Floating Piston With Plural Or Alternate Discharge Patents (Class 222/249)
  • Patent number: 11351534
    Abstract: Disclosed here are pipetting system devices useful for acquiring or dispelling liquids from an automated fluid dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: BIOTIX, INC.
    Inventor: Arta Motadel
  • Patent number: 11346822
    Abstract: A sample management device which comprises a source flow path in which a fluidic sample can flow, a volume flow adjustment unit configured for adjusting a volume flow of the fluidic sample to be branched off from the source flow path at a fluidic coupling point, and a fluidic valve fluidically coupled with the source flow path and with the volume flow adjustment unit, wherein the fluidic valve is switchable into a branch off state in which the fluidic coupling point is established within the source flow path to branch off an adjustable volume of the fluidic sample from the source flow path via the fluidic coupling point while a flow of the fluidic sample in the source flow path continues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Ortmann, Daniel Thielsch
  • Patent number: 10371671
    Abstract: A sample management device which comprises a source flow path in which a fluidic sample can flow, a volume flow adjustment unit configured to adjust a volume flow of the fluidic sample to be branched off from the source flow path at a fluidic coupling point, and a fluidic valve fluidically coupled with the source flow path and with the volume flow adjustment unit, wherein the fluidic valve is switchable into a branch off state in which the fluidic coupling point is established within the source flow path to branch off an adjustable volume of the fluidic sample from the source flow path via the fluidic coupling point while a flow of the fluidic sample in the source flow path continues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Ortmann, Daniel Thielsch
  • Patent number: 8960236
    Abstract: A series progressive divider valve comprises a valve body and pistons. A fluid inlet extends into the valve body. Stations are disposed in the valve body and extend from a first end to a second end; each station comprises piston stations extending through the valve body and a bypass station fluidly isolating the first end from the second end. The piston stations comprise a piston bore and a piston. The bypass stations comprise first and second fluid passages extending from the first and second ends to positions inside the valve body. Outlet bores extend into the valve body, and each comprises first and second sets of outlet bores. Porting forms passageways connecting the stations to each other and with the outlet bores such that when high pressure fluid is applied to the inlet the pistons reciprocates from the first end to the second end in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Klaphake, Anthony J. Kuschel
  • Patent number: 8939176
    Abstract: A series progressive divider valve comprises a valve body and pistons. The valve body comprises a fluid inlet, piston bores, outlet bores and porting. The fluid inlet extends into an exterior of the valve body. The piston bores extend through the valve body from a first end to a second end, wherein the piston bores are arranged along a first circular path intersecting each of the piston bores. Each piston bore includes a piston. The outlet bores extend into the valve body, and each outlet bore comprises a first set of outlet bores, and a second set of outlet bores. The porting forms a plurality passageways connecting the piston bores to each other and with the outlet bores such that when high pressure fluid is applied to the inlet each of the pistons reciprocates from the first end to the second end in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Klaphake, Anthony J. Kuschel, Dain D. Thul, Andrew J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8887767
    Abstract: A double-sealed cross-port fitting for use in a series progressive divider valve comprises an adapter body, a passage and a ring segment. The adapter body extends axially from a first end to a second end and includes an adapter segment and a coupling segment. The adapter segment is positioned at the first end and is configured to be coupled to another component. The coupling segment is positioned at the second end, extends from the adapter segment, and is configured to be inserted into a valve body. The passage extends through the adapter body from the first end to the second end. The ring segment extends radially from the coupling segment and is configured to engage the valve body. The ring segment forms a first seal face between the ring segment and the adapter segment and a second seal face between the ring segment and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Klaphake, Anthony J. Kuschel
  • Patent number: 8839990
    Abstract: A cluster dispensing machine dispenses clusters having a hand-formed appearance while minimizing broken and crushed aggregate. The dispensing machine uses a flexible pinch valve to meter the chocolate and aggregate mixture. The flexible pinch valve minimizes broken and crushed aggregate. The machine drops the metered chocolate and aggregate mixture onto a conveyor in order to provide a hand-formed appearance to the clusters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Robert G. Barton
  • Patent number: 8807170
    Abstract: A series progressive divider valve comprises a valve body having pistons. The valve body comprises a fluid inlet, piston bores, outlet bores, porting and bypass passages. The fluid inlet extends into the valve body. The piston bores extend through the valve body from a first end to a second end and include a piston. The outlet bores extend into the valve body, and each comprises first and second sets of outlet bores, wherein the outlet bores in each set are connected in an open-loop flow path. The porting forms passageways connecting the piston bores to each other and with the outlet bores such that when high pressure fluid is applied to the inlet each of the pistons reciprocates from the first end to the second end in sequence. The bypass passages each have a first end penetrating an outlet bore and a second end connected to an adjacent outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Klaphake, Anthony J. Kuschel
  • Patent number: 8418647
    Abstract: A dual action piston type metering device is installed between the color changer of a coating system and its atomizer, the metering cylinder of which includes two input ports with the color changer output ports connected to the atomizer. The dual action piston type metering device enables the alternating operation of the cylinder ranges (A/B-operation) with only one single metering cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Dürr Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert Martin
  • Patent number: 8323582
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for quantitatively supplying a liquid in a plasma sterilization system. The device includes a quantitative cylinder, a quantitative piston and a quantitative basket. The quantitative cylinder includes a quantitative inlet pipe, which is configured such that the outlet of a liquid container is inserted thereinto, and a liquid in the liquid container is vertically supplied to the quantitative cylinder, and a quantitative outlet pipe, which is configured such that the liquid is vertically drained from the quantitative cylinder. The quantitative piston is configured to rectilinearly reciprocate in the quantitative cylinder, and is provided with a quantitative transfer depression, which is formed in the leading end thereof to a predetermined depth. The quantitative basket is configured to quantitatively receive the liquid according to the rectilinear reciprocation of the quantitative piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Human Meditek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung Suek Ko
  • Patent number: 8187574
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intermittent aerosol dispensing device, for application of a product to skin of a human being, where the aerosol dispensing device includes an intermittent injection mechanism located downstream of an aerosol valve of an aerosol dispenser and responsive to a pushbutton of the aerosol dispensing device, and the aerosol dispensing device further includes a pressure chamber. A ratio of an injection time to a stop time is set, in said intermittent injection mechanism, to 0.1 to 5.0, so that when said aerosol valve is opened a cycle of injection and stop is performed 1 to 25 times per second in order to obtain a cooling and/or massage effect on the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Dazio Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Mekata, Hiroshi Fujio
  • Patent number: 8136701
    Abstract: A dispenser for viscous liquids effectuates sequential operations by hydrostatic pressure on an assembly of two pistons separated from each other in a cylinder by a separation spring. When the piston assembly is embedded in material to be dispensed, the space between the pistons fills with material to be dispensed. Pressuring the reservoir by squeezing it or by the addition of pressurized gas, forces the piston assembly down the cylinder at the end of which is an opening from which material in the piston assembly can escape. One of the pistons moves toward the other end by pressure from the reservoir, causing material in the piston assembly to be dispensed. The volume inside the piston assembly defines and limits the volume of material that can be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Prince Castle, LLC
    Inventors: Loren Veltrop, Robert Long, Randall Scott Koplin, Kent J. Kallsen, Douglas S. Rodenkirch, Don Van Erden
  • Patent number: 7976796
    Abstract: A centrifuge tube assembly includes an elongate tubular receptacle having a capped upper end. The capped upper end includes a single inlet/outlet port formed therethrough for communication with an interior of the tubular receptacle. A flexible aspiration pipe is communicably engaged with the inlet/outlet port for extending longitudinally through the cylindrical receptacle. A sealing diaphragm is attached to a distal end of the pipe. The diaphragm is longitudinally movable within the tubular receptacle and sealably interengages an interior wall of the receptacle. Biological products are introduced into and aspirated from the receptacle below the diaphragm by the fluid conducting pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Emcyte Corp.
    Inventors: Emery Smith, Patrick Pennie, David K. Buzenius
  • Publication number: 20100126600
    Abstract: A metering body for a chemical injection system comprises a free piston having a pair of mechanically-actuated poppet valves which may individually open to permit fluid to pass from one side of the free piston to the other. The free piston slides within a cylinder having cylinder heads at opposing ends. Input/output ports are provided in the cylinder heads. In a preferred embodiment, the poppet valves have actuators that extend beyond the opposing faces of the free piston. If one face of the piston moves to within a predetermined distance of a cylinder head, the actuator contacts the cylinder head and further movement of the piston causes the corresponding poppet valve to open, permitting fluid to flow through the piston. In this way, a fault-tolerant system may be implemented. If a power interruption or other failure of the controller occurs, the system will continue to supply fluid at the most recently selected flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: NATIONAL COUPLING COMPANY
    Inventor: RICHARD R. WATSON
  • Publication number: 20100065585
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dispensing liquid material provide the option to dispense precise and repeatable quantities or volume of material over a wide range of viscosities. In one embodiment, a metering chamber is provided that can be filled and emptied at the same time so as to eliminate time delays between dispensing operations. The material may be under pressure and that pressure is used to fill and empty a metering chamber. In another embodiment, a control device is provided with a metering chamber wherein the control device operates to switch pressurized fluid between two passages to the metering chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mario Romanin, Brian Burkley, Les Varga, Chuck Ganzer, Jeff Owen
  • Patent number: 7476094
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic metering system in a device for producing plastic articles, comprising a metering unit (1) forming a block (2) comprising a material feed duct (10), a metering cavity (4) which may communicate with the said material feed duct (10), a material outlet orifice (5) placed on a wall of the said metering cavity (4), and a valve (3) in the form of a cylindrical rod designed to slide through and close off the said material outlet orifice (5), characterized in that the metering unit (1) furthermore includes a piston (7) mounted so as to slide coaxially around the valve (3) so as to allow the volume of the metering cavity (4) to be varied and the material feed duct (10) to be momentarily closed off. The invention also relates to a method for using the said system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Aisapack Holding S.A.
    Inventor: Dominique Hanot
  • Patent number: 6758371
    Abstract: The invention concerns a dispensing device comprising a fluid product pump (1) defining: a pump chamber (112) with variable volume; an intake valve (14) allowing the fluid product to penetrate into the pump chamber; and an outlet valve (16) allowing the pressurized fluid to exit from the chamber; a dispensing orifice (195) downstream the outlet valve, and the outlet valve comprising a valve seat (126) and a mobile valve member (16) elastically stressed on said seat. The invention is characterized in that the mobile valve member (16) forms piston means for delivering the fluid product downstream towards the dispensing orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Aline Abergel
  • Patent number: 6589483
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser characterized by a dispensing head which is movable upward and downward as a whole and comprises a plurality of plungers supported by a plunger plate, drive means for moving the plunger plate upward and downward, a plurality of cylinders in which the plungers slidably fit, and a plurality of nozzles arranged at the lower ends of the cylinders and having configurations adapted to engage airtightly with holes for holding specific dispensing tips, the plurality of nozzles being supported by a single nozzle holder, which is built to be detachable from said dispensing head. According to the invention, only the nozzle holder that support nozzles has to be replaced with another holder conforming to dispensing tips of different dimensions. The arrangement facilitates the replacement and make the dispenser available at lower cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Cosmotec Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yoshio Maeda
  • Patent number: 6557651
    Abstract: A lubrication system and method for dispensing a lubricant to threads of a drill rod and/or a spindle of a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machine during a rod loading or unloading operation employs a pumping system having a lubricant reservoir, a pump, an applicator, and a lubricant supply conduit coupled between the pump and applicator. A heating unit is coupled to the pumping station and heats lubricant contained within the pumping system. A control unit coupled to the pumping system activates the pumping system to dispense a volume of lubricant from the applicator to the threads of the drill rod and/or spindle in response to an operator signal or an HDD machine control signal. A lubricant may be sprayed onto the spindle/drill rod threads. Alternatively, the lubricant may be communicated through a passageway defined within the spindle to one or more apertures defined within the threads of the spindle and/or the drill rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Duane E. Norby, Brian J. Bischel, Steven Erickson, Gregg A. Austin, Scott A. Rempe
  • Patent number: 6550496
    Abstract: A rotary doser valve includes a stator with a plurality of ports therein which cooperates with a rotor having a plurality of channels therein. The rotor is rotatable against the stator in first and second positions which alternately channel water to and from a doser for refilling an icemaker in a preferred use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jerome Johnson Tiemann, Andrew Philip Shapiro, Walter Whipple, III, Richard DeVos
  • Patent number: 6508610
    Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying powder substances in a pipe system, wherein a volume is sucked in with reduced pressure and discharged with increased pressure for being passed further along, characterized in that the apparatus has within the pipe system at least one metering chamber which can be alternately filled and emptied by way of control member for metering the powder substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Frederic Dietrich
  • Publication number: 20020092869
    Abstract: A rotary doser valve includes a stator with a plurality of ports therein which cooperates with a rotor having a plurality of channels therein. The rotor is rotatable against the stator in first and second positions which alternately channel water to and from a doser for refilling an icemaker in a preferred use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Jerome Johnson Tiemann, Andrew Philip Shapiro, Walter Whipple,, Richard DeVos
  • Patent number: 6415961
    Abstract: A dispensing member for a container may comprise a piston configured to slide between a first position and a second position inside the body of the dispensing member in response to pressure of a product exerted on the piston. A variable volume chamber may be at least partially defined by the piston and configured to communicate with a container. The first position of the piston may maximize a volume of the variable volume chamber, and the second position of the piston may minimize the volume of the variable volume chamber. A difference between the maximum volume and the minimum volume may comprise a first volume. The dispensing member may also include an outlet for passing product from the variable volume chamber as the piston moves from the first position to the second position. The dispensing member may be configured to dispense a first amount of product up to the first volume and, depending on a manner in which pressure of a product is exerted on the piston, a second amount of product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventor: Philippe Bonningue
  • Patent number: 6296153
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-contained high pressure pneumatic beverage dispensing system which includes a water pressurization and supply system. In one aspect of the invention, the water pressurization and supply system comprises a water pump having a piston cylinder and a piston that is disposed within the piston cylinder between the first and second ends of the cylinder. The water pump is adapted to be filled with high pressure gas on a first side of the cylinder through a gas inlet and further is adapted to be filled with water on a second side of the cylinder through a water inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: S.O.B. Partnership
    Inventors: Richard P. Bilskie, Edward N. Oyler, Harold F. Stover
  • Patent number: 5992696
    Abstract: A manifold for a double acting metering cylinder having a fluid tight reciprocal piston forming a pair of expandable and retractable chambers, the manifold having a housing with passageways therein and directional valves to selectively deliver fluid material to the first chamber while delivering fluid material away from the second chamber during a forward stroke of the piston and delivering fluid material to the second chamber while delivering fluid material away from the first chamber during a return stroke of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Sealant Equipment & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolo S. Schultz, William C. Paetow
  • Patent number: 5881919
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for direct injection of chemicals or other additives in a liquid solution into a spray nozzle. The injection system of the present invention may be mounted adjacent, or in close proximity, to the spray nozzles of a sprayer. The present invention comprises a variable speed/stroke diaphragm pump capable of providing a double pumping action such that a liquid solution may be continuously pumped at a controllable rate to one or more spray nozzles of a sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: The University of Tennessee Research Corporation
    Inventors: Alvin R. Womac, Ray A. Maynard, II
  • Patent number: 5829633
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the metering of a predeterminable quantity of a liquid, more particularly H.sub.2 O.sub.2, having a liquid inlet (10E), at least one metering chamber (6) and a liquid outlet (10A), in that the quantity of the liquid delivered by the apparatus always has not only an identical volume, but also identical properties. Thus more particularly in the case of gassing-out liquids, such as H.sub.2 O.sub.2, for example, it is possible to reliably ensure that a continues metering of a bubble-free liquid is rendered possible, so as not to change the concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: PKL Verpackungssysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Rudiger Emmerich, Jorg Berger
  • Patent number: 5556007
    Abstract: An air-operated spray gun for spraying two fluid components in proportional amounts has the fluids fed separately from a pair of fluid cylinders each containing a fluid-operated double-acting piston with the volumes of each cylinder being in accord with the desired proportion of the fluids. The fluids are fed from the cylinders through fluid flow control valves which are switchable between a first position for directing fluid from a fluid source into one end of its associated cylinder and out the opposite end of the cylinder to the spray gun and a second position for directing the fluid out of the one end of the cylinder to the spray gun and into the opposite end of the cylinder from the fluid source. Air control valves instantaneously switch the fluid flow control valves from one position to the other. Sensing devices operate the air control valves when the cylinder pistons reach the ends of their strokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Mattson Spray Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles O. Breitsprecher
  • Patent number: 5476193
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus for dispensing through a nozzle a preestablished volume of a syrup and a preestablished volume of a soda to be intermixed within a nozzle prior to being dispensed into a collecting container such as a glass. The syrup side is connected to the soda side with the dispensing operation always occurring simultaneously in the preestablished ratios. The soda side includes a drive piston which is driven by the pressurized soda. The soda drive piston is physically connected to a syrup drive piston which controls the flow of the syrup to the dispensing nozzle. A single dispensing valve such as a low-power solenoid is to be used to cause the dispensing of both the soda and the syrup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventor: Joel E. Haynes
  • Patent number: 5429681
    Abstract: An electronic condiment dispenser may dispense a plurality of condiments. The condiment dispenser may include a bag support module for holding a plurality of condiment supply bags. A pump regulator module may be connected to each condiment bag and may pump a condiment from the bag to a manifold diffuser module. The pump regulator module may include a multi-chambered pump having separate chambers for isolating the pump working fluid from the condiment, so the pump working fluid does not contaminate or react with the condiment. A main case may house at least one manifold diffuser module and may be configured to support a tray carrying a large number of food targets, i.e., 6 or 12 food targets, such as hamburger buns or taco shells. A programmable control module may be connected to the pump regulator module for controlling and selectively dispensing a predetermined amount of condiment and/or number of condiments to a predetermined number of food targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Condiment Master, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Mesenbring
  • Patent number: 5404920
    Abstract: A fluid charging system for charging each of a succession of components with a weight of a fluid, each of the components being charged with a respective selected fluid weight selected from a plurality of fluid weights, the fluid charging system including a scale for weighing each of the components and for generating weight signals indicative of the weight of each of the components, an identification mechanism for generating identification signals identifying each of the components, a pumping system for charging each of the components with the respective selected fluid weight by delivering the respective selected fluid weights to the components, and a digital processing mechanism for receiving the weight signals and the identification signals, for determining the respective selected fluid weight for each of the components from the plurality of fluid weights, and for actuating the pumping system to thereby cause the pumping system to deliver the respective selected fluid weights to the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph L. Custer
  • Patent number: 5388725
    Abstract: A fluid-driven proportioning pump for dispensing precise volumes of at least three different fluids includes a drive cylinder housing a correspondingly formed drive piston which divides the drive cylinder into first and second drive fluid chambers and is propelled in a reciprocating motion by a pressurized drive fluid. The housing for the drive cylinder is comprised of two identical hollow housings mutually matingly engaged at the open ends thereof. The face of the drive piston is provided with projecting proportioning pistons which extend into proportioning cylinders that open into each drive fluid chamber. An over-center mechanism triggered by movement of the drive piston at the extremes of the strokes of the reciprocating motion thereof operates valving that admits the pressurized drive fluid into turn it of the drive fluid chambers. The over-center mechanism is activated by hoop springs and is housed entirely within the drive cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Fountain Fresh International
    Inventor: William H. Lichfield
  • Patent number: 5366159
    Abstract: An automatic fertilizing apparatus which injects fertilizer directly into the waterstream of a sprinkler system. Each time the sprinkler system is activated, a predetermined amount of fertilizer is dispensed into the waterstream. The apparatus can be controlled to dispense fertilizer only thru sprinkler lines determined by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Lance L. Childers
  • Patent number: 5361870
    Abstract: A tank structure is arranged to include a piston within the tank structure to divide the tank to a first and second chamber, wherein the first chamber is arranged to receive used transmission fluid and simultaneously direct fresh transmission fluid into an associated transmission pressure line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Richard R. Courcy
  • Patent number: 5339924
    Abstract: A dosing device for a lubricating mechanism is constructed for discharging a measured volume of lubricant into a component to be lubricated, such as a rotary gear box in an aircraft. For this purpose the dosing device has a housing with a defined volume in which a piston is movable in an axial direction to define two chambers. The end walls of the housing are connected through quick coupling connectors to a lubricant supply and to the component to be lubricated. The device operates in such a way that the filling of one chamber with lubricant under pressure pushes the piston, and thus the lubricant in the other chamber, out into the component to be lubricated. Thus, always a precisely measured volume of lubricant is discharged from one chamber while the same volume is being filled into the other chamber and vice versa. A coupling adapter may be used for a quick reversal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Martens
  • Patent number: 5254108
    Abstract: An applicator to apply a medication in liquid form to the skin or fleece of an animal. The applicator his a handle to be gripped by a user to move the applicator over the skin or fleece. Rotatably supported by the handle is a roller which is equipped with a cam track. Received within the cam track is a cam follower which causes reciprocation of a piston within a cylinder. The cylinder and piston co-operate to pump the liquid to a nozzle so that application of the liquid is metered in accordance with rotation of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: N. J. Phillips Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Anthony I. Burrell, Glen W. Bunyan, Ian R. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5181631
    Abstract: A postmix valve for a beverage dispenser, including a volumetric ratio control device incorporated therein to provide positive ratio control. The device includes a syrup piston and a soda piston linked together, syrup and soda chambers, and valve means for controlling the flow to and from the chambers. The soda pressure drives the pistons. The valve means preferably includes four solenoid valves for the water circuit and four one-way valves and a pressure regulator for the syrup circuit. The valve includes means for varying the total flow rate of the beverage being dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: William S. Credle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5169291
    Abstract: A water heater (10) has a pressure-transfer module (20) interposed between an external pressurized-water circuit and the water inside the water-heater vessel (12) so that the water is at atmospheric pressure and can thus have a free upper surface. A shut-off valve in the inlet (14) to the pressure-transfer module (20) is controlled in accordance with the water level as detected by a float (74). If the water level falls below a predetermined minimum or exceeds a predetermined maximum, the shut-off valve closes so as to prevent further flow into the water heater (10) from the upstream side of the exterior circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Vaughn Thermal Corporation
    Inventor: William H. Zebuhr
  • Patent number: 5121855
    Abstract: A post-mix dispensing valve for a beverage dispenser, including a self-contained volumetric ratio control device incorporated therein to provide positive ratio control. The device includes a single piston in a single cylinder, syrup and soda chambers, and self-contained direct acting electrical solenoid valve means for controlling the flow through the volumetric ratio control device and the reciprocating action of the piston. The soda pressure drives the piston. This post-mix dispensing valve can be used with any of a figal, a bag-in-box, a gravity tank, or a non-returnable container under no pressure or under a low pressure of 5 to 10 psig. This invention also includes a non-returnable, pressurizable syrup container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: William S. Credle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5071038
    Abstract: A postmix valve for a beverage dispenser, including a volumetric ratio control device incorporated therein to provide positive ratio control. The device includes a double acting piston including a syrup piston and a soda piston linked together, syrup and soda chambers, and valve device for controlling the flow to and from the chambers. The soda pressure drives the pistons. The valve device includes paddle valves. This valve can be used with any of a figal, a bag-in-box, a gravity tank, or a non-returnable container under no pressure or under a low pressure of 5 to 10 psig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: William S. Credle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5060824
    Abstract: A post-mix dispensing valve for a beverage dispenser, including a self-contained volumetric ratio control device incorporated therein to provide positive ratio control. The device includes a single piston in a single cyinder, syrup and soda chambers, and self-contained direct acting electrical solenoid valve for controlling the flow through the volumetric ratio control device and the reciprocating action of the piston. The soda pressure drives the piston. This post-mix dispensing valve can be used with any of a figal, a bag-in-box, a gravity tank, or a non-returnable container under no pressure or under a low pressure of 5 to 10 psig. This invention also includes a non-returnable, pressurizable syrup container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: William S. Credle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5058768
    Abstract: A fluid-driven proportioning pump for dispensing precise volumes of at least three different fluids includes a drive cylinder housing a correspondingly formed drive piston which divides the drive cylinder into first and second drive fluid chambers and is propelled in a reciprocating motion by a pressurized drive fluid. Each face of the drive piston is provided with projecting porportioning pistons which extend into proportioning cylinders that open into each drive fluid chamber and being directed toward the drive piston. An over-center mechanis triggered by movement of the drive piston at the extremes of the strokes for its reciprocating motion operates valving which admits the pressurized drive fluid into alternate of the drive fluid chambers. The over-center mechanism is activated by loop springs or preferably by pairs of C-shaped springs, and is housed entirely within the drive cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Fountain Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Lichfield
  • Patent number: 5059398
    Abstract: A disposable preselected-volume capillary pipet device comprises a capillary tube having an admitting emitting end for liquids and a vent end for passing air from the tube as the liquid is being drawn into the tube by capillary action, a port at the admitting-emitting end for admitting and emitting liquids to the capillary tube, a port at the vent end of the tube for passing air freely from the tube, a barrier plug for passing air and stopping the passage of liquid through the tube, with the barrier plug being positioned in the tube at a preselected distance from the admitting-emitting port to define a liquid chamber of preselected volume, and a plunger for pushing the barrier plug from the vent end to push the preselected volume of liquid out of the liquid chamber. The barrier plug may be mounted in the tube or in the head of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Drummond Scientific Company
    Inventor: James W. Kenney
  • Patent number: 5053120
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the automatic removal of water collecting in a fuel filter having a water separator. The evacuation takes place by means of a piston acted upon by a pressure medium, preferably a fuel pressurized by the pressure of the fuel pump, the piston being guided in the container of the fuel filter containing the water. It is particularly advantageous for an already existing drive to be usable for producing the pressure medium and that therefore a simple and inexpensive solution is offered for the removal of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: MTU Motoren- und Turbinen-Union Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Mollmann
  • Patent number: 4972977
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a spray bottle in which the pressure resulting from the gripping force applied by the user is amplified and this increased pressure used in generating a spray such as an aerosol or fluid stream. In its preferred embodiment, the invention includes a high pressure chamber and a corresponding piston which is operative for driving fluid out of this chamber at high pressure through a spray nozzle and a low pressure chamber and a corresponding piston which is acted upon the hydraulic pressure within the bottle resulting from the gripping force. The low pressure chamber and piston are of larger size than the high pressure chamber and piston. The pistons are rigidly connected so that the force created by the pressure acting on the piston in the low pressure chamber is transmitted to the piston in the high pressure chamber where it is applied over a more limited area thereby generating greater hydraulic pressure for use in forming the spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Owen R. Moss, Norman R. Gordon, Henry S. DeFord
  • Patent number: 4966306
    Abstract: A postmix beverage dispensing valve for a beverage dispenser, including a volumetric ratio control device incorporated therein to provide positive ratio control. The device includes a syrup piston and a soda piston linked togeher, syrup and soda chambers, and flow control values for controlling the flow to and from the chambers. The soda pressure drives the pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: William S. Credle, Jr., Arthur G. Rudick, George J. Jarocki
  • Patent number: 4953754
    Abstract: A postmix valve for a beverage dispenser, including a volumetric ratio control device incorporated therein to provide positive ratio control. The device includes a syrup piston and a soda piston linked together, syrup and soda chambers, and valving for controlling the flow to and from the chambers. The soda pressure drives the pistons. The valving includes four 3-way poppet valves which are actuated by a solenoid operated pilot valve. This valving can be used with any of a figal, a bag-in-box, a gravity tank, or a non-returnable container under no pressure or under a low pressure of 5 to 10 psig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: William S. Credle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4938396
    Abstract: A syrup dispensing system in which a pump is actuated at a preset clock rate under a fixed pressure head. The clock rate and pressure head are tailored to accommodate the lowest operating temperature for the system and, accordingly, the thickest syrup. A preset amount of syrup is dispensed on each clock cycle such that a constant rate of syrup flow is attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: ABC/Sebrn Tech. Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Shannon
  • Patent number: 4842167
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device delivering a constant volume independent of the pressure and volume of the liquid received comprising a cylinder which houses a mobile, sealed piston. The piston moves against the reaction of elastic devices owing to the pressure of a liquid supplied through an orifice of an ancillary cylinder. A valve associated with the shaft of a small piston mounted in a mobile fashion in the ancillary cylinder controls the flow of the liquid through the orifice. The small piston is moved by the action of a plunger against the reaction of elastic devices. The plunger is controlled by a thermoactuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Eltek S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Fornasari
  • Patent number: RE33222
    Abstract: A device for transferring pressure from one fluid stream to another utilized in conjunction with a storage vessel where fluid is stored at ambient pressure and a desired temperature. An entering fluid stream at another temperature is introduced to the device under pressure and the energy of the fluid stream is utilized to pump a second fluid stream of approximately the same flow and pressure from the vessel. The entering fluid flows into the vessel at approximately ambient pressure at its original temperature where it replaces the removed fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: American Thermal, L.P.
    Inventor: William H. Zebuhr