Supply Container Wall Flexing Patents (Class 222/202)
  • Patent number: 10724207
    Abstract: A remote debris tank includes a housing having a top and a bottom discharge opening, a pair of discharge doors mounted to opposing lateral sides of the bottom discharge opening and configured for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position, and an actuating shaft operably coupled to the first and second discharge doors. The remote debris tank also includes a crank lever having a plurality of vertices, where the crank lever is secured to the actuating shaft at a first vertex and configured to rotate with the actuating shaft. A first radial arm has a first end articulately connected to a second vertex of the crank lever and a second end articulately connected to the first discharge door. Similarly, a second radial arm is articulately connected to a third vertex of the crank lever and extending away from the actuating shaft to the second discharge door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: VAC-TRON EQUIPMENT, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Showley, Don M. Buckner
  • Patent number: 10343470
    Abstract: A gooseneck hitch adapter has an upper assembly that is designed to affix to an existing trailer. The upper assembly has an upper and a lower torsion tube that each has corresponding torsion bars. The torsion bars extend outwardly where each affixes to a corresponding torsion arm. The hitch adapter has a lower assembly that is designed to affix to a towing vehicle. The lower assembly has an upper and a lower torsion tube that each has corresponding torsion bars. The upper torsion arm affixes the upper torsion bar of the upper assembly to the upper torsion bar of the lower assembly. Correspondingly, a lower torsion arm affixes the lower torsion bars of the upper assembly to the lower assembly. The torsion tubes and bars resist rotation and cooperate to allow limited movement and provide resistance to forces along the axes of the upper and lower assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Inventor: Carl J. Borkholder
  • Patent number: 10071391
    Abstract: An atomizing sprayer includes a vapor tube, a front washer, an ultrasonic chip, a porous plate holder, a porous plate, a rear washer, and a chip holder. The chip holder has an opening hole at its center. One side of the chip holder has an accommodating space and a circular groove. The rear washer is disposed in the circular groove and its outer surface leans against the edge of the central hole of the ultrasonic chip. The porous plate holder is disposed on the ultrasonic chip and the porous plate is disposed on the porous plate holder. The outer protrusion ring of the front washer leans against the porous plate holder and the inner protrusion ring of the front washer leans against the porous plate, so the assembly of the ultrasonic chip, the porous plate holder and the porous plate can be fixed between the front and rear washers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: QUATEK HOLDING INC.
    Inventor: Neng-Chih Yu
  • Patent number: 9895710
    Abstract: A construction member 3D printing spray head with vibrating rod which includes a frame, a receiving hopper, a vibrating rod and a lifting device; the vibrating rod includes a cylindrical vibrating body and cable wires connected to the cylindrical vibrating body. The lifting device includes a set of guide wheels, clamp, wire rope, electrical winding drum. Wherein, the cylindrical vibrating body is located within the receiving hopper. The cable wire which is connected to the cylindrical vibrating body extends outside the receiving hopper via the space between the wheels of the set of guide wheels arranged above the receiving hopper. One side of the clamp clamps the cable wire that is outwardly extended, while the other side of the clamp clamps the wire rope. The wire rope is wrapped around the electrical winding drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: Yihe Ma
  • Patent number: 8695855
    Abstract: A unit for dispensing a dosage material of a powdery or granular consistency has a housing and at least one dispensing head. At least one reservoir cavity is formed inside the housing and serves to receive dosage material. The at least one dispensing head is formed of an elastomeric material. The dispensing head has an outlet which is slit-shaped in its non-deformed state and is delimited by a first outlet lip and a second outlet lip. The outlet can be opened to a variable width by the application of a lateral compressive force. The arrangement further includes at least a first motion-transmitting means designed to impart an oscillatory movement to the first outlet lip relative to, and in the lengthwise direction of, the second outlet lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Lorenz Bohler
  • Publication number: 20110114662
    Abstract: An apparatus that promotes the flow of materials has a body having an inner shape for holding the materials, a wall having a shape that approximates a portion of the inner shape of the body, and a vibrator attached to the wall. The wall may be disposed vertically within the body close to the body's inner shape. The vibrator transfers vibrations to the wall to agitate the material and encourage material flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy Saunders, John D. Brady
  • Patent number: 7868260
    Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method which is capable of dispensing very small (typically less than 5 mg) quantities of particles to a high accuracy in a repeatable way and without undue wastage. Also, the need for advanced particle formulation is reduced. The apparatus comprises a closed loop control system which uses an electro-mechanical actuator to deliver impact energy to a supply of particles initially held on a sieve in a hopper. The impact energy causes a small number of particles to fall through the sieve and onto a weight measuring balance. The weight obtained is scrutinised by a processor to see if further actuations are required. In preferred embodiments, the energy of actuation is varied in accordance with the rate of dispensation calculated by the processor. Also, a correction amount can be obtained to take account of the fact that the balance can take a considerable amount of time to settle to its final value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Powderject Research Limited
    Inventors: Bruce MacMichael, Duncan Westland
  • Patent number: 7358451
    Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method which is capable of dispensing very small (typically less than 5 mg) quantities of particles to a high accuracy in a repeatable way and without undue wastage. Also, the need for advanced particle formulation is reduced. The apparatus comprises a closed loop control system which uses an electromechanical actuator to deliver impact energy to a supply of particles initially held on a sieve in a hopper. The impact energy causes a small number of particles to fall through the sieve and onto a weight measuring balance. The weight obtained is scrutinised by a processor to see if further actuations are required. In preferred embodiments, the energy of actuation is varied in accordance with the rate of dispensation calculated by the processor. Also, a correction amount can be obtained to take account of the fact that the balance can take a considerable amount of time to settle to its final value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Powderject Research Limited
    Inventors: Bruce MacMichael, Duncan Westland
  • Patent number: 7159744
    Abstract: A flow promotion device (FPD) for use in conjunction with a bulk bag discharger is provided. The FPD includes a center plate pivotably connected to the bulk bag discharger frame. Extension plates are pivotably attached to each end of the center plate. A connecting element is connected between a lever arm on each extension plate and the discharger frame, and an actuator is connected between the center plate and the frame. Upon activation of the actuator, the center plate is moved upwardly, and the extension plates are pivoted upwardly and inwardly by the connecting elements in order to press against the bag from three different directions using a single actuator. Two FPDs are preferably used on the bulk bag discharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Flexicon Corporation
    Inventors: Keith W. Sterner, David R. Gill, John F. Simonof, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040206780
    Abstract: A flow promotion device (FPD) for use in conjunction with a bulk bag discharger is provided. The FPD includes a center plate pivotably connected to the bulk bag discharger frame. Extension plates are pivotably attached to each end of the center plate. A connecting element is connected between a lever arm on each extension plate and the discharger frame, and an actuator is connected between the center plate and the frame. Upon activation of the actuator, the center plate is moved upwardly, and the extension plates are pivoted upwardly and inwardly by the connecting elements in order to press against the bag from three different directions using a single actuator. Two FPDs are preferably used on the bulk bag discharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Flexicon Corporation
    Inventors: Keith W. Sterner, David R. Gill, John F. Simonof
  • Patent number: 6696025
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-functional assembly for toilet products useful in the toilet space by designing an air freshener that has functions of deodorizing and aromatizing air into an hanging assembly that can joint with other toilet products such as the toilet-paper roll, the tooth mug, the tooth brush and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Wayne Liao
  • Patent number: 6516975
    Abstract: A cottonseed feeder wherein the dispensing means for dispensing the feed from the hopper comprises a feed chamber having an entry-opening and an exit-opening, the entry-opening in communication with the lower opening of a feed hopper, an entry-opening shutter adjacent the entry-opening, said entry-opening shutter moveable between a first position where the entry-opening shutter blocks the entry-opening and a second free position where feed may flow into the feed chamber, an exit-opening shutter adjacent the exit-opening moveable between a first position where the exit-opening shutter blocks the exit-opening and a second free position where feed disposed within the feed chamber may flow out of the feed chamber and a connecting member associated with the entry-opening shutter and the exit-opening shutter wherein the entry-opening shutter and the exit-opening shutter are linked such that movement of the entry-opening shutter from its first position to its second position coincides with the movement of the exit-o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: GTS Investments PTY Ltd.
    Inventor: Roderick Stephen Green
  • Publication number: 20010017303
    Abstract: A bulk-solid metering system has a support structure. A feed hopper is mounted with respect to the structure and has an upper edge. In the improvement, the structure includes an upper member and the upper edge is below such upper member. The structure defines a lateral opening sized and shaped to permit the feed hopper to be withdrawn laterally through the opening. The feed hopper includes a spout extending therefrom. In a highly preferred embodiment, the lateral opening is positioned to permit withdrawal of the feed hopper in a direction away from the spout. The feed hopper is configured to promote very good mass flow as well as to permit agitation in that, in one embodiment, it has a body made of flexible material. There is a hopper upper flange and the spout is spaced below such flange. The body has a first cross-sectional shape, e.g., circular, adjacent to the upper flange and has a second cross-sectional shape, e.g., ellipse-like, intermediate the upper flange and the spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventors: JAMES J. MCKENZIE, PETER AHLMER, HARALD HEINRICI, JOSEPH E. DEKLOTZ
  • Patent number: 5791073
    Abstract: A vacuum excavation system is provided in which a vacuum is generated for withdrawing dirt, water or other material from a vacuum excavation site, and whereby such material is delivered to a containment structure, preferably of the hopper type having a discharge. A valve is provided for the vacuum, such that actuation of the valve interrupts the vacuum, whereby material pickup may be discontinued and/or material may be discharged from the containment structure. Preferably the vacuum-controlling valve exists in a conduit between the situs of vacuum generation and a containment structure. The valve will preferably be controlled by a pneumatic/electrical control for operation of the same.The excavation system is preferably vehicle-mounted, with the same motor that drives the vehicle also driving an air compressor for operating a pneumatic tool as well as driving the vacuum generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Filtration Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Palmer, Richard M. Saroney
  • Patent number: 5598647
    Abstract: In a material transfer system, material from an excavation is drawn into a vessel by suction from a vacuum source. The vessel has discharge flaps at the bottom that are held closed by the suction. When the weight of the material in the vessel reaches a predetermined value, the flaps open and the material is discharged from the vessel. After the discharge, counterweights almost close the flaps and the suction seals the discharge flaps so that additional material is drawn into the vessel. The vessel includes a vibratory section and has sides that slope outwardly from top to bottom. The material entering the vessel contacts the vibratory section at a predetermined angle and is redirected to the discharge flaps without any caking on the vessel walls. The opening through the discharge flaps is larger than the inlet through which the material enters the vessel so that objects entering the vessel are discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Brooklyn Union Gas
    Inventors: Joseph Marazzo, Frank Russo, Michael G. Palmer, Gary L. Hartman
  • Patent number: 5533650
    Abstract: An improved hopper includes a pair of opposed live walls and a pair of opposed fixed walls, wherein at least one live wall is moveable relative to at least one other wall. The hopper is suitable for controlling the flow of particulate material of the type which has a tendency to bridge during transportation. A device for imparting vibration is coupled to at least one of the live walls. The live walls are separated from the fixed walls by seams such that the live walls are free to move relative to the fixed walls. By the action of the vibration device, the live walls are moveable relative to each other and to the fixed walls to inhibit the formation of particle bridges and, thus, provide a significant improvement in the capability of controlling the flow of particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Stamet, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter E. Conrad, Timothy W. Saunders
  • Patent number: 5487228
    Abstract: In a material transfer system, material from an excavation is drawn into a vessel by suction from a vacuum source. The vessel has discharge flaps at the bottom that are held closed by the suction. When the weight of the material in the vessel reaches a predetermined value, the flaps open and the material is discharged from the vessel. After the discharge, counterweights almost close the flaps and the suction seals the discharge flaps so that additional material is drawn into the vessel. The vessel includes a vibratory section and has sides that slope outwardly from top to bottom. The material entering the vessel contacts the vibratory section at a predetermined angle and is redirected to the discharge flaps without any caking on the vessel walls. The opening through the discharge flaps is larger than the inlet through which the material enters the vessel so that objects entering the vessel are discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Brooklyn Union Gas
    Inventors: Joseph Marazzo, Frank Russo, Michael G. Palmer, Gary L. Hartmann
  • Patent number: 5353966
    Abstract: An apparatus for discharging dosed quantities of a bulk material from a bin having a discharge end, includes a material loosening unit adapted to extend below the discharge end, a foil unit covering the material loosening unit and extending so as to form a conical surface for contacting directly the bulk material filled in the bin, so that the loosening unit contacts the bulk material indirectly through the foil unit, and a shutter unit associated with the foil unit opposite to the discharge end and movable between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Anag A. Nussbaumer AG
    Inventors: Edwin Stutz, Jean Cuennet
  • Patent number: 4595277
    Abstract: The invention provides an agitator for releasing powder toner through a bottom opening of a hopper. The agitator has a screen for placing over the opening and an element which, when positioned in the hopper, is in contact with the upper surface of the screen. Toner normally bridges the openings in the screen so that there is normally no flow through the screen and the element is operable to brush over the upper surface of the screen to break down the bridging locally, thereby effectively sifting powder toner through the screen. On stopping the element, the toner again bridges the openings and flow of toner stops. The invention also provides a feeder which magnetically transports toner received from the hopper, and an applicator which takes the toner magnetically from the feeder and transports the toner to the point of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Inventors: Andrzej Maczuszenko, Sotos M. Theodoulou, Kenneth L. Hurley, Dolf Landheer
  • Patent number: 4550325
    Abstract: A fluid drop dispenser is fabricated from an injection moldable plastic and includes inner and outer components each having an end wall and an axially extending cylindrical wall that define a respective counterbore for each component. The inner component is assembled to the outer component with the respective outer and inner axially extending walls defining an annular fluid receiving chamber therebetween. A nozzle is provided in the outer wall through which drops are ejected on demand. A piezoelectric actuator disc is mounted within the inner component with its periphery bonded to the cylindrical wall of the inner component. When the actuator disc is electrically excited, it undergoes a radially outward expansion to cause a predetermined quantity of fluid to be ejected from the annular chamber through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Michael S. Viola
  • Patent number: 4076149
    Abstract: A transmission couples the main drive of an electrostatographic development system to a toner dispensing roll and a spring-loaded striker of a toner dispenser for the development system. The transmission typically includes a Geneva wheel for periodically actuating a lever arm which is coupled by a one-way clutch to a drive shaft for the toner dispenser. That drive shaft suitably is, in turn, mated with a slot at the outer end of the dispensing roll by an enlarged flat or key which functions to alternately cock and release the striker as the dispensing roll is being rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1978
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Allan L. Saxinger
  • Patent number: 3941284
    Abstract: A hopper or storage bin having an apparatus for promoting the discharge of material from the hopper including a generally conical material support member with a central discharge opening located beneath the hopper and a generally conical baffle on the support member above the discharge opening. Both the baffle and the support member are vibrated in the region of a resonant frequency of each to promote predominantly natural flexural vibration of each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1976
    Inventor: Reuben Fraser McLean