Integral Patents (Class 222/462)
  • Patent number: 11698389
    Abstract: This document relates to a probe for use in a scanning probe microscopy device. The probe comprises a cantilever and a probe tip being located at a first end section of the cantilever. The cantilever is configured for bending in a Z-direction perpendicular to a surface of a substrate in use. The cantilever comprises a neck section and a paddle section, and the probe tip is located on the paddle section. The neck section has a width and height in cross section thereof, comprises a base part having a rectangular cross section. The cantilever at least across a length of the neck section comprises a ridge extending in a direction away from the base part. The base part and the ridge together define the width and height of the neck section, and have dimensions such that a vertical bending stiffness of the cantilever for bending in the Z-direction matches a lateral stiffness of the cantilever with respect to forces acting on the probe tip in a direction transverse to the Z-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Roelof Willem Herfst, Albert Dekker, Anton Adriaan Bijnagte, Jan Jacobus Benjamin Biemond
  • Patent number: 11618612
    Abstract: A pour spout has a spout section with an elongate tubular body defining a liquid flow channel. The body has a fluted or corrugated configuration rendering the body flexible or bendable. A dispensing orifice is disposed at a dispensing end of the pour spout and an attachment end is disposed at an end of the body opposite the dispensing end. The attachment end has a liquid inlet orifice. A vent section of the pour spot is joined to the attachment end of the body. The vent section includes an air vent that defines an air flow path, which directs air from outside of the pour spout along the air flow path toward a container interior while bypassing the liquid flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: CONTAINER PACKAGING SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Jon Stratton
  • Patent number: 10384227
    Abstract: A fluid discharging apparatus includes an accommodation unit that accommodates a fluid, a discharge port that communicates with the accommodation unit, a moving object that moves in a first direction toward the discharge port and in a second direction away from the discharge port in the accommodation unit, and a control unit that controls driving of the moving object. The control unit performs discharging processing and moving processing. In the discharging processing, the discharge port is opened by moving the moving object from a closed position at which the discharge port is closed, in the second direction, and then the fluid is extruded and discharged from the discharge port by moving the moving object in the first direction. In the moving processing, the moving object is moved in the second direction during a period when the fluid is discharged from the discharge port in the discharging processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Sakai, Takahiro Katakura, Keigo Sugai, Junichi Sano, Shinichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9758083
    Abstract: A pneumatic tank trailer is described. A front end cover is positioned over a front portion of the pneumatic tank trailer. The front end cover partially covers and attaches to a front end cone of the tank. The front end cover also covers plumbing and fittings for a pressurization system of the pneumatic tank trailer. The front end cover improves the aerodynamics of the trailer by providing a smooth surface with a large radius transition from the front cover to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Racehorse Investments, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Frank J. Beelman, III, David Smith
  • Patent number: 9616799
    Abstract: A pneumatic tank trailer that is structurally reinforced in a fuel efficient manner. The trailer includes a tank defined by hoppers and tank walls. Internal frames are joined to the tank at locations where adjacent hoppers meet. The frames extend circumferentially around the tank interior. In some embodiments, the frames are multi-piece assemblies. In certain embodiments, each frame includes a cross joist portion extending between opposite tank sides at a location spaced apart from the top and bottom of the tank. In some embodiments, front and rear frames include an internal portion that extends along the sides and top of the tank and an external portion that extends underneath the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Racehorse Investments, L.L.C.
    Inventor: David Smith
  • Publication number: 20150114996
    Abstract: An intermediate bulk storage container for the storage or transport of particulate catalyst material includes a vessel having an inner wall defining a containment volume for particulate catalyst material. The vessel has a cylindrical wall section, a top panel closing the upper end of the cylindrical wall section and a conical base section connected to and tapering inwardly away from the lower end of the cylindrical wall section. An opening in the top panel of the container receives the catalyst material and a closure member closes the opening. An air tight seal is formed when the opening is closed by the closure member. A gas duct is in fluid connection with the vessel for supplying an inert gas to the sealed container or removing gas from the vessel to place the container under a vacuum. The gas duct is closed by a valve for transit or storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Dialog Construction Sdn. Bhd
    Inventor: Phil Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20150069054
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a collapsible hopper bin having a dispensing portion and a storage portion. The dispensing portion includes first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls. The storage portion includes first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls. The storage portion first and second side walls are hingedly attached to the dispensing portion first and second side walls. The storage portion first and second end walls are hingedly attached to the dispensing portion first and second end walls. The collapsible hopper bin has a collapsed position and a filled position. The storage portion first and second end walls and first and second side walls are substantially horizontally flat along the top of the dispensing portion in the collapsed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Roger Nolan, Link Jay Greiveldinger, Leslie Allen Wagner, Joachim Banik
  • Patent number: 8875751
    Abstract: A storage and dispensing container includes: a housing having a bottom plate with a feed opening defined therein, and a generally cylindrical outer wall extending around an outer periphery of the bottom plate; a funnel disposed at a lower end of the housing, in flow communication with the feed opening; a drum having an outer wall defining an interior that is partitioned into at least two chambers which are open at upper and lower ends thereof, the wall including a cylindrical portion which is coupled to the outer wall of the housing, such that the drum is rotatable relative to the housing; and a removable cap which closes off the upper end of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Moses Nueman, Jr., Wayne Grubaugh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8864016
    Abstract: A vessel composed of a sheet of flexible material, cut, rolled, and affixed to form a frusto-conically shaped base region. The sheet when rolled including an upper region having two opposing flaps, each flap delineated from a remaining portion of the sheet by a path along which the sheet is scored, so that the flaps, when folded along their respective paths, define a single elevated drinking portion having a spout formed between an extension of the base region and at least one of the two flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Compleat LLC
    Inventor: Peter Herman
  • Publication number: 20140291356
    Abstract: An inner container for transporting and storing liquids includes an outlet neck and a bottom wall. The bottom wall connects two side walls, one rear wall and one front wall of the inner container to one another. The outlet neck is arranged in a funnel bottom of an outlet funnel embodied in the bottom wall, and includes one front funnel wall, two lateral funnel walls and one rear funnel wall, wherein the lateral funnel walls are inclined from a lower edge of a side wall towards the funnel bottom in each case, in such a way that the outlet funnel has the shape of a truncated pyramid above the funnel bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Protechna S.A.
    Inventor: Udo Schütz
  • Patent number: 8827118
    Abstract: A proppant storage vessel has a first container with an interior volume, and a second container supported in spaced relation above the first container. The first container has a bottom hatch affixed to a bottom wall thereof. The bottom hatch is movable between an open position and a closed position. The first container has an opening at a top wall thereof. The second container has bottom hatch formed on a bottom wall thereof. The bottom hatch of the second container is aligned with the opening of the first container such that a proppant in the second container can flow through the hatch thereof into the interior volume of the first container. Each of the containers includes first, second, third and fourth inclined surfaces positioned in the interior volume and extending from the respective side walls and end walls thereof toward the bottom hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Oren Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John Oren
  • Publication number: 20140238543
    Abstract: A funnel component, and a packaging container using the funnel component are provided. A funnel component includes: a funnel portion having a diameter that is increased from a narrow opening side toward a wide opening side; a discharge portion that connects with an end portion on the narrow opening side; and a side wall portion that surrounds an opening portion, on the wide opening side, of the funnel portion, connects with the funnel portion, and is fitted into the container body. The funnel component is integrally formed by a sheet member including paper and sealant layer. A folded portion is formed, by the sheet member being folded back and welded over entire circumference, at an opening portion of the discharge portion. The packaging container is formed by the funnel component being fitted into a container body having an open end, a bottom portion, and a side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Takashi Terayama, Takeshi Saito, Noriyuki Sasaki, Masashi Goto, Jyun Sada
  • Patent number: 8800612
    Abstract: A container is provided that is used as a container permitting easy transfer into another container without spilling of contents at the time of work of refilling. The present invention relates to a container that is fitted in a container body of tubular shape having an open end, a bottom part and a side wall and that transfers contents into a preservation container. This container has: a funnel component (201) provided with a funnel (220) whose diameter decreases from a larger opening side toward a smaller opening side and provided with a plurality of ribs (228) that extend radially from the center of an opening part (222) on the smaller opening side of the funnel (220) so as to bridge a part with another part of the inner surface of the opening part (222) on the smaller opening side; and a container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Saito, Noriyuki Sasaki, Masashi Goto, Takashi Terayama, Daiji Takeuchi, Toyoaki Naito
  • Patent number: 8763859
    Abstract: A tube is configured to store and discharge fluid materials. The tube includes a container and a closure formed to include a fluid-discharge port and coupled to the container to place the fluid-discharge port in communication with any fluid stored in an interior region formed in the container. In illustrative embodiments, the closure includes a base coupled to the container and formed to include the fluid-discharge port, a flip-top cap, and a hinge arranged to interconnect the base and the flip-top cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Tony Cain
  • Patent number: 8622251
    Abstract: A method of delivering proppant to a well site has the steps of transporting a load of proppant in a vessel to a desired location, moving the load of proppant from the vessel into a container so as to create a proppant-loaded container, unloading the proppant-loaded container into a pneumatic bulk trailer, and transporting the unloaded proppant in the pneumatic bulk trailer to well site. The container is placed onto a bed of a truck and moved in proximity to the vessel. The proppant-loaded container is placed onto a tilting mechanism and then tilted so that the proppant is discharged through a flow gate of a container into a hopper. The proppant in the hopper can then be conveyed to the pneumatic bulk trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: John Oren
  • Patent number: 8505780
    Abstract: A proppant storage vessel has a first container with an interior volume, and a second container supported in spaced relation above the first container. The first container has a bottom hatch affixed to a bottom wall thereof. The bottom hatch is movable between an open position and a closed position. The first container has an opening at a top wall thereof. The second container has bottom hatch formed on a bottom wall thereof. The bottom hatch of the second container is aligned with the opening of the first container such that a proppant in the second container can flow through the hatch thereof into the interior volume of the first container. Each of the containers includes first, second, third and fourth inclined surfaces positioned in the interior volume and extending from the respective side walls and end walls thereof toward the bottom hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: John Oren
  • Patent number: 8505807
    Abstract: A vessel composed of a sheet of flexible material, cut, rolled, and affixed to form a frusto-conically shaped base region. The sheet when rolled including an upper region having two opposing flaps, each flap delineated from a remaining portion of the sheet by a path along which the sheet is scored, so that the flaps, when folded along their respective paths, define a single elevated drinking portion having a spout formed between an extension of the base region and at least one of the two flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Compleat LLC
    Inventor: Peter Herman
  • Patent number: 8496135
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Animal Health International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles H. Hoff, Greg Moore
  • Publication number: 20130161354
    Abstract: A proppant storage vessel has a first container with an interior volume, and a second container supported in spaced relation above the first container. The first container has a bottom hatch affixed to a bottom wall thereof. The bottom hatch is movable between an open position and a closed position. The first container has an opening at a top wall thereof. The second container has bottom hatch formed on a bottom wall thereof. The bottom hatch of the second container is aligned with the opening of the first container such that a proppant in the second container can flow through the hatch thereof into the interior volume of the first container. Each of the containers includes first, second, third and fourth inclined surfaces positioned in the interior volume and extending from the respective side walls and end walls thereof toward the bottom hatch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: PINCH FLATBED, LLC
    Inventor: John Oren
  • Patent number: 8434650
    Abstract: A package for flaked and/or granular, consumable material includes a container having a bottom surface and sidewalls that transition through a funnel shape to a dispenser chute terminating in a container opening. A rotating dispenser wheel disposed in the dispenser chute includes a plurality of fillable compartments, and the wheel has a fill position, wherein one of the compartments is filled with contents contained in the enclosure, and a dispense position wherein the contents are released through the package opening following a predetermined rotation of the dispenser wheel. In the preferred embodiment the dispenser wheel has four quadrants defined by panels extending outwardly from a central hub. Two opposing quadrants may define fillable compartments, whereas the other two quadrants may define non-fillable compartments. The dispenser wheel is contained within a holder disposed in the dispenser chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Tarek Hassan
  • Patent number: 8397948
    Abstract: A dispensing device may include a main body including a wall having a dispensing mouth defined in the wall; a storage portion, wherein the storage portion is retained by the main body; and a conveyance path providing communication between the storage portion and the dispensing mouth. In addition, the dispensing device may include a conveyor disposed in the conveyance path; a drive motor mechanically coupled to the conveyor; and a sensor, wherein the sensor is directly or indirectly electrically coupled to the drive motor and the sensor is in optical communication with the environment proximate to the dispensing mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Brookstone Purchasing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Mills, Stevenson Tom
  • Patent number: 8186544
    Abstract: A dispensing device may include a main body including a wall having a dispensing mouth defined in the wall; a storage portion, wherein the storage portion is retained by the main body; and a conveyance path providing communication between the storage portion and the dispensing mouth. In addition, the dispensing device may include a conveyor disposed in the conveyance path; a drive motor mechanically coupled to the conveyor; and a sensor, wherein the sensor is directly or indirectly electrically coupled to the drive motor and the sensor is in optical communication with the environment proximate to the dispensing mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Brookstone Purchasing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Mills, Stevenson Tom
  • Patent number: 8118198
    Abstract: The disclosed preferred embodiment of the current invention relates to a spout or a spout extension system for assisting in the transfer of pourable material from a storage container to a receiving destination or equipment. Said spout extension has a means of controlling the flow of said material allowing for the inversion and positioning of said container spout combination, prior to initiating the flow. More particularly this invention relates to an attachable spout extension, said extension contains a control means or valve which can be operated when the container and spout extension combination is inverted and positioned in the desired location prior to commencing flow of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Edwin George Watson
  • Publication number: 20110139304
    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: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: KEVIN M. CHASE, TONY L. KOENIGSKNECHT, JEROLD M. VISIN
  • Publication number: 20110011893
    Abstract: A transportable bulk container having a discharge chute and a sliding gate assembly to control discharge through the discharge chute, wherein the sliding gate assembly has a gate member with generally J-shaped suspension members, the suspension members being supported by generally L-shaped rail flanges mounted on the discharge chute above and separated from the lower end of the discharge chute, such that bulk material does not interfere with the sliding movement of the gate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: James William Cerny
  • Publication number: 20100186597
    Abstract: The present invention relates to container (1) for storing and unloading bulk material comprising: —a vessel (2) presenting a closed end (3) and an opened end (4), —a hopper (5) placed inside the vessel (2) and tapering to a discharge outlet in direction of the vessel opened end (4), —a tearable membrane (7) closing the hopper (5) and the vessel (2). The invention relates also to a tank to be refilled by said container and a method for refilling the tank with the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Michiel Kernkamp, Peter Jaggy
  • Publication number: 20090082204
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to insecticidal formulations, and, in one embodiment, to point source controlled release insecticidal formulations, particularly those insecticides that are agonists or antagonists of nicotinergic acetylcholine receptors, and still more particularly, imidacloprid, and to a method and apparatus for point sourcing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Reed Nathan Royalty, James Daniel Fish, Brian Ray James
  • Publication number: 20080142549
    Abstract: An apparatus for the discharge of product from a bulk bag utilizing a container inverter has an enclosure with a floor, plurality of side walls, horizontal arm and outlet spout adapter. Vertical lifting and lowering to control the floor or horizontal control arm participate in securing the bulk bag. An outlet spout adapter attaching to the horizontal arm has components to secure an outlet spout in place and also a valve or flow control device. By inverting the container inverter up to one-hundred and eighty degrees, product stored within the bulk bag can be discharged. Prior to inverting, the bulk bag can be secured in place by loop or sleeve holders and the bag sides can be held in place by vacuum to interior surfaces of the enclosure. The apparatus can be mounted on a lifting and pivoting mechanism to position the enclosure over a desired discharge point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Michael Kosich
  • Patent number: 7178698
    Abstract: Containers for collecting and discharging particulate lignocellulosic material are disclosed, including a cylindrical upper portion, a lower portion tapering towards a bottom elongated space, an exit pipe below the bottom, a pair of parallel screws mounted on parallel shafts in the elongated space in a common horizontal plane for feeding the particulate lignocellulosic material towards the exit pipe, a pair of distributors disposed on the parallel screws above the exit pipe comprising radial discs, and a pump below the exit pipe for transporting the particulate lignocellulosic material to a subsequent step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Kjell Forslund, Mikael Svedman
  • Patent number: 7118011
    Abstract: A disposable tube set apparatus is provided for delivering a precise volume of a fluid to containers which comprise a reservoir for a fluid, an inlet conduit to the said reservoir, at least one first outlet conduits from the reservoir, a sight tube connected to each of the at least one outlet conduit, each of the sight outlet tubes having an interior wall tapered away from a central vertical axis of each of the sight outlet tubes, a return conduit connecting each of the sight outlet tubes to the reservoir, and a second outlet conduit connected to each of the sight tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen P. Proulx
  • Patent number: 6840407
    Abstract: An insulated beverage dispenser (10) with an outer housing (24) having reinforcing cavities (86) and reinforcing ribs (88) on a canted surface (92) of a top closure (78) to resist distortion that is fitted over an integrally formed inner liner (48) in spaced relationship to provide a gap (52) that is evacuated to approximately 8% with a bottom having an asymmetrically tilted downwardly to a center-offset drain opening (76) to reduce the lateral extent of a dispense tube (136) reduce heat loss from the drain opening to a faucet 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Zbigniew G. Lassota, Christopher J. Wierzbicki
  • Patent number: 6820771
    Abstract: An insulated beverage dispenser (10) with an outer housing (24) having reinforcing cavities (86) and reinforcing ribs (88) on a canted surface (92) of a top closure (78) to resist distortion that is fitted over an integrally formed inner liner (48) in spaced relationship to provide a gap (52) that is evacuated to approximately 8% of standard atmospheric pressure. The bottom closure (62) of the inner liner (48) is symmetrically tilted downwardly across the center to a center-offset drain opening (76) to reduce the lateral extent (137) of a dispense tube (136) to reduce the quantity of beverage contained within the dispense tube (136) and subject to heat loss between the drain opening (76) to and a faucet (20). The dispense tube (136) is protectively contained within a hollow bottom section (25) for purposes of insulation and is also wrapped in foam insulation (139) for further insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Zbigniew G. Lassota, Michael W. Lassota, Christopher Nowak
  • Patent number: 6783032
    Abstract: Inside a steel container (1, 17, 23), a bin (3) of corrosion-resistant material is fitted. This bin (3) is fastened to the container walls. The side walls and the top wall of the bin are substantially identical in shape to those of the steel container. The container is intended for the transport of bulk goods, especially plastics particle material, the contamination of this material by steel particles, which have come loose as a result of corrosion, being prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Jansens & Dieperink B.V.
    Inventor: Bas Fons
  • Publication number: 20040129731
    Abstract: A portable device for dispensing a quantity of filling material is shown. The portable device includes a first generally extended housing defining a cavity of a selected volume for confining a quantity of dispensable filling material. The housing includes a top member having a curvilinear extending member for defining a dispensing passageway including a first end and a second end. The first end is structured to communicate with the cavity and the second end is structured to define a dispensing opening positioned in a predetermined position relative to the cavity. As such, displacement of the housing in a first direction urges the dispensing passageway into a dispensing position wherein a portion of a quantity of filling material confined in the cavity is capable of being transported through the dispensing passageway and out of the dispensing opening to fill and repair a divot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Donald Hahn
  • Patent number: 6474512
    Abstract: A liquid container is provided, which comprises a bag-forming flexible container body, a pouring outlet provided to communicate with an inside of the container body, and a support member provided in the container body for inhibiting deformation of the container body occurring near the pouring outlet when the contained liquid is sucked, in which the support members is a member reinforcing the container body with a form like a funnel narrowed at the pouring outlet. If the funnel-like reinforcing portion occupies almost one half of the surface area of the container proper, it can be prevented that the pouring outlet is closed even if the non-reinforced portion of the container body is housed in the support member when the contained liquid is discharged. Therefore, a contained liquid can be smoothly taken out, and the container is especially suitable for containing a liquid having a relatively high viscosity or a liquid sensitive to the contact with air and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Riso Kagaku Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Wakayama
  • Publication number: 20020148859
    Abstract: A new drop box assembly or container having a base frame, a pair of runners to elevate the base frame from a surface, a first pair of door panels attached along one edge to the base frame, a sleeve having a plurality of sidewalls, and a top frame is disclosed. The base frame is preferably designed with a plurality of side members configured to define an opening, and a channel seated within the side members and circumjacent the opening—an upper surface of each side member being sloped away from the channel and toward the opening. Engagement of the disclosed container by a forklift or the like from four directions is permissible. A first means for securing the sleeve within the channel of the base frame includes a plurality of connecting members on one of either the base frame or the sleeve. Such connecting members include a plurality of male connecting members on the sleeve and a plurality of corresponding female connecting members on the base frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Maurice J. Pigott, Peter S. Pigott, Brandon L. Pigott, Schuyler F. Pigott, Michel Trapp
  • Patent number: 6457611
    Abstract: A loader for an automated pill dispenser has a plastic body with two rows of pill cavities which are positioned to overlie pill compartment blocks in the speciality pill dispensing carousel of a conventional automated pill dispenser. Two guides affixed beneath the loader body restrain a flat floor member, which has a handle to permit it to be moved between a retracted loading positioned and an extended dispensing position. The floor member has a single slot running its width through which front row pill cavities empty when the floor member is extracted. The guides define positioning holes which allow the loader to be rapidly brought into position with respect to the automated pill dispenser drawer. The loader may be filled with pills at a location remote from the automated dispenser, and rapidly engaged with and removed from the dispenser to most effectively make use of the dispenser's processing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Charles P. Koehler
  • Patent number: 6431415
    Abstract: A popped-popcorn package consists of a beaded container for holding popped-popcorn and a funnel having a closable opening in the reduced end for dispensing several kernals of normal-sized popped popcorn at a shake of the package and an enlarged end for seating non-removably over the beaded open mouth of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen B. Schreiber
  • Publication number: 20020000448
    Abstract: An abrasive particle metering device has a supply of fluid abrasive material; a feed tube through which the abrasive material flows; a metering wheel located very near to the feed tube, onto which the feed tube dispenses the abrasive material, and off of which a metered amount of abrasive material is ejected; a funnel to redirect and transport the metered amount of abrasive material; and a motor to drive the metering wheel. The abrasive material is supplied from a storage hopper or some external source. The amount of abrasive material ejected from the metering wheel depends on the rotational rate of the metering wheel. The motor controls the rotational rate of the metering wheel. The flow tube can have a contoured tip to conform to the perimeter of the metering wheel, and the flow tube can be raised or lowered relative to the metering wheel to accommodate various abrasive materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: Frank C. Romeo, Ronald J. Davis, Paul E. Oehler
  • Patent number: 6328183
    Abstract: A bin for storing dry powder bulk material or granules. Bulk material is deposited in an upper section of the bin and is discharged from the bottom of the lower section of the bin. The lower section of the bin is formed with oppositely directed, downwardly sloping walls joined by opposing vertical walls. The downwardly sloping walls, respectively, slope downwardly at an angle greater than the angle of repose of the material or granules in the bin. Disposed in the lower section of the bin is a planar vertical divider wall that is supported by the vertical walls of the lower section. The vertical divider wall has flat surfaces that face, respectively, the oppositely directed, downwardly sloping walls of the lower section for reducing bridging of the dry powder bulk material or granules in the bulk material bin during mass flow of the dry powder bulk material or granules from the upper section through the lower section of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Clarence B. Coleman
  • Publication number: 20010022308
    Abstract: A grain storage bin has a circular bin floor structure and a cylindrical bin wall upstanding from the floor. A bin aeration system includes a perforated air discharge tube mounted diametrically across the bin supported on a frame above the floor from one side with an air supply duct for supplying air from a fan through the wall. The floor structure is divided diametrically into two separate half sections. A rectangular discharge duct extends from a feed opening at a center of the bin horizontally under the horizontal support surface to a discharge outside the wall of the bin with a belt having parallel runs along the duct, a first opening at the center of the bin and a second opening adjacent the wall so that the material within the bin can fall onto the upper run of the belt to be carried to the side for discharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Richard J. Epp, Dwayne S. Epp
  • Publication number: 20010009258
    Abstract: A liquid container is provided, which comprises a bag-forming flexible container body, a pouring outlet provided to communicate with an inside of the container body, and a support member provided in the container body for inhibiting deformation of the container body occurring near the pouring outlet when the contained liquid is sucked, in which the support members is a member reinforcing the container body with a form like a funnel narrowed at the pouring outlet. If the funnel-like reinforcing portion occupies almost one half of the surface area of the container proper, it can be prevented that the pouring outlet is closed even if the non-reinforced portion of the container body is housed in the support member when the contained liquid is discharged. Therefore, a contained liquid can be smoothly taken out, and the container is especially suitable for containing a liquid having a relatively high viscosity or a liquid sensitive to the contact with air and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventor: Takahiro Wakayama
  • Patent number: 6250514
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for storing and discharging particulate material, in particular pulp chips. For the purpose of preventing bridge formation and making possible a simple and cost-effective design, the container is made so that a positive release is achieved in different transverse directions, after which the material is fed down towards the discharge end 2. The container 1 preferably has a rectangular cross section, with a number of container sections BS1-BS8 in succession from the infeed end 4 of the container to its discharge end 2. Two opposite sides in each container section are given a diverging deflection (5°) relative to the discharge end 2, and the other opposite sides in each container section are given a converging deflection (29°). In following container sections, converging sides change to diverging sides and vice versa, which results in the positive release of the material being achieved alternately with a 90° displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventor: Stefan Hansson
  • Patent number: 6205938
    Abstract: A seeding implement grain box is provided with a single piece molded plastic insert at the bottom of the box that forms an array of funnel sections having open lower ends that align with the openings in the grain box bottom wall. The funnel sections have sloping walls between each bottom wall opening to cover the flat portions of the bottom wall between the openings, thereby allowing the seed grain to completely empty from the grain box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Daniel Michael Foley, Ralph Everette Stanfill
  • Patent number: 6196426
    Abstract: A pill counting device is disclosed which comprises a tray having two pouring spouts 42 positioned at adjacent corners thereof. A receptacle is positioned along a side of the tray opposite the two pouring spouts. The receptacle comprises a bin extending downwardly from the surface of the tray and a cover for the bin. The cover is movable between an open position and a closed position, the closed position forming the receptacle. The receptacle is open at both ends thereof which correspond to the corners of the tray not occupied by the pouring spouts. The open receptacle ends can be closed as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Renee S. White
  • Patent number: 6165541
    Abstract: An improvement in the immunofixation electrophoresis procedure for detecting proteins in serum, urine or cerebral spinal fluids. Samples are placed on a gel and subjected to electrophoresis for resolving or separating proteins. Thereafter, antisera are applied to the sample areas through openings located on a template. The template includes projections and, the template substantially precludes cross-contamination and the adverse effects of ambient conditions on the integrity of the fluid, such as by the projections contacting, depressing or cutting into the gel to form closed cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Helena Laboratories Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Merchant, Philip A. Guadagno, Suzan Robinson
  • Patent number: 6098851
    Abstract: A handling system for agglomerable materials has a hopper with four sidewalls, each sidewall having a slope differing from each of the other sidewalls by at least 5.degree.. The slopes are selected and the sidewalls have a length selected so that the outlet has a cross-sectional area not less than 50% of the cross-sectional area of the inlet. The handling system is well-suited for dispensing synthetic gypsum in the manufacture of Portland cement or wallboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Bulk Materials International, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6073533
    Abstract: The present invention is a shot caddy having a cover and a slide valve. Shot is stored in the cylindrical housing until it is needed. The slide valve is opened by the user thereby allowing shot to flow in a controlled manner into another container. A baffle is contained within the cylindrical housing to meter the flow of shot. The shot caddy may be mounted on a wall with a key mounted on the cylindrical housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Jerry R. Brandon
  • Patent number: 6055781
    Abstract: A hopper that greatly reduces the tendency of the particulate material to form bridges within the hopper is shaped so that its walls slope downward more steeply at the bottom of the hopper and slope less steeply with increasing height above the outlet. In one embodiment the slope decreases continuously with increasing height above the outlet. In another embodiment the hopper is formed of successive sections, each joined around its circumference to the next-lower section, the wall of each section being less steeply inclined than the wall of the adjoining next-lower section. Exact relationships are given, relating the slopes of successive sections, and if the hopper is built in conformity with these relationships, arching of the particulate material is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: JR Johanson, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry R. Johanson
  • Patent number: 5992699
    Abstract: A plastic product tank for containing product under pressure has a lower funnel portion including a product outlet and an upper container portion having a product-containing capacity substantially greater than the lower funnel portion. The lower funnel portion and upper container portion are in substantially gas-tight communication with each other and the upper container portion of the tank includes side walls formed by a plurality of substantially planar surfaces adjacent to each other. Each interior angle between adjacent side walls of the upper container portion is greater than ninety degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Lee Alan Johnson, Ronald Lee Pratt