Temperature Responsive Or Soluble Controller Patents (Class 222/54)
  • Patent number: 11957873
    Abstract: A fluid extravasation detection device detects the subcutaneous extravasation of fluid from a vein containing an intravenous (IV) catheter. The device includes one or more first temperature sensors for positioning on skin near an entry point of the IV catheter into the vein, and one or more second temperature sensors for positioning on skin near a tip of the subcutaneously located IV catheter. The first and second temperature sensors are operably connected to an electronic thermometer that compares the temperature difference between a first temperature and a second temperature. The first temperature is determined based on temperature detected by at least one of the one or more first temperature sensors. The second temperature is determined based on temperature detected by at least one of the one or more second temperature sensors. An alarm is activated if the difference between the first and second temperatures changes more than a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Augustine Biomedical and Design, LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Augustine, Randall C. Arnold, Garrett J. Augustine
  • Patent number: 11840319
    Abstract: An inflation device is provided including a shell, a pin, a restraining element, and a barrier. The shell may be coupled to an inflation canister. The pin is positioned within the shell in order to open a seal of the inflation canister. The restraining element is positioned within the shell and is positioned to prevent the pin from opening the seal of the inflation canister. The restraining element is dissolvable. The barrier is positioned within the shell. The barrier includes a fluid resistant skin and a heating element coupled to the fluid resistant skin. The heating element may open a portion of the barrier responsive to an electrical current running through the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Stasey, Mark A. Gummin
  • Patent number: 11779952
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an application device for applying an application agent (e.g. heat-conducting paste) into a cavity, in particular in a battery module of an electric battery. The application device according to the disclosure comprises a nozzle for dispensing the application agent through the nozzle and a first pressure sensor for measuring a first pressure reading (pA, pB) of the application agent upstream of the nozzle. The disclosure additionally provides a second pressure sensor for measuring a second pressure reading (pD) of the coating agent downstream of the first pressure sensor, in particular in the nozzle. Furthermore, the disclosure comprises a corresponding application method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Dürr Systems AG
    Inventors: Bernd Locher, Sebastian Gries
  • Patent number: 11776827
    Abstract: An adapter for a liquid container of a supply system of a wet process module for the treatment of substrates has a container part for fastening to the liquid container and a channel part for fastening to the supply system. The container part has a central opening and a fastening device for fastening the container part to the liquid container. The channel part has a continuous first channel portion and a continuous second channel portion, the first and the second channel portion each opening into the central opening of the container part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Braun, Simon Schutzbach, Kader Mekias, Dinesh Vijayaraghavan, Orazio Monteserrato
  • Patent number: 11723509
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for dispensing a cleaning agent into a dishwasher, having a cover element for closing and releasing at least one opening of a store for storing the cleaning agent and/or an operating agent, at least one actuating element being provided which has an actuation path (W) for opening and/or fixing the cover element so that an accidental opening or unlocking is effectively prevented. According to the disclosure this is achieved in that the actuation path (W) is oriented away from the store and transversely to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: SANHUA AWECO Appliance Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Zuo Wang, Erwin Wunn, Ulrich Boettger, August Lanz
  • Patent number: 11602594
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device, an apparatus, and a method for controlling infusion. The device may include a multi-port container assembly and a liquid flow controller. The multi-port container assembly includes a multi-port container having a plurality of inlets and an outlet, a detector configured to detect amount of liquid in the multi-port container, a first communication subassembly, and a first controller. The first controller may send a first signal to the liquid flow controller via the first communication subassembly in response to the detector detecting that the amount of liquid is lower than a first predetermined threshold. The liquid flow controller may turn off a first infusion tube currently used and turn on a next first infusion tube in response to receiving the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignees: HEFEI BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhengwei Zhu, Yanfei Guo, Jiong Huang
  • Patent number: 11260604
    Abstract: Method and system for dispensing molten wax into molds by means of a desktop apparatus is disclosed. The invention being comprised of a heating chamber, temperature controller, metering dispenser, adjustable base, lighting strip and protective viewing cabinet. Said invention allowing wax to be melted and maintained at a temperature below the melting point of mold materials such as; but not limited to, filaments commonly used in 3D printing and the like. An object of the invention is to allow users to quickly position and fill custom molds for fabrication processes such as candle and jewelry making.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Andrew James Reynolds
  • Patent number: 11097936
    Abstract: Apparatus for preparing and dispensing a diluted beverage has a mains water inlet, a valve for opening or shutting water flow, a food concentrate container, an outlet for the beverage, a user interface for commanding dispensing of the beverage, and a volumetric pump communicating with the valve outlet and the beverage outlet for drawing and mixing the food concentrate and water. A first conduit is connected to an outlet of the food concentrate container and the volumetric pump inlet. A second conduit communicating with the valve outlet and an intermediate portion of the first conduit. A control unit activates the valve and the volumetric pump. The second conduit has a section narrowing for regulating the outflow velocity of the water entering the first conduit. The control unit activates the volumetric pump to regulate the flow of food concentrate mixture and water in response to data from a water flow detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: ZERICA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Marco Zerilli
  • Patent number: 11052860
    Abstract: A gas distribution system for airbag inflation in a vehicle can include: a passenger airbag including a plurality of inflatable chambers; an airbag inflation device configured to produce a gas when a collision involving the vehicle is sensed and to supply the gas to the passenger airbag, causing deployment of the passenger airbag; and an inflation gas distributor disposed at least partially between the airbag inflation device and the passenger airbag, the inflation gas distributor including a rotatable distributor belt, the inflation gas distributor configured to allow passage of the gas from the airbag inflation device to a first subset of the plurality of chambers, and to impede passage of the gas from the airbag inflation device to a second subset of the plurality of chambers, by rotating the distributor belt to a gas distribution position selected among a plurality of predetermined gas distribution positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Samuel Zeng
  • Patent number: 11040875
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage system includes a pressure-sealed storage unit defining an interior and having an outlet, an upper manifold and a lower manifold separated by a dividing plane having a set of ports, a set of chambers, and a hydrogen storage, wherein at least some hydrogen gas is supplied to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventors: Colin John Halsey, Michael David Bailey, Ross Jonathan Williams
  • Patent number: 11010711
    Abstract: Utilizing the techniques disclosed herein, sensor data inaccuracies may be corrected such that calculated fill levels more accurately reflect the actual fill level of the item within an automatic replenishment device (ARD). For example, the ARD may include a sensor configured to collect the sensor data (e.g., a distance between the sensor and an item contained within the ARD). Sensor data associated with an item within the ARD may be received. A measurement offset value specific to the item may be identified. An estimated fill level of the item within the ARD may be calculated based at least in part on the distance measured between the sensor and the item and the measurement offset value specific to the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Allison Kramer, Samuel Stevens Heyworth, Roland Jones, Devon Merritt
  • Patent number: 11009298
    Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include a base and fluid flow plates which cooperate with the base to define a cavity; a phase change material contained within the cavity; an extendable extension spring at least partially contained within the phase change material; and end plates which cooperate with the fluid flow plates to define fluid flow channels. The apparatus may include a housing that holds a heat exchanger and phase change material. Inlet and outlet ports allow for the ingress and egress of a heat exchange fluid into the fluid flow channels or heat exchanger. In operation, the extension of the extendable extension spring induces solidification of at least a portion of the phase change material from a supercooled liquid state to a solid state, releasing thermal energy, allowing for the transfer of thermal energy across the fluid flow plates or heat exchanger from the phase change material to the heat exchange fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Neothermal Energy Storage Inc.
    Inventors: Louis Desgrosseilliers, Mary Anne White, Dominic Groulx, Ali Kheirabadi
  • Patent number: 10982373
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing a laundry product to a wash load based on user input, comprising a dosing unit (2) for placing in a washing machine drum and a dispensing device (1) having a dispensing area (3), a nozzle (4) and a plurality of reservoir cartridges (6a, 6b, 6c) containing various laundry products that are combined by a user and which are dispensed into the dosing unit (2) by said nozzle (4) as soon as said dosing unit (2) is placed in the dispensing area (3) located underneath the nozzle (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah Jane Cooke, David Moorfield, Katharine Jane Shaw
  • Patent number: 10914028
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance, such as a clothes washer, either vertical or horizontal axis, can have a bulk dispenser capable of dispensing multiple doses of treating chemistry from a reservoir of treating chemistry. A housing fluidly couples a supply of water and the treating chemistry for supplying both to a treating chamber within the laundry treating appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Eric A. Gallagher, Kurt L. Masciovecchio, Michael T. Moore, Robert J. Pinkowski, Brian Rogers, David Scharich, III, Guy Stormo, Ray Thompson
  • Patent number: 10858234
    Abstract: A water inlet pipe connects a water supply to a faucet. A water flow control valve in the water inlet pipe regulates the flow of water through the water inlet pipe from the water supply to the faucet. A drip tray located beneath the faucet captures water overflow. A conduit connects the drip tray a storage container such that water in the drip tray drains into the storage container. A water level sensor associated with the storage container generates a overflow signal when the water level in the storage container reaches a pre-set level. The water flow control valve automatically prevents water flow through the water inlet pipe to the faucet in response to the overflow signal. A visible display and a sound generator are also energized in response to the alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: BHRS GROUP
    Inventor: Jonathan Rubin
  • Patent number: 10422070
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a housing defining an interior that terminates in an upper edge that defines a door profile. A treating chamber is located within the interior and is mounted to the housing. A dispenser door is pivotally mounted to the housing for pivoting movement between closed and opened positions. At least one dispenser cup is fluidly coupled to the treating chamber and is slidably mounted to the housing for sliding movement between extended and retracted positions. The at least one dispenser cup is operably coupled to the dispenser door such that pivotal movement of the dispenser door between the closed and opened positions effects a corresponding sliding movement of the at least one dispenser cup between the retracted and extended positions while maintaining the dispenser cup in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Seth E. Bixby, Richard K. Gresens, Todd Lambkin, Michael R. MacKay, Sayer J. Murphy, Anna C. Schelling
  • Patent number: 10238796
    Abstract: The invention relates to a linear actor arrangement, comprising a linear actor with two ends whose distance is variable depending on an energizing of the linear actor, wherein each end is attached to a respective first or second coupling element which engage a coupling surface, wherein the coupling surface and the coupling elements exhibit mating surface structures in such a manner that the coupling elements are prevented from moving in a direction while being allowed to move in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Nagel, Rene Richter, Robert Witt, Richard Guenther, Peter Raab
  • Patent number: 10077526
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a washing machine including a cabinet defining a housing with internal components of a conventional automated clothes washer, a door mounted to the cabinet to selectively open/close the opening to the cabinet, and a dispenser in the form of a drawer having at least one cup in which doses of treating chemistry can be received. The dispenser includes a door pivotally mounted to the housing for pivoting movement between closed and opened positions. The dispenser drawer is pivotally mounted to the dispenser door and slidably mounted to the housing such that pivotal movement of the dispenser door between the closed and opened position effects a corresponding sliding movement of the at least one dispenser cup between the extended and retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Seth E. Bixby, Richard K. Gresens, Todd Lambkin, Michael R. MacKay, Sayer J. Murphy, Anna C. Schelling
  • Patent number: 10053350
    Abstract: Methods and devices for dispensing a cooled beverage are provided. One embodiment of methods includes the steps of mixing a diluent and a concentrate to make a diluted solution. The diluted solution is carbonated to yield a carbonated solution. The carbonated solution is cooled to below 0° C. to produce the cooled beverage, and the cooled beverage is dispensed through a nozzle. A device for dispensing a cooled beverage, where the cooled beverage comprises a diluent having a freezing point at STP includes an upstream cooler that pre-cools a supply of diluent to a temperature above the freezing point. A mixer mixes the pre-cooled diluent with a concentrate to make a diluted solution. A downstream cooler further cools the diluted solution to below the freezing point. A dispenser dispenses the downstream-cooled solution to atmosphere. The temperature of the cooled beverage is below the freezing point when dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: CLELAND SALES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James M Cleland, Adam Cleland
  • Patent number: 10046301
    Abstract: An appliance for producing a personal care product. The appliance includes a reaction chamber configured to receive one or more ingredients of a personal care product. The appliance also includes a cartridge, wherein the cartridge holds at least one of the one or more ingredients of the personal care product. The appliance further includes an output port configured to allow removal of the personal care product from the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventors: Reed Quinn, Spencer Quinn
  • Patent number: 9844290
    Abstract: A method for making and dispensing coffee-based beverages in machines includes increasing the water temperature inside a boiler and assembly to achieve preheating with to adjust the delivered thermal power. The method includes three dispensing steps. Preheated water at a selected temperature achieves a pre-infusion in a preset time or water volume without pressure in the hydraulic pump, wherein the coffee powder is only wet. Next, the coffee powder is infused by means of the use of a logic unit that manages the volume of dispensed water by a volumetric meter and at a preset, constant pressure as a function of the ground coffee and dispensed product weight. An amount by volume of water is dispensed and calculated to achieve a selected and preset brew ratio. Finally, post-infusion is achieved in which the hydraulic pump is deactivated for a time needed to reach by weight the programmed dose of dispensed product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: SANREMO COFFEE MACHINES SRL
    Inventor: Francesco Daniele Llopis
  • Patent number: 9795274
    Abstract: A method of dispensing detergent in a dishwasher having a wash tub that includes a fluid reservoir to hold a treating chemistry, a lid operatively mounted to the fluid reservoir, and is configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a hydraulic actuator is fluidly coupled to a fluid source and configured to initiate movement of the lid between its closed and open positions in response to fluid pressure applied to the actuator by the fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Beshears, Jr., Elliott V. Stowe
  • Patent number: 9513204
    Abstract: A monitoring device for determining the concentration of a dielectric insulation fluid such as a perfluoroketones in a room housing at least one high-voltage electrical apparatus and being accessible by humans essentially without modifying the room conditions, for example the room being a part of an air-insulated substation, with the monitoring system including one or more sensors for determining an emission and/or absorption of the dielectric insulation fluid molecules at at least one wavelength or wavelength band of the electromagnetic wave spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Thomas Alfred Paul, Axel Kramer, Mathias Ingold
  • Patent number: 9447536
    Abstract: System and method for dispensing product to a washing machine. A chemical dispensing system includes a system controller, machine interface, and pump controller that communicate through serial data buses. The system controller provides a user interface, retrieves washing machine status information from the machine interface, and issues product dispensing commands to the pump controller. The pump controller monitors pump status and dispenses product in response to commands from the system controller. The pump controller: (1) determines pump activation periods based on calibration data stored in a pump controller memory; (2) tracks pump usage and adjusts the activation period to compensate for pump wear as the pump ages; (3) disables the pump if conditions exists that preclude operating the pump; (4) monitors product levels, and (5) reports pump status to the system controller. Integral channels are included in the pump housing to provide stress relief to a squeeze tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Tincher, Sean Lafferty, Jason McDaniel, Bryan Andersen
  • Patent number: 9335082
    Abstract: A controller for a drive motor for a scraper of a frozen product dispenser operates the drive motor to rotate the scraper at selected ones of a plurality of different speeds within a freeze barrel of the dispenser, in accordance with the values of sensed operating parameters of the dispenser. The arrangement provides for rotation of the scraper at speeds appropriate for, but no greater than required for, the then existent operating condition of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Gist, Gregory M. Billman, Santhosh Kumar, Kyle Elsom, Nikolay Popov
  • Patent number: 9162863
    Abstract: A method of storing beer kegs and dispensing beer in a commercial bar or restaurant, a method of storing beverage barrels in a commercial bar or restaurant, and an apparatus therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Till
  • Patent number: 9107538
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a dispensing system and a sanitizing system. The apparatus has a dispensing mode and sanitizing mode. The dispensing system may comprise a first valve and at least one component, the at least one component having an inner surface. The first valve is opened to send a free-flowing material to the at least one component when the apparatus is in the dispensing mode. The first valve is closed when the apparatus is in the sanitizing mode. The sanitizing system comprises a processing unit having a discharge cell configured to initiate a cold plasma discharge in an air flow. A tank may be configured to receive the air flow from the discharge cell of the processing unit and expose water in the tank to the air flow for a time sufficient to provide dissolution of ozone from the air flow into the water and form ozone-containing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Indrani Deo, Georgy Martsinovskiy, Mikhail Verbitsky, Dmitry Falkov
  • Patent number: 9038856
    Abstract: A dispensing unit is provided having a circulation system for circulating a fluid in the dispensing unit. The circulation system includes a circulation circuit and a mechanism for circulating the fluid in the circulation circuit. By circulating the fluid, the fluid is counteracted from crystallizing. A method for circulating a fluid in a dispensing unit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Wayne Fueling Systems LLC
    Inventor: Bengt I. Larsson
  • Patent number: 9022257
    Abstract: A pour spout has a bottle adapter for insertion into a mouth of a bottle. A housing has a chamber into which a housing inlet and a housing outlet open with the housing inlet connected to the bottle adapter for receiving beverage from the bottle. A valve carriage is movable within the chamber and has a carriage inlet in fluid communication with a carriage outlet. A resilient first tube provides a first beverage passageway between the housing inlet and the carriage inlet. A resilient second tube provides a second beverage passageway between carriage outlet and the housing outlet. The first or second tube has a valve seat that is engaged and disengaged by a plunger on the valve carriage as the valve carriage moves within the chamber. A valve actuator moves the valve carriage in response to signal from a control circuit that receives a wireless command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Berg Company, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Keating, Donald R. Lamond, Ronald F. Faust, Thomas E. Giles, Albert H. Dorsey
  • Patent number: 9004320
    Abstract: A pour spout for dispensing a beverage from a bottle including a bottle adapter for attaching to a bottle to receive a beverage from the bottle, a housing having a chamber into which a housing inlet and a housing outlet open, the housing inlet connected to the bottle adapter for receiving the beverage, a valve carriage moveably received within the chamber and having a carriage passage, a resilient first tube providing a first passageway for beverage to flow from the housing inlet to the carriage passage, a resilient second tube providing a second passageway for beverage to flow from the carriage passage to the housing outlet, a valve operatively connected to the valve carriage to control flow of the beverage through the housing from the housing inlet to the housing outlet; and a valve actuator for moving the valve carriage within the chamber to operate the valve open or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Berg Company, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Keating, Donald R. Lamond, Ronald F. Faust, Thomas E. Giles, Albert H. Dorsey
  • Patent number: 8978928
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a drink, for example milk, from mixing a powder formula with a liquid, preferably water, the apparatus preferably being an automated baby-milk machine. The apparatus is configured to prepare a drink concentrate by mixing the amount of formula necessary for the total amount of drink in a certain amount of hot liquid, and to add the right amount of liquid of a certain low temperature to the concentrate in order to reach the end volume of the drink at a safe drinking temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Anke Sinnema, Martijn Oversteegen, Peter Sofrides Viet, Bernardus Lubbertus Kuiper
  • Publication number: 20150028051
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a dispensing device. Sensor data about fluid that is being dispensed through the dispensing device may be received. A pressure of the fluid may be identified using the sensor data. A tool configured to move the fluid from a fluid source to the dispensing device based on the pressure identified to control a rate at which the fluid flows from the fluid source to the dispensing device may be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Martin Guirguis
  • Patent number: 8870029
    Abstract: A heating and dispensing apparatus has a first portion defining a main, active reservoir for the molten material to be dispensed. A second portion has a heater and a seat for pre-heating a supply of replacement molten material. The main reservoir is pressurized, such that molten material therein is urged to flow out the outflow passageway when the valve is opened. The apparatus includes a heated receptacle support structure positioned to hold a disposable receptacle underneath the outflow. The outflow is mounted to the lid of the main reservoir, and can be cleaned when the lid is removed. The outflow outlet and the receptacle support structure are both located in exposed positions to facilitate cleaning. The pre-heat, main reservoir, outflow, and receptacle support structure are heated by a single heating system, by thermal conduction. The outside of the unit is kept substantially free of unnecessary obstructions to facilitate cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventors: Mileta Stanojlovic, Dragica Stanojlovic
  • Publication number: 20140263419
    Abstract: A hydrogen fuel dispenser includes a pre-cooling circuit, a hydrogen fuel storage for storing hydrogen fuel, a nozzle for dispensing hydrogen fuel to a receptacle, and a fueling line connecting the hydrogen fuel storage to the nozzle for communicating hydrogen fuel from the hydrogen fuel storage to the nozzle. The pre-cooling circuit is provided to cool hydrogen fuel in the fueling line, and includes a pre-cooling line connected to the fueling line downstream from the hydrogen fuel storage, and a flow-path selector provided at a connection between the fueling line and the pre-cooling line. The flow-path selector selectively: blocks hydrogen fuel flow between the fueling line and the pre-cooling line while opening hydrogen fuel flow between the fueling line and a nozzle line of the nozzle; and opens hydrogen fuel flow between the fueling line and the pre-cooling line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Steve Mathison
  • Publication number: 20140263430
    Abstract: A pour spout for dispensing a beverage from a bottle including a bottle adapter for attaching to a bottle to receive a beverage from the bottle, a housing having a chamber into which a housing inlet and a housing outlet open, the housing inlet connected to the bottle adapter for receiving the beverage, a valve carriage moveably received within the chamber and having a carriage passage, a resilient first tube providing a first passageway for beverage to flow from the housing inlet to the carriage passage, a resilient second tube providing a second passageway for beverage to flow from the carriage passage to the housing outlet, a valve operatively connected to the valve carriage to control flow of the beverage through the housing from the housing inlet to the housing outlet; and a valve actuator for moving the valve carriage within the chamber to operate the valve open or closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: BERG COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Keating, Donald R. Lamond, Ronald F. Faust, Thomas E. Giles, Albert H. Dorsey
  • Publication number: 20140263429
    Abstract: A pour spout has a bottle adapter for insertion into a mouth of a bottle. A housing has a chamber into which a housing inlet and a housing outlet open with the housing inlet connected to the bottle adapter for receiving beverage from the bottle. A valve carriage is movable within the chamber and has a carriage inlet in fluid communication with a carriage outlet. A resilient first tube provides a first beverage passageway between the housing inlet and the carriage inlet. A resilient second tube provides a second beverage passageway between carriage outlet and the housing outlet. The first or second tube has a valve seat that is engaged and disengaged by a plunger on the valve carriage as the valve carriage moves within the chamber. A valve actuator moves the valve carriage in response to signal from a control circuit that receives a wireless command signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Keating, Donald R. Lamond, Ronald F. Faust, Thomas E. Giles
  • Publication number: 20140203040
    Abstract: A melter includes a heater unit for melting adhesive, a reservoir for receiving melted adhesive from the heater unit, and a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir and located within a heated housing. The heated housing heats the pump during startup and regular operation of the adhesive melter, thereby reducing delays in operation caused by slow warming of adhesive within the pump. The heated housing may be a manifold in fluid communication with the reservoir and with fluid outlets in some embodiments, but the heated housing may also be a separate heat block. In either type of embodiment, the pump is configured to be inserted cartridge-style into the heated housing and held in position using a single locking fastener. Additional elements such as insulating external housings and mounting hooks may also be used to further encourage conductive heat transfer into the structure surrounding the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Clark, David R. Jeter
  • Publication number: 20140190990
    Abstract: A Sabbath compliant water dispenser, which comprises a hot water chamber, a heating element that is positioned in the hot water chamber for heating a body of water which is retained within the hot water chamber and a tap, through which hot water is dispensable. The water dispenser is controlled by a controller which is operable in a Sabbath mode to command the heating element to maintain the body of water at an essentially constant temperature which is near to scalding temperature and to command introduction of unheated water into the hot water chamber, when a low water level condition is detected. This way, overheating of the heating element is prevented, while also preventing the introduced, water from being dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Zuri Naaman Victor Ltd.
    Inventors: Raoven Raoven, Gidon Ben-Moshe
  • Publication number: 20140183220
    Abstract: An instant drink vending machine is described. The instant drink vending machine has a water supply system for obtaining mixed warm water with a temperature selected among a set of pre-determined temperatures comprised between an upper and a lower value corresponding to temperatures of hot water and cold water to be mixed, said system including thermostatic shape memory alloy devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: SAES GETTERS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Butera, Stefano Alacqua, Emanuele Nicolini
  • Publication number: 20140166693
    Abstract: An integrated material transfer and dispensing system for storing, transferring and dispensing materials, such as fluids and liquids, for example, liquid applied sound deadener (LASD). The system includes at least one vessel having a force transfer device. Each vessel may be removably enclosed in cabinet to form an automated station. Each vessel may be configured with a data logger, cleanout port, a sample valve at least one sight window and an access port for introducing a compound such as a biocide. Each vessel may be configured with instruments including sensors for measuring process variables, such as material volume, level, temperature, pressure and flow. The system may further include a metering device system and a robotic material dispenser system without a pump interface. The robotic system may further include a computer control system connected to flow and pressure sensors. The system may directly feed an applicator without an intervening pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CH&I Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Williams, Lawrence M. Levenstein, Robert D. Thibodeau
  • Patent number: 8740016
    Abstract: A container for spouting drink which contains gas, includes: a container structure including container body for containing the drink, wherein the container body has a container opening; and a control device, including: a drink-decomposed plug provided on the container opening, which is capable of being decomposed by the drink, a blocking element positioned inside the container body, for preventing the drink-decomposed plug from contacting with the drink, and a triggering element for disabling the blocking element when needed, wherein when the triggering element disables the blocking element, the drink contacts with the drink-decomposed plug and starts decomposing the drink-decomposed plug, and after the drink-decomposed plug is completely decomposed, the drink spouts out of the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Yunping Zhou
  • Patent number: 8739455
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a temperature regulated, pressure activated liquid scent dispenser. The pressure in the interior of the container may increase as ambient temperature increases. A release structure of the container may release a portion of the liquid scent once a threshold pressure or threshold amount of pressure build-up is reached in the interior of the container. A method comprises filling the interior volume with a liquid scent so that the interior volume also includes a volume of air, suspending the dispenser over a ground surface, and dispensing the liquid scent from the interior volume through the release structure. Due to an increase of pressure of the volume of air, and upon reaching a threshold air pressure, the release structure releases a portion of the liquid scent from the interior volume. Applications may include dispensing animal attractant or repellent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Wildlife Research Center, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel A. Burgeson
  • Patent number: 8733590
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser has a housing in which fluid flow control components are located and a fluid conduit completing a fluid flow path between a fluid storage tank and a nozzle coupled to the housing. The fluid dispenser further has a control system, at least one controllable valve and a fluid flow meter located along the fluid flow path. The fluid dispenser further has a fluid temperature conditioning subsystem located along the fluid flow path upstream of the flow meter. The control system selectively operates the fluid temperature conditioning subsystem upon detection of a predetermined temperature. At least one controllable recirculation valve may also be provided, and the control system may selectively actuate the controllable recirculation valve such that the fluid flows back to the fluid storage tank. A method of measuring the flow rate of a fluid in the fluid dispenser is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Gilbarco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Francis Bartlett, Jonathan E. Deline, John E. Ingold, Michael Lawrence Jennings
  • Patent number: 8721379
    Abstract: A fluid activated automatic release apparatus is configured to release a pressurized gas from a cylinder bottle and/or activating various mechanical release mechanisms. The apparatus may include a liquid sensor component moveably coupled to a cam member; and a piercing pin configured to engage a fluid container, responsive to rotatable movement of the cam member. The apparatus may include a liquid sensor component moveably coupled to a cam member; and a barrel device biased to move linearly responsive to rotatable movement of the cam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Steven A. Becnel
  • Publication number: 20140110429
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing apparatus has an electronic counting unit; a hydraulic device including a filter, a mass flow meter, a valve for changing a flow provided with an electromagnetic control, a pumping hose, a gas indicator, a dispensing faucet, and an electrically-operated pump; and a fuel reservoir, with the electrically-operated pump arranged in the fuel reservoir immersed in fuel and connected by a pipeline through the filter with the mass flow meter having an outlet connected with the valve for changing a flow rate with the electromagnetic control, an outlet of the valve is connected with the pumping hose, the gas indicator, and the dispensing faucet, and a temperature sensor which determines a temperature of fuel and provide information for dispensing an accurate does requested by a user regardless of fluctuations of the fuel temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Argosy Technologies
    Inventors: Yury Tronik, Peter Mouler, Andrei Kaloshin
  • Patent number: 8678234
    Abstract: A system and method for dispensing fluids is introduced. A preferred embodiment comprises a sealed tank, a bag containing fluid inside the sealed tank, an outlet for dispensing the liquid in the bag, and a pressure generating device to create pressure in the sealed tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Fair Oaks Farms Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Peter Doelman, Vincent A. Baxter
  • Publication number: 20140060697
    Abstract: A glue dispensing apparatus includes a container, a glue dispensing head and a heating unit. The container receives glue, and the glue dispensing head is connected to the container. The heating unit is mounted on the container. The heating unit includes a temperature sensor, a heating component, and a controller electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the heating component. The controller compares the temperature of the glue with a predetermined temperature range, controls the heating component to heat the glue when the temperature of the glue is equal to or less than a lower limit of the predetermined temperature range, and controls the heating component to stop heating when the temperature of the glue is equal to or greater than an upper limit of the predetermined temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: MONG-TUNG LIN
  • Patent number: 8636175
    Abstract: A system for dispensing fluid may include a first fluid circuit and second fluid circuit. The first fluid circuit may include a first reservoir configured to contain a supply of first fluid for being dispensed and a first variable volume chamber in flow communication with the first fluid circuit. The second fluid circuit may be configured to provide pressure for dispensing the first fluid. The second fluid circuit may include a second reservoir, a pump, fluid passages configured to provide fluid flow within the second fluid circuit, and a second variable volume chamber in flow communication with the second fluid circuit. The second fluid circuit may be a closed-loop circuit, and the first variable volume chamber and the second variable volume chamber are associated with one another, such that flow of fluid in the second circuit controls dispensing and temperature of the first fluid in the first fluid circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Clyde M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8636174
    Abstract: An on-demand hot water dispenser (10, 90) with a source of hotter water (30) at a preselected relatively elevated temperature (36, 40, 42) and a source of cooler water at a relatively non-elevated temperature compared to the hotter water (17, 52) has an outlet dispense valve (18, 92) connected with both the hotter water source and the cooler water source through a common mixing chamber (74) to selectively vary the temperature of the mixed water being dispensed. The cooler water source (17, 52) is connected to the outlet dispense valve (18, 92) through an electrically controlled proportional valve (72) with a variable flow rate that is controlled during dispensing and mixing in accordance with a comparison between a selected one of a plurality preselected temperatures stored in a controller (34) and a sensed temperature (60, 62) of the mixed water in the mixing chamber (74) to maintain the mixed temperature of the water being dispensed at a preselected temperature on a real-time basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Motkowski, Jonathan D. Shalen, Marek K. Kwiatkowski
  • Publication number: 20140014683
    Abstract: A hot melt adhesive dispensing unit includes an adhesive supply for receiving solid or semi-solid hot melt adhesive material, an adhesive supply heater associated with the adhesive supply for melting the solid or semi-solid hot melt adhesive material into a liquid hot melt adhesive material, a manifold connected to the adhesive supply, a pump connected to the manifold for pumping the liquid hot melt adhesive from the adhesive supply into the manifold, a controller connected to the adhesive supply heater and the pump, and a user interface connected to the controller. The user interface is for providing information about and control over heating and pumping functions of the hot melt adhesive dispensing unit, and the controller controls the adhesive supply heater and the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Owen, Michael A. Fornes