graphical interface for accepting touch input, and a controller in data communication with the pump and the graphical interface for receiving filling level instructions and controlling the pump accordingly. The graphical interface may also include a pointer for providing filling level instructions by touch input on the graphical interface. Also, a method for operating a beverage production module having the foregoing features.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventor: Alexandre Kollep
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Patent number: 8353321Abstract: A system and method for short-range ultrasonic detecting of a target is proposed herein to be used for example in a liquid-dispensing system such as those provided in home refrigerators. The system comprises a sensor assembly including a transmitter and a receiver positioned side by side so as to yield respective transmitting and receiving beams which overlap to define an asymmetrical shaped detection area, a controller coupled to both the transmitter and receiver to activate the transmitter and for receiving echoes indicative of the target from the receiver and to the dispensing system for opening a valve of the dispensing system when a target is detected. Noises and false alarm rate minimization methods are implemented, including variable relevance zones and requiring a void of signal before excitation.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2007Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Sensotech Inc.Inventors: Uri Agam, Eli Gal, Pino Marcovecchio
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Patent number: 8336582Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a method for preparing a hair dye mixture. The method includes a scale and control system in communication with each other. The control system provides for a memory and a display, wherein the memory contains a formula defining instructions for blending a hair dye mixture. The method displays the instructions on the display. The stylist may then view the display of instructions and then adds to a receptacle on the scale, colorant(s) and dye blending material(s) in accordance with the instructions by using hair color manufacturers' standardized packaging, such that non-standardized or specialized packaging of colorants and/or dye blending materials are not required.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Inventor: Mitchell H. Saranow
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Publication number: 20120318405Abstract: The intended use of this device is for filling and weight related dosing of containers with a cylindrical neck and a ring around the neck. The device consists of connected gripping device (7) and closed type drawing mechanism (3). With one variation realization, the gripping device (7) consists of two jaws (8) moving in a horizontal plane, mounted onto a supporting plate (10) and interconnected by means of a spring (H). The changeable fixing element (13) is mounted between the middle sections of the two movable jaws (8), attached onto the supporting plate (10). A protrusion (14) is shaped at the front end of the changeable fixing element (13), pressing part of the upper surface of the ring (6) on the cylindrical neck (5) of the container (4). A round area (15) is shaped at the front end of the supporting plate (10), used for supporting and pressing part of the lower surface of the ring (6) on the cylindrical neck (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: INDEX-6, LTD.Inventors: Petar Georgiev Spasov, Evgeni Ivanov Minchev
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Patent number: 8327890Abstract: A bulk bag filling apparatus comprises a first support member having an upper end and a lower end and being oriented in a generally vertical direction; a second support member connected to said generally vertical member and extending at an angle to said generally vertical direction; a filling head for engagement with an opening of the bulk bag, wherein the filling head is connected to and supported by the second support member; a bulk bag support structure for engagement with support elements of the bulk bag, wherein the bulk bag support structure is connected to and supported by the second support member; and a hang-weighing mechanism for weighing the contents of the bulk bag, wherein the bulk bag support structure is connected to said second support member through said hang-weighing mechanism. The hang-weighing apparatus includes one or two load-bearing points at which the bulk bag support structure applies a load to the hang-weighing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Control and Metering LimitedInventors: Don Mackrill, Bahram Zandi-Hanjari
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Publication number: 20120291915Abstract: An enclosure is filled with a filling gas according to the disclosed method. An enclosure is provided having an interior, a width, a height, a thickness, and fluid filling and exit holes fluidly communicating with the interior. Filling of the enclosure is commenced by directing a flow of the filling gas at a filling flow rate into the fluid filling hole. An oxygen concentration of gas exiting the fluid exit hole is sensed. The filling of the enclosure is stopped when the sensed oxygen concentration reaches a threshold concentration, wherein the threshold oxygen concentration and/or the filling flow rate are selected by a Decision Support Tool based upon the width, height, and/or the thickness.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: American Air Liquide, Inc.Inventors: Philippe A. COIGNET, Pascal J. Tromeur, Justin J. Wang
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Patent number: 8288668Abstract: A carousel (1) for supporting and weighing containers (2), comprising: a carrier element (6) supporting at least one container (2), rotatable about a respective axis (X) and presenting at least one opening (13) affording access to an enclosure (14) within the selfsame element (6); a plate (15) associated with the underside of the carrier element (6), serving to close the opening (13), and a system (17) for weighing the container (2), installed at least partially within the enclosure (14). The weighing system (17) comprises a load cell (18) associated with the plate (15) and housed in the enclosure (14).Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.Inventors: Gianpietro Zanini, Marco Baroni
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Publication number: 20120255645Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: MannKind CorporationInventors: Trent A. Poole, David F. Bonneau, Per B. Fog
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Publication number: 20120258217Abstract: A method of processing a juice and/or soda product in a beverage processing plant, where the juice and/or soda product is obtained from one or several starting products, including determining the color and turbidity of at least one starting product of a juice and/or soda product, and/or the color and turbidity of the obtained juice and/or soda product by means of at least one sensor of the beverage processing plant, comparing the determined color and turbidity with a stored color and a stored turbidity of at least one starting product of a predetermined juice and/or soda product, and/or with a stored color and a stored turbidity of the predetermined juice and/or soda product, and operating the beverage processing plant based on the result of this comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: KRONES AGInventor: Matthias Weinzierl
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Publication number: 20120241045Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated solution preparation apparatus having containers for holding solid reagents, a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the reagents to a balance, a supply for providing liquid to rinse the reagents from the balance into a chamber where additional liquids can be added, and a manifold connected to the chamber for dispensing the solution into receptacles. The chamber can have probes for monitoring properties of the solution, and heating and cooling jackets for adjusting the solution temperature. The present invention also relates to a method for using the automated solution preparation apparatus to prepare solutions of different concentrations and properties by dispensing reagents from containers into a weighing zone, where each reagent is separately weighed and rinsed from the weighing zone into a chamber, diluting the reagents with additional liquid solvent to prepare the solution and discharging the solution from the chamber into receptacles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Inventor: Salah M. Aouad
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Patent number: 8274001Abstract: Weighing apparatus for weighing and conveying items of various shape and size. The weighing apparatus apparatus includes at least two oppositely rotating wheels that engage an item to be weighed. A force measurement element, such as a load cell, is provided to weigh the item to be weighed while the item is conveyed by the wheels in a suspended position. More than one pair of wheels may be employed.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, LLCInventor: John Uber
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Patent number: 8266874Abstract: The invention relates to a weighing device for a packaging machine. Empty capsules that are still closed are removed from a capsule holder, weighed on a gravimetric scale, placed back into an empty capsule holder, and then taken apart. The device makes it possible to remove empty capsules and replace them at full machine speed, without a loss of any consequence in output. It is possible to use a gravimetric measurement method to carry out a tare weighing of the capsules. An additional weighing device for filled capsules is integrated into a capsule transport device to determine the net weight based on the tare weight and the weight of the full capsules. Such a combination of a gravimetric tare weighing and a gross weighing to statistically determine the net weight is particularly well-suited to an intermediate capsule filling device.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Werner Runft, Thomas Franck, Torsten Grass
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Patent number: 8261784Abstract: A method and system for dispensing fuel to a vehicle includes a sensor generating a fuel identifier signal associated with the vehicle and a fuel dispenser having a fuel type a fuel type selector generating a fuel type selector signal. The system also includes a control module in communication with the sensor and the fuel dispenser. The control module compares the fuel identifier with fuel type. When the fuel type corresponds to the fuel identifier, the control module enables a dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser. When the fuel type does not correspond to the fuel identifier, the control module prevents the dispensing of fuel.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Inventors: Dale A. Gerard, Melissa A Schulz
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Patent number: 8256195Abstract: An ice bagging apparatus which has a frame defining a first ice collecting zone with a collecting bin and an ice bagging zone, wherein the ice bagging zone has a film feeding mechanism that conveys two heat-sealable elongated plastic film webs and a welding apparatus to form a bag from the webs. The film feeding mechanism has rollers between which film webs are passed and pressed against each other. A measuring arrangement measures ice dispensed into the bag by a first ice transport system positioned between the two film webs that form the bag.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Schur Technology a/sInventor: Henrik Pape
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Patent number: 8251108Abstract: A food dispensing apparatus includes a refrigerated cabinet having a dispense aperture, a hopper, an accumulator assembly, a weighing system, and a flap door. The hopper is positioned in the cabinet and configured to hold food articles. The accumulator assembly is positioned vertically below the first hopper and includes an accumulator bin and a door assembly. The accumulator door is positioned in the cabinet and arranged to receive food articles dispensed from the first hopper. The door assembly is configured to retain the food articles in the accumulator bin and is actuatable between an open position and a closed position. The weighing system is configured to determine an amount of food articles held in the accumulator bin. The flap door is positioned adjacent to the door assembly and is movable between a closed position substantially sealing closed the cabinet dispense aperture, and an open position. The flap door automatically closes upon actuation of the door assembly into the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Automated Equipment LLCInventors: Bruce H. Koerner, Richard J. Curtin, Gordon G. Erickson, Adino S. Quiboloy, Kevin M. Riester
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Patent number: 8245738Abstract: A filling device for containers, particularly for beverage bottles, having a filling valve, a holder for the container in suspended arrangement, as well as a weighing device. To make the weighing device robust and the measurement more precise, the weighing device is assigned to the holder in close vicinity.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Krones AGInventor: Walter Neumayer
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Patent number: 8245488Abstract: An ice vending apparatus that includes a holding vessel, an ice metering device, an ice transferring device, and a device for facilitating the movement of ice through the aperture, such as an ice circulation device or moisture inhibiting device, are provided. The ice circulation device inhibits or prevents the freezing together and buildup of ice pieces within the apparatus, while the moisture inhibiting device inhibits or prevents the undesirable transfer of moisture to different parts of the apparatus. Methods of delivering ice to a consumer are also included.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Ice House America LLCInventor: Danny Leroy Dunn
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Publication number: 20120204999Abstract: A method for substantially contamination-free transport of pourable bulk product from a dosing unit into a container is proposed, wherein the dosing outlet of the dosing unit is connected in a detachable manner with the receiving inlet of the container, the dosing outlet and the receiving inlet are opened, and the bulk product is transported into the container from the dosing unit via its dosing outlet and via the receiving inlet of the container. The receiving inlet of the container is disposed at the dosing unit by means of an elastic joining element to prevent transfer of forces between the dosing unit and the container during the dosing process. A device for carrying out such a method is also proposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventors: Helmuth Bauer, Christian Leist
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Publication number: 20120199239Abstract: A medicinal liquid preparation assist system according to the present invention includes a medicine bottle weight measurement unit having a first weight measurement portion for measuring the total weight of medicine bottles placed on a medicine bottle mounting portion; an infusion bag weight measurement unit having a second weight measurement portion for measuring the weight of an infusion bag placed on an infusion bag mounting portion; a storage unit; a control unit for producing auditing information based on changes in weight measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit and the infusion bag weight measurement unit, and storing the produced auditing information in the storage unit; and an information presentation unit for displaying at least one of information about medicinal liquids to be injected into the infusion bag, the information being stored beforehand in the storage unit, and the auditing information stored in the storage unit by the control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2010Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Akinobu Okuda, Tohru Nakamura, Soichiro Fujioka, Osamu Mizuno, Akihiro Ohta
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Patent number: 8230887Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: MannKind CorporationInventors: Trent A. Poole, David F. Bonneau, Per B. Fog
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Patent number: 8234002Abstract: A closed container in which a reticle etc. is stored and kept is provided with a pressure sensor, transmission means for transmitting data on the pressure, a controller that controls the operation of them, and a battery serving as a power source of the above elements. The controller has a sleep mode in which it causes the transmission means to transmit the data on the pressure at regular intervals and an active mode in which it causes the transmission means to transmit the data on the pressure when necessary in response to an externally supplied command. By the above described configuration, the pressure in the interior of the container can be checked appropriately.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: TDK CorporationInventors: Jun Emoto, Tomoshi Abe
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Publication number: 20120151877Abstract: The main objective of this invention is a Mobile plant for dosing, mixing and packaging of powdery products, characterized because it is comprised of a carrying structure and several areas for: reception and weighing, loading, mixing, sack filling, sewing and labelling, metal detection, palletizing and cleaning. This invention is included within the industrial plants technical sector of manufacturing and mixing of powdery products.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: INVERSIONES HIKI6, S.L.Inventors: Henrik Stamm Kristensen, M. Maravillas Martinez Lopez
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Publication number: 20120145279Abstract: A sub cooled liquid delivery system includes at least one feed tank, at least one pressure building apparatus in fluid communication with the at least one feed tank, at least one weight measurement apparatus for measuring the weight of the at least one feed tank and a liquid present in the at least one feed tank, at least one fill conduit in fluid communication with the at least one feed tank for providing the liquid to the at least one feed tank, at least one feed conduit in fluid communication with the at least one feed tank for delivering a subcooled liquid to at least one liquid utilizing process, and at least one pressure building conduit in fluid communication with the at least one feed tank for increasing the pressure within the at least one feed tank. A method is also included to subcool liquid delivery using the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Simon Shamoun, John C. Kline, Stephen A. McCormick
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Publication number: 20120132313Abstract: Systems and methods for cutting materials are disclosed herein In some embodiments, methods of at least partially severing a capillary vessel can include: focusing a laser on a predetermined point on the capillary vessel, said capillary vessel containing a biological sample; and cutting the capillary vessel using a laser at the predetermined point. In some embodiments, the methods further can include capturing an image of the capillary vessel and analyzing the image to determine the predetermined point. In some embodiments, a beam of the laser can be moved using one or more galvanometric mirrors. In some embodiments, the methods further can include cutting a plurality of capillary vessels using the laser. In some embodiments, the methods can include utilizing a plurality of lasers, and/or further can include rotating the capillary vessel while the laser can be cutting the capillary vessel. In some embodiments, cutting the capillary vessel can include cutting only a portion of the capillary vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2007Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventors: Anubha Bhatla, Alessio Salerno, Nabil Simaan, Y. Lawrence Yao, Gerhard Randers-Pehrson, Guy Y. Garty, Aparajita Dutta, David J. Brenner
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Patent number: 8181675Abstract: Method and apparatus for filling bags with loose materials, wherein a package to be filled is filled by means of a filling element through a filling process. The filling process comprises a filling stage, a settling stage, and a discharge stage wherein during the filling stage, loose material is filled into the bag while admitting air and in the settling stage, a settling phase is provided for the pressure to drop and in the discharge stage, the bag is discharged from the filling element. The filling process is shortened in that the available volume of the bag is reduced during the filling process to maintain the pressure prevailing in the bag high, while at the end of the filling process the available volume of the bag is expanded to rapidly reduce the pressure prevailing in the bag.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Haver & Boecker OHGInventor: Alois Combrink
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Patent number: 8178798Abstract: Weighing system for weighing sequentially fed items to be weighed, in particular containers, with a weighing table, forming a preload, for receiving the weight of the item to be weighed, wherein the item to be weighed can be fed to the weighing table or removed from the weighing table along a path running across the weighing cell and wherein a clamping device, with which the item to be weighed, after it has been fed to the weighing table and impinges thereon with its weight, can be clamped detachably against a stop of the clamping device to enable being weighed in the clamped state, is provided above the weighing table as a preload.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Wipotec Wiege-und Positioniersysteme GmbHInventors: Andreas Edrich, Stefan Mildenberger
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Patent number: 8176947Abstract: A container is filled to a predetermined target mass of a free-flowing substance with the help of a device that dispenses measured doses of the substance. The dispensing device has a valve for variably adjusting the mass flow rate of the substance from a reservoir into the container. The dispensing device further includes a device to measure the elapsed time from the beginning of the filling process, a balance for determining the mass of the substance in the container, and a controller unit with a valve control module. The controller unit includes an adjusting module, where a predetermined desired mass flow rate is stored. At an elapsed time, if the mass flow rate is smaller or larger than the desired mass flow rate, the flow rate is, respectively, increased or decreased by a flow rate adjustment. An adaptive filter of the controller unit determines the mass flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AGInventors: Pascal Frei, Guido Schuster