Funnel-type Outlet Patents (Class 222/460)
  • Patent number: 11084613
    Abstract: The meat grind bag filling funnel attachment is configured for use with a meat grinder. The meat grinder further comprises a discharge tube. The meat grind bag filling funnel attachment attaches to the discharge tube. The meat grind bag filling funnel attachment receives meat ground by the meat grinder and transports the received meat to a collection container designated to receive the ground meet. The meat grind bag filling funnel attachment comprises a funnel structure and a suspension structure. The funnel structure transports the meat ground by the meat grinder to the collection container. The suspension structure suspends the funnel structure from the discharge tube of the meat grinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Dove, Christie Dove
  • Patent number: 10376911
    Abstract: A wireless metered fluid dispenser brings discrete fluid dispense events inside of a fluid management system. The wireless metered fluid dispenser allows a customer to visually confirm the fluid being dispensed and provides automatic tracking of the fluid dispense event within a wireless tracking system. A volumetric flowmeter attached to the bottom of a container or funnel tracks the amount of fluid dispensed when pouring from a container. The volumetric meter is wirelessly connected to a computer system for the transmission of data, for the purpose of centralized control and billing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventor: Mark L. Bauck
  • Patent number: 9802753
    Abstract: A tank trailer may include a hopper, an end housing forward or rearward of the hopper, and a slide plate inside the end housing. The slide plate may be configured to help prevent breakage along welds which secure the slide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: MAC TRAILER MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Scott A. Kibler
  • Patent number: 9038860
    Abstract: A food dispenser for attaching underneath a cupboard, wherein the dispenser has a bin member having four side walls and a dispensing hatch at a bottom portion thereof, and bin channels formed in top portions of two opposite of the side walls, and a support bracket adapted to be securely attached underneath the cupboard having four side edges, wherein two opposite side edges have support channels adapted to engage respective bin channels of the bin member opposite side walls, such that the bin member can slide on and off the support bracket. The dispensing hatch is pivotally attached to one of the four side walls of the bin member, such that the hatch can be pivotally opened and closed such that food can be extracted from the bin member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Dany Goulet
  • Patent number: 9033194
    Abstract: A dispenser including a chamber having a cavity, a spout in communication with the cavity and having an inner surface, a rotatable dial in communication with the spout and having an outer surface, and wherein the dial is positioned at least partially within the spout and rotates coaxially with the spout for dispensing a product within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventors: Al Grabowski, James Kusbel
  • Publication number: 20150069092
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a novel utensil for transferring ingredients into a container with a small opening and for minimizing ingredient spillage during the transfer. In some embodiments, the utensil comprises a hollowed-out scoop, a cover that folds over the scoop to cover ingredients in the scoop, a funnel through the bottom of the fold-over cover, a handle for orienting the scoop, a hinged element that is connected at opposite sides to the scoop and the cover at a scooping end of the hinged element and is connected to the handle at the other end of the hinged element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Evan Eric SCHUELKE
  • Publication number: 20140319177
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method of substantially homogeneously mixing ingredients comprising solid thermoplastic particulates and a viscous material in a container and apparatus useful therein. The invention also generally relates to a non-clogging device and mixing apparatus comprising same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Rolf ECKERT, Guenter KLEIS, Uwe PFANNMOLLER, Volkmar VOERCKEL, Jens-Peter WIEGNER
  • Patent number: 8833614
    Abstract: A metering and dispensing closure for a container wherein two rotatable disks rotate in conjunction with a stationary cap member to afford accurate measuring of a powder material and dispensing of it. The disks and the container cap afford a consistent measuring of the powder material, as well as provide a variety of drive members which can be utilized with the dispensing closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyson L. Webster, M. Rinley Deeds, James W. Livingston, Andy Swain, David Holden, Kenneth J. Bird, Shirley A. Webb
  • Publication number: 20140252024
    Abstract: Embodiments of an outlet tube assembly for use with a dispensing vessel are disclosed. The dispensing vessel has a side wall defining a chamber; the side wall has an upper portion and has a lower portion that tapers downwardly to an outlet. The outlet tube assembly facilitates accurate measurement of a particulate material level within the dispensing vessel and/or reduces contamination of the particulate material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: E. Wayne Osborne, Matthew J. Miller, Michael V. Spangler
  • Patent number: 8672194
    Abstract: The present invention regards a hopper structure for containing and treating loose material, which includes a tubular section, upper in use, a lower tapered section equipped with a suitable discharge mouth, a support device for at least the upper tubular section, and a guide device designed to allow the lower section to move between a closed position against the upper section and an open position removed from the upper section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Moretto S.p.A.
    Inventor: Renato Moretto
  • Patent number: 8672195
    Abstract: A container including a nozzle and body depending therefrom. The body is preferably tubular and defines an interior which retains a product to be dispensed. A cap engages the nozzle to prevent inadvertent release of the product. In order to dispense the product, the cap is removed and pressure is applied to the body and the nozzle allows release of the product. The nozzle releases the product without exposing the remaining product to the external atmosphere, thus the sterility of the interior of the body is maintained and the shelf life of the product is increased. The nozzle includes an inner body, coupled to the tubular body, surrounded by a flexible outer cover. A seam between the inner body and flexible outer cover forms a one-way release valve wherein a portion of the seam remains closed during dispensing the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 8640483
    Abstract: An appliance dispenser includes a housing defining a recess. The housing includes a receptacle support member and a fixed funnel. An ice dispensing passage extends through the fixed funnel and operably connected with an ice bin. A variable funnel includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is adjacent the fixed funnel. The distal end is movable between a retracted position and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin M. Chase, Tony L. Koenigsknecht, Jerold M. Visin
  • Patent number: 8640925
    Abstract: A divot fill/repair apparatus for filling and repairing divots in the turf. The divot fill/repair apparatus includes a container assembly capable of being carried on a user's back, and a dispensing assembly being supported by the container assembly for dispensing fill material to fill and/or repair divots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Katie R. Schwegman
  • Publication number: 20130320047
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing liquid from one container into another container is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Coburn Mikacich
  • Publication number: 20130313291
    Abstract: A container includes a funnel having a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end opposite the first end, the funnel defining a funnel volume between the first and second openings and the first opening being larger than the second opening; a first cap shaped to repeatedly attach to and detach from the funnel at the first end, the first cap sealing the first opening when attached to the funnel; and a second cap shaped to repeatedly attach to and detach from the funnel at the second end, the second cap sealing the second opening when attached to the funnel. When a liquid or fine-grained substance (e.g., a powder) is placed within the funnel volume, attaching the first and second caps to the funnel at the first and second openings seals the liquid or fine-grained substance within the funnel volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Jonathon Derek Gascoine
  • Patent number: 8584905
    Abstract: A hopper bottom for a cylindrical grain bin includes a floor structure, an outer cylindrical wall extending up from the floor and upon which the bin is supported, and an inner wall having an inverted cone shape which tapers downwardly and inwardly to join the floor structure about a central area. A pair of spaced apart upright auger chute walls extend radially outward from the central area to an access opening in the outer wall to receive an auger for unloading. Screens are flush mounted in the inner wall such that ventilation air directed into a manifold space between the inner and outer walls is forced up through the screens into the grain bin. The floor structure includes a floor sheet, a perimeter member about the outer wall, and radial supports extending between the central area and the perimeter members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Lester James Thiessen
  • Publication number: 20130269296
    Abstract: An expandable storage system that is scalable so that an individual powder serving can be provided for any number of days by providing an array of interconnected cups with a funnel top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Matthew Wootton, John R. Wootton, Brett Uvodich, John Uvodich
  • Patent number: 8534502
    Abstract: There is provided a dispenser for use in dispensing distinct portions of a powdered foodstuff. The dispenser has a container defining an interior in the form of a basin, the basin provided with a dispensing outlet; and receivable by and movable within the basin, an insert provided with plural open compartments each for holding a distinct portion of the powdered foodstuff. Each open compartment of the insert is provided with a compartment outlet arranged such that by moving the insert within the basin one compartment outlet at a time may be brought into registration with the dispensing outlet for dispensing of the distinct portion of the powdered foodstuff held thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Max Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan Morris Gold, Daniel Jason Tyler, Christopher Earl Nightingale
  • Publication number: 20130228592
    Abstract: A container is disclosed which segregates at least two types of seed during storage and blends the at least two types of seed together when emptied from the container. A method is disclosed for blending at least two types of seed together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Damon M. Palmer, William D. Bush, Jeffrey A. Housman
  • Publication number: 20130181009
    Abstract: A coffee bean hopper having a bottom funnel terminating in a discharge duct; a top wall; at least one top fill opening; a lateral wall having at least one transparent portion and connecting the top wall to the funnel; and an inner partition extending from the top wall towards the funnel and dividing an inner chamber of the hopper into a first and second half-chamber communicating through a passage between the partition and the funnel; the first half-chamber being bounded laterally by the partition and by part of the lateral wall containing the transparent portion; and the second half-chamber communicating with the discharge duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: N&W GLOBAL VENDING S.P.A.
    Inventor: Simone COLNAGO
  • Publication number: 20130184416
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method of substantially homogeneously mixing ingredients comprising solid thermoplastic particulates and a viscous material in a container and apparatus useful therein. The invention also generally relates to a non-clogging device and mixing apparatus comprising same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: EQUIPOLYMERS GMBH
    Inventors: Rolf Eckert, Guenter Kleis, Uwe Pfannmoller, Volkmar Voerckel, Jens-Peter Wiegner
  • Publication number: 20130175237
    Abstract: A bottle has a funnel member defining a pouring spout attached thereto by a retainer which allows the spout to rotate relative to the bottle. The funnel member retains the spout in a storage/transport mode wherein it is affixed to the exterior of the bottle and in a use mode in which the spout is attached to the neck of the bottle so as to facilitate transfer of a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Bar's Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Clayton Parks, JR., Patrick E. Mulry
  • Publication number: 20130161355
    Abstract: A hopper having a passage through which a medicine can be passed downward is provided. A part of a lower portion of the hopper is a deformable portion having flexibility, and the deformable portion is deformable so as to open and close the passage. According to this configuration, the deformable portion that is a part of the hopper is deformed to open and close the passage. Thus, there is no portion such as an opening and closing plate on which the medicine remains, thereby preventing a gap in which the medicine remains from being formed in the hopper, and preventing the medicine from easily remaining in the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: TAKAZONO TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Kenji Kawata
  • Patent number: 8453594
    Abstract: A device for applying a suspension to which particles, in particular corundum particles, have been added onto a base plate, with a roller mill comprising an applicator roll and a metering roll interacting with the applicator roll. An application groove with two groove halves project laterally and tilt downwards at an angle a to the horizontal with slots on the base side arranged above the roller mill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Flooring Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Frank Oldorff, Christoph Menier
  • Patent number: 8235252
    Abstract: A high-speed actuator moves a valve stopper to a selected position to control material flow. The actuator includes a rod carrying first and second axially spaced solenoid armatures attached to the stopper. First and second solenoid coil surround and are spaced from the rod to bias the first solenoid armature along with the rod and valve stopper. A linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) responsive to the position of the second armature determines the instantaneous position of the valve stopper. A valve position control circuit receives a valve position set point from a user's input, and a valve position feedback signal from the LVDT. The valve position control circuit includes first and second solenoid coil drive signals that urge the first armature and stopper to the valve position set point. A signal generator circuit vibrates the valve about a set point to enhance material discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Robert O. Brandt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8201709
    Abstract: A food dispensing assembly includes a front wall attached to a rear wall. The container includes a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of lateral edges. The lateral edges taper toward the bottom edge and the bottom edge is pointed. A food product is positioned in the container. A gripping sleeve has a frusto-conical shape and includes an open upper edge and an open lower edge. The container extends through the sleeve and the sleeve is positioned between the top and bottom edges. The container is cut along a plane of the lower edge to remove the bottom edge and open the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventors: Hiroshi Namigata, Yasunori Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8104521
    Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device includes a drive device and a source container that can be set into the drive device, wherein a dosage-dispensing head is connected to a closure shaft which is movably constrained in the source container. The closure shaft has a coupler part configured to be coupled to and uncoupled from a drive shaft of the drive device. The source container has a first form element which is designed for form-fitting engagement with a first counterpart element formed on the drive device and serves to precisely position the coupler part in relation to the drive shaft. The source container further has a second form element which is designed for form-fitting engagement with a second counterpart element formed on the drive device and which, when in operating position, serves to precisely position the dosage-dispensing head in relation to a target container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Paul LĂĽchinger, Sandra Ehrbar
  • Publication number: 20110297702
    Abstract: A disposable corrugated board dispensing container including an enclosure having a bottom wall and side walls including a front side wall for containing contents therein. The bottom wall is formed by overlapping flaps attached to each of the side walls at a fold line, and an aperture is disposed in the bottom wall. A funnel is supported by a funnel support disposed between the funnel and the bottom wall, the funnel guiding the contents of the enclosure to the aperture in the bottom wall. A slide valve controls the dispensing of the contents through the aperture, the slide valve being accessed through an access opening in the front side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Stephen Gould Corporation
    Inventors: Don Hildebrandt, Shane Smith, Anthony Sansone
  • Publication number: 20110163133
    Abstract: The present invention regards a hopper structure for containing and treating loose material, which includes a tubular section, upper in use, a lower tapered section equipped with a suitable discharge mouth, a support device for at least the upper tubular section, and a guide device designed to allow the lower section to move between a closed position against the upper section and an open position removed from the upper section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: MORETTO S.P.A.
    Inventor: Renato Moretto
  • Publication number: 20110058905
    Abstract: With a device for discharge, particularly of a very fine-grained solid material or solid material mixture, from a container having a discharge funnel in the direction of gravity, underneath the main container part, a solution is to be created, with which the disadvantages of double-wall cone designs, particularly also at high system pressures, are avoided, with a simple, versatile design. This is achieved in that a part (3) of the discharge funnel in the upper region that faces the container (2) is formed partly by the container wall itself, which makes a transition into a cylindrical lower container part (4), while the further part that carries the discharge adapter (14) is formed by a separate cylinder element (9) with funnel part (11), which element is installed in the cylindrical lower container part (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: UHDE GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Hamel, Eberhard Kuske
  • Publication number: 20100074389
    Abstract: Provided is a replacement basket configured to house a pellet bed through which fluid may pass. The flow direction of the fluid prevents the bed of pellets from fluidizing within the replacement basket. Provided also is a system using the replacement basket and a method of providing pellets in the replacement basket. According to example embodiments, a replacement basket may include a top surface portion, a bottom, and at least one vertical wall with a hole. The hole is configured to allow a flow of fluid to enter the replacement basket. A plenum, below the pellet bed, may allow a flow of fluid to proceed through the pellet bed in a downward direction. A central pipe may be provided in the replacement basket to allow the flow of fluid in the basket to exit the replacement basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Alfred Caine, Juan Alberto Varela, Luong Cam Tran
  • Patent number: 7461542
    Abstract: A Marsh funnel is equipped with a valve at the funnel outlet. The valve may be of the quick opening type selected from stem valves (internal of the funnel), ball valves, plug valves, flapper valves, butterfly valves, slide valves and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Michael S. Weisinger
  • Publication number: 20080283551
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Transport by a liquid carrier such as water may be achieved by providing one or a plurality of conveyance pumps connected to a transport line. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Charles H. Hoff, Greg Moore
  • Patent number: 7441676
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices for dispensing media which include, inter alia, a dispenser body, a funnel-shaped cover and a mechanism for securing the cover in the closed position to facilitate the dispensing of media from the spout. The body of the dispenser has an elongated handle with proximal and distal ends and a scoop depending from the distal end of the handle. The funnel-shaped cover is attached to the body of the dispenser and includes an upper spout and a lower base. The cover is adapted for movement between an open position and a closed position; wherein in the open position the cover is spaced apart from the scoop and allows media to be placed into the scoop, and in the closed position, the cover is placed over the scoop such that when media is dispensed from the scoop it passes through the spout of the cover. Also disclosed is a device for dispensing media which includes, among other elements, an elongated handle, a scoop and a stopper arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: KenzINC llc.
    Inventor: Drew Pickering, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080099512
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for measuring, transferring, and dispersing a liquid or powder substance. The device is a funnel-shaped cup attached to a handle. On the bottom of the funnel-shaped cup is a cover that can be retracted in order to allow the liquid or powder in the cup to be released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew Brian Hoffman, Clare M. Iery
  • Patent number: 7331486
    Abstract: A cartridge for use in conjunction with a container to dispense a liquid in the cartridge into the container. The cartridge is comprised of a hollow body defined by an enclosing wall that has a closure at an upper end and a lower cartridge wall that is integral to the hollow body, but of a thickness less than that of the hollow body enclosing wall. The lower cartridge wall of a reduced thickness is in a narrowed section of the hollow body. A closure is sealed onto an upper part of the hollow body and has a funnel-like shape with a lower funnel wall. The funnel wall is of a reduced thickness as compared to the remainder of the closure. A flange on the hollow body rests on a container upper surface to support the cartridge on the container. A container closure will hold the cartridge in place during use. A dispensing pump on the container closure has a dip tube which pierces the funnel wall and cartridge wall and thereby dispense the cartridge contents into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Thomas K. Mon, Robert Rhinesmith, Clifford Spitser, Matthew F. Falbo, David S. Reed
  • Patent number: 7114638
    Abstract: An insert in the form of a bin partition improves flow of powder or particulate material once installed into an existing bin. The insert has a triangular shape with a baffle on top of it covering a portion of the partition. The partition changes the shape of the exit area of a bin and enables better control of powder or particulate material flow, thus preventing bridging and uncontrolled flooding while filling the bin's hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Mikhail Vaynshteyn, Paul M. Wegman
  • Patent number: 6997346
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides approaches for reducing buildup of particulate-matter in particulate-matter-delivery systems. In some embodiments, a trough-shaped feeder is provided in which a rectangular-to-elliptical conduit extends from the trough-shaped feeder. The trough-shaped feeder has a substantially-rectangular feeder opening. The rectangular-to-elliptical conduit has an elliptical end and a rectangular end. The elliptical end of the rectangular-to-elliptical conduit has a substantially-elliptical conduit opening. Interfacing the storage hopper to the trough-shaped feeder via a elliptical-to-rectangular conduit reduces the particulate-matter-delivery system's susceptibility to bridges and rat holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Process Control Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Edward Landers, John Pressley Beal
  • Patent number: 6974056
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus for measuring and dispensing powdered products. The apparatus includes a cup portion and a funnel-shaped dispenser. The cup holds the powdered material to be measured is sized to contain a desired volume of the powder when filled to its upper edge. The upper edge of the cup has a flat surface to accommodate leveling of the powdered ingredients. The funnel-shaped dispenser serves as a leveler and aids in accurately dispensing the measured powder into a mixing area. The funnel-shaped dispenser thus defines a flat edge at its receiving opening for engaging the upper edge of the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Rea
  • Patent number: 6969226
    Abstract: A discharge funnel and distributor chute for sand and gravel or other disperse material which is removably attachable to the bucket of a front end loader. Funnel engaging hooks are attached along the front edges of the sides of the bucket and spaced upward from the bucket floor. The funnel has a floor and vertical sidewalls forming an open rear bucket receiving portion for receiving the front lower portion of the bucket. This portion has a floor and sides with a hook engaging bar extending between upper ends of the funnel sides forming a rear opening. Angled bucket guide bars are located along the inner sides of opposite walls. The funnel has a converging funnel portion connected to the engaging portion. The converging portion opens into a discharge chute. The chute allows the discharge of disperse material to a specific location such as a basement floor under construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas A. Raley
  • Patent number: 6938652
    Abstract: An automatic fish feeding apparatus includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. The bottom wall has a feed opening extending therethrough. A funnel is mounted in the housing. The funnel has pour opening therein that is unaligned with the feed opening. A conveyor belt assembly is mounted within the housing and positioned beneath the pour opening. The conveyor belt assembly includes a conveyor belt extending over the feed opening. A motor is mechanically coupled to the conveyor belt assembly for selectively rotating the conveyor belt in first direction such that an upper portion of the conveyor belt moves toward the front wall. Fish food may be positioned in the funnel such that the fish food is positioned onto the upper portion of the conveyor belt. The fish food falls through the feed opening when the conveyor belt is rotated. A control actuates the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Roosevelt Harmon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6923340
    Abstract: An apparatus attachable to a bag containing a bulk particulate material and having a discharge spout for dispensing material from the bag generally consisting of first and second annular clamping members displaceable axially between a first, spaced apart condition permitting a portion of the spout to be drawn in position therebetween, and a second, adjacent condition clamping the spout portion position therebetween, and means for releasably retaining the members in the clamping condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: The Young Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Ambs
  • Patent number: 6871457
    Abstract: So as to provide a container that is inexpensive to manufacture and that promotes a uniform flow of particulate bulk materials therethrough, a vessel is suggested comprising at least two wall segments having a generally downwardly converging wall defining a vertical axis for the vessel, a first upper segment being vertically arranged above a second lower segment, each one of the wall segments having an upper edge and a lower edge, the perimeter of the upper edge of the second lower wall segment being larger than the perimeter of the lower edge of the first upper wall segment the lower edge of the first upper wall segment and the upper edge of the second lower wall segment being positioned proximate to each other and cooperating to provide an enlargement of the cross-sectional area of the volume occupied by the particulate solid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Hylsa, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Raul Gerardo Quintero-Flores, Jorge Octavio Becerra-Novoa, Juan Celada-Gonzalez, Maria Teresa Guerra-Reyes, Ronald Victor Manuel Lopez-Gomez
  • Patent number: 6817487
    Abstract: A dual rotor, ram fed metering pump is especially suited for pumping high viscosity fluids, such as methacrylate resins, used in heavy duty adhesives In addition to pumping viscous materials, this metering pump also pumps a less viscous reactive fluid in proper proportion to a mixing zone or mixing gun where the two material are mixed. A rotary lobe pump is used to pump the viscous material and a rotary pump driven by the same gearbox delivers the secondary fluid. This fluid delivery apparatus also includes an intake that can be mounted on a standard pressure primmer ram to pump viscous material from a storage drum or container A single compact all-in-one metering pump package can be mounted directly to the ram eliminating the need for a separate ram mounted pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Rimcraft Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy P. Ross
  • Patent number: 6808092
    Abstract: The present invention includes a blank and a container constructed from containerboard material cut and scored to form an inner and an outer housing. The outer housing includes opposing side and end walls that are hingedly attached to a plurality of bottom panels that form a container bottom. The bottom panels include a hopper bore defined therethrough. An inner housing includes an interior upper region and an interior lower region. At least a portion of the interior upper region is substantially rigidly attached to an inner surface of the outer housing. The interior lower region is configured to form a plurality of inwardly angled interior panels that are angled substantially in the direction of the hopper bore. A removable closure panel is configured to close or otherwise substantially selectively seal the hopper bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventor: Ronald D. Timbrook
  • Patent number: 6786367
    Abstract: The present invention provides a filling sleeve which allows containers with a rectangular or square cross-section, especially bags with deep side folds, to be filled advantageously in that they are given a stable shape. The objective is achieved by means of a filling sleeve which is characterized in that, in the exit cross-section, a central region is provided with inserts and four separate exit apertures are kept open in the corners of the square or rectangular cross-section. In this way, the filling material flowing through the substantially completely open and normally undivided entrance cross-section of the filling sleeve is divided into four individual streams which are associated with the corners of the exit cross-section. Thus, while being filled, the bags are initially stabilized from the corners, as a result of which a certain tension remains in the walls between the corners, so that the walls cannot bulge out when the level of the filling material rises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: BHM Chronos Richardson, GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Schlösser
  • Patent number: 6786362
    Abstract: A swing-away hopper tee assembly comprises a mounting frame, tee assembly, and a valve assembly. The hopper tee assembly is removably mountable to a flange at the discharge end of a hopper. The mounting frame includes a bottom wall, a top wall spaced from the bottom wall, and an outer wall extending between the top and bottom walls to define a channel sized and shaped to receive the hopper flange. The flange includes at least one opening, and a corresponding opening is formed in the channel. A fastener extends through the aligned flange and channel openings to removably secure the mounting frame to the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Sure Seal, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Sisk
  • Publication number: 20040129739
    Abstract: The present invention includes a blank and a container constructed from containerboard material cut and scored to form an inner and an outer housing. The outer housing includes opposing side and end walls that are hingedly attached to a plurality of bottom panels that form a container bottom. The bottom panels include a hopper bore defined therethrough. An inner housing includes an interior upper region and an interior lower region. At least a portion of the interior upper region is substantially rigidly attached to an inner surface of the outer housing. The interior lower region is configured to form a plurality of inwardly angled interior panels that are angled substantially in the direction of the hopper bore. A removable closure panel is configured to close or otherwise substantially selectively seal the hopper bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald D. Timbrook
  • Patent number: 6715647
    Abstract: A funnel with support assembly for pouring paint from a can, having a funnel and a funnel support having a holster and a stand upon which the holster is supported. The funnel may be supported upon the funnel support. The funnel has a large opening located in proximity to the funnel top, a small opening located in proximity to the funnel bottom, and a cap for sealing its small opening. In use, the holster and stand are positioned above a paint tray. The user seals the small opening of the funnel with the cap and attaches the large opening of the funnel to the top of an open can of paint. The can of paint and the attached funnel are then inverted and positioned within the holster. The user begins the flow of paint by removing the cap from the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Todd Ivins
  • Patent number: 6592159
    Abstract: A flowable material can be transferred from a contained mass of material to a remote container, by using a manual scooping implement that includes an elongated hollow tube having a funnel configuration. One end of the tube is closed, while the other end is open to form an exit opening. An entrance opening in the tube side wall near the closed end of the tube enables the tube to be inserted downwardly into a mass of flowable material to capture some of the material within the tube. The tube can be inverted for pouring the captured material into a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Samir Masri