With Signal, Indicator, Recorder, Inspection Means Or Exhibitor Patents (Class 141/94)
  • Patent number: 7631670
    Abstract: A medicament tablet dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of tablets, up to a maximum number, with minimal dispensing delays. During fill operations, a preset number of tablets are counted and stored in dedicated storage compartments. Dispensing operations are performed in response to dispense request commands. The fill operations are performed in a manner independent from the quantity of tablets identified by the dispense request commands. During the dispensing operations for a particular dispense request command, the preset number of tablets are emptied from one or more of the dedicated storage compartments, thereby avoiding delays associated with counting all of the dispensed tablets. Moreover, the fill operations and the dispensing operations may be performed in parallel for high-throughput dispensing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Kirby Lester, LLC
    Inventors: Aleksandr Geltser, Vladimir Gershman, Michael R. Gomez
  • Patent number: 7617850
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system has a container with an upper lip, a bottom and a cylindrical sidewall. A read/write radio frequency identification tag is on a container. A beverage dispenser has a plurality of dispensing valves associated with a plurality of different beverages. Each valve has an actuator. A reader is operatively coupled with respect to the tag for communicating with the tag and for communicating with the actuator. An electronic system is operatively coupled to the tag and the actuators and the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: ValidFill LLC
    Inventor: Peter Dorney
  • Publication number: 20090272460
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for filling bags with loose materials, wherein a package to be filled is filled by means of a filling element in 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. In the settling phase, the squeezing device applies a squeezing pressure to the package so as to vent the package and to reduce the volume available to the package, until a predetermined reduction of the volume available to the package is reached, whereupon the squeezing pressure of the squeezing device on the package is reduced and the package is discharged from the filling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: HAVER & BOECKER OHG
    Inventor: ALOIS COMBRINK
  • Publication number: 20090236006
    Abstract: Method for dispensing a gas comprising (a) providing a gas storage system containing pressurized gas and having at least first and second gas storage volumes, first and second flow control valves in flow communication with the first and second gas storage volumes, respectively, wherein each flow control valve is initially closed, and wherein the first gas storage volume has a smaller volumetric capacity than the second gas storage volume; (b) selecting a reference temperature; (c) measuring the ambient temperature; (d) providing a gas receiving vessel and placing it in flow communication with each flow control valve and with the gas storage system; and (e) initiating delivery of the gas by (i) opening the first flow control valve when the ambient temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature or (ii) opening the second flow control valve when the ambient temperature is less than the reference temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: David John Farese, Joseph Perry Cohen
  • Patent number: 7591289
    Abstract: A cooling system bleeder system for permitting air to be bled from a cooling system of a vehicle to reduce spillage of coolant during the bleeding process includes a container for receiving coolant to be supplied to the coolant system. The container has an upper open end to permit the coolant to be poured into the container. The container includes a lower open end permitting the coolant to drain from the container. A valve is coupled to the container adjacent to and over the lower open end. The valve is selectively actuated to an open position to permit the coolant in the container to drain from the container and selectively actuated to a closed position to discontinue draining of the coolant from the container. A cap is couplable to the container adjacent the upper open end to selectively close the upper open end of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Jim S. Hamada
  • Publication number: 20090211662
    Abstract: A drink layering potion machine reliably creates undisturbed air bubble free multiple drink layers. The potion machine includes a flat bottom hollow cylinder, a top with an integral conical pouring cup having a central aperture at its bottom tip. A thin rod passes through the aperture with a small clearance. A second aperture displaced from the first aperture supports thin rod providing wobble free movement. The bottom end of the thin rod carries a float. The drink layering potion machine is placed with a hollow cylinder encircling a glass and stabilizing it from tilting. The float rests on the liquor in the interior of the glass as liquor is poured into the conical pouring cup. The liquor runs down at a slow volumetric rate through the small clearance, down the thin rod, over the float external surface into the glass forming layered undisturbed drink free from air bubble entrapment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher C. Haramis, Matthew N. Haramis
  • Publication number: 20090211663
    Abstract: A gasoline pump apparatus comprises one or more pump nozzles, a sensor configured to detect nozzle removal from and replacement to a nozzle storage bay, and a first housing enclosing at least some gas dispensing apparatus. In addition, a second housing encloses at least one video display and at least one video display controller. The at least one video display controller is coupled to the sensor such that the video display output changes with changes in nozzle position. In some embodiments, the second housing is configured to be explosion proof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Lee David Olesen, Gary Alan LePon
  • Publication number: 20090205747
    Abstract: A system and method for dispensing a beverage are provided. The system includes a liquid dispensing machine having a dispensing area capable of receiving a container, a scanner adjacent to the dispensing area, a container that is capable of being placed in the dispensing area, and annular barcode indicia extending around an exterior surface of the container and centered around a generally vertical axis of the container. The scanner can read the annular barcode indicia when the container is placed in the dispensing area at any rotational orientation relative to the scanner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Insight Beverages, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald W. Lillard, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090194194
    Abstract: The Improperly Secured Fuel Cap Indication System works by having a mini limit switch(es) on the inside of the fuel tank opening. The switch will be pressing against the fuel cap in a strategic location(s) preferably near the locking mechanism(s) inside the tank opening. This will help protect it from the gas pump nozzle when filling up and ensure a proper seal of the cap. The mini switch will always be in the closed position and once the open position is engaged when the cap is removed, it will immediately activate the warning light and subsequent chimes inside the vehicle to alert the driver. The system is designed to prevent unnecessary and costly trips to the service bay saving the manufacturer and customer time and money.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Allen Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20090165886
    Abstract: A device and a method for the dilution and preparation of antiballistic drugs, the device comprises a drug preparation unit connected to a controlling device; the drug preparation unit comprises a first central tank, in which there is a solvent, typically a physiological and/or glucosate solution, a first positive-displacement pump, an emptying unit connected to a positioning and locking arrangement provided with a housing suitable for receiving various dimensions and formats of dimensions and formats of bottles of drug; the first positive-displacement pump transfers in a dosed manner the solvent from the central tank to the bottle, and in succession from the bottle to a further tank of semifinished drug; the diluted drug solution in the further tank is then transferred to a container of prepared drug in a determined quantity for infusion into a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: BIODUCT S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Zucca, Michele Desogus, Maria Cristina Deidda
  • Publication number: 20090165890
    Abstract: A fuel supply and collection system comprising: a delivery vehicle having a supply-fuel tank, a collection-fuel tank, a remaining supply-fuel quantity sensor for detecting a remaining fuel quantity of the supply-fuel tank, a remaining collection-fuel quantity sensor for detecting a remaining fuel quantity of the collection-fuel tank, and a display unit; a plurality of fuel stations having a supply-fuel tank, a collection-fuel tank, a remaining supply-fuel quantity sensor for detecting a remaining fuel quantity of the supply-fuel tank, and a remaining collection-fuel quantity sensor for detecting a remaining fuel quantity of the collection-fuel tank; and a central information processing center having an information processing apparatus; wherein, the remaining supply-fuel and collection-fuel quantities of the delivery vehicle and the remaining supply-fuel and collection-fuel quantities of each fuel station are estimated in the information processing apparatus from remaining supply-fuel quantity data and rema
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Komura, Kenichi Souma, Takao Ishikawa, Masafumi Noujima
  • Publication number: 20090145518
    Abstract: A tire inflation apparatus for inflating a tire mounted on a rim comprises an inflation head mounted to a moveable inflation shaft of a head position cylinder and an assist cylinder mounted to a frame member, with the frame member and assist cylinder positioned above the inflation location. The assist cylinder includes a moveable assist shaft operatively connected to the inflation shaft by a moveable cross member whereby the head position cylinder and assist cylinder cooperatively operate to selectively position the inflation head. The inflation head is positioned in a retracted position by vertical upward extension of the assist shaft and positioned in a tire engaging position by vertical downward retraction of the assist shaft. A fluid passage in the inflation shaft may deliver pressurized gas into a tire inflation cavity of the inflation head for inflating a tire when the inflation head is sealed against the tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Burke E. Porter Machinery Company
    Inventor: Mark S. Hoenke
  • Patent number: 7540310
    Abstract: A particle filling line comprises a vertically-oriented conduit that includes a conduit hollow. The conduit includes a conduit top and a conduit bottom. The conduit bottom defines an outlet. The conduit is arranged so that particles supplied to the conduit top flow through the outlet to be received by one or more containers disposed on a movable conveyor belt. The conduit hollow includes one or more conduit hollow elements disposed therein. The one or more conduit hollow elements include any of a plurality of agitators and an auger. The particle filling line is arranged for determining a resistance that is based on the spacing between the one or more conduit hollow elements and the conduit inner walls. When the resistance is determined to be less than a threshold resistance value, the particle filling process ceases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy L. Huss
  • Patent number: 7533703
    Abstract: A system, device, and method for quantifying fuel flow from a substantially stationary consumer container is contemplated. The system includes a flow sensor, a communications medium, and a receiver. Both the flow sensor and the receiver are in communication with the communications medium. The system may include a display, a computing device in communication with the receiver and an environmental sensor in communication with the communications medium. The communications medium may be wireless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Elster Electricity, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Shuey
  • Patent number: 7523770
    Abstract: A service station is provided with a plurality of vehicle servicing islands including liquid fuel blending pumps for dispensing and blending fuel components from underground storage tanks for refueling standard gasoline engine driven vehicles, standard diesel engine vehicles, vehicles with engines requiring dual fuels, vehicles with HCCL engines require low octane gasoline blended with standard diesel fuel, and fuel cell powered vehicles having onboard reformers. Other service islands include pumps for dispensing compressed hydrogen to fuel cell powered vehicles that do not include onboard reformers. In addition, service islands are provided for recharging the batteries of pure electric powered vehicles. A service station is further provided with a wireless communicator for receiving signals indicative of a vehicle's fuel requirements and transmitting signals to direct the vehicle to a service island capable of servicing the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research And Enginnering Company
    Inventors: Alan M. Horowitz, Walter Weissman, Charles Hall Schleyer
  • Publication number: 20090090431
    Abstract: A dispensing source container suitable for containing and dispensing fluid concentrate has an opening suitable for receiving a closure. The source container includes a fluid-tight vessel configured to hold fluid concentrate, and a pump connectable to the opening of the source container, the pump having a temporary reservoir, the pump being operable to withdraw a portion of the fluid concentrate from the source container and to store the portion of fluid concentrate in the temporary reservoir. The pump is also operable to dispense a metered amount of the fluid concentrate from the temporary reservoir to dispense the fluid concentrate from the source container into receiving containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: IDISPENSE LLC
    Inventors: R. Bruce Yacko, Edward L. Mueller, Jeffrey C. Gayer, Douglas F. Taylor, Luke Stonis, Gary E. Myers, Tim C. Rothwell, Robert J. Hayes
  • Patent number: 7513280
    Abstract: The silo includes at least three hoppers terminating in rectilinear discharge openings extending lengthwise transversely of a loading area below the discharge openings. Clam gates are movable between open and closed positions to discharge material. The discharge area at the bottom of the silo is increased, facilitating faster loading of trucks with the particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Gencor Industries Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Brashears, Jerry J. Walker
  • Publication number: 20090071567
    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: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Anthony A. Cooper
  • Patent number: 7503510
    Abstract: The improved sprayer system of the present invention utilizes a docking drogue and probe assembly to quickly and easily allow refilling of the sprayer tanks with a material from an enlarged nurse tank. The coupling of the drogue and probe allows for fluid communication, as well as electronic transmission of material data to a processor in the prime mover. This processor software also receives input regarding field data and crop data, as well as feedback data from the sprayer regarding the material application. A GPS system on the prime mover allows for tracking the spraying operation, while a time stamp in the processor software tracks the timing of the spraying operation. This system thus allows for accurate accountability and traceability for the use of materials during the spraying operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Vickers, Steve A. Junge
  • Patent number: 7490637
    Abstract: A system is disclosed allowing non-invasive, continuous local and remote sensing of the internal environmental characteristics of transportable containers. The system utilizes a variety of sensors inside the container to sense internal environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry A. Speasl, Edward Dante
  • Publication number: 20090020562
    Abstract: A device (1) for feeding a product, in particular an infusion product, to a packaging machine is of the type comprising means (2, 6) for collecting and transporting the product and means (8) for conveying the product itself. The conveying means (8) are of the type with vibrating channeling means and are connected to the collection means (2, 6) to receive the product from the collection means (2, 6) and to feed the product to an operating station (10) of the packaging machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Dario Rea, Sauro Rivola
  • Publication number: 20090000691
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for operating and managing a re-fueling business. The method includes contracting with a customer to fuel a fuel consuming vehicle for the customer, providing a locking device with a fuel tank of the vehicle, the locking device being unlockable by the re-fueling business and the customer, and transporting a fuel containing structure from the re-fueling business to various locations of the customer's vehicle whenever a fueling of the vehicle is desirable to the business and the customer, the locations being remote of the business, unlocking the locking device of the fuel tank upon arrival at the locations, filling the fuel tank with an amount of fuel from the fuel containing structure upon the transporting of the fuel container to the locations, and re-locking the locking device after filling the fuel tank with the amount of fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nimrod Megiddo
  • Publication number: 20090006026
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring accumulation of fluids in a containment tank is provided. The system may be operable to and method may function to prevent (i) fluids destined for an underground storage tank (“UST”) from entering into, diffusing into and/or contaminating the ground soil due to, for example, spillage or overflow of a fill pipe of the UST when filing or otherwise servicing the UST, and/or (ii) fluids present in the ground soil from entering into and/or contaminating fluids stored in the underground storage tank. The system may include a first containment chamber that defines a given volume; a second containment chamber that may be positioned substantially within the given volume; an accumulation zone defined by a volume between the first and second containment chambers; and a monitoring device for detecting accumulation of fluids in the accumulation zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel S. Clover
  • Patent number: 7469728
    Abstract: A general-purpose fluid injecting device is provided that can be used if an air bag is accommodated in a box of a different height. A fluid injecting device is provided that injects a fluid into an air bag through a nozzle projecting from a box the air bag being housed in the box. The device includes a detection apparatus for detecting a height position of the nozzle and a control apparatus for varying the height position of fluid injecting device in accordance with the detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Murayama, Takenori Yanai
  • Patent number: 7469727
    Abstract: An improved method for measuring and automatically disposing of infectious waste generated during and after surgical and clinical procedures is provided. The infectious waste removal device includes a suction source, a method for pressure verification, separation chamber for isolating fluids, containment reservoir, measurement chamber for determining fluid received, an information source for such fluid volumes, a quantitative method for calculating fluid dynamics, a post use cleaning method, and other attributes for use by the surgical team or healthcare staff in order to while minimize healthcare worker handling of said infectious waste and to limit their possible exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: BioDrain Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan C. Marshall
  • Patent number: 7458401
    Abstract: A tool that can be used to load catalyst into a chemical reactor. In a preferred embodiment, the tool may also be used to measure the outage in the reactor tube. Also in a preferred embodiment, the tool provides a way to prevent dust from accumulating on the upper tube sheet of the reactor while loading catalyst into the reactor tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: TubeMaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford L. Johns, Daniel D. Sympson
  • Patent number: 7458400
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to increase security when connecting a connective coupling (10) used for transferring gaseous and/or liquid fluids, especially for filling motor vehicle fuel tanks, provided with a sliding sleeve (18) in order to lock connecting profile sections, especially collets (15). According to the invention, a data interface, especially a data transmitter (60), is arranged on the sliding sleeve (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventors: Erwin Weh, Wolfgang Weh
  • Publication number: 20080277019
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a mixture of water and one of a plurality of concentrated formulas is disclosed. The dispenser comprises a housing that includes an electronic controller, a water inlet connected to a pressurized water source, and a water inlet valve that is electrically controlled and connected to the controller. A mixture reservoir is in fluid communication with the water inlet valve and a mixture outlet through which the mixture of water and one of the concentrate formulas exits the dispenser. A plurality of concentrate reservoirs each adapted to receive the concentrated formulas are each in fluid communication with the mixture reservoir. Each concentrate reservoir has a valve connected to the controller and capable of delivering a metered volume of the concentrated formula into the mixture reservoir when signaled by the controller. A selector knob is electrically connected to the controller and has at least one manually selectable position representative of each concentrate reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Kendall Bancroft Somerby
  • Patent number: 7441569
    Abstract: A wireless tank level monitoring system is provided. The system includes a transmitter that is located in close proximity to the storage tank. The transmitter is coupled to a remote-ready tank level gauge, which provides a ratio-metric voltage output proportional to the liquid volume inside the tank. The transmitter periodically monitors the output from the level gauge and transmits the information to a base station located remotely from the storage tank. The base station displays the tank level numerically in percent full, graphically with a bar chart, or both. A conspicuous visual indication is provided by the base station when the tank level drops below a predetermined set point. In battery powered applications, the base station also reads and provides a visual indication of a low battery condition for both the transmitter and base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Benjamin N. Lease
  • Publication number: 20080257446
    Abstract: A tinting machine system for tinting base paint supplied in a container which base paint is suitable for use in a tinted coating composition so as to produce a tinted coating composition, the tinting machine system comprising a tinting machine and processing means, the tinting machine having a colourant dispenser system comprising an actuator able to dispense a pre-determined amount of at least one colourant into the container, and weighing means able to weigh the container to determine an actual dispensed weight of each individual colourant and/or an actual total dispensed weight, the processing means able to compare the actual dispensed weight of each individual colourant and/or the actual total dispensed weight, with a correct weight for the tinted coating composition stored in the processing means for each dispensed tinted coating composition, the processing means comprising statistical analysis means to statistically analyse the actual dispensed weight of each individual colourant and/or the actual total
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Ian David Oakes
  • Patent number: 7418983
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser for ejecting a beverage into a receptacle, including a housing including a taking-in/out space, nozzles provided in the beverage dispenser for ejecting the beverage, obstacle detection module for detecting an obstacle around the nozzle, alarm generator for issuing an alarm when the detection module detects the obstacle, and a nozzle cover for covering the plurality of nozzles and the obstacle detection module to partially close the taking-in/out space. The alarm may not be issued from the alarm means when the beverage is ejected or a switch may be provided for causing the alarm generator inoperative. Thereby, those around the dispenser are informed of the fact that an operator has had unauthorized access to the nozzle in the beverage dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Suntory Limited
    Inventors: Yuji Mizuno, Katsumi Takenaka
  • Publication number: 20080185068
    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: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph Perry Cohen, Tama Maya Copeman
  • Publication number: 20080173372
    Abstract: An on-board auxiliary split tank system for supplying makeup water and chemical additives to a transit concrete mixing vehicle is disclosed which includes a generally cylindrical water tank designed for generally horizontal deployment having a shaped recess therein and an additive tank configured to nest in said recess of said water tank and which, when nested in said recess, generally completes said cylindrical shape. The water tank and additive tank are formed from a non-metallic material comprising a polymeric component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Lindblom, Keith A. Kruckeberg, Ryan J. Roudebush, Kevin M. Shaber
  • Patent number: 7403125
    Abstract: The flow cytometry system of the present invention includes a flow channel including an interrogation zone. A light source and a light detector are connected to the interrogation zone, such that a sample flowing through the interrogation zone can be optically analyzed through methods known in the art of flow cytometry. A bubble detector is connected to the flow channel. A controller is connected to the bubble detector and is adapted to perform a predetermined output in response to the detection of a bubble in the flow channel. The predetermined output may include alerting a user as to the presence of a bubble, flagging potentially corrupted data, and ceasing data collection until the interrogation zone is clear of bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Accuri Cytometers, Inc.
    Inventor: Collin Rich
  • Patent number: 7398803
    Abstract: A pneumatic system consists of an inflatable/deflatable article, for example, a compression garment connected to a pump by connectors, respectively. The connector attached to the garment carries an RFID transponder and a corresponding radio circuit is located within the pump. In use, the transponder transmits and receives information to and from the pump radio circuit. The information exchanged is used by the pump control system to activate the pump and to operate the pump to provide the particular operating parameters for that garment, for example, pressure, inflation/deflation cycle duration of treatment, etc. The pneumatic system may include communication means for the pump, such as a radio circuit, that is located remote from the pump. Also, the pneumatic system may include a support mechanism that functions both as a handle and a hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Huntleigh Technology LTD
    Inventor: Michael David Newton
  • Patent number: 7395841
    Abstract: A medicament tablet dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of tablets, up to a maximum number, with minimal dispensing delays. During fill operations, a preset number of tablets are counted and stored in dedicated storage compartments. Dispensing operations are performed in response to dispense request commands. The fill operations are performed in a manner independent from the quantity of tablets identified by the dispense request commands. During the dispensing operations for a particular dispense request command, the preset number of tablets are emptied from one or more of the dedicated storage compartments, thereby avoiding delays associated with counting all of the dispensed tablets. Moreover, the fill operations and the dispensing operations may be performed in parallel for high-throughput dispensing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Kirby Lester, LLC
    Inventors: Aleksandr Geltser, Vladimir Gershman, Michael R. Gomez
  • Publication number: 20080134633
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, a container filling plant container information adding station, such as, a labeling station, configured to add information to containers, such as, bottles and cans, and modules for labeling stations proposed a labeling machine. Each module comprises a first coupling structure to permit interchangeable position of a module at one of a plurality of second coupling structures. 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Heinz-Michael ZWILLING
  • Publication number: 20080041489
    Abstract: An oil supply apparatus includes an oil supply setup apparatus for setting the oil supply in order for clients himself or herself to carry out the oil supply operation; an oil supply mechanism for controlling the oil supply operation on the basis of the oil supply setup content set by the oil supply setup apparatus; and a change payer for settling the oil supply charge in cash due to setting of the oil supply by the oil supply mechanism in one main body case, a change payer has a bill processor for receiving a money by a bill and disbursing the cash when the change is needed of the bill and a coin processor for receiving the money by a coin and disbursing the cash when the change is needed of the coin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Hiyoshi Tatsuno
  • Patent number: 7328728
    Abstract: A planar support has an upper and lower surface, a front end and a rear end. The support has wheels. A housing mounted on the upper surface has a rear wall, front wall and side walls and a roof to define a space. A wall divides the space into a first chamber and a second chamber. A gasoline fuel tank and a diesel fuel tank is provided in the second chamber. A pump dispenses gasoline and diesel fuel from the tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: David S Vilar
  • Patent number: 7328726
    Abstract: The invention provides processes for delivering a blend of two or more compressed gas streams to a receiving vessel at a preset ramp rate under pressure regulation control in response to cumulative mass ratio when at least two of the streams have different compositions or instantaneous measured temperature when the streams have the same composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Perry Cohen, Edward Clyde Heydorn
  • Patent number: 7322384
    Abstract: A hazardous fluid transfer system is automated for controlling transfer of hazardous fluid within a closed environment thus providing protection to an operator handling the transfer. The hazardous fluid is transferred from a source container to a target container using a processor controlled pump responsive to flow and pressure within a liquid line. A pre-programmed processor receives pressure and flow signals from transducers monitoring the liquid line. The processor actuates a valve within a vapor line between the source and target containers in response to pressure within the target container. The valve is opened for allowing vapor to accumulate within an accumulator during a filling of the target container and closed for causing the accumulator to force vapor stored in the accumulator into the source container, thus transferring the liquid from the source container to the target container while maintaining fluid transfer within the closed environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Adapco, Inc.
    Inventors: Avron L. Bryan, Larry D. Heller
  • Patent number: 7318460
    Abstract: A fuel gas charging portion structure of a gas fuel vehicle includes a fuel gas charging port to which a fuel charging nozzle of an external fuel charging station is to be connected, an earthing portion to which a earth wire of the fuel gas charging station to be connected, a lid which is opened or closed selectively for covering both the earthing portion and the fuel charging port, and the earthing portion further includes a plurality of members. The fuel gas charging port is at least partially covered by bringing the earthing portion into a folded state when the lid is closed, while the earthing portion is brought into a state of being connectable with the earth wire 32 from the folded state and the fuel charging nozzle 31 is brought into a state of being chargeable to the fuel gas charging port when the lid is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Ohishi
  • Patent number: 7314069
    Abstract: A fuel cartridge includes a fuel tank which stores fuel to be supplied to a fuel cell of a main device, and a storage unit which stores information on type of fuel, remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank, and number of times the fuel tank has been used. The fuel cartridge is formed separate from the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shuya Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20070284014
    Abstract: A temperature control system for a fuel tank and a canister of a vehicle includes: an acoustic refrigerator; a low temperature circulation line transmitting a low temperature circulation fluid cooled by the low temperature heat exchanging portion to the fuel tank; a low temperature heat exchanger installed within the fuel tank and connected to the low temperature circulation line so as to transfer heat within the fuel tank to the low temperature circulation fluid; a high temperature circulation line sending the high temperature circulation fluid heated by the high temperature heat exchanging portion to the canister; a high temperature heat exchanger installed to the canister and connected to the high temperature circulation line, so as to transfer heat of the high temperature circulation fluid to the canister; and a control unit controlling the acoustic refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Jun Sik Shin
  • Patent number: 7296600
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing having a valve seat defining at least part of a vent passage, a pressure responsive member carried by the housing and defining at least part of a pressure chamber, and a valve carried by the housing and having a closure movable relative to the valve seat between an open position permitting fluid flow through the vent passage and a closed position at least substantially restricting fluid flow through the vent passage. The closure is moved by the pressure responsive member in response to changes in pressure in the pressure chamber. A control passage communicates at one end with a pressure source and at its other end with the pressure chamber and an electrically operated valve is movable from a first position permitting a pressure signal to develop within the pressure chamber and a second position permitting pressure within the pressure chamber to vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David M. Ferreria, John R. Forgue, Mark R. Johansen
  • Patent number: 7264026
    Abstract: A personal care system (1) comprising a personal care appliance (2) which comprises a body (3), an additive outlet (7), and a first reservoir (8) which is connected with said additive outlet (7) and has a refill inlet (25) for refilling said reservoir (8), a refill unit (16) comprising a refill outlet (35) which can be coupled to the refill inlet (25) of the personal care appliance (2) for refilling the first reservoir (8), which refill unit (16) comprises a second reservoir (26) and means (13) for transporting additive from the second reservoir (26) to the first reservoir (8), when the personal care appliance (2) is coupled to the refill unit (16). The refill unit (16) is provided in a holder (5) for storing the personal care appliance when it is not in use. When the personal care appliance is stored in the same holder in which it is placed to be refilled, both functions are integrated into one holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Paul Gruber, Rembert Fertner
  • Patent number: 7261130
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering desired counts of products to containers. The apparatus includes a conveyor for moving discrete product portions along a path of travel. A force detecting device located along the path of travel measures force applied to the force detecting device. A counter adds one to a product count each time a force in a product identifying range is measured. A directing structure directs the product portions into a first container until the product count reaches a desired container count and directs the product portions into a second container after the product count reaches the desired container count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Gainco, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Porter, Robert Scott
  • Patent number: 7258142
    Abstract: A gas recirculation system at a filling station is controlled during a refuelling process by generating a corrective control signal used for the next refuelling process, to actuate the gas recirculation system and control the gas volume flow, based on the fuel volume flow signal and the gas volume flow signal as well as optionally further signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Fafnir GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Willmer, Stefan Kunter, Christian Maurer, Wolfgang Schrittenlacher
  • Patent number: 7246640
    Abstract: A fuel-discharge protection system is provided herein to prevent electrostatic hazard when a tank truck is discharging fuel into a reservoir. This invention mainly contains an oil-valve switch device, a driving device, and an electrostatic detection and control device. The fuel is discharged from the tank truck into the reservoir through the oil-valve switch device. The electrostatic detection and control device monitors the ground resistance and the electrostatic voltage of the tank truck during the entire process of fuel discharge. The electrostatic detection and control device, by controlling the driving device, opens the valve of the oil-valve switch device to allow fuel discharged into the reservoir only when the ground resistance and the electrostatic voltage of the tank truck are within respective safety ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Hsin-Ming Yang
  • Patent number: 7237577
    Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of chemical substance applicators in a facility includes establishing a supply of chemical substance applicators, the applicators being configured to contain the chemical substance and to enable the chemical substance to be applied at various locations within the facility, the chemical substance applicators having data indicators identifying data about the chemical substance applicators. One or more reading mechanisms are positioned at one or more locations within the facility, the reading mechanism being capable of reading data from the data indicators on the chemical substance applicators. A plurality of the chemical substance applicators is introduced into the facility, the chemical substance applicators having the data indicators. The movement of chemical substance applicators within the facility is controlled by monitoring data from the chemical substance applicators using the reading mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: JAWS International Ltd.
    Inventors: R. Bruce Yacko, Edward L. Mueller, John A. Wiegand, Jeffrey C. Gayer, Todd G. Schimmoeller