Treatment By Fluids Patents (Class 141/91)
  • Publication number: 20100084044
    Abstract: Method for charging an aerosol container with fluid, comprising:—providing an aerosol container (1) having a reservoir (2) comprising a product, for example a foodproduct, and having product discharge means (1a);—gradually supplying fluid to the reservoir of the container (1) via the discharge means (1a) thereof; and—applying a mixing movement to the container (1), preferably during the supplying of the fluid, to mix the fluid and product at least partly with each other, wherein the mixing movement is such that at least a first virtual point (P1, P2) of a virtual centre line (Z) of the container reservoir (2) follows an endless path around a respective virtual axis. Embodiments of the invention also provide a cleaning method and a dummy container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Hubertus Maria Roland Van Melick
  • Patent number: 7690404
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for exposing a container to a controlled environment. The apparatus includes an elongated rail with first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container. The first, second, and third manifolds are adapted for providing flow of a gas therethrough. At least one gas flow regulator is operably attached to the first, second, and third manifolds. At least one nozzle is positioned adjacent the second manifold. The at least one nozzle is adapted for providing a composite gas stream exiting through the second manifold. The method includes providing an elongated rail with first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container. A flow of a gas is regulated through the first, second, and third manifolds. A composite gas stream is provided exiting through the second manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Clear Lam Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank F. Marcus, James J. Sanfilippo, John E. Sanfilippo
  • Patent number: 7686043
    Abstract: A container filling apparatus includes a fill nozzle for directing a liquid product into a container and an adaptor including a nozzle interface to engage the fill nozzle for a cleaning operation. An expandable member is configured to expand into a gap between the adaptor and the fill nozzle to form a seal between the nozzle interface and the fill nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Evergreen Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Paul Berger
  • Publication number: 20100037986
    Abstract: A method of operating a rotary beverage bottle or container filling or handling machine with a bearing with a cleaning arrangement in an aseptic clean room in a beverage bottling or container filling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Bernd NEUMANN, Matthias BESTMANN
  • Patent number: 7632457
    Abstract: An oral feeding bottle includes a feed container with an open end and surfaces adapted to come into contact with a liquid feed in the container, a teat releasably connected to the open end and adapted to contact both the liquid feed and a person or animal feeding from the bottle, and a cap with two modes of operation, where in the first mode, the teat is connected to the container and the cap is adapted to fit over, enclose the teat, and be releaseably connected to the feed container, and where in the second mode, the cap includes a means for stowing the teat in a non-dispensing position spaced from the container, where the teat and the surfaces that contact the liquid feed are in fluid communication so that the teat and the feed container are sterilized with a fluid sterilizing medium disposed in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: MRDC limited
    Inventors: John Richard Calvert, Martyn Omar Rowlands, Michael Anthony Hobbs
  • Patent number: 7621301
    Abstract: A method and system for cleaning containers being transposed through a container cleaning line, including an open-ended housing, a predetermined container flow path defined by the line of moving containers traversing the enclosure defined by the housing longitudinally, a first set of ionizing air nozzles mounted within the housing for directing ionized compressed air toward the containers in the container flow path, with at least one of the nozzles directing air flow into an open side of each container as it passes the nozzle and a second set of high velocity air nozzles mounted within the housing for directing high velocity compressed air toward the container flow path, the second set of high velocity nozzles being disposed along a direction essentially parallel to the container flow path with at least one of the nozzles flows directing high velocity air flow into the open side of each container as it passes the nozzle. Nozzle guards are provided to prevent contact between the containers and the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventors: Rei-Young Wu, Richard Schutzenhofer, Anthony L. Armstrong, Timothy Thomas Olsem, Robert Kent Rusher
  • Patent number: 7600542
    Abstract: A pasteurization station for pasteurizing a product in containers having a tunnel housing that is formed in a modular configuration from any desired number of flexible, exchangeable segments, each of which is interchangeable with at least one other of said segments and comprises a portion of the housing, a container conveyor, and liquid dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Wiedemann, Jan Münzer
  • Patent number: 7594524
    Abstract: A slurry capture system and kit, and methods of using them, are disclosed for facilitating the recovery of a concrete residue, such as from a chute of a cement mixer truck. The system includes a collector for attaching to the chute of the cement mixer truck and for collecting the concrete residue therefrom. The system further includes a container for storing the collected residue and a conduit in fluid communication between the collector and the container for transferring the residue collected in the collector to the container for subsequent disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: SRS Global Solutions
    Inventors: Tullio J. DeCollibus, Joseph J. Manno
  • Patent number: 7584771
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus includes a supply line (22) between a source of liquid paint (64) and an applicator (62) having at least two pigs (20A and 20B) and a source of liquid solvent (60) which delivers solvent (60) between the two pigs (20A and 20B) and the pigs (20A and 20B) are driven by paint (80) from adjacent the paint source (64) to the applicator (62). The apparatus further includes a second source of liquid solvent (60) which delivers solvent (60) between the pigs (20A and 20B) adjacent the applicator (62) and the pigs (20A and 20B) are returned through the supply line (22), thereby flushing the supply line (22). In the disclosed embodiment, the source of liquid paint (64) is a piston dosing device (70) which receives paint (80) from a color changer or the like and delivers a predetermined volume of paint (80) to the applicator (62). The delivery line (22) preferably includes a friction resistant inner layer, an intermediate dielectric layer and a protective outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Durr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Rainer Melcher, Herbert Martin, Michael Baumann, Richard M. Ostin, Robert F. Heldt, Manfred Michelfelder, Joachim Hering
  • Patent number: 7571749
    Abstract: Filling valve (7) for the aseptic filling of alimentary liquids characterized by the fact that the product stream flowing from the valve, in the area near by the filling mouth of the container underneath, is isolated from the atmosphere through a coaxial flow of sterile and/or inert gas (10) fed by an auxiliary circuit (2) surrounding the outlet conduit of the flowing product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: STK Stocchi Progetti SRL
    Inventor: Gabriele Stocchi
  • Publication number: 20090165889
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device for a receptacle filling machine comprising a plurality of filling spouts, and a corresponding machine. The cleaning device comprises a plurality of cleaning agent recovery tubes, each recovery tube being movable between a service position in which said tube is able to recover a cleaning agent delivered by a spout, and a retracted position in which said tube is at a distance from said spout, collecting means to which said tubes are connected, means for moving the tubes between their service position and their retracted position, and sealing means comprising tubular adaptors designed to fit between the spouts and the upper ends of the tubes in their service position, and to reduce axially in length, in an elastic manner, to absorb the height differences between the spouts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Maubois, Gilbert Piton
  • Patent number: 7549449
    Abstract: A paint delivery and application system including a color changer, at least two paint canisters and a paint applicator, a first pair of supply lines connected between the color changer and the paint canisters and a second pair of supply lines connecting the paint canisters and the paint applicator, wherein the paint canisters operate in tandem permitting delivery of a first paint to one of the paint canisters while a second paint canister is electrically isolated from the color changer and is delivering paint to the applicator. In one disclosed embodiment, the delivery line from the paint canisters to the applicator includes two pigs and solvent is delivered between the pigs, such that this system is self purging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Durr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Rainer Melcher, Herbert Martin, Michael Baumann, Manfred Michelfelder, Richard M. Ostin, Robert F. Heldt, Joachim Hering, Hans Jurgen Nolte
  • Patent number: 7530374
    Abstract: A system (10) and method for substantially automatically aseptically or non-aseptically filling a container with a fluid. The transfer of fluid occurs via a movable nozzle mechanism (20) substantially automatically inserted into a side opening (32) in a connector (12) attached to the container. More specifically, the side opening (32) in the connector (12) is exposed, the nozzle mechanism (20) is moved into the side opening (32), the fluid is transferred into the container via the nozzle mechanism (20) and the connector (12), the nozzle mechanism (20) is removed from the side opening (32) in the connector (12), and the side opening (32) in the connector (12) is closed. The aseptic transfer of fluid includes a substantially automatic sterilization procedure accomplished by both spray and contact components (54,56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Scientifics, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Martin
  • Patent number: 7523769
    Abstract: In order to easily and surely remove contaminants or the like from wafers stored in a pod (FOUP), a gas supply pipe is located above an opening portion in a FIMS system. A clean gas is blown to the upper surfaces of the wafers stored in the inner portion of the pod through the gas supply pipe to remove the contaminants or the like from wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiko Miyajima, Hitoshi Suzuki, Hiroshi Igarashi
  • Patent number: 7513279
    Abstract: A rotary beverage filling machine for filling cans with a liquid beverage. The rotary beverage filling machine comprises rinsing cap structures for closing the dispensing openings of the filling elements to permit cleaning of the filling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Herbert Bernhard, Timo Jacob
  • Patent number: 7487890
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for dispensing a product such as toothpaste. The apparatus includes a body; an actuator, slideably connected to the body, and configured to open a gate to dispense a product; a nozzle configured to wet the gate with a fluid in response to movement of the actuator; and a fluid source coupled to the nozzle. A system for dispensing product is also presented. The system includes a body; an actuator slideably connected to the body, and configured to open a gate to dispense a product; a nozzle configured to wet the gate with fluid in response to movement of the actuator; a fluid source coupled to the nozzle; a piston configured to discharge the product; and a pump configured to draw fluid from the fluid source to wet the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Rodger Holm
  • Patent number: 7409971
    Abstract: In a machine (1) for filling containers with fluid products, different fluid substances are directed by means of a rotary valve assembly (19) into a tank (7) furnished with separate compartments (12, 13, 14, 15), isolated one from another and equipped each with at least one filler valve (8) by which a given quantity of one of the fluid substances is dispensed from the tank (7) into each container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A S.p.A.
    Inventors: Davide Bonatti, Enrico Galimberti, Stefano Cavallari
  • Patent number: 7360346
    Abstract: A fine pressure fluctuation at short time intervals occurring when a portable type hermetically sealed container is purged is reduced to thereby prevent the deterioration or the like of a seal member due to the pressure fluctuation. In order to achieve this object, a gas flow rate regulating apparatus is disposed in a gas supplying system in a purging system, and pressure in the portable type hermetically sealed container during purge is measured and the result thereof is fed back to thereby control the flow rate of a supplied gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiko Miyajima, Takeshi Kagaya, Hitoshi Suzuki, Mutsuo Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20080041488
    Abstract: A self-cleaning process fluid valve assembly for dispensing of process liquids used in semiconductor fabrication processes comprises a valve for selectively flowing solvent from a solvent source through a dispense control valve and dispense tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Raymond T. Savard, Jack Laessle, Greg Gray
  • Patent number: 7299606
    Abstract: In a machine (1) for filling containers with fluid products, different fluid substances are directed by means of a rotary valve assembly (19) into a tank (7) furnished with separate compartments (12, 13, 14, 15), isolated one from another and equipped each with at least one filler valve (8) by which a given quantity of one of the fluid substances is dispensed from the tank (7) into each container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Davide Bonatti, Enrico Galimberti, Stefano Cavallari
  • Patent number: 7278452
    Abstract: The drink liquid, such as beer, soft drink, etc., stayed in stay portion 5 of filler during the filling operation is recovered without dropping of the quality. The filler is composed of cylinder rod 4 connected to the cap 3 of container 2, discharge hole 7 longitudinally penetrated through a center of the cylinder rod 4, a stay portion 5 secured at the upper part of the periphery of cylinder rod 4, through which the drink liquid passes, and a supply pipe 6 for drink liquid connected to the stay portion 5, and characterized in that the storage equipment 12 for stayed liquid having storage room 18 is secured on supply pipe 6, and pipe 11 for introducing pressurized air is also secured. It is connected to stay portion 5 through discharge hole 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Asahi Breweries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatake Taguchi, Kazutaka Yamamoto, Kaoru Ichihashi
  • Patent number: 7143793
    Abstract: An automatic cleaning apparatus and/or method for periodically cleaning a filling machine during a filling cycle without the need for human interaction to initiate the cleaning process. In some embodiments, a controller automatically initiates a cleaning sequence at predetermined intervals. The predetermined intervals can be a time interval, such as every thirty minutes for example, or based upon filling characteristics, such as after a predetermined number of containers are filled or a predetermined amount of product has flowed through the filling machine. In some embodiments, the controller performs many operations during the cleaning process. For example, the controller can prevent containers from entering the filling machine and control the operation of a cleaning manifold. Upon completion of the cleaning operation, the controller waits a predetermined period while filing operations commence before automatically initiating the next cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: JohnsonDiversey, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford E. Vaughn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7108024
    Abstract: An automated apparatus for the simultaneous filling of precise quantities of viscous liquid material to a plurality of containers in a sanitary environment, including a sanitary pump for delivering under pressure the viscous liquid material to a viscous liquid material manifold, a pump pulsation dampening assembly for dampening any pulsating output produced by the sanitary pump, and a plurality of fill valves for simultaneously dispensing a precise amount of viscous liquid material to the containers during a filling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Cott Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramon M. Navarro
  • Patent number: 7104033
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage, having a filling element of a filling machine with a rotary construction for filling bottles or similar containers with a liquid has, in a filling element housing, a liquid duct for the controlled dispensing of a liquid at a dispensing opening. The dispensing opening is located in a recess into which the respective container extends with its container mouth during the filling, and into which at least one additional duct of the filling element empties. During a cleaning or rinsing phase, the recess can be closed by a plate-shaped closing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch
  • Patent number: 7036534
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for prevention of corrosion with the cooling system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pressurized inert gas source and a fluid delivery system whereby the gas is dispersed within the cooling system to expel corrosion inducing fluids such as oxygen and water vapor. Methods of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas W. McClure
  • Patent number: 7017627
    Abstract: A nitrogen-filling system is provided. A nitrogen-filling system includes a carrier including a main body for carrying at least one wafer box having at least a wafer, and a closing cover mounted on the carrier main body so as to formed a closed space around the wafer box, and a transporting vehicle for carrying the carrier and a nitrogen-filling apparatus set there on for filling the closed space with nitrogen so as to enhance a stability of the wafer in the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Power Geode Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Kang Chang
  • Patent number: 7000653
    Abstract: A high-pressure processing apparatus includes a processing vessel including a processing chamber formed therein to perform a certain process onto an object in the processing chamber; fluid feeding means which feeds a high-pressure fluid into the processing chamber; fluid discharging means which discharges the high-pressure fluid from the processing chamber; an agitating unit which is arranged in the processing chamber and is operative to flow the high-pressure fluid over the object by relative rotation to the processing vessel; a communicating channel which is formed in the processing vessel to communicate inside and outside of the processing chamber; a rotary driving member which is coupled to the agitating unit via a shaft portion provided in the communicating channel; and a sealing portion which is provided between the shaft portion and the processing vessel to disconnect the processing chamber from the rotary driving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho, Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Sakashita, Katsumi Watanabe, Hisanori Oshiba, Shogo Sarumaru, Yusuke Muraoka, Kimitsugu Saito, Ikuo Mizobata, Ryuji Kitakado
  • Patent number: 6991003
    Abstract: A system for automatically purifying solvents has a solvent holding portion having at least one solvent stored therein, a filter holding portion having at least one filter tube located therein, a peripheral device, and a computer. The computer has a memory and a processor, and the processor is configured by the memory to perform the steps of: receiving an electronic selection of a solvent to be automatically purified; automatically causing the flow of the electronically selected solvent from the solvent holding portion to the at least one filter tube; and automatically filling a collection vessel with the purified solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: M.Braun, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Calandra, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6899145
    Abstract: A front opening unified pod (FOUP) used for temporarily and portably storing semiconductor wafers between processing steps includes a manifold for uniformly distributing a purge gas in the FOUP during a purging process between wafer processing steps. The manifold can be a variety of shapes, and can be located in a number of appropriate locations within the FOUP. The manifold generally extends the full height of the FOUP and includes a plurality of openings configured to direct a flow of purge gas above and below each wafer held by the FOUP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventor: Ravinder Aggarwal
  • Patent number: 6877532
    Abstract: A liquid-dispensing nozzle has a system for blowing air for a period of time through the nozzle's spout after the liquid valve closes. The flow of air purges and expels most of the liquid adhering to the interior surface of the spout, preventing this residual liquid from contaminating either the ground on which it may fall when the spout is withdrawn from a filler pipe or the air through evaporation. The invention applies particularly well to dispensing of liquid fuels such as gasoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Invision Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Olson, Edward L. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6843283
    Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for emptying casks (1) equipped with an external bag (11) and an internal bag (12) containing powdery products. It comprises a glove box (12) consisting of a bell made of a transparent material. It is provided, on its upper part, with an opening for the passage of a suction rod (3, 31, 32) equipped with sealing means between said pipe and the bell. The lower part of the bell is provided with means adapted to be urged in sealed position on the upper part of a cask (1). The bell (2) is suspended to a frame (5, 15) for its vertical displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Frédéric Dietrich
  • Patent number: 6786249
    Abstract: Described is an apparatus for simultaneously sterilizing a large number of packs (1) by means of a gas mixture containing hydrogen peroxide and a carrier gas. The apparatus comprises: supply lines (4) for the carrier gas and for hydrogen peroxide (5), a device (21) for evaporating hydrogen peroxide by heat and mixing it into the carrier gas, supply lines (4, 5) and a substantially horizontally extending distributor line (6, 22) and nozzles (3) which are arranged above the respective pack (1) and are connected to the distributor line (6, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Hans Armbruster, Michael Romer, Karsten B. Sorensen, Michael Wolf
  • Patent number: 6772800
    Abstract: A pedicure basin liner system, for preventing transmission of pathogens between pedicure clients when using a common pedicure basin. The pedicure basin has side walls, a bottom portion, and a top lip, which together define an interior volume capable of containing and supporting a quantity of water during a pedicure procedure. To prevent the water from actually contacting the basin while allowing the basin to support the weight of the water, the basin is covered with a liner that is shaped to fit closely within the basin against its bottom portion and side walls, and extend over the top lip. The liner is subsequently filled with water and the basin supports the weight of the water while remaining isolated from the water. After the pedicure procedure is performed, the water and the liner are disposed of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Maria Garcia
  • Patent number: 6761191
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for a liquid filling system is herein disclosed incorporating means for generating greater overall production rate efficiencies (i.e. number of filled containers per minute per filling station) for automatic systems utilizing diverter valve and/or walking beam (i.e. continuous-motion) filling technologies with, for example, non-traditional ratios between the number of filling stations and the number of filling nozzles. The methods/apparatus disclosed herein also incorporate means to more efficiently changeover and clean up, in either a clean-in-place (CIP) or clean-out-of-place (COP) configuration, the product contact parts that become “dirty” when used in a production environment. Finally, an improved method and apparatus designed to provide a means for priming and air purging the product contact path of liquid filling machinery, a fill volume calibration procedure, and a fill weight verification cycle is also herein described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventors: Robert A. Rosen, Joseph Spiteri-Gonzi, Richard N. Bennett, Timothy McGrath, Shailendra K. Parihar, George R. Dold, Richard Mozelack
  • Patent number: 6752959
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of sterilizing and/or sanitizing a container using a sterilant vapor such as hydrogen peroxide. The sterilant vapor is discharged through a nozzle positioned in an opening of the container and the container is then purged of the discharged sterilant using a heated gas such as sterile air. The nozzle is preferably positioned no closer than 15 mm from the bottom surface or any internal surface of the container and within ⅙ to ⅚ of the height of the container. The nozzle has a diameter no greater than one-half of the diameter of the opening of the container. When containers made of non-heat set PET are used, the temperatures of the sterilant vapor and the purge gas are preferably no greater than 160° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Smith, Parker C. Reist, Stephen Glahn
  • Patent number: 6739360
    Abstract: A container for use in a processing chamber to lessen the amount of contaminant particles found within the chamber after processing. The container fits closely within the chamber and includes ports for a gas conduit and a vacuum conduit. The container may be locked to the chamber through a locking mechanism and a recess in the container. The container may be guided into the chamber with a plurality of chamfers. The container may be used in inductively coupled plasma chambers, electron cyclotron resonance chambers, and chambers capable of receiving microwaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin G. Donohoe
  • Patent number: 6719018
    Abstract: An underground beverage chase system is provided for receiving a plurality of tubing installed therethrough for delivering food and beverage material from at least one location to at least another location through the underground chase system. The chase system includes various conduits including straight portions and those having enlarged radial bends which are fused together to form a leak-free system. The conduits are made from a high density polyethylene (HDPE) material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Henry Colombo, Bernard Michael Licata
  • Patent number: 6715515
    Abstract: A chemical loading system includes a venturi located at the top of the solution tank to reduce the fluid mass that has to be lifted into the tank. An anti-bridging nozzle at the outlet of the eductor hopper assures that material is pushed into the vacuum created by the venturi. To reduce air space in the granular material and increase pull by the venturi vacuum, fluid is directed to the material through the anti-bridging nozzle and through a rinse ring around the top of the hopper. The rinse ring, also used to rinse the hopper after loading the material and provide structural rigidity, includes a rolled edge at the top of the hopper walls with notches in the edge of the ring to provide improved placement of rinsing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Kent Alvin Klemme, Joshua Jacob Engelbrecht
  • Patent number: 6708737
    Abstract: A low profile velocity flume and method for collecting machine tool coolant along a machine tool installation uses stepped sidewalls to progressively increase the flow space area above a continuously and smoothly sloping bottom wall. Flushing nozzles are located in lateral segments of the sidewall defining the stepped sidewall shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Patent number: 6698469
    Abstract: A cylinder containing gas has a valve and is connected to a delivery side through a filling pipe, a primary pipe, a first air-operated valve, a pressure reducing valve, a secondary pipe, and a second air-operated valve. Inert gas flows into the primary pipe through an air-operated valve. The primary pipe is connected to a vacuum generator through an air-operated valve and a pipe. Gas remaining in the primary pipe is purged as exhaust gas by automatically repeating leaving-pipe-in-pressurized-state purge for pressurizing the inside of the primary pipe by the inert gas and leaving the pipe in this state for 2 to 10 minutes and evacuating the pipe for 20 seconds. Gas remaining in the primary pipe is purged with high-efficiency, and the vacuum generator is stopped while the inside of the primary pipe is pressurized in the leaving-pipe-in-pressurized-state purge and the just-before-replacement purge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignees: NEC Electronics Corporation, Toyoku Kagaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Sakamoto, Tsuneo Kano, Takashi Ogawa, Hiroshi Matsumura, Toshiaki Sango, Kiyoto Itoh, Norio Otake
  • Patent number: 6695018
    Abstract: A scoop is used to collect a liquid slurry upstream of an internal collection tank. The scoop is in fluid communication with a downcomer, which receives at least part of the collected slurry, thereby maintaining a continuous flow of liquid slurry through the scoop to prevent plugging. Collected slurry can be removed for treatment from the scoop or the downcomer. In an application to a wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) scrubber, the scoop collects an effluent slurry of partially reacted liquid scrubbing reagent and scrubbing byproducts before they drain into an internal reaction tank. Partially reacted liquid scrubbing reagent and scrubbing byproducts can therefore be withdrawn for treatment before the addition of fresh reagent alters the pH of the treatment stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Dennis W. Johnson, David W. Murphy, Robert B. Myers
  • Patent number: 6691747
    Abstract: An apparatus for exposing a container traveling along a conveyor to a controlled environment is provided. The apparatus includes an elongated rail and a first elongated gas deflecting member. The elongated rail includes a longitudinally oriented manifold. The longitudinally oriented manifold is adapted to align with a path of the container. The elongated rail also includes at least one inlet opening to receive a controlled environment gas. The first elongated gas deflecting member is positioned adjacent to the manifold. The first elongated gas deflecting member is contoured to deflect a flow of the controlled environment gas exiting the manifold in a direction transverse to the path of the container and into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: MAP Systems International division of Jescorp, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank F. Marcus, James J. Sanfilippo, John E. Sanfilippo
  • Patent number: 6672477
    Abstract: A medical apparatus for draining bodily fluid from a container, such as a suction canister. The medical apparatus can include a support area and a drainage reservoir having an inlet in communication with the support area and an outlet in communication with a drain. The drainage reservoir can collect the bodily fluid from the container before the bodily fluid flows into the drain. Some embodiments of the medical apparatus include a drainage conduit or a drainage pipe. In some embodiments, the drainage reservoir is constructed of a transparent material. The medical apparatus can include a venturi valve and, in some embodiments, the water passing through the venturi valve remains separate from the bodily fluid until the water and the bodily fluid reach the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mark Miller, Michael C. Hollen, Joseph M. Hand, Barry G. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6557591
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a gaseous product includes a horizontal container having inlet and outlet ports, an elongated hollow tube inside the container, a purifying medium inside the tube, inlet and outlet control means adapted to control delivery of the fluid to the inlet port and to control delivery of a gaseous product from the outlet port. The tube has a first opening, a second opening spaced apart from the first opening, and an internal axis between the first and second openings. The first opening is in fluid communication with the outlet port and the second opening is in fluid communication with a vapor space in the container. A portion of the internal axis adjacent the second opening is at an angle greater than zero degrees relative to the horizontal longitudinal axis of the container. Each of the inlet and outlet control means preferably are single ported valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Martin Pearlstein, Benjamin Lee Hertzler, Lawrence Paul Jarrett
  • Patent number: 6537491
    Abstract: Sterilization apparatus includes a monitoring system capable of continuously monitoring levels of a sterilant, such as hydrogen peroxide vapor. The monitoring system includes a sensor chamber joined in fluid communication with a sterilant supply conduit of the sterilization apparatus. A gas-detecting semiconductor sensing element, and associated temperature sensor, are provided within the sensor chamber to provide output signals corresponding to detected levels of sterilant. The sensor chamber isolates parametric influence, such as relative humidity, temperature and flow rate, to provide more accurate concentration level readings. A data collection circuit is operatively coupled to the sensors to provide an output corresponding to detected levels of sterilant within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Jianjun Wang, David A. Mondiek, Patrick D. Simon
  • Patent number: 6530501
    Abstract: A tapping head that is coupled to a disinfectant pump, the tapping head is for tapping beverages pressurized by gas. This tapping head comprises a housing, and a tapping tappet, disposed within the housing. This tapping tappet has at least one channel. There is also an actuating lever coupled to the housing. There is also a beverage closing valve disposed within the housing. Furthermore, there is also a fitting disposed at an end of the tapping tappet. When in operation, a disinfectant for disinfecting an area of the fitting is fed first via the actuating lever wherein the tapping tappet is subsequently moved against a CO2 connector of the fitting area whereby the beverage closing valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: IPE Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolph Till
  • Publication number: 20030024598
    Abstract: An underground beverage chase system is provided for receiving a plurality of tubing installed therethrough for delivering food and beverage material from at least one location to at least another location through the underground chase system. The chase system includes various conduits including straight portions and those having enlarged radial bends which are fused together to form a leak-free system. The conduits are made from a high density polyethylene (HDPE) material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Henry Colombo, Bernard Michael Licata
  • Patent number: 6478041
    Abstract: A fill valve assembly for filling a flat bag with an inhomogeneous fluid or viscous product, comprises a valve head of a cross-section dimensioned to fit into the flat bag and having a an outlet for the product and an extension of the outlet, the outlet and outlet extension extending along a central longitudinal axis of the valve head, and at least two product supply passageways extending in the valve head substantially parallel to the outlet and outlet extension, each product supply passageway having an end section terminating in the outlet at an angle of 25° to 45°. A purging space adjoins the outlet extension along the central longitudinal axis. The purging space has a somewhat larger diameter than the outlet extension, and at least a part of the purging space is located in the valve head. A plunger comprising a piston and a piston rod moves the piston up and down through the outlet extension into three positions, the outlet and outlet extension having at least twice the length of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hassia Verpackungsmashinen GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Stede
  • Patent number: 6457497
    Abstract: A filling machine (38) includes at least one filling tube (22), whereby a product flows through the tube, which tube is placed opposite the opening of a receptacle (12) that is to be filled. The filling tube is accommodated in a fixed housing that is joined to a support (34) for the filling tube; the housing possesses an orifice (48) whereby the filling tube is placed opposite thereto and the housing also includes a moveable obturating flap (50) that closes the orifice and seals the housing when in a closed position. The machine includes structure that enables a cleaning agent to be circulated inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Sidel
    Inventors: Eric Adriansens, Eric Meunier, Rodolphe Saint-Martin
  • Patent number: 6453953
    Abstract: A flowback method for a product contained in the distribution circuit of a filling machine. The distribution circuit (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) creates an upstream/downstream link between a storage tank for said product and a filling tube (22) that is placed opposite the opening of a receptacle (12) that is to be filled. The method includes a step whereby a closed area around the filling tube (22) is defined by a sealed housing (38). The method further includes a step whereby a circulating liquid is injected into the above-mentioned area under pressure. The liquid passes through an auxiliary port (70), whereupon the product contained in the distribution method (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) flows back in the direction of the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Sidel
    Inventors: Eric Adriansens, Eric Meunier, Rodolphe Saint-Martin