With Signal, Indicator, Recorder, Inspection Means Or Exhibitor Patents (Class 141/94)
  • Publication number: 20120048418
    Abstract: Method and machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products according to which a container containing a liquid phase and a gaseous phase is connected to an aspiration circuit of a given amount of the liquid phase; a flow sensor being provided for detecting the passage of the liquid phase and of the gaseous phase along the aspiration circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: HEALTH ROBOTICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Paolo Giribona, Walter Bianco, Michele Minisini, Garcia Gaspar de Viedma Santoro
  • Publication number: 20120048423
    Abstract: A machine for filling containers in which the filling rate for the products can be varied, thus enabling the filling machine to be used for different filling products, and in particular products having different viscosities. The machine comprises at least one filling station comprising a filling spout provided with a supply opening and a discharge opening, a blocking system mounted in the filling spout, and a supply pipe connected to the supply opening upstream of said blocking system. The supply pipe comprises at least one section made of a flexible tube, the supply means apparatus further comprising a clamp adapted to clamp the flexible tube in order to modify the cross-section of the internal passage of the flexible tube, the clamp adapted to move between at least two positions corresponding to different cross-sections of the internal passage of the flexible tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventors: Thierry Loaec, Hervé Saliou, Mickaël Huitorel, Arnaud Pasquet
  • Patent number: 8126620
    Abstract: A grain transfer control system, and method of use thereof, for automatedly controlling the transfer of grain from a mobile transferor-type vehicle, such as a combine harvester, to a mobile transferee-type vehicle, such as a crop transport, by varying the position and speed of the transferor-type and transferee-type vehicles relative to one another during the transfer operation, especially by varying the position and rate of walk of the discharge spout along at least a portion of the length of a grain holding receptacle of the transferee-type vehicle, to effect a generally even fill of the grain holding receptacle of the transferee-type vehicle along the length of the grain holding receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Justin R. Ringwald, Christopher A. Foster
  • Publication number: 20120042987
    Abstract: A unit for repairing and inflating an inflatable article defines a volume for a sealing fluid; a compressed-air inlet connectable to a pressure source; an outlet connected fluidically to the inlet by the volume to inject sealing fluid into the inflatable article by means of compressed air; and a pressure regulating unit having an outlet node upstream from the volume, a first air resistance for reducing air pressure to the volume, a bypass line connected to the outlet node and parallel to the first air resistance, and a selector connected to the first air resistance and the bypass line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Sergio Lolli
  • Patent number: 8118068
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a dispensing unit suitable to precisely dispense material in powdery and/or granular form. The dispensing device comprises an gate valve opening sealingly closed by a blend. A control unit, which is interconnected to a scaling device, controls the opening of the gate valve opening by the position of the blend. The precise amount of the material is adjusted in relation to the signal of the scaling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies Europe SA
    Inventors: Loic Pluvinage, Antonio Valella, Gian-Luigi Berini
  • Publication number: 20120037268
    Abstract: The invention proposes a device for metered dispensing of at least one liquid or viscous product measured by the weight of the quantity of dispensed product, and the method of using the device. A vertically-movable motor-driven filler nozzle (1) connected to a delivery duct (21) is made up of three concentric tubes (10), (20), (30), a filler nozzle head (11), and a probe (40). Sealing between the nozzle (1) and the container (5) is monitored by injecting a gas under pressure through the tube (10). The maximum acceptable level of product in the container is monitored by measuring the electrical resistance between the probe (40) and the tube (10), the nozzle head (11), and the tube (20). The presence of foam is detected by measuring the electrical resistance between the tube (30) and the tube (20), the tube (10), and the nozzle head (11). The device is particularly intended for dispensing bulk products on demand for home or personal use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Xavier Masselin, Cyrille Vincent
  • Publication number: 20120031525
    Abstract: The Flow Indicating Switch (FIS) triggered Automatic Sequencing Cascade System and method is used to control the correct sequential discharge of compressed gas storage cylinders into one or more compressed gas cylinders(s) which are being recharged by the monitoring of compressed gas flow quantity. The primary purpose of the FIS Auto-Cascade is maximize the efficient use of the compressed gas within the storage cylinders by minimizing the possibility of to human error which will result in the overall loss of the total system recharging potential. The secondary purpose of the system use is for the ability to Auto-Cascade recharge cylinders in an area remote to the cascade storages cylinders and main valve body such as would be the case when this system is used in association with a Firefighter Breathing Air replenishment System (FBARS) for use in “tall” or “sprawling” structure such as those discussed in the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) documentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Scott Fredric Wonders
  • Publication number: 20120031524
    Abstract: This invention relates to a vessel (100) adapted to be used as a moveable bottling plant for bottling liquid products, where means (112a-112d) for hosting liquid products and means for hosting empty receptacles (128) or ingredients adapted for producing such receptacles is provided. A communication means (102) is provided for receiving external orders (107-109) from external liquid buyer (104-106) for bottling the liquid into the receptacles. A liquid bottling line (122) is provided for bottling the liquid on board of the vessel in accordance to the received external orders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: ICELANDIC WATER LINE LTD.
    Inventors: Kjartan Ragnarsson, Ómar Már Jónsson
  • Patent number: 8109301
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a dispenser that includes an outlet and that is configured to dispense content through the outlet and along an output flow path. The refrigerator also includes a detection unit configured to detect user activity that is indicative of a desire to fill a container with content using the dispenser. The refrigerator further includes an optical system that is configured to, in response to detecting the user activity, direct a beam of light along at least a portion of the output flow path of the dispenser to assist a user in positioning a container to receive content dispensed along the output flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Jason Adam Denise
  • Publication number: 20120012226
    Abstract: A device and method for the mixing of a beverage where, due to the fact that an aqueous mixed phase, in which the recipe constituents needed for mixing the beverage are contained and which has a higher water content than the prepared mixed beverage, is collected in a tank, the mixed phase can be added specifically to a beverage mixture of excess concentration in order to adjust the desired final concentration. The mixed phase preferably contains returned proportions of the prepared mixed beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Torsten Runge, Dirk Leutz, Matthias Weinzierl
  • Publication number: 20120000574
    Abstract: To provide a gas filling system capable of optimizing filling of a gas tank depending on the cooling capability of a gas station. A gas filling system comprises: a vehicle having a gas tank; a gas station having a cooling device that cools a gas from a gas supply source, the gas station discharging the gas cooled by the cooling device to fill the gas tank with the gas, and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the gas cooled by the cooling device on the upstream side of the gas tank. The vehicle has a first controller that determines the filling flow rate of the gas to the gas tank based on the gas temperature detected by the temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroaki Nishiumi
  • Publication number: 20110303323
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a reciprocating compressor having a high pressure storage vessel let down for a CNG station for refueling motor vehicles, wherein the CNG station design utilizes inlet gas from a local gas utility. By supplementing the inlet gas with a pressure let down in order to de-pressurize the gas from a high-pressure storage vessel, the CNG station has the ability to increase and adjust its flow capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Denis Ding, Mitchell Pratt
  • Publication number: 20110297271
    Abstract: A handheld controller for filling wine barrels with wine or other liquid containers with liquid includes a pressure sensor and a removable dip tube. The dip tube is inserted in the wine barrel and a pressure sensor coupled to the dip tube measures a pressure in the dip tube. The measured pressure corresponds to a liquid level in the wine barrel. The handheld controller is also coupled to a pump for filling the wine barrel with wine. The pressure sensor may be calibrated to detect a desired fill level of the wine barrel. A microprocessor in the handheld controller monitors the measured pressure of the dip tube and shuts off the pump when the measured pressure reaches the calibrated pressure. The handheld controller improves throughput of filling wine barrels and reduces or eliminates overfill of wine barrels, thereby reducing unsanitary or hazardous conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Haak Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Raymond Haak
  • Publication number: 20110297273
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filling a tank with a cryogenic liquid from a storage unit, a filling process during which a part of the cryogenic liquid is transformed into a gas phase in the tank, and in which, during the filling, at least part of the gas thus formed is discharged, characterized in that the method comprises providing a filling station containing a first channel which connects the storage unit to the tank and enables the transfer of cryogenic liquid from the storage unit to the tank, and a second channel which connects a gas outlet of the tank to the filling station and makes it possible to transfer the gases to be discharged from the tank to the filling station, where said gases will be discharged to the outside, the station comprising a means for detecting the presence of cryogenic liquid in the gas transferred to the station, the detection information being transmitted to a unit for acquiring and processing data, inside or outside the station, suitable for automatically stopping the
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Carinne Kempen, Serge Morel-Jean, Michael Thomas
  • Patent number: 8069883
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a beverage supply device in which a setting operation for each beverage is simplified and in which supply of a wrong beverage can be avoided in advance. The beverage supply device executes a beverage supply operation of discharging a beverage material and a diluting liquid into a cup to mix the beverage material and the diluting liquid. The device includes: an information output section of a flavor card which retains inherent information such as a dilution ratio of a beverage; an information detecting section which reads out the inherent information of the beverage retained by this information output section; and a control unit which executes the beverage supply operation based on the inherent information read out by this information detecting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoyuki Shiraishi
  • Publication number: 20110290371
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plant for filling gas cylinders with pure gases and/or mixtures of pure gases or special gases, said plant including: a device for selecting gas and/or for making mixtures of gases to be fed into a gas cylinder; apparatuses for analyzing the composition of said mixtures or said pure gases; characterized in that the following measures are implemented: the plant is integrally contained in a transportable container having a ground surface lower than 45 m2, said ground surface preferably being between 34 m2 and 40 m2; the devices contained in said container are attached to the walls of the container and can be connected to gas sources outside the container; the arrangement thus obtained enables the users to access said devices and apparatuses from the inside of said container and to fill the cylinders inside said container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: L'AIR LIQUIDE SOCIETE ANONYME POUR L'ETUDE ET L'EX
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Barbier, Steffen Richter, Hervé Durand, Hans Hiller, Joachim Barbe
  • Publication number: 20110277871
    Abstract: A machine for dosing a plurality of products in capsules, or similar containers, includes a plurality of dosing units for filling the capsules with respective products and a turret arrangement that rotates intermittently and is arranged for housing and moving the capsules in sequence through the dosing units. The machine further includes a plurality of checking units, each of which is located downstream of a respective dosing unit for measuring a quantity of product dosed in the capsules by the respective dosing units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: I.M.A. INDUSTRIA MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE S.P.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Trebbi, Salvatore Fabrizio Consoli
  • Publication number: 20110259466
    Abstract: The invention particularly relates to a facility for characterizing liquid-dissolved gas. In its most complete embodiment, this facility comprises a liquid collecting capsule (1) and a circuit of fluid with two branches (2, 3) including a plurality of valves (41-47), the first branch (2) making it possible to retain the liquid, and the second branch (3) making it possible to extract vacuum gases and including in particular a sealed joint section (31), a pumping facility (32), a variable volume enclosure (33), and pressure and temperature measurement means (34-37).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: GDF SUEZ
    Inventors: Christophe TASTARD, Philippe GLEIZE, Alain TOQUET
  • Patent number: 8042579
    Abstract: A quantitation setup mechanism (58) is composed of a piston (62) which is incorporated into a quantitation tank (61) to define therein a metering chamber (63), a quantitation setup portion (65) for presetting a quantity of paint replenishment, and a sensor (66) adapted to detect a displacement of the piston (62) preset by the quantitation setup portion (65). In this instance, paint is replenished into a paint chamber (19) of a cartridge (16) by means of a paint feed mechanism (32). In the course of the paint replenishment, an equivalent amount of an extruding liquid is displaced and discharged from an extruding liquid chamber (20). The displaced extruding liquid is introduced into the metering chamber (63) of the quantitation setup mechanism (58), detecting a quantity of displacement of the extruding liquid by replenished paint by the sensor (66) through the piston (62) to exactly quantitate the paint replenishment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: ABB K.K.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20110247718
    Abstract: A cosmetic or dermatological system includes a receiver of data related to current and/or future surrounding conditions transmitted by a data transmitter external to the system, a packaging and dispenser device containing one or more compositions from which a preparation is delivered, an adjustment system that is coupled to or suitable for coupling to the packaging and dispenser device, and that enables at least one characteristic of the dispensed preparation to be varied, and a processor for automatically controlling the adjustment system as a function of the received data or for informing the user, as a function of the received data, about an action to be exerted on the adjustment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: L'OREAL
    Inventor: Henri Samain
  • Publication number: 20110247721
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for vending a containerized fluid includes placing a machine-readable indicia on the container identifying the base fluid. The container may be filled and then distributed or distributed prior to filling through various distribution channels to consumers. When a consumer wishes to fill or re-fill the container, the consumer places the container adjacent a reader that interprets the indicia to identify the base fluid to be dispensed. A dispenser then fills the container through a movable fill probe that elevates as the liquid within the container rises. In some embodiments, and prior to filling, the dispenser apparatus may also query the consumer about options are provided at the time of dispensing for further dispensing various optional ingredients, including scents, flavors, colors, nutritional supplements or other additives together with the base product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Laurie J. Brown, Steven T. Dorsey
  • Patent number: 8028723
    Abstract: A receiving container is filled with a predetermined target mass mz of a free-flowing substance from a reservoir with the help of a dosage-dispensing device that dispenses measured doses of the substance. The device has a valve for variably setting the mass flow {dot over (m)} from the reservoir into the receiving container. The device is also able to determine the time t that has elapsed since the beginning of the fill cycle, the mass m of the substance present in the receiving container, and a unit for controlling the valve. The controller unit includes estimating and correction modules. At least once during the fill cycle, the estimating module performs an estimate of the mass {tilde over (m)}(t, t2) that is expected to be present in the receiving container at the end of the fill cycle at the time t2. This estimate is based on the assumptions that from the time t onward the valve is being closed according to a predefined closing-down profile and the fill cycle is completed at the time t2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Marc Blöchlinger
  • Patent number: 8028726
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for automatically maintaining a pressure differential for the continuous delivery of a liquid to semiconductor manufacturing equipment. A refillable bulk liquid delivery system includes a plurality of canisters residing along a liquid flow path, whereby an over pressure is detected within at least one of the canisters. The over pressure may be detected using an automatic venting circuit or a programmable logic controller programmed for detecting such over pressures. The over pressure is then exhausted by removing excess pressure from the canister through a venting valve to maintain a Delta pressure across the canisters for continuously delivering the liquid along the liquid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C Easton
  • Patent number: 8028728
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for determining a location of a container into which at least one of a liquid and ice is dispensed from a refrigerator. A sensor is configured to sense a position of the container, without contacting the container, and to send a first signal indicating the sensed position. A microprocessor is configured to receive the first signal and to send a second signal based on the first signal. An indicator is configured to receive the second signal and to indicate the position of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Anthony A. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20110226382
    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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: ASIA PACIFIC FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: JEFFERSON YS YANG, FENG-HSIANG HSIAO, HONG-SHI CHANG, CHIH-HSUEH CHEN
  • Patent number: 8020589
    Abstract: A hydrogen dispensing station and method of operating a hydrogen dispensing station for dispensing to multiple receiving vessels. The station and method limit receiving vessel gas temperature during dispensing. Various components used to limit receiving vessel gas temperature during dispensing are mutual to multiple hydrogen service ports. Receiving vessel gas temperature during dispensing may be affected by pressure ramp rate control, cooling of hydrogen in a heat exchanger, and/or use of a lower temperature hydrogen source stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Perry Cohen, Tama Maya Copeman
  • Patent number: 8016001
    Abstract: A painting material charging device may comprise a cartridge attaching unit, a painting material supplying path, a first switching unit, a painting material supplying unit, a discharging path, a second switching unit, a painting material sensor and a controlling unit. The controlling unit may be configured to be connected to the painting material sensor and the second switching unit. The controlling unit may be configured to cause the second switching unit to fully close the discharging path in a case where the painting material sensor detects the painting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Trinity Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Isamu Yamasaki, Takanobu Mori, Shinichi Nakane, Noriyuki Achiwa, Kohta Harada
  • Publication number: 20110203701
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventors: Pascal Frei, Guido Schuster
  • Publication number: 20110192494
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly operable to deliver fluid to a tank to be filled and to sense a level of fluid in the tank, the assembly having a fluid outlet and a sensor portion, the sensor portion comprising a pressure sensor provided in fluid communication with a sensor conduit, the sensor conduit having a sensor conduit aperture provided therein, the assembly being operable in use whereby when a level of liquid in the tank being filled rises above a level of the sensor conduit aperture, the sensor conduit aperture is closed by the liquid and a pressure of gas trapped in the sensor conduit increases thereby indicating a “tank full” condition, the assembly being arranged to detect the increase in pressure of gas and to generate a pressure increase signal indicative of the in crease in pressure when the increase in pressure is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: MECHTRONIC LIMITED
    Inventor: Trevor John Poulter
  • Publication number: 20110186173
    Abstract: Safety cabinet for filling self-contained breathing apparatus bottles comprising a housing body with high-strength walls, openable on its front and top sides and forming a work surface fitted with a plurality of tapered rubber rollers, linked at their narrow ends and arranged to form a bed of supporting rollers for the bottles to be filled, arranged horizontally and to which the respective filling taps are attached. The housing body is closed using a vertical front door and a horizontal top door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Maria Teresa Suero Castaño, Alberto Perez Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20110168295
    Abstract: A removable brace wedges between a fuel nozzle activating lever and the nozzle handle finger guard. A static electricity sensing circuit has antennas on both protruding sides of the brace. Visual and audible warning signals activate when a user approaches the nozzle with an electrostatic charge in the user's body. Light emitting diodes in upwardly extending protruding side portions are highly visible. A piezo-electric sounding device gives a loud warning. A magnet enables the brace to be attached to a metal part of the vehicle, such as inside the fuel cover door, when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Nicholas Benik
  • Publication number: 20110168291
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the filling of a medical filter, wherein the filter has at least one first space and one second space which are semipermeably separated by one or more membranes, wherein the spaces each have at least one inflow and outflow, and wherein a detection unit having first and second means is provided, with liquid discharge from at least one of the spaces being able to be detected by means of the first means and the state of the filling of the filter being able to be determined by means of the second means with reference to the detected liquid discharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Josef Beden, Itka Bado, Georg Verch
  • Publication number: 20110168290
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for machine retrofits and interactive soda fountains are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: VENDMORE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Paul T. Breitenbach, Paul D. Signorelli, Igor Zhuk
  • Patent number: 7975729
    Abstract: An in-structure air delivery system comprises a control panel and a plurality of air delivery lines. The control panel is located at a first location in the structure and has an air supply inlet. Each air delivery line extends from the control panel to a different location in the structure. Valves are configured to selectively control the flow of air through each of the air delivery lines. In a method of use, a high pressure air supply such as a portable compressor is connected to the inlet of the system. Air is selectively delivered to one or more of the delivery lines. A control unit is connected to the outlet of the delivery line. Air is supplied to the control unit. The control unit is used to regulate the flow of air to a component of breathing equipment, such as to a firefighter's breathing equipment air cylinder to be re-filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Richard W. Lisle
  • Publication number: 20110155278
    Abstract: The present invention provides a CNG time fill system, comprising 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: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Denis Ding
  • Patent number: 7963302
    Abstract: An inspection machine for inspecting the volume of liquid contained by a bottle filed to its defined fill height. A head is lowered and has a sealing plate which seals the open finish of a bottle. A fill tube assembly is part of the head and continues to be lowered until a level sensor is located to sense liquid at a pre-fill level. High and low pressure water lines which are a part of the fill tube assembly are operated to fill the bottle to the pre-fill level. The sealing plate is released and then the process is repeated lowering the sensor to the post-fill level and operating only the low-pressure line to fill the bottle to the post-fill level. The total liquid filling the bottle is then computed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Emhart Glass S.A.
    Inventors: Alan E. Thomas, Michael C. Bagley, Philippe Spiteri
  • Patent number: 7958915
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering liquid color to a plastic resin processing machine include a scale for weighing a container of liquid color, a pump for removing liquid color from the container, controller for actuating pushers in the pump in a sequence whereby a first pusher is displaced to squeeze the delivery tube while a second and third pusher are not displaced thereby permitting liquid color to flow through the tube from the supply to a first position of tube squeezing, whereupon a second pusher is displaced to squeeze the tube and substantially trapped liquid color in the tube at the first and second position of tube squeezing, whereupon the first pusher permits liquid color to flow through the tube pass the first position of tube squeezing and the third pusher squeezes the tube and thereby forces at least a portion of the trapped liquid color material through the tube pass the first position of tube squeezing thereby supplying liquid color to the plastic resin processing machine at a predetermined
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen B. Maguire
  • Publication number: 20110132489
    Abstract: In some embodiments, quality assurance systems for verifying branding of at least one medication container associated with at least one of a prescription and medication order are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Chih-Jen LEU, James G. McErlean, Dennis W. Rice
  • Publication number: 20110120589
    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: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Evans
  • Publication number: 20110108162
    Abstract: A machine for filling a receptacle with a liquid food or beverage. The machine includes a housing; an arrangement for dispensing a liquid food or a beverage to a receptacle upon a user-request; and a user-interface screen on the housing. The housing has a user-orientation for a user to request dispensing of the liquid food or beverage, the user-interface screen being arranged in this user-orientation to face the user within a user-visible housing portion that is delimited by user-visible outermost boundaries of this housing. In this user-orientation, the user-interface screen forms substantially the entire user-visible housing portion or a surface-predominant section thereof or a surface-predominant section of a plurality of distinctively user-visible sections that form together the user-visible housing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Fabien Ludovic Agon, Bruno Chazel, Vincent Larsonneur
  • Publication number: 20110108157
    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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: HARRO HOEFLIGER VERPACKUNGSMASCHINEN GMBH
    Inventor: Rolf Scharger
  • Publication number: 20110100507
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for dispensing a liquid fuel into the inlet of a vehicle fuel tank by means of a fuel dispensing pump including metering means for measuring the quantity of liquid fuel dispensed, and a nozzle carrying a wireless transponder device for interrogating an RFID carried by the respective vehicle to enable identification of the respective vehicle; characterized in that the fuel inlet of the respective vehicle fuel tank carries said RFID to be interrogated by the transponder of the nozzle, when inserted into said inlet, to receive the identification of the respective vehicle, said RFID on the vehicle transmits to the transponder on the nozzle the identification of the respective vehicle; and said apparatus further includes a data processor for processing the identification of the respective vehicle receiving the measured quantity of liquid fuel to provide information concerning the operation of the respective vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Petratec International Ltd.
    Inventors: Shimon Weitzhandler, Avi Yalon, Yoav Vilnai
  • Publication number: 20110100506
    Abstract: A bulk product supply and charging system is described, as well as the main and distinctive parts thereof. The system requires a refillable container, to be filled with a bulk product by the system user at least once; a bulk product delivery device, to provide product into the refillable container; and, an information recording device to charge the bulk product. The container is identified by a delivery device to authorize the product supply in the amount determined by the user. The container may comprise a user identification means to correlate the system user to other recorded products in the charging information recording device at the same time the bulk product payment is carried out, in order to issue commercial promotional vouchers for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Jorge Zabludovsky-Nerubay
  • Publication number: 20110094621
    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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Shozo Kawanishi
    Inventor: Shozo Kawanishi
  • Publication number: 20110061762
    Abstract: A filling degree gauge for measuring and displaying a residual filling potential of a target area, such as a container, being filled through a target, such as an open top, with goods by a goods carrier, such as a discharge spout, of an agricultural vehicle, such as a harvester, has a 3D sensor for observing at least a part of the target area including at least a part of the target, a data control system and a visual display unit. The data control system operates to provide on the visual display unit a visual display indicating residual filling potential by indicating the current one of at least three different levels of residual filling potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Tommy Ertbolle Madsen, Morten Rufus Blas, Kristian Kirk
  • Patent number: 7896036
    Abstract: A fuel device for a mobile body comprises a fuel tank, a power consuming device, a fuel filling connector for receiving a fuel supply, and a power supplying connector for receiving a power supply. A fuel filling system comprises a vehicle having a fuel tank and a tank information processing unit, and a fuel filling device for filling the vehicle with fuel, wherein the tank information processing unit is started at fuel filling or started by power supply from the outside of the vehicle when the fuel tank is filled with fuel based on tank information. The vehicle comprises a fuel tank and a tank information processing unit, and the tank information processing unit is started at fuel filling. The fuel filling device has a filling nozzle which is connected with the fuel filling connector and provided with a feeding side connector for supplying power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuo Kobayashi, Yasuyuki Iida
  • Patent number: 7891387
    Abstract: A robot system includes a supply station. The system further includes: a robot, a robot tank adapted to store a liquid and disposed at the robot; and a supply station configured to supply additional liquid to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-soo Lim, Sam-jong Jeung, Jeong-gon Song, Ju-sang Lee, Jang-youn Ko
  • Publication number: 20110039044
    Abstract: A method for filling bottles or similar containers (2) with a liquid filling material comprising at least two components, using a filling system (1) comprising at least one filling element (3) having a fluid channel (6) for the controlled dispensing of the filling material by way of at least one dispensing opening (11), said channel forming said dispensing opening, a liquid valve (13) being disposed in said channel and said channel being connected to a first component supply container or vessel (8) by way of a liquid connection (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
  • Publication number: 20110023994
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling liquids and in particular beverages into containers, including a filling device for filling the liquid into the containers, including a liquid line which supplies the liquid to the filling device, wherein the liquid in the liquid line flows in a first flow direction and wherein a flow measuring device is disposed in the liquid line, which flow measuring device determines the quantity of the liquid passing through the flow measuring device in the first flow direction. According to the invention, the flow measuring device is designed in such a way that it also determines the quantity of the liquid passing through the flow metering device in a second flow direction which is opposite to the first flow direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Rupert Meinzinger
  • Publication number: 20110017345
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for filling in particular large-volume containers (1) with a liquid, particularly a gas-containing drink. The liquid is added with a predefined flow speed. According to the invention, the current flow speed is predefined as a function of one or more simultaneously measured parameter values and in combination with the speed values associated with the parameter values of at least one prior filling process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: KHS GMBH
    Inventor: Alois Monzel