Drain Pan Or Drip Pan Patents (Class 220/571)
  • Patent number: 6713138
    Abstract: A combination fluid collection container and drive-up service point in a traffic lane. The fluid collection container for retention of leaked automobile fluids is thermally bonded to the traffic lane surface adjacent to a drive up service point. The shallow, rectangular basin is formed of a thermoplastic material which is impervious to automotive fuels and lubricants, and resistant to wear and degradation by the environment. The container is formed of multiple thermoplastic components which are assembled during installation on the traffic lane surface. These components include a base sheet which provides the bottom surface of the container, side walls, and end walls. The outer edges of the end walls may be tapered during installation to remove any abrupt discontinuities in the traffic lane surface. The leaked fluids are retained within the container until removed in compliance with local laws and codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Darrell P. Griner
  • Patent number: 6691884
    Abstract: A portable cooler tray device for storing foods and beverages on ice while being at a remote location. The portable cooler tray device includes a first tray section; and also includes a second tray section being connected to the first tray section and also being extendable and retractable relative to the first tray section; and further includes a seal for making the first and second tray sections leak-proof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Robert F. Dwyer
  • Publication number: 20030226847
    Abstract: A tray has a containment space defined by a tray floor and a continuous peripheral ridge extending upwardly from the tray floor. The ridge has an inner sidewall extending inward and downward from an upper edge of the ridge and an outer sidewall extending downward from the upper edge of the ridge. Multiple trays are coupled together by a connector member having lobes that mate with the shell-like structure of the ridge, and provide additional strength to the peripheral ridge. The tray can be provided with a shell-like construction such that multiple trays can be stacked compactly one on top of the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Dale Hughes
  • Publication number: 20030222087
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a base pan for placement in the lower section of the workspace of a safety workbench which has a bottom area surrounded by side walls, in the lowest region of which is a collection area, such that the bottom area slopes downward, at least in part, in the direction of the collection area, and that the height of the side walls running toward the collection area increases in the direction of the collection area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Edmund Frickel
  • Patent number: 6637453
    Abstract: A device and method for collecting distension media or other fluids discharged during surgical procedures is shown. Also shown is a method for reducing the risk of hyponatremia. The apparatus makes it practical to determine the amount of distension media retained by a patient during hysteroscopic or other surgical procedures, particularly procedures using non-isotonic distension media during monopolar electrosurgery. The apparatus and methods are also useful during a variety of laparoscopic, obstetric, cardiovascular, liposuction, plastic, orthopedic, restorative, and other procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Promethean Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan R. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6629620
    Abstract: A food service receptacle suited for storing and protecting a variety of prepared food items using efficient and manageable containers to allow easy and efficient food transfer. One embodiment includes a box, a closure unit, specialized containers and support members. The box can be lined with a watertight material such as plastic or galvanized metal. The closure unit is hingedly mounted to said box and has openings covered by a netting material and also has a plurality of collapsible support arms to support an open position. The support members can be detachable and covered with a non-corrosive material at their bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Christine A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 6626321
    Abstract: Bin for collecting biological materials including a container having a bottom floor, side walls and a lid which can be opened, and at least one opening for the passage of air. Side gratings are arranged in an interior of the vessel and at a distance from an adjacent side wall. The gratings are connected to the vessel. A bottom grating is arranged at a distance from the floor of the vessel and pivotally mounted to the side gratings to pivot inward into a space between the side gratings. Intermediate spaces are present between the side gratings and the respective adjacent side wall and connected with the air passage opening(s). An insert for converting a commercial refuse bin into a bin of this type includes two side gratings and fastening or fixing elements for mounting the side gratings fixedly to the side wall of the refuse bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Georg Jaeger
  • Patent number: 6622885
    Abstract: An arm mounted transporting tray for food containers which takes the form of essentially a flat base which has a raised lip around its peripheral edge. Within the flat base is located a groove arrangement which will conduct any spilled liquids to an opening formed within the base which will then be deposited within an internal reservoir that is formed within a graspable handle that is mounted on the undersurface of the base. Also mounted on the undersurface of the base is an upper arm engagement which keeps the tray correctly aligned on the user's arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Yury M. Erman
  • Patent number: 6607805
    Abstract: The invention is a rubber or plastic mat with four sidewalls for collecting the grease drippings from a conventional barbecue grill. The mat is placed on the ground and the grill is simply rolled onto the mat. Specially shaped grease barriers allow the wheels of the grill to be rolled over them to place the grill over the center of the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Tom Clark
  • Publication number: 20030141307
    Abstract: A tray for storing and transporting products that are desirably kept separate from any liquid that may be present. The tray is made up of a base with a number of sidewalls extending up from the edges of the base. Preferably the sidewalls have an outwardly directed lip to which a suitable cover can be attached. The base of the tray is divided into a plurality of islands that cover the majority of the base by a plurality of intersecting channels. The width of the channels is sufficiently narrow to allow the product to span the channels and be supported by the islands. In some cases, a liquid permeable sheet may have to be placed over the channels to support products that cannot span even narrow channels. The collective volume of the channels is large enough to accept and contain all of the liquid that is likely to be present in the tray during use. In this way the liquid is kept separate and apart from the product contained in the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Craig Sanders, Toby Richard David Wingfield, Leah Marie Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6581218
    Abstract: A water conservation system for use in a shower stall or a bathtub having a shower head. The system includes a pair of receptacles placed on the floor of the shower stall. Each of the receptacles includes a cover, which has a hingedly connected panel to facilitate draining into a selected receptacle while a user is in the shower/bathtub. Collection of clear water is facilitated by directing the shower head at a first one of the receptacles when the water is warming up, and pivoting the shower head in the opposing direction when rinsing to direct gray or soapy water into a second one of the receptacles. The appropriate receptacle cover panel is opened depending upon the positioning of the shower head. Drains are formed in the tops of both receptacles, the tops having a drainage surface with a concave profile to direct water to a centrally positioned drain opening. Each of the receptacles has a removable pour spout, and a locking member is provided to prevent relative movement of the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Edward L. Koepenick, III
  • Patent number: 6571979
    Abstract: A holder for an ice cream having a stick includes a handle having a drip-receiving cavity. A drip catchment member is attached to or formed integrally with the handle and includes a catchment surface for receiving drips from the ice cream. A stick-receiving aperture receives the stick to support the ice cream above the catchment surface and a drain enables any drips caught by the catchment surface to migrate into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Rodney Neil Schmarr
  • Patent number: 6568419
    Abstract: A disposable fluid control island for workers is made of a broad, shallow tray or flat open-topped container that is filled with a stiff mesh, grid, grille or net upon which workers may stand. Water, oil, blood and other liquids pass through the mesh easily and are retained in the tray. Workers are supported above the accumulated liquids by the support medium. The apparatus helps to keep the feet of workers dry, reduces the likelihood of slipping, and prevents liquids from dispersing. The disposable fluid control island is particularly well-suited for use during orthopedic surgical procedures, but can be used with other activities including plumbing repairs, handling of hazardous materials, and other medical procedures. Fluid collected by the disposable fluid control island may be removed by vacuum or liquid drains, sealed into containers, and disposed of appropriately given the nature of the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Promethean Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan Robinson, Dennis Ristvedt
  • Publication number: 20030057215
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drip-proof inset of the type that comprises a bottom and a U-shaped border surrounding the same, which border is composed of two side pieces and one back piece. Initially, said inset is in the shape of a plane sheet (A) that includes a number of scorings, viz. two first scorings (8), along which two side pieces (3′) can be turned up at an angle to a bottom-forming part (1′) of the sheet, a second scoring (9), along which a back piece (4′) can be turned up at an angle to the bottom sheet part (1′), as well as at least one additional, third scoring (11) that extends halfway between two opposite edges (7) of the sheet in order to, before turning-up of said back and side pieces, enable folding of the sheet in the middle during formation of two folded-up sheet halves having a halved surface area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: TOLLCO AB
    Inventor: Patrik Gerger
  • Publication number: 20030057114
    Abstract: A tray for storing and displaying products that exude liquid includes a base with side walls and end walls. The base has a side rib spaced from and parallel to a side wall for forming a side liquid collection cavity at the side wall. The base has other interior ribs to support the product. The tray is designed to be tilted at an angle so that the side liquid collection cavity is lowermost and allows any liquid to move downwardly into the side cavity. An absorbent material is located in the side liquid collection cavity, and the cavity is covered by a porous sheet so that the liquid passes through the porous sheet and is absorbed below the sheet and is hidden from view. The liquid may form a gel with the absorbent material. The preferred absorbent material is a non-crosslinked gel forming polymer and at least one clay and preferably including a trivalent cation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: William M. Brander
  • Publication number: 20030042263
    Abstract: A fitted tray of molded thermoplastic material to place under a one-gallon plastic container of milk is proposed. When milk is poured out from this container, a few drops inevitably drip down the side and collect at the bottom. These accumulate and often go unnoticed until collecting on the kitchen counter or refrigerator shelf, leaving an unsightly and unsanitary condition. The milk drip tray collects the milk and is washable and re-usable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Peterka, Melinda M. Peterka
  • Patent number: 6523581
    Abstract: A fuel fluid communication assembly cooperates with a reservoir configured to contain fuel fluids, and includes a spill restrictor that may act as a secondary containment system and which is configured to restrict leakage to the environment of any liquid fuel present in the interior of the spill restrictor. The fuel fluid communication assembly has a first hollow body with an inwardly facing surface, a restrictor end and a reservoir end. The fuel fluid communication assembly may also have a second hollow body having an outwardly facing surface. The second hollow body is received telescopingly within at least the reservoir end of the first hollow body. The inwardly facing surface of the first hollow body and the outwardly facing surface of the second hollow body define an interstitial space. The fuel fluid communication assembly further has an interstitial space seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Pendleton, James E. Kesterman
  • Publication number: 20030029872
    Abstract: A spill preventing paper holder for use during hair dye application that straddles the shoulders of the user and is comprised of a main panel and extension members assembled to the lateral ends of the main panel. The main panel has a recess formed into its upper extent that provides for the placement of a cloth towel or a disposable paper towel, a cutaway is formed at the center between the lateral ends of the main panel for posturing around the neck, and an arch-shaped straddle frame is disposed on the bottom end of the main panel for placement on the shoulders of the user. Various types of extension members can be pivotably conjoined at the two sides of the cutaway as required by the particular situation of usage to construct a folding-type, a pull-type, a turning-type, or an alignment-type paper holder, with each type of paper holder remaining foldable to decrease storage space requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Ji-Fan Xing
  • Publication number: 20030024935
    Abstract: A bottom of a basket or sheet metal container for receiving a plastic container of a combination pallet container for storing and transporting goods forms an upper part of a pallet having at least one transverse bar for supporting the bottom. The bottom has a rectangular bottom surface and an upwardly curved portion forming a rim area. The bottom surface has a depression in front of a center of a first rectangle side of the rectangular bottom surface. The bottom surface has a descending plane descending from a second rectangle side of the rectangular bottom surface positioned opposite the first rectangle side toward the depression and having a lower end adjoining the depression. The bottom surface has two ascending planes adjoining the descending plane on opposed sides of the depression and ascending toward corners of the rectangular bottom surface located on opposite ends of the first rectangle side ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Roth Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Kind
  • Patent number: 6488171
    Abstract: A container having an enclosure and a lid is used for storing viscous fluids. The enclosure has a first flat face and a second flat face. The enclosure is stable when resting on either the first or second face. The enclosure has an interior wall along the second face that slopes downwardly from the first face to a third face to define a lowermost region at the intersection of the second face and the third face when the container rests on its second face. The enclosure also has an open neck at the intersection of the second face and the third face that extends parallel to the second face and upon which the lid is secured. When the container rests on the second face, the contents of the container drain into the neck. When the container rests on the first face, the contents of the container drain away from the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Steven A. Diveley
  • Publication number: 20020170916
    Abstract: An evidence collection device comprises a housing 10 having a closable lid 22, at least part of the housing 10 being defined by a strainer member 14 adapted to allow water entering the housing 10 to escape therefrom through the strainer member 14, but to collect, and retain within the housing 10, particulate matter carried by the water. A method of collecting evidence using the device is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Peter A. Crouch, Christopher Braham
  • Publication number: 20020134780
    Abstract: A transport and storage container for liquids has an inner plastic container having an upper bottom with a fill socket, two sidewalls, a front wall with an outlet socket at the lower edge, a back wall, and a lower drainage bottom slanted toward the outlet socket. A pallet-shaped underframe has a support bottom for receiving the lower bottom of the inner container. The front wall of the inner container has a dome-shaped bulge where the outlet socket is arranged. Two bottom portions are arranged on opposed sides of the bulge and ascend from the lower bottom toward the front wall and the corner areas adjoining the front wall or toward the front wall and the sidewalls and the corner areas adjoining the front wall and the sidewalls. They form drainage surfaces for residual liquid to be drained from the forward bottom area into the outlet socket when removing residual liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Udo Schutz
  • Patent number: 6454121
    Abstract: A drain pan for collection of fluid from the wheel bearing housing of a vehicle includes spaced lateral sides connected by connecting sides shaped to fit on the rim of the vehicle. The connecting side has upper ends which serve the dual function of providing a storage tray as well as providing a hand grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Scotty R. Kurtz, Kevin L. Tally, Steven D. Bauer
  • Patent number: 6412638
    Abstract: The damage control leak pan designed to contain leaking water from defective plumbing. The leak pan contains the leaking water in it reservoir thereby preventing water damage. Said leak pan is utilized to prevent an array of damage created by water leaking into numerous areas, namely under bathroom and kitchen sinks. The leak pan is capable of being adjusted to fit into various sink areas by means of a perforated lip surrounding the upper edge of the reservoir. The leak pan solves many current problems associated with defective plumbing with and inexpensive and simple solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Frankie Lee Carter
  • Patent number: 6360911
    Abstract: A molded drain pan for use with a conditioning system. The drain pan has an inner and outer wall and a bottom creating a donut shaped annular pan to collect condensate. The pan contains a thin support rib, which is inclined to direct condensate towards a drain. The thin rib reduces heat transfer between the pan and a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel James Arnold
  • Patent number: 6343710
    Abstract: A container has a body with side walls and a bottom, as well as a cover connected to the side walls but below the rim. The cover is shaped as an offset dome or a sloped roof such that the bung is adjacent a side wall and at the highest point of the cover when the container is upright. A ridge runs from the bung to the side wall diametrically opposite the bung, thereby creating a downward slope from the ridge to the line of intersection of the cover with the side walls. The line of intersection of the cover with the side walls may be horizontal or at a slight angle upwardly to the position of the bung. An air tube may be placed within the bung and extend to the point of intersection of the side wall with the bottom which is farthest from the position of the bung. An alternative air tube or a second air tube may be placed within the bung and extend to the point of intersection of the side wall with the cover which is farthest from the position of the bung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: David Rubin
  • Publication number: 20010050284
    Abstract: The inventive bin for collecting valuable biological materials comprises a container (G) which has a floor (3), side walls (2) and an openable lid (4). Said container is provided with at least one aeration opening (7). Side grates (10) are provided inside the container (G) and are situated at a distance from the side walls (2), the intermediate spaces between the side grates (10) and the corresponding adjacent side walls (2) being connected to the at least one aeration opening (7). An inset for converting a usual commercial refuse bin (1) into a bin of this type comprises at least two sides grates (10) and fixing elements (8) which are configured for mounting on the inner surfaces of the side walls (2) of the refuse bin (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventor: Georg Jaeger
  • Publication number: 20010047996
    Abstract: A transmission oil pan module includes an oil pan having a floor formed with a drain hole and side walls extending from the floor to provide a space for holding oil. A filter assembly includes a housing disposed in the space of the oil pan. A drain tube extends from the housing through the drain hole to a free end exterior of the oil pan. The drain tube has an oil inlet open to the space of the oil pan and is formed with an oil outlet adjacent the free end of the drain tube. A drain plug is removably disposed in the outlet for normally closing the outlet to retain the oil, and upon removal, permitting the oil from the pan to drain through the drain hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: Federal-Moqul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: Juergen Weingaertner
  • Patent number: 6318403
    Abstract: The present invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises, in one aspect thereof, a combination manifold and check valve assembly for a water heater unit which includes a temperature and pressure relief valve and a drain pan. The assembly comprises a manifold body having a first inlet opening, a second inlet opening, and an outlet opening which are in fluid communication. The first inlet opening is adapted for connection to the outlet of a temperature and pressure relief valve. The second inlet opening is adapted for connection to the outlet of a drain pan. The outlet opening is adapted for connection to a drain line. A valve member is disposed within the manifold body between the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Sammy G. Fritz
  • Patent number: 6308728
    Abstract: A spill containment system and method that contain leaks and spills from devices including but not limited to batteries. The system neutralizes and absorbs leaks and spills to prevent the leaks and spills from spreading. The system not only detects leaks, but also indicates whether a leak has occurred. The system can communicate with personnel or devices to raise an alarm or cause corrective measures to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Douglas Frazier
  • Patent number: 6302166
    Abstract: A secondary containment cap apparatus is provided for securing to a primary container containing a hazardous fluid, the primary container having a primary container wall with a primary container hazardous fluid passing port and a primary container wall exterior surface, the secondary containment cap apparatus including a cap wall defining a concave cap interior and a cap abutment port, the cap abutment port having a cap port rim, the cap abutment port and cap port rim being configured to fit closely against and follow the primary container wall in sealing relation with the primary container wall exterior surface and thereby to enclose a region of the primary container wall exterior surface to provide secondary containment over the region of the primary container wall exterior surface; a mechanism for controlled release of the fluid through the cap wall; and a mechanism for securing the cap wall to the primary container so that the cap port rim rests against the primary container wall exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Rudolph Caparros
  • Publication number: 20010017299
    Abstract: A holder for an ice cream having a stick includes a handle having a drip-receiving cavity. A drip catchment member is attached to or formed integrally with the handle and includes a catchment surface for receiving drips from the ice cream. A stick-receiving aperture receives the stick to support the ice cream above the catchment surface and a drain enables any drips caught by the catchment surface to migrate into the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventor: Rodney Neil Schmarr
  • Patent number: 6273021
    Abstract: An oil spill prevention apparatus for use with for a domestic oil storage tank has a catchment tray e located underneath an oil storage tank and extending over the entire footprint thereof. The catchment tray has a depression for pooling oil caught by the catchment tray. A level sensor for raises an alarm when the oil level in said depression exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Kevin Pembroke
  • Patent number: 6267156
    Abstract: Filling station equipment eliminates or reduces fumes emission by the provision of a drop tube which extends below the surface level of fuel in an underground tank, and by provision of a seal between the drop tube and a riser pipe, thus to prevent passage and emission of fumes between the drop tube and the riser pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Toby Argandona
  • Patent number: 6189721
    Abstract: A spill containment apron is made of a fluid-impervious sheet that forms a receptacle from which side flaps and end flaps extend. A plurality of straps having hook and loop fasteners at each end are passed under the sheet and extend on either side thereof. A plurality of magnets are included as part of the side flaps and end flaps. A drain valve is provided for the bottom of the receptacle. A pair of dams are disposed in the receptacle near the ends thereof. The apron can be folded compactly for storage and transportation, but can be unfolded quickly and attached easily to a leaking container such as a railroad tank car. The straps, magnets, and dams cooperate to minimize or prevent spillage of the contents of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Merrill E. Bishop
  • Patent number: 6189559
    Abstract: A portable trough for water heaters for reducing the amount of time and effort taken to replace heating elements in water heaters. The portable trough for water heaters includes a container having side walls, a bottom wall which has a depressed back portion for retaining lime from the water heater, a front end wall, a back end, and an open top; and also includes a rubber seal member disposed at and covering the back end of the container; and further includes a hose attachment member disposed through the front end wall of the container and extending outwardly of the container and having a bore extending therethrough into the container and being adapted to connect to a water vacuum hose; and also includes a handle member securely attached to an exterior of the bottom wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: James Williams
  • Patent number: 6189720
    Abstract: A system for storing industrial drums in a manner allowing convenient dispensing of stored material contents from any of the drums during storage. The system comprises modular components which can be combined in a multitude of configurations to comply with drum storage requirements. When used in combination with means for retaining hazardous-material leaked from the drums or spilled during dispensing, contamination of the environment and/or injury to workplace personnel is prevented. The components of the invention direct the leaked or spilled material to the hazardous-material retaining means. Storage of “hazardous material” as well as other materials is accomplished in a safe and convenient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Eagle Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: John G. Gillispie
  • Patent number: 6178990
    Abstract: A drop chute spill guard contains spills in conjunction with a loading hose supplying fuel to an in-ground storage tank. The spill guard includes a flexible barrier sized to surround the sump and a sealing ring having an outside diameter substantially corresponding to a diameter of the sump. An opening is disposed in the vicinity of the tank inlet and extends through the barrier and the sealing ring for receiving the drop chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Spillguard Development LLC
    Inventors: David C. Bellenger, Danny Lee Smith
  • Patent number: 6149026
    Abstract: A secondary containment tub, comprising a lower leak proof compartment having an upper rim and a base and a cover hinged to the upper rim by hinges. A metal collar extends around the upper rim. A flange on the base is provided for securing the lower leak proof compartment to a support. A tank is disposed within the secondary containment tub, with the tank being supported above the base of the lower leak proof compartment, preferably on a metal frame, at a level such that the tank cannot float in fluid spilled from the tank into the lower leak proof compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Murray A. Manson
  • Patent number: 6145156
    Abstract: A foot mop includes a cover member configured and contoured to receive and overlay a substantial portion of a user's shoe sole. The cover member has an interior surface, an exterior surface and a continuous free edge that defines an opening. On the interior surface of the cover member are a plurality of peripherally disposed snaps adjacent the free edge for matably engaging snaps on an adhesive strip peripherally mounted about the shoe. The exterior surface of the cover member includes a sponge layer with a plurality of mop like fibers mounted thereover for absorbing liquids. The device also includes a wall mounted storage device for draining and collecting fluids adhering to the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventors: Johnny J. Pullara, Jr., Michael A. Solomon
  • Patent number: 6135133
    Abstract: A household appliance water leak detection and management containment wall made from one or more oblong pieces of water-resistant, shape-retaining, flexible sheet material such as aluminum. The ends of the pieces may be joined to circumscribe a zone of contact between the appliance and its supporting surface, forming a containment space. A layer of sealant creates a water-resistant seal between a lower edge of the wall and the supporting surface. An electronic water-detection and alarm device may be placed within the containment space. A valved spigot may be mounted through a portion of the wall to allow drainage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Louis Herbert Ridgeway, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6105816
    Abstract: A painter's aid for sealably holding paint and for holding a paint brush having a brush portion and a handle portion. The painter's aid has a base, a wall extending upwardly from the base, the wall comprising a front interior portion, a rear interior portion and a pair of opposing side wall portions tapering outwardly from the base and connecting the front interior portion and the rear interior portion, a lid engaging rim opposite the base and integral with the wall, a platform for supporting the brush portion of the paint brush, the platform being generally parallel to the base and extending outwardly from the lid engaging rim and a raised lip for supporting the handle portion of the paint brush, the lip being integral with the lid engaging rim and integral with and substantially upright to said platform, the lip having an opening therethrough adjacent the lid engaging rim and opposite said platform, and preferably includes a stepped wiping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Donald L. Shea
  • Patent number: 6079587
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an easily drained bulk container bottom. The container bottom of the present invention has a planar bottom wall which slopes downward from a high region to an opposite, low region. The bottom wall slopes in one plane and surrounds a raised dome which is generally centrally located in the container bottom. The drainage opening is positioned adjacent the low region to facilitate complete drainage of the container. Fluids run off the raised dome and follow the downward slope of the planar bottom wall from the high region to the opposite, low region, and then out the drainage opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Plymouth Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall L. Vogt
  • Patent number: 6059387
    Abstract: A receptacle for receiving fluid such as water that is preferably placed within a cabinet supporting a sink. The receptacle is preferably positioned adjacent the bottom of the cabinet. The receptacle is preferably formed with flexible, flared sides and a frangible front portion to enable the receptacle to fit within a variety of differently sized cabinets. The receptacle can have a hole and funnel for alignment with a mating aperture in the cabinet above the toe-receiving recess of the cabinet. Thus, leaking water from the sink pipes can be directed through the aperture in the cabinet and onto the floor in front of the cabinet to bring the leak to the attention of the user of the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Plastic Solutions, L.L.C.
    Inventors: W. Edward Echard, Gerald F. Pullias, William O. West
  • Patent number: 6041959
    Abstract: A waste collection and disposal system and apparatus is provided that includes modular collection and storage containers which can be smaller than standard 55 gallon drum containers used to transport chemical waste, but can be combined and transported in standard 55 gallon drums. The system is particularly suited for use on-board ships, including cruise and cargo ships. The system provides for collection of chemical waste streams at the waste generation site. The system provides for collection and storage of varying rates of waste generation. The storage containers used in the system are stored on pallets which are configured to hold one or more containers. The pallets include a storage volume to collect any overflow, spillage or leakage that may occur when filling the storage containers. The pallets can include wheels or other means for movement on a lower portion, and can include a handrail to ease movement of the pallet and provide a handhold for use during filling operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Edward J. Domanico
  • Patent number: 6029839
    Abstract: A collapsible container is provided adaptable for use on a standard industry pallet and which includes an option of utilizing a bottom discharge port. The container includes four wall frame members each with a replaceable wall panel attached to the inside surface of each wall frame member so that when the panels are assembled there is a continuous plastic surface on the interior of the container thereby reducing contact of the metal parts of the frame members to corrosive chemicals and further reducing the possibility of tearing or puncturing a plastic inner liner inserted into the interior of the container. The wall frame members are assembled using a rounded post and inverted V notch connecting means positioned along the side edges of the wall frame members which reduces the possibility of snagging or tearing the plastic inner liner when inserting it into the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Hossein Mansouri
  • Patent number: 6019242
    Abstract: A waste container having a hingedly mounted lid that can be moved between a closed position for covering the container to an open position for providing access to the container. The lid is provided with a groove spaced from the hinge so that when the lid is rotated from the closed position to the open position, any moisture on the lid will flow into the groove where it is directed off of the lid instead of onto the hinge or into the waste container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignees: Cascade Engineering, Inc., Waste Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Wysocki, Richard T. Williams
  • Patent number: 5988427
    Abstract: An environmental protection article is for use with transport trucks. The article is a carry-on article which is used in case of accidental fuel line or fuel tank leakage to receive and retain leaked liquid. The article comprises an open-top receptacle with an inflatable sidewall, an air supply tube extending to the sidewall and sealed thereto, and a quick connect valve secured to a distal end of the air supply tube. The article is folded to a compact state for easy storage. In case of emergency use, the driver of the truck can unfold the article and then connect a quick connect valve found on the truck's pressurized air hose to the mating quick connect valve of the article to readily and quickly inflate the open-top receptacle's sidewall to form a vessel. The article, once inflated, is simply slid under the source of leakage to receive and retain the leaked liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Lonnie E. Moore
  • Patent number: 5983962
    Abstract: A portable fuel dispensing system which eliminates the need for underground storage tanks that are subject to leaks resulting in contamination of the stored fuel, soil and ground water creating costly environmental hazards. A semi-tractor trailer supported fuel receptacle has a plurality of metered fuel dispensers along the sides thereof allowing several customers to park along side the trailer and fuel their vehicles. The trailer may be taken to a central location for filling and then transported to a convenient retail location for dispensing the fuel to customers' vehicles. When empty, the trailer is returned to the central location for refuelling. During this return trip, the tank may be connected to a fuel/air inlet of the tractor so fuel vapor remaining in the tank may be burned rather than escaping into the atmosphere. The system is a completely closed system with no venting of fumes into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Nolan P. Gerardot
  • Patent number: 5983960
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an oil container repository designed to separately collect used motor oil containers and the residual oil left over within each container so that each can be recycled. The invention, in one embodiment, comprises an upper and a lower compartment. The upper compartment has an opening on the top to receive discarded oil containers. A divider separates the upper compartment with the lower compartment. The divider may have a tilted V shape surface and an opening at the bottom. The opening connects the upper compartment to the lower compartment such that the collected containers remain in the upper compartment as they can not fit through the opening. However, opening is sufficiently large to allow the residual motor oil flow through and into the second compartment. The second compartment in turn has an opening for drainage which will permit the drainage of collected motor oil from said second compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Carlton Haugh
    Inventor: Carlton Haugh