Vertical Axis Patents (Class 222/168)
  • Patent number: 11224889
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus is provided for dispensing fluids and objects without requiring use of hands. The fluid dispensing apparatus may include a body, footing, pedal, actuation rod, platform, dispensing object, container, container lid, sign member, and bolt. A method for dispensing fluids and objects without requiring use of hands using the fluid dispensing apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Sani-Spire Corp.
    Inventors: Steve Cadkin, Mike Zambon
  • Patent number: 10160137
    Abstract: A device (1) for producing a slab (9) from artificial stone material by means of a double-belt press having a lower belt (2) and an upper belt (3), the double-belt press comprising a charging device (4) for loading a starting material for producing the slab (9) onto the lower belt (2), and the charging device (4) comprising at least one drum (5, 6) that is rotatable about its longitudinal axis (a1, a2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Inventor: Wolfgang Johann Horvath
  • Patent number: 9738035
    Abstract: A powder feed mechanism for a three-dimensional printer in which a heap of powder is drawn up from a powder container to be spread across a material bed rather than dropped or deposited on it. The mechanism comprises a carrier arm that moves through a powder chamber, and a support platform for carrying a heap of powdered build material. The support platform moves with the carrier arm. The carrier arm moves to a powder delivery position in which the support platform is in a transverse orientation for lying flush with the material bed. This arrangement can reduce the path travelled by the powder from the powder chamber to the material bed and give greater control over the shape of the heap of powder that is to be spread over the material bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Frederik Walsted Tjellesen, Anders Ørnsholt Hartmann
  • Patent number: 9560833
    Abstract: A collapsible feeder, relating to a pet feeder, includes a top cover, a collapsible barrel body, a discharge port, a base and a food basin. The food basin is disposed at one end of the base, and the collapsible barrel body is disposed at the other end of the base. The top cover is disposed at the top of the collapsible barrel body. A bottom of the collapsible barrel body is higher than a rim of the food basin, and the discharge port forms an angle of 30 degrees with respect to a horizontal line of a bottom of the food basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Jiangsu Zhongheng Pet Supplies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bin Qiu
  • Patent number: 8961096
    Abstract: A transportable apparatus has a main body configured to be transported in a horizontal orientation, and then raised to a vertical orientation in a working position. A base is mounted on the bottom end of the main body such that the main body rests on the base in the working position, and such that the base is carried at a rear end of the main body when the main body is in a horizontal transport position supported on. The base is rotatable about a vertical base axis such that the main body can be rotated with respect to the base about the base axis. A frame and wheels can be pivotally attached to the main body to transport the main body and then be stored in a vertical orientation along a wall of the man body in the working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Alvin Herman, Erin Herman
  • Patent number: 8844771
    Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to a pump for dispensing precise quantities of fluids. In some implementations, a pump includes a rotatable portion including one or more recesses configured to receive one or more corresponding roller components; and a base portion including a fluid channel including an input aperture and an output aperture, the fluid channel being configured to receive the one or more roller components, and a flexible membrane that provides a seal between the roller components and the fluid channel, wherein, the rotatable portion is rotatably coupled to the base portion such that the fluid channel includes one or more portions sealed by the flexible membrane and one or more roller components and wherein rotation of the rotatable portion causes the one or more roller components to traverse the fluid channel pushing fluid trapped within the fluid channel and the membrane in the direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Piranha Plastics, LLC
    Inventor: Charles A Centofante
  • Patent number: 8727182
    Abstract: A feeder apparatus includes a hopper having a longitudinal axis and a wall having an external surface and an internal surface defining a thickness therebetween. The wall defines an infeed end for receipt of particulate material and an outfeed end for conveyance of the particulate material from the hopper. The outfeed end defines or has an outfeed aperture therein. A base disposed such that at least a portion of the base is substantially coextensive with the outfeed aperture. The base has at least one base aperture therethrough to facilitate conveyance of the particulate material from the hopper. The base aperture may be concentrically or eccentrically disposed relative to the longitudinal axis of said hopper. At least one of the base and the hopper is capable of rotation relative to another of the base and hopper, such that the base aperture is in at least intermittent in particulate flow communication with the outfeed aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Vinit Satish Murthy, John Philip Hecht, Christopher Gerold Stoltz, Christa Marie Novicki
  • Patent number: 8662352
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser and a method for using the fluid dispenser with a syringe barrel holding a fluid including a distribution of composite materials. The fluid dispenser includes a dispensing valve operable to dispense the fluid and a coupling for fluidly connecting the syringe barrel to the dispensing valve. The fluid dispenser also includes a support frame for rotatably supporting the syringe barrel and a motorized drive unit configured to rotate the syringe barrel. The syringe barrel rotates via the motorized drive unit to distribute the composite materials uniformly within the fluid for dispensing the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen R. des Jardins, William MacIndoe, Robert W. Springhorn
  • Patent number: 8651336
    Abstract: A long-life substance dispensing device for a washing machine, particularly a dishwasher, comprises: —a body (20?, 30?) designed to be sealingly fixed to a structure of the washing machine, —a support means (40) adapted to contain a total amount of a substance sufficient for performing a plurality of washing cycles, —an actuation system (47?, 50?, 61?) which is electrically controllable for causing delivery of at least one dose of the substance contained in the support means (40). The actuation system (47?, 50?, 61?) comprises at least one drive element and one driven element (47?) capable of cooperating to obtain the delivery. The actuation system (47?, 50?, 61?) is arranged for being able to take on an operative condition, wherein the drive element (61?) is operatively coupled with the driven element (47?), and an inoperative condition, wherein the drive element (61?) is decoupled from the driven element (47?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Eltek S.p.A.
    Inventors: Costanzo Gadini, Renato Gaj, Marco Moro, Chris Efstathios Housmekerides
  • Patent number: 8631973
    Abstract: Single-use cartridges for the storing and dispensing of dental two-component impression materials have a closable external chamber with a cylinder-shaped external wall, a cylindrical closable internal chamber that is arranged coaxially or eccentric therein, a mixing element including housing and mobile mixer that is to be mounted separately or connected firmly to the external chamber at its inlet end. Either the internal cylindrical chamber is arranged such that it can be rotated and forms the drive shaft for the mobile mixer part of the mixing element, or the drive shaft extends parallel to the central axis through the internal cylindrical chamber or forms the central axis. The content of the chambers can be dispensed by means of conveying means whose axial thrust motions can be controlled independent of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Heraeus Kulzer GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Grundler, Klaus-Dieter Nehren, Alfred von Schuckmann
  • Patent number: 8608032
    Abstract: A disinfectant dispenser includes a rotating assembly coupled to a base and rotatable thereabout and a first motor operatively coupled to the rotating assembly for rotation thereof when activated. A carriage is pivotally mounted to an upper portion of the rotating assembly and movable between vertical and horizontal configurations. A second motor is operatively connected to the carriage for moving the carriage between the vertical and horizontal configurations. A control unit is electrically connected to the power source and motors and includes programming for activation thereof. A delivery unit configured to hold a propellant container is attached to the carriage, the delivery unit defining an outlet to dispense the propellant when activated. A solenoid is positioned proximate the delivery unit so as to activate the propellant when the solenoid is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Susan M. Wolosuk
  • Patent number: 8579162
    Abstract: An enclosure for use with a gravity fed fluid dispensing system includes a housing with a base member and a cover member that is movably connected with the base member. The base member and cover member define an interior chamber for receiving a bottle. An actuator is movably connected with the housing and arranged to rotate the bottle within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John J. Dyer, Arthur V. Lang
  • Patent number: 8397954
    Abstract: A device for metering bulk material includes a drive unit as well as a metering unit encompassing a metering module, a receptacle, and a stirring apparatus. A gear can be provided between the metering module and a wheel. The metering module is provided with an outlet. A quick coupling element is disposed on an axis in order for the metering unit to be designed as a replaceable unit. The metering unit can be swiveled about the axis when the quick coupling element is engaged such that the wheel can be non-positively contacted with driving means. A plate is used as a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: K-Tron Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Rolf Lehmann
  • Patent number: 8348098
    Abstract: A dispensing device dispenses at least two different preparations substantially simultaneously. The device has a delivery element to deliver a first preparation from a package to its surrounding environment when an actuating element, in at least one embodiment a trigger connected to a pump, is actuated. The dispensing device has a connection line between the delivery element and at least one portion cartridge for a second preparation. The portion cartridge is detachably coupled to the dispensing device such that as the actuating element is actuated, the first and second preparations can be simultaneously dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Erik Brückner
  • Patent number: 8302821
    Abstract: There is provided a paste application device which can solve problems of an increased exclusively occupied space attributed to an arrangement of a syringe and of deterioration of a tube. In a paste application unit 15 (a paste application device) for applying a paste 7 stored in a syringe 16 to an application target material, a configuration is adopted in which a pump mechanism 18 for sending the paste 7 under pressure is formed by causing a discharge thread portion 32b provided at a lower portion of a rotary member 32 to rotate about an axis AX within a discharge space 31b provided in a casing portion 31, in which a discharge port 17a, which communicates with the discharge space 31b, is provided at an end portion of the casing portion 31, and in which the syringe 16 is disposed coaxially with the rotary member 32 for detachable connection thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yuzuru Inaba, Osamu Okuda
  • Publication number: 20120217269
    Abstract: A feeder apparatus includes a hopper having a longitudinal axis and a wall having an external surface and an internal surface defining a thickness therebetween. The wall defines an infeed end for receipt of particulate material and an outfeed end for conveyance of the particulate material from the hopper. The outfeed end defines or has an outfeed aperture therein. A base disposed such that at least a portion of the base is substantially coextensive with the outfeed aperture. The base has at least one base aperture therethrough to facilitate conveyance of the particulate material from the hopper. The base aperture may be concentrically or eccentrically disposed relative to the longitudinal axis of said hopper. At least one of the base and the hopper is capable of rotation relative to another of the base and hopper, such that the base aperture is in at least intermittent in particulate flow communication with the outfeed aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Vinit Satish Murthy, John Philip Hecht, Christopher Gerold Stoltz, Christa Marie Novicki
  • Publication number: 20120055584
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple liquid dispenser having an upper section for receiving ice to form a cooling chamber. The cooling chamber has a spiral passageway extending through the ice having a plurality of layers of passageways. The spiral passageway has an upper end for receiving the liquid to be chilled by the surrounding ice and a lower end connected to multiple tubes for distributing the chilled liquid. The lower section has multiple liquid dispensers connected to the multiple tubes for receiving and dispensing the chilled liquid from the multiple liquid dispensers. The multiple liquid dispensers are spaced around the periphery of the lower section and has valves for opening and closing the liquid dispensers for dispensing the chilled liquid. A vertical stand is provided for supporting the upper and lower sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Nathan Chera
  • Publication number: 20110253742
    Abstract: An enclosure for use with a gravity fed fluid dispensing system includes a housing comprising a base member and a cover member, and an actuator movably connected with the housing and arranged to rotate the bottle within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: John J. Dyer, Arthur V. Lang
  • Patent number: 7886938
    Abstract: A powder and granular material feeder constantly feeding powder and granular material with poor fluidity that is discharged to an annular passage between inner and outer tubes through a clearance between a lower end of the inner tube and a bottom plate from a fall opening, outside of the feeder, by scraping plates immediately below the fall opening. The fall opening has an arcuate configuration starting on an outer side of the outer tube to the inner tube or to an inner side of the inner tube. The scraping plates are located on a small cylinder around the center of curvature. The scraping plates and spokes rotate in opposite directions from each other at a portion of the fall opening, and the powder and granular material transferred by the spokes and inward claws into the fall opening is discharged in a direction opposite to the feeding direction and leveled by an lower edge of the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Yoshikawa Corporation
    Inventor: Osamu Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20100270333
    Abstract: A powder container capable of controlling the amount of discharged powder, which is provided with a rotatable powder supply unit capable of being rotated to discharge powder from the container to the outside, thus allowing a user to easily control the amount of discharged powder while viewing the powder discharged from the container with the eyes, is disclosed. The powder container includes a housing containing powder therein, a cap hinged to the housing and opening or closing the opening of the housing, a discharge plate provided in the housing and having a discharge hole for discharging powder, a rotatable powder supply unit provided in the housing and being rotated to supply powder from the housing to the discharge hole of the discharge plate, and a rotation guide unit for guiding the rotation of the powder supply unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: SHINYOUNG CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jae-Sung ROH
  • Patent number: 7694703
    Abstract: A particular dispensing apparatus (10) for dispensing with particular refractory material into a gap between a furnace wall and a form includes a platform (12) removably engaging the upper end of an expendable metal form. A carriage (14) is pivotally coupled to the platform and is rotatable about a pivot point located generally at the center of the platform. A hopper (30) is coupled to the carriage. The hopper receives particulate refractory material via an inlet and dispenses the particulate refractory material through an outlet (36). A feeder (34) is coupled to the outlet of the hopper to move the particulate refractory material from the outlet to a dispenser (44). The dispenser is coupled to the carriage at a distal end of the feeder and is suspended above the lining gap to deliver particulate refractory material into the lining gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Gradmatic Equipment Inc.
    Inventor: Ayton J. Grady
  • Publication number: 20100050567
    Abstract: The grout placement apparatus has a V-shaped hopper with a flexible-bladed auger mounted therein that can be rotated in both forward and reverse directions by an auger motor. The auger has flexible blades to drive the grout material along the bottom of the hopper to a discharge sleeve that extends from the hopper. Coupled to the discharge sleeve is a discharge assembly having a flow control valve that is automatically opened and closed by the forward and reverse rotation of the auger, respectively. The discharge assembly is hingedly movable with respect to the hopper, allowing the discharge assembly to “swing away” from its operating position against the discharge sleeve to a position that uncovers the discharge sleeve for easy cleaning. A flexible discharge conduit or hose coupled to the discharge assembly conveys the grout material to the desired placement location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen C. Vandewinckel, Edward A. Varel, Jeffrey M. Rock, Brian R. Leaty
  • Patent number: 7665490
    Abstract: A loader device for a hopper-fed processing machine has a top plate pivotally secured to a bottom plate. The plates are attached between the processing equipment throat and the material hopper, or vacuum receiver/reservoir. As the top plate pivots upon the other, ports that extend through the plates control the flow of material from the hopper into the throat of the machine. The pivot design, a purge funnel, and a drain tube are additional features that save time, labor, and make switching of processing material quick and convenient without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Empirical Design, LLC
    Inventor: Robert D. Elliott
  • Patent number: 7410804
    Abstract: A process of forming an array of powder samples arranged in predefined locations where all samples have a flat surface in a common plane has been developed. A main support having at least N perforations from a first surface of the main support through a second surface of the main support in predefined locations. The main support is equipped with a flat support temporarily attached to its first surface. All samples are loaded simultaneously. A flat surface of each sample, where the flat surfaces are a common plane, is formed by forcing the samples within the perforations against the flat support. The samples are retained in position within the perforations against the flat support using at least one cover. The flat surfaces of the samples are in predefined locations and are all in a common plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Rune Wendelbo, Duncan E. Akporiaye, Ivar M. Dahl, Arne Karlsson, Gregory J. Lewis, Richard S. Kempf, Amit J. Patel, Brent J. Anderson, Russell D. Schumaker, Nanette Greenlay
  • Publication number: 20080099510
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, for transferring pressure-sensitive adhesive segments from a rolled flexible carrier release tape to a workpiece, by directing the flexible carrier release tape to a dispensing member attached to a pivotable arm, and pivoting the arm in such a manner that the dispensing member clamps the flexible carrier release tape against the workpiece. With the carrier release tape clamped against the workpiece, relative linear movement between the carrier release tape and the workpiece is initiated, in such a manner that the relative motion unrolls the flexible carrier tape and moves one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive segments into pressurized contact with the workpiece so that the one or more pressure-sensitive segments are transferred from the flexible carrier tape to the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Glue Dots International, LLC
    Inventor: Reid C. Moertl
  • Patent number: 7156267
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve unit for container filling machines, particularly for bottle fillers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a valve unit (1), particularly for machines for filling containers (8), comprising a hollow body (2) in which a plug (3) is slidably housed and a guide means (14) for the said plug (3), a passage (9) being formed in the said hollow (2) for a fluid (7) for filling the said container (8), characterized in that the said passage (9) for the said filling fluid (7) is separated from the said guide means (14) and from the said plug (3) by an isolating and sealing membrane (32), the said membrane being open at the bottom in such a way as to allow a tip (30) of the to protrude downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Simonazzi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Zanga
  • Patent number: 6962271
    Abstract: A dispensing system for returnable bulk shipping containers and more particularly to a apparatus and method for selectively emptying the contents of bulk containers which, when emptied, can be returned to the supplier for refilling. The apparatus comprises a hoist having vertical lift capability. A rotator provided on the hoist provides horizontal rotation capability to a container press. A funnel cap is provided with the container press which is configured to replace the cover of the container, thereby retaining any structural integrity afforded by the cover. The funnel cap includes a selectively operable valve. The funnel cap operates in conjunction with a platen which is used to initially support the container in its upright position. The funnel cap and platen are movable away from one another to enable containers to be inserted or removed therefrom. The funnel cap and platen are movable toward one another to enable a container to be engaged and retained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Sertapak, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Robert Gregson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6935537
    Abstract: A salt dispenser for a beverage bottle includes a rotatable member defining a cavity and including a top surface having an aperture formed therein and for receiving salt therethrough to be disposed within the cavity. The rotatable member includes a bottom surface oppositely spaced from the top surface and having a plurality of apertures for allowing salt to pass therethrough. A stationary member is removably attachable to a top opening of a beverage bottle and is slidably receives the rotatable member about a perimeter thereof. The stationary member has a top surface provided with a channel substantially aligned beneath the plurality of apertures for communicating therewith to allow salt to pass downwardly from the cavity to a perimeter of a beverage bottle. The device further includes a plug attached to the top surface of the stationary member for preventing salt from passing beyond the top opening of a beverage bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Jose H. Tellez
  • Patent number: 6820823
    Abstract: A nozzle insert, and/or an actuator nozzle structure, for use in dispensing a material to be dispensed from an aerosol can. The nozzle insert or actuator nozzle structure divide the spray of dispensed material into two independent, simultaneously emitted aerosol streams, which may have different attributes and may be emitted in different directions. One stream may be an upwardly directed fogger stream and the other stream may be a forwardly directed, aimable stream. This permits a user to direct, for example, an insecticide at a particular target, while simultaneously more generally fogging an area of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Parsons, Steven B. Mineau, Gary A. Hurtienne, Stanley J. Flashinski, Juan Carlos Blanco
  • Patent number: 6817489
    Abstract: A manually-actuated device for dispensing a fluid in liquid or powder form and that comprises a fluid reservoir (10), dispensing means (20) for selectively dispensing the fluid contained in the reservoir (10), a dispensing head (30) provided with a dispensing orifice (31), and an actuating system (40) for manually actuating said dispensing means (20), said device being provided with a captive cap (50) mounted to move between a rest position, in which it covers the dispensing orifice (31) and prevents the dispensing means (20) from being actuated, and an in-use position, in which it uncovers the dispensing orifice (31) and enables the dispensing means (20) to be actuated, characterized in that said cap (50) is part of said actuating system (40), said cap (50) actuating said dispensing means (20) by being moved towards its in-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventors: Xavier Cabarroque, Fabien Poulard
  • Patent number: 6806093
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for forming an array of powder samples arranged in predefined locations where all samples have a flat surface in a common plane has been developed. A monolithic block having a main support section having at least N perforations from a first surface of the main support through a second surface of the main support in predefined locations, where N is the number of samples in the array is provided. The monolithic block also has a flat support section covering the perforations of the main support section. All N samples are loaded simultaneously with sample X in perforation X of the main support where X is an integer from 1 to N. A flat surface of each sample where the flat surfaces are a common plane is formed by forcing the samples within the perforations against the flat support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Rune Wendelbo, Duncan E. Akporiaye, Ivar M. Dahl, Arne Karlsson, Gregory J. Lewis, David S. Bem, Andrzej Z. Ringwelski, Richard C. Murray, Jr., Cheryl M. Surman
  • Patent number: 6742679
    Abstract: A rotary plate feeder valve for use in pressurized pneumatic conveying systems. The valve comprises a rotary plate that is fed from a central inlet and discharges through a central outlet located immediately below the inlet. Located over the outlet discharge and within the valve body is a feed-rate control cone. Material transfer is controlled by rotary speed and feed-rate cone position. Several embodiments of the valve are disclosed including a “live-bottom” embodiment designed to reduce or eliminate bridging in silos. Due to high clearances within the valve, the valve may be used with abrasive materials, delicate materials and foodstuffs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Albert Ray Martin
  • Patent number: 6677162
    Abstract: A process of forming an array of powder samples arranged in predefined locations where all samples have a flat surface in a common plane has been developed. A main support having at least N perforations from a first surface of the main support through a second surface of the main support in predefined locations, where N is the number of samples in the array is provided. The main support is equipped with a flat support temporarily attached to its first surface. All N samples are loaded simultaneously with sample X in perforation X of the main support where X is an integer from 1 to N. A flat surface of each sample where the flat surfaces are a common plane is formed by forcing the samples within the perforations against the flat support. The samples are retained in position within the perforations against the flat support, and are made ready for analysis by exposing the flat surfaces of the samples by removing the flat support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Rune Wendelbo, Duncan E. Akporiaye, Ivar M. Dahl, Arne Karlsson, Gregory J. Lewis, David S. Bem, Andrzej Z. Ringwelski, Richard C. Murray, Jr., Cheryl M. Bratu
  • Patent number: 6607013
    Abstract: An automatic device for preparing mixed and non-mixed beverages having a load-bearing structure (22), a conveyor (21) designed to convey containers (26) into a set position under a motor-driven rotary head (12,32) having a plurality of receptacles (13,33) for ingredients to be poured into the containers (26) on the conveyor where each receptacle (13, 33) has an automatic-dosing actuation valve (24, 34) and the said device (10) includes an automatic system (20) for managing positioning of the dispensers over the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Mauro Leoni
  • Patent number: 6454141
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dispersing and feeding dry powders without using pressurized air are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sample holder, a suction probe, a vacuum means and a positional means. The suction probe is positioned above dry powders in the sample holder, a space between the suction probe and the sample holder is substantially small that allows non-pressurized ambient air to form an high velocity downward air flow when a vacuum is applied to the suction probe. A change of air flow direction at an orifice of the suction probe generates a high shear force above the dry powders, which disperses the dry powders into an airstream. The apparatus feeds the dry powder airstream to a particle analyzer with a controlled rate. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in sizing particles using laser diffraction or image analysis techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Coulter International Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas Breen, Brian Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6329007
    Abstract: A flat bread grill has a grill formed by a housing enclosing a controllable heating element and is topped by a round, flat grill surface, which is preferably coated with a non-stick substance, and has an annular channel or recess adjacent the periphery thereof. A dough or batter spreader has an elongated pentagonal shape with a rounded pointy inner end, diverging side walls, substantially parallel side walls, and an arcuate outer wall. The inner end has an integral depending foot while to outer arcuate wall has both an upwardly directed handle and a depending arcuate foot which is readily received in the annular channel or recess of the grill. The one pair of diverging and side walls have a lesser depth than other pair of diverging and sidewalls. The spreader is held spaced above the grill surface by both feet. Preferably the volume of the pentagonal spreader member is substantially equal to that of a single piece of thin flat bread produced by the subject invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Andy Khusro
  • Patent number: 6315233
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transporting device for transporting a voluminous, substantially empty container (1), which transporting device has a shape and dimensions suitable for use on the public highway and is provided with a mobile main frame (12); a sub-frame (11) supported by the main frame (12); a rolling-up member (10) rotatably mounted on a lying shaft in the sub-frame (11); drive means (15) for rotating the rolling-up member (10); coupling means (13) arranged on the rolling-up member (10) for coupling the rolling-up member (10) to the container (1), and turning means (17) for turning the sub-frame (11) on a standing shaft relative to the main frame (12). The invention also relates to a container (1) which is transported with interposing of a transporting device (11, 12) according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Albers Alligator Projekten B.V.
    Inventor: Hubertus Franciscus Cornelius Maria Van Wingerden
  • Patent number: 6283327
    Abstract: A material feed system and method for conveying a metered quantity of lightweight, friable mesh fibers without minimal damage to the mesh fibers to concrete and like materials mixing tank. The material feed system including a hopper with a spiral fiber guide near the discharge and flexible blades for clearing fibers from the upper and lower surfaces of the spiral fiber guide. A drive assembly is included for rotating the hopper at a rotation rate adequate to move and agitate the mesh fibers to facilitate flow of the mesh fibers first outward against the side walls of the bin and then rapidly downward through the bin being guided by the spiral fiber guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Insulation Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Yuriy Rubtsov
  • Patent number: 6206249
    Abstract: A fluent material containing and dispensing apparatus including a hopper having four sidewalls. A tube mounts to one of the sidewalls, and an auger extends from one end of the tube to the opposite end of the hopper, driving material in the hopper through the tube when the auger is rotated. A flexible hose is mounted to the underside of the tube and material in the tube pours into the hose, which can be kinked to slow or stop flow of material. A gap is formed between the outer surfaces of the auger and the tube wall. A radially inwardly extending flange can be mounted to the tube wall to slow the flow of material through the gap. Alternatively, a compressible sleeve can be mounted in the gap between the outer surfaces of the auger and the tube wall extending a substantial length of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventors: Damian L. Lang, Michael D. West
  • Patent number: 6123842
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser for dispensing a water treatment substance into water. The dispenser contains a holder for holding a supply of a solid water dispersable water treatment substance. The holder has at least one primary water opening through which untreated water can enter the holder and treated water, containing water treatment substance dispersed therein, can exit the holder or be dispensed from the holder. A component is attached to the holder and has a secondary opening which is spaced from the primary opening and through which untreated and treated water can pass. An enclosed water flow path is defined between the primary opening and the secondary openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Control Chemicals (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Leon Buchan
  • Patent number: 6112955
    Abstract: A grout hopper and dispenser which may be raised on a fork lift so that grout may be placed in a concrete block wall. The grout hopper and dispenser includes an auger in the bottom thereof which forces the grout out through a tube which is connected to a flexible tube which is used by the workman in directing the grout to the appropriate location. The auger may be remotely controlled by the operator of the forklift truck which has lifted the grout hopper and dispenser into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Damian Lang
  • Patent number: 5947337
    Abstract: A rotary union for dispensing of a single central supply of water-based can sealing compound to an orbiting can end lining station includes a rotating reservoir (1) inside a stationary housing (2) with a dip tube (3) carried by the housing extending down below the liquid level of the reservoir. A sensor (4) in the ceiling of the housing determines the liquid level for controlling the admission of the compound through the down tube in response to the level sensed. The seal (7), where the stationary and rotating parts interface, is below the reservoir and simply needs to support gas pressure but does not come into contact with the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: John Numa Worth
  • Patent number: 5944071
    Abstract: A beverage filling machine (10) for conserving beverage at the end of a production run of the type comprising at least one filling assembly (20) for filling a beverage container (22) and a supply tank (12) for supplying beverage (32) to the filling assembly (20). The machine (10) is characterized by the supply tank (12) including a an endless wall (42) movable between an open position disposed above a ledge (38) disposed vertically above said bottom (28) for allowing beverage (32) to level completely across the tank (12) and a closed position in sealing engagement with the ledge for dividing said tank (12) into an isolated volume (34) and a useable volume (36) for removing beverage (32) from said isolated volume (34) and allowing beverage (32) to level only in said useable volume (36). An actuator (46) moves the endless wall (42) vertically between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Crown Simplimatic Incorporated
    Inventors: Felix Tietz, Wolfgang Wilke
  • Patent number: 5833092
    Abstract: Apparatus for feeding poorly flowable dry particulate materials includes a rotary supply hopper having an interior chamber for receiving and containing a quantity of material and an annular sidewall open at a lower edge, a stationary platform having a circular groove formed in a top surface of the platform encircling an upright central axis and an opening extending through the platform adjacent to the circular groove, spaced from the central axis and defined between the circular groove and central axis, a support structure supporting the hopper above the platform to undergo rotation relative to the platform about the upright central axis with the lower edge of the supply hopper being spaced from and extending downward into the circular groove of the platform such that the platform serves as a stationary bottom for the rotary supply hopper, and an annular discharge spout attached at an open upper end to the platform below and encircling the opening through the platform and having a transfer passage extending f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Summit Machine Builders, Corp.
    Inventors: Scott E. Godfrey, Leonard L. Hierath, Mark E. Hillam, Michael R. Schmehl, Charles F. Watson
  • Patent number: 5558251
    Abstract: An apparatus for metering pigments for paints and the like is provided with a bearing framework on which is disposed a rotary carousel supporting a plurality of pigment vessels, each of which is provided with a delivery or metering assembly. The main feature of the invention is that the delivery assembly has a valve including a closure stem which can be located at a closing position, an opening position and a draining position in which the stem partially projects from the delivery nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Giuseppe Neri
  • Patent number: 5474211
    Abstract: Dispensing mechanism includes a plurality of storage containers, each container having two or more metering pumps associated therewith. The containers and metering pumps are located on a turntable which is indexed to move a particular metering pump to a dispensing station. Automated dispensing equipment operate the metering pump at the dispensing station and the turntable is thereafter indexed a smaller amount to bring the other pump associated with the same container into a dispensing position. In this manner, a single actuator system can be employed for multiple discharge cycles associated with a particular canister, and can accommodate multiple canisters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Leendert Hellenberg
  • Patent number: 5465873
    Abstract: Pot comprising a body, a container, and a cover pivoted to the body, characterized in that the container (2, 32), closed by a movable wall (3, 33) insulating the substance from the exterior, communicates with the suction side of an incorporated measuring pump (12-17, 40, 39) which delivers the substance into an incorporated receptacle (15, 56) which is covered at rest by the cover (21, 34); and in that the reversible action of utilization, in a single movement engaging the cover, first of all clears the access to the receptacle and then actuates the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Reboul-SMT
    Inventors: Pascal Mejean, Christian Peyrot
  • Patent number: 5441176
    Abstract: A volumetric measuring and dispensing apparatus for the dry measure of particulate matter such as sand, or gravel, which apparatus includes one of either (I.) a rotary table spaced slightly from a body having a stationary interrupted circular wall which defines a storage zone; or (II.) a stationary table spaced slightly from a rotating body having an interrupted circular wall which defines a storage zone. The storage zone includes a distally located gate, under which a predetermined amount of particulates can pass as one of the table or said body rotates relative to the other. The apparatus also includes a retention zone on the table outside of the gate for residual material. The particulates fall into a collection vessel such as a hopper or conveying belt. The contents of the storage zone may be replenished from a conventional feed hopper or manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Paul Auee
  • Patent number: RE37911
    Abstract: A fluent material containing and dispensing apparatus including a hopper having four sidewalls. A tube mounts to one of the sidewalls, and an auger extends from one end of the tube to the opposite end of the hopper, driving material in the hopper through the tube when the auger is rotated. A flexible hose is mounted to the underside of the tube and material in the tube pours into the hose, which can be kinked to slow or stop flow of material. A gap is formed between the outer surfaces of the auger and the tube wall. A radially inwardly extending flange can be mounted to the tube wall to slow the flow of material through the gap. Alternatively, a compressible sleeve can be mounted in the gap between the outer surfaces of the auger and the tube wall extending a substantial length of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Damian L. Lang
  • Patent number: RE39639
    Abstract: A grout hopper and dispenser which may be raised on a fork lift so that grout may be placed in a concrete block wall. The grout hopper and dispenser includes an auger in the bottom thereof which forces the grout out through a tube which is connected to a flexible tube which is used by the workman in directing the grout to the appropriate location. The auger may be remotely controlled by the operator of the forklift truck which has lifted the grout hopper and dispenser into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Damian L. Lang