Vents Patents (Class 220/DIG27)
  • Patent number: 6089395
    Abstract: A storage chest and method for drying bath tub toys is disclosed. The chest includes a removable perforated drying basket nested inside the chest. The basket includes a peripheral flange that supports the basket in a position inside the chest suitably spaced from the side walls and from the base to accommodate sanitary drying of toys. The basket flange seats on a shoulder flange molded integrally with the chest and may be snugly retained by a press-fit bead molded integrally with a lid. Ventilation ports provided in the side walls and lid accommodate drying air circulation and may serve also as pouring spouts and as hand grips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventors: Patricia D. Karttunen, Timothy J. Bortka
  • Patent number: 6053342
    Abstract: A bottle assembly includes a bottle having a first open end and a second open end, a nipple assembly affixed to the first open end, a vented cap affixed to the second open end, and an elastomeric diaphragm affixed to the second open end by the vented cap. The vented cap has at least one slot. The elastomeric diaphragm has a plurality of resealable perforations and at least one integral tab extending therefrom. The integral tab is adapted to be inserted into and seal the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Chomik
  • Patent number: 6003715
    Abstract: The air vent has a body with a central axis, a top end, a bottom end, a flat surface on the top end and a flat surface on the bottom end. A gripping surface extends from the top flat surface to a stop surface that is transverse to the axis. The small diameter end of an upper conical surface joins the stop surface. A large diameter end of a lower conical surface joins the large diameter end of the upper conical surface. A cutting edge formed by the flat bottom surface and the lower conical surface pierces a container when the air vent is forced into the container. The lower conical surface expands the opening made by the cutting edge. The stop surface limits penetration and the upper conical surface urges the container wall toward the stop surface. An air vent passage through the top flat surface and the bottom flat surface lets air into the container. A cap closes the air vent passage. The air vent is removed from an empty container for use in another container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Walter H. Harris
  • Patent number: 5931333
    Abstract: A container system is optimized for use as a microwave steamer. The container system includes a container, a lid, and a colander disposed between the lid and the container. The colander has smooth sides and integral hand grips. The integral hand grips vent vapor trapped between the colander and the container and allow easy lifting of the colander from the container. The colander also includes slot-like longitudinal openings on a side wall. Additionally, the lid includes a vent aperture which is a grate that prevents spattering of liquids from the container system. The lid is sealably engaged to the opening of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Anchor Hocking Plastics/Plastics Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Woodnorth, Johannes N. Gaston, Douglas J. Van Ornum
  • Patent number: 5878905
    Abstract: Switchgear, such as gas-insulated, metal-encapsulated high-voltage switchgear, is accommodated in a container. The container has a side wall formed with an opening. An outwardly opening flap closes the opening in the normal situation. Upon a sudden pressure increase in the container, caused for instance by arcing, the flap is automatically opened and the container is vented. A linkage with a damper is connected to the flap for damping a motion of the flap into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Gronbach, Friedrich Kraus, Thomas Gfollner, Helmut Loisel, Karl Purethmair
  • 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: 5779071
    Abstract: A container having an open top and being adapted to be filled with liquid, wherein a vacuum is prevented from being formed within the container when inverted comprising a receptacle adapted to contain a quantity of liquid, a vent unit adapted to fit within the receptacle comprising a reservoir tube having an upper and lower portion, the reservoir tube having a proximal first end adjacent the top of the container and an open second end projecting sufficiently downwardly in the container, wherein the vent unit has an airway between the outside of the container and a point in the reservoir tube, a reservoir tube having a distal end having an opening, the vent tube projecting downwardly into the upper portion of the vent tube, and an airway extending from outside the container through the vent tube into the vent unit so that when the container is filled with liquid and inverted, the open end of the reservoir tube is above the liquid level in the container and the opening in the vent tube is above the liquid level
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: New Vent Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. Brown, Robert J. Brown, Bernard J. Kemper, David E. Hays
  • Patent number: 5727711
    Abstract: A durable container for storing and transferring crops, such as fruits and vegetables, from the field to market is described. The container is adapted to provide efficient air or water circulation for the preservation of crops. Particularly, the container contains openings in the floor and the sides of the container, which are of a defined size and proportion of the total area, to allow for effective air or water circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignees: Her Majesty in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Laval University
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Emond, Clement Vigneault
  • Patent number: 5725645
    Abstract: A vent assembly useful for venting bags containing radioactive waste material includes a base plate with a chamber projecting therefrom and a cap plate which has a center portion that snap fits over the chamber. The base plate and cap plate have flange portions which overlie the inner and outer surfaces of the bag to secure the vent to the bag by clamping against the wall of the bag. A ring is snap fitted into the chamber prior to snap fitting the cap plate to the base plate and a compressible mass of fibrous filter material is contained within the ring. The filter material may be selected from a number of filter materials such as spun polyester, activated carbon felt, fibrous cellulose or sintered stainless steel fibers. Preferably, the filter material is electrically charged, fibrous polymer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Nuclear Filter Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry J. Wickland, Emily Brassell
  • Patent number: 5722559
    Abstract: Rotationally molded component parts for a skid steer loader are disclosed wherein the parts provide specialized operative functions heretofore unrealized. A fuel tank structure includes both a tank body and a separate filler tube formed from a rotational molding process. The filler tube is connected to the fuel tank body by a fastening mechanism and an O-ring to provide a liquid-tight connection, The coolant recovery bottle formed with the rotational molding process incorporates an inwardly directed vent tube formed as an integral part of the recovery bottle. The container for the operator's manual is formed with the rotational molding process to incorporate a live hinge connecting a lid closable against the body of the container to provide a substantially dirt-free environment. Double walled light housings mounting front and rear lights serve as bumpers protecting the frame of the skid steer loader from damage from impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas G. Branham
  • Patent number: 5692627
    Abstract: The device offers an improved structure of bottom inlet nursing bottle, wherein an opening at the bottle bottom is provided with a unilateral diaphragm which can open only inward but close outward so as to help the baby suck milk comfortably together with the air introduced into the bottle from the bottle bottom. A protective plate is provided on the outer bottom surface and is able to open or close. An air inlet regulating device is provided on the protective plate and able to regulate the size of the air inlet so as to meet the different inlet volume of different babies. The air inlet can be closed so as to prevent the milk in the bottle from seeping out when preparing the milk and to prevent the warm-keeping water and the impurity in the water from infiltrating into the bottle when warming the milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Le-Jang Feng
  • Patent number: 5665408
    Abstract: Packaging for foodstuffs comprising a device for automatic closure at the end of cooking. The automatic closure device (15) comprises a first chamber (38) communicating with the outside and enclosing a valve and second chamber (40) communicating with the first chamber and enclosing a block of thermofusible material, such second chamber communicating with the interior of the packaging by a channel of small cross section (41). During cooking, the gases can leave freely from the packaging and, at the onset of cooling, the valve prevents air from penetrating the packaging while the thermofusible material solidifies in the channel of small cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Societe Civile BK
    Inventors: James Coupe, Michel Flament
  • Patent number: 5607074
    Abstract: A baby bottle with two open ends and two end caps for securing a nipple and a pressure relief valve assembly to the ends of the bottle. The valve assembly includes an outwardly flanged inverted cup-shaped valve seat member having a base provided with an axial bore which extends from the inner to the outer face of the base and accommodates a reciprocally axially movable valve stem. The valve stem at one end thereof defines a valve head normally received in the valve seat-defining end region of the bore under the biasing force of a spring interposed between the inner face of the base and a snap-on disc carried by the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Sergio K. De Gennaro
  • Patent number: 5573562
    Abstract: A filter assembly is used in combination with a piece of electrical equipment having a vertical side wall formed with vent opening. The assembly has a housing secured to the side wall at the opening thereof and having a closed top side, a closed front wall, and a pair of closed end walls. The end and front walls form below the vent opening a downwardly opening mouth. A panel of air-pervious filter material in the housing has a back face turned toward the side wall at the vent opening and an opposite front face turned away from the side wall. A holder in the housing secures the filter panel therein with lower edge of its back face operatively engaging the equipment side wall below the opening and an upper edge of its front face engaging the housing front wall and with the panel tipped out away from the equipment side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Hawa Programmgehause und Komponenten GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Erwin Schauwecker, Erwin Kohler
  • Patent number: 5570796
    Abstract: A nursing bottle's interior remains at atmospheric pressure during use so a baby nursing from it is not forced to suck so hard that air is inadvertently swallowed. The nursing bottle has a container adapted to contain liquid at its bottom and having an air space at its top with a first opening at its top for the reception of a nipple cap, a reservoir located adjacent to the air space at the top of the container, a vertical liquid conduit from the bottom of the container to the bottom of the reservoir, and an air conduit from outside the bottle to a point in the reservoir where an air space exists when the bottle is filled with liquid and inverted. The reservoir has a volume greater than the volume of the liquid conduit and has a shape which slopes downwardly to the point of communication with the conduit so that any liquid in the reservoir drains out of the reservoir when the bottle is in the upright position and is retained in the reservoir when the bottle is in the inverted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventors: Craig E. Brown, Robert J. Brown
  • Patent number: 5388714
    Abstract: A container wherein a top member and a base member are formed as identical units, e.g., from a common mold, and have interactive shapes that permit the top to be laid upon the bottom in a nesting, closed configuration, and rotated relative to the bottom to at least one open configuration with at least three pinpoints of engagement to allow for positive seating of the top member on the bottom in the open configuration and movement of ambient air therebetween. The top cover and base are divided into sections about their circumferential length. The number of sections is determined by the shape of each of the various sections. There can be any number of sections where each section is constructed so as to be able to mate with an exact inverted mirror image of itself. For each first section not so constructed, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Marketing Congress, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael B. Zutler
  • Patent number: 5353949
    Abstract: A vent filter assembly may be disposed in a wall of a sealed waste container containing radioactive waste or the like and utilized for venting gases. The vent filter includes a housing coupled to the container. The housing includes a first opening communicating with an interior of the container and a second opening communicating with an exterior of the container. The housing defines a gas flow path between the first and second openings. A filter is coupled to the housing and disposed across the gas flow path such that gas flowing between the openings flows through the filter. The filter includes a porous metal hydrophobic filter medium. The components of the assembly may be fabricated from materials that are durable and resistant to deterioration due to elements stored within the container, as well as environmental elements. Further, the components may be fabricated from the same or similar materials or materials which are compatible with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Seibert, Riazuddin S. Rahimi
  • Patent number: 5348179
    Abstract: A capping assembly for attachment to a ferrule of a manhole assembly in a tanker truck having a cap which is provided with a central aperture for venting. The cap is further provided with threads for accommodating the threads of the ferrule. A diaphragm having a flexible central member larger than the aperture of the cap and peripheral apertures is fittably connectable to the ferrule and positionable between the cap and the opening of the ferrule. The diaphragm includes an outer circumferential beveled surface for seatingly engaging a beveled upper inner surface of the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Walker Stainless Equipment Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Lynn M. Walker
  • Patent number: 5340550
    Abstract: A sterilization container is provided which includes interengageable, overlapping, hollow cap and base portions which, when combined, define a cavity and a fluid passage in the region of overlap to allow for continuous fluid flow from the outside to the inside of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Jordco, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Johnsen, Hal J. Oien
  • Patent number: 5273466
    Abstract: A tubular vent device extends through a hole in the hull of a boat, well above the water line. The outer portion of the vent device has a circular ridge or shoulder larger than the hole through the hull to hold the outer portion outside of the hull. The inner portion is threaded to accomodate an inner nut with a collar or washer larger than the hole to let the nut draw the inner collar and outer shoulder tight against their opposing sides of the hull. The inner portion terminates in a coupling for a hose to connect to a tank to be vented. The outer portion of the vent, beyond the shoulder, is also threaded to receive a cap that has a series of fine, axial slots through its outer surface for ventilation. The end of the outer portion of the vent also has a tapered conical portion within the cap, with a pair of axial ridges on the outside just above a pair of axial ventilating slots that open the tubular vent to the fine slots in the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventor: David M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5265749
    Abstract: A container wherein a top member and a base member are formed as identical units, e.g., from a common mold, and have interactive shapes that permit the top to be laid upon the bottom in a nesting, closed configuration, and rotated relative to the bottom to one or more open configurations with at least three points of engagement whereby the size of the openings therebetween are varied in the different open positions and allow for movement of ambient air therebetween. The top cover and base, formed with identical common interfacing areas, can be subsequently modified, e.g., decorative or ornamental components can be added to the other, non-interfacing areas. Additionally, a handle could be added to the top cover. A pedestal could be added to the base. In a preferred embodiment, each member has a curvilinear outer periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Marketing Congress, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael B. Zutler
  • Patent number: 5249696
    Abstract: A drum lid for a ventable drum has a depression formed in the surface of the lid. A vent valve is placed in the depression and extends through the lid. The valve has a valve outlet which opens into the reservoir in the lid. During venting the reservoir is filled with water and the valve stem is slowly opened. The gas escapes into the water in the reservoir in the form of bubbles. When the bubbles stop the tank is vented and the lid can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Billy W. Bryant, Robert E. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 5248848
    Abstract: An electronic device package includes a portion that functions as a membrane to allow small molecules, such as gas molecules, to relatively freely traverse the housing boundary, while simultaneously substantially preventing large molecules, such as liquid molecules, from entering the confines of the housing. As a result, the package can be readily used in reflow processing without risking damage to the boundary integrity between the housing and the support surface that supports both the electronic device and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Kornowski, Carl Missele
  • Patent number: 5193709
    Abstract: A filtered vent useful for venting drums, such as 55-gallon drums, includes a cylindrical housing having an anular activated carbon filter cartridge disposed therein. The cylindrical housing has a threaded collar with vents at one end and a pressure relief valve at the other end. The pressure relief valve is connected to a J-shaped tube which has an open end positioned proximate the threaded collar. An annular filter is disposed in the housing, the annular filter has an inner surface in communication with an inlet connected to the pressure relief valve and an outer surface in communication with the vents in the threaded collar. Volatile liquid in the air space between the top wall of the container and the top surface of the liquid passes through the activated carbon filter before venting into the atmosphere. If nesessary or desired, a HEPA filter may be disposed upstream of the activated carbon filter and a GORTEX.TM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: Gilbert W. Brassell
  • Patent number: 5145089
    Abstract: A pan cover for covering a cooking pan, comprising a cover plate retained in between a top member and a bottom member, wherein a plurality of parallel slots are respectively made on said top and bottom members and aligned with each other, and a smoke absorber is retained between said top and bottom member to absorb smoke coming below. The cover plate is made from transparent, reinforced fiber glass the inside can be clearly seen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Kwei T. Chang
  • Patent number: 5143242
    Abstract: Disclosed is a paint bucket (11) lined with a disposable plastic bag type liner (15). Combination bucket and liner (10) includes an air evacuation or extraction provision to "suck" liner (15) firmly against the interior of bucket (11). The individual liners (15) are initially held in bucket (11) using an airtight circumferential sealing ring (16) which engages rim (14) of bucket (11). Most of the air which is trapped between liner (15) and the interior surface of bucket (11) is then evacuated out a closable orifice (17) in the lower portion of bucket (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: David S. Millasich
  • 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: 5038958
    Abstract: A sealable vented microscale centrifuge tube for centrifuging samples at substantially atmospheric pressure, thus avoiding the danger of backpressure in the stoppered centrifuge tube which may expel the cap or shatter the tube during centrifugation. The device of the invention includes a container having a wall defining a cavity capable of holding a sample; a flange surrounding the cavity opening and possessing a hole; and a shell which surrounds the flange and which extends above and below its plane, and is attached to the flange rim, thus supporting the container within the shell. It additionally includes a removable cap which seals the cavity of the container. When the cavity of the container is sealed by the removable cap, air which would otherwise be compressed in the container is vented through the hole through the flange of the container and into the space between the container wall and the supporting shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Norfolk Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Gustav H. Dreier
  • Patent number: 5035180
    Abstract: An ordnance venting system is provided to reduce the danger of explosion in rdnance items exposed to fires and includes an ordance item having a number of holes in the ordnance casing, each hole covered by a metallic patch having a different differential expansion in relation to the casing to provide shearing forces when subjected to high temperatures, and a means of attaching the patches to the casing over the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Nick L. Purcell, Joseph A. Schmidt, John A. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 5035182
    Abstract: An ordnance venting system is provided to reduce the danger of explosion in rdance items exposed to fires and includes an ordnance item having a number of holes in the ordance casing, each hole being covered by a bimetallic patch which will deform when subjected to high temperatures, and each patch being attached by means such as brazing, soldering or adhesive bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Nick L. Purcell, Joseph A. Schmidt, John A. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 4993602
    Abstract: A pressure relief device is provided for pressurized containers to relieve excessive pressures from the container. The device includes a base mounted in one wall of the container. The base has a hole which is normally sealed by a sealing membrane, which is held in place by a sealing washer, an elastomeric element and a retention washer mounted within the cavity of the base. The elastomeric element allows the sealing membrane to yield from the hole when the pressure within the container increases to a predetermined cracking pressure, thereby providing communication between the interior of the container and the atmosphere for releasing pressure from the container. The pressure relief device can be assembled for various cracking pressures due to the elastomeric compression element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: PRD, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P. Casey
  • Patent number: 4978027
    Abstract: A fuel tank having a venting system is disclosed. It uses a vent pipe extending upwardly above the maximum quiescent fuel level. An open end of the vent pipe is surrounded by a baffle wall that is closed the top and open at the bottom. The other end of the vent pipe passes through a lower wall of the tank and is attached to a drain hose. A further partition wall may also be used on the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: The Kelch Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Larson
  • Patent number: 4948566
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sterilizing system for sterilizing containers. In accordance with the invention, an external actuating element is provided in an autoclave chamber structure to hold special closure elements and/or the container lid in an open position and to bring them into a closed position before the autoclave is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Aesculap-Werke AG
    Inventors: Lorenz Gabele, Hausler, Walter Lohrer, Johannes Seibert, Harald Stallforth, Wolfgang Taschner, Otmar Wawrik, Wilfried Wofle
  • Patent number: 4909408
    Abstract: A venting structure (14) for an enclosed fluid container (10) includes a tubular shank (16) projecting through an aperture in the cover (11) of the container (10). A baffle wall (26) closes the upper end of the shank (16) and has a central vent hole (27) therein. A cap (30) is removeably secured to the upper portion of the shank (16) and has interior walls forming an expansion chamber (34) with a slotted bottom wall. The upper portion of the shank (16) is provided with exterior longitudinal channels (29) which extend below the bottom of the cap so that the expansion chamber may communicate with the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Commerical Products Inc.
    Inventor: Chester M. Kos
  • Patent number: 4877152
    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 material from passing through said vent and contaminating the fuel in the tank. Each of said inner and outer restraining means include 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: February 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Attwood Corporation
    Inventor: Warwick M. Whitley, II
  • Patent number: 4848617
    Abstract: A method of making a portable hazardous waste storage facility preferably by converting a conventional shipping container. An air duct is placed inside or outside a conventional shipping container corrugation with an inlet located less than 12 inches from the container floor and an outlet for exhausting captured air outside to the atmosphere. A fan is provided for producing a positive air flow through the facility. To provide self containment or retainment of at least ten percent of the material stored in the facility, a threshold dam or retainment barrier is provided inside and across the bottom of the conventional entryway of the shipping container. Preferably, additional entryways with doors are provided, each with a threshold above the floor of the container at a sufficient height to at least meet the containment requirements. Preferably each entryway door has splash guard to prevent leakage around the closed door. Preferably all joints in the container are sealed to prevent leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Portable Containers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim Zygaj
  • Patent number: 4825905
    Abstract: A splash resistance gas vent for venting the fuel tank of a boat includes a body having a bore extending therethrough and a baffle positioned perpendicular to the bore. An annular opening is provided around the baffle and a sloping deflection surface is provided in alignment with the opening and around the bore. A surface between the deflection surface and the opening conducts water entering the opening back out the opening. Additional means, such as a screen mesh over the bore and an enlarged portion of the bore, further inhibit water from entering the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Attwood Corporation
    Inventor: Warwick M. Whitley, II
  • Patent number: 4815605
    Abstract: Air transportation container for dangerous materials.It comprises an internal confinement enclosure (2) containing a quantity of dangerous material (4) and an external confinement enclosure (14) surrounding enclosure (2), the latter having two walls (6) spaced by a shock absorbing material (8), the external confinement enclosure (14) having a wall (18) and a shock absorbing material (20). A cap (24) is located at each of the ends of the external confinement enclosure (14), each cap (24) having at least one mechanically strong outer wall (28) and a layer (30) of a lining material located between the outer wall (28) of cap (24) and external enclosure (14), said caps being mechanically disengaged from the external enclosure (14) and constituting a receptacle containing the external wall (18) following its deformation under the effect of the container impacting with an obstacle (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Raphael Brissier, Christian Gaillard
  • Patent number: 4783321
    Abstract: A sterilization container system for sterilizing surgical instruments, having a lid secured to a base by latches. The latches are automatically disengaged when the latches' release arms are raised to form handles by which the lid can be easily and securely manipulated; while the latches are automatically engaged when the latches' release arms are lowered, sealing the lid to the base. The base is provided with an outer safety wall, which is lower than and which extends around the base's inner wall, in order to help protect the top of the base's inner wall from inadvertent contamination when the lid is removed. Disposable paper filters are sealed over the vents inside the lid and base by cooperating filter paper sealing flanges provided in the filter papers' retainers, lid and base, in order to maintain the sterility of the contents of the sterilization container system after sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Instrumed, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry L. Spence
  • Patent number: 4741362
    Abstract: A fuel tank construction having a non-vented filler neck and cap, a shut-off valve sealed to the tank by a fluorocarbon bushing, resistant to both alcohol and sunlight, is positioned in the tank such that, upon bushing failure, no more than ten percent of a full fuel tank would leak therefrom, at least one protruberance having an air pocket formed therein and a vent system connected to the protruberance communicating between the air pocket and the atmosphere. The venting system consists of a long plastic tube attached to the vent and routed over the upper surface of the tank having the open end positioned such that any fuel which might discharge through the open end is directed away from the tank and any vehicle it might be attached to. Additionally, a low fuel sensor may also be incorporated and connected to the tank by a similar bushing as that used to connect the shut-off valve. The low fuel sensor utilizes a casing having pin holes surrounding a thermistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Smola
  • Patent number: 4706840
    Abstract: A threaded tube extends through the hull of a boat well above the water line. An outer, baffled, vent cap with a threaded inner tubular portion is screwed onto the outer end of the threaded tube. The vent cap also includes an outer tubular portion concentric to and spaced from the inner tubular portion; both being held in place by a solid outer cap. A first breather opening through the upper part of the inner tubular portion, next to the solid cap, connects the inside of the threaded tube to the space between the inner and outer tubular portions, and a second breather opening through the lower part of the outer tubular portion connects the space between the inner and outer tubular portions to the outer air. A threaded nut near the inner end of the threaded tube tightens against the inside of the hull to draw the outer vent cap tightly against the outside of the hull. A tube may be used to connect the inner end of the threaded tube to any desired tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Inventor: David M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4688591
    Abstract: A manually operated vent valve assembly for a bung hole in a drum lid. The low profile valve assembly is inserted into the bung hole and the lid sealed. The drum is vented by opening a valve stem in the assembly. The vented gas leaves through a gas outlet which is recessed in a reservoir within the valve assembly. By filling the reservoir with fluid, the venting gas can be observed as bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.
    Inventor: Steven S. Edson
  • Patent number: 4664287
    Abstract: A pressure relief vent on a container includes a flat diaphragm fastened to the exterior of a container so as to cover an opening in the container. The diaphragm is fastened to the container at its perimeter and at at least one point within its perimeter. The shape of the peripheral fastening seam and the number of and size of the point fastenings determine and stabilize the vent pressure at which the diaphragm ruptures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Saft America, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Wilson, Robert J. Staniewicz, Bruce Webber, George W. Allvey
  • Patent number: 4618071
    Abstract: The venting device includes a passage (3, 5) provided in a wall (4) of a housing (1) and connecting the inside and the outside of the housing (1). A filter (2), preferably made from porous metallic material, is force-fitted into the passage (3, 5). A peripheral channeling groove (8) provided in the outside surface of the wall of the housing (4) completely surrounds the opening of the passage (3, 5). This venting device may preferably be used in electronics housings fitted in the engine compartment of motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: Allied Corporation
    Inventor: Jacques Vincent
  • Patent number: 4566604
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metal closing disk with an essentially bar-shaped metal elevation of smaller diameter and with an insulating layer applied at least to the elevation surface side of the closing disk and consisting of a plastic or elastomer, especially for closing electrolytic can-type capacitors, and also to a process for improving the seal in closing disks of this type. Since it has been possible for an electrolyte to creep between the insulating layer and the underside of the closing disk in known closing disks provided with an insulating layer at least on the inner face and intended for electrolytic can-type capacitors, thus resulting in reforming actions and changes in capacitance, the object of the invention is to prevent this. Consequently, in a closing disk according to the invention, the insulating layer is made to adjoin flush the base region of the metal elevation formed on, so that the complete surface of the underside of the closing disk is consequently covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Inventors: Franz J. Wolf, Rudolf Klaschka
  • Patent number: 4560850
    Abstract: A container for arc-free use and minimal electromagnetic reflection in a microwave oven is disclosed. The container includes a tray having smooth side and bottom walls and edges, with the side wall in elevation having a curved configuration provided with a substantial radius. The configuration of the tray in plan view is either round (circular) or has rounded corners formed with substantial radii. The surfaces of the tray are coated on both sides with a layer of heat-resistant plastic material having a thickness on the order of 0.25 to 2.5 mils. A heat-resistant plastic microwave transparent lid is provided for the tray. In a preferred embodiment, the tray's bottom defines a steam port that, during heating, allows steam to escape therethrough and travel along the tray bottom to further heat the tray bottom and thus the tray's contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Thomas L. Levendusky, Arthur Benson
  • Patent number: 4558198
    Abstract: A metal container and system for arc-free use and minimal electromagnetic reflection in a microwave oven. The container has smooth wrinkle-free side and bottom walls and edges, with the side wall in elevation having a curved configuration provided with a generous radius. The configuration of the container in plan view is either round (circular) or has rounded corners formed with generous radii. The surfaces of the walls and edges are coated on both sides with a layer of heat-resistant plastic material having a thickness on the order of 0.25 to 2.5 mils. A heat-resistant plastic rigid microwave transparent lid is provided for the container, the lid having edge portions that cover the edges of the container when the lid is placed thereon. Such edge portions electrically insulate the metal container from the walls of a microwave oven while the lid itself serves to reduce the escape of heat and moisture from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Thomas L. Levendusky, Arthur Benson
  • Patent number: 4286507
    Abstract: A shipping container comprises a container body which has a top, bottom and side walls with at least one of the side walls of the container having upper and lower longitudinally extending hollow chords. Each of the chords have top and bottom openings and interior baffles arranged to slope downwardly toward the openings for the removal of water and dirt entrained with air moving therethrough. The bottom wall of the container has a substantially U-shaped longitudinally extending beam which is located intermediate the length of the bottom wall and opens downwardly and has a top with at least one aperture therethrough and spaced upon said walls. A plurality of baffles are exposed in the beam and extend from a side wall downwardly toward the opposite side wall but terminate at spaced locations from the wall so that there is a downward opening therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1981
    Assignee: Graaff Kommanditgesellschaft
    Inventor: Willi Dorpmund
  • Patent number: 4187639
    Abstract: A molding process for a natural fruit of a fruit-tree or vegetable, a molding frame therefor and a molded fruit of a fruit-tree or vegetable which is produced by the above molding process and with the above molding frame are disclosed. Taste of the molded fruit is no less than that of a natural fruit. Various artificial shapes are applied to a fruit by the above molding process and frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1980
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Ono
  • Patent number: 4154345
    Abstract: A thermoplastic container is provided with a venting structure to enhance the delivery therefrom of food products, including toppings and the like, in an en mass or molded form from the container. A deep drawn rupturable tip is formed in a concave bottom web of the container which can be ruptured by a fingernail or fork tine to vent the bottom of the contents to atmosphere and enhance dispensing of the entire contents by inverting the container. The tip is of lesser depth than the bottom concavity to permit stacking of containers one upon the other and normal positioning on a flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1979
    Assignee: Sweetheart Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Davis, George K. Shumrak