Tortuous Passage Patents (Class 220/374)
  • Patent number: 6488173
    Abstract: A removable beverage container lid wherein the lid has a substantially enclosed space defined between an exterior cover and an interior cover. At least one inlet opening is formed in the interior cover directing a hot beverage to flow into the substantially enclosed space. Attached to the interior cover at the forward edge of the inlet opening is a partition or wall assembly having a height extending to be located substantially against the exterior cover and a length at least equal to the length of the inlet opening. Between the partition or wall assembly and the peripheral edge of the exterior cover is located a gap area. Connected with the gap area is a dispensing opening formed in the exterior cover. Hot beverage is required to flow around the partition or wall assembly and into the gap area prior to flowing through the dispensing opening exteriorly of a beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Milan
  • Patent number: 6447565
    Abstract: A transmission vent assembly includes an apparatus having a central, internal passage extending therethrough. The internal passage has a larger diameter portion defining a pocket. A filter is disposed in the pocket to condense and return fluid to the transmission through the internal passage. The apparatus includes a shoulder adjacent the upper surface and a double lead thread initiating at the shoulder and terminating at a lower end. The assembly further includes a cup-shaped cap, press fittingly disposed over the apparatus. The cap and shoulder define an annular cavity and the cap and the double lead thread define first and second threaded passages. The cap includes an outward impression in the closed end which cooperates with the upper surface of the apparatus to define a connecting passage. Two bi-directional air flow paths extend between the transmission and the atmosphere through the internal passage, connecting air passage, annular air cavity, and each of the two threaded passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James Allen Raszkowski, Conrad L. Rockey
  • Patent number: 6375024
    Abstract: A vacuum apparatus for easily forming a vacuum in any bottle, container or the like and for providing a stable sealing. A lower cylindrical member together with a disc member forms a space portion in which a vacuum or an atmospheric pressure is applied, and the lower portion of an upper cylindrical member is inserted in the space portion and divides the space portion into upper and lower spaces. With a downward movement of the upper cylindrical member, the upper space expands and draws air inside of a bottle, and with an upward movement thereof, the air introduced into the upper space is vented outside. At this time, a check valve is selectively opened and closed and is operated by a pressure difference applied thereon. By repetitive reciprocating movement of the upper cylindrical member, a high vacuum is formed in the bottle and is sealed by the check valve. The apparatus is adaptable in a vacuum bottle, a medical suction instrument or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Yoon Sik Park
  • Publication number: 20020011493
    Abstract: A lid apparatus for a tank opening that retains fluid within the tank while allowing air to vent into or out of the tank. An air manifold is provided, preferably as part of an installation ring of the apparatus which is mounted to the tank around the tank opening. The air manifold has an outer radial wall and an inner radial wall spanned by an annular base surface. A plurality of angularly spaced openings in the outer radial wall are angularly offset from a plurality of openings in the inner radial wall to be out of angular alignment therewith, and the space above the annular base surface between the outer radial wall openings and the inner radial wall openings provides a plurality of air flow passageways. A cap of the apparatus has a cover portion and a depending mounting member adapted to insert within the installation ring and engage a cap mounting portion of that ring to detachably mount the cap to the installation ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Mark E. Gillen
  • Patent number: 6318584
    Abstract: A removable beverage container lid for a beverage container to cover the mouth of the beverage container wherein the lid has a substantially enclosed space defined between an exterior cover and an interior cover. An inlet opening is formed with the interior cover through which a hot beverage is to flow into the substantially enclosed space. Attached to the interior cover at the forward edge of the inlet opening is a partition with the height of the partition extending to be located substantially against the exterior cover. The length of the partition is at least equal to the length of the inlet opening. Between the partition and the peripheral edge of the exterior cover is located a gap area. Connected with the gap area is a dispensing opening formed within the exterior cover. Hot beverage is required to flow around the partition and into the gap area prior to flowing through the dispensing opening exteriorly of the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Milan
  • Patent number: 6296135
    Abstract: A vent-on-demand hatch cover for closing a hatch opening of a compartment in a railcar, and particularly a hopper car, wherein the car is provided with a coaming that defines the opening. The cover includes a peripheral opening for taking in the outside air and which is disposed adjacent the outer side of the coaming and an inside opening at the underside of the cover exposed to the compartment for connecting the cover to the compartment air. Passageways are provided between the two openings in order to allow air flow between the outside of the car and the inside of the car. A closure member is provided at the inside opening of the cover which is resiliently biased normally into closed position and which opens upon the formation of a vacuum within the compartment in order to allow unloading of the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: ZefTek, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Anderson, Walter J. Peach, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6166327
    Abstract: A wire box including a main box having an outer surface with a water outlet therein. A wall is provided around the periphery of the outlet and projects outwardly from the surface in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto. There is a closure on the end of the wall furthest from the main box. There is at least one opening in the wall which communicates between the outlet and the exterior of the box. It is more desirable if there is a protective rib adjacent the opening and spaced apart therefrom a distant sufficient to allow water to run out of the opening. The form of the closure may be widely varied so that there is no direct path into and out of the main box for water to follow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukitaka Saito, Shinshu Kato
  • Patent number: 6085664
    Abstract: A vented hatch cover for a container having an opening defining a hatch and a coaming on the container's exterior surrounding the hatch opening. The cover has an outer shell and an inner shell, each shell having a main body and a flanged portion. The bodies are sized to fit over and enclose the hatch opening. The flanged portions are bonded together and extend radially outwardly from the corresponding bodies to fixedly couple and hold the bodies of the inner and outer shells in a spaced relationship to present an air chamber therebetween. Balsa reinforcement members are spaced apart and fixed between the shells in a radial pattern within the air chamber to provide support to the cover without interfering with the air flow. Air inlets are formed through the flange and body of the inner shell to allow air flow from the container's exterior into the container via the air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Aero Transportation Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Early
  • Patent number: 6029696
    Abstract: An air bleed device for a rigid closed housing having a vent hole in a vehicle power transmission system has a baffle portion and a vent portion, connected through a neck portion. In use, the baffle portion is positioned inside the housing and is significantly larger than the vent hole, so it may not be deformed sufficiently to pass through the vent hole. The baffle portion is a pair of planar pieces held in spaced apart relationship by a wall portion which runs along the periphery of the planar pieces and leaves an opening to give access to a plenum between the planar pieces. An outer surface of one of the planar pieces rests against the inner wall of the housing. The vent portion has a collar with a decreasing diameter which may be pulled through the vent hole in a deformed manner and a lower flange-like surface of the collar rests against the outer wall of the housing. When installed in the vent hole, the neck portion provides a frictional fit due to its outside diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory L. Heatwole
  • Patent number: 6015444
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for venting a transmission (10) is disclosed which provides a transmission breather (12) which allows pressure equalization between the interior and exterior of the transmission while reducing or eliminating fluid expulsion from the transmission. The breather includes a standpipe (18), a bowl (20) having a first end (70) secured to the standpipe and at least one aperture (80), a shroud (22) secured to the standpipe, and a filter (90) disposed between the bowl and the standpipe. The standpipe has a first end (30), a second end (32) and an intermediate portion (34) extending axially between the first and second ends. The second end of the standpipe has at least one surface (46) for transmitting torque to the standpipe to enable the breather to be top drivable to facilitate installation and removal of the breather with the transmission. The intermediate portion has an axially extending central passage (60) and at least one radially extending passage (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Craft, John S. Steurer, Paul R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5960980
    Abstract: A vented hatch cover assembly for a railroad hopper car including top and bottom members having substantially rigid and somewhat dome-shaped bodies which are divided into four quadrants wherein each quadrant includes coacting baffle members extending from the bodies of the top and bottom members which define a plurality of circuitous air passageways to allow air flow into and out of the hopper car while restricting moisture and other contaminants from entering the car. An improved hatch cover lock mechanism for securing a vented or non-vented cover to the hatch is easily adjustable to provide a tight seal between the cover and hatch, and provides a safe controlled opening of a non-vented cover. An improved seal or gasket is arranged between the cover and hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Zeftek, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Burke, John D. Anderson, Walter J. Peach, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5908129
    Abstract: A plastic vent valve (1) for containers for transporting and storing liquids has a cylindrical valve housing(2) which is made as a threaded plug (3) and is screwed onto a screw cover (8) for closing an opening of a plastic inner container of a palletized container. The valve has a valve membrane (4), a surge disk (5), a surge cover (6), and a sealing cap (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Protechna S.A.
    Inventor: Udo Schutz
  • Patent number: 5881905
    Abstract: A lid for a cooking vessel such as a pot. The lid is circular and has a central region and a peripheral region. At least one aperture is disposed within the central region of the lid, thereby enabling hot air and steam to pass through the lid. A plurality of rib elements are disposed on the top of the lid, wherein the various rib elements define a pathway from the apertures in the central region to the peripheral region. The rib elements all terminate in the same plane. As such, a cooking vessel can be placed on top of the lid and the rib elements will support that cooking vessel in an even manner. As hot air and steam from a cooking vessel rise up, that hot air and steam passes through the apertures in the lid. The hot air and steam then passes through the pathways on the top surface of the lid, thereby allowing that hot air and steam to heat a second cooking vessel placed on the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: John B. Brady
  • Patent number: 5823378
    Abstract: A breather box attaches to the exterior wall of an electrical enclosure. An upper breather opening in the box connects with a vent opening in the wall. A lower breather opening in the box is shielded by a wall spaced therefrom to prevent water entry. A labyrinth in the interior of the box forces ascending water through a series of sharp turns and through a series of constrictions which are followed by expansion chambers. The labyrinth terminates at a liquid exit adjacent the upper wall of the breather box, forcing water to substantially fill the breather box before it can enter the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: GSEG LLC
    Inventors: David A. Evarts, Charles R. Ruskouski, John Cutone
  • Patent number: 5787797
    Abstract: A teapot into which the air can be efficiently sucked through a suction port to efficiently agitate tea form brewing and which can prevent clogging of filtering holes. A suction port 20 is formed on a lid 2 and close to a knob 24. A vent hole 21 is provided in the bottom surface of the lid 2, which communicates with the suction port 20 and of which a blow-out port 22 is adjacent to an outer bottom surface 26. Air is sucked from the suction port 20 into a teapot body 1 through the vent hole 21 to agitate hot water 52.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Seio Ariki
  • Patent number: 5746340
    Abstract: An electrical enclosure lid composed of several elongated members nested in such a way that a tortuous air channel is created between each member. The air channel allows heat generated by internal electrical components, such as large power transformers, to pass out of the lid to facilitate convection cooling of the enclosure. Due to the labyrinthine air channel, flames potentially generated inside the enclosure are hindered from passing outside the enclosure. Drainage holes are included on the sides of the lid to allow water to pass over the lid without entering the enclosure. The design is optimized for harsh environments such as a mining operation where large amounts of power are needed in close proximity to workers. The nesting structure provides strong structural support to protect the enclosure in case of a rock fall or a cave-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Line Power Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Robert T. Kearfott, Garry F. Raines
  • Patent number: 5692637
    Abstract: A differential pressure sensor having a vent to atmosphere and mounted where it is subject to water spray has a vent cap which protects against spray entering the vent and prohibits water residing along the cap edges from being drawn into the vent. The vent is surrounded by an upstanding collar and the vent cap snaps onto the collar. A shroud extends laterally from one side of the cap to a point beyond the sensor package and further extends down below the upper surface of the package. The shroud is open at the bottom to afford an air passage to the vent as well as a baffle against spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald Curtis Hodge
  • Patent number: 5657665
    Abstract: A fill level indicator (7) for a tank (6) of an internal combustion engine (5) has a housing (8) with an inner chamber (9) connected to the tank (6) to allow the fill level indicator (7) to be visible. The housing (8) includes an upwardly directed housing strip (21) which projects laterally from an outer face (20) of the housing (8). The housing strip (21), when in a fitted condition, engages a groove (19) of an edge (16) to an upwardly directed opening (24) which is closed by a cover (14) which may be fixed to the housing (8). The cover (14) includes at least one lug (28) which is tensionable against the tank edge (16) and the cover (14) extends over an upper end (13) of the housing (8). A labyrinth seal is provided between the housing (8) and the cover (14), and the seal forms connecting ventilation channels (25, 26, 27), arranged one above the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: SABO-Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Heinrich Ostermeier
  • Patent number: 5649639
    Abstract: A venting container prevents the incursion of contaminants and water during the breathing of the contents and has a central body received in a collar in the top wall of the container and adapted to accommodate a filter element. The central body is secured to a cover which is provided with break-away means signalling improper opening of the container and with a protective cap turned toward the interior thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Sotralentz S.A.
    Inventors: Franck Dolvet, Francis Herrmann
  • Patent number: 5649859
    Abstract: A circumference wall is provided on a slant surface of a case. A cylindrical portion with a through hole for communicating the inside of the case to the outside is protruded inside the circumference wall. A shaft loosely fitted into the through hole is vertically provided from a reversely recessed cap. A falling out preventing portion for preventing the shaft from falling out the through hole is formed at the lower end of the shaft while a gap to the rear surface of the upper plate is secured. A communicating hole communicating with the gap between the shaft and the through hole when the falling out preventing portion is closely brought into contact with the rear surface of the upper plate, is provided on the falling out preventing portion. An outer circumference wall covered on the outside of the circumference wall and disposed to form a gap to the slant surface is vertically provided on the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Masaaki Shiga
  • Patent number: 5609194
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a lid (10) having an inlet opening (18) and provided for being fitted onto a carafe (12) for holding a brewed beverage. In order to prevent the escape of steam from the carafe (12) through the inlet opening (18), a steam deflector (40) is provided on the lid (10) beneath the inlet opening (18). Further, in order to avoid the undesired effect of liquid leaking from the inlet opening (18) as the brewed beverage is being poured from the carafe (12), the inlet opening (18) terminates into a laterally extending inlet channel (26) whose channel wall (40) forms the steam deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Link, G unter Oppermann, Utz Wagner
  • Patent number: 5584409
    Abstract: Valves useful for pressure relief/ventilation/vacuum or pressure retention, particularly in packaging containers, are disclosed. The present valves include a first member which is substantially rigid, includes an outer sealing region and a raised section having at least one hole therethrough; and a second member which is substantially elastic, is in close proximity to, preferably in contact with, the raised section of the first member and is sealingly secured the first member at the outer sealing region. The second member includes at least one through hole located outwardly or outboard of the raised section of the first section and inwardly of the outer sealing region of the first member. The elastic member may be moved away from the raised section to equalize gas pressures between a container and the environment outside the container or is urged into more intimate contact with the raised section to prevent gas flow into or out of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Christopher H. Chemberlen
  • Patent number: 5558244
    Abstract: A reservoir for automotive vehicles comprises first baffles concentrically arranged inside a cap and having different diameters, and second baffles concentrically arranged inside a filler port of the reservoir and having different diameters, the second baffles being concentric with the first baffles. The first and second baffles are disposed alternately. The second baffles are formed with a communication port for allowing fluid communication in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Akaike, Shinichi Komatsu
  • Patent number: 5507324
    Abstract: A fuel filling assembly for liquid fuel tanks, especially on boats or the like, includes a fill tube adapted for mounting through a deck and a closure cap preferably hinged over the fill tube opening for selective opening and closing. Preferably, a positioning member allows the closure cap to be mounted in various positions with respect to the fill tube to accommodate various mounting locations on a boat. The fill tube may be angled or straight to further accommodate varied mounting positions. In one version, a separate vent tube joins the fill tube to provide continuous fuel tank venting, pressure equalization and return of fuel overflow to the fuel tank in case of tank overfill. In the vented version, a rigid shield on the closure cap extends over the opening to a vent passageway through the cap to restrict the escape of liquid fuel in the event of fuel surge due to extreme boat movements or the like when the closure cap is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Attwood Corporation
    Inventors: Warwick M. Whitley, II, Donald L. Clark
  • Patent number: 5503199
    Abstract: A fuel filling assembly for liquid fuel tanks, especially on boats or the like, includes a fill tube adapted for mounting through a deck and a closure cap preferably hinged over the fill tube opening for selective opening and closing. Preferably, a positioning member allows the closure cap to be mounted in various positions with respect to the fill tube to accommodate various mounting locations on a boat. The fill tube may be angled or straight to further accommodate varied mounting positions. In one version, a separate vent tube joins the fill tube to provide continuous fuel tank venting, pressure equalization and return of fuel overflow to the fuel tank in case of tank overfill. In the vented version, a flexible valve member on the closure cap closes a vent passageway through the cap in the event of fuel surge due to extreme boat movements or the like when the closure cap is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Attwood Corporation
    Inventors: Warwick M. Whitley, II, Donald L. Clark
  • Patent number: 5484731
    Abstract: A plate assembly for useful for in vitro fertilization procuedures such as receiving ova and for forming, evaluating, holding, manipulating and culturing embryos includes a base with an apportioned top surface and a sidewall. The top surface has a plurality of open wells embedded therein for receiving ova to be cultured. The wells are substantially cylindrical and have substantially flat closed bottoms to facilitate microscopic examination of the well contents. The assembly includes a removable lid for covering the top surface of the base. The lid is preferably divided into sections comparable to the top surface portions of the base. Each lid section may be separately slidably moved between a closed position where the lid covers a comparable portion of the top surface and an open position where the top surface is uncovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Timothy A. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5445291
    Abstract: The present invention provides a package such as a cylindrical can for containing a particulate product, such as roast and ground coffee, under pressure. The package automatically releases the pressure upon opening while preventing the escape of the particulate product. The package is made from a container having a closed top, a closed bottom, and an enclosed body between the top and the bottom. The package includes a venting member disposed within the container near the top. One end of the venting member abuts against the body of the container along its perimeter and another end abuts against the top of the container along its perimeter. The package further includes a channel between the venting member and the container. When the container is initially opened with a can opener, the top of the container is punctured in an area above the channel. The pressure is then released from the container into the channel and out of the package while the particulate product is prevented from escaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Wade K. Daniel
  • Patent number: 5435454
    Abstract: A cap for a reservoir comprises cylindrical baffles with different diameters concentrically arranged in the cap, and breathers arranged to the cylindrical baffles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Ishii
  • Patent number: 5419446
    Abstract: The invention provides an anti-glug fitting for co-operation with the neck portion of a container for liquids, the fitting comprising an outer body adapted to conform to the neck of the container, and formed with a shaped through bore extending from an inlet end to an outlet end and a guard member partially obturating the outlet; wherein the outlet opens from a chamber defined by the through bore and by opposed spaced apart faces of the guard member and a fixed or movable member, and by a plurality of apertures forming part of the through bore which allow fluid flow past the valve body. The total area defined by the apertures is equal to, or less than, the total area of the outlet, thereby to alleviate glugging by providing that air may pass into the neck of the container at a rate equal to, or greater than, the rate at which liquid flows out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: MCG Closures Limited
    Inventors: Malcolm A. Cox, Matthew J. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 5374557
    Abstract: A closure device for fermentation test tubes or flasks (vessels) comprises a cylindrical cap which is either molded integrally with the vessel as one piece or is molded separately and is snugly fitted over the neck of the vessel, in a fashion which not only allows for free gaseous flow between the contents of the vessel and the ambient atmosphere but also facilitates easy access to the contents of the vessel without having to detach the closure from the vessel. Particular features of the cover permit manipulation with the fingers of the hand holding the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Inventor: Kuldeep Verma
  • Patent number: 5344662
    Abstract: A package containing a particulate product under pressure which automatically releases the pressure upon opening with an ordinary can opener, while preventing escape of the particulate material. The package is made up of a container having a closed top and a closed bottom which are connected to a body portion to define a gas tight interior compartment. The container has an inwardly directed bead along the perimeter of the body of the container located at a predetermined distance from the top. A non-porous product separator is placed within the container above the bead so that its perimeter is adjacent to the perimeter of the body of the container. The separator divides the interior compartment into a product chamber, below the separator, and a product free chamber above the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Payne, Daniel J. Kinne
  • Patent number: 5341951
    Abstract: The present invention features a breather cap for use in venting an oil reservoir. The cap vents high-velocity air flowing out of the oil reservoir, entraining the droplets of oil that are suspended in the escaping air. The breather cap is designed to slow the speed of the escaping air. This slowing mechanism is usually a large-volume chamber that is typically placed within the bottom of the cap. The air is directed against a deflector plate or a deflecting surface on top of the chamber. This deflected air deposits the tiny droplets upon the deflection surface. The separated oil is caused to pool or accumulate and drip back into the bottom of the chamber and then into the oil reservoir. The purified, lighter air thus rises above the deflector and is then vented through exit holes located in the top or side of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Springston
  • Patent number: 5284261
    Abstract: An insert for a nursing bottle is disclosed. It is placed between the bottle and the nipple. The insert has a channel that communicates with the air passage holes in the nipple. The channel itself has air passage holes that are sized to allow air into the bottle but prevent the liquid in the bottle from exiting. This arrangement prevents the creation of a vacumn in the bottle when the liquid exits through the nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventor: Sam C. Zambuto
  • Patent number: 5277326
    Abstract: A rice cooking pot for use in cooking rice in a microwave oven has a container having a top opening for holding rice, an inner lid to be put on the container to close the top opening, and an outer lid to be put over the inner lid and press-fitted on the container. The inner lid has its central portion protruding upwardly in the shape of a sheath and is formed with a big center hole extending vertically through the sheath and with small holes provided around the big holes. The inner lid has its top surface sloping downwards toward the small holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Machiko Chiba
  • Patent number: 5277327
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cap assembly for screwing into an opening of a reservoir for storing a fluid therein. Around the cap, formed is a sealing groove in which a sealing member is disposed. The sealing member has a sealing portion which extends toward the inner periphery of the opening, and a pair of contacting portions which extend axially toward each inner side of the sealing groove in spaced relationship with each inner side of the sealing groove by a predetermined clearance respectively. The sealing member is formed around the periphery thereof with grooves for allowing the sealing portion and contacting portions to be deflected in response to a sliding motion of the sealing member when the cap assembly is screwed into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiro Nakano, Shinji Sakata
  • Patent number: 5269431
    Abstract: A reservoir tank includes a tank body storing an amount of operating fluid and having an inlet, a cap detachably mounted on the inlet of the tank body, a deflector secured to the cap so as to be located in the inlet and having a first passage which is in fluid communication with the atmosphere and a second passage which is in fluid communication with an inner space of the tank body, a diaphragm located between the cap and the deflector and having a slit valve which is set to be opened by a pressure difference thereacross, and an interruption body located between the deflector and the diaphragm so as to oppose to the second passage of the deflector and having a passage which enabling the fluid communication between the second passage of the deflector and the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Sakata, Toshihiro Nakano, Hitoshi Ichioka, Yasuyuki Hanai
  • Patent number: 5234038
    Abstract: A pour spout for pouring a fluid, such as fuel, by gravity from a container to a tank. The spout includes a conduit having one end connected to the fuel container and having a second end to be positioned within the neck of the tank. A sleeve is mounted for sliding movement within the conduit and the outer end of the sleeve carries a closure which closes off the discharge end of the conduit. A vent tube is disposed within the conduit and has an inlet end which is adapted to communicate with the fuel tank when the closure is in the open position. A check valve is mounted within the vent tube and permits the flow of fuel vapor and air from the tank through the tube to the container, but prevents flow of fuel in the opposite direction. An annular collar is mounted on the conduit and with the collar engaged with the neck of the fuel tank, a downward force applied through the container on the sleeve will open the closure to admit fuel through the conduit to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert K. Mitchell, John H. Thiermann, Paul R. Ruppel, Daniel E. Braun
  • Patent number: 5160054
    Abstract: A vent system adapted to be installed on a standard container, in place of a shipping and storage plug, for use in venting the container without requiring any modification to the container. The vent system includes a knob which is turnable in one direction to place the vent system in a vent closed condition, as for example for shipping the container, and turnable in the opposite direction to place the vent system in a vent open condition to permit air to be vented into the container during fluid removal. A vent housing is adapted to be screwed into a threaded opening of the container. The knob includes a cap and a ring which are held together by a tamper evident seal. The knob is captured by the vent housing to prevent unwanted removal of the knob and to prevent unwanted access to the container. The tamper evident seal must be removed for access to the vent housing and for removal of the vent system from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Paul A. Nolte
  • Patent number: 5159155
    Abstract: Water is prevented from entering an electric connection box by providing an additional cover with a drain port out of register with drain ports on a normally-provided bottom cover. Baffles between the drain ports on the bottom cover and the drain port on the additional cover provide additional protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Nishihara
  • Patent number: 5152419
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap for reserve tanks, wherein said cap has a vent path. The cap consists of an upper member and a lower member, wherein an annular rib is defined in the upper surface of the lower member. The annular rib is forced into abutment with the lower surface of said upper member so as to form an inner chamber and an outer chamber between said upper and lower members. A portion of said annular rib is extended in the central direction of the annular rib, and a groove or a hole is formed in the extention of the annular rib, said groove or hole allowing communication between said inner and outer chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Jidosha Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kunio Yanagi
  • Patent number: 5135124
    Abstract: A carbonated beverage container having a cap which remains connected to the body of the container during the venting. Interlocking tabs are provided, two sets on the cap and one set on the container body, in a manner which allows the cap to be sufficiently opened to vent the internal pressure of the container. One set of tabs maintain the cap in a sealed relation with the container body while the second set of tabs prevents the cap further rotating during venting. Once the internal pressure has been sufficiently released, the second set of tabs can be disengaged and the cap removed from the container body. The cap is fully engaged and disengaged less than one full rotation of the cap relative to the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Hoover Universal, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory S. Wobser
  • Patent number: 5088947
    Abstract: A fuel tank vent for venting air and fumes from a fuel tank of a boat, said vent including an outer and inner restraining means for restraining the flow of water and other foreign materials from passing through said vent and contaminating the fuel in the tank. Each of said inner and outer restraining means includes a unique structure in and of itself and in combination for causing said water and foreign material to take a tortuous path and to be trapped prior to reaching the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Attwood Corporation
    Inventors: Warwick M. Whitley, II, Clifton J. Ratza
  • Patent number: 5086943
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sealing cap assembly (10) of the type that is particularly adapted for use in closing and venting the access aperture (60) of a transmission housing (58). The embodiment of the sealing cap assembly (10) disclosed, has a body portion (15) and a cap portion (20). The body portion (15) has a radially outermost extent with at least one thread path (51 and/or 52) extending along, and being recessed inwardly with respect to, the outermost extent of the body portion (15). At least one hollow cubicle (46, 47, 48 or 49) is provided interiorly of the body portion (15). Port means (73 and/or 74) penetrate the body portion (15) in order to provide communication between at least one the thread paths (51 and/or 52) and the hollow cubicle (46, 47, 48 or 49).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Fredrick R. Poskie
  • Patent number: 5064089
    Abstract: A vented hatch cover for an enclosed vessel having a cover body sized to overlie and cover a hatch opening defined by an upstanding coaming. A pair of air passages are defined by the cover body and a pair of hoods connected thereto. The hoods define air inlet opening and a plenum which communicates with air outlet openings in the interior of the cover body. The air passages permit air flow in sufficient volume to vent the vessel and to empty the vessel by high speed vacuum unloading. A filter is removably retained on the hoods in the air inlet openings. A filter screen on the interior of the cover prevents contamination of the air passages from the inside. A latching arm provides downward pressure on the hatch when in a sealing position and the capability of pivoting the hatch cover together with the latching arm when it is moved. The cover is floatingly engaged in the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Salco Products Inc.
    Inventor: Francis R. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5058621
    Abstract: In this invention, a breather device for a tank comprises a closed reservoir above the container but having a conduit which depends into the container and has an opening which determines liquid level in the container. The container comprises air inlet means which will allow entry of air into the container from above liquid level, and a breather tube which opens into the container below liquid level (or vice versa) so that liquid normally closes the air flow path to the breather tube, but the depth of water level is so small that a slight pressure differential only is required to cause sufficient displacememt of water to open that air flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: Hein R. Thumm
  • Patent number: 5054282
    Abstract: A drain assembly 30 for a case 26 is disclosed. Various construction details are developed for minimizing the radial profile and facilitating assembly to an opening in the case while blocking the passage of flames from the exterior to the interior. In one embodiment, the drain assembly 30 has a cover 42 facing one side of the case with passages 48 therethrough, a plate 58 having a passage 62 on the other side of the case, and a baffle 66 disposed in the opening to block flames from passing between the cover side of the case and the plate side of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Costa, Steven P. Shach
  • Patent number: 5038959
    Abstract: A thermal beverage container and a lid therefor are provided. The container includes an insulated reservoir for storing and dispensing liquid. A spout is located at the base of the container and is in communication with the reservoir. A dispensing arm is operable to open a valve upon actuation thereof to permit liquid to be expressed from the reservoir via the spout. The container has an open upper end onto which a lid is threadedly secured. The open upper end of the container defines a neck of reduced diameter relative to the reservoir. The neck has a groove formed therein which extends from the reservoir to the upper surface of the container. The lid is complementary to shape to the opening in the container and thus, includes a plug for seating in the neck. However, the groove is not filled by the plug. A funnel-shaped, centrally located passage is formed through the lid and supports a floatable ball. The passage permits liquid to be poured into the insulated reservoir without removal of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Cafe 98 Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Dahyabhai U. Patel
  • Patent number: 5024345
    Abstract: A one piece plastic vent cap having its open end adapted for receiving one end of a flexible hollow conduit with the conduit other end connected to a vent hole in a housing enclosing a vehicle component. The vent cap closed end if formed a central stem element projecting axially therefrom with a plurality of radial ribs interconnecting the stem element with the cap cylindrical side wall. The ribs are L-shaped defining with the central stem element a concentric space adapted for flexibly receiving one end of the conduit with the stem element telescoped within the conduit passage. Upon the conduit being inserted in the cap the conduit internal and external surfaces cooperate with the cap structure to define axial inner and outer flow passages communicating with a crossover flow passage allowing ventilation of the housing to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin R. Deweerdt
  • Patent number: 5009325
    Abstract: A cap for vent nozzles comprises a main cap part turnably mountable on a lower nozzle member to adjust a passage through the vent nozzle, the main cap part having an inlet opening formed to communicate with an ambient atmosphere and allow air to come into the lower nozzle member and then into an interior of a device to be vented, an auxiliary cap part connected with the main cap part and provided with a passage and an outlet opening communicating with the passage, the auxiliary part being formed so that it is fittable on the main cap part so that in a fitted condition the passage communicates with the inlet opening of the main cap part and the outlet opening of the auxiliary cap part faces toward an interior of the vent nozzle in a direction opposite to the inlet opening of the main cap part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: KB Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter K. Weber
  • Patent number: 4998550
    Abstract: A dishwashing machine having a box-like closed main frame with a front vertical opening and a door for closing the front opening. A hinge pivotally interconnects the bottom edge section of the door to the bottom front edge section of the main frame. A latch releasably lockingly anchors the top edge section of the door to the top front edge section of the main frame. The machine is characterized by the way the door joins with the main frame of the dishwasher when the door is closed: the side and top edge sections of the door inner face have two spaced outturned projections forming a continuous U-shape cavity, and the front and side edge sections of the top and side walls of the dishwasher main frame define an inturned U-shape cavity. The U-shape cavities engage each other when the door is closed, to prevent water escape but to allow air circulation through the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventor: Jean Archambault